Happy New Year!

Hope everyone in Bronco Country has a Happy New Year and may our Broncos take it all next season!!

Happy 2010 to all my Bronco lovin' friends!

Oh and GO BRONCOS!!

Pro Bowl Roster Slections Have Been Made...5 Broncos are in

OFFENSE

Quarterback
* Peyton Manning, Indianapolis
Philip Rivers, San Diego
Tom Brady, New England

Running back
* Chris Johnson, Tennessee
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville
Ray Rice, Baltimore

Fullback
* Le'Ron McClain, Baltimore

Wide Receiver
* Andre Johnson, Houston
* Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis
Brandon Marshall, Denver
Wes Welker, New England

Tight End
* Dallas Clark, Indianapolis
Antonio Gates, San Diego

Tackle
* Jake Long, Miami
* Ryan Clady, Denver
Joe Thomas, Cleveland

Guard
* Logan Mankins, New England
* Alan Faneca, N.Y. Jets
Kris Dielman, San Diego

Center
* Nick Mangold, N.Y. Jets
Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis



DEFENSE
Position Player(s)

Defensive End
* Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis
* Robert Mathis, Indianapolis
Mario Williams, Houston

Interior Linemen
* Haloti Ngata, Baltimore
* Vince Wilfork, New England
Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh

Outside Linebacker
* Elvis Dumervil, Denver
* James Harrison, Pittsburgh
Brian Cushing, Houston

Inside/Middle Linebacker
* Ray Lewis, Baltimore
DeMeco Ryans, Houston

Cornerback
* Darrelle Revis, N.Y. Jets
* Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland
Champ Bailey, Denver

Free Safety
* Ed Reed, Baltimore
Jairus Byrd, Buffalo

Strong Safety
* Brian Dawkins, Denver

Dawkins Receives Ed Block Courage Award

For the first time in his long-tenured career who is now a Denver Bronco, Brian Dawkins has received a very long-overdue but well-deserved honor.

At a press conference at the Sports Legend Musuem in Baltimore, he was announced he would be the recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award.

One member of each of the NFL’s 32 teams was selected by his teammates to receive the award, on the basis of exemplifying a commitment to sportsmanship and courage. The award was first given to a player from each team during the 1984 season.

This is the first such award that Dawkins has earned over his 14-year career. All 32 Ed Block Courage Award recipients from around the NFL will be honored at a banquet in Baltimore in early March.

The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation is an NFL-supported charity dedicated to recognizing courage around the league, while helping improve the lives of abused and neglected children in NFL cities.

Past Broncos to receive the award include S Marquand Manuel in 2008, DE John Engelberger in 2007, LB Louis Green in 2006, TE/T Dwayne Carswell in 2005, and G Dan Neil during the 2004 season.

Congrats to Dawkins! A true blue class act.

Now go cream the Chiefs... show 'em NO mercy whatsoever!! grrrrrr

Broncos Vs Eagles - Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all Broncos fans and everyone else. Well this week the beloved Broncos face off against the Eagles in a must win game for the Broncos to appear in the playoffs for the first time in 3 years. This is a big game in a number of ways, it is a big game for the Broncos as a team. But it is also a big game for Buckhalter and an even bigger game for the Philly fan favourite Brian Dawkins as they return back to their long time homes. Both or beloved veterans from the Eagles and there will be a lot of emotion on the field. The question is will Dawkins get cheered or booed? I think there will be a huge amount of cheering for Dawkins.

Now on to the game, as most Broncos fans (myself included) all I want for Christmas is an John Elway action figure......haha jokes. What I really want is for a Broncos victory over the Eagles and a playoff berth. Is that so much to ask? Will time to have a quick look around the web:

NFL.com

Teams going in opposite directions meet in Philly

In Brief

» Last meeting: Jake Plummer passed for 309 yards and four touchdown to lead the Broncos past the Eagles, 49-21, in Week 8 of the 2005 season.
» Streaks: The Broncos have won two in a row over the Eagles, but trail the overall series, 6-4.
» Last week: Philadelphia won its fifth straight with a 27-13 victory over San Francisco. ... Denver dropped a 20-19 decision to Oakland on a last-minute TD by Chaz Schilens.

Keep your eye on ...
Brian Dawkins' return to Philadelphia: For 13 years, Dawkins was the heart and soul of the Eagles' defense. Philadelphia let him leave as a free agent in the offseason in a move that upset many fans, and now Dawkins comes back for the first time as a Bronco. It figures to be an emotional game for the hyper-intense Dawkins.

DeSean Jackson's breathtaking speed: It seems to be a weekly ritual: Jackson tearing through the defense or the coverage units, or both, for a long touchdown or gain. He sparks the Eagles with his big plays, and the Broncos will have to be aware of him at all times.

Josh McDaniels' leadership: Despite a 6-0 start to the season, the Broncos' playoff hopes are still in peril heading into the final two weeks. McDaniels was hailed as a boy wonder after the team's early start, but now is when his coaching will truly be put to the test.

Did you know?

Denver's Brandon Marshall is second in the NFL with 93 receptions. ... The Broncos are 2-1 against the NFC East this season. ... Eagles WR DeSean Jackson leads the league with an average of 19.4 yards per catch (minimum 20 receptions). ... If the playoffs started today, both the Broncos and Eagles would be in (Philadelphia has clinched a spot). Get an updated look at the postseason picture.

ESPN.com
Denver receiver Eddie Royal has a neck/head injury he suffered against Oakland and he did not practice Wednesday. Linebacker D.J. Williams didn’t practice with an ankle injury. Running back Correll Buckhalter was limited because of an ankle injury. He didn’t play against Oakland, but he may be making progress toward playing against the Eagles, his former team, Sunday.

Denverbroncos.com

QUICKLY:

• Sunday’s game marks Denver’s final NFC game of the regular season. Facing NFC East teams, the Broncos own a 2-1 record this year having defeated Dallas and the New York Giants while losing to Washington.

OFFENSE:

• The Broncos have turned the ball over once or fewer in nine of 14 games played and are tied for fifth in the league in fewest giveaways (19).
• QB Kyle Orton has posted nine games this season with a passer rating of at least 90.0 with that total tying for third in the NFL this year and tying for second in Denver history for a single season.
• WR Brandon Marshall, whose 10 receiving touchdowns are the most by a Bronco in eight years, is seven receptions away from becoming the fifth player in NFL history with three consecutive 100-catch seasons.
• RB Knowshon Moreno leads NFL rookies in rushing yards (879) and yards from scrimmage (1,027). He is only the seventh rookie in Broncos history to post 1,000 yards from scrimmage.

DEFENSE:

• S Brian Dawkins spent his first 13 NFL seasons (1996-2008) in Philadelphia. He finished his Eagles career as the franchise’s all-time leader in regular-season games played (183), postseason starts (18) and overall wins (109) while totaling seven Pro Bowl appearances.
• OLB/DE Elvis Dumervil leads the NFL with 15 sacks and is looking to become the Broncos’ first-ever league sack champion. He is one sack away from Denver’s record for most sacks in a season (16, Simon Fletcher, 1992).
• The Broncos have two players with 100 tackles—ILB D.J. Williams (105, 4th 100-tackle season) and Dawkins (100, 7th 100-tackle season).

SPECIAL TEAMS:

• K Matt Prater has made 15-of-16 (93.8) field-goal attempts since November for the fourth-best percentage in the league during that time. His 27 field goals this year rank third in the NFL.
• Eight Broncos have registered at least seven stops on coverage units.

Big Games
I am looking for a big game from Dawkins. I beat that when he signed with the Broncos he had this day marked out on his calendar. It will be a big game. Also would love to see some Peyton Hillis, play that game on short yardage situations. Check the highlights he can make the yardage.

My Take
This will be a tough game and the Eagles are playing really well right now. But with the emotion and strong play from Dawkins and the Defense I think the Broncos can come away with a close one. So I am predicting a 21 - 17 score line with a Broncos win. Also what I would like to see Dawkins runs in a Pick Six for the victory.

Jokes
No jokes this week as I have a lot of respect for the Eagles and the main reason for that is Dawkins. He really defines their football club and I think he is starting to the same thing in Denver.

Videos

Well that is it from me for a while, I am going on holidays for a few weeks. Going on a road trip with all my friends so I will be gone to the 10th of January. So hopefully you can live without me for a few weeks. Feel free to post whatever and I will catch you all in the new year ~ Aussie Out!

Broncos Vs Raiders

What up gang? This week our beloved Broncos take on the greatly hated Raiders. This game should be a walk over for the Broncos. But the Raiders sometimes decide to show up and make a contest of it. But again it really depends on which Raiders decide to turn up on game day, like when they beat the Steelers. I still believe though that the Broncos will get the win as their will have too much for the Raiders. And if we get this win that pretty much guarantees the 5th seed for the Broncos and with it a playoff appearance. So this is a must win game and I think the Broncos can do it in their own home. Now time to look around the web.

NFL.com

Raiders, Broncos resume classic AFC West rivalry

In Brief

» Last meeting: The Broncos rushed for 215 yards in a 23-3 Week 3 win over the Raiders.
» Streaks: The Broncos have won six of the last eight meetings, but trail the overall series, 56-42-2.
» Last week: Denver tried to mount a comeback at Indy, but fell short in a 28-16 loss. ... Oakland lost Bruce Gradkowski and then the game, 34-13, to Washington.

Keep your eye on ...
Sebastian Janikowski's powerful left leg: Janikowski has the best chance to break the record for the longest field goal in league history (63 yards), and if he is going to do so, Invesco Field would be the place. Janikowski regularly booms field goals from over 50 yards, and in Denver's thin air, his kicks will sail even further.

A battle of the best: Broncos Pro Bowl wideout Brandon Marshall matches up against Raiders Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. The two have waged some epic battles over the past few seasons, and figure to see plenty of each other again this Sunday.

Knowshon Moreno's quest for 1,000: Denver's rookie running back has 837 rushing yards on the season and is closing in on the 1,000-yard mark. He had 90 yards against Oakland earlier this season, and a similar performance this time around would put him well within reach of the milestone with two games to play.

Did you know?

Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil leads the league in sacks with 15. ... Denver has the league's second-best pass defense. ... Oakland has a chance to win consecutive road games for the first time since 2004. ... If the playoffs started today, the Broncos would be in and the Raiders would be out. Get an updated look at the postseason picture.

Denverbroncos.com

QUICKLY:

• The Broncos are coming off a 28-16 defeat at Indianapolis, which improved to 13-0 with its win. Denver scored 16 consecutive points and outgained the Colts 272-27 (net yards) during a stretch covering the middle of the second quarter through early in the fourth quarter to trim its deficit to 21-16 late in the game.
• After earning a 23-3 win at Oakland on Sept. 27, the Broncos can sweep their season series with the Raiders for the first time since 2006 and the 15th time in club annals with a victory on Sunday.
• Denver is 15-3 (.833) at home in December since 2000.

OFFENSE:

• WR Brandon Marshall set an NFL record for most receptions in a game with 21 (200 yds., 2 TDs) last week at Indianapolis. Coupled with his 18-catch effort in 2008 vs. San Diego, he owns two of the top four single-game reception totals in NFL history.
• With 2,904 passing yards, QB Kyle Orton is 96 yards away from becoming the seventh 3,000-yard quarterback in club history.
• RB Knowshon Moreno leads all NFL rookies in rushing yards (837), yards from scrimmage (946) and 10-yard runs (25). His six games with at least 80 rushing yards tie for the third most in Denver history by a rookie.

DEFENSE:

• The Broncos are the only AFC team and one of two in the NFL (Carolina) to post at least three takeaways in each of the last three weeks.
• OLB/DE Elvis Dumervil leads the NFL with 15 sacks and is looking to become the Broncos’ first-ever league sack champion. He is one sack away from Denver’s record for most sacks in a season (16, Simon Fletcher, 1992).
• S Brian Dawkins, who posted two interceptions last week at Indianapolis, needs eight tackles to record the seventh 100-tackle season of his 14-year NFL career.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

• K Matt Prater has made 11-of-12 field goal attempts since November for a 91.7 percent success rate that ranks fifth in the league during that time.
• Since signing veteran P Mitch Berger on Oct. 26, the Broncos’ net punting average has shown the second-best improvement (+4.8 yds. / 34.5 to 39.3) in the NFL.
• Eight Broncos have registered at least seven stops on coverage units.

ESPN.com
Denver linebacker Elvis Dumervil (toe) and running back Knowshon Moreno (ankle) both practiced fully Thursday. Dumervil didn’t practice Wednesday and Moreno was limited. Denver running back Correll Buckhalter didn’t practice because of an ankle injury. He likely won’t play Sunday.

Big Games
I wanted to see big games out of Elvis as I want him to get that sack record. Lets see if he can get 4 like Orakpo. Also just want to see a dominate game over the Raiders as we all hate them very much. Also on the look out for some Hillis. With Bucky out he should see some more carries and I think he can run over the Raiders.

My Take
The Broncos win big and this is what I really want to see. 44 - 7, Doom gets 4 sacks, Champ has 2 picks. Beast gets 10 catches and 150 yards and a TD. Hillis and Knowshon get 100 yards each and a TD.

Jokes
Little Johnny's parents were finally getting divorced, and went to family court for a custody hearing.

Little Johnny's mother's attorney told the court that he should live with his mother because she was nurturing and kind, and even worse... Johnny's Daddy beats him!

Little Johnny's father's attorney told the court that he should live with his father because he could better provide proper necessities, and even worse... Johnny's Mommy beats him!

Finally, the judge asked Johnny "Who do YOU want to live with, son?"

And Little Johnny wiped his eyes, sniffled and squeaked out "I want to live with the Oakland Raiders, because They can't beat Anyone!"

Videos
Why the Raiders suck and will never be any good.

Darcel McBath placed on IR

Darcel McBath a stand out on ST this year has been placed on IR after he broke his forearm against the Colts yesterday. The Broncos signed Vernon Fox to fill his position. Have your say below.

My take is he will be missed and I hope we don't play Fox, ever, he was terrible when he played for us last season. I hope to see Barrett and Bruton get most of the playing time. Both I think are good safeties.

Also another question, if you were going to fix and solve some of the Broncos problems what would you do?

Broncos Vs Colts

What up gang, this week we have a massive game against the Colts. This is pretty much a playoff style game with both teams playing very strong. Though I believe this will be a really hard game for the Broncos to win. The Broncos will need to play the perfect team game to win this one. Everyone needs to be on top of their game to win this one. Man this will be tough, but I think this game can really be a good platform for a playoff run win or lose. This is the start of the end of the season, the last quarter of games. Well time to look around the web:

NFL.com

Broncos are next challenge for unbeaten Colts

In Brief

» Last meeting: Peyton Manning passed for 193 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Colts past the Broncos, 38-20, in Week 4 of the 2007 season.
» Streaks: Indianapolis has won four of the past five, but trails the overall series, 11-8, including the playoffs.
» Last week: The Colts completed a season sweep of the Titans by winning 27-17. ... The Broncos were undaunted going to Arrowhead as they clobbered the rival Chiefs, 44-13.

Keep your eye on ...

A duel of Pro Bowl players: While young up-and-comers like Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have gotten much of the attention in Indianapolis, Reggie Wayne continues to be Peyton Manning's go-to receiver. He is putting up his customary superstar numbers with 83 catches for 1,035 yards and nine touchdowns. It will be up to Broncos standout CB Champ Bailey to help slow him down.

Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney coming off the edge: The defensive end tandem has combined for 20 sacks and six forced fumbles this year, but they face a stiff test against Denver's talented offensive line. If the Colts are able to win that battle and get some pressure on Kyle Orton, however, it may force him into some uncharacteristic mistakes.

Eddie Royal's return prowess: For Denver to hand Indianapolis its first loss, it will likely need to make some plays in special teams, and Royal is just the man for the task. He is one of the league's elite kickoff and punt returners, and by coming up with a few long returns, he could enhance the Broncos' chances at an upset.

Did you know?

Indianapolis would set the NFL record for consecutive regular-season wins if it beats Denver (22). ... The Colts have the league's top-rated passing offense. ... Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno leads all rookies with 774 rushing yards. ... If the playoffs started today, the Colts would have the AFC's top seed, and the Broncos would be a wild-card team. Get an updated look at the postseason picture.

ESPN.com
Place in the AFC West: 2nd

Record: 8-4.

Record in third quarter: 2-2

Quarter MVP: Kyle Orton: Orton proved in this quarter that he is the leader of the team.

Third-quarter summary: It was a dramatic quarter for Denver. In the first half of the quarter, Denver completed a four-game losing streak, which culminated in a 29-point home loss to San Diego. The Broncos fell out of first place in the game. But the Broncos have bounced back in the past two games, continuing their season of streaks. Denver has won the past two games by a total of 51 points.

Fourth-quarter goal: Make the playoffs. It’s as simple as that. The Broncos trail San Diego by one game in the AFC West. But Denver is on pace to be the No. 5 seed and a wild-card team in the AFC playoffs. If Denver wins its two remaining home games – against Oakland and Kansas City – Denver will reach the 10-win plateau and it should advance to the postseason.

DenverBroncos.com

QUICKLY:

• Denver has won its last two games, including a 44-13 win at Kansas City last week, and has not trailed in either of those contests to mark the first time the club has accomplished that feat in three seasons.
• This week’s game features the most combined wins (20) by two rookie head coaches in NFL history with Head Coach Josh McDaniels guiding Denver to eight victories and Jim Caldwell leading Indianapolis to 12 wins.

OFFENSE:

• The Broncos have averaged 191.5 rushing yards per game in the last two weeks for the second-best mark in the league during that time. Last week against the Chiefs, Denver totaled its best rushing output in a game in four years (245 yds.) while posting only one negative rush on 45 attempts.
• Rookie RB Knowshon Moreno, who leads NFL rookies in rushing yards (774) and yards from scrimmage (870), owns six 80-yard rushing games this year that tie for the 10th most in the NFL since 1960 by a rookie through his team’s first 12 contests.
• QB Kyle Orton, who attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., is 11-4 (.733) in his last 15 starts dating back to last year.

DEFENSE:

• OLB/DE Elvis Dumervil leads the NFL with 15 sacks and is one sack away from tying Denver’s single-season sack record (16, Simon Fletcher, 1992). His league-leading 10 sacks on third downs tie for the second most in NFL history for a season since sacks were tracked starting in 1982.
• Led by long-time NFL defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, the Broncos are the only team to rank among the league’s top five clubs defensively in yards per play (2nd, 4.6), passing yards per game (2nd, 180.3), yards per game (3rd, 288.9), points per game (3rd, 16.8) and sacks (5th, 34).

SPECIAL TEAMS:

• ILB/FB Spencer Larsen registered four solo tackles on special teams last week against Kansas City. His 10 special-teams stops since making his season debut six weeks ago rank second in the NFL.
• K Matt Prater has made his last 11 field goal attempts and has accounted for an NFL-high 28 points during the last two weeks.

Big Games
Well with Ryan Harris out for the year the Broncos are going to need a big game out of TP on the right side. He is going to need to block Mathis for the whole game if we are going to be in with a chance. It is really going to take a team effort in this game if we are going to hang with the Colts in this game. Our DBs are going to have to play off the chain to keep Manning on a leash. This is going to be one hell of a battle and I am looking forward to it. And as always are on Peyton Hillis watch to see what he can do for us.

My Take
Guys this game will be tough and really close. But I think this is a game the Broncos can and will win. Looking at the Colts schedule the Broncos are the only real competition left and no team goes undefeated in modern day football. I really believe this is the week that the Colts will lose and it will be massive for the Broncos. I am saying a 24 - 17 game, with the Broncos wining it late in the fourth quarter.

Jokes
A Packer fan, a Colts fan and a Broncos fan were all in Saudi Arabia, sharing a smuggled crate of booze. All of a sudden the Saudi police rushed in and arrested them. The mere possession of alcohol is a severe offense in Saudi Arabia, so for the terrible crime of actually being caught consuming the booze, they were sentenced to death!

However, with the help of very good lawyers, they were able to successfully appeal their sentence down to life imprisonment. By a stroke of luck, it was a Saudi National holiday the day their trial finished, and the extremely benevolent Sheik decided they could be released after receiving just 20 lashes each of the whip. As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheik suddenly said, "It's my first wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one wish before your whipping ."

The Packer fan was first in line (he had drunk the least), so he thought about this for a while and then said, "Please tie a pillow to my back."

This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes before the whip went through. The Packer fan had to be carried away bleeding and crying with pain when the punishment was done.

The Colts fan was next up (he almost finished an entire fifth by himself), and after watching the scene, said "All Right! Please fix two pillows on my back. But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes before the whip went through again, sending the Colts fan out crying like a little girl.

The Broncos fan was the last one up (he had finished off the crate), but before he could say anything, the Sheik turned to him and said, "You support the greatest team in the world, your team has some of the best and most loyal football fans in the world. For this, you may have two
wishes!"

"Thanks, your most Royal highness," the Broncos fan replies. "In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me not 20, but 100 lashes."

"Not only are you an honorable, handsome and powerful man, you are also very brave," the Sheik says with an admiring look on his face. "If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it. And your second wish? What is it to be?" the Sheik asks.

" Tie the Colts fan to my back."

GO Broncos!!!!!

Videos
Our boy Darrell Reid laying wood when he played for the Colts.


I found this and thought it was funny as!

That is it from me ~ Aussie out!

Broncos Vs Chiefs

This week the beloved Broncos take on the hated Kansas City Chiefs. The Broncos are coming off a massive win on thanksgiving against the Giants and are looking to continue they good form. The Broncos need to keep on a roll to keep in front of the Chargers and make a playoff run. Where as the Chiefs are trying to regain some proud. This will be a tough game and even tougher in KCs home ground. Now to look around the league:

NFL.com

Chiefs have chance to play spoiler vs. Broncos

In Brief

» Last meeting: Jay Cutler passed for 286 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Broncos past the Chiefs, 24-17, on Dec. 7, 2008.
» Streaks: The teams have split their last 20 meetings, but the Chiefs have the overall series edge, 53-45, including the playoffs.
» Last week: Kansas City laid an egg in San Diego, getting blown out, 43-14. ... Denver snapped a four-game losing skid by pounding the Giants, 26-6, on Thanksgiving.

Keep your eye on ...

Brandon Marshall's presence on the outside: The Chiefs have struggled all year to stop No. 1 receivers, and Marshall possesses the size and speed to present serious problems for Kansas City's secondary. Marshall could open things up for the Broncos' running game if he burns the Chiefs a couple of times early.

Denver's confidence level: It was crucial for the Broncos to end their slide last week, but they have used up just about all the cushion they built for themselves after starting 6-0. A slip against the 3-8 Chiefs could prove costly come playoff time, and could put more doubts into a team trying to regain its swagger.

Kansas City's intensity: With emotional leaders like Brian Dawkins leading the way, there is no question the veteran-laden Broncos will enter Sunday's game fired up and ready to go. The Chiefs, on the other hand, have not always matched the intensity of their opponents this season. Should Kansas City fail to bring the necessary energy this week, it may lead to a blowout.

Did you know?

Denver can finish 3-0 on the road against divisional foes with a win. ... Broncos CB Champ Bailey has four career interceptions against the Chiefs. ... Kansas City's Dustin Colquitt leads the league with 31 punts inside the 20-yard line. ... If the playoffs started today, the Broncos would be a wild-card team. Get an updated look at the postseason picture.

ESPN.com
Denver safety Brian Dawkins missed his second straight day of practice because of an ankle injury. Friday will be a key day in determining whether Dawkins will play at Kansas City.

Harris has missed four-plus games with a toe injury. He is on pace to play at Kansas City.

Denverbroncos.com

QUICKLY:

• Sunday’s game marks the latest in a year (Dec. 6) that Denver has been scheduled to open its season series with the Chiefs, who are coming off a 43-14 loss at San Diego last week.
• The Broncos are 6-0 this year with a positive turnover ratio, posting a 4-0 mark with a +2 ratio and a 2-0 mark with a +1 ratio.

OFFENSE:

• During the last three weeks, rookie RB Knowshon Moreno has totaled the sixth-most rushing yards (265 / 88.3 ypg.) and the third-best yards per rush average (5.6) in the NFL. He leads all league rookies in rushing yards (688) and yards from scrimmage (784) this year.
• C Casey Wiegmann, who spent seven years (2001-07) with Kansas City, owns a consecutive snaps played streak of 8,724 dating back to 2001 that is the longest in the NFL.
• QB Kyle Orton is 10-4 in his last 14 starts dating back to December 2008.

DEFENSE:

• Led by long-time NFL defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, the Broncos are the only team to rank among the league’s top six clubs defensively in sacks (3rd, 32), yards per play (4th, 4.8), yards per game (5th, 295.0), passing yards per game (5th, 185.0) and points per game (6th, 17.2).
• OLB/DE Elvis Dumervil notched his sixth multiple-sack game of the season last week with two sacks against the Giants. He leads the NFL with a personal-best 14 sacks and is looking to become the first league sack champion in Broncos history.
• S Brian Dawkins is tied for the NFL lead with three fumble recoveries, including one posted last week against the Giants. The seven-time Pro Bowl choice ranks third among current players (1st among DBs) with 16 career fumble recoveries.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

• Last week against the Giants, K Matt Prater made all four field-goal attempts and registered touchbacks on 5-of-7 kickoffs. His five touchbacks ranked as the second most by a Bronco in a game during the last 15 years.
• Since signing veteran P Mitch Berger on Oct. 26, the Broncos’ net punting average has shown the fourth-most improvement (+3.7 yds. / 34.5 to 38.2) in the NFL.

Big Games
Well I am expecting big games out of the whole team, it will take a whole team effort to win this one in KC. I would love to see a big game out of Elvis 'DOOM'ervil, with Strahan's record in sight it would be great to have that in Denver's hands.

My Take
This game will be really close and very hard fought, but I believe the Broncos can come away with the win. I think it will be 24 - 17 final score with the Broncos sealing the victory in the 4th quarter.

Jokes
Q: Where do you go in Kansas City in case of a tornado?
A: To Arrowhead - they never get a touchdown there.

Q: Why was Herm Edwards upset when the Kansas City Chiefs play book was stolen?
A: Because he hadn't finished coloring it.

Video
Would be funny to see Miles do this.

Celebrating 50 Years of Bronco History: Into the Millennium

On May 2, 1999 my world seemed to have come to an end or at least a huge era of Broncos football did. John Elway officially announced his retirement but while it seemed all bitter-sweet, at least he went out on top and stayed retired.

From that point on the Mile High team would go through a major drought in reaching the playoffs, more than they realized or expected.

Now was the time for Denver to find a new quarterback. Seems like a very impossible task considering who just led them to 2 Super Bowl victories. An irreplaceable legend but the position needed to be filled. Eventually, all good things come to pass. This was time the Broncos had to face the fact that Elway retired and they have to move on, as difficult as that would be.

Brian Griese came into the picture for the ’99 season and from there it was a downhill slump. Terrell Davis acquired a season ending injury in the 4th game of the season. And even though back up RB Olandis Gary filled in Davis’ shoes nicely rushing for 1,159 yards, TD is just as irreplaceable at his position as Elway is at QB.

If that wasn’t troubling enough, the Broncos ended that season with a 6-10 record, which was a major difference from their two Super Bowl seasons. This was only the beginning.

Another new era was about to begin in Denver – a new stadium. Personally, I had no problem with it, other than the name change. The old Mile High stadium is missed dearly but the new Invesco field gave a new light to the city. The name should’ve remained the same but the Broncos had bigger issues to worry about.

Terrell Davis continued to suffer with injuries and back up Olandis Gary wasn’t much better when he acquired a season ending injury as well. After all the drama, the Broncos had a light at the end of their very dark post-Elway tunnel. In April of 2000, they picked up Mike Anderson in the last round of the draft and things started to look better.

Anderson took the place of Davis and Gary and made a strong first impression while doing it. He managed to rush for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns his rookie season while also being awarded the Offensive Rookie of the Year honor. The final game at Mile High was another bitter-sweet ending as the Broncos finished their 2000 season at 11-5 and giving a Mile High salute to their beloved old home with a 38-9 victory over San Francisco.

The drama continued as Denver reached the playoffs as a Wild Card only to face the Baltimore Ravens without Griese, as he suffered a shoulder injury at the end of the season. The Broncos pretty much had no chance at winning that game coming away with a painful 21-3 loss.

September 10, 2001 was the opening day of Invesco field and the Broncos made it a grand opening by handing the New York Giants a 31-20 loss on Monday Night football. Doesn’t get any better than that now does it?

Nevertheless, they faced a major downfall on behalf of that victory. Wide Receiver Ed McCaffrey suffered a season ending leg injury in that game and so the drama still continued for Denver. The ’01 season would be one to forget and easily. Davis, Gary and Anderson all had their time on the field but so little was accomplished with a combined 5 touchdowns between them.

Anyone remember a guy by the name of Clinton Portis? Oh how time flies by.

Seems like ages ago this young man was huge threat to defenses and replaced (sort of) Davis because of reoccurring knee injuries. As a rookie, he took the Offensive Rookie of the Year honor by rushing for 1,506 yards and 17 touchdowns. They would still miss the playoffs that year and would make another QB switch.

The Broncos ended that season at 9-7 by beating the Cardinals in the last game and how did they thank the birds for the win? They released Griese and signed Arizona free agent Jake Plummer. Gotta love the NFL business.

Seemed like they found a strong leader and player in good ‘ol Jakey. They started off the 2003 season by winning their first 4 games before they entered week 5 when they would face the Chiefs who believe it or not (and I still don’t believe it) were also 4-0. Feel like I just told the funniest joke.

During one of the infamous meetings the Broncos had with the Chiefs, Denver QB Jake Plummer was injured and had to sit out for a month. Back up Steve Burlein wasn’t too much of a disappointment in a road win over the Steelers but the following week he was injured as well in a 28-20 loss to the Vikings.

Things only got worse for the Broncos.

Third string QB Danny Kannel had to take over but the Broncos ended up with a 5-4 record heading into the bye week losing 3 straight games. The week off proved to be just what the doctor ordered as the Broncos pounded the hated rival San Diego Chargers 37-8. Jake Plummer was the difference maker in that game as he returned after an injury.

The fun didn’t last long though as the Broncos went through a one step forward, two steps back phase when they lost to the Chicago Bears the following week.

The Broncos would go on to challenge two more division rivals, the Raiders and Chiefs and won both games. While the division title was out of reach for Denver, they were able to at least secure a Wild Card berth by getting the win over KC and then later clinched a playoff berth after taking out Cleveland and Indy. However, the fun was short lived, again.

They suffered through a 31-3 loss to Green Bay and sat many players because of injuries since they had an official playoff spot. They ended the season at 10-6 but had to return to Indianapolis for the playoffs only to be humiliated 41-10. In that game alone, the defense allowed 31 points in the first half and 479 total yards. Not a pretty sight at all.

2004 turned out to be a big year for the Broncos at the very beginning, in several ways.

On August 8, 2004, something spectacular happened to the entire Bronco organization. Something that, unfortunately, had never occurred to any other player in this franchise. While it was sad John Elway retired, if he hadn’t done so, this amazing event would never have happened. On this August day, Elway became the first Bronco to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

He thought he had reached the top of the mountain after winning 2 Super Bowls like he did and while both games were huge highlights of this franchise; this was truly the icing on the cake.

Once the ’04 season began, many people at the time thought the Broncos were crazy for making the Portis-Bailey trade, including yours truly, but after 5 years of having one of the best corners in the league playing for Denver I love the end result.

RB Clinton Portis was traded to the Washington Redskins and the Broncos gladly accepted veteran cornerback Champ Bailey in return. Reuben Droughns took over the RB duties in Denver and didn’t disappoint when he rushed for a team high 1,240 yards as the Broncos went on to win five of their first 6 games. The Broncos would go through a two-game losing skid then bounced back and won the next three.

Sounds like they were on to something right? Yeah, I wish

Here’s how the story has usually gone. Broncos start off great, take the lead in the AFC West and hold onto that for a substantial amount of time and then BAM, they go belly up. That’s exactly what happened in 2004. Denver was sitting comfortably atop the West with a 7-3 record only to have their playoff shot shattered by losing two games but these weren’t just any 2 games.

Both division games against the always hated Raiders and Chargers. Denver managed to let Oakland come into Mile High territory (with snow and all) and then go back to the ghetto with a win. Go figure that one out.

Then as the story would have it, the following week the Broncos would go further west to take on San Diego only to come home empty handed (meaning no win and no longer on top in the West).

And then just when you think there’s still room to hold out hope for a comeback, they settle for playing mediocre football to end the season. Granted, they ended this season at 10-6 but no resurgence was instilled to try and take some decent wins. Surprisingly, Denver did manage to make it into the Wild Card round but it was like D-Day all over again.

Denver met up with the Colts, yet again, for another “battle”. This post-season game was way worse than the one they suffered through the previous year against the exact same team. Indy chewed the Broncos up and spat ‘em out in a hard-to-digest 49-24 loss, after being behind in the first half 35-3. Clearly that was a memory I did not want to relive years later because I don’t remember it at all. Ha.

For the Broncos, 2005 turned out to be a little different and in a good way, however the fans in Denver were becoming uneasy and restless with Shanahan as he hadn’t been able to lead the Broncos to a win in the playoffs since Super Bowl XXXIII.

The start to the season was shaky with a 34-10 loss to Miami then would go on to battle with San Diego. This is the season when the trade for Champ Bailey became rewarding for Denver. In the week 2 Bronco-Charger fight, the game started off the same way the Broncos’ season was starting, shaky, as they trailed 14-3 at the half. However, later on in the 3rd quarter the infamous Champ would add another INT to his list and make it a 25-yard “pick 6.”

Denver would go on to win it 20-17 by the grace of Jason Elam’s foot (a 36-yard field goal) in the final seconds of the game.

That win set the Broncos on fire when they went on a five-game winning streak ending with a huge victory over the reigning champs, the Patriots. Denver would suffer a heart-breaking loss to the Giants the following week but then came charging back with fury and buried the Eagles, 49-21.

The win over Philly started another 4-game winning trend for the Broncos, which in the end led them to claim the AFC West title. Another loss was suffered at KC but Denver ended the season strong winning their last four games, ending the season at 13-3 and went into the playoffs hungry for some more.

Playoff time arrived and the Broncos finally made it after so many years of rebuilding a team post-Elway. Denver met up with the reigning Super Bowl champs again and oh boy, was that a good game. I’ll never forget it because of one man… Champ “pick 6” Bailey.

The Patriots came into Denver looking to maintain their East Coast reputation (completely overrated if you ask me) as Tom Brady had yet to lose in a post-season game. That would change and Brady would meet up with Mr. “Pick 6” himself in this divisional playoff game.

As the Pats were up against a stingy Denver defense, it seemed like the Mile High air wasn’t fairing too well with the East Coast boys… ha, whimps.

After a scoreless first quarter, Ian Gold would recover a Kevin Faulk fumble for Denver. The Broncos would then promptly oblige to a pass interference call in the endzone and then later took the lead 7-0 as Mike Anderson made a 1-yard touchdown. That lead would be extended to 10-0 at the end of the half when the Patriots fumbled on the kickoff. Even East Coast teams have their downfalls (yeah, I know, hard to believe right?)

During the 4th quarter, Champ Bailey came alive. This is the play of the game I’ll never forget. As I’m sitting there watching this game, anticipating victory, Tom Brady led his offense down the field into Bronco territory and right at the goal line. Next thing I know he’s throwing a pass for a hopeful touchdown and CHA-CHING! Champ reels it in instead and flies down the sideline for 99 yards (yeah, he was rudely interrupted in his almost “pick 6” when an alert Patriot came charging after him and stopped him at the 1 yard line). Bugger.

No worries though. The Broncos would get a TD for that 99-yard sprint brought to you by Bailey and then they would take the win 27-10 ending New England’s two year reign of never losing a post-season game. I love it!!

The Broncos had finally established themselves in the post-season only to get thrown out of playoff town when the Steelers would come into the “Mile High” City and take a very upsetting win. Jake Plummer alone had 4 turnovers in the 34-17 loss. This game leaves a bitter taste knowing that the Steelers went on to win the Super Bowl that year. Makes ya mad doesn’t it?

As if the 2005 season didn’t end with enough drama, welcome the 2006 season with more drama and pain a team can handle.

Denver began with another shaky start losing the first game then having to battle the Chiefs into over time in a game where all the scoring for both sides were field goals. New England and Denver met up once again and Denver still wasn’t done rattling the Pats which made for a fun 17-7 win for the boys in Orange & Blue.

After getting onto another 3-game winning streak, the Colts and Broncos came face to face again. This was a battle that lived up to all the hype as both teams gave great effort to get this win but in the end the Colts came away with another victory held high over Denver’s head with a game winning Adam Vinatieri 37-yard field goal with just 2 seconds left. This game was closer than the previous match-ups between the two AFC teams but still it was another clash that couldn’t be made victorious for Denver.

The Broncos quickly moved past that loss and went on to win their next two, both on the road. They hit a bump in the road when they had two division games (Chargers then Chiefs) in which Jake Plummer had started to decline in his game. In the San Diego game, he would complete less than 50 percent of his pass attempts while LaDanian Tomlinson would go on to score 4 touchdowns in Bronco territory.

A few days later, they would meet up with the Chiefs on Thanksgiving day in Kansas City only to watch Plummer struggle immensely again and taking the loss, 19-10.

Before the 2006 season had begun the Broncos drafted a certain QB who would capture the hearts of every Bronco fan… at first. I know he’s a booger but he was with us for 3 seasons and eventually his name would come up. He was apart of our history so try to stomach it as I had to write this darn thing.

After a less than spectacular performance in several games by starting QB Jake Plummer, head coach Mike Shanahan made a gamble that probably 98 percent of Bronco fans loved when it first happened. Plummer was benched only to have a rookie take his place. That rookie was Jay Cutler.

Despite his two INTs (along with 2 touchdowns) in Cutler’s debut against the Seattle Seahawks, people still considered him to be the “Quarterback of the Future” for the Broncos. They went on to lose this game(third in a row) 23-20 on a Josh Brown 50-yard FG with 4 seconds left. Oh the irony… again.

The rookie didn’t seem to do much good the following week either for Denver as they fell to the Chargers in a massacre, 48-20. While the AFC West title was out of the question for Denver, they had a beam of light as they had a chance for a Wild Card spot. They managed to win their next two games and all that was left to do was take the win over the 49ers but that ship sailed when their 13-0 lead collapsed.

San Francisco charged ahead scoring 23 unanswered points in the 4th quarter. Cutler helped the 49ers with scoring some points when he threw one of his infamous INTs and it was taken back 28 yards for a touchdown. What else is new?

However, the game was not over yet. Cutler led the Broncos to some comeback points by tying the game at 23 and forcing overtime. The hope for a win in Denver’s favor dwindled fast when San Fran took control, got into field goal range and took the win off a 36-yard field goal to hand the Broncos the end of their season, 9-7.

I’ll never forget the ending to that season and it had nothing to do with winning or losing games. A tragedy happened in the Bronco family just hours after their final game (which was also a loss). Cornerback Darrent Williams was shot to death on New Year’s Day 2007 and died in the arms of former teammate and Bronco Javon Walker. Just 50 days later, another Bronco 3rd string RB Damien Nash, suddenly died of a heart attack during a charity basketball game. May they both rest in peace.

The following two seasons (’07 and ’08) turned out to be 8-8 dead end seasons and with strong leaders and key players like Rod Smith and John Lynch retiring, the task of being greater than an 8-8 season got harder for Denver.

Cutler continued to throw great deep down-field passes but the majority of those became INTs instead of a spectacular catch for a touchdown by anyone in Orange & Blue, namely Cutler’s favorite target – Brandon “The Beast” Marshall.

2007 was the beginning of a major rollercoaster for Denver. Win a few, lose a few, then win some more, then lose some more again. They never could find consistency on either side of the ball, let alone as a team. The only consistent thing they had going was relying on Jason Elam to save the game with a field goal or to at least tie the game and go into OT.

But by the end of 2007, Elam became a free agent and he went on to sign a deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Another piece of the Broncos’ Super Bowl memories just left the team.

The '08 season was the tip of the iceberg for the Broncos. Every possible situation seemed to have came crashing down on the Mile High team like some uncontrollable tsunami. Injury after injury, one painful loss after another, zero fire and passion from the team as a whole, no defense whatsoever, Cutler’s pull-your-hair-out-and-scream INTs… sorry to bring up such bad memories.

The beginning of the ’08 season actually started off pretty exciting and looked hopeful for some success after a 2-year drought in the playoffs.

Just four years after the best QB on the planet who just happened to be a Bronco for his entire career was inducted into the Hall of Fame, another Bronco got the honor of joining him in Canton. Offensive tackle, Gary Zimmerman, became apart of “the club” after several seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He then joined the Broncos for 4 seasons and was apart of the 1997 Denver team who went to the Super Bowl and became ’98 World Champs.

Denver came off sharp with a 41-14 rout of the much hated Raiders, then in week 2 in the Mile High City, the Broncos stunned the other much hated rival, the Chargers, with a controversial 39-38 win. The ending to that game was hysterical as head referee and supposed Bronco fan, Ed Houchuli, blew his whistle a little too soon as Cutler fumbled the ball, giving the Broncos another shot at a TD and the win, which they did.

Denver got off to a strong 4-1 start and once again took the reigns in the AFC West only to screw it all up at the end but that's where the fun stopped and the season got really frustrating for the team and most definitely the fans.

To top it off, the Broncos went through several stunning losses at the end and just a few days after Denver’s season was over at 8-8, long-time Head Coach Mike Shanahan was fired.

Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen replaced the 14-year coach with one of the youngest and most inexperienced people in the NFL. Not to be underestimated, 32-year old (now 33) Josh McDaniels (formerly of the New England Patriots) took over and has been quite impressive.

Josh was the offensive coordinator for the Patriots for nearly 8 years, coaching the likes of Tom Brady to a perfect 16-0 season and then one-year wonder boy Matt Cassel for one season. Not far into McDaniels new job as first time Head Coach, the party began when starting QB Jay Cutler and the Denver team had a little rift, Cutler was crying to be traded, got his wish, was shipped off to Chicago in trade for back up QB Kyle Orton and three draft picks.

Let the games begin!!

Through much of the off-season, the fans of Denver went ballistic no matter which side they took. Either criticizing McD for the trade of Cutler, criticizing Orton for not being good enough, criticizing both, praising one or both moves… the list goes on. You name it; it was probably said throughout the off-season in Denver.

After a shaky 1-3 pre-season, people got even more worked up over the idea of Orton becoming the starting QB for the Broncos. Giving him a chance to prove himself wasn’t an option for many, even after a 6-0 start into the 2009 regular season.

Currently the Broncos sit at 7-4 after suffering 4 straight losses following the bye week and blowing their 3 game lead over San Diego to become second place. Only difference is the Broncos gave up that lead in the middle of the season, giving them the opportunity to still stay in close competition with the Chargerettes to see who will take the West this time around.

The Broncos ended a frustrating 4-game losing streak with an exciting and impressive attack over the New York Giants on Thanksgiving night. With 5 games left in the season (2 home, 3 away) the Broncos have a prime opportunity sitting in front of them to finish strong and really give San Diego a run for their money. They will possibly have a golden opportunity to make the playoffs for the first time since 2005.

Time for the men in Orange & Blue to stop staring at these chances they have and start taking charge of their own fate. Only they can make it happen.

Time for them to rewrite the history of this franchise and become a team all others will fear.

Time to shut down all the critics and show them what Bronco football is all about.

With a whole new system in tact in Denver, new coaches, new QB, fiery talent on both sides of the ball (we do, however, need a new punter and ASAP!), this team is in for some good years ahead and I look forward to every second of it – the good, bad and ugly.

Since this is the last part of the 50th anniversary article, I know I have gone on long enough without naming quite a few players this franchise has had don a Bronco uniform – from the brown & mustard yellow with hysterical striped socks to the stunning bright Orange.

Thank you to all the past and present players for making this franchise what it is today. Enjoy the videos, sorry once again this was so freakin’ long and GO BRONCOS!!

Broncos to remember:

Bud McFadin (60-63), Frank Tripucka (60-63), Gene Mingo (60-64), Billy Joe (63-64; ’63 Rookie of the year), Goose Gonsoulin (60-66), Lionel Taylor (60-66), Jerry Strum (61-66), Willie Brown (63-66), Bob Scarpitto (62-67), Cookie Gilchrist (65, 67), Marlin Briscoe (68), Steven Tensi (67-70), Rich Jackson (67-72), Steven Kaminski (66-73), Floyd Little (67-75), Charley Johnson (72-75), Paul Smith (68-78), Lyle Alzado (71-78), Jim Turner (71-79), Otis Armstrong (73-80), Bill Thompson (69-81), Haven Moses (72-81), Craig Morton (77-82)...

Riley Odoms (72-83), Randy Gradishar (74-83; ’78 Defensive player), Rick Upchurch (75-83), Tom Jackson (73-86), Rubin Carter (75-86), Louis Wright (75-86), Rulon Jones (80-88), Rich Karlis (82-88), Sammy Winder (82-90), Bobby Humphrey (89-91), Clarence Kay (84-92), Mark Jackson (86-92), Ricky Nattiel (87-92), Vance Johnson (85-93, 95), Mark Cooper (83-87), Dennis Smith (81-94), Karl Mecklenburg (83-94), Mike Croel (91-94; ’91 Defensive rookie), Simon Fletcher (85-95), Gary Zimmerman (93-97), John Elway (83-98; ’87 NFL MVP; Super Bowl XXXIII MVP)...

Steve Atwater (89-98), Tyrone Braxton (87-93; 95-99), Terrell Davis (95-01; ’96 & ’98 Offensive player; ’98 NFL MVP; Super Bowl XXXII MVP), Bill Romanowski (96-01), Brian Griese (98-02), Shannon Sharpe (90-99; 02-03), Ed McCaffrey (95-03), John Mobley (96-03), Clinton Portis (02-03; ’02 Offensive rookie), Reggie Hayward (98-04), Reuben Droughns (01-04), Trevor Pryce (97-05), Mike Anderson (00-05; ’00 Offensive rookie), Ashley Lelie (02-05), Al Wilson (99-06), Jake Plummer (03-06), Tatum Bell (04-06), Jason Elam (93-07), Rod Smith (95-07), Ian Gold (00-03, 05-07), Nick Ferguson (03-07), John Lynch (04-07), Javon Walker (06-07), Matt Lepsis (97-08), Ebenezer Ekuban (05-08), Jay Cutler (06-08), Tom Nalen (94-08).

Bronco highlights then Jason Elam’s record 63-yard FG

The Journey of Rod Smith’s Amazing Career

Bronco highlights (2005-07)

The Best of the Broncos – Tackles of 2005

2008 Bronco Highlights

Elam’s miracle FG with 3 seconds left against Buffalo

“The Wolverine” as an Eagle, now a Bronco

Eddie Royal is a stud

Stokley saves the day against Bengals in ‘09

McD goes crazy after OT win over former New England team in ’09 to go 5-0

Bronco Awards: Week 12

Rookie running back Knowshon Moreno has made headlines again after his performance on Thanksgiving Day when the Broncos took the reigns in a 26-6 victory over the New York Giants.

Moreno rushed for 88 yards on 19 carries and 1 touchdown making him a nominee for the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week Award.

The first-round draft pick out of Georgia received this very honor two weeks in a row (week 4 & 5) as part of the Broncos' 6-0 stellar start to the 2009 season.

In his first 11 games as an NFL RB, Knowshon leads all rookies in rushing attempts (161) and rushing yards (688). Despite having lost 4 games in a row with the Broncos, Moreno has still made quite the impression.

Over the last three weeks, he has rushed for at least 80 yards in each game. Also in that three-week span he leads all NFL rookies and ranks sixth in the NFL with 265 rushing yards and is third in the league in yards per rush with 5.6. Moreno also leads all NFL rookies and is third in the league for his 15 rushing first downs in that three-game stretch.

Pretty impressive young man and football player.

In addition, kicker Matt Prater will be named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week, after the Broncos stunned the Giants at Invesco Field on Thanksgiving.

He successfully made all four of his field goals that night (26, 32, 47, 24) and set a career-high 5 touchbacks, when all seven of his kickoffs went flying into the endzone giving the Giants no real chance to run it out.

The 3-year kicker was responsible (in a good way) for 14 of the 26 points Denver put up last Thursday, setting another career-best record.

Back in September, Prater recieved this honor as well for connecting on 7-of-9 field goal attempts in the whole month, being named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month.

Congrats to both players, honors are well-deserved after this big win.

Let them know they have our support and vote!

Davis, Sharpe named Hall of Fame Semi-Finalists

After an exhiliarating win over the New York Giants on Thanksgiving Day, the Denver Broncos have some more good news.

Two former star players who made quite an impression on this team have been named semifinalists for the Hall of Fame. Both deserve this honor and hopefully the people who choose who gets in will make a wise decision and put in at least one Bronco.

Terrell Davis and Shannon Sharpe are the two lucky dudes, while Floyd Little was named an automatic finalist back in August. Now just picture it... not 1... not 2 but 3 Broncos going into the Hall of Fame all in one year. Takes your breath away doesn't it? That would be a dream come true.

The committee will name the 15 finalists on January 7, 2010 and from there the final list of nominees will be put in consideration for Hall of Fame honors along with two previously announced senior nominees: our own Floyd Little and former Detroit Lions CB Dick LeBeau.

Little, who led the team in rushing for seven consecutive seasons from 1967-73, finished his Broncos career ranked No. 1 on the franchise's all-time list for rushing attempts, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. One of the team's four original Ring of Fame members, Little played in the Pro Bowl in 1970, 1971 and 1973, and participated in the AFL All-Star Game in 1968 and '69.

Davis, the 1998 NFL MVP and Super Bowl XXXII MVP, owns franchise records for rushing yards (7,607) and touchdowns (60). The three-time Pro Bowler is one of five players ever to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. A Broncos Ring of Famer, Davis notched at least 100 yards rushing in seven of eight playoff games with the team.

Sharpe, who was named to the Pro Bowl seven times as a Bronco and helped the club to two Super Bowl victories, was elected as the 22nd member of the Broncos' Ring of Fame in late May. He finished his career by becoming the NFL's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns by a tight end. In 172 career regular-season games with Denver, Sharpe registered the second-most receptions (675), receiving yards (8,439) and receiving touchdowns (55) by a player in club annals, trailing only wide receiver Rod Smith.

Final voting will be conducted at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee's annual meeting, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 in South Florida the day before Super Bowl XLIV. The election results will be announced immediately afterwards. While there is no set number for any class of enshrines, the selection process by-laws provide that between four and seven new members will be selected.

Broncos Vs Giants

This week is a short week for the Broncos as the Giants come into town to face off in a mile high battle. It is a thanksgiving battle that really could determine the rest of the season for this two teams. The Giants got their first win after four straight loses and are hoping to get a roll that will lead into the post season. The Broncos on the other hand have lost four straight and are looking for that momentum that will carry them hopeful into the postseason. This game will be close and hard fought.

NFL.com

Giants, Broncos square off on Thanksgiving night

In Brief

» Last meeting: The Giants tallied a narrow victory over the Broncos in 2005.
» Streaks: These teams have split their last four meetings, but the Giants have a 6-4 overall series edge, including the playoffs.
» Last week: New York needed overtime to defeat Atlanta, 34-31. ... Denver was overwhelmed by rival San Diego in a 32-3 loss.

Keep your eye on ...

Josh McDaniels' adjustments: When the Broncos were 6-0, McDaniels was hailed as a boy wonder and was the toast of the league. Now, with Denver 6-4, he is starting to feel the heat. McDaniels must find a way to get his team out of its rut or the season could quickly slip away.

The Broncos sideline: Denver wide receiver Brandon Marshall got into a heated exchange with rookie running back Knowshon Moreno on the sideline after Moreno fumbled into the end zone against San Diego. The Broncos appear to be splintering now that adversity has hit, but if they hope to turn things around, they would be well served to stick together.

Eli Manning's game management: With the Giants still banged up on defense and Brandon Jacobs ailing due to a knee injury, Manning will have to be very thoughtful in how he approaches this outing. He does not want to put too much pressure on the defense, and may have to make more plays through the air with both Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw playing through some aches and pains.

Did you know?

The Broncos have not hosted a Thanksgiving Day game since 1963. ... The Giants first played on Thanksgiving in 1926, beating the Brooklyn Lions, 17-0. ... The Giants have not played on the NFL Network since losing in Week 17 of the 2007 season against the Patriots, when New England completed a perfect 16-0 regular season.

ESPN.com
With Denver playing at home against the Giants and the Raiders playing at Dallas on Thursday, here are some injury updates for both teams:

Denver quarterback Kyle Orton appears set to start Thursday despite an ankle injury that kept him out of a total of three quarters Sunday. Denver had a jog through practice and Orton practiced fully.

Denver safety Brian Dawkins was limited Tuesday because of a neck injury that caused him to leave Sunday’s game in the first half. Right tackle Ryan Harris was limited. He has missed the past three-plus games with a toe injury.

Denverbroncos.com

QUICKLY:

• The Broncos, who are looking to snap a four-game losing streak, will host their first Thanksgiving game since 1963 and are set to play on the holiday for the 11th time in club history. Denver will play on Thanksgiving for the third time in the last five years.
• Denver is set to play on a Thursday for the fifth consecutive year and joins only Dallas and Detroit with that distinction. The Broncos’ five scheduled Thursday games in the last five years tie for the third most in the NFL.

OFFENSE:

• QB Kyle Orton’s 27-15 (.643) career record as a starter is the seventh best among active passers. His 18-3 (.857) career record at home as a starter is the best in the league since the 1970 NFL merger.
• Second-year WR Eddie Royal’s 122 career receptions tie for the most by a Bronco in his first two pro seasons. He is only the ninth Bronco in club history to post at least 1,000 combined yards in each of his first two pro seasons with Denver—He leads the team with 1,003 combined yards this year.
• RB Knowshon Moreno leads all NFL rookies in rushing yards (600) and yards from scrimmage (677). During the last two weeks, he is eighth in the NFL in rushing yards (177) and second in yards per rush (6.3).

DEFENSE:

• Led by long-time NFL defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, the Broncos are the only team to rank among the league’s top seven clubs defensively in yards per game (7th, 297.8), points per game (7th, 18.3) and sacks (T-4th, 29). Denver also is fourth in the league in yards per play allowed (4.8).
• OLB/DE Elvis Dumervil ranks first in the NFL with 12 sacks and is looking to become the first Bronco in club history to lead the league in sacks. His 12 career multiple-sack games, including five this year, tie for the seventh most in NFL history through a player’s first four seasons.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

• Since signing veteran P Mitch Berger on Oct. 26, the Broncos’ net punting average has shown the fourth-most improvement (+3.3 yds. / 34.5 to 37.8) in the NFL.
• Veteran OLB/DE Mario Haggan and rookie S Darcel McBath are tied for the team lead with nine special-teams tackles. They are two of eight Broncos with at least five special-teams stops this season.

NOTES FROM DENVER’S LAST FIVE GAMES VS. N.Y. GIANTS

at N.Y. GIANTS 24, DENVER 23 (Oct. 23, 2005)
Denver’s NFL record-tying four-game streak (20 quarters, 264 minutes) without a giveaway is snapped by the Giants on a desperation kickoff return to end the game... The Broncos have a player rush for more than 100 yards for the fourth consecutive game (Mike Anderson 24-120 yds., 1 TD).

at DENVER 31, N.Y. GIANTS 20 (Sept. 10, 2001)
The Broncos win the first regular-season game ever played at INVESCO Field at Mile High on Monday Night Football… Denver QB Brian Griese records 330 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions for a career-best 144.3 passer rating.

at N.Y. GIANTS 20, DENVER 16 (Dec. 13, 1998)
Denver’s NFL record-tying streak of 18 consecutive victories ends with a loss to the Giants… Broncos RB Terrell Davis posts his 30th 100-yard rushing game (28-147 yds., 1 TD) to become the fourth-fastest player in NFL history to reach that mark.

at DENVER 27, N.Y. GIANTS 13 (Nov. 15, 1992)
Broncos rookie QB Tommy Maddox leads the Broncos on three second-half scoring drives after replacing an injured QB John Elway... Denver limits the Giants to 39 net passing yards.

N.Y. GIANTS 14, at DENVER 7 (Dec. 10, 1989)
The Giants take a 14-0 lead into halftime after scoring on a 57-yard screen pass midway through second quarter… Broncos QB John Elway accounts for 223 of his 292 passing yards in the second half.

Big Games
Well I execpt big games out of all the Broncos plays, I really think we have some nice matchups against the Giants and should really stick it to them. I need big games out of all the Broncos defenders as they will keep the Broncos in this game and give the Offense a chance to start firing.

My Take
This game will be close and hard fought, as you can see from the five previous encounters. It is hard to pick a winner out of these teams as it will be so close, but I hope it is the Broncos.

Jokes
Plaxico Burress has said he'd like to catch on with an NFL team after serving his two-year prison sentence. And if that's not possible, Burress is also open to playing for the Lions. While in prison, Burress plans to stay in football shape, which will be easy with all the football players in prison with him.

New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce is out indefinitely with a strained neck. The former Pro Bowler injured himself looking up at the standings.

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