Posts Tagged ‘NFL’
The Morning After
I’ve had a night to sleep on the Cutler trade and here’s what I think I think about it.
Chicago gave up a lot to get Cutler. A team with major needs at WR and on the defensive side of the ball needs draft picks. Chicago gave those picks up. It’s a risk but the flipside of the argument is that they sucked at picking players in the first round anyway and Cutler is a known commodity. If Jay Cutler grows up, it could turn out to be a win-win trade for everybody.
Denver got picks but blew their offense up to do it. Marshall will be coming off of hip surgery and more police escorts. The O-line is still great. We’ve got some above average to good running backs in the mix. Can’t replace Cutler’s talent but maybe the offense can do without the interceptions as well. Orton/Simms isn’t going to scare anybody but if one of the 4 first round picks in the next two years produces a franchise quarterback…most would be forgiven.
Draft Picks are the best commodity to have. The picks will only be as good as the person drafting. So far, McDaniels and company have not shown well in the discernment department. If the picks hit, there is a possibility of looking at this like the Cowboys look at the Herschel Walker trade. If it doesn’t…there is always 2011 when we’ll have a new coach.
Seats at Mile High should be easier to get. It’s official, the Broncos are rebuilding and it will get worse before it gets better. Champ Bailey must be shaking his head wondering what happened in a short 4 years – from the AFC Championship Game to this. From a top 5 defense to this. From a top-rated offense to this.
Most fans don’t mind rebuilding when there is a clear direction and progress can be seen. But watching a team self-implode is ridiculous. Watching grown men behave worse than high school students is detestable. Like or not, we’re here and it’s not going away. We’ll watch more 45 to 50 point games this season with the knowledge that we can’t keep up with them anymore.
But if the picks hit and Mike Nolan coaches the D like he has in the past…there’s some hope. So far every light at the end of the tunnel has proven to be a train in the McDaniels era.
Kyle Orton…
[shakes head....nearest cliff to Topeka is where??]
I’m so glad I moved to Kansas City Chief country this year. Couldn’t have picked a better time to be a Bronco fan.
So let’s review the McDaniels Era thus far…
A failed three way trade for Matt Cassell in which a division rival gets said QB.
Lies to starting QB.
Fumbles the make-up so bad, owner has to step in.
Says he wouldn’t trade Cutler.
Signs spleenless Chris Simms.
Trades Cutler for Kyle Orton and 2 first round picks, 3rd round pick for a 5th rounder.
Simms and Orton can now compete for starting job.
The Bears just became a playoff team. The Broncos have just become a lottery team. The good news? We’ve now got enough picks to get a defense.
Glad this drama is over.
Million Dollar Victim
“I didn’t want to leave Denver.”
Really, Jay? That’s why you quit answering your phone, not showing up to meetings, put your house and your parent’s house up for sale in Denver, and had your agent demand a trade?
It pains me to say this but maybe we’re getting to see why McDaniels didn’t want Cutler in the first place. Leaders lead, they aren’t victims. They don’t deliver excuses, they deliver solutions and their presence. Cutler’s done none of this.
I’m still not a huge McDaniels fan either. He’s got plenty of fault in all of this as well but he seems to have learned one thing well from Belicheat – it’s better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you’re an idiot than to open your mouth and prove them right.
The Dark Years…
The Broncos officially begin the dark years with the impending trade of Cutler.
McDaniels – you are off to the worst start a rookie head coach has ever had and you haven’t coached a game yet. So far, I’m missing the Wade Phillips era. You have zero people skills. I’m praying to God you’re better with a headset on.
Bowlen – you’ve gone from the best owner in the league to needing an intervention and therapy. Broncs will be lucky to win 8 games next year. You’ve made Al Davis look stable the past two months. One hand, I appreciate bold moves and empowering your coach to lead the team. So far, your decisions seem to lack some major discernment.
Cutler – you are a brat. You alone could have healed it all and been a leader but you didn’t. Perhaps you couldn’t. Perhaps you really are as immature as you appear and I hope one day your maturity catches up with your talent. Seriously, not returning calls to the man who signs your check? What grade are we in? 7th?
Everybody loses in this deal but mostly Cutler. I’m not terribly worried about the team. We’ve survived Bubby Brister, Brian Griese, and Jake Plummer. We’ll survive this. I’m not worried Bowlen. I believe once the McKid and Cutler drama broke he did all he could do to fix it. When it couldn’t get fixed, he had to side with the coach regardless of the bone head in the position at the time.
But Cutler will get what he wanted – out of Denver – and he will be less of a man and leader because of it. Send him to Detroit and see how long the pouting after a loss is tolerated. Or Cleveland. And for his sake, let’s hope he grows up. The quarterback class of 2006 doesn’t look all that stable now, does it?
McDaniels and Xanders Are Idiots
It didn’t take long for this to blow up…
First – that trade would have been ridiculous. Denver gets the shaft, Tampa wins the lottery, NE gets to unload a large salary. Instead, Kansas City gets a decent QB that is going to have to run for his life this next season because no one over there knows how to block. But they didn’t really give up a lot to get him.
Secondly – Jay Cutler – I seriously doubt you read my blog…(you should, by the way…) but if you do. Listen to me for just a second. Relax. Don’t go postal just because your new coach and GM are idiots and they don’t know how to handle the press or other teams for that matter. Rise up above them, it’s going to be alright.
There is no way Pat Bowlen lets you leave this town. He knows the value of a quarterback and you’ve got the goods to be one of the best of your generation. Man up…buck up…smile and save your venom for the brass behind closed doors.
Lastly, McDaniels/Xanders – how the heck do you screw up this badly after doing so well the first 48 hours of free agent signings? Would San Diego entertain trading Rivers? Indy Manning? Pittsburgh Big Ben? No. And maybe all of the reports are wrong and misquoted – fine. How do you not pick up the phone and call your QB and say – “Hey man, they offered us the moon for you, we turned them down because you’re more valuable than that but in the NFL rumors get out and we wanted you to know the real deal.”
Instead, you cut off communication with his agent? You can’t be that stupid. You guys need to listen to the words of Shannon Sharpe to Bubby Brister when he subbed for John Elway for a game or two during their first Super Bowl – “This offense is a Ferrari, Bubby. All you have to do is start it up, keep it out of the ditch and we’ll score points all night long.”
We all get to wait and see where this goes but for every great step that was taken, to alienate your Pro Bowl QB would undo all of it.
My NFL Musings
In the middle of moving, starting a new job, finding new schools, trying to find a decent Mexican place in Topeka – my posts on football have been scarce…
Nay…missing altogether.
Instead of writing 14 different posts – I’ll condense them all to this one for the time being.
- The Broncos hiring of Josh McDaniels was a good hire…not great, but good. Great would have been to land Scott Pioli AND Josh McDaniels.
- The Oakland Raiders are the most backward organization in the NFL now, closely followed by the Chiefs. Oakland – they are hiring assistant coaches without naming a head coach. KC – Herm Edwards is still employed.
- Larry Fitzgerald is the best WR in the league. He may be the best ever when it’s all said and done. What’s even better about this? He’s a classy guy.
- It’s doubtful that Detriot will won a game next year as well. It’s not coaching. It’s talent. And Detroit doesn’t have any.
- How is Marvin Lewis still employed?
- This year’s implosion of the Dallas Cowboys was only overshadowed by the Broncos. The Broncos was due to young, immature team trying to learn how to win big games. The Cowboys was about old, immature players and coaches not liking each other. Next year – it will get worse for the ‘Boys.
- I’m hopeful that Arizona can beat Pittsburgh. I realize that I should pull for our fellow AFC brethren but honestly, the thought of Big Ben having two Super Bowl rings is ridiculous. I can live with Kurt Warner having two.
- I’m not sure what to make of the late season surge of the Philadelphia Eagles. Was the benching of Donovan that effective? Was it a coaching philosophy change? Not sure. I’m pretty sure that next year’s Eagle team will look very, very different. Some wounds only a Super Bowl can heal.
- I think Matt Cassell will stay in New England because I’m guessing the Patriot’s brass aren’t as optimistic about Brady’s knee as the media reports.
Leave your thoughts below…we’ll make fun of you as necessary.
Broncos Fire Shanahan
I’m shocked and if anyone tells you they saw this coming – they are lying to you.
I expected Pat to say to Mike – “You can keep coaching, but you can’t GM” or another coordinator fired. But not show him the door.
On the other hand, you can see the chips lining up last year. The GM gets fired, another Defensive Coordinator gets fired. The last few weeks, Denver was not ready to play and squandered a 3 game lead in the division. After every game, Mike said it was his fault not getting his team ready to play.
Will the Broncos be a better team without Shanahan? Hard to say. Shanahan had an outstanding draft this year but the three years prior to this – not so great. In terms of game plans – he’s one of the best. Maybe he had a hard time relating to the new type of player, maybe he had a horrible sense of who would be a good defensive coordinator. It’s obvious he never figured out the defensive side of the ball.
But any other coach in Denver this year with the injuries and the horrific defense – the Broncos would be 1-15. So he can coach.
Here’s the irony of ironies…if I were the Kansas City Chiefs, I’d be calling the 303 area code right now.
Put Up or Shut Up
Hold on to your knickers, boys. Never has a contest between two mediocre teams meant so much to so few.
As a fan, you always want your team to win. Especially against the punk trash talking Phyllis Rivers. It would be awesome to send the Chargers into the off-season discouraged and disgruntled.
On the other hand, having the 11th or 12th pick in the draft would be awesome. It’s where we found Ryan Clady.
I’m not sure the Broncos have much left to prove. David B. posted about this over on his site and I agree with him on most points. Offense is close – injuries have killed the Broncs and the defense isn’t going to scare or stop anybody. Especially when the next somebody would be the Indianapolis Colts.
So take the pick and reload for next year.
But I can’t stand the thought of losing the AFC West to the Chargers.
To those who say it’s always better to go to the playoffs and take your chances – I disagree. I remember well all the Super Bowl losses in the late ’80′s. The Washington loss was excruciating. I think playing Indianapolis next week would be along the same lines.
So I’m conflicted.
Enjoy The Off-Season
I said it when they lost to the Oakland Raiders – they had lost the playoffs. I just had no idea the Broncos would drag that process out over the rest of the season.
As far as today’s game – simple math held up again. When the Broncs turn the ball over twice or more – they lose. They did. It happened.
I’m glad the Chargers won. I’m glad the Broncos are going to have WIN to get in the playoffs. I don’t see it happening and it’s just as well. The sweet taste of beating the Chargers would only last 6 days before getting our chops busted by Indianapolis.
I don’t even want to talk about the game. I’ve given up trying to understand our defense and what they are trying to do. I’ve quit trying to understand our special teams coach as well. (Instead of kicking it deep and letting the returner get 30 yards a return, let’s kick it short and allow 40 yards a return. BRILLIANT!!!)
The Broncos just aren’t very good.
Let’s Just Face it…
The Broncos aren’t a good team.
The Broncos missed the playoffs yesterday around the 9 minute mark in the 4th quarter. I called it as we were walking out of the stadium yesterday. To lose at home against the Raiders was inexcusable…unless you’re just not good.
And that’s were I’m heading with my Broncos. We’re a botched call (Chargers), a last second field goal (Saints), and a dropped pass (Atlanta) from being 3-8. Same record as the Raiders.
“But those games count…” Not really. I have a feeling this will be the year the NFL tries to figure out how to keep certain division leaders from going to the playoffs (See AFC West and NFC North). The playoffs aren’t going to happen for the Broncos – at least I thought that until I saw the choke job the Chargers pulled on Sunday night.
What’s worse – to get blown off the field like Denver or continually snatch defeat from the jaws of victory like the Chargers? Too close to call.
Where to start? Defense not showing up in 2nd half? Offense forgetting what a crossing route or screen pass was? Special teams leaving 13 points on the field? What’s with the deep ball every other play? The only place where the Raiders have any talent is in the secondary. Why keep throwing the ball there?
As we were leaving the stadium, the Raider Nation was in full swing. I only had one comment…
“At least we’re not owned by Al Davis.”
The good news? The atmosphere was great until the 4th quarter and I was with my son and two great friends. I love going to the games…I just with the rest of the team would show up.
Raider Hater Week
This week just got better.
I was given tickets to Bronco game this weekend. Coop, Aim, and I are going to the game.
Go Broncs.
24-20, 6-4, Contender or Pretender?
One of many questions I have this morning as I think about the Bronco’s performance against Atlanta.
Why not keep Spencer Larsen to the MLB position?
Why not keep the current linebackers in when the others get healthy?
Why not just start Pope and Hillis in the backfield, using Bell as relief?
Why not keep blitzing on 3rd down?
Why not keep using Elvis on passing downs instead of every down?
It was the first game this season where the defense showed passion and played smart. The linemen actually kept the linebackers free to make tackles. The linebackers actually attacked the ball. There were still too many mental errors (offsides on a 4th down, 3 big plays at crucial times, dropped interceptions) to be a good defense but we’re beyond that hope. We’ll take acceptable or average and yesterday the Broncos gave us a little better than average performance.
It’s tempting to look at the win against Atlanta and say – “They should have beat this team.” But Denver has a history of choking when playing on turf, in a dome, on the road, in the Eastern Time Zone and against teams that can run the ball. Atlanta was all those things, Denver didn’t play a great game and still won.
Cutler – no picks. Offense – no giveaways. Special teams were special. Defense was average/above average. I’ll take it.
Matt Ryan played like a 3 year player, not the rookie he is. He’ll be a great quarterback.
Dre “Toast” Bly – you got handled all day long, you make one pick on a fair catch ball. Just toss the ball to the ref and shut your mouth. We don’t want to see you celebrate catching a ball my 10 year old could catch after the entire league has abused you all season long.
Winborn – love the passion. Catch the ball.
Peyton Hillis – the definition of a ‘football player.’
Spencer Larsen – see above.
Eddie Royal – special player.
Ryan Clady – a man among boys.
The Chargers losing to Pittsburgh gives the Broncs a 2 game lead in the AFC West. Chief fans – take heart. Yes, you are 1-9 and could likely only win one more game all year. But more than likely that win will be against Denver and it looks like you’ve found a starting QB. Now all you need is a coach.
I hear Norv Turner will be available at the end of the season.
34-30 and The Infirmary
Denver may have just found a way to win the rest of the year.
Run the Spread. The Fun and Gun. The Marshall Plan. The BBC Royal Show. (Brandon, Brandon, Cutler).
I mean, who are we kidding anyway? The Broncos are no serious threat to run the ball. Ever. Torain is hurt. Selvin Young – hurt. Hall and Pitman – gone. Put Hillis in, let him run routes out of the backfield and let’s put astro turf in Mile High.
We don’t need a defense. And it’s a good thing with all three starting linebackers gone, CB gone and the defensive line has never bothered to show up all season anyway.
Couple of thoughts – First, Brandon Marshall is still an immature, easily distracted player.
Second, every dime spent on Brandon Stokely is worth it. After the TD catch, Stokely ran over to Brandon and kept him from pulling off whatever celebration he was going to do.
But above all of that, this game was the season for the Broncos and Cutler proved he has the goods to be THE elite quarterback in the NFL. Brady Quinn also showed why he will be (and should remain) the starting QB of the Browns. He played well. His TE – lost his head, fumbled, then dropped a pass for a first down.
Once again, Cleveland gets snakebit by Denver. And Elway wasn’t even in the state.
NFL Teams Whose Seasons Could Crater
As I mourn the state of the Broncos, I give you this list of teams that easily could crater along with them. These are not the WORST teams in the NFL. These are teams that had playoff expectations but are now in imminent danger of being a basement team. That’s why the Seahawks, 49′ers, Bengals, Lions, and the rest of the AFC West aren’t on this list.
Dallas Cowboys
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, it’s easy to see that this team is destined for chaos. Wade Phillips can’t lead or command his team. Offense can’t seem to figure out what it wants to do. Jerry Jones can’t keep his hands or face out of the locker room. Basically, this is just like the Oakland Raiders except with talent.
San Diego Chargers
I can’t figure out how this team is below .500. Norv fired the defense coordinator and I doubt that is going to help all that much. Rivers is having a statistical monster year but it isn’t translating into wins. The talent is there, they just can’t stop anybody and can’t win. LT’s toe ended up being a bigger deal than expected but their offense isn’t the problem. Plus the fact they are in the AFC West where they should have an automatic 6 wins…doesn’t bode well for the Chargers.
Indianapolis Colts
I hate writing this team in this category because I love Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning. But they are in a division that having a winning record isn’t going to be enough. The Jags and Titans are smash-mouth, grind it out teams that are winning. The Colts have yet to have an “on” game. Dungy’s ‘short-timer’s’ disease may have infected this club.
Buffalo Bills
Just fill in everything you’d say about the Broncos here. Started great, faltered lately, turnovers, defense, injuries, questionable coaching. You get the picture.
Green Bay Packers
This has little to do with the QB position. It has everything to do with the running game…or lack of it. Rodgers has been crisp and made solid decisions. Their schedule isn’t helping either. But they are in the NFC Norse division so some help is coming in the likes of Minnesota and Detroit.
A Bronco Fan Survival Guide for the 2008-2009 Season
Bronco fans,
It’s time to unite and start therapy together. Truth is painful but it is the only way to recovery and health.
Truth 1: This team is a talented Division 1 football team.
Problem: They play in the NFL. Not enough talent on the defensive side of the ball. The offense must play perfect to win games or get help from the guys in striped shirts. (By the way, yesterday Denver got a good taste of how the Chargers felt earlier in the season. Like I said – it always come back around.)
Truth 2: This isn’t the same coaching staff that won 2 Super Bowls.
Blitzing the house on 3rd and 21, forgetting to leave one linebacker in coverage. Great call. You don’t blitz all game, you haven’t blitzed since the Clinton Administration and you do it here and lose the first down. With 11 minutes left in the game, all we needed was a stop. Just one stop. Not an 8 minute drive that resulted in a touchdown, effectively killing the game.
Truth 3: This team is allergic to pork…the other white meat.
I have no other explanation for the 60 some odd points given to the opposing teams off turnovers.
But hey…there are some bright spots out there.
Bright Spot 1: We’re not the Kansas City Chiefs or the Oakland Raiders.
Keeping track of the KC game yesterday, I feel for their fans. At least we know by halftime that we are going to lose. They have to watch the whole game. It appears that Herm Edwards needs all 60 minutes to figure out how to squander a lead. Unless of course, the opponent is the Broncos.
The Raiders…I have not the time to speak of the darkness that is there here.
Bright Spot 2: Ryan Clady and Peyton Hillis are not only good guys, but they can play.
Put Hillis in D. Jackson’s spot. Play Clady both ways. I’d love to see some other offensive lineman try to block that man.
Bright Spot 3: It’s about to be ski season.
Now we won’t have to worry about getting back in time for the game. Just enjoy the day skiing.
Bright Spot 4: Bill Cowher will probably coach next year.
Reality – probably not here. I’m guessing KC. And if that happens…we are in deep weeds. But…stay positive anyway.
Bright Spot 5: Most of you won’t be able to see the Cleveland game this week.
Because it’s on the NFL Network and in about 2 dozen homes.
Great Weekend, Broncos Didn’t Lose
Of course…they had a bye.
41-7…Just Shoot Me Now
If you have an offense that is sick or needy, come play Denver.
The Broncos are the only team in the NFL that is regressing. Detroit? They started horrible and they got rid of one of their cancers. Seattle? A hospital ward – understandable. Cleveland? It’s Cleveland.
Denver looks ridiculously horrible. Horrible.
There is no pass rush. No swagger. The offense is allergic to the football. Shannahan is allergic to common sense. Who is he going to fire this season? We’re running out of scape goats.
Whatever progress the offense has made, it still can’t run the ball with any kind of power or consistency. And until they do, teams will continue to drop 5 and 6 people in coverage.
Just incredibly sickening to watch this tonight. Maybe they just aren’t that good. Most Denver fans can handle that – it’s the rolling over and giving up that is disgusting.
24-17, 4-2
Time to face reality, Bronco fans. This team is going to take us back to the ’80′s. Do you remember those days? Young gun, cannon for arm quarterback, a defense that leaked like a sieve, and two receivers who were learning the game – Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe.
The vaunted Jaguar defense basically rolled over and let the Broncos roll between the 20′s. Then it just waited for a Bronco to hand the ball back to them. They weren’t disappointed. After the first drive, a pattern emerged.
Broncos roll up tons of yardage, then hands the ball back before getting to the end zone.
Take Care of the Ball
Brandon Marshall is a beast. He has the potential to be the best WR ever…but he has GOT to hold on to the ball. Fumbles are killing the Broncos. Until that happens – he’s an incredible talent with no quit in him that needs some maturing.
Cutler has the leadership moxie, arm strength, and intelligence to be one of the bests. TAKE CARE OF THE FOOTBALL!!!
Especially since you don’t have a defense that can stop anybody.
Defense – You’re Killing Me, Petey.
The 2 questionable calls in the 4th quarter did NOT cost the Broncos the game. The phantom defense of Dre Bly and the safeties did. Gerrard looked like Peyton Manning yesterday hitting wide open receivers for huge chunks of yards. I’m still wondering how they only scored 24 points.
The defense is broke. Is it talent or is it coaching? How about both?
Bottom line – this is the shakiest 4-2 team in the league. Without Eddie Royal and Tony Sheffler – this is a serviceable offense, not an explosive one. It was good to see Cutler give other receivers a chance at catching balls. But if they keep dropping passes – he’ll start bringing it down and running it. Which isn’t exactly what we want either.
Next up is the Patriots – not THOSE Patriots – but some replacement team. After watching the Chargers blow them up, it is abundantly clear why Tom Brady is the MVP. I think the Broncs can beat the Patsies but after that game – the schedule gets tougher and the wins will get fewer.
16-13, 4-1
The defense giveth (Kansas City last week)…
And the defense taketh away (Tampa Bay).
Good news: Broncos are 4-1 and if you had said to us at the beginning of the year that would be the case, we’d been giddy. The Chargers choking against the Dolphins helped a bit.
Bad News: We are about to play a series of games where the defenses are similar to the one we just faced in Tampa. Tampa has a great defense. They force teams to be patient, make their short throws. They are opportunistic looking for the strip or pick. And Denver struggled against it early.
When you watched Cutler coming off the field after the first quarter, there was just enough frustration to wonder if the kid would implode in the second half like he did against Kansas City.
He didn’t. He hung in there.
Can the defense play like that the rest of the season? Who knows. And with Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler out for a bit – the Broncos will need them to step up and play like they did Sunday.
More Thoughts On Chargers/Broncos
Going For 2
As I said – I didn’t like the call at first. After thinking through it – it was the right choice even if the attempt had failed. Here’s why – it sent a message to the offense – particularly Jay Cutler – that the coaches believe in you. It said with a game on the line, we’re comfortable putting it in his hands to win (or lose).
Second, it sent a message to the defense. It said – you’re not good enough. And they weren’t. Rivers (just like Cutler) went untouched the entire second half.
Blown Calls
Cutler’s fumble was exactly that – a fumble. It was a blown call. No one will argue that. Over the course of a year, there will be more and the Broncos will have their share as well. But the refs didn’t give the Broncos 8 points. Instead of 2nd and goal from the 2, it was 3rd and goal from the 10. After a draw play (??????), it was 4th and goal from the 5. Plus, the 2-point conversion afterwards.
Point is – the Broncs had to capitalize on the opportunity – they did. The Chargers had to respond to adversity – they didn’t. Doesn’t get any simpler than that. The Broncos did, the Chargers defense didn’t.
Earlier in the game, Champ Bailey stole an interception out of the hands of Chris Chambers. In real time, it looked legit. In slow motion – it still looked legit or at the very least an incomplete pass. That call was not a blown call, it was a very close call that went the Broncos way. Another opportunity – step up, execute and capitalize or step up, execute and overcome. Broncos did, Chargers didn’t.
Bottom line, if I were the Chargers, I’d be more focused on the Week 3 opponent than what happened in the past. I’d spend more time looking at defensive film trying to figure out how to stop the 2-minute drill, than worrying about which officiating crew was assigned. Otherwise, they will be looking at 0-3.
39-38, 2-0
5 Things I Think About The Broncos, Week 2
1. Jay Cutler is a stud.
Ask the first 10 teams of the 2006 draft if they could have a do-over, would they take it – they would and they would draft Cutler. Except the Raiders. They’d draft a corner again. Because Al Davis is a lot of things that can’t be printed here.
But I digress…Cutler had 2 turnovers that could/should have cost the Broncs the game. He overcame that and instead threw two lasers to Eddie Royal for the win.
2. Marshall, Marshall, Marshall.
The only thing keeping this guy from breaking all kinds of records is his own maturity. He’s the real deal.
3. Shanahan’s moxy has returned.
I remember the days when Shanny would call any play from any place on the field on any down. I remember 4th and 1′s and 2′s being attempted at midfield. I thought it was the wrong call to go for 2. Then I heard his explanation after the game – “I didn’t want to rely on the coin flip.” Which is a not-so-subtle hint to the defensive coordinator to not completely unpack. It meant – if the Chargers got the ball, they score.
4. The special teams will cost the Broncos 2 games this year.
As giddy as I am about the offense, the special teams and defense (I’ll get to them later) causes heartburn. It’s a sad commentary when your starting corner and tight end have to play on kickoff coverage AND they still gave up a TD. Sloppy, sloppy, play.
5. The Broncos defense will cost them at least 3 games. Maybe more.
If Karl Paymah is the answer to a team with as many weapons as the Chargers (see Colts, Patriots), the Broncs are in deep weeds. Chris Chambers completely abused the 3rd and 4th DB’s. Sproiles ran through the gut of this defense like it was practice. Our safeties were NOWHERE to be found on deep plays.
Bailey got beat on a long pass to Chambers today. First time in two years I’ve seen that. Then I saw from a wide angle shot what our team has asked Champ to do – cover half the field. It made things worse for me. How bad are the other 10 guys if Champ is already covering half the field? Most teams would die for that kind of corner. Put Champ on the Titans or Pittsburgh defense and you’ve just created a defense that could compete with the ’85 Bears.
Free advice for the DC – keep the rental, don’t buy.
Overall, 2-0 is awesome. Wins over division opponents are precious. Winning the AFC west, while a long way off, now looks like it is in the realm of possible.
Other random NFL thoughts:
Yes, it was a fumble. Yes, the Chargers should have gotten the ball. They didn’t. Broncos took advantage of it. Chargers didn’t.
Somebody please explain to me how Marvin Lewis still has a job.
The Vikings and Chargers are two franchises I would not want to play next week.
Someone ought to tell Herm Edwards that if he would run the ball more than 12 times a game, he’d probably wouldn’t be 0-2 and playing with his 3rd string quarterback.
How scary is Carolina going to be WITH Steve Smith?
Memo to Bears: you have the same need you’ve had for 3 years and done nothing about. Get a QB.
Lane Kiffin – love the honesty, I even think you’ll one day be a great NFL coach. But none of us feel sorry for you because you accepted the job and Al Davis hasn’t changed in 79 years. None of the drama is surprising.
What’s with all the ex-Raiders being broadcasters? Are networks that desperate?
41-14
Dear Raider Nation,
It’s been a long time coming but it’s time to tell you the truth. You have a terrible football team. And Al Davis has secretly been the model and voice for that old guy that Pixar uses in all their short films. You know the one I’m talking about? He plays chess with himself, he cleans toys. Do you even know what Pixar is?
But that’s not important right now. As much as I hate you – this is getting ridiculous. A below average Bronco defense had you shut out until the last 6 minutes of the game. A second-round pick made your all-pro corner look like he belonged on Dancing With The Stars. Cutler didn’t even take a shower after the game. How does a quarterback wearing all white playing on a dirt field leave the game nary a smudge mark on him?
Beating you used to mean something. When Tom Jackson screamed at John Madden “Not tonight, Fatty!”, it was inspiring because we knew we were beating the “Greatness of the Raiders.” It used to be that no one left the Black Hole unscathed. Now, they start breaking out calculators to figure out yardage and score possibilities. There were Bronco fans wearing Bronco gear in the stadium last night… excuse me, that was Eddie Royal. He just scored again.
As far as your future? There’s not one. That light is a train. I’m just being honest with you – denial is a normal part of the grieving process so the quicker you get over this, the better off you’ll all be.
You’ve had 19 wins total since 2002. That makes you the Northwestern of professional football except with a police blotter.
So suck it up and take this like a man. Your team is awful. Your owner is awful. Your stadium is awful. Your city is awful.
BUT…you do have a bunch of cool lightsabers.
Hide The Women and Children
What the Broncos will do to the Raiders tonight can only be described as brutal and not suitable for children.
The only chance the Raiders have is if Chuck Norris runs out of the tunnel with them.
In fact, the Broncos will have to hurry off the field as soon as the game is over, otherwise they will be in danger of getting sucked into the Bay as part of the aftershocks.
Go Broncos.
Broncos Training Camp, 2008
David Baumgartner and I got up early yesterday and headed off to the Bronco’s practice facility. I’d never been to a Bronco’s practice so David was my guide.
We got there PLENTY early – like 7.30 for a 8.30 practice. I guess normally it would have been crowded but it was a Thursday and it poured down rain the night before.
Two jerseys you probably ought to retire:
#19 – Jerry Rice – he never played a game for the Broncos but he sold a few jerseys.
#84 – Javon Walker – why the Broncs every gave out Shannon Sharpe’s number in the first place, I’ll never understand. However, this jersey COULD be redeemed by just changing the name on the back.
It was fun but David and I both admitted a bit of disappointment when the players came out in only shells. (Helmet and jersey only.) We’re guessing that Shanny is resting the players for the Houston game as well as the Cowboys coming to town next week.
Couple of pics from the morning.
Love this shot, sun just came up over the roof of the pactice facility.
Champ has a sore hammy so he’s in shorts and a t and hangs out by Shanny most of the morning. (David thinks this is the favorite injury of veterans who just don’t want to practice. I think he’s right.)
Jay Cutler and DJ Williams cut up most of the stretching time. They stretched but they laughed the whole time through it.
Team spent a lot of time on Red Zone offense. They should given their performace last year. Everyone looked pretty good except #38 – Aldredge. He had a fumble and two dropped passes. Not thinking he’s going to make the team.
Practice lasted 90 minutes. It was over.
Couple of observations:
Ryan Clady is a house. He looks like a man among boys on the field. I hope he plays that well.
DJ Williams is going to be awesome back at the Will LB spot. He’s not thinking anymore – just playing. Good thing.
Eddie Royal is a freak of nature when it comes to speed.
Great morning that got even better as we were leaving. As David and I are leaving the practice area, I look over to the Bronco’s store and see a familiar face. A face I hadn’t seen in about 18 years.
That’s right – Paul Velakaneye!!! My best friend in high school who did NOT show up to the reunion but was in town for his sister’s wedding. We must have looked like two women – hugging, saying “how are you” in that higher pitched voice. His mom was there and I got a mom-hug from her.
We went and grabbed coffee afterwards. Paul has been married for 15 years and has 3 kids. A girl that is 10, a boy that is 8, a boy that 6. Sound familiar????? (Chelsie, Zack, and Cody if you are keeping score at home.)
We talked for 2 hours. It was way too short. But I did get an invitation to come visit them in Connecticut. May have to take him up on that.