Broncos Blog

Broncos 2011 Review: Draft Picks

2012-02-07T01:21:00.000-08:00

Last years draft class looks to have been a success and has provided the team with a number of good quality players to move forward with. The Broncos made a total of 9 selections in the draft and each player is still currently with the team. Their seasons and information are as follows:

Von Miller - 1st Round, 2nd overall

Miller was selected with the 2nd pick in the draft and with that comes a lot of expected greatest. Which I believe Miller lived up to. He was the phenomenon and worth the 2nd pick and ever penny on his contract. I think Miller was the best player to come out of the draft this year...until he got hurt and had to wear the cast. If Miller can stay health and he continues to progress his sack numbers could be crazy high in the foreseeable future. His season totals are below:

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Von Miller	50	14	64	11.5	77	8	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0

All I want Miller to do is become a complete linebacker. Learn to play the run and drop into coverage. Then he may become one of the greatest to ever play the position. It will be interesting to note how Del Rio uses Miller on defense next year.

Rahim Moore - 2nd Round - 45th overall

I dubbed Moore as Rahim 'Miss' Moore 'Tackles'. The number one reason he was benched was because he could not tackle. He started the year off well with the big highlight hit against the Bills but soon faded after that. I do not know why really? He took poor angles and struggled wrapping up the ball carry and there was no real reason for this. For now I am putting it down to nervous, lack of confidence and Rookieness. He will need to improve if he wishes to see the field again and not be another 2nd round bust.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Rahim Moore	28	3	31	0.0	0	1	2	1	18	18	0	0	1	0	0

Like I said Moore has talent, that is why he was drafted. But to play defense in the NFL you have to tackle. Till he learns that he will ride the bench and if he doesn't work it out in a year or two Champ will be playing in his FS spot.

Orlando Franklin - 2nd Round - 46th overall

Orlando was taking with the very next pick after Moore in the draft. The Big O didn't start the year off great in the passing game but improved out of sight as the year progressed. There is still adjustments and improvements to be made but he really took to the coaching and took his play to the point that I am happy to keep him at RT.

Nate Irving - 3rd Round - 67th overall

As hard as it has been to find a replacement QB for Elway it has been just as hard finding a replacement MLB for Wilson. Irving was the next great hope at MLB for the Broncos. His first year was a wash though. He played mostly special teams and barley saw the field. Even though the player ahead of him struggled all year long and lead the team in missed tackles. But I still have hope for Irving for two reasons. One it is hard to play MLB in the NFL, you have to be the QB of the defense and it takes time to learn opposing offensives, what calls need to be made and in what situations, running the D. The second is I have a feeling Irving was red shirted in much the same way as JT (Julius Thomas). Coach Fox has given Irving the year to get accustomed to the game and the defense. I expect big things in Training Camp this year.

Quinton Carter - 4th Round -108th overall

For me Carter was the pick of the draft. My reasoning being when you pick second overall you are meant to hit big with that pick and we did with Miller. In the 4th round it is a bit of skill and luck. To get a player of Carters calibre in the 4th round was a great pick. Carter started the year on the bench but with Moore's struggles and Dawkins injuries he saw pretty of playing time. Which he excelled at, he is a force over the middle and he tackles correctly most of the time.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Quinton Carter	45	11	56	1.0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

For me he is too slow to play Free Safety, I see him as more of a banger like Dawkins at strong safety. For next season I want Carter to keep improving and learning the defense. And also carry over those picks from the playoffs into the regular season would be a big plus. But number one learn not to lead with your head to tackle, I would hate to see you in a wheelchair. Hit'em hard but with the shoulder.

Julius Thomas - 4th Round - 129th overall

Going into the season Thomas was known as a player with a high ceiling but a lot of work to do. It showed, Thomas struggled greatly with the blocking aspect of his position. He caught a few balls before he sustained a high ankle sprain injury and he struggled to return to the field for the rest of the season. Fox effectively red shirted Thomas for the year to get him more use to the physicality of the NFL and to hopefully understand the nuances of his position.

Moving forward this next season could be make or break for Thomas. If he can't make it physically in the NFL then he probably never will. Some of that is mental and it will be on him to over come it. He has talent and I would like to see him succeed.

Mike Mohamed - 6th Round - 189th overall

Mohamed had an interesting year. After being drafted he was released by the Broncos at the end of September. But was signed to the practice squad the following day. This is where he stayed till the end of November when he was moved to the active roster. His play was limited to that of special teams.

When you get later down in the draft it is hard for these players to make it in the NFL as most lack that raw athleticism that the NFL players have and Mohamed is one of them. If Mohamed can continue to improve and get better he may one day find himself in the starting rotation. For now he needs to continue his work and excel on special teams.

Virgil Green - 7th Round - 204th overall
Green is a little different to Mohamed in the sense he is extreme physically gifted but had a bit of an injury cloud. Green played the entire year for the Broncos and was one of their better blockers at the TE position. He only caught 3 passes on the year and will look to improve that. Green is not the biggest TE, he is in that tweener mold between WR and TE, much like Shannon Sharpe but he is more than fast enough. The saying 'too fast for LBs, too big for safeties' comes to mind with Green.

His ceiling like JT is very high and the Broncos FO I believe really likes him. Hopefully we see him get a bit more improved in the passing game this coming year.

Jeremy Beal - 7th Round - 247th overall

Beal had much the same year as Mohamed did. After being drafted he was released by the Broncos on the final cut day. The next day he was signed to the practice squad. He was the only drafted player to not make the first day roster of 53. Beal was signed to a future contract at the end of the year and will be back fighting for a position on the Broncos in 2012.

Beal going forward has a lot of work to do. He is a sack machine but has timed really slow for what ever reason. He needs a big camp and preseason to get a position otherwise he will go back on the PS or be released into obscurity.

Make sure to chill out and relax as FA is coming. ~ Aussie.

Von Miller - Defensive Rookie of the Year

2012-02-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

Linebacker Von Miller earned the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and the Broncos were honored with the 2011 GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year for their come-from-behind victory over Chicago in Week 14, the league announced on Saturday. The awards were given at the inaugural NFL Honors awards show in Indianapolis.

For the second straight year, the first two players selected in the draft have been named AP offensive and defensive rookies of the year (Sam Bradford, Ndamukong Suh, Cam Newton, Miller).

"I was extremely surprised,” Miller said of winning defensive rookie of the year. "(49ers LB) Aldon Smith had a great season. All the defensive rookie candidates had great seasons — (Bills DL) Marcel Dareus, (Cardinals CB) Patrick Peterson — I was just honored to be nominated. To get the award is extremely humbling."

Miller tied a franchise record by totaling 11.5 sacks during his rookie campaign. That figure ranked second among rookies and tied for ninth overall in the league. In 15 regular-season games (15 starts), he totaled 64 tackles (50 solo), 19 tackles for a loss, four passes defensed and two forced fumbles. Additionally, he was one of just six NFL players this season to record at least a half sack in 10 or more games. Miller was a force all year long and one of the best players in the entire NFL regardless of rookie or veteran status, and he earned a trip to the 2012 Pro Bowl where he sacked Cam Newton twice.

"It feels great," said Miller, who credited Linebackers Coach Richard Smith with pushing him to such success throughout the season. "Hats off to my organization and teammates."

"First of all, the award is all for him," said Broncos' football operations boss John Elway. "He's the guy who went out and did it. Considering he didn't have an offseason for us, learning the defense — with the year he had there's just so much more upside for him that he's just going to get better and better."

Along with his Defensive Rookie of the Year honor, Miller was named a second-team All-Pro selection by the AP in addition to representing the AFC as a starter for the 2012 Pro Bowl. He is the second player in Broncos history (LB Mike Croel, 1991) to be named as the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Broncos were named on other ballots too. John Fox placed third for the NFL Coach of the Year behind San Francisco's John Harbaugh and Green Bay's Mike McCarthy.

Great year to all and congrats to Miller. ~ Aussie.

Broncos 2011 Review: Special Teams

2012-02-03T01:43:00.000-08:00

This year the Broncos' Special Teams improved in almost every category and have some interesting numbers. First let's look at the returning numbers for the team and start with kickoffs. There were a total of 7 Broncos to return kicks and 5 to return punts. The Broncos had 39 kick returns on the year for a total of 956 yards at an average of 24.5 yards. The longest return went for 67 yards. The key stat we lacked here was a returned kick for a TD. Comparing this to our opposition we did very well. Our opponents only had 20 kick returns on the year, Prater your awesome, and their longest return was for only 40 yards. They also did not get a TD.

Our punt return numbers were also OK. For the year we had a total of 47 returned punts for an average 12.7 yards. The longest punt return we had went for 90 yards and we returned 2 punts for touchdowns, nice job Eddie and Decker. We also had 19 fair catches. Our opposition had very similar numbers to us. Their average was slightly less at 11.5 a return and they had 27 fair catches. This shows our guys were able to get down the field quickly and make plays. We also only gave up one punt return for a touchdown. This had been a problem in the past.

The kicking numbers were surprisingly low and I can't really figure out why? It might be because we couldn't sustain drives and/or get into the other teams half. Or maybe we were just scoring heaps of touchdowns. We attempted a total of 25 field goals and made 19 of them for a 76% success rate. Our longest kick went for 59 yards. Compared to our opponents who had 39 attempts and made 32 for 82.1% success rate our numbers seem rather quite bad. Prater was usually money but he again struggled in the 40-49 yard range, he had 7 attempts for only 3 successful. The other areas he only missed at most 1. To be honest I thought Prater was having a better year and in that range too, are the numbers lying? We were 100% successfully on our extra point attempts. Prater was the top point scorer on the team with 87 points, ahead of Decker (54) and Tebow (40).

The punting numbers I think were much better than in previous years and that can all be put down to Brandon Colquitt. The Broncos had 101 punts this year, 10 more than our opponents, for a total of 4783 yards. That was an average of 47.4 yards a punt and an Net average of 41.6 yards a punt. Colquitt had 33 punts inside the 20 and only 7 touch backs. He had a great year.

Individual Stats

Matt Prater

Needs to get that percentage up over 80 and practice on that 40-49 yard distance.

NAME	FGM	FGA	PCT	LONG	1-19	20-29	30-39	40-49	50+	XPM	XPA	PCT
Matt Prater	19	25	76.0	59	0-0	5-6	8-8	3-7	3-4	30	30	100.0

Brandon Colquitt

Keep doing what your doing, the pro bowl awaits.

NAME	PUNTS	YDS	LONG	AVG	NET	BP	IN20	TB	FC	RET	RETY	AVG
Brandon Colquitt	101	4783	66	47.4	40.2	0	33	7	27	51	585	11.5

Quan Cosby

Was our returner for most of the year before he had a bad game with multiple fumbles, he was soon cut. He had an average average and we can do better.

NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	TD	RET	RETY	AVG	LONG	TD	FC
Quan Cosby	17	457	26.9	63	0	27	269	10.0	30	0	9

Cassius Vaughn

I am looking forward to seeing Vaughn back and healthy. He only returned 7 kicks before he was injured but he had the highest average return and the longest kick return on the team.

NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	TD	RET	RETY	AVG	LONG	TD	FC
Quan Cosby	7	210	30.0	67	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0

Matt Willis

Should not be returning kicks, does not have the explosion required for the position.

NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	TD	RET	RETY	AVG	LONG	TD	FC
Matt Willis	8	163	20.4	29	0	1	0	0.0	0	0	0

Eric Decker

Should not be a returner, same reason as Willis. His punt numbers are a little out of proportion, he had only 6 returns for 133 yards at an average of 22.2 yards. But if you remove the 90 yard return he had he was only averaging 8.6 yards a return. I don't mind a sprinkle of Decker every now and then but he needs to be more focused on his position....like catching the ball.

NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	TD	RET	RETY	AVG	LONG	TD	FC
Eric Decker	2	50	25.0	34	0	6	133	22.2	90	1	1

Eddie Royal

Should be the full time returner and 4th string WR, so there I said it. We need an electrifying return and that is Royal but I don't think he wants the job.

NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	TD	RET	RETY	AVG	LONG	TD	FC
Eddie Royal	3	47	15.7	20	0	12	194	16.2	85	1	9

There is room for improvement on the special teams but I think our kicker and punter are set. I hope we resign Prater but looking at the numbers there may be some second guessing in the FO, I really hope he stays. The one key ingredient that our special teams lacks is that electrifying returner. If Royal doesn't want the job full time then maybe target a top returner in the later rounds of the draft, say 5th round and beyond. ~ Aussie.

Broncos 2011 Review: Defense

2012-02-01T01:53:00.000-08:00

The Denver Broncos defense had a surprisingly good year under the direction of DC Dennis Allen. The group went from being the worst in the league to middle of the pack in a single season. This was due to the return and addition of two of the best players on our defense. They are Von Doom aka Batman and Robin aka Von Miller and Elvis 'Doom'ervil. With a relived pass rush and creative play calling the Broncos defense improved out of sight and was one of the big reasons this team made the playoffs.

Statistical the Broncos defense had a solid year but there is room for improvement next season as we try to build a power house team. Over the season the Broncos defense amassed 836 solo tackles and 218 assists for a total of 1054 total tackles, which is average for the league. The area of biggest improvement for the defense was the sack department and as mentioned above that was because of the dynamic sacking duo. The defense collected 41 sacks on the year and I think if we have a health Von and Doom all next year I expect this number to be over 50.

Two areas that I think need to greatly improve is in the turnovers categories. All season long the Broncos only got 9 intercepts, yep only 9. Add to that the 9 fumbles that we recovered that is a total of 18 turnovers. Compare that to the 13 intercepts and 17 fumbles our opponents got, 30 in total, there is massive room for improvement. The complete defensive passing stats are, 58 passes deflected, 9 intercepts for a total of 152 yards with a long of 55. With 3 of those being returned for touchdowns. For the fumbles the Broncos forced 12 and recovered 9. None of which were returned for a touchdown.

Individual Stats

Defensive Linemen

Marcus Thomas

To say Thomas loves the 4-3 is an understatement. He started off the year slow coming back from injury but he came on in a bigger way I think this year. He didn't gain any sacks but he managed to collapse the pocket on numerous occasions and was generally solid in the run game.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Marcus Thomas	29	14	43	0.0	0	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

I would hope to resign Thomas and would like to see his sack numbers improve.

Brodrick Bunkley

The pick up of the year by far for our defense and really solidified the defensive line for this season. Like Thomas, Bunk didn't get any sacks this year but that isn't the position he plays. He is a run stopper and did a great job of it this year.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Brodrick Bunkley	33	10	43	0.0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Hopefully we resign him too. For next season keep doing what you have been doing and try to sneak out a few sacks.

Elvis Dumervil

What can I not say about Doom. For me he was one of the most improved players on the team. You can tell he really worked hard in the offseason. He had more strength and played the run really well compared to his struggles in previous years. And to bounce back from his injuries the way he did was amazing. Every game he was health he put up sacks. He finished the year with a total of 9.5. He will get double digits next year.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Elvis Dumervil	31	11	42	9.5	63	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0

For next season just stay healthy, please.

Robert Ayers

Ayers is an interesting prospect and I haven't given up on him yet. He was a project for this year, new coach, new defense and new position. Playing with Miller on his outside who struggled at times containing the edge probably limited him a little. He didn't amaze until the playoffs but put up respectable numbers. He managed 3 sacks on the year.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Robert Ayers	25	14	39	3.0	12	2	2	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0

Next season he needs to continue his improvement and try to pump those sack number up, say 5+

Ryan McBean

As a rotational player McBean did enough to warrant another look. He got 4 sacks playing the nose tackle position and has showed improvement. Let's see that continue.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Ryan McBean	19	14	33	4.0	10	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

The remaining few didn't do overly much but were rotational guys that did see some time, Jason Hunter and Mitch Unrein. Then there is Big Vick and Ty Warren who are expected back next season. This is an above average group that is just lacking that impact player from DT.

Linebackers

Wesley Woodyard

Lead the team in tackles though he is a back-up!

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Wesley Woodyard	67	30	97	0.0	0	1	2	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	0

He should be resigned and continue what you are doing.

DJ Williams

Was solid all year and occasionally came out and made a huge play. I would love to see DJ continue this improvement and renewed focus.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
DJ Williams	70	20	90	5.0	38	5	2	0	0	0	0	3	1	0	0

Not much I can say in the way of improvement here, maybe pick a pass off?

Joe Mays

Will probably be on the team next year but hopefully not as a starter. He missed a team high 20 tackles on the year.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Joe Mays	64	11	75	0.0	0	8	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

He is average at best, an upgrade is needed. I have been a fan of Dan Connor before he was drafted by the Panthers but I also really like Irving.

Von Miller

The phenomenon, was worth the 2nd pick and ever penny on his contract. The best player to come out of the draft this year...until he got hurt. If Miller can stay health and he continues to progress his sack numbers could be crazy high in the foreseeable future.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Von Miller	50	14	64	11.5	77	8	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0

All I want Miller to do is become a complete linebacker. Learn to play the run and drop into coverage. Then you may become one of the greatest.

Mario Haggan

Subbed for Miller through the year when the rookie was struggling. Is still a serviceable vet and the only one of these linebackers to tack a pick this year.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Mario Haggan	13	10	23	0.0	0	3	1	1	16	16	1	0	0	0	0

Secondary

Chris Harris

The surprise player of the year. Once he took the starting job he really shined. Was an amazing tackler and lead the secondary for total tackles (the real reason for this is he was picked on a lot as a rookie but he made form tackles all the time).

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Chris Harris	62	10	72	0.0	0	1	6	1	15	15	0	0	0	0	0

The skys the limit for Harris next year. He may take the number two job from Goodman but I think it is more likely Harris and Squid are the nickel and dime next year. With a vet or draft pick at number 2 depending on what happens.

Quinton Carter

Took over for Rahim and an injured Dawkins. For a rookie he came on in a big way. For me he is too slow to play Free Safety, I see him as more of a banger like Dawkins at strong safety.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Quinton Carter	45	11	56	1.0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

For next season keep improving and learning the defense. Carry over those picks from the playoffs into the regular season would be a big plus. Oh and learn not to lead with your head to tackle, I would hate to see you in a wheelchair. Hit'em hard but with the shoulder

Brian 'Wolverine' Dawkins

B-Dawk had an up and down year. For the first half of the season he was superb. He picked up 3 sacks in that time. The second half of the season he struggled with injuries. It looks like he has an neck injury that may end his career but I would always be happy to have him back.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Brian Dawkins	38	13	51	3.0	38	3	6	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0

Dawk has done it all, not much he can improve on if he comes back, maybe try to get a few more picks? If he does come back I think they will try to limit his snaps and rotate him with Moore and Carter.

Andre' Goodman

For me is done and dusted. He struggled for most of the year but when he was at his lowest he always found a way to bounce back with a big play.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Andre' Goodman	41	8	49	0.0	0	1	10	2	46	26	1	0	1	0	0

Goodman and Bailey was a better combo then Bly and Bailey but he is done in my mind. They will probably keep him for depth but a new impact player is needed at the position.

Champ Bailey

Is still as good as advertised. He did get picked on a little more than usual but his play was still top notch. He also had a surprising amount of miss tackles for Champ Bailey. Most of these though were one on one tackles in the open field usual deep in the secondary against other peoples receivers. These are the hardest tackles to make but Champ is the best so he needs to clean that up.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Champ Bailey	35	4	39	0.0	0	1	10	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	0

For next season Champ needs to work on those open field tackles and making a few more plays on the ball. No more 2 pick season, I would like to see 5.

Rahim Moore

Rahim 'Miss' Moore 'Tackles'. The number one reason he was benched was because he could not tackle. Rahim couldn't even tackle a fat kid, who is sitting down, eating cake.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Rahim Moore	28	3	31	0.0	0	1	2	1	18	18	0	0	1	0	0

Moore has talent, that is why he was drafted. But to play defense in the NFL you have to tackle. Till he learns that he will ride the bench and if he doesn't work it out in a year or two Champ will be playing in his FS spot.

Jonathan Wilhite

A project player that was out shined by Harris. He burst onto the scene with his two sacks early in the year but dropped off after that. Will be a back up going into the future.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Jonathan Wilhite	25	3	28	2.0	18	0	2	1	2	2	0	0	0	0	0

David Bruton

The enigma. Bruton showed flashes at times and struggled at others. He filled in late during the season after Dawk was out with his neck injury. Bruton played well, showed better understanding and angles then in previous years plus some real speed. But the problem was some weeks he would tackle perfectly and the next game he would tackle terribly.

NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
David Bruton	18	2	20	0.0	0	2	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Bruton should be back next year and may even fight it out for a spot with Rahim but that at the moment for me that seems like a disastrous proposition. I expect an upgrade here, hopefully a veteran presence.

The defense as a whole played well for most of the season and helped propel this team into the playoffs. But for it to take the next step and become great it looks like we need an impact player at DL, MLB, CB and FS. One in each area of the defense. It will be interesting to see the direction EFX go with this and whether existing players come on. ~ Aussie.

Pro Bowl Post Game

2012-01-31T00:51:00.000-08:00

The Pro Bowl for the first time in awhile was an interesting or exciting game. There was no passion or desire in this game, no war at all. It was just the top talent that didn't make it to the Superbowl have some fun and throw the pigskin about and well it was entertaining. The final score was 59-41, a total of 100 points were scored! The AFC won the shoot out and once again showed the AFC has the better players (does this mean the Pats win the Superbowl?). This game resembled that of an college game. Where there is no defense and the offenses run wild and that was the case for most of this game. The 59 points by the AFC set a Pro Bowl mark, and the 100 points scored by the teams combined was the second highest, a touchdown shy of the 107 scored in 2004.

The NFC team took the early lead when Champ and Revis didn't bother to cover Fitzgerald on his two touchdowns. But then Brandon Marshall went into beast mode and caught 4 touchdown passes for a pro bowl record to give the AFC the lead. That plus the AFC defense tightening up a bit sealed the win for the AFC team.

Interesting to note Newton finished 9 of 27 for 186 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions, Tebow smiled at that.

Miller showing off his camera and Champ playing with his son (Sign that kid to a future contract!)

Broncos Players:

Six Broncos took part in the all-star game, and rookie Von Miller led the way on the defensive side of the ball, he had a team high six tackles and a sack. He should have had another one but he was not credited with the sack.

Champ Bailey recovered a fumble and made three tackles and Brian Dawkins chipped in two tackles for the winning AFC squad. It was good to see Dawkins still running around. I would like to see him back for another year.

Elvis Dumervil didn’t record any tackles in the game, he was too busy playing patty-cake with the O-Linemen.

On offense, Ryan Clady saw plenty of time along the offensive line, though most of it came at right tackle. Just like in Clady’s first Pro Bowl in 2010, the offensive linemen pick positions by seniority, so the fourth-year left tackle was pushed to the right side of the line.

Willis McGahee carried the ball four times for 23 yards, recording one catch for 20 more yards.

Actual there was 7 Broncos that took part in the all-star game. The other was not a player but the beloved red hot cheerleader Becky. Thanks for doing the Broncos proud.

That is it for now. I will have a few more review pieces in the coming days. ~ Aussie.

Broncos Hire Jack Del Rio for DC

2012-01-28T19:05:00.000-08:00

The Denver Broncos have hired former Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Jack Del Rio as their new Defensive Coordinator. This news comes shortly after Dennis Allen was chosen as the Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders. The defensive coordinator vacancy certainly didn't stay open for very long. Former Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Jack Del Rio, who worked with Head Coach John Fox in Carolina in 2002, agreed to terms to become the Broncos' next defensive coordinator on Friday.

He replaces Dennis Allen, who the Raiders named their next head coach. Del Rio also was in Mobile this week and spent some time visiting with Fox. Fox returned to Denver on Wednesday night, and negotiated with Del Rio and his representatives until reaching a deal Friday evening.

Del Rio, the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003 to 2011, held the defensive coordinator position under Head Coach John Fox in 2002 in Carolina.

"We are thrilled to be able to add such a well-respected defensive coach to our staff," Fox said. "He was an integral part of our turnaround on defense during my first year with the Panthers in 2002."

That year, Del Rio helped improve the Carolina defense, which ranked 31st in the league -- last at the time -- in 2001, to the NFL's second-best.

Del Rio continued that defensive success as a head coach in Jacksonville.

From the 2003 to 2010 seasons, the Jaguars defense ranked 10th in the NFL in total yards allowed and seventh in rushing yards allowed.

This past season in 2011, Jacksonville had the league's No. 6 overall defense, which ranked in the top 10 against both the pass and the run.

"His defenses with the Jaguars have ranked among the NFL's best, and we are excited he's a Bronco," Fox said.

Prior to his one-year stint in Carolina, Del Rio served as linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 1999 to 2001, helping the team win Super Bowl XXXV. He coached a linebacker corps that included Peter Boulware, Jamie Sharper and Ray Lewis, who was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2000 under Del Rio's tutelage.

Del Rio began his coaching career in 1997 with the New Orleans Saints -- also where he began his 11-year NFL playing career -- as assistant strength coach, serving as linebackers coach in 1998.

In addition to playing for the Saints, Del Rio spent time with Dallas, Kansas City and Minnesota during his playing career.

Fox loves familiarity: Fox closed the deal so quickly with Del Rio that there wasn’t time to find other candidates. Clearly, Fox focused on his former assistant as soon as Allen took the Oakland job. That means Fox is confident in his new choice.

More experience than Allen: Allen, 39, got the Oakland job after one year’s experience as the Broncos coordinator. Del Rio, 48 and coming off nine seasons as a head coach, is much more seasoned.

Recruiting means something: Even though Denver improved as a defense under Allen, it still needs to reload. Perhaps Del Rio will turn for help to a pair of defensive ends he coached in Jacksonville — Matt Roth and Jeremy Mincey, both free agents.

Also on Friday, the team hired Luke Richesson as its head strength and conditioning coach to replace Rich Tuten. Richesson spent the last three years in the same position with the Jaguars.

Jack Del Rio DIo

Age: 48. Born April 4, 1963, in Castro Valley, Calif.

High school: Football and baseball star at Hayward (Calif.) High School.

College: All-America linebacker at USC, runner-up for 1984 Lombardi Award, MVP of 1985 Rose Bowl.

NFL playing career: Saints selected Del Rio in the third round of the 1985 draft. Played 11 seasons for Saints, Chiefs, Cowboys and Vikings.

NFL coaching career: Saints hired Del Rio as strength coach in 1997. Ravens linebackers coach 1999-2001. Panthers defensive coordinator 2002 under head coach John Fox. Jaguars head coach 2003-11 (68-71 record).

Defense Record

Year	Position	Team	YDS	Y/RANK	YDS/G	PASSING	RUSHING	P/G	PTS/RANK
2002	DC	PANTHERS	4646	2	290.4	187.1	103.3	18.9	5
2003	HC	JAGS	4657	6	291.1	203.2	87.3	20.7	18
2004	HC	JAGS	5134	11	320.9	184.2	111.1	17.5	7
2005	HC	JAGS	4655	6	290.9	184.1	106.8	16.8	6
2006	HC	JAGS	4538	2	283.6	192.4	91.3	17.1	3
2007	HC	JAGS	5021	12	313.8	213.5	100.3	19.0	10
2008	HC	JAGS	5295	17	329.4	234.5	94.9	22.9	21
2009	HC	JAGS	5637	22	352.3	235.9	116.4	23.8	23
2010	HC	JAGS	5949	28	371.8	250.3	121.6	26.2	27
2011	HC	JAGS	5008	6	313.0	208.8	104.2	20.6	10

That's it from me, enjoy the pro bowl. ~ Aussie

DC Dennis Allen hired by Raiders

2012-01-25T00:39:00.000-08:00

The Oakland Raiders agreed to hire Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as their next coach, league sources said Tuesday night.

NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported earlier Tuesday that the Raiders were close to finalizing a deal with Allen, who now becomes the NFL's youngest head coach at 39 years and 124 days old.

New Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, who's at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., told Comcast SportsNet Bay Area earlier in the day that he had scheduled a Tuesday night interview with Allen but hadn't yet made a final decision.

Allen will be the first defensive-oriented Raiders coach since John Madden was hired before the 1969 season. Oakland likely wanted a defensive mind after ranking 29th in total defense this season.

In his first season as coordinator in Denver, Allen helped the Broncos improve from allowing an NFL-worst 29.4 points and 390.8 yards per game to rank 20th in yards (357.8) and 24th in points (24.4) this season on the way to an AFC West title.

Cornerback Champ Bailey was visibly disappointed Tuesday upon learning that his defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, had agreed to become coach of the AFC West rival Oakland Raiders.

"It will be another coordinator," Bailey said when told of the news at the Pro Bowl. "... I might sound a little selfish. I'm happy for him, don't get me wrong. At the same time, I'm thinking about our team. That's another change for us."

When the Broncos hire Allen's replacement, it will be their sixth defensive coordinator since Bailey joined the team in 2004. It also will be Denver's fifth defensive coordinator in a five-year span (Bob Slowik, Mike Nolan, Don "Wink" Martindale, Allen).

Bailey was effusive in his praise of Allen, describing the coach as "intense." Allen, who the Broncos brought over from the New Orleans Saints before the season, was a big part of the Denver defense's emergence.

"He knew how to get us ready," Bailey said. "I give him a lot of credit for the success we had this year.

"(He's) serious about the business," Bailey added. "He's one of the most intense coaches I've had. It was a pleasure working with him. You knew what he was going to bring you every day."

Now Bailey and his teammates will be tasked with facing their former coach twice per year, a prospect that didn't seem to overly excite the cornerback.

"I know what type of team he's going to have," Bailey said. "Very intense, hard-nosed, tough. That's the way he is. That's what I expect his team to be."

Von Miller wondered how the Raiders' move would affect his play next season -- "He knows me," the Broncos' rookie linebacker said -- but he shared Bailey's view that Oakland made a good hire.

"First and foremost, they're getting a guy that's going to come in right away, and he's going to get it done," Miller said. "That's what he did for us. He came in, he laid out a plan for us, he told us, 'This is how we're going to do it, and this will work,' and that's what happened. We improved our defense an incredible amount. It was a night and day team from a year before.

"I think he'll do the same thing with the Oakland Raiders."

(Per NFL.com)

Then there was this new that came out of the senior bowl, click here. So there has been some speculation that ex-Jags coach Jack Del Rio is a possibility, and Dave Krieger says current Denver LB coach Richard Smith is another option. Del Rio was the Carolina DC for one season under Fox in 2002 before taking the head job in Jacksonville, while Smith has been a DC in Miami (2005) and Houston (2006-08).

So my thoughts....

And....

And this is what I think of the Raiders....link (I had to link this one)

But hey what can you do, hopefully Allen returns to us at some point and doesn't make the Raiders into a power house. I think it is a bit of a slap in the face but Fox is a guy that let's his coordinators seek out promotions. The way I see it is Allen was signed on a multi-year contract to fix the Broncos defense and get this team to the Superbowl. In that way he is leaving a half finished job and failed in his position. I don't know, I guess I am bitter. Either way I look forward to making fun of you twice a year. ~ Aussie

Broncos 2011 Review: Offense

2012-01-19T02:43:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Broncos offense was the tale of two stories, or really two Quarterbacks, Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow. With each taking a turn at the position the team went in slightly different directions, one preferring the pass and the other wanted to run. The Broncos had a productive year gaining over 5000 yards of total offense. That was mainly due to the number 1 ranked rushing attack that the Broncos put together once Tebow took the reins. The Broncos passing game on the other hand wasn't very good, especially when you look at these stats knowing that guys like Brees, Brady and Stafford went over 5000 yards passing by themselves.

The Broncos passing stats look like the following. In total between the two quarterbacks 429 passes well attended and only 217 passes were completed. That is a percentage of 50.6% of passes being completed. On those passes the Broncos gained 2434 yards at an average of 6.3 yards a catch and 152.1 yards a game. Definitely not the prettiest stats. The longest pass of the season went for 56 yards. The Quarterbacks threw 20 touchdowns and 13 intercepts on the year, not bad numbers. But the worst one was the amount of sacks that we took over the course of the year. In total the quarterbacks were knocked over 42 times for a lose of 274 yards. This will need to improve if we want to keep the QBs healthy.

The run game looks much nicer compared to the passing numbers. Over the season 546 run plays were called for a total of 2632 yards and an average 4.8 yards per carry (not to shabby). The longest run was for 60 yards and we had a running play go over 20+ yards 20 times this year. The big stat for me is that we averaged 164.5 yards a game this season which is an amazing total. We only managed 11 touchdowns on the ground though which I would hope improves next season. With these stats the backs also had 11 fumbles, 7 of which were lost. The backs will have to do a better job holding onto the ball next year.

Finally there are the receivers and their stats are of course very similar to the passing stats. The key stats to note are the total receiving yards which were 2708 (doesn't include yards lost for sacks as the passing does) for an average of 12.5 yards a reception. 20+ yard passes were completed 36 times and they averaged 169.3 yards a game which is a surprising low number, compared to the 249.2 yards our opponents averaged against us. The receivers also had 6 fumbles and lost 3, again hold onto the ball! The receivers managed to pick up 1010 yards after the catch but this is low compared to our opponents number of 1899 or is this a poor reflection on our defense?

The Broncos gained a total of 286 first downs this year, 129 by rushing, 130 by passing and 27 by penalty. They had 214 third down attempts and converted 66 of them at a 30.8%, this surprising isn't a bad number compared to the opponents 218 attended,73 made at 33.5%. One big area for improvement next season is in the penalty department. The Broncos were penalized 101 times for 842 yards. That is pretty much 8 and a half touchdowns given up by penalties. I would like to see this number halved next season.

There is some good and some bad here but there is definitely room for improvement on the offense for the 2012 season.

Individual Stats

Tim Tebow

Tebow had a good year starting most of the games for the Broncos and winning a lot of them. His passing numbers are not pretty but acceptable. They are as follows:

NAME	ATT	COMP	PCT	YDS	AVG	YDS/G	LONG	TD	TD%	INT	INT%	SACK	YDSL	RATE
Tim Tebow	271	126	46.5	1729	6.4	107.4	56	12	4.4	6	2.2	33	225	72.9

Tebow's completion percentage was only 46.5 percent of his passes which is pretty low. He will need to get that up about 10 more points before I am happy with it. He needs to aim for 55% next season. Because of this his average yards a game suffered and so did the amount of passing touchdowns. What he did do well was protect the ball and not throw intercepts. Over 11.5 games he only had 6 intercepts and this compared to Orton's 7 over 4.5 games it is a good number. His QB rating of 72.9 is also nice compared to Orton's 75.7. Tebow also had 33 sacks which is about 3.3 a game where as Orton had 9 at about 2 a game. This I think is the reason why Orton had more intercepts then Tebow as he tried to get rid of the ball where as Tebow protected it. I think it was a good decision to change to Tebow. But there is massive room for Tebow to grow throwing the ball next year.

Tebow also had a really good year running the football. His stats are below:

NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	20+	TD	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	1DN
Tim Tebow	122	660	5.4	32	5	6	47.1	6	2	35

Tebow's 660 yards were second on the team but he did lead the team with 6 touchdowns compared to McGahee's 4. His 5.4 yard average was also really good. His biggest problem is holding onto the ball, he had 6 fumbles and lost 2, improvement is needed in this area.

Kyle 'Fainting Goat' Orton

Orton had a rough start to the year and didn't have the nicest stats, check them out:

NAME	ATT	COMP	PCT	YDS	AVG	YDS/G	LONG	TD	TD%	INT	INT%	SACK	YDSL	RATE
Kyle Orton	155	91	58.7	979	6.3	186.0	52	8	5.2	7	4.5	9	49	75.7

NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	20+	TD	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	1DN
Kyle Orton	5	17	3.4	13	0	0	3.4	0	0	2

Orton's 58.7% completion rate is where we want Tebow to get too with the ball. Orton was I say average if not OK as QB for this team, what did him in is the 7 intercepts in 4.5 games, Foxy didn't like that.

Willis McGahee

Had a great bounce back year and topped the rushing numbers for the Broncos.

NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	20+	TD	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	1DN
Willis McGahee	249	1199	4.8	60	10	4	79.9	3	3	52

His 4.8 yard average was very solid. He only had 4 touchdowns though, I would like to see him get some more. Plus get rid of those fumbles, having 3 and losing all 3 is bad.

His receiving number are also interesting, he didn't do much in total but when you realize he only had one completion from Tebow over those 11 games it makes you wonder what changed.

Lance 'Drops' Ball

Ball had a productive year on the ground as the number 2 after Knowshon went down.

NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	20+	TD	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	1DN
Lance Ball	96	402	4.2	34	2	1	25.1	1	1	25

NAME	REC	TAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	20+	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	YAC	1DN
Lance Ball	16	32	148	9.3	1	34	1	9.3	1	1	130	8

He had a solid average of 4.2 yards a carry and even got himself a touchdown. His receiver numbers were ok, but a RB that is targeted 32 times and only gets 16 catches is a not pretty. For example the Patriots game, was either 2 or 3 down he gets a check down pass thrown his way for the easy first but it bounces right off his hands. This happens too much for Ball and is one area I know Knowshon can improve for this team.

Spencer Larsen

The Storming Mormon, I think is under used in this offense. He has great hands and can run the football. Plus he was one of our best blockers this year. I hope to see him kept around for a few more years.

NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	20+	TD	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	1DN
Spencer Larsen	14	44	3.1	6	0	0	2.8	0	0	3

Jeremiah Johnson

3rd string running back that only saw limited action towards the end of the season but I would like to see more of him, he just seems electric.

NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	20+	TD	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	1DN
Jeremiah Johnson	14	77	5.5	25	1	0	9.6	0	0	4

Eric Decker

Was the top receiver for the Broncos this year. His number don't look impressive, none of the Broncos receivers do but they all did some nice things.

NAME	REC	TAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	20+	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	YAC	1DN
Eric Decker	44	95	612	13.9	8	56	9	38.3	1	1	188	29

For Decker I love that he got 8 touchdowns this year. I think he is a big possession receiver that can be moved around a lot. But he will need to fix his stone hands that he ended the season with. He also had one carry, one incomplete pass and a punt return for a touchdown.

Demaryius Thomas

He didn't play the first half of the season due to injury but he came on really strong the second half of the year and in the post season.

NAME	REC	TAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	20+	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	YAC	1DN
Demaryius Thomas	32	70	551	17.2	4	47	9	50.1	0	0	112	24

There is a lot of room for Thomas to grow next season and I would like too see his TD numbers improve. He is a big strong target in the endzone

Brandon Lloyd

Played only the first half of the season but still had better numbers then Royal did all year. I think he is the veteran presence that our current corp lacks.

NAME	REC	TAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	20+	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	YAC	1DN
Brandon Lloyd	19	33	283	14.9	0	44	5	70.8	1	0	49	15

Matt Willis

Didn't get overly involved in the passing attack this year and was the 4th receiver on the roster, even he did better than Royal.

NAME	REC	TAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	20+	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	YAC	1DN
Matt Willis	18	36	267	14.8	1	42	3	16.7	0	0	99	15

Again more TDs and getting more involved next season is a must or he will be replaced.

Daniel Fells

The only tight end to do anything significant this season.

NAME	REC	TAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	20+	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	YAC	1DN
Daniel Fells	19	31	256	13.5	3	32	4	16.0	2	1	88	13

He did have 3 touchdowns this year but I expect the return of JT and improvement from Green will mean Fells becomes an after thought.

Eddie 'Jam Me' Royal

Oh Royal what has happened to thou.

NAME	REC	TAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	20+	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	YAC	1DN
Eddie Royal	19	49	155	8.2	1	26	1	12.9	0	0	69	8

NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	20+	TD	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	1DN
Eddie Royal	7	48	6.9	11	0	0	4.0	0	0	3

Royal's numbers are bulimic, he really should do better as the oldest receiver on the roster. I don't know what has made him disappear this year but I do know he has struggled since last season to get off the jam/press. He needs to improve and take a normal sized contract if he wants to stay, but I doubt it, I don't expect him to be around come April.

The Big 5:

It is pretty hard to get statistics on these guys but I will say this I am really happy with their progress.

Ryan "Hold'em" Clady

Clady has talent, top ten talent but I think he lacks a bit of confidence. I think he still is a bit worried about that knee and this lead to a lot of holding calls on Clady. Hopefully with another full offseason he is more confident in himself going forward and he cleans up those penalties. Plus grow your hair back dude, you need that badassery back.

Zane 'Puller' Beadles

The amount of times I heard people say Beadles was a great puller I still can't believe I laugh everytime. For this reason alone he should be kept in the starting line-up. For most of the season he was the weak link in the offensive line but there is always one. He is an above-average guard that plays at a slightly lower level then the guys around him, but there is still improvement this is only his second year.

JD 'Trash Can' Walton

The Trash Can for me is the most improved player along the offensive line. He did look bad occasionally when he didn't get much help from Beadles but his play usually was top notch. The one thing I did notice is he struggled a little with NTs right over the top of him. He will need to get better dealing with these dudes and pushing the DL back. The difference from year one to year two was amazing and I am happy to kept him as our starter going forward.

Chris 'Franklin is a big motherf***er who can mess your leg up, can I play left guard?' Kuper

I hope he comes back at 100% as he is the leader of this squad and one of our best players. Also a big shout out to Russ for stepping up in the final few games after Kuper went down.

Orlando Franklin

The Big O didn't start the year off great in the passing game but improved out of sight over the year. There is still improvement to be made but he really took to the coaching and improved to the point that I am happy to keep him at RT.

In conclusion a very young group of offensive players that really only can get better. Hopefully with an offseason together and a bit of chemistry made this Broncos offense can produce big things in 2012. ~ Aussie.

Broncos Blog: Offseason Program

2012-01-17T01:22:00.000-08:00

With the Broncos season ending over the weekend by the Patriots it is time for the Broncos front office to turn to matters of the business side of the organization. There are a number of key events coming up for the FO and for us to follow along with. But first a look at current news events.

News:

The Broncos announced the signing of nine players to future contracts on Monday. Those players include all eight practice squad members — DE Jeremy Beal, T Adam Grant, TE Cornelius Ingram, RB Xavier Omon, WR Greg Orton, DT Sealver Siliga, WR Tim Toone and QB Adam Weber.

In addition to the eight practice squad members, the team also announced the signing of wide receiver Tyler Grisham. Grisham spent the 2010 and ‘11 seasons on Pittsburgh’s practice squad after appearing in four games with the Steelers in ‘09, catching one pass for 14 yards.

Pro Football Weekly and the Professional Football Writers of America announced their annual All-Rookie team on Monday. Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (named as a safety, they had to get him on the team some how) and linebacker Von Miller represented Denver on the squad. This is what they had to say about the two:

Miller, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft from Texas A&M, tied the Broncos’ rookie sack record with 11.5 quarterback takedowns on his way to becoming just the second rookie in club history to be named to the Pro Bowl. His 11.5 sacks tied for ninth in the NFL and his 64 tackles were fifth-most on the Broncos.

Harris, who was signed by the Broncos as a college free agent out of Kansas, finished the regular season ranked fourth on the team with 65 tackles. He also intercepted one pass and broke up six others. Harris was the team’s nickel cornerback for the majority of the season, but was selected to the All-Rookie team as a safety.

Check out these videos of the Broncos. First is the two parts of today's press conference, here is part 1 and part 2. The last video is of the players talking in the locker room, Champ is so chill and awesome.

And finally the big news. Last week, it was learnt that the Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy was being interviewed for the Jaguars head coaching position and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was being interviewed for the Rams vacant position.

Recently we learnt McCoy is now interviewing for Miami's head coaching position. The Broncos worst for first season in the AFC West has drawn a lot of attention to them including their coaches. There are a lot of head coaching positions available this off-season and John Fox has always been the kind of coach that allows his assistants to leave for a better job.

However, more news broke recently by Adam Schefter that both McCoy and Allen are scheduled to interview with the Raiders for the head coaching position after the firing of Hue Jackson. Hopefully neither agree to any position as they will be big parts of next season.

Broncos Blog Program:

There are a number of events leading up to the free agency period in the second week of March.

Honor Wall

First for us is the voting for the top 5 Broncos players to appear on the Broncos Blog Honor Wall. I am taking Nominations for players that you think are deserving to be considered in the top 5 for the Broncos. I will then put the nominations in a poll to be voted on for the next month. The top 5 voted players will appear on the honor wall until re-voting is done the middle of next year.

On the honor wall at the moment are:
Tim Tebow
Willis McGahee
Brian Dawkins
Champ Bailey
Von Miller

Since Dawkins didn't play much to end the season he very well could be replaced. But will the others lose their positions? It is up to you.

Season Review

I would like to do a number of review pieces on this past season to better understand what we did this year and our weaknesses. What positions need to be addressed and where our strengths lie. I am also looking for volunteers to help me out with these pieces. If you see something you like or are interested in doing let me know. The pieces are as follows:

Offense

This piece will take a look at the offense and how it did this year. How the starters played this year, what they achieved and what they need to do better next year. This will be a long piece.

Defence

Same as the offense. This piece will take a look at the defense and how it did this year. How the starters played this year, what they achieved and what they need to do better next year. This will be a long piece.

Special Teams

Same as the offense and defense. This piece will take a look at the Special Teams and how it did this year. How the starters played this year, what they achieved and what they need to do better next year. This will be a short piece.

Coaching and Staff

This piece will take a look at the big three coaches. Fox, McCoy and Allen. It will take a look at how they did in their positions and what they achieved. Along with these three this piece will also look at Elway and Xanders and their year. This article will be of medium length.

Free Agency and Trades

This article will look at the players we acquired in Free Agency and Trades. It will look at how they did this year and what we expect/plan for them next season. This will be a short piece.

Draft Picks

This article will look at the players we acquired in the draft. It will look at how they did this year and what we expect/plan for them next season. This will be a short piece.

QB Play - Tim Tebow

This post will take a deeper look into the quarter back play of the Broncos over last season. Mainly focusing on Tebow, but if you/I am game it may include the play from Orton. This probably will be a long piece.

There you have it, again if any of them interest you let me know.

Key Dates:

The next few months are busy busy for the Broncos.

This week is the East-West game and next week is the Senior Bowl. This will be the first chance to have a look at some of the prospects for the upcoming draft.

Three Broncos will be playing in the Pro Bowl this year.

Following this there is the combine at the end of February where we will get a really good look at all the prospects.

In March free agency beings where we will be able to sign, resign and trade players. It will be interesting to see how this plays out since last year the draft was before FA.

April is OTAs and the Draft. I will be doing Aussie's Big Board and Mock draft again like last year and will be running the Broncos Blog draft competition.

Then of course next season starts.

As always we will be here to follow along, analyze and discuss all Bronco news.

Busy days ahead, I hope you all enjoy ~ Aussie

Divisional Week: Broncos Vs Patriots

2012-01-12T00:21:00.000-08:00

Hello Broncos Country! Have you all come back down to earth after the great victory at Mile High? Most likely not I think, probably still in a state of shock and awe. I know I was the last few days and I didn't even see the game live! But it was a great feeling to see the boys stick it to all the doubters, people that didn't believe in us, didn't even think we would score a touchdown. Big props go to the Coaching staff for getting the guys prepped and ready to go with a solid game plan. They played hard all game long and fought to the very end. And we all know what happened in overtime. A play which I am going to call 'The Pass'. Why? because it captures everything about the haters and what people said about Tebow and this team. That Tebow can't pass, is inaccurate, he won't be able to complete a pass on the 1# ranked pass defense. As we know Tebow and the Broncos proved every doubter wrong. Everyone will remember where they were when Tebow completed 'The Pass' to put not just himself but the Broncos on the map.

But the season is not over, with the win the Broncos progress to the divisional round to face the Patriots. We are on the road again and heading to Foxborough for this clash. As you probably remember the Broncos played the Patriots during the regular season where we were beaten by a score of 41-23. Most people outside Broncos fans thought that the Patriots thoroughly dominated us in that game which could not be further from the truth. The Broncos went up early and were dominating on the ground. But three fumbles in a row would turn the tide of the game. The Patriots managed to convert those turnovers into points and get back into the game and by that stage the life had gone out of the Broncos. The second half was just a wash as the Patriots had already won. The Broncos had lost all momentum and confidence in themselves and it would take them a further three weeks to get out of their funk. The Patriots should be a little concerned with this match up.

It was also interesting that after the last game Brady said to Tebow "Maybe we will see you again" That is where the below picture comes from and I added the caption. Now let's go out and do it!

With the win over the Steelers the life and passion has returned to the Broncos and they are starting to believe in greatest. But I am a little concerned. It is something that is known as 'playing their Superbowl'. Have the Broncos played their Superbowl, have we peaked too soon? I say yes and no. Yes because the Steelers game was so emotion for the team and everyone involved. We will be hard pressed to reach that level of emotion again (especially away from home). There is also the desire, hopefully the players don't think they have done enough and gone into offseason mode. They still need the will to win and the desire to win. These things I worry the Broncos can't reach again and that they had peaked too early. I say No because I can still see improvement in this team. We didn't play a perfect game against the Steelers. We can get better passing, running the ball and playing defense (We gave up over 400 yards against the Steelers). We can not play so conservative in the 3rd quarter. We can get better and that is scary when you think of the possibilities. But to beat the Patriots we probably need a perfect game. So I ask for just one more game, this should be our peak. (Well I think it will be at least)

Then there is the return of McD. People say he won't be much of an advantage to the Patriots but then why were they in such a hurry to have him start this week? This won't provide much motivation for the team but maybe a few players that McD gave 'special treatment' too that want to return the favour. They will be a little more pumped for this game. It is interesting to note that some people are coming around to the idea that McD isn't that bad, what with the evolution of some of his key picks into good players. I will say this McD was a good coach and had a vision for this team but I disliked him as a person (The disliking him as a person is what causes people to think he was an idiot). He left this team in a good position with key players that we wouldn't have made the playoffs without.

Match Ups

First lets being with the defense. I will say this now I really like our defense now then I did last time we played the Patriots. We now have a few more pieces I will say are key to this game.

The first is 36# Bush S/CB who really played a good game against the Steelers. He is now playing as the Dime CB and he has surprising good coverage skills. (When you think about the return of guys like Squid and Vaughn I really like our Secondary next year). Bush is a safety by trade but was excellent in his coverage on TE Miller taking him out of the game. With him, Goodman, Champ and Harris I think we can hold down the Patriots weapons. Add in Bruton, Carter and Woodyard and I think we can finally cover all the Patriots can throw at us. Last time we were always leaving one man get free because of the lack of good cover guys. That hopefully I think has been solved.

The other key piece for me is the emergence of Ayers and the return of Miller. Miller I think has come to grips with his issues having the cast and has confidence back in his ability. He was sorely missed last time we played the Pats. Then there is Ayers who I think is key to this game. He played great last week against the Steelers and picked up two sacks. Also it was funny to note that all the media sites were reporting that Ayers had 'Doubled' his season total. Ayers actual finished the year with 3 sacks. I mentioned in last weeks preview that I thought pretty much everyone missed the sack Ayers had on Orton in the Chiefs game. I guess I was right. The reason I think for Ayers explosion last week was he was finally let off the leash. I would not be surprised if Ayers's primary assignment was to read run first then rush the passer. Being one of our best run defenders and that he had the rookie Miller outside him, who struggled to set the edge in the run game all year, that his first read would be run. Against the Steelers the Broncos players said that Allen was sending 'the kitchen sink' at Berger all day long. This new freedom I think let Ayers attack the line looking for sacks and not playing the run as much. (Also probably the reason why Redman got 112 yards on 17 carries.) The reason I think this is key for this weeks game is you can't send 5-6 guys regularly against the Patriots. They have too many weapons, you need those guys to cover. When Allen was asked about the kitchen sink comment and what he would do against the Patriots he responded saying he was going to be sending 'everything including the garbage disposal'. I for one am not a fan of sending everyone against Tom Brady (maybe to being the game but not for the whole 60 mins). I like what the Giants did against the Patriots in the Superbowl. Play dominate at the LOS with your front four and occasion send a fifth blitzer. I am hoping with the emergence of Ayers that him, Bunk, Thomas and Doom will be enough to get after Brady. Add in a few creative blitzes with Miller and hopefully we can but Brady on the turf. That allows us to drop 6-7 guys into coverage preventing Brady from finding the open man. It will be up to these 5 guys to do the number on Brady because if we have to send any more than that we have already lost.

Another issue with sending helps of blitzes at Brady is the Patriots have a good screen game (though McD tried to demolish it with his last stay at the Patriots and with his return will it be a none factor?) The Superbowl the Patriots played against the Eagles who blitzed on a lot of plays were beaten by the Patriots screen game. (Some how the Patriots managed to call a screen on pretty much every play the Eagles blitzed, I wonder how....) If we send to many against the Patriots Brady will quickly dump it off and beat us that way.

I also doubt the Patriots pull a fast one and try to run heaps. But a few draw plays will probably happen to offset the pressure.

If we can cause their offense to turn the ball over a few times the W in the win column will be easy to put up.

Enough on the defense time for some offense. The Patriots D isn't very good, they have a solid middle but not much else. The one thing we CAN NOT do is TURN the BALL OVER. If we give Brady the ball too much he will beat us.

The Patriots will probably back off a bit compared to the Steelers and be more wary of that deep ball. So we run, run and run some more. A health dose of McGahee (who wasn't healthy in our last game against the Patriots) and a few carries by JJ (I think Johnson could tear up the Pats) we should be sweet, but for the love of the holy spirit don't turn the ball over. When we do pass send someone long to spread the defense out and then hit those slants and crossing routes. It is time to get those TEs involved more.

Now Tebow, oh sweet, sweet Tebow. Keep it up buddy. Against the Steelers I really think he started to come into his own. He throw the play into tight windows and let his receivers make a play. I want more of the same, maybe pop that completion percentage up into the 50s but I think you will do just fine, but keep that intensity burning. Now was the game against the Steelers the game I keep talking about where Tebow blows it up? 10 completions for 300+ yards? I say no, that is a regular game for a QB. When Tebow blows up a game you will know, 20+ completion and 400+ yards is blowing it up. But he did blow our minds with that final play of the game.

Speaking of which, Thomas has some serious speed....especially for a guy that torn his Achilles which is usually a career killer for skill position players. Nice job being patient and doing your rehab correctly to get back to 100%.

Inside slant

The last time these teams met, the match-up was closer than the final score would indicate. Denver pummeled the Patriots on the ground in the first half; things turned only when the Broncos started fumbling, forcing them to try to play catch-up. The Patriots also won't have Andre Carter this time around. Demaryius Thomas will be a handful for any Pats corner that lines up opposite him, though the loss of Eric Decker limits Denver's options. Eddie Royal in the screen game could be key.

Oh, did I mention Tim Tebow yet? Yeah, he's playing, too. I have a feeling that on the road, we'll see even more of the read-option, given Tebow's accuracy issues. New England's defense isn't nearly as punishing as Pittsburgh's, but dropping back to pass more than 15-20 times in an away game invites danger.

Denver linebacker Von Miller looked better last week than he has in a month, even with that club still on his hand. He seems to be adjusting to it, and New England's older, beat-up offensive line will have a real test here. I don't think Brady will be quite as comfortable as he'd like to be. This smells like a ballgame to me, folks, and you just never know how long Denver will be able to keep conjuring up that Tebow magic. If the pass rush is going, those screens and little slants to Wes Welker off the three-step drop will be Brady's best friend.

Prediction

Oh it is that time again the prediction. This game will be close and I would expect nothing less. The Patriots are a veteran team that have done this all before. They will push the Broncos right to the end. I do think we can win this game but it will require the Broncos to play a flawless almost prefect game to beat the Patriots. So with that said about 50+ points will be scored in this game with the Broncos taking home the victory, probably in overtime (which we are automatic in, 4-0 so far this season). 28-21, Broncos win, now TAKE IT!!!

Injury Report

David Bruton (S), Achilles, Limited
Brian Dawkins (S), Neck, DNP
Eric Decker (WR), Knee, DNP
Elvis Dumervil (DE), Ankle, Limited
Daniel Fells (TE), Ankle, Limited
Von Miller (LB), Thumb, Full
Lonie Paxton (LS), Personal, DNP

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Kyle Love (DT), Non Injury Related, DNP
Kyle Arrington (CB), Foot, Limited
Patrick Chung (S), Foot, Limited
Dan Connolly (C), Groin, Limited
Julian Edelman (WR), Back, Limited
Dane Fletcher (LB), Thumb, Limited
James Ihedigbo (S), Shoulder, Limited
Matt Light (T) Ankle, Limited
Logan Mankins (G), Knee, Limited
Devin McCourty (CB), Shoulder, Limited
Rob Ninkovich (LB), Hip, Limited
Matthew Slater (WR), Shoulder, Limited
Brandon Spikes (LB), Knee, Limited
Sebastian Vollmer (OT), Back/Foot, Limited
Wes Welker (WR), Knee, Limited
Tracy White (LB), Abdomen, Limited
Tom Brady (QB), Shoulder, Full

Other News

Tebow set a twitter record with over 9000 posts a second

Tebow is ESPN poll's favorite athlete or most popular, whatever, people like Tebow!

DT needs an optimus prime nickname, can you help us out?

Ladies

A few of the Patriots lovelys.

Jokes

Q: Why is Patriots player Rodney Harrison perfect for a broadcasting job with NBC?
A: Anyone who has played with Bill Belichick knows a thing or two about being in front of a camera!

Youtube Funny

That is it from me, I will be watching this game live as it is a Sunday for me with a few of my boys, let's Go Broncos! ~ Aussie

Wildcard Week: Broncos Vs Steelers

2012-01-05T01:22:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time coming but our Broncos are finally returning to the playoffs. But it will be against a very familiar opponent in the Pittsburgh Steelers. These teams have faced off 6 times in the playoffs and have ended each others playoff hopes in the past. The current record between these two team's stands at 3-3 a piece. The Steelers finished the season with a 12-4 record and are only playing in the Wild card round because the Ravens who are also in the Steelers division finished with a 12-4 record but won out on the tiebreakers. The Ravens managed to claim the second seed and do not play this week. Last week the Steelers played the Browns and managed to sneak out a win after not being able to do much for the majority of the game. They do come into this game with a number of key injuries but they have the experience factor on their side.

On the other hand our Broncos finished the year with a 8-8 record and lost their previous three games to enter the playoffs. (Note that the Texans also finished the year with three loses and that the Saints also did this then won a Superbowl) In recent weeks we have struggled to move the ball and have had too many turnovers. But this is the playoffs! What happens in the regular season really means nothing now (it is a good foundation to build off though). We have been invited to the dance and it is up to us to rise to the occasion. Two teams play and only one can win, 50-50, I like those odds. Now it is up to the Broncos to.....TAAAKKKKE IIIIIITTT!

There is some bad blood (mainly between the fans) between these two teams even though they don't play that often. The main reason for this is the fact that the Steelers some how manage to fill out Mile High with their own fans. Hopefully the Broncos ticket holders will hold onto their tickets and show up in force. (Why don't we ban the terrible towel at the ground?) The other reason is like I said before these two have been known to knock one another out of the playoffs.

Match Ups

First we have to look at the Defense and the task that is ahead of them. The Steelers have a good receiving core with a nice amount of speed. The three main targets are Mike Wallace, Hines Ward and Antonio Brown. Wallace I think will be Champ's assignment for this week. Champ needs to limit the big pass to Wallace. (The Steelers love the play action, go deep pass) I am a little worried about Ward, he doesn't have much left and isn't a threat to take it all the way but Chris Harris will have his hands full covering him. If I am correct Ward plays the slot with Wallace and Brown on the outside or does he rotate around with Brown (probably both). That leaves Goodman and Brown. I am most worried about this match up as Goodman has struggled with speedy receivers that can get behind him. I expect to see Goodman give a big cushion and a lot of short passes completed in front of him.

With Mendenhall out with an knee injury it will fall to the backups to carry the load. I watched the Browns-Steelers game last week while I was watching the Broncos game. (It was on locate TV while I was on the computer) I got to say I was impressed with Redman. He seemed to keep plugging away and picking up nice yardage. I do think we can stop the Steelers run game but the D-Line will need to be physical going up against a good Steelers line. Mays also needs to be physical and a force in the run game because he can't cover. Miller if you play on run downs make sure to set the edge correctly.

The RapistBerger did seem to struggle with his passing in the game but got it together towards the end of the game. He does limp around but I am unsure of which ankle it is, whether it is his front or back foot. Either way he struggles to set his feet and transfer the weight between them as he passes. Though if you make him move he does seem to get the ball out better. We need to keep him in the pocket and make him step up. Hopefully we can get some pressure on the outside. Von Doom need to get some pressure on Berger and ruin his day. Also did you notice that Ayers had a sack last week? Almost everyone missed it.

Now for the offense, oh our lonely offense.

For our running backs I want more of the same. McGahee needs to carry this offense but I would like to see him get into the endzone. I has still want to see more from Johnson, he seems electric with the football, like last week I would like to see him get 5-10 carries and spell McGahee not Ball.

It is a bummer Larsen is out because he has some skills when used correctly. Look at last week he goes up makes a catch and holds onto the ball even with his legs are getting destroyed in the process. Larsen is a keeper. The question is who will replace him? Are we going to active Sylvester for the game?

Now for the wide outs and tight ends. This is the most IMPORTANT part of the preview for me. What I want to see or the game plan for me (even if it is only for the first series) is that we go 5 wide. From the shot gun go 5 wide. With 4 WRs and a TE or 3 WRs and 2 TEs. Some have said use Quinn to pass, change it up, the Steelers won't expect it. What the Steelers won't expect is the Broncos go 5 wide with no running back, we are a running team after all. This is also how the Packers beat the Steelers to win a Superbowl (Also was what the Broncos did against the Falcons in Superbowl 33 to completely throw them off as they thought TD was coming) and it is the reason the Broncos may win. With Ryan Clark ruled out for this game (and happens to be the better cover safety) this doesn't allow for Polamalu to roam the field. It also means that a backup safety will be playing. So spread them out and attack the third and fourth string CBs or the backup safety. Doing this we can create a number of mismatches in the passing game and get guys like Ninja Willis and Royal more involved. Plus if we move Decker inside every now and then it will help him get off the line clean and make some plays. Also if we were ever going to use TEs this would be the game for it as they can create mismatches against the Steelers linebackers in the 3-4. This idea has worked before and I think it would work for the Broncos.

The key to it's success though is on Tebow. But this should also free up the receivers, get them more open for some easy completions to hopefully get Tebow in a rhythm. I see a lot of benefit from it.

Now for Tebow himself. Tebow needs to grow a pair for this one. He needs to flat out start balling if the Broncos want to win. Complete passes and don't turn the ball over, that is all I ask. 50% completion rate and no turnovers. If he can do this I think we can win. Plus I am still waiting for that break out game.

Special Teams, the one area I haven't mentioned before. Prater, Colquitt....more of the same please. As for the coverage teams just do your jobs and maintain good field position. I can now breathe a sigh of relief because McCarthy is no longer on our team.

Prediction

The main part, who do I think is going to win. If you had been following I have been saying all week if Dawkins plays we will win, if Dawkins can play all the remaining games of the year we will win the Superbowl (you heard it here first). The reason I think this is because of two reason. The only real difference from the team that won 6 straight then lost 3 in a row is, One we were missing Dawkins and Two we had no heart, desire or emotion. It is surprising how much Dawkins means to this team and the way he lifts our whole team and not just the defense. It is what we have lacked in recent weeks. That edge, the want to go above and beyond. Remember on this Broncos team their is not one player than Dawkins who wants to win a Superbowl more. He knows his time is almost up and he is trying his hardest to will this team to greatest. Him combined with Tebow have pushed this team to it's limits. When both are playing we are 7-0 without we are 1-8. (Dawkins didn't finish the game against the Bills?) Even if Dawkins does or doesn't play I still need to give a prediction. This game I think will be surprisingly close, probably in the teens. But I say 20-17 Broncos win it late.

Fun Facts

» Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller combined for 21 sacks this season.
» The Steelers put up 161 yards rushing in Cleveland. Expect Isaac Redman (92 yards) to get the ball often with Rashard Mendenhall's knee injury.
» These two teams last met in the playoffs in the 2005 AFC Championship. The Broncos were the two seed, but were bested by the sixth-seeded Steelers, 34-17.

Injury Report

Brian Dawkins (S), Neck, DNP
Spencer Larsen (FB), Knee, DNP
Eddie Royal (WR), Toe, DNP
David Bruton (S), Achilles, Limited
Von Miller (LB), Thumb, Full

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Troy Polomalu (SS), Calf, DNP
James Harrison (LB), Toe, DNP
Brett Kiesel (DE), Groin, DNP
Cortez Allen (CB), Shoulder, DNP
Mewelde Moore (RB), Knee, DNP
Ben Roethlisberger (QB), Ankle, Limited
Markice Pouncey (C), Ankle, Limited
Doug Legursky (G), Shoulder, Full
LaMarr Woodley (LB), Hamstring, Full

Other News

The Broncos have made a number of moves lately. Here they are:
Kyle McCarthy S was cut.
Brian Iwuh, RLB was signed to the roster.
Ryan Harris, ROT, was signed to the roster.
DL Jeremy Jarmon was signed to a future contract.
Signed DB Ramzee Robinson to a future contract
Placed G Chris Kuper on injured reserve

Ladies

These were the 'untouched' ladies I could find :P

Jokes

I found this picture and I lol'ed haha, too funny.

Youtube Funny

That is it from me, time to shock the world, Go BRONCOS! ~ Aussie.

Game 16: Broncos Vs Chiefs

2011-12-30T01:04:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year again when the Broncos play their final game of the regular season. The Broncos return home this week after their second straight lose. The Broncos are on the cusp of making the playoffs for the first time in years but they have one more task to complete. That is to beat the Chiefs to progress to the playoffs. This game has been made a bigger story by the fact that the Chiefs have come into a bit of form lately with their coaching change and that the Chiefs starting QB is Kyle "Fainting Goat" Orton who as you know was the starting QB for the first 5 games of our season. The Chiefs have gone Win, Loss, Win, Loss in their recent games, one win of course was against the Packers. Their last loss was to the Raiders last week in OT 16-13. The Chiefs are hoping to spoil our season by preventing us from getting to the playoffs. Let's not allow them to do that and get the win...onto the preview.

Why to watch

Broncos waive Kyle Orton; rival Chiefs claim him. If Orton beats the Broncos, he could keep Denver and Tebow Time out of the playoffs after a miracle surge for eight weeks.

Inside story

Tim Tebow has been a turnover machine during a two-game losing streak after protecting the ball incredibly well, and Denver's defense is slipping as well (Von Miller hasn't been right since his hand injury). The Chiefs are likely to attack in the run game. Tamba Hali is rushing the passer as well as anyone in the NFL in the second half of the season. We all know what Matt Prater can do kicking field goals in the altitude at Mile High. Both of these teams have seen their share of late-game field goal blocks and heroics.

Match Ups

Let's start with the defense. The front seven will need to stop the Chiefs running game. The Chiefs have had a good running game in recent years and do run the ball well so we will have to tackle well. No RBs running free for big games like Spiller did last week, I am looking at you Mays time to show us something....anything.

If we can stop the run that will force Orton to pass. Champ has to do an number on Bowe again and keep him limited all day long. That means it is on our other secondary guys to not let Orton pick us apart. To prevent this Von Doom need to get after Orton and knock him over. We know that if Orton is pressured and knocked over a few times he can be forced to cause turnovers. If we put Orton on the ground we can win this game.

For the Offense they need to go to work. Willis needs to get 20 carries in this game and over 100 yards. I would also like to see Johnson get 5-10 carries in this game. I don't think we will be able to run all over the Chiefs like we did last time. So that means our WR will need to get open, create some separation and get open for Tebow. Decker, Thomas, Royal and Ninja Willis get open and hook Tebow up!

The O-line will need to push the pile to create running lanes for the backs. But their main job will be to keep Tebow up right. Hali has been in top form in recent weeks and will need to be stone walled. They will need to do this as I think Tebow will be the one that has to win this game for us.

Tebow's arm I have a feeling will be the difference in this one. I just want to see some improvement from Tebow but also that he has learned from last week and has a better performance than he had against the Bills. It's time to go to work.

Prediction

This game will be a lot close than it should be. Orton is going to give us a real fight I think and we will be pushed right to the end of the game. Maybe even over time. I am thinking a 20-17 score line with the Broncos winning it I hope....then PLAYOFFS!

Playoff Scenarios

Simple if the Broncos win they are in the playoffs. If we lose then the Chargers need to win against the Raiders for us to make it into the playoffs because we will win on the tiebreakers.

Injury Report

Brian Dawkins (S), Neck, DNP
Chris Harris (CB), Neck, Limited
David Bruton (S), Achilles, Limited
Quinton Carter (S), Hip, Full
Von Miller (LB), Thumb, Full

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Jon McGraw (S), Ankle, DNP
Jackie Battle (RB), Foot, DNP, Doubtful
Jeremy Horne (WR), Illness, DNP

Denver safety Brian Dawkins is not practicing for the second straight day because of a neck injury. His chances of playing Sunday against Kansas City may be dwindling. Kansas City running back Jackie Battle did not practice for the second straight day because of a foot injury. He is doubtful to play against Denver.

Other News

No Matter What Happens On Sunday, The 2011 Denver Broncos Season Was A Success (MHR)

Apparently, many Americans would like to borrow cup of sugar from Tim Tebow.

According to the annual Zillow poll, the Denver Broncos’ second-year quarterback would be the most desirable celebrity neighbor. Tebow won 11 percent of the vote and beat several other celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lopez.

Prior to Tebow, the two winners were Sandra Bullock and the Obama family. TebowMania rages on, despite a two-game losing skid.

On the other end of the spectrum, the cast of the "Jersey Shore" were votes as the least desirable celebrity neighbors.

Who would you rather share a fence with, Tebow or Snooky?

Ladies

I was trying to think of Ladies from Kansas to put up here...than I thought of one :P but I settled on some KC cheerleaders.

Jokes

Q: If you have a car containing a Chiefs wide receiver, a Chiefs linebacker, and a Chiefs defensive back, who is driving the car?
A: The cop.

Q: What does a Kansas City Chiefs fan and a bottle of beer have in common?
A: They’re both empty from the neck up.

Youtube Funny

Happy New Year

I also would like to wish everyone a happy new year.

And that is all from me, Go Broncos an Playoffs baby! ~ Aussie.

Reviewing a Classic: Broncos Superbowl 33

2011-12-27T01:59:00.000-08:00

As a relatively new fan to the Broncos, I have been following them since about 2002, grade 7 for me and for an Australian fan that is pretty young to start. As such I have taken it upon myself to learn the history of the Broncos where I can. It will never be complete compared to a fan who went through it first hand but it is worth doing to get a better understanding of the team, the culture and what this team has been through. For me one of these things is to watch the Broncos Superbowls. The only one I have managed to acquire a copy of so far is Superbowl 33. So join me for the trip down memory lane as I watch the Broncos last Superbowl game and my random thoughts along the way.

The year is 1999. The Broncos have had one of their most productive seasons in franchise history over the course of the 1998 year. TD got over 2000 yards on the ground and Elway was clutch all year long. This of course would end up being John Elway’s last game as he would retire soon after.

On to the game:

The coverage just starts and I realize this game is Dan Reeves Vs Mike Shanahan. That must have been one of the biggest stories for the game.

I am loving the pregame 1999 graphics, they are pretty sick considering the year.

John Madden is a great commentator. I had got kind of sick of Madden as a commentator a few years ago before he retired. But compared to some of the current commentators I miss his analysis and insight. He does talk about himself and uses himself as an example a lot but once you look past that he knows his football. I thought this was a great line from the big man before the game and is relevant to any NFL season. "Getting here is nothing, winning here is the greatest."

They are talking about the keys to the game, for the Falcons to win they need turnovers. (In case I forget the turnover ratio was 1-3 to the Broncos).

The Broncos were 26th in the league for pass defense. Will this be a factor in the game?

The players are coming onto the field now and they are doing the player introduction. They only do them for offense, I guess the defense wasn’t very important back then.

Rod Smith, I love you guy.

Tom Nalen! Elam. It is unbelievable how many good players this team had. Eddie Mac, TD, Shannon Sharpe. Howard Griffith. Elway!

I know some players from the history of the NFL but Jammal Anderson is the only Falcon player of their offense I know. (I also see a LB wearing a Brooking jersey, I believe that would be Keith Brooking, but he wasn’t starting back then).

Cher singing the national anthem, nice.

I love Elway’s golden locks! Haha.

1st Quarter

Ball is blown off the tee...twice, funny way to start a game.

Broncos Defense is playing 8 in the box to prevent the run. But Anderson is a beast.

PI calls are still terrible no matter the decade.

No roughing the passer calls in this decade.

I don’t care much for Romanowski the person but as a player he is a monster. He destroys Chandler (Falcons QB) on a blitz this play.

The Falcons move the ball well, but the D holds. Falcons kick a field goal, 3-0.

Broncos first series come out and run the shotgun with an empty back field (TD is a receiver). The Falcons weren’t expecting that with TD on our team.

Elway only had a 44% completion percentage from the shotgun through the season. He completed 66% of passes from under center though. I found this very interesting.Rod Smith is a beast, Elway has whatever is bigger than a cannon or a bazooka for an arm!

Sharpe limbs off the field after almost scoring, took a huge hit to the knee. But he looks alright. Also of note he doesn’t wear any pads on his legs.

First series the Broncos come out passing and get the touchdown with the hand off to the FB Griffith from about 5 out. The Falcons were expecting TD to get the ball.

Second Falcon’s series they go three and out. Romanowski is crazy coming off the blitz.

Broncos being their next series. Sharpe drops/juggles a pass and the Falcons pick it off and now have field position. That’s one of those turnovers the Falcons needed. I wonder if Sharpe was thinking more about his knee then the pass.

Tim Dwight is a faster version of Wes Welker.

End of the first Quarter, score is 7-3.

Second Quarter

Sharpe is heading up the tunnel to get his knee re-taped in the hope to get back out there.

The Falcons have moved the ball into Broncos territory again but the D holds the Falcons who decided to go for it on 4th and 1. Madden is saying they should take the field goal, I would agree with him.

Romanowski blows up the outside run. He blows past the TE trying to block him and destroys the guard who is pulling. This forces Anderson to go backwards and around the pile Romanowski has created. The Broncos swarm to the ball and stop Anderson for the loss. Turnover on Downs! Great defensive play.

Broncos take over. TD has no room to run. TE Chamberlain has made a few nice catches in place of Sharpe.

Elway rolls out of the pocket and hits Smith for the first.

Draw play, TD picks up 20 yards.

Next play TD makes a spin move at the line of scrimmage to beat a defensive lineman and then makes another player miss with a step. He picks up 8 on the play when it should have been a loss. The Broncos are now inside the 10.

Elway rolls out of the pocket but doesn’t have anyone open, he throws it in the stands instead.

Timeout Broncos.

Elway is pressured and almost throws a pick.

Elam kicks the 26 yard field goal. 10-3 is the score, Broncos leading.

Falcons take over, Chandler throws a laser for the first down to a wide open receiver. Mathis grabs another pass and is wide open again. The Falcons are moving the ball through the area easily. The Broncos secondary is playing off though, preventing the big play.

Romanowski is a monster on the blitz. He blows up Anderson who tries to block him as he goes after Chandler.

Another pass completed. No runs so far on this series.

Speaking of which the Falcons hand off to Anderson for 2, he picks up the first.

Anderson gets 5 on the next play. I start to think how good would it be to watch the Broncos in the Superbowl playing in orange as they are playing in white for this one.

Falcons are inside the 10 again. CB Gordon – 21 is injured on the next play. He takes an knee from Anderson to the head, Anderson is kept out of the in-goal though.

Broncos defense holds again and the Falcons have to kick a field goal. They miss the FG! How do you miss from that close? Broncos get the ball back and seem to have all the luck.

Broncos take over. First play is play action. Elway hits Smith deep on the post for a huge TD! 17-3. That’s a Quick Change for you!

Are the wedge, helps Dwight get loose on this return.

Atlanta has had all the field position but has no points to show for it.

Sharpe is done for the game! I feel the momentum swinging a little bit.

Falcons are back at the Broncos 10 yard line. Chandler passes to the back right corner and almost is picked off! James – 20. Next play Chandler tries the back left corner. Gordon -21 is back in the game and pats this one away. In today’s game Gordon may have been held out with a concussion.

Falcons kick another field goal after being held out again. 17-6, that 3 redzone trips and 3 field goals for only 6 points. I may have been wrong about the momentum shift. The Falcons center is done for the day, No 61.

Broncos take over. Hand off to TD who has a huge hole, he picks up 15. TD may be good put I think I could run through those holes. The O-Line is balling!

Chamberlain makes another catch and is playing well.

Broncos Timeout.

The Broncos complete a few more passes and another timeout. A minute left to halftime.

Holding penalty by 62-Neil, Falcons timeout.

TD runs off left tackle. Falcons take another timeout.

40 seconds to go till halftime.

Matt Lepis is a backup for this game! What a team.

Pryce is a monster coming from defensive tackle he blows up the play here.

Halftime. Score is 17-6.

Madden and Summerall are good commentators with quality analysis.

Broncos start off the second half with the ball. On the first play of the half Elway hits up Eddie-Mac for his first catch of the game.

This is when I notice that the jerseys the players are wearing were made by Nike. I didn’t know that.

TD is stuffed on a run. Griffith makes a catch. Then takes a hand off for the first down. Eddie-Mac makes another catch low, great grab. Holding penalty on Denver, TE-89.

Elway boot legs and tries to make a play with his legs. But the OLB chases him down for a lose. Tebow would have stiff armed the LB for a TD :P

Now 3rd and 20, Smith gets 10 on a pass.

Elam misses the field goal from about 36 yards out! Score is still 17-6. What is wrong with the kickers today?

Falcons takeover. WR Martin is wide open again. I would be a little worried about the secondary, lots of open guys down field.

LB Mobley makes the sack on an overload blitz. But the Falcons are moving the ball easily between the sticks.

Chandler drops back to pass and is picked off! Johnson – 25 gets about 30-40 yards on the return.

Broncos with the ball. TD breaks a tackle and picks up the first. TD goes off the field for a break.

TD is sitting down on the sideline, I think it is migraine time. TD has already picked up 80 yards so far.

Next play Elway rolls out to his right and tries to find someone open. Defenders are closing in so Elway dumps off to Eddie-Mac who gets nailed! By 4 Falcons players. That was one of those ‘I’m too old for this shit” moments. Eddie-Mac was all ‘thanks for that Elway’. They didn’t get the first down.

Elam comes out for the 48 yard field goal and misses wide left! Score still 17-6.

31 cameras are used for the coverage, nice...

Falcons take over, Anderson picks up the first.

Mathis is open again. Falcons got to score at some point I would think.

Anderson spins away from Atwater for the first, he is a beast.

Chandler drops back for the pass and it is deflected at the line! It is picked off by 21-Gordon who makes 40 yards and is tackled by the QB. Come on bro, you got to make the play and beat the QB to get the TD! Haha

Elway incomplete to Eddie-Mac in the endzone, was way too low, hit him in stride! Elway you got to do better :P

Eddie-Mac completion to the 5. There are no progressions here. Elway just sits in the pocket staring down his receivers. But he can do it because his O-Line gives him heaps of time and his receivers are good enough to get open for yards.

End of 3rd Quarter

From the 5 the Broncos do another FB drive to Griffith because the Falcons are keying on TD and he scores again. I notice that the referees don’t signal the TDs (arms in the air, so hard to know when one is scored with a short field). Score 24-6

Broncos blitz has been good all day.

Anderson gets another first.

Martin wide open for a pass...again.

The Falcons are playing well and just can’t get any points.

Chandler’s pass is picked off again! Gordon – 21 from the goal line gets it back over half way, nice return, it is his second pick. The Falcons are losing because of all these picks.

Broncos take over again. Elway stove pass to TD who gets it to the 10 for about 35 yards.

Elway sneaks from 5 yards out for the touchdown!

31-6, that’s the game for me, watching the game it seemed never in doubt the Broncos were always going to win. I got the feeling that since they had been there and done it before and got the win that there was no pressure on the team to get the win in this one.

Tim Dwight makes some moves on the return and gets free! He returns the kickoff for the TD. Score now 31-13, may be some fight left in the falcons.

Onside fails, Broncos take over. Eddie-Mac makes a catch for a first on another 3rd down.

Elam kicks 37 yard field goal, score now 34-13.

Falcons take over at about the 23. Chandler gets smashed again by Denver’s D.

Chandler is rushed again and takes off for 6.

Martin makes a catch for the first but gets hammered into touch.

Chandler hits his lineman in the head with the ball....again. He has had a lot of balls deflected.

Mathis gets the first on a reception. I just realized the Falcons haven’t scored an offensive TD yet.

I love the D-Line stunts the Broncos have been running.

4 & 4 the Falcons go for it and Mathis gets the conversion, to the 24 of Denver.

I took a few minutes to get that D-Line stunt that the Broncos have run several times with great success against the Falcons O-Line. Here is the pre-snap look.

I tried to define the stunt as best I could. Both Defensive Ends start off going forward to draw in the Offensive Tackles then pinch inside to hit the side of the Guards. The Defensive Tackle (light blue) crosses in front of the other defensive tackle (blue). They both then go around the outside of the Tackles. Most of the time both Defensive Tackles were getting through untouched and laying hits onto the Quarterback.

Now look at the offensive line’s pre-snap reads. The offensive tackles are taking on the DEs, the right guard is tacking on the DT (blue). The left guard and the center are going to double team the other DT.

This is the play after the snap, a few seconds in. The DEs have drawn the attention of the offensive tackles turning them inside, so they are facing inside. They then pinch and usually blind side the guards who don’t see them coming. The Center usually tracks his man but gets squashed in by the guards. The whole play is designed to squash the offensive line and get the DTs free to get around and destroy the QB. I love this stunt.

Back to the game...

Chandler overthrows Dwight in the endzone. Harris-82 makes a catch to the 3.

The Broncos rush 2, Chandler is almost picked off in the endzone. The ball was tipped by Atwater.

Another in-completion. The reason the Falcons lost this game I think is they tried to throw the ball too much into the endzone. They should have handed it off to Anderson once they got in the redzone.

Chandler hits Mathis for the TD, finally the Falcons get their first offensive points. They are going for two. Chandler incomplete. Score now 34-19. Though they scored on a pass I still think they should give it to Anderson to smash it in.

Two Minute Warning.

Another onside kick. Chamberlin picks it up again. He has had a great game so far.

Broncos running out the clock now. 1:30 left on the clock for the Falcons who take over after using all their timeouts.

Anderson off right tackle and is stripped! Turnover Broncos D. They have played great all day long.

Elway looked like he was having fun all game long.

Elway is MVP! Broncos kneel for the win. 34-19 final score.

O-line was amazing all day long.

The Broncos become the 6th team in history to go back to back.

Mike Shanahan was chocking up. He was so happy to beat Reeves, well I think.

Elway is the coolest character. He always seems to be in command.

Post Game Notes:

There was a story going into the game about the TE for the Falcons being involved in some incident before the game but they didn't explain it at all during the game. Can anyone explain to me what happened?

I really enjoyed the game. Anyway that is it from me. ~ Aussie.

Game 15: Broncos Vs Bills

2011-12-22T23:11:00.000-08:00

What up Broncos fans? After a disappointing loss last week to the Pats at home the Broncos go on the road for the final time this year. This week the Broncos are facing the 5-9 Bills. Who after a great start to the year have struggled in recent weeks and are limping to the of the season. The Broncos last week were disappointing in their loss to the Pats but there is a lot of good to take from the game. For example the Broncos now know what areas they have to improve on. They know that they can run the ball and score points on a good team. The game against the Pats should be a great motivation for the team to know nothing is a given and they will have to work hard for their wins.

Why to watch
Tebow Time is trying to keep a grip on the AFC West lead and get into the playoffs. The Bills are trying to end a death spiral since getting off to a 4-2 start.

Inside story

Willis McGahee is banged up, but would love to get a piece of the Bills, who traded him to Baltimore earlier in his career. There are some rumblings that a front office shakeup of some sort in Buffalo is not out of the question. C.J. Spiller is breaking a few longer runs recently. You have to like Denver's chances of getting plenty of hits on Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Match Ups

The Bills don't worry our defense much. But CJ Spiller and Steve Johnson are the two biggest threats for our defense. I except Champ to be on Johnson most of the time. As for Spiller the Bills have been moving him around and trying to get him in space. Our defense will have to stop his runs and limit his catches to take him out of the game. I am looking at you Woodyard, you will need to play better than last week.

Von Doom need to get after Fitzpatrick early and often. Throw him off his game so he passes a few intercepts and turns the ball over. We can't let him play himself into form.
I would also like to see a little more out of Mays too.
Our offense on the other hand needs to put in work. Run the ball and get some points. DT has been a beast but I would like to see the others get involved, especially our TEs. I would also like to see Johnson get a few more carrys, he may be that change of pace back.
Our offensive line needs to block better overall for this one. Plus Daresus will be out to prove himself again.
Now for a word on Tebow, last week I asked a lot from Tebow. He didn't deliver but he started off well. This week he needs to show last week didn't phase him and that he has learnt from his mistakes. I would like to see Tebow spread the ball around and have a good day against the Bills.

Prediction

Don't over look the Bills, they ain't a bad team, just a very injured one. But I do think the Broncos can held them. I am thinking a 31-10 score line. Champ gets a pick six for the D.

Playoff Scenarios
Denver clinches AFC West Division:

1) DEN win + OAK loss or tie

2) DEN tie + OAK loss + SD loss or tie

Denver clinches a wild card spot:

DEN win + NYJ loss + CIN loss + TEN loss or tie

Injury Report

David Bruton (S), Achilles, Limited, Questionable
Brian Dawkins (S), Neck, Limited, Questionable
Broderick Bunkley (DT), Knee, Full, Probable
Willis McGahee (RB), Hamstring, Full, Probable
Daniel Fells (TE), Thumb, Full, Probable
Von Miller (LB), Thumb, Full, Probable

BUFFALO BILLS

Johnny White (RB), Concussion, DNP, Out
Stevie Johnson (WR), Groin, Limited, Questionable
Ruvell Martin (WR), Hamstring, DNP, Doubtful
Scott Chandler (TE), Ankle, Limited, Questionable

Other News

Miller didn't get any sacks last week against the Pats but Aldon Smith got a few sacks to take his total to 13. Let's go Miller, it is time to get a few sacks and get that record for the Broncos!

The injury report looks pretty good for the Bills, until you find out that they have 15 players on IR. Many of which are starters. Link for reference.

Ladies

Here is a few photos of the Bills Cheerleaders.


And I thought an old classic would be nice.

Jokes

The Definition of an optimist: A Buffalo Bills fan waiting at Buffalo Niagara International Airport for the Bills to return from winning the Super Bowl.

Report: In 2002 Bush considered sending troops to Buffalo
A wild celebration on the streets of Buffalo got out of hand when the Bills actually won a game.

The New York Police are cracking down on speeders heading into Buffalo .
For the first offense, they give you two Buffalo Bills tickets.
If you get stopped a second time, they make you use them.

YouTube Funny

I thought this was funny...

But this is even better!

Merry Christmas

Finally a big Merry Christmas too all Broncos Blog readers. Everyone have a great holiday and if your traveling make sure to be safe.

That is it from me, I may or may not be around over Christmas as I expect most of us will be busy, but I will do what I can...oh and GO BRONCOS! ~ Aussie.

Week 15: Broncos - Patriots Post Game

2011-12-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

I hate doing these posts after a loss, especially after Denver was riding a high & mighty 6-game win streak only to see it crash & burn against New England.

Definitely feel the burn on this one.

Not that its completely surprising that we lost to NE but I am still very disappointed in this loss. I was convinced we could pull off this huge upset and really shut up the haters. Now, we've only proven a lot of them right and have brought a lot of others back down to "reality".

I will say that a loss like this will keep this team humble & grounded which is a good thing but we really needed this win. While Denver is still atop of the AFC West thanks to Detroit beating Oakland, the division is now completely open to any of the 4 teams winning it.

Let me get this over with....

Offense:

Clearly we have a young offense still making the same mistakes over & over but I didn't think they played half bad. The stinger though, is that we were up against the worst defense in the league as far as yards are concerned and once the 2nd quarter began, we got schooled by them.

The NE defense held down their own and held us to 23 points.

I find it funny & ironic that in our 6 wins, we started off slow, struggled to get anything going all game but ended every one of those games with a big win... but against NE, we started off great scoring on our first 3 possessions, we owned the first quarter but we went downhill from there and couldn't get back up on our feet and lost.

Maybe we should stick to starting off slow & sloppy so we end it with a W??

Tebow had a rough game but still managed to complete half his pass attempts going 11 for 22 for 194 yards and rushing 12 times for 93 yards & 2 touchdowns.

#15 also got sacked 4 times, one of those I will not mention as it was butt freakin' ugly and he also had 2 fumbles, one was lost.

Current back-up RB Lance Ball also had a fumble lost and had 11 carries for 64 yards a TD.

D. Thomas continued to shine on the field for the 3rd straight game, with 7 catches for 116 yards.

Defense:

The strong Denver defense we have seen for 6 straight wins got run over by Brady & Co., but that didn't start till the 2nd quarter. They came out strong like our offense but something about the 2nd that started our downhill run in the game.

Our D only got to Brady twice for 2 sacks, one of which was a huge lick laid on him by THE Elvis "Doom"ervil... I laughed so freakin' hard when I saw that hit I couldn't breathe. I have never seen anything so funny. Play of the game for me.

I'm really surprised Brady didn't get hurt on that play, kinda wish he had.

Undrafted rookie FA, Chris Harris led the defense in tackles with 9 and 2nd round rookie Rahim Moore who filled in for the injured Dawkins came in second with 6 tackles & 1 assist.

What really disappointed me was how quiet the stud rookie Von Miller was in this game. He only notched up 1 tackle the entire game. I think that made a big difference in how our defense played with him being blocked so well.

I expect to see him come out flyin at Buffalo on Saturday and eat up their QB alive. Be ready for MillerTime ;)

Special Teams:
Quan Cosby had a BAD game on special teams dropping two kicks/punts, can't remember... one of them was lost and turned into points for NE.

All 3 aspects of the game for us struggled and made it that much more unbearable to watch.

Injury Update:

Willis McGahee was in and out of the game on Sunday with a hamstring injury and has been limited in practice but is expected to play against Buffalo in 3 days.

Videos:

The Funniest Sack I’ve Ever Seen – Doomervil Lays a Lick on Brady

Quinton Carter 4-yard sack on Brady

30-yard gain by Tebow

34-yard pass to Lance Ball

39-yard pass to D. Thomas

32-yard Lance Ball Touchdown

2-yard Touchdown Run by Tebow

9-yard Tebow Touchdown

Bring on the Bills... Let's finish this season 10-6 boys!

Game 14: Broncos Vs Patriots

2011-12-16T03:21:00.000-08:00

How's your heart? I feel for our older fans (Digger :P) with the way the Broncos have been playing of late. Has anyone checked on Bowlen lately? The Broncos have been playing with some real heart of late and toughness. They have been doing enough to win games, most of them late and that was the same against the Bears. They are doing whats needed to get by but they take on probably their toughest opponent this week in the Patriots. The Patriots are coming to town for another home game before the Broncos go back on the road. The Patriots are having a good season and have a record of 10-3. Luckily for the Broncos they are kryptonite to the Pats. Brady only has a losing record against one team and that is the Broncos (1-6). Hopefully this continues and I think it will. Why? because there are a few cracks appearing in this team, for example my take on the little girly fight Brady had with his offensive coordinate. Their biggest weakness would have to be their secondary which is dead last in the league. It will be up to the Broncos offensive to pick that apart but more on that later...to the preview!

Why to watch

This game is so good, TV networks and owners were flexing muscles at the league office to keep it from being flexed to Sunday night, or to keep it at the 4 p.m. kickoff time. It's Tebow Time vs. Tom Brady; two of the best fourth-quarter teams this league has seen. Could the Broncos pull off another miracle as they try to win the AFC West?

Inside story

Denver's power-running approach could cause problems for a New England defense that is leaky and not exactly full of speed. Jerod Mayo must be the guy to contain Tebow. You have to like Denver's pass rush in what will be a raucous environment as well. The Broncos are built to play a ball-control game, which could keep Brady on the sidelines.

Match Ups

Lets start on defense. The front seven will be key in this game. Brady struggles when you get him under pressure early, we need to get to him in the first quarter and knock him out of his mojo. I am looking at you Von Doom. Miller has been doing really well, I am still worried about his cast but he is a fighter. He only needs three more sacks for the rookie sack record and a few against Brady would be great. And what about Doom? For a guy that had no sacks for several weeks to now have 7.5, he is balling. I think he will finish with double digits this year but I have been really surprised by his improvement. He has been a beast against the run which was his biggest weakness. I am really pleased with these two.

The Patriots really don't have a run game, they do run but not as often as others. But the one thing that will need to be watched for is the screens, the Pats love them and probably will go after Miller when he blitzes. We will need to shut these down to prevent those third down conversions.

The biggest problems for our defense will be the tight ends and Welker. I think Branch will be shutdown by Champ easily. DJ, Woodyard will need to be on point to cover Gronk who is having a monster season. It will be interesting to see who covers Welker, will it be the rookie Harris or someone else? If it is Harris this will be his toughest test yet.

For the offense it will be an interesting game. The run game has to get going early to help out Tebow, last week against the Bears it didn't and the Broncos struggled for most of the game. The problem against the Pats is the Broncos like to run up the middle between the tackles. The Pats have Wilfork and Mayo who are both great against the run. It will be on the O-Line to open up some nice holes for the RBs which they struggled at last week.

I do like the option against a 3-4 team like the Pats but they have used a lot of 4-3 this year as well. We should be able to move the ball against these guys and put up some points....IF

IF our receivers can catch a frigging ball. Actual I am of the opinion that most of the balls they dropped last week were tough catches, low and had to slide for them. Tebow lead your receivers more. If they can hook Tebow up with a few catches we will be alright.

Now it is Tebow time, last week I said this "This week I am going to set Tebow a challenge, I ask for 15! completions and a 50% completion rate, lets see if you can do that. Also I expect this week Tebow throws an intercept." And what happened? More than 15 completions, a 50% completion rate and he threw an intercept. (Tebow reads our blog!) This week I am going to set him a huge challenge, why? Because I think he will need to do this to win the game against a Pats team that can score points. I ask for 20+ completions a 60% completion rate and 3 passing touchdowns, yes 3! And NO intercepts this week. The Broncos need to score points and against the Pats the best way is through the air.

Prediction

Last week I must have been channeling something because I was spot on with a lot of what I said. Or it was blind luck. Either way I like the Broncos in this one. They seem to improve every week and rise to the occasion. One thing I do like against the Pats is Foxball. The reason being that it limits the opportunities for the Pats to put up points against us. I will take our D over theirs any day and I think that is what the difference will be in this game. Broncos win 31-21.

Injury Report

David Bruton (S), Achilles, DNP
Brian Dawkins (S), Neck, Limited
Andre' Goodman (CB), Concussion, Limited
Eddie Royal (WR), Concussion, Full
Spencer Larsen (FB), Hamstring, Full
Von Miller (LB), Thumb, Full

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Patrick Chung (S), Foot, DNP
Sebastian Vollmer (T), Back/Foot, DNP
Kyle Arrington (CB), Foot, Limited
Tom Brady (QB), Non-Injury, Limited
Deion Branch (WR), Groin, Limited
Dan Connolly (C), Groin, Limited
Julian Edelman (WR), Back, Limited
Dane Fletcher (LB), Thumb, Limited
James Ihedigbo (S), Shoulder, Limited
Devin McCourty (CB), Shoulder, Limited
Matt Slater (WR), Shoulder, Limited
Brandon Spikes (LB), Knee, Limited
Shane Vereen (RB), Hamstring, Limited
Wes Welker (WR), Knee, Limited
Ryan Wendell (C), Calf, Limited
Vince Wilfork (DL), Non-Injury, Limited
Danny Woodhead (RB), Abdomen, Limited

Other News

Some high school kids got suspended from school for a day for Tebowing in the hallway. Full story here.

If you haven't seen it yet or knew, Tebow was mic'ed up for the Bears game. Here is part one and part two. Also Cutler makes an appearance at the end of the 2nd part. It is interesting to see how clam Tebow is and how in control he is.

Ladies

Gisele Bundchen, there are so many reasons to dislike Brady and this is just another one.

Jokes

A new take on a classic.
Tom Brady, after living a full life, died. When he got to heaven, God was showing him around. They came to a modest little house with a faded Patriots flag in the window. "This house is yours for eternity Tom, said God. "This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here." Tom felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house.

On his way up the porch, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a huge 3-story mansion with Orange and Blue sidewalks and drive ways, a 50 foot tall flagpole with an enormous Broncos logo flag waving, a swimming pool in shape of a horse, a Broncos logo in every window, and a Tim Tebow jersey on the front door.

Tom looked at God and said "God, I’m not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I was an all-pro QB, I won 3 Super Bowls, and I even went to the Hall of Fame."

God said "So what’s your point Tom?"

"Well, why does Tim Tebow get a better house than me?"

God chuckled, and said "Tom, that’s not Tim’s house, it’s mine."

Funny YouTube

Whats funnier then a big man running with the football?....He picked off Philip Rivers....and then Turners face afterwards, classic.

That is it from me, enjoy your weekends and Go Broncos! ~ Aussie

Week 14: Broncos-Bears Post Game

2011-12-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

I
LOVE
THIS
TEAM
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Denver has done it, AGAIN.

After way too many missed chances and opportunities, a blocked field goal the Tim Tebow-led offense found a way for the 6th consecutive time to pull off a miracle... in overtime.

They had my heart pounding and literally ready to jump out of me. It's stressful and exciting at the same time.

Bottom line is, no matter how bad they played or how long it took them to do something productive, they got the miraculous win.

Now Denver is the sole leader of the AFC West. Dang, that feels good to say that.

Here's how they wrote their 6th consecutive win....

Offense:

Blah... and that's putting it nicely.

Once again, the first half is nothing to remember. Plenty of dropped passes, our run game was practically MIA as Tebow topped our rush stats with 12 carries for 49 yards above our go-to guy in Willis McGahee who only had 17 carries for 34 yards.

Not sure what happened but for quite some time, McGahee wasn't in the game (possibly due to an injury)?? If I recall correctly, he returned during Denver's "Miracle hour" but fact remains, our run game got stuffed by the Bears' heavy & hungry defense.

On the bright side, Tebow continues to improve on his passing game completing half of his pass attempts. When it came down to the wire and Denver needing to do something to win the game, he drove the offense down the field like any other pro... pass after pass, completion after completion.

It was nothing short of impressive.

In the end, Tebow ended the game with 21 for 40 for... get this, 236 yards, a TD and a very rare INT. << Aussie, you got to stop calling the INTs, it don't help!! lol

And after an agonizing 4 dropped passes on D. Thomas, #88 proved he's still a hot receiver on the field making 7 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.

So nice to see Thomas getting more involved and that Tebow has found another target but I want to see Decker get back in it... I miss his game-saving catches.

Matthew Willis moved up as Tebow's 2nd favorite target for this game as he caught 4 passes for 75 yards, right behind Thomas.

The Oline got off track again letting Tebow get sacked 5 times for 15 yards. Of course Tebow needs to get rid of the ball earlier, even if it means throwing it out of bounds to avoid those costly sacks. Tebow even had a fumble lost on top of his other turnover, the interception by Tillman.

But when it came to "do or die" at the end of the game, the offense came through for Denver. But next week, against a very stingy New England defense, we have to without a doubt play much better. We can't afford to keep trying to run the ball up the middle all the time and expect to get away with it, especially when Brady gets on the field and does what he does.

Can't stand the guy, but he does know what he's doing on the field. Its a VERY tall order but we've pulled off 6 miracles since our bye week, I would love nothing more than to see this offense dominate the New England defense and rack up the points early and turn the game into win #7.

I believe in the craziness that is this Denver Broncos offense.

Defense:

I'm proud and speechless at the same time.

As much as Chicago's defense held us to nothing in the first half, we can say the same for ours. They fought like warriors out there and came out hungry with a total of 4 sacks on Hanie. Oh how I wish that was Cutler they were pounding into the ground. Next time.....

DJ Williams is the leader on defense this week in tackles with 9 solo and 2 sacks.

Dumervil came in second with 5 and 1 sack; the outstanding rookie Von Miller played another great game for himself and got another sack to add to his stats, making his total so far 11.5.

That's hot. lol

I just love how this defense has improved and that they come out fighting every week. All I can say to that is, its about time.

Special Teams:

Prater is the next best thing to Jason Elam. That 59-yard FG blew me away. I was sitting there peeking out at the screen through my fingers, couldn't stand to watch it with the game on the line but of course I had to see it and it would've been good from probably 62, maybe 63 yards.

After the FG tied the game, Denver went for an on-side kick which did not go as planned as Chicago got the ball back right away... but then blew it almost just as fast.

I must say though, that was like the most perfect on-side kick a kicker could make. Prater hit it just right, but no Denver player could get it.
Interesting notes:

I proclaim Marion Barber as the MVP of this game as when it came down to the final minutes/seconds of the game, he not only screwed up once but twice to give Denver an extra chance to win it.

When Chicago got the ball back after a bad on-side attempt by Denver, Barber had the ball and defeated Chicago's intention of staying in bounds & winding the clock down as he ran out of bounds to give Denver the big chance. A chance to win the game that Barber, I'm sure, is kicking himself for but I would like to thank him for being a butt and doing something real stupid. haha

But Barber's "fun" didn't stop there. Once Denver tied the game with the help from Matt Prater's leg, Chicago won the coin toss to start OT and of course, opted to get the ball first.

Whoops... there went the ball right out of Barber's hands while in field goal range (thanks to Wesley Woodyard's forced fumble) and Elvis was in the house to recover it.

The rest is history as the Broncos won the game with Prater's 2nd 50+ yard FG of the game.

Injury Update:

Brian "Weapon X" Dawkins left the game (can't remember when) due to a neck injury. X-rays came back negative but was set to have an MRI on it yesterday. No word yet on how serious it is. Looks like his time clock might be running out. I hope he's got a little more left in him cause when he's healthy, he's a beast on that field.

Eddie Royal (concussion) almost played against Chicago but stayed out of the game. Looks like he might return for the Patriots game. We need all the help we can get on that one.

Videos:
I could watch that 59-yarder all day... now that my friends is a thing of beauty.

Broncos-Bears Highlights

D.J. Williams’ 8-yard sack

D.J. Williams’ other 8-yard sack

Miller’s 8-yard sack

Dumervil’s 5-yard sack on Hanie

Tebow to D. Thomas for 10-yard TD

Prater’s freakin’-awesome-game-tying-you-better-not-have-missed-it 59-yard field goal

Woodyard’s forced fumble, recovered by Doom in OT

Prater’s game-winning 51-yard FG in OT

Till the next BIG upset, enjoy the highlights ;) New England ain't ready for this, I think they'll be in for a big shocker, as will the rest of the NFL. I like our chances of beating them now than I did at the beginning of the season.

Also, this is becoming a weekly habit and I kinda like it. Tebow and this nutty offense are nominees once again for the GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week… Vote! Vote! Vote!

Game 13: Broncos Vs Bears

2011-12-09T00:51:00.001-08:00

The Broncos return home this week for the last stretch of football for the year. In the previous 5 weeks they have gone UNDEFEATED for the first time in years and are on the cusp of grabbing a playoff spot. Over the next four weeks 3 of those 4 games are played at home at Mile High. This week is one of those three games as the Bears come to town to play. As it happens the Broncos are on the rise, where as the Bears are the opposite and trying to prevent a downward spiral. They have lost their starting punk QB (luckily for him, VonDOOOOOOOM!) and their electric starting RB Matt Forte (there goes my fantasy team :P). As such they have Hanie and Barber filling in those spots. Hanie is an talented and athletic QB but with little game time. Barber is an old bruiser that is in the twilight years of his career. Some believe they will be lucky to win another game this year.

The Broncos however are now favorites in almost all of their remaining games. The problem is can they held the tag of favorites? They have won most of their games on the road with a QB many believe can't play the position giving them the ultimate underdog tag. This view has changed, in my opinion, in the last week since the Broncos are now a top of the AFC West division. People and other teams now know we are for real. Even if we do it in an weird or unorthodox fashion, we still win games. Other teams look at our defense and now see an formidable opponent (which we know has weaknesses and can be beaten).

I worry that the Broncos don't come out firing, they come out cold and can't beat a struggling Bears team. It almost happened against the Vikings, a team that we were meant to beat easily. We only won because Tebow figured out 2+2 = 88 and hit up D-Thomas. I worry that we may underestimate a Bears team that has a very good defense. Urlacher, Briggs, Peppers to name a few. This is a Bears team that was built for the playoffs until it lost its QB. I expect this to be a low scoring affair with the better defense getting the win. Both team's offenses may not even score some points.

The Broncos are now in a position that many have never been before, the cusp of greatness. It will take some of our veteran players to keep this team grounded and on track. Onto the preview.

Why to watch

This was supposed to be a homecoming for Jay Cutler, but now it's Caleb Hanie against Tebow Time. While Hanie has thrown six picks in two starts, Tebow has thrown one all year. Denver is on a 6-1 run while the Bears are sliding outside of the playoff picture with Matt Forte now out, too.

Inside story

One would imagine the Broncos run plenty of read-option stuff at Julius Peppers and try to keep him off Tebow's back. Von Miller could be back for the Broncos, and Hanie has been sacked 11 times in two starts.

Match Ups:

The Key for me in this game is Special Teams versus Hester. Hester has destroyed us in the return game before and has turned games completely against us. We will need to shut him down and not allow good field position. I am looking at you Colquitt, time to earn your paycheck. This goes for Knox as well.

Otherwise this is a defense battle. For our D we have to limit Hester, Knox and Bennett. Each can do something's in space and pick up yards. The Bears would have watched what the Vikings did to get Harvin in the open and will try to repeat that with Hester. Goodman you better play well. I also hope we activate Moore for this game, McCarthy is a special teamer ONLY. Our coverage should be better anyway as Miller should play in this game. Meaning we probably only send 4 allowing us to drop more guys in coverage.

Also don't sleep on Roy Williams. When he is on he can be unstoppable but just send DJ at him and we should be sweet as.

I am not worried about our pass rush, the turnstile that is the Bears O-Line will struggle to protect Miller and Doom. Which should benefit the others along the line. But I am a little worried about the run defense. Mays it is time to step up and make some plays in the run game because Barber only goes one way and that is down hill. Our middle should be solid but we need to limit the conversions on 3rd down which Barber is a specialist at.

For our offense I think we will probably go run heavy. Hopefully Clady's knee is OK because he going up against Peppers who is one of the most talented DE....ever. If I was the Bears I would flip flop Peppers and have him take on Franklin too because I think he would probably school the rookie.

The secondary for the Bears is pretty good (player wise, though they have struggled recently). Meriweather is a player I really like, he has his limitations but he can make the big plays when needed. Tillman and Jennings are solid corners and Wright is a young safety that has impressed so far. Therefore don't expect wide open receivers like last week, tight windows will be the norm. It will be on McCoy to use his receivers to create space for completions and with a group that has DT, Decker, Willis, JT, maybe Royal as well as others (Larsen!) we have more than enough weapons to cause problems for the Bears secondary.

But I expect a heavy dose of the run. Which on the Bears is not an easy thing too do. Urlacher and Briggs are two of the biggest LBs in the last decade and know how to find the football. It will be interesting to see if we use the option and whether Tebow finds any space.

If McGahee goes down, if his knee plays up, we should go the pass. We have the weapons so use them. That means Tebow will need to step up.

Speaking of Tebow what do I expect from him this week. Last week in the preview I said "I ask for 10 or more completions and a 50% completion rate." And of course Tebow delivered. This week I am going to set Tebow a challenge, I ask for 15! completions and a 50% completion rate, lets see if you can do that. Also I expect this week Tebow throws an intercept.

Prediction:

With everything I have read and looked at I think this game should be really close. If we get on a roll early and play with good field position we may put up 30 points but I doubt it. Like I said this one is on the defense. I am feeling a 13-10 score with both teams getting a touchdown not by their offenses. I am thinking a Bailey pick six and a Hester kick return for TD as the points scored. Prater kicks the remaining points with the last field goal in the final two minutes of the game. How is that for a detailed prediction.

Injury Report:

Eddie Royal (WR), Concussion, DNP
Ryan Clady (LT), Knee, Limited
Willis McGahee (RB), Knee, DNP
David Bruton (S), Achilles, Limited
Von Miller (LB), Thumb, Limited
Jeremiah Johnson (RB), Ankle, Full
Mitch Unrein (DE), Lower Back, Full
Quinton Carter (S), Cramps, Full

CHICAGO BEARS

Jay Cutler (QB), Thumb, Out
Matt Forte (RB), Knee, DNP
Major Wright (S), Shoulder, DNP
Anthony Adams (DT), Back, Full
Charles Tillman (CB), Quad, Full
Brian Urlacher (LB), Quad, Full
Henry Melton (DL), Knee, --

Every Bronco player should play except maybe Royal. It depends if he passes his concussion tests or not.

Other News:

Tickets to Broncos games have skyrocketed, is this because of Tebow or because the Broncos are winning.

Ladies:

As always lets check out the ladies of our opposition. I am thinking of making this a regularly feature in the preview unless there is any objections?

Jokes:

Anybody know any good Chicago Bears jokes?
You mean other than their current team?

Funny Youtube:

Saw this and thought it was funny.

Well that is it from me, enjoy your weekends and Go Broncos ~ Aussie.

Week 13: Broncos - Vikings Post Game

2011-12-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

And just like that, in a flip of a switch, Denver went from owning the bottom of the AFC West to now standing on top thanks to another exciting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat TEAM win & with the Raiders letting the Miami Dolphins kick their little butts, bahaha way too funny!

Denver is tied with Oakland in win-losses at 7-5 but our 5 game win streak among other things shoved us to the top spot in the always unpredictable AFC West. Funny enough, San Diego now claims the bottom spot, which I find hysterical considering that they have done nothing but dominate our division and its nice to see them falter for once. So long Norv Turner....... :p

What can I say about this team that will do them justice?? Frankly, I don't know because they have been so wildly unpredictable in the 2nd half of their last 5 games but I am lovin' every second of it. The first half is nothing to remember and the way the offense plays there makes you wonder what's wrong with them.

But the 2nd half, its pure Mile High Magic coming to life.

The way all 3 aspects of the team comes together to get the win, its just unbelievable. The Broncos' playoff dreams & hopes have just gotten a little closer and I'm on the verge of getting ahead of myself with all the excitement of how this team is playing. I think my season prediction of 10-6 is very, very realistic at this point. I would love nothing more than to beat the Pats in our house, that would be HUGE for Denver. And right now, as crazy as it may sound, we have a real shot of pulling it off.

2-3 months ago, I would've said its a given loss for us. Now there's a glimmer of hope. The way this team has come together, I'm almost in shock. Its such a relief to see Denver play like this once again. I haven't been this giddy about my team since Elway was here... that says a lot about our current players, young & seasoned.... they got the fire & passion in them to make it into the playoffs for the first time in 6 long agonizing years.

So without further adieu, here is the breakdown of Denver 5th consecutive second-half team rally to win a game against the Minnesota Vikings....

Offense:

You guys make me smile... you make me nervous.

Very sloppy start to the game, which isn't unusual as of late in our recent games. It drives me crazy that we start off so sloppy, so unorganized, crappy playcalling (same play over & over & over... stop running it up the middle!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!)

But there's something about that 2nd half that lights a fire under them to actually play like a team with the will to win. I can't honestly say it doesn't matter how we get the job done, cause it does matter. We played a 2-9 team... we should have buried them all in their own turf with points. We should have run them into the ground.

For whatever the reason, bottom line is we fought like the crazy Bronco team we are the entire second half and walked away with another close one.

Only 7 points scored in the first half vs. 28 in the second. That's nuts.

As for Tim Tebow, he played much better in the 2nd half... more like a quarterback should. He completed more than half of his attempted throws and when it came down to this offense keeping up with Minnesota who seemed to be controlling the 2nd half offensively, Tebow led the offense on 4 scoring drives to keep up and not let the game get out of hand.

Tebow made sure this offense stayed in check and they fought till they got the job done.

He completed 10 out of 15 attempts for 202 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. And of course he still managed to get himself on the rushing stats with 4 carries for 13 yards.

It's very clear though that he is becoming more comfortable in the pocket & making passes. It will be a slower journey for him to get there but fact is, he WILL get there. He will do whatever it takes to become a better, more accurate passer. His determination will server him well in doing so.

Willis McGahee continues to be the running back this team has so long needed, earning his 6th 100+ rushing yard game, taking 20 carries for 111 yards and 1 touchdown. Lance Ball also got some game time with 7 carries for 25 yards.

Really nice to see this team with a solid RB like McGahee and not as many injuries in that area as we've had in the past. Amazing what you can do when your players stay healthy, hmmm.......

Well the ghost has come to life... welcome back to football Demaryius Thomas.... where in the world have you been boy???

The first-round pick, also known as Bay-Bay, finally got back into a game and with style I may add. Thomas had 4 receptions for 144 yards & 2 TDs. Was nice to see Tebow get him more involved and really nice to see him get not 1 but 2 amazing TDs out of it.

This offense is slowly but surely getting back on its feet.

Defense:

The men of Denver's defense continues to carry this team on their shoulders. Granted they allowed 32 points but in the end, they won this game. And a hard fought game it was for our defense.

In the first half they harassed rookie QB Christian Ponder, at one point I thought Ponder would leave the game with all the hard hits he was taking.

Even without the standout rookie, Von Miller, his replacement for the game in Mario Haggan was as good of a replacement could get. Haggan even led the team in tackles with 7 and 5 assists and an INT returned for a touchdown in the first quarter.

I remember watching the game and they were showing Miller on the sidelines jumping & going crazy for his teammate. That's real sportsmanship right there, cheering them on instead of grumbling about how "that should've been me". Don't worry, it will be Miller Time again next week against Chicago. lol

Andre Goodman came in second on tackles with 5 and 2 assists along with the game-winning INT. Funny it worked out that way because I noticed that most of the game, Goodman was playing off so far from his receiver giving them plenty of room & yards to make a catch and do something with it. And then in the end he's the one who wins the ball back for Denver to avoid going into OT. Well done in making up for lack of good coverage.

Next on the list is THE Weapon X with his 26th career sack and a forced fumble to go with it. The almost 40-year old safety still has a little something left in him.

Doom & Ryan McBean also got a piece of the rookie QB with a sack each, making a total of 3 sacks on Ponder.
Injury Update:

On a punt return, Eddie Royal was prepared to catch the ball but his own teammate Matthew Willis ran into him and took Royal out for the rest of the game. It is now confirmed he sustained a concussion on the play. To top this off, he's also battling an ankle & toe injuries as well.

Interesting notes:

While we did win this game, we also fell back into getting penalties that cost us some big yards & big plays, with the addition of 2 turnovers & 2 sacks. This is a very, very young Oline and I guess you could call all this "growing pains" for the offense but you got a very talented player with experience in Ryan Clady and he's been off his game all season long. I would hope he would be guiding these other guys but in the end its up to each individual to know what they are doing and to do it right.

I must say the line has gotten much better at protecting Tebow, they give him all day to make a pass which is great. But 1 sack is 1 too many, granted though it is better than 7 in one game.

As for the penalties, that's on all sides of the ball. The holding calls that we've been getting are getting really old. I know its a fact of every football game, there's bound to be several holding calls but its so annoying!! We need to back off on the penalty craze, we can't afford it.

Videos:

Broncos-Vikings Highlights

Bay-Bay Talks About His QB

Tebow Talks About Win #5

Mario Haggan’s Pick-Six – 16 yard TD

Dawkins Sack & Forced Fumble for 24 yard loss & Denver’s Jason Hunter Recovers at the 50

Dumervil’s 4-yard sack

Ryan McBean gets 1-yard sack

Andre Goodman gets game-changing INT

Quan Cosby takes punt return for 63-yard ride

17-yard run by McGahee

Tebow to Thomas for 21-yard TD

Tebow to Thomas for 42-yard pass

Tebow to Thomas for 41-y ard TD

Tebow to Thomas for 40-yard pass

24-yard TD run by McGahee

Tebow runs ball in for 2-point conversion to tie the game

Prater makes 46-yard FG

Prater’s game-winning 23-yard FG

Whew!! Lots of highlights but good stuff. The 41-yard TD by Thomas - man, I could watch that play over & over all day. No one can bring him down. Arguably my favorite play of the game. Enjoy!

Also, Denver is up again for the GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week after overcoming another first-half slump vs. Minnesota and to come out fighting the entire 2nd half. Be sure to VOTE!!!!

Next up for Denver are the Bears, too bad Cutler won't be playing. I would love nothing more than to see our Defense destroy him. I've been waiting all season for this game just to see the reaction of the fans and now he won't even play, grrrr. Will be a good game & exciting for sure.

Go get 'em boys! ;)

Game 12: Broncos Vs Vikings

2011-12-01T22:44:00.001-08:00

The 'Road Warriors' Broncos are on the road yet again after getting the victory against the Chargers. The Broncos this week are taking on the Vikings who have a record of 2-9 and have struggled so far this year. This is a game that the Broncos are expected to win, which would be a first for them this year. The Broncos should not underestimate the Vikings as every win is crucial to the Broncos playoff hopes. Time to get into the preview.

Why to watch:

Tebow Time, baby! Come on now. Fantastic finishes. Read-option football. The Broncos are trying to ride it to a division title. Are you on board?

Inside story:

This could be a long week for Christian Ponder. Elvis Dumervil is back in peak form and rookie Von Miller is a track star out there off the edge. And with the Vikings possibly without Adrian Peterson again, ball control might prove difficult. Percy Harvin will continue getting carries and will be featured big in a gadget role.

Match Ups:

There are some really good match ups for the Broncos in this game but there are two keys for me in this game.

Number one is AP. The Broncos front seven have to stop AP and limit him to less than 100 yards. We may be helped out with this as AP has an ankle injury and may not play. But if he does we will need to shut him down.

The second is Jared Allen. Even on a bad team he has been a monster and has great numbers. He could make Tebow's day a nightmare. We need to block him and take him out of the game.

If we can do this I think we can come away with the victory.

Other match ups, Champ Vs Harvin, Champ has to shut him down. If this is done Von Doom (if he plays) should be able to get after Ponder and make his day a living hell. Make him Orange and Blue!

Storming Mormon needs to get a few touches as always to take a bit of pressure off Tebow and McGahee.

As always a word on Tebow. He is going against one of the worst secondaries this week and needs to have a good showing. I ask for 10 or more completions and 50% completion rate. I don't ask much and I think he can do it.

Other news:

The NFL has honored Denver linebacker Von Miller as its defensive rookie of the month for November.

Miller tied for the team lead with 31 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two passes defensed as the Broncos went 4-0 during the month and became a playoff contender. Miller, the No. 2 overall draft pick in April, became a dominant player this month as Denver’s defense improved dramatically. Miller was drafted to help a defense that was No. 32 in the NFL last year. It is currently ranked No. 16 in the NFL.

This likely won’t be Miller’s last rookie honor. He is considered a leading contender to win the NFL defensive of rookie of the year award.

Harvard students set out to statistically prove the “Miracle of Tim Tebow” for Broncos, link.

Photos from Practice at the Dome, looks like DJ is balling!

This is pretty cool, Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow to Grace Debut Cover for NFL Magazine. Check the picture out below.

Injury Report:

Von Miller (LB), Thumb, DNP
Eddie Royal (WR), Toe, Limited
Daniel Fells (TE), Hand, Full
David Bruton (S), Achilles, Full
Ryan Clady (T), Knee, Full
Willis McGahee (RB), Illness, Limited

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Adrian Peterson (RB), Ankle, DNP
Kyle Rudolph (TE), Quadricep, Limited
Anthony Herrera (G), Knee, Limited
Chris Cook (CB), Non-Injury, Out
E.J. Henderson (LB), Shoulder, DNP
Asher Allen (CB), Shoulder, Limited
Erin Henderson (LB), Hamstring, Full
Jamarca Sanford (S), Shoulder, Full
Visanthe Shiancoe (TE), Hamstring, Full
Jared Allen (DE), Not Injury Related, DNP

Denver Broncos star rookie linebacker Von Miller took another step toward not playing Sunday at Minnesota as he failed to practice for the second straight day. He had surgery Tuesday to repair ligaments in his thumb.

Miller suffered the injury Sunday at San Diego, but he finished the game and made a huge play near the end of overtime to help the Broncos. Denver coach John Fox didn’t shed much light on Miller’s status for Sunday against the Vikings.

“It’s in the medical people’s hands, and if they deem him ready to play, he’ll play. They’re working on all those things,” Fox told reporters Thursday. “Again, I’ll meet with the medical people. We’ll make that determination tomorrow.”

Perhaps this is a positive: Fox said Miller is in the process of getting medical protection gear. It will likely be in the form of a hard cast or hard splint.

Also for Denver, running back Willis McGahee (illness) and receiver Eddie Royal (toe) were both limited Thursday after not practicing Wednesday.

I have a feeling that all three will play but both Royal and Miller will be limited. Miller will probably only be used in pass rushing situations and Royal will probably only get out there in 4 wide sets. I expect to see a lot more of D-Thomas. If Miller doesn't play then Haggan will slot into his position.

Prediction:

The Broncos don't score a lot of points and I expect that is the case in this one. The Vikings don't have a very good defense so I am expecting the Broncos to try somethings and score some points. I say a 24-14 game Broncos win.

Jokes:

Q: Why did the National Hockey League allow Minnesota to get a franchise?
A: The fans were crying to have at least one professional team in Minnesota.

That's it from me, enjoy the game and your weekend. Go Broncos! ~ Aussie.

Week 12: Broncos - Chargettes Post Game

2011-11-30T16:36:00.000-08:00

What a game & ending to the second rival match-up between the Broncos & the wimpy Chargettes who have blown out their own fire.

Neither team was strong on offense as the scores stayed below 20 points, but it was fun to watch Denver's defense steamroll Rivers & the Chargers. So freakin' funny......

Offense:

Since its been a few days since the game, kind of rusty on what I remember. But I do know the first half is not Denver's forte, they continue to struggle to get anything going in the first half but its like after halftime the lights come on & they are ready to play like an actual football team; ready to put up a fight against anyone.

Tebow, I believe, is very slowly progressing in his passing skills. Early on when he got his starts he barely threw the ball (thanks to playcalling holding him back) or he wouldn't even be able to complete nearly half of his thrown passes.

Against the Charger for his 3rd time, he completed exactly half of his attempts going 9 for 18 for 143 yards and 1 touchdown. Remember the games he never even got close to 50 pass yards??

And as usual, Tebow put himself on the rushing yard stats, this time with 22 rushes for 67 yards.

In front of him was McGahee, with his 4th or 5th (??) 100-plus rushing yard game, running the ball for us 23 times for 117 yards.

Decker continues to be Tebow's favorite & most reliable target to throw to (whenever he does) but only catching 3 for 65 yards and Denver's lone TD.

Offense continues to really struggle on third-downs, converting only 5 of the 16 they had against SD. Sooner or later, something has got to give. Bottom line is they need to fix that issue.

But I see our Oline has gotten a spark in better protection for Tebow as his number of sacks has gone down drastically, which is a very good sign. When he falls back to try & pass, he's got all freakin' day to throw that thing, you'd think someone would get open & he accurately get it to them.

I think Tebow's problem is he's trying too hard to be a more accurate passer. He wants to be that all-around QB that can do a little of everything and is putting too much pressure on himself, to some degree. I still believe with time, he'll get there. We just have to patient.

This is the calm before the big storm.

The offense continues to be slow but in the end they have #15 leading them down the field for a game-winning drive.

Defense:

They are the foundation of this very young team. I can't say enough how underestimated our defense is and how little respect they are getting, regardless of many times they are the real heroes of our wins.

They continue to impress me week after week, constantly & consistently putting up a fight no matter who the opponent is.

Rivers became their victim and no Bronco fan can't say that isn't funny, getting sacked 3 times by the deadly duo, Von-Doom. The rookie got the world's biggest butt once, making his total for the season so far 10.5 and Doom came into San Diego real hungry as he went back home to Denver with 2 sacks, bringng his total for the season so far up to 5.5. I think the rookie is vying for that 'Sack Master' title, lol......

DJ Williams was the defense's winner in tackles with 10 solo & 2 assists;
Von Miller came in second with 8 tackles & 2 assists adding to his sack

Denver's defense really shined through for us and gave our offense another shot at redemption in OT.

Special Teams:

Denver's Matt Prater kept us alive in the game with FGs from the 41 in the 3rd quarter;
the 24 in the 4th and then the big whopper, 37 yarder to win it over time

**And according to a reliable source, the San Diego kicker was caught peeing on himself on the sidelines, probably after missing one of his 3 missed FGs in the game that could've won it for the babies on California.

Injury Update:

Rookie Von Miller reportedly hurt his thumb in the game and is having surgery on it, putting his status for the game in Minnesota in doubt. Our defense can't afford to lose this kid to a thumb. Rub some dirt on it kid and get back out there!!

Eddie Royal apparently suffered an ankle injury and Denver's big rushing leader, McGahee didn't practice due to illness, not an ankle injury. Take some Nyquil, that'll knock you out & make you feel better, lol... come on men, tough it out.....
Video Highlights:

All-aboard the Tebow Train: Relive Tebow’s highlights from the past 6 weeks

McGahee gets big 24-yard run

Tebow to Decker for big 39-yar d catch

Tebow to Decker for 18-yard TD

Dumervil 13-yard sack

Dumervil big 10-yard sack on Rivers

Von-Doom Sack on Rivers

Prater’s 41-yard FG in 3^rd qtr

Prater’s 24-yard FG in 4^th qtr

Prater’s game-winning 37-yard FG

Cuz its funny: Novak misses 53-yard FG

Cuz its funny: Novak misses 48-yard FG

Vote for Tebow’s game-winning drive for the 3^rd consecutive week for Never Say Never Moment of the Week

Let's keep this win streak goin' boys, I'm lovin' it!!!! However you get it done, just get 'r done!! ;)

Game 11: Broncos Vs Chargers

2011-11-24T18:17:00.001-08:00

Over the last 5 games the Broncos have gone 4-1. Last week the Broncos returned home after winning games on the road. They managed to get a big win on prime time last Thursday against a good team in the Jets. This week the Broncos are going on the road again to hopefully beat the Chargers. If the Broncos can beat the Chargers on the road they would have then beat all our division opponents in their own houses.

It is Charger week and I think it is about time we beat these guys. I can say we all hate the Raiders, there is nothing more distasteful, disgusting to a Bronco fan than the Raiders. But these Chargers or more specifically Philip Rivers are building our discontent towards them. The Chargers would be easily number 2 on our list of hated and in recent years the battles have been dirty. Whenever we play these two teams there are a lot of penalties and pushing and shoving. I expect this game to be close and hard fought.

I will say this, I hate the Raiders more but I have found it much easier to get material on the Chargers. They are just easier to pay out, the Raiders...well they just suck. So expect a lot of pictures in this one.

A word on Philip Rivers...dude WTF, man am I the only one sick of your crap. Your stupid faces and terrible play?

Oh sweet, I thought I was the only one. (I needed an excuse to use this picture :P)

Match Ups

Again it is Champ Vs Jackson, so far I think Champ has been winning this and I think that will continue.

This will be the first time we see Gates this year. I believe it will be Woodyard or DJ's job to cover him.

The Chargers O-Line is injured and playing backups. Our front 7, mainly Von Doom better have a field day against these guys.

The Chargers are struggling with injuries on both sides of the ball. For the offense I would like to see some better run blocking this week. The unit wasn't very good last week but that was to be expected against a good Jets defense. They should be able to open holes up for Willis to have a big day. Their pass protection was good last game I think they are improving.

Storming Mormon needs some touches!

Tebow needs to hit a few more passes. Watching the game last week it looks like Tebow is putting everything into the ball. His balls ain't really catchable. I think he is trying to hard and has been firing hard rocks. That isn't needed when throwing curl routes. He needs a bit more touch on the ball and then I think the completions will start happening. His accuracy last week were solid.

Why to watch

Tebow Time, baby, with a chance to put a fork deep into the Chargers' psyche and season, and keep Denver's division title hopes looking good. The Broncos are refreshed having last played on a Thursday night, while the Chargers remain in self-destruct mode.

Inside story

Who would have thought Tim Tebow would be one of the five best fourth-quarter QBs in the NFL, while Philip Rivers would lead the league in fourth-quarter interceptions? Do the Chargers have the will and determination -- to say nothing of the talent -- to stop the Broncos' run-heavy, option attack? The Broncos' pass rush will be a factor against the Chargers' faltering offensive line.

Injury Report

David Bruton (S) Achilles Limited
Cassius Vaughn (CB) Hamstring Limited Limited
Daniel Fells (TE) Concussion Limited Limited
Brian Dawkins (S) Ankle Full Full
Willis McGahee (RB) Hand Full Full
Julius Thomas (TE) Ankle Full Full

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Malcom Floyd (WR), Hip, DNP
Tyronne Green (G), Hand, DNP
Marcus McNeill (T), Neck, DNP
Shaun Phillips (LB), Foot, Limited
Louis Vasquez (G), Ankle, DNP
Scott Mruczkowski(OL), Concussion, Injured Reserve
Luis Castillo (DE), Tibia, DNP
Marcus Gilchrist (CB), Hamstring, Full
Ryan Mathews (RB), Knee, DNP
Bront Bird (LB), Ankle, Full
Jacques Cesaire (DE), Knee, Full
Antonio Gates (TE), Not Injury Related, DNP

Prediction

I said this one will be close expect Tebow to score late and put this game away. I am feeling a 24-14 score line. I think we can get 24 points if not more on this Chargers team. I wonder if they will run the option against the Chargers? Maybe, either way I think Decker, Royal and Thomas are in for a good day.

Go Broncos! Destroy the Sparkles! ~ Aussie.

Also for some reason I couldn't stop making these....

Kyle Orton - The Throw In

2011-11-22T18:32:00.001-08:00

With the news of Kyle Orton's recent release it brings to a close the era of Orton as Quarterback for the Denver Broncos. This is a post that looks back at Orton's time here and is in memory/tribute for the short time Orton has spent with the team.

Orton came to Denver after spending four years in Chicago as the throw in as apart of the Jay Culter trade/fiasco. It was April 2, 2009, the Bears traded Orton (along with their first and third-round draft picks in 2009 and their first-round pick in '10) to the Denver Broncos for Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler and the Broncos' fifth round pick in '09.

For Orton the four years in Chicago were about battling Grossman for the starting job. As well as blonde starlets that couldn't keep their hands off the Jack Daniels drinking, gravity defying neckbearded Orton. With his change of scenery comes a change of perspective and a new number, he changed from 18 to 8.

Leading into the start of the 2009 season Orton was in an open competition with Chris Simms for the starting job. The preseason was a close fought affair, during which Orton tried to channel his future Tebow and throw a left-handed pass (Which with Orton was intercepted). On June 13, Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels declared Orton the starting quarterback for the season.

Over the next five weeks, Orton led the Broncos to a fairy tale start of 6-0 record to begin the season. His most impressive effort in that streak came against the New England Patriots, when he completed 35-48 passes for 330 yards and orchestrated a 98-yard drive to tie the game and send it into overtime. He threw his first interception of the season to Randy Moss at the end of the first half. It was his first in 173 pass attempts which dated back to 2008 when he was with the Chicago Bears. This would be the beginning of the end for not just Orton but many associated with the Broncos. The Broncos would only win two more games and finish the year 8-8. For the 2009 season (playing in 16 games with 15 starts), Orton threw 21 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions with an 86.8 QB rating. Not amazing but not to bad either.

Starting the 2010 season Tebow was selected in the draft and the Broncos had previously traded for Quinn. Rumors and other unconfirmed information suggested that McD was leaning towards cutting Orton and having Tebow and Quinn fight out for the starting spot. But Orton came to camp and showed he was way ahead of the others. This lead to Orton being named the Broncos starting quarterback for 2010. He signed a one-year contract extension (through the 2011 season), on August 19, 2010. Orton had a few good games, he threw for 476 yards against the Indianapolis Colts, in a record setting day. November 14, Orton threw a career-high four touchdown passes against the Kansas City Chiefs. But later in the season, Orton suffered an injury against the Kansas City Chiefs, and Tim Tebow played the last three games to finish the year. Orton finished the season with 3,653 yards, 20 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Very productive games though it didn't amount to many wins. The Broncos finished 4-12 and went 3-10 with Orton at the helm.

The Broncos sacked head coach McD mid way through the season and then hired our saviors John Elway as VP and John Fox as HC.

Orton entered the 2011 season as the starting quarterback though he was thisclose to being traded to the Dolphins before contract talks broke down, he beat out Quinn and Tebow easily again at camp and started the year as number one. As the starter Orton threw 8 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, accumulating 979 yards and completing 58.7% of his passes but he went 1-4 and the Broncos front office had seen enough. They decided to make a change and see if they could produce more wins. He was replaced as the starter by Tim Tebow during the week 5 contest against the San Diego Chargers, and Tebow looks like he will remain the starter for the rest of the season.

Orton had always said he didn't want to be a back up and never really got on well with fans. But he took his demotion well and showed he was a class act. He may not have got on well with Tebow or Quinn for that matter before but he showed a willingness to help and respected the coaches decision. He gained a lot of respect from me as well as others for the way he handled himself respective in this situation.

Originally it looked like Orton would sit the rest of the season and stay in Denver. He had a new baby girl and really didn't want to move. He was happy to wait to free agency and sign with a new team.

A number of injuries to key quarterbacks changed his mind and he asked to be waviered in the hope he would catch on with another team. Mainly the Bears who most likely have lost Culter (the guy he was originally traded for) for the season.

Orton was waived on November 22, officially ending his tenure with the Denver Broncos. He had a record of 12-21 as a starter during his time with the Broncos, throwing for 8,434 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions.

Orton was an average Quarterback that could do somethings with a good team. He will leave Denver after being a classy and stand up guy who handled the Tebow situation and his demotion well. To Orton the throw in we wish you farewell and good luck. ~ Aussie.

Guide: How to use Broncos Blog

2011-11-21T18:51:00.001-08:00

This post is a guide to how I use Broncos Blog to get the maximum amount of news coverage for the Broncos. It was my vision that this site/blog could be a homepage for Broncos fans to visit. A collection of all information they would need and to be able to quickly navigate to all important Broncos news around the web. This will be an informative piece about the different features on the site and explanations of the different linked websites. I thought this would be a good piece for users to understand the site and it's purpose plus I think it is one of a kind site which links to all other Bronco sites.

To begin with I have a bit of a ritual that I do everyday to get updated with Broncos news. It begins with checking the latest post on the main page of the blog. The top post usually contains the latest information on the Broncos, it is written from our perspective and will usually contain our own views and opinions on the subject matter. Moving downwards I always check the comments for questions and observation from our readers. Here insightful discussion is usually occurring between our readers. As well as informal conversation on pretty much any subject.

Once finished with the blog post it is time to check out the latest Bronco news. There are three widgets that are located in the sidebar that easily can provide this. There is the Rotoworld widget and the twitter feeds for the Denver Broncos and John Elway.

The Rotoworld Broncos widget is taken from the Rotoworld website and has been filtered to only display Broncos news. Rotoworld is a website that monitors pretty much all important twitter and news website feeds across the league and quickly provides short, prompt information updates. If news breaks it is usually on Rotoworld first.

The Denver Broncos twitter feed is run by the Denver Broncos web team and is updated with when new articles/blog posts are added to the website. Also they are the official twitter account for transaction updates including trades. If you hear of a trade being made they are the official source for confirmation.

John Elway's twitter feed belongs to none other than VP John Elway. He doesn't update as often as the other widgets but he does update occasionally and it is from his perspective. It is a good tool to use to get a little insight into the mind of the guy running the football operations.

Located between these widgets is the poll question for the website. I check this as well because the question is usually something relevant and is an easy way to see how the fan base is feeling/thinking about the subject.

Websites

Once I am satisfied that I am up-to-date on this site it is time to go around the Broncos web. There are two places to do this. There are links to all the main/major Broncos sites at the top of the screen. Then there is the Broncos Blogs list located in the side bar. Below is a list and a description of the websites that I frequent for my Bronco fix.

These are the website located in the top navigation bar.

MileHighReport (MHR)
Is the biggest Broncos fan website on the web. This is a website that was started by John Bena several years ago and has continued to grow into one of the best resources for Bronco news on the web. Anybody that has joined up to the site can post a fan post. This can cause problems as there can be numerous uninformative, troll-like, hater posts on the site. But there are a few people that post up really useful and intelligent information. The recommended posts and the main section of the site are musts for these quality posts. Studs and Duds, No Bull Review are regulars for me. The comments are generally well maintained and good discussion occurs but it can get childish (but this can always add to the value). It is a must read for Bronco fans.

Rotoworld
This is the rest of the site from which the Bronco widget is taken. This is a quick and simple way to get information about all 32 teams across the league. This site is a must for fantasy football players, it has updates on all injuries and provides a little insight into match ups and potential production for players. Rotoworld is a website that monitors pretty much all important twitter and news website feeds across the league and quickly provides short, prompt information updates. If news breaks it is usually on Rotoworld first.

Drew Litton
Drew is a comic cartoonist and has been doing Bronco cartoons for years since the Rocky Mountain news days. Drew still does Bronco cartoons as they are one of his favorite subject matter. He does do cartoons about other subjects and other teams depending on his employment or the major stories at the time. But he is always good for a laugh or a simile as his cartoons are gold. He updates the site regularly, almost every day plus sometimes runs caption contests for his comics. This is a site you definitely have to check out.

National Football Post (NFP)
If you look for the most in depth articles on football across the league then this is the site for you. The writers include a player agent, former players, former general manager, former scouts and of course your fantasy guru. Matt Bowen is a former player that has played for teams including the Redskins. He is a 7 year vet of the league and in his time has learned a lot about the game. His articles breaking down defense and offensive plays are amazing and there is nothing else like it on the web. Also his other articles are good reads as they are taken from the players perspective. Bowen is someone I have a lot of respect for. Andrew Brandt has worked in the front office of teams like the Bears and Packers. His articles on the Business of football, the contract side of things are few interesting. His articles during the CBA were the most informative. Plus his stories about interactions with current players are also interesting reads. Jack Bechta is a former college player and now a player agent who has some interesting stories about his clients and the player side of contracts. His articles are again another look at the business side of football but from another perspective. This website is great way to see the NFL from all angles and points of view.

National Football League (NFL)
The official site for the NFL. Here is where you go for all your stats, scores, videos and photos from the league games. The NFL network is generally pretty good and up-to-date on its' information and the main articles are useful. Plus videos like Prime Time, Top 10 and other production value videos are a must to check out.

ESPN
This link takes you straight to the homepage for the ESPN NFL website. From here you can get information for all teams. The main articles on the front page are usually good reads, with scouting reports, some feel good stories and team power rankings. The link you are looking for though is the AFC West blog, located pretty much in the center of the screen. This blog roll is run by Bill Williamson. Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks. Bill is OK in his analysis, not the best but good for a beat writer. He also collects all the information and major story lines for the teams in the AFC West. If you want to get up-to-date information on our division rivals this is the place to do so.

DenverBroncos (DB.com)
The official site for the Denver Broncos. Here you will get all the information on the Broncos. Player and Coaching interviews, videos of training, a well maintained blog that has updates about training and the off season. Elway live, photos, cheerleaders. This is the home of the Broncos on the web and contains a lot of their information. Chris Hall and the web team over there have done a great job in making the website one of the best NFL sites around. Their blog page is updated often and is the best place for unfiltered Bronco news you will be hard pressed finding anyway else. The community over there is generally good and was our old stomping ground. The commenters are generally nice and die hard Bronco fans, a good place for discussion.

DenverPost (DP.com)
The Post is the locale newspaper for Denver and is the main reporters on Broncos news. The team consists of Mike Klis, Lindsay Jones, Jeff Legwold, Woody Paige and Dave Krieger. This group are good at getting news and stories from the Broncos and have contacts inside the organization. They occasionally do the feel good stories on the Broncos as well. Plus any news good or bad about the players the Post is the place with the most in depth coverage. Some of the writers do try to push their own agenda and opinion on the fan base which can sometimes miss the point completely but it is up to us to know better. Also this is not the place to comment on posts, hating is the normal and it is always a war of words, some even not understandable. I suggest staying away from the comments.

That is it for the top links. The other websites are taken from the Broncos Blogs list in the sidebar.

They are as follows:

Denver Broncos True Fans
This blog is run by our Bronco brothers. This is one of my favorite places to go for discussion about the Broncos as the guys will tell you exactly how it is and use any word in their vocabulary. This is not a website for women, children or the faint of heart as expletives are the norm. This is a site for manly men to come and talk Broncos.

Denver Broncos on Yahoo! Sports
The Yahoo! Sports page for the Broncos is an attention resource to check out for stats and information. It also tracks transactions and injuries quite well. I would visit this site as it sometimes has random stories on the players that no other site will. This site is one you would check every few days.

MaxDenver
Is a site that is run by Andrew Mason, he formerly was in charge of the Broncos website before he was fired and went to the Panthers. He at the time had made the Broncos site one of the most informative websites in the league with insight into the players. Probably why Shanahan got rid of him. Either way Mason is back covering the Broncos by himself and has good information on the team. He does some really good posts during the off season and training camp.

It's All Over, Fat Man!
The website was made by former MHR staffers after they had had enough of the environment at MHR. They have since created the most in depth, information packed fan website on the web for the Broncos. Their stuff is great and with a side of humor is easy to digest. I recommend anyone to check it out as they update each day with new interesting articles. The commenting is pretty good too and the writers are happy to discuss. It is worth a look.

That is it for my routine and this should satisfy your Broncos fix.

References

If you are looking for the Broncos schedule or the current standings of the division these are located within the side bar.

Located at the top of the side bar is the box score for the last Broncos game or the upcoming game for the Broncos depending on the day of the week.

If you are looking for the most popular articles or the complete archive for Broncos Blog this is located in the side bar.

Other Features

There are a number of other features available on the website. These are listed below:

Video Bar

It displays a number of videos related to the Broncos and interesting for the occasion watch.

Followers

A list of followers of the Broncos Blog and the ability for new readers to be come followers.

Cheerleaders and Broncos Honor Wall

A quick link to the Broncos Cheerleaders for your viewing pleasure. The Broncos Honor Wall is the top 5 Broncos players that have been voted for by you the fans.

News Headlines

The top headlines for NFL.com, ESPN.com and MHR.com

I hope this is helpful to new and old users. ~ Aussie

Week 11: Broncos - Jets Thursday Night Showdown Post Game

2011-11-19T17:08:00.000-08:00

Wow. Insane. Awesome. Incredible. Amazing. Miraculous. Impressive. Wild. Crazy. Unbelievable.

You wouldn't believe it if you didn't see it.

That all describes the Broncos big win on Thursday Night Football vs. the Jets.

A game that was quickly heading downhill for Denver till their final drive in the 4th quarter that sealed the win, moved Denver up in the AFC West and sealed in Tebow's starting job for a little bit longer.

Offense:

Denver, I do believe, has a new Comeback Kid... Tim Tebow. He mirrors a certain someone in that way and it NEVER ceases to amaze me and it never ceases to please the fans.

Granted the legendary Elway had a nice balance in his game but fact is Tebow is getting the job done and that's what they both have in common. They saved all the good stuff for last. Drives me nuts, I don't get it but it is so much fun to watch.

If you really think about it, its very absurd. So absurd that nearly all game long we were getting punts that landed Denver in such great field position we should have been scoring TD's on them left & right. But no, we would send them punts in return (albeit, good punts that didn't give New York much of a shot at running them back).

But then we are dealt a feat that only a handful of people could pull off and Tebow (thankfully) is one of them.

95 yards. Less than 6 minutes in the game. Denver got themselves a whopper.

And the first play of that drive nearly ended the whole thing, as Tebow shuffled a pass to Eddie Royal while still in the end zone and Royal was thisclose to being tackled for a very unwanted touchdown by SS Jim Leonhard.

As Royal narrowly escaped the Broncos continued on and from there it was history going down right in front of you. That 95-yard drive that you had to see to believe it.

Denver's offense managed to hang in the game and stand up to the Jets' defense who said they were prepared for Tebow's wild, unconventional ways but still got the shock of their lives and were left stunned.

I bet not one of them slept on the plane ride home as they still couldn't believe what just happened to them; what Denver just dealt them. haha I laugh in the face of defeat.

Statistically Tebow wasn't half bad as he completed 9 out of 20 pass attempts for 104 yards. Hey, its better than the 2/8 completions he had 4 days earlier.

It's progress being made & his confidence being built even stronger.

Tebow also led the rush attack with 8 rushes for 68 yards including his eye-opening game-winning 20-yard touchdown.

Lance Ball & injured McGahee carried most of the weight and McGahee still looks good despite his hamstring injury sustained in Kansas City.

Eric Decker wasn't thrown to all night long that I remember but rarely seen Demaryius Thomas caught 2 passes for 37 yards & RB Ball caught 2 as well for 26 yards.

Royal had 3 catches for 15 yards.

Overall, offense stayed with the game and prevailed in the end. That's all that matters.

They kept fighting, kept believing and they came out victorious for Denver's first home game win since Tebow became the starting QB in early October.

They are a fighting bunch... persistent and will do whatever it takes to get that win.

Keep rollin' with the punches boys, I haven't admired this team like I do now in a very, very long time. I'm lovin' every minute of it.

Defense:

The anchor of this team and this game. Absolutely on target all game long and I couldn't be more proud of how far this defense has come along in less than a year (with a lengthy lockout).

So impressed with how well our D stayed strong the whole game. They owned it.

And rookie Von Miller... you are a freakin' awesome stud!!!! Dang.........

1.5 sacks, 4 QB hits, 9 tackles, 1 assist and a forced fumble. He is rockin' & rollin' and I think we got a steal with this draft pick. Un-freakin-believable!

While it may be Tebow Time on offense, its Miller Time on defense. ;)

The deadly duo of Von-Doom just keeps on packing the punches as they both had 1.5 sacks on Sanchez.

Andre Goodman also had a big day as he picked off Sanchez for a Pick-Six, getting Denver's first TD of the game in the 3rd quarter and Cassius Vaughn recovered a fumble.

Denver's D really came through for the team in the very last play of the game as Sanchez & the Jets were given plenty of time to rally a decent drive together to try & win the game.

Very last play, WR Plaxico Burress, was waiting in the end zone for his miracle pass and was covered by 4 defenders... Defense won that battle and as they say, defense won the game in the end. Burress should've caught that ball and would have had he not been so well covered.

Mile High salute to our D. You deserve it, big time.

Defense had a very good night in the Mile High City, a night full of Mile High Magic.

Special Teams:

Punter Britton Colquitt has made quite the name for himself as he is one of 4 Broncos who are leading the polls for the NFL Pro Bowl in their respected positions.

Keep it up!

Injuries:

Daniel Fells is reported to have been the only Bronco who was injured in Thursday night's game with a concussion. He has to pass his baseline tests in order to be cleared for Denver's next game against San Diego.

Videos:

I'm proud to present to you plenty of highlights of this great game. Enjoy!

Broncos – Jets Highlights

Rookie Von Miller on Denver’s Wild Win Against the Jets

Von Miller Gets 9-yard Sack

Doom Gets 2-yard Sack

Broncos’ Miracle 95-yard Game Winning Drive

Tebow’s Game Winning 20-yard Touchdown Run

Denver Defense Recovers Fumble

Andre Goodman’s Pick-Six

Tebow Runs 15-yards

Game 10: Broncos Vs Jets

2011-11-16T18:05:00.001-08:00

The Broncos return home this week to the beautifully surrounds of Dove Valley and Migh High after another road win against a divisional opponent. The Broncos got creative on the Chiefs last week and went back in time to a place where running was the only way to victory. On a side note I think it was funny that pretty much every article about the weekends game makes reference to a past coach/player in history that loved the run. Looks like the writers all had the same great idea! The Broncos have a short week for this game as the Tebow circus and his band of merry clowns go onto the prime time stage for Thursday night's game. Their opponent for this weeks' battle will be none other than the F***ing Sexy Rexy and the Jest (Jets?). Also want is with all the over the top swearing coaches these days? I like our sly fox for this reason. This will be a home game for our boys as they return home after victory's on the road. The question will be will they continue their winning ways at home? This figures to be a close game as the teams match up well together. Lets jump into the preview...

Why to watch
Rex Ryan gets a crack at the Broncos' option looks with Tim Tebow under center, as the Jets find themselves in a must-win type game if they're going to finally win the AFC East. Can Tebow win this week with just one completion?

Inside story
With Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno hurt, Denver is down to Lance Bell rushing the ball. However, with Tebow under center Denver is averaging 220 rushing yards per game. The Broncos' offensive and defensive lines have come a long way. Some defense will adjust to Denver's look, but no one will be worrying about who is on Revis Island this week.

Match Ups

The secondary will need to be on it's game. The Jets don't have a single star like Megatron. But they have a number of weapons that can hurt you. Champ most likely will play on Holmes or Burress for most of the game. Hopefully Woodyard is back because he will need to cover Keller with some safety help. I worry a bit about the Secondary because I think the Jets will try to get Burress matched up against Chris Harris. The secondary will need to cover all these guys to help out Von Doom so they can get to Sanchez.

Speaking of which the front 7 will need to stop the run. The Jets ain't the greatest run team but it is key to stop the run early. This will force the Jets to put the game on Sanchez's shoulders. This will allow Von Doom to get after him and it is well known Sanchez struggles when pressured.

In simple terms, stop the run, pressure the quarterback and this should result in turnovers and sacks. Otherwise three and out and get off the field.

Can I just say Larsen! I am loving the Storming Mormon. Was great to see him get more carries. I wouldn't mind seeing Tebow throw some wheels to Larsen. Run some slants across the field and wheel the RB with the slants. Then wheel Larsen to where the slants came from. He should be open for 5 yards maybe even the first because really, who is going to cover the FB.

The running game is key for us. It needs to get going and early to setup the game. If the first three series are three and out we could be in for a long game. Ball and Johnson will need to carry the load for the team. Willis may be able to go but I believe the coaches will try to limit his carries. I am also a little worried about Ball's fumble issues. He will need to hold onto the ball.

We will need to get the Passing game going at some point. We won't be able to run all over the Jets like we did the Chiefs. We need to throw the ball if we want to win. The probelm is this is made even more difficult because of Revis and Cromartie. I think this will be a big day for the TEs and D-Thomas. I would like them to use Thomas to create some favourable match ups. Have him in the slot with Decker and Royal outside. Attack those backup DBs with Thomas. Decker I would except will have a quite night.

I would like to see some more of Green and J-Thomas. Both I think can cause problems for the LBs and Safeties of the Jets. This will also free up the WRs and make it harder to spy Tebow on the run. Just a few things to consider.

The Jets don't have that star pass rusher like other teams but all the LBs and DBs blitz to pick up the sacks. Ryan is very creative in sending this guys. The O-Line will need to continue its good form and block this guys as well as open holes for the RBs. Clady no holding penalties!

Finally of course a word on Tebow. Other than passing better, better footwork, better accuracy, completing passes and of course winning the game I want to see Tebow pick up the blitz quicker. He has been taking delay of game penalties because he has been slow picking up the blitz and audibling the call. He will need to be faster and not take this penalties, we can't go backwards against the Jets. Plus picking up that blitz will help heaps in the passing game.

Other News
Just found this and thought it was funny. Decker’s girlfriend, Jessie James, set to sing. You need to google her because she is FIITTT! Nice job Decker.

Injury Report
Knowshon Moreno (RB) Knee, OUT
Ryan Clady (T) Knee, Full, Probable
Chris Clark (T) Knee, Full, Probable
Brian Dawkins (S) Ankle, Full, Probable
Willis McGahee (RB) Hamstring, Limited, Questionable
Cassius Vaughn (CB) Hamstring, Full, Probable
Wesley Woodyard (LB) Knee, Full, Probable
Julius Thomas (TE) Ankle, Full, Probable

NEW YORK JETS

Brodney Pool (DB) Knee, OUT

Jeremy Kerley (WR) Knee, OUT

Shawn Nelson (TE) Illness, OUT

LaDainian Tomlinson Knee, OUT

Patrick Turner (WR) Kidney, Full, Probable

Darrelle Revis (DB) Knee, Full, Probable

Plaxico Burress (WR) Lower Back, Full, Probable

Marcus Dixon (DL) Shoulder, Full, Probable

David Harris (LB) Ankle, Full, Probable

Santonio Holmes (WR), Foot, Full, Probable

Mike DeVito (DL) Knee, Full, Probable

Kenrick Ellis (DL) Ankle, Full, Probable

Nick Mangold (OL) Ankle, Full, Probable

Josh Mauga (LB) Low Back, Full, Probable
Joe McKnight (RB) Toe, Full, Probable
Calvin Pace (LB) Groin, Full, Probable
Matt Slauson (OL) Ankle, Full, Probable
Isaiah Trufant (DB) Hamstring, Full, Probable

Wills McGahee (hamstring, questionable) sounded confident Wednesday that he will be able to play in Thursday night's game against the Jets. "I feel good," he said. "It’s football, you’re not going to be 100 percent every week, so I’m good. ... It’s going to be good. I’m not going to worry about it, so I don’t think you should worry about it." There will be reports from ESPN and the Denver Post all day Thursday, so we will continue to get a better read on McGahee's status leading up to game time against the Jets.

Personally I think it is great Tomlinson isn't playing, he is to the Broncos like Kryptonite is to Superman. He has a field day against us, always.

Series History
The Broncos have a 16-15-1 record against the Jets (11-7 at Home). The last match up was a year ago in Week 6. The Jets prevailed that day 24-20 on 2 LaDainian Tomlinson touchdown runs. The Broncos should have won that game too, but Renaldo Hill was called for pass interference at the Denver 2 on Jets receiver Santonio Holmes, setting up LaDainian Tomlinson's winning touchdown. Denver has won 6 out of the last 10 meetings and is 4-2 at home during the same stretch.

That is it from me, Enjoy the game and GO BRONCOS!~ Aussie.

Week 10: Broncos - Chiefs Post Game

2011-11-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

After a huge victory in Oakland over the hated Raiders, the Denver Broncos flew to KC to seek another big division win and got it, 17-10.

Denver moved up one spot in the division and is neck 'n neck with the Chargettes & Chiefs.

This Thursday's night showdown vs. the Jets in Denver will be a defining moment in the AFC West. If Denver can claim their 3rd consecutive win, we will be breathing down Oakland's neck who (disgustingly) sits atop our crazy unpredictable division.

As for the game itself... wild. I missed the whole thing but was able to record & then watch it and it was just wild to see us pull off such a run-heavy game. I think its very funny yet coincidental that for so many years after Elway retired we were such a pass-heavy team & couldn't run the ball to save our lives. Now we've become just the opposite. Denver fans have begged for our historical run game to come back from the days we had the likes of Terrell "TD" Davis running the ball, and we got our wish, big time.

Offense:

They dominated the game. Tebow took the reigns of our offense & got things done. The score may not reflect the domination I saw in the game from our offense but I think they were amazing to watch on the field. 55 rushing attempts for a mind-blowing 244 freakin' yards!!! That's nuts!!

Whatever works, I'll take it. The fact that Denver pulled it off and was running down KC's throat and never let up, I don't care how silly or crazy the critics think we are. Fact is IT WORKED!! And the game plan we had in KC will not be the same next time we face each other or for another opponent.

As for Tim Tebow...

Tebow CAN throw, its just a matter of him improving immensely on his mechanics & accuracy to become an elite QB in the NFL.

But the fact that critics have repeatedly said we can't pull off this read-option system in the NFL, they are being proven wrong. Granted we haven't played the Patriots yet with that system, a much better team than KC but the fact remains Tebow is the most driven, motivated & determined football player I've seen in a very long time and he'll do what it takes to lead this team to many wins, most likely running the ball.

I like that our Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy is adjusting our offense to each game. Mix it up by all means, PLEASE!! Give Tebow more trick plays to work with, I know he could pull them off.

My only MAJOR concern with this run-heavy offense they have put in place is that they will end up putting all their focus into what works for Tebow & the offense and forget about putting just as much focus on helping #15 be a better, more accurate passer.

Not getting him the help he needs for that big weakness of his will only continue to hurt him in the long run.

As for his 8 passes on Sunday, at least 2 of those that were incompletes should have been caught & those missed chances are on the receivers, NOT Tebow. Earlier in the game he had a beautiful long pass to Decker and the ball may have wobbled through the air, it was a very catchable pass and there's no excuse for why Decker didn't haul that one in.

Tebow also had another decent pass to Eddie Royal that was incomplete. Not a pretty pass but again, very catchable. Those 2 missed chances are on the receivers, IMHO.

Tebow's only 2 completions out of 8 pass attempts all game long belong to Willis & the game-securing TD pass to Decker who made up for his earlier missed opportunity. A gorgeous 56-yard pass and #87 took the rest of the way. Best play of the game, by far.

As for our much-talked about run game. I love that we had so many people in there to run the ball.

Lance Ball was just 4 yards away from a 100-yard game with 30 attempts for 96 yards. Ball became the main go-to guy after Denver took a big hit to their big run game... losing both McGahee & Moreno to injuries early on.

After they both left & never returned to the field, Ball took over and Fullback Spencer Larsen got a few more chances than normal to run the ball. Eddie Royal had a few carries and of course, Tebow had a few himself, namely on the Broncos' first drive of the game. Denver got down to KC's 7-yard line and Tebow ran it in to take the lead that Denver maintained all game long.

Our offense had a big day in KC. Will be very interesting to see what they do on Thursday night vs. the Jets.

Defense:

Our D was solid, shutting down KC in the entire first half - didn't allow any points at all for the first half. Was very impressed with our defense there.

Rookie Von Miller continues to be our little firecracker leading the defense in sacks by adding 1.5 from KC. I love this kid!! Such a beast on that field. Once again, Von-Doom attacked Cassel together each earning half a sack. I hope they can become more dominant with each & every game. Ryan McBean & DJ Williams also had big sacks on Cassel, with a team total of 4 with a total loss of 16 yards.

DJ Williams also caused a forced fumble, which was recovered by former Bronco now Chief, Casey Wiegmann.

Undrafted FA Chris Harris has become a surprise winner for our defense as he led the team with Joe Mays in tackles, 8 each (solo).

Was very pleased overall with our defense.

Special Teams:
The main thing I noticed were several of the punts, they were short enough that our guys were able to run down the field fast enough to stop the ball from bouncing into the end zone so that KC would have to start their drive from inside the 10.

It happened at least 3 times that I can remember. I think that was a huge playmaker for our defense to stop them from getting very far down field. There was one play that was the beginning of one of KC's drives that they were close enough to the end zone that had Cassel held on to the ball for just 2 more seconds, Von Miller would have gotten a sack on him but also a safety. Miller came flying at him. Again I love that kid! Keep it up!

Injuries:

We took a pretty big hit early on in KC when we lost both McGahee & Moreno in the game.

McGahee went out first with a pulled left hamstring. He's been in practice but I doubt he'll play on Thursday night & if he does it will be very little. I'd rather have him sit this one out and rest so that he's ready for our 2nd match-up with San Diego. We need McGahee for that one more than the Jets game.

Knowshon Moreno is most likely done for the season, as he will need surgery on his injured left knee and Denver said he will be placed on IR causing the Broncos to bring Jeremiah Johnson up from the practice squad. I feel for Moreno, he's had a tough season with too many injuries but I think Johnson will be a good fit for our run-away offense.

Also another concern is Ryan Clady. He left the game in the 2nd half and never returned. Can't remember what the injury was but we can't lose him. Our Oline was awesome on Sunday, they really came through for Tebow, of course its much easier when your QB never throws the ball but still they did their jobs. Hope to get more info on his injury.
Broncos Nominated for Awards:

Rookie Von Miller is nominated for the NFL Pepsi Rookie of the Week Award for his 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss yardage and 4 quarterback hits in the rival game against the Chiefs.

Miller also leads all the rookies in the NFL and is tied at 7th among all the other defensive players for sacks, he has 8 on this season.

Be sure to vote for him!!

In addition, the big Tebow to Decker 56-yard TD PASS is nominated for the GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week Award. Vote! Vote! Vote!

Denver won this award a few weeks ago with their wild last minute win over Miami.
Videos:

Here are several highlights from the game. Enjoy!

Tebow to Decker for 4^th quarter 56-yard TD pass

Split sack for Von-Doom

DJ Williams sack & forced fumble

Ryan McBean sack on Cassel

Miller gets sack on Cassel

Tebow runs in 7-yard Touchdown

Moreno runs 24 yards

22-yard run by Moreno; Injured on play

This last video is a rewind in time. The 1998 AFC Championship was a crazy crazy crazy match-up between the Broncos & Jets. I thought this would be fun to see ahead of our Thursday night game against New York. Brings back memories... that Shannon Sharpe is a funny man! lol

So fun seeing Elway, Sharpe, Davis, R. Smith, McCaffrey out there playing. Gotta love those Super Bowl days.............

Broncos – Jets legendary 1998 match-up

Now go run down those Jets!! lol

Game 9: Broncos Vs Chiefs

2011-11-10T19:17:00.001-08:00

The Broncos returned home from the black hole victorious! Not many would have expected the Broncos to win but it did happen. The Broncos came out and played hard for most of the game, there was a bit of a let down in the second quarter but the second half was amazing and totally dominate. The Broncos played as a complete team and were competitive in all phases of the game. The Broncos players put it together and we saw what this team can really do. This week the Broncos hit the road again to take on the babies in red and white. Thats' right we are heading to Kansas to take on (As Haley would call them) the F***en Chiefs. (Be prepared this will be a Haley themed post haha). The quiefs (Yes I just did that) are coming off a loss like everyone else in our division. Their record stands at 4-4 compared to our 3-5. This game is a must win for each team in a hotly contested division. Let's dive in to the preview.

Why to watch
In the wacky AFC West, this counts as a big game. If Tim Tebow Time gets to 3-1, then all of a sudden the Broncos have passed the Chiefs and maybe the Raiders, too. And when the Chiefs lose, they do it with a depth and flair only the Colts could rival.

Inside story
The Broncos are going a little more read-option heavy every week, and after Denver rushed for 300 yards on the Raiders, you tend to think Tebow will be trying to rumble on the Chiefs as well. This could be one Sunday that feels more like a Saturday.

Match ups
The first match up to look at is Clady Vs Hali. Can Clady prevent the sacks and not get called for holding. Also the Chiefs may try to match up Hali on Franklin to get the better match up. Both men will need to be on top of their game.

Champ Bailey goes up against another very good receiver in Bowe. Champ has only been beaten once this year for a TD and that was by Megatron (Champ I think was playing with a tweaked hammy), so not really a surprise there. But for most of that game and against other top WRs Champ has been shutting them down. Last year Champ pretty much ended Bowe's streak of good games and broke his confidence. Hopefully Champ beats him down again.

Get Larsen the ball!

Von Doom have to get to Cassel early and often to put him off his game, Cassel struggles with pressure.

Can't do match ups without Tebow. He needs to improve on his passes and be more consistent. He needs to run that Zone-Read effectively and of course win the mutha-f'ing game.

Other news:
If you didn't see it Tebow was voted the most overrated player by 111 other players. Romo was a close second. If you have Romo in your fantasy team it may be time to drop him as he tries to reclaim his crown.

The media is talking this match up to the zone-read, whether we can run it or if the Chiefs can defend it. One of the main arguments is that NFL defenders are bigger, faster, stronger, quicker -- and hit harder then they do in college therefore you can't run the Zone-Read in the NFL. By that token wouldn't NFL offensive players be bigger, faster, stronger, quicker, more technically complete and hit harder too? The skill level goes up on both sides of the ball. So from my perspective I think that cancels each other out and that it will come down to who executes the best.

Injury Report
Rahim Moore (S), Concussion, Limited
Virgil Green (TE), Neck, Full
Cassius Vaughn (CB), Hamstring, Limited
Wesley Woodyard (LB), Knee, DNP
Brian Dawkins (S), Thigh, Full
Spencer Larsen (FB), Shoulder, Full
Willis McGahee (RB), Hand, Full

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Jon McGraw (S), Shoulder, Full
Javier Arenas, Ankle, Limited
Demorrio Williams (LB), Groin, DNP

Funnies:
This is one I thought up and is now in memory of Champ's glorious beard which he has shaved.

The only thing with better coverage then Champ Bailey is his beard.

Also is it me or do Kyle Busch and Kyle Orton look a little similar? Give that man a neck beard.

That is it from me, enjoy the game, Go BRONCOS! ~ Aussie

Week 9: Broncos - HATED Raiders Post Game

2011-11-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

The Broncos finally got their revenge on the most hated team in the NFL, the Raiders.

Denver traveled to Oakland for a rematch of a win that should've happened in week one and our boys delivered... big.

First half was weak and looked grim for awhile but we kept up with the speed of things.
Second half was Bronco Time the whole way. BIG things happened and Denver came away with a much needed win after stunning the Raiders with 31 unanswered points in 2 quarters & 24 of them consecutively!! ahhh, I love this team!!! lol

That is the Denver team I know & love.... completely unpredictable & showin' their most hated rival up in their own house. F.U.N.N.Y.

Offense:

Much improvement in many areas, starting with none other than Tim Tebow.

Tebow had such a great day compared to his other 2 starts. So much improvement, I'm excited for him. I'm so so glad that Coach Fox stuck with him the whole game, trusted him to pull through, to improve, gave him a fighting chance and didn't resort to Brady Quinn at all. I shutter to think what disaster that would've been had Quinn been put in there. We would've got creamed.

I'm proud of Tebow for what he did in this game. Always room for more improvement and he's got plenty more to work on. It was far from a perfect game for him but it was darn close. Even VP of Operations John Elway had good things to say about his performance and that's huge. That's the kind of feedback Tebow needs when we all know he had a good game.

His stats for passing were 10/21 for 124 yards, 2 TDs and NO interceptions.
For rushing, Tebow ran 12 times for 118 yards.

The line was better protecting Tebow but still coughed up a few penalties and 2 sacks. I think its understandable that it would take awhile for the line to adjust to protecting a left handed QB in Tebow vs. Orton but they shouldn't be having this much trouble with it. The line is Tebow's lifeline cause every defense is going to be hungry to get sacks on him, that front 5 better figure out a rhythm while Tebow is out there. KC is gonna be real hungry after losing to Miami of all teams, if our line doesn't hold up all game, Tebow's gonna have one green jersey.

Our rushing game has been fun to watch for once. Willis McGahee was on fire Sunday afternoon rushing 20 times for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns.

What was really impressive from this offense was the one-play TD in the 3rd quarter. Tebow handed the ball off to McGahee and he took all the way for a 60-yard TD to tie the game at 24. Awesome play from the entire offense to make that happen. So awesome to see our offense pull something like that off.

So be sure to vote for our own Willis McGahee as he is nominated for the FedEx Ground Player of Week.

McGahee is also featured on 'Let's Go Primetime' as get this... the #1 playmaker of the week. Never thought I'd see the day. Ch-ch-check it out here.

Eric Decker was quiet after his 1st quarter TD but still a playmaker I love watchin out there.

And good ol Eddie Royal... its about time he get involved in our offense more. He only had 2 receptions for 25 yards but one of those catches a big TD in the beginning of the 3rd quarter and a big return in the 4th.

Overall a much better game from our offense. Was very pleased with their fight & drive to get the win. They came out fighting so hard in the 3rd quarter & carried that into the 4th. Talking about the whole team, not just offense because our defense held down the fort in the end.

Defense:

Like it was for the offense, a tough first half. Struggled to find their groove but owned the 2nd half.

Champ 'The Stud' Bailey FINALLY got his first INT of the season & a second one later on in the game. Can't tell you how much I was cheering for him when we got those. I think my raider fan friend went deaf. haha

And Dumervil finally broke through and got his first sack of the season. Later on Von-Doom got a piece of Palmer giving Doom 1.5 sack credit & Von 0.5 credit. Hopefully this deadly duo will wreak havoc on KC this coming weekend. Elvis is back in the building baby!

Overall, our D had 3 INTs (2 for Champ & 1 for Chris Harris), 2 sacks on Palmer for 16 yards, a forced fumble by Champ. Chris Harris also led the D in tackles with 9 & 2 assists

Rookies Quinton Carter & Von Miller had a combined 11 tackles.

The defense really pulled this one through for us by holding off the Raiders at the end.

Special Teams:

AWESOME!!! lol Eddie Royal took only one punt return the whole game and turned it into a freakin' awesome 85 TD return. I'm surprised I didn't lose my voice when this happened lol

Interesting Notes:

Penalties are a given when we play the Raiders, but DAAANG!!

Denver ended up with 11 for 93 yards but the whopper came from Oakland (thank goodness) with 15 for 130 yards! bahahaha Some of those were kinda lame but if they're on Oakland, who cares!? That makes for a funny game.

We have got to work on this penalty thing. They are killin us. Those 11 penalties could have been a huge deal breaker for us. 11 is unacceptable... heck, 1 is too many. Most of them are silly & very preventable. Holding calls, false starts, we're better than that. They know better.

In the end though, we left with the W and that's what matters but we weren't that far behind Oakland in penalties. We can't afford to rack those up every game & expect to get away with it.

But good game for Denver, from all sides of the ball. Now we get to enjoy tons of awesome videos that recapture the game in all its awesomeness. lol Hats off to the team for getting this win. Now get 2 in a row in another rival city that is tough as steel to play in... I figure if Denver can conquer the Black Hole... BBQ town can be taken down again too. LOL

Go get 'em boys. Show 'em some Bronco Orange & Blue love ;)

Videos:

Royal catches 26-yard TD

Eddie Royal’s 85-yard punt return TD

Tebow 28-yard run

Decker’s 27-yard TD catch

Prater’s 43-yard FG

D. Thomas 29-yard catch

Chris Harris INT

Champ’s 1^st INT of season

Champ Bailey’s 50^th career INT

Doom’s 1^st sack of season

Von-Doom sack on Palmer – Boom Baby!!

McGahee has big day in Oakland

McGahee 17-yard run

McGahee 24-yard TD run

McGahee 60-yard TD run

You know it was a great Bronco game when I put up an endless amount of videos! Love doing that. Enjoy

Orange Crush those Chiefs!!!! Would be huge if we win in KC, huge! If Miami can do it, we can run 'em into the ground.

Week 9: Broncos Vs Raiders in Pictures

2011-11-08T00:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Broncos fans, I thought I would do a post game in pictures since I am unsure if Princess will be able to do one. She is probably too busy paying out on her Raider friend, sort of like this.

So onto the post. I thought this would be a good idea as a picture says a thousand words, lame explanation but meh. First up if you remember in the preview I said I wanted Tebow to run over to some Raiders fans and give them a big F U! Well he didn't do it, but Decker and Royal hooked me up.

Next up Doom is back in the house getting his first sack of the season.

The next pic is of Champ Bailey getting one of his two picks in the game, which took his total to 50 for his career. If I was Champ this is what I would be thinking, Palmer why try and take him on...twice?

Royal pretty much went untouched to score a TD on his only punt return of the day.

As for the Raiders this tells the whole story haha.

Finally our poll on the Top 5 Broncos has finished. The winners are:

1. Champ Bailey
2. Tim Tebow
3. Ryan Clady
4. New to the top 5, Willis McGahee
5. Also new to the top 5, Brian Dawkins
I can agree with pretty much all of these but Ryan Clady has gone from Iron Clady to Holding Clady recently. Personally I think Walton has been the most improved of the group. The best would have to be Kuper though, the silent achiever. But I can live with Clady up there, he is one of our most talented players.

We will re-run this at the end of the year.

That is it from me, FTR and lets smash the Chiefs! ~ Aussie

Wahaha had to add this, too funny.

Game 8: Broncos Vs Raiders - Get your hate on!

2011-11-04T00:34:00.000-07:00

After a disappointing lose against the Lions on Orange Sunday in our own house the Broncos take to the road. This week they are heading to the black hole, the a**-hole of the world to take on the Raiders. That means Broncos fans that it is time to 'Get your hate on'. There is nothing more that we hate than the Raiders. We hate the Raiders as much as a fat kid hates a treadmill. There are not enough words to express the disdain I have towards the Traiders.

When the Broncos play the Raiders it has always been a case of 'Good Versus Evil'. Us being the good guys that go up against evil and fighting to win the day. In recent times the Broncos have gone from those heroes we expect to win to those soft pretty boys that get pushed around by the Bullies. It is time for the Broncos to step up. (Everyone named princess skip to next paragraph) There are three things that every team and player need to succeed on the field. All of which start with the letter C. Commitment, Courage and a 4 letter word that isn't for children's ears. You have to be committed, to the team, to your assignment, to doing what needs to be done. You need courage to go out and play hard, put yourself in a position that may cause you harm, courage to do what is necessary. But the third one I think this team lacks in spades. There is no mongrel, no nastiness to our team. We are a bunch of soft pretty boys. It is about time the team stepped it up and brought it on game day. And what better game than against the Raiders. It's time to get down and dirty and smash the Raiders in the mouth over and over again. What I want to see is Tebow score a TD then run over to the nearest raiders fan and point at him and give him a big F U, to fire up the team, sort of like this picture below. It's time to bring it BRONCOS!

Either that or he beats a small raiders child to a pulp on the sideline, KILL THEM ALL! If you can't tell I am so pumped for this game.

OK on to the main part of this preview....I hope.

Why to watch
Could this be the end of Tebow Time as we know it, already? If so, better catch it while you can. You'd figure that the good people of "the Black Hole" will have something special for Tebow. Oakland fans will also be looking for much more out of Carson Palmer coming out of the bye with that extra time to work out the considerable kinks in his game that were on display against the Chiefs in Week 7.

Also on a side note I am sick of the hate for Tebow and no confidence in him at all. Everyone wants to dump on him and no one wants to stand up for him. Someone in the media needs to grow a set and go the other way (We need you Rod Smith). Some confidence from the Broncos would be nice too, Fox/Elway come out and say that Tebow is the QB for the rest of the year. No more of this 'evaluate' every week crap, Tebow needs someone to believe in him. He hasn't been playing well because he is worried about making mistakes or turning the ball over. His first 3 quarters are crap because he is worried about mistakes, that is why in the 4th he has been getting it done because he throws caution to the wind. He needs a bigger leash. And if that isn't the case come out and say it, Tebow isn't our future blah blah blah, we don't need stories of you guys scouting QBs, it isn't helping. A firm decision one way or the other is needed. Plus if you are thinking of going back to Orton or to Quinn you are signing your own death warrants, they are as bad if not worse than Tebow. Inhale, exhale, lets move on....

Inside story

Tebow's slow delivery and the way he clings to the ball will create problems against this mammoth defensive line. The Raiders aren't the fastest front four, but they just might be the biggest and that extra half second will help. The Broncos hope to have Willis McGahee back running the ball.

Match Ups

Who really cares? Smash them Raiders. Otherwise, run the ball, stop the run, create a pass rush and complete passes, simple.

The only three players who remain out for the Broncos are safety Quinton Carter (concussion), cornerback Cassius Vaughn (hamstring) and tight end Virgil Green (neck). All three players were on the field to watch practice today.

McGahee, who fractured a bone in his right hand against the Dolphins and had surgery to insert a plate and screws soon after, practiced on a limited basis for the second consecutive day Thursday.

Broncos head coach John Fox has said if McGahee shows this week he can protect himself and the ball with that right hand, he will play against the Raiders.

Injury Report

Quinton Carter (S), Concussion, DNP
Orlando Franklin (RT), Groin, Limited
Virgil Green (TE), Neck, DNP
Willis McGahee (RB), Hand, Limited
Cassius Vaughn (CB), Hamstring, DNP
Julius Thomas (TE), Ankle, Full

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Jason Campbell (QB), Collarbone, DNP
Chimdi Chekwa (CB), Hamstring, DNP
Sebastian Janikowski (K), Hamstring, DNP
Chris Johnson (CB), Groin, DNP
Rolando McClain (LB), Ankle, DNP
Darren McFadden (RB), Foot, DNP
Kevin Boss (TE), Concussion, Full
Matt Giordano (FS), Neck, Full
Marcel Reece (FB), Ankle, Full
Chaz Schilens (WR), Groin, Full
Michael Huff (FS), Ankle, DNP
Samson Satele (C), Knee, Limited
John Henderson (DT), Limited

That is it from me, FTR, let's GO BRONCOS ~ Aussie

Week 8: Broncos - Lions Post Game

2011-10-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

Butt freakin' ugly game! Nothing nice to really say, nothing great really happened for us.

Will be a short post considering I'm disappointed in this team for letting this game get out of hand & plenty could have been done about it.

Offense:

Tebow... oh Tebow... clearly he is still trying to work some stuff out. Plenty of the offense's troubles are on him in this game but quite a few of his passes were very catchable & that goes on the receivers. Those incompletes make Tebow look worse than he really is.

The line still has yet to give Tebow good protection. Orlando Franklin showed his rookie side several times, letting Dlinemen get to Tebow. The line is also to blame for 7 sacks. Granted Tebow needs to get better at reading when to throw the ball away or not, but 7 sacks is unacceptable. It's ridiculous, especially for the second week in a row. 14 sacks in 2 weeks... that's insane!

The offense had more than enough penalties to set us back. 5 for 55 yards... the whole offense needs help, not just Tebow. All 5 may not be on the offense but I know at least 3 of them were.

Tebow can't run this thing all by himself. His receivers, the line & the RBs have got to help him out & do their part. We also had 5 fumbles, 2 were lost. This is one game I will forget very quickly.

The only parts I care to remember was the very first drive when we should've had a TD. Decker was SO close to having that touchdown. I think had we got that score to start the game, it would've been a different more productive game for our offense. I think it would have boosted Tebow's confidence enough to have done better the rest of the game than he did.

Patience is THE key word with #15.

Tebow had a real bad day with 18/39 for 179 yards, 1 TD & 1 INT. Those 179 yards is pretty good considering how many incomplete passes he threw. The touchdown was an impressive one too.

Knowshon Moreno lead in rushing yards with 14 carries for 69 yards.

Eric Decker led the receiving corps with 6 catches for 72 yards & Denver's only touchdown late in the 4th quarter.
Eddie Royal was also seen more in this game with 6 catches for 41 yards.

Defense:

I'd say they started out well but 45 points is overkill. 6 of those belong to our offense off Tebow's first INT of the year but our deficit is still sickening to watch.

Stafford had a fun day with our defense putting up 267 passing yards on them, easily.

For a while our D held down the fort sending Detroit back to their sidelines multiple times on quick 3 & outs but those good drives our defense quickly fizzled out when Detroit began their rally of putting points on us in OUR house for heaven's sake.

And the big match-up of Champ vs. Calvin Johnson ended up in Johnson's favor for the most part. Champ wasn't covering Johnson for a good portion of the game so the match-up came down to rookie undrafted FA Chris Harris getting beat on the routes he was set to cover.

But even respected vets like Champ & Dawkins got beat several times, getting faked out or just bad timing & reads.

Overall, horrible game for Denver. Now the Broncos face 2 HUGE games against 2 very hated rivals in their territory, the much hated Raiders & then the Chiefs.

Both places are tough stadiums to play in, tough crowds to play in front of. I almost shutter to think what will happen to us in these next 2 games.

Definitely not making a bet with my raider fan friend... no way man, not doing that again, no sir............

Playcalling has got to change. The awesome John Lynch was one of the commentators during the game & he made several points about what needs to be done with Tebow and it came back to the playcalling while he's on the field.

Each QB is different & with Tebow the playcalling should be different than it was with Orton. And besides that point, it needs to change. Whatever they are doing out there, its clearly not working; not getting us anywhere. Coach Fox needs to seriously re-evaluate his playbook with Tebow in the picture, if they start him again, and base that calling on Tebow's abilities but also give him calls to work with & that will help him to get better, more productive & improve.

Like John Lynch said, "they have to give the guy a chance in order for him to improve". Even Lynch believes in Tebow, he sees potential in #15 but Tebow also needs a coach that believes in him. I don't think Coach Fox really does, which is hurting him more.

We all know we have bigger problems beyond who's at QB or not. Tebow can only do so much. This TEAM has got to start playing like one.

The Lions definitely came to play today, something the Broncos showed no sign of. Both offensively & defensively, Detroit earned that win. Tastes like vinegar in my mouth saying that....... bleh....

More of a shame we lose like this in our own house. No excuse for that or the way we played.

Videos:

Tebow to Decker for late 4^th qtr TD

Here's to hoping for a MUCH better game with more passion & fight against Oakland.

Game 7: Broncos Vs Lions

2011-10-28T01:55:00.000-07:00

After being on the road last week to get the big win over the Dolphins the Broncos return home for Orange Sunday against the floundering Detroit Lions. The Lions after starting the year off hot have frizzled in recent weeks and are now struggling with key injuries. The Lions starting QB Stafford is likely out with an ankle injury and that could mean Shaun Hill may play. Either way the Lions biggest weapon Calvin 'Megatron' Johnson is hoping for a big day against our secondary. This will be the most important match up, will Champ be able to do a number on Johnson and take him out of the game or will Johnson have a big game? You will have to watch and find out.

Why to watch
Tim Tebow basks in the glory of his home crowd, while Ndamukong Suh, after being called dirty by the Falcons last week, leads a scary pass rush against him. The Lions can't afford to lose three in a row after a dream start, and Matthew Stafford is facing injury questions again. Can Tebow continue the heroics against a better opponent?

Inside story
Detroit plays the run on the way to the quarterback, and if Tebow can make a quick cut and get by the first wave of linemen, there could be some fertile running lanes. The Lions are poor against the run.

Things to Watch
I still would like to see Larsen get more involved in the offense.

The play calling, with McGahee out a few more screens and runs outside to get Knowshon in space would be nice. Also some boot-legs and play action passes would be nice.

Tebow have a complete game, play well for most of the game and complete passes.

Decker, Thomass'(?) and Royal getting open and making plays.

Less then 6 sacks, the line needs to protect Tebow more.

For defense, turnovers and sacks. The more times they can get the ball for Tebow the better. And of course Champ Vs Megatron, that will be a big matchup.

Other News
A new form of photos that has over taken Planking, Tebowing. Some of the photos are really good, even Von Miller has gotten in on the act.

You can now vote for the pro bowl, so do it. Vote now and often!

Injury Report
Elvis Dumervil, Ankle, DNP
Willis McGahee, Hand, DNP
Brian Dawkins, Illness, DNP
Marcus Thomas, Knee, Limited
Julius Thomas, Ankle, Full

DETROIT LIONS
Jahvid Best, Concussion, DNP
Gosder Cherilus, Knee, Limited
Rashied Davis, Feet, DNP
Nick Fairley, Foot, DNP
Sammie Hill, Ankle, DNP
Rob Sims, Illness, DNP
Chris Houston, Back, Limited
Vincent Fuller, Elbow, Limited
Matthew Stafford, Ankle, Limited
Willie Young, Calf, Limited

Jokes
Little David is in the 5th grade. Yesterday morning when the teacher asked the children what their fathers did for a living, all the typical answers came up: fireman, policeman, salesman, etc.

The teacher noticed that little David was being uncharacteristically quiet and so she asked him about his father.

"My father's an exotic dancer in a gay bar and takes off all his clothes in front of other men. Sometimes, if the offer's really good, he'll go out to the alley with some guy and do it with him for money."

The teacher, obviously shaken by this statement, hurriedly set the other children to work on some coloring, and took little David aside to ask him, "Is that really true about your father?"

"No," said David, red faced. "He plays for the Detroit Lions, but I was too embarrassed to say that in front of the other kids."

Q: Why did the NFL award Super Bowl XL to the city of Detroit?
A: Because they felt bad for the Lions, figuring it was the closest the team would ever come to a Super Bowl.

That is it for me, enjoy Orange Sunday and cheer on the Broncos! ~ Aussie.

Broncos Honor Wall - Update

2011-10-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone how is the week treating you? Heart recovered from the weekend yet? Anyway I thought it was time to updated the Broncos Honor Wall, that is displayed in the right sidebar, since we are about half way through the season. I am looking for suggestions from our loyal fans on players or coaches that have performed to a high level and deserve to be enshrined on the honor wall. There are 5 spots available for players/coaches on the Broncos honour wall. As a rule of thumb I like to include at least one offensive lineman as they don't get enough love as it is.

Currently the spots are held by:
Tim Tebow
Brandon Lloyd (traded)
Elvis 'Doom'ervil
Champ Bailey
Ryan Clady

So which players should be kept if any and who else would you like to see up there. Leave your responses in the comments. ~ Aussie.

Week 7: Broncos - Dolphins Post Game

2011-10-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

Week 7 is done & over, but not without a whirlwind ending to a very boring game. Only one person could bring this much excitement, hope & fun to a game... Tim Tebow.

Granted it was a team win at the end just like it was the whole team who struggled through the whole 4 quarters. Its never a one-man show, or at least it shouldn't be, but yesterday ALL eyes were on Tebow.

Here's the breakdown of the insanity...

Offense:

Tim Tebow was the focus of everyone in attendance or watching at home. His time to show & prove he is NFL worthy.

The vast majority of this game did him no justice... he did himself no justice. It was boring watching both teams punt back & forth the entire time. At one point I really did think I was watching a very weird tennis match. But leave it to Tebow to be apart of a very unorthodox, unconventional, unusual football game.

For nearly a full hour, Denver didn't score at all. It wasn't until the very final moments in the game that the Broncos came alive. They way they rallied together to fight for that win, where in the world was that during the WHOLE game??

Nevertheless, Denver won and that's what matters. However, it leaves me at least, concerned about the way they played (or the lack thereof) during the bulk of the game. We can't play like that on offense against division rivals & the Pats later on in the season & get away with it. They will roll over us like a big semi truck over a pancake.

I fully believe that this was a great game for Tebow to work out his kinks, namely his passing. He WILL get better with each game. Watching him yesterday, I fully 100% realized just how patient us fans are gonna have to be.

Stat wise, Tebow wasn't half bad. He's VERY lucky he didn't get intercepted yesterday, he should've had at least 3 of them. But he got away with it.

#15 ended his first start of this year with 13 completions out of 27 passes for 161 yards & 2 TDs. No way would a certain someone have gotten 161 yards... with the majority of those yards coming in the final minutes of the 4th quarter. Tebow also took 8 carries for 65 yards in the game.

Now that I've said my peace on Tebow, the rest of our offense looked very troubling out there.

Willis McGahee took 18 carries for 76 yards and in either the 3rd or 4th quarter I believe, it was then we lost McGahee to a broken hand, which means we'll be without our best RB for at least several weeks. Just what we needed.........

Knowshon Moreno will probably take over & Lance Ball will be seeing more field time as well now. So to paint a more clear picture, we are without McGahee for at least our home game against Detroit, away game in Oakland & KC and possibly our Thursday night game at home vs. the Jets. I think all of that sums up how well our run game is going to be for the next 3 weeks to a month......

Our Oline got themselves a few more penalties than preferred costing our offense time & yardage. The line also let the Miami defense get to Tebow for 7 sacks. Way too many....... heck, one is too many.

Both McGahee & Tebow had one fumble each; McGahee's was lost.

Matthew Willis led our receiving corps with 1 reception for 42 yards; Daniel Fells had 2 catches for 31 yards & 1 amazing touchdown; Demaryius Thomas (in his first game all season long) had 3 catches for 27 yards & 1 TD.

Long, tough day for our offense. Will be interesting to say the least to see what they can do at home vs. a 5-2 Detroit Lions team. Lord help us.............

Defense:

I would definitely have to say our defense had a better day than offense, considering we held them to just 15 points. They had double the time to prepare for this game with the bye week and I was happy with what our D accomplished.

Dawkins was a hot tamale out there with 2 sacks and 2 more from red hot rookie Von Miller & DJ Williams.

DJ Williams also forced a fumble in the 4th quarter on the QB with Denver coming up with the ball which led to our miracle win.

Jonathan Wilhite led the team in tackles with 10 and 1 assist.
Joe Mays came in 2nd with 5 tackles, 1 assist

And for the most part the Champ vs. Marshall match-up was a quiet one but there were several times where Champ blocked a pass to Marshall but BM also came up with a few catches. If you ask me, Champ won the match-up. lol

Special Teams:

OMG. We punted 9 times, Miami 8. Enter really boring football game slightly disguised as a tennis match. 17 punts... that's not gonna fly against other teams.

Matt Prater... you scare me sometimes. lol Missed two FGs, a 49 & 43, I believe, and yet you can make a 63-yarder in pre-game practice & a wild 52-yarder to win it. That's nuts man!!

Injuries:

McGahee is now out for several weeks with a broken hand. Not good news. He was doing really well for us.

Videos:

Broncos-Dolphins Highlights

Tebowmania: 2 point conversion

Tebowmania: 21-yard run to avoid a sack & safety

Tebowmania: Tebow throws 3-yard TD to Daniel Fells

Prater’s miracle 52-yard FG to win the game

Broncos Defense at its best

Tebowmania: Tebow throws 42-yard pass to Matt ‘Ninja’ Willis

Tebowmania: Tebow to D. Thomas for 5-yard TD

Tebowmania: Tebow to Fells for a wild 28-yard catch

2^nd sack of game & year for Weapon X

Von Miller’s 6^th sack of year

1^st sack of year & game for Weapon X

Enjoy the highlights... there's plenty of them!! haha

Game 6: Broncos Vs Dolphins

2011-10-21T02:08:00.000-07:00

The Broncos are on the road again and heading to sunny Florida after an uneventful bye week (lies). The Broncos take on cellar dwellers the Miami Dolphins, who also will be honoring our starting QB Tim Tebow, go figure. This will be an interesting game as the Broncos pretty much have a completely new offense. Tebow is the starter, Brandon Lloyd has been traded away and the WRs corps is full of returning healthy players including the Thomas's and Royal. I am expecting a big day and a bigger score in this one.

Why to watch

Brandon Marshall, the self-proclaimed monster who vowed to get tossed from Monday night's game, meets the team he spent the bulk of his drama-filled career with. Perhaps this meeting with Champ Bailey will be as eventful as the Marshall-Darrelle Revis match up a week ago. The possibility of fireworks exists.

Inside story

This really is the Andrew Luck Bowl. John Elway is back at Stanford watching the kid all the time. Dolphins owner Steven Ross tried to hire Luck's college coach in the offseason. Neither team has a sure-fire quarterback of the future. Oh, and Tim Tebow is starting.

Things to Watch
Tebow for starters.

The new healthy offense and what type of plays we will run with Tebow at quarterback.

I would like to see Larsen get a bit more involved also.

On the defensive side of the ball lets hope the secondary can get some turnovers and the front seven can stop the run.

But the best match up to watch will be Baily versus Marshall. Lets see if Bailey can have a similar game against Marshall as did Revis.

I am predicting a score of 48-14, I am thinking big for Tebow's coming out party!

Injury Report

Julius Thomas, Ankle, Limited
Brian Dawkins, Neck, Full
Eddie Royal, Groin, Full
Demaryius Thomas, Finger, Full
Willis McGahee, Back, Full

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Reggie Bush, Groin, Full
Brandon Marshall, Quadriceps, Full
Reshad Jones, Knee, DNP
Cameron Wake, Hamstring --
Chris Clemons, Hamstring, Limited
Vontae Davis, Hamstring, Limited
Daniel Thomas, Hamstring, Limited
Nolan Carroll, Hamstring, Limited
Will Yeatman, Shoulder, Limited

Check out this article on Tebow, ESPN

Other News

Denver owner Pat Bowlen has stepped down from being part of the NFL labor committee. He’s been through some nasty negotiations in his day, including this year’s lockout.

Pat Bowlen, the Broncos' owner since March 1984, had served the past 10 years as co-chairman of the league's labor committee, along with Carolina owner Jerry Richardson.

With the owners and players able to work out a new collective bargaining agreement in July that will extend for 10 years, Bowlen has joined Richardson in stepping away from their leadership roles. New York Giants owner John Mara now will chair the labor committee.

"After helping to lead extremely demanding labor negotiations during the last few years, Mr. Bowlen has elected to pass the torch," Broncos spokesman Patrick Smyth said. "He's grateful for the opportunity to be part of the process that yielded 10 years of labor peace."

Bowlen will continue to serve on the league's compensation, broadcasting and NFL Network committees. And he will continue to work on trying to fix a Broncos franchise that is 1-4 this year and hasn't been to the playoffs since 2005.

Well guys and gal enjoy Tebow's first start for the year ~ Aussie.

Fun with Pictures: Against the Chargers

2011-10-18T03:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a selection of pictures I put together from the Chargers game, enjoy.

That is all I got, if there is any pictures or ideas for funny pictures you think I should make up feel free to share. Otherwise I will have a pregame post on the upcoming game in a day or two. ~ Aussie.

Brandon Lloyd Traded and Other News

2011-10-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

It is official, the Broncos traded Lloyd to the St. Louis Rams today in exchange for either a sixth-round draft pick, or fifth rounder if he has 30 catches in the final 11 games this year. More on this story from the DP.

Lloyd said he has not yet talked to Josh McDaniels, the Rams' offensive coordinator who was the Broncos' head coach last season when the receiver had a breakout year of 77 catches, 11 touchdowns and NFL-leading 1,448 yards. But Lloyd had heard that McDaniels and other coaches had been pushing St. Louis general manager Bill Devaney to swing a deal with Broncos GM Brian Xanders in recent days.

"I think it's a good situation for both sides," Lloyd said. "(The Broncos) have an opportunity to take a look at their young guys, see what direction they want to go in. And I get to go into a system where they pass the ball more."

Lloyd became somewhat expendable to the Broncos because Demaryius Thomas, a first-round draft pick last year, and Eddie Royal, a second-round pick in 2008, are returning from lengthy injuries this week. Eric Decker, a third-round pick in 2010, had already been starting opposite Lloyd.

"It stinks that I have to leave Denver," Lloyd said. "But it feels like a smooth transition. I get along with Xanders. My agent David Dunn gets along with Xanders. That's why this was so smooth. This wasn't an angry, disgruntled situation. I loved my time here. If I ever say anything about Denver, the organization, the players, the city, it's a mistake. It's been awesome. I'm not angry, I'm not bitter. I'm ready to go play."

At first glance, it appears the separation between Lloyd and the Broncos was sparked by a money dispute. Lloyd is making $1.395 million in the final year of a two-year deal he signed as free agent late in the summer of 2009. The league's top receivers start at $5 million a year and go north of $10 million.

The Broncos did offer Lloyd a two-year extension that included guarantees to be paid after this season, but there was no upfront signing bonus.

It can't be all about money, though, because Lloyd is happy about his trade to St. Louis even though he is not immediately getting a contract extension.

"That's what I'd like to point out," Lloyd said. "I'm not going to completely dismiss that. But No. 1 was I was being used on the field. No. 2 was the contract. I wanted to be appreciated and the way teams show their appreciation to a player in this business is to pay them accordingly."

Again, Lloyd broke out his enormous laughs.

"Obviously it matters but I want to play where my skill set can reach the best of my abilities," he said.

Lloyd's production did slip this year, partly because he missed a game with a groin strain, but still had 19 catches and no touchdowns in the four games he did play.

His willingness to leave, he said, had nothing to do with the full-time quarterback switch last week from Kyle Orton to Tim Tebow. And indeed, trade discussions had started a couple weeks ago.

"No, the offense changed with coach (John) Fox," Lloyd said. "We still had the same quarterback. There just wasn't as many pass plays being called. Nothing against coach Fox. He's the coach."

With the Rams, Lloyd will join a promising young passing quarterback in Sam Bradford who has struggled to execute McDaniels' pass-oriented offense. The Rams rank 32nd, or dead last, in the NFL with 9.8 points per game — an average of 23.0 fewer points than the Green Bay Packers.

"I think it's a win-win situation for me because I get to go in and try to establish myself in a leadership role," Lloyd said. "It's a role I'm ready for at my age and my career. I think I'm mature enough to handle a leadership role because that was a role I was developing in Denver."

Other trade news

Rumors circulated Monday afternoon that Orton may be on the trade block to Oakland. But Orton has not requested a trade. With a newborn daughter, he does not want to be traded.

Other News

Broncos defensive tackle Ryan McBean was arrested Friday on allegations of stalking in Denver, according to Colorado Bureau of Investigation records.

McBean, who posted a $50,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 28.

McBean was back at Dove Valley Monday morning for team meetings and participated in practice. Head coach John Fox said the team "is aware" of McBean's bye-week arrest.

"We'll let the legal process run its course, but at this point, we're gathering information and, hopefully, the facts," Fox said.

This situation will have to be monitored.

Returning Players

One receiver leaves, three more return.

Just as the Broncos and Rams were finalizing a deal to send Brandon Lloyd to St. Louis, the Broncos began their first post-bye practice with receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eddie Royal and receiving tight end Julius Thomas on the field.

All three players have missed significant time with injuries this season. Royal participated in one practice last week before the bye.

Demaryius Thomas' impending return is especially important considering Lloyd's departure. Arguably the most physically gifted player in the Broncos' receiving corps, the former first-round draft pick is expected to make his season debut Sunday at Miami, helping replace Lloyd as the team's best deep threat. Thomas had surgery to repair an injured Achilles tendon in February and surgery to repair a broken pinky finger in early September.

Today marks only his third practice since last season.

The only player sitting out today's practice is safety Brian Dawkins, who suffered a head/neck injury against San Diego on Oct. 9.

That is it for today, I will have a 'fun with pictures' post up sometime soon. ~ Aussie.

Where to for Orton?

2011-10-13T23:40:00.000-07:00

With Tebow being named the Broncos starter what now becomes the plan for Orton? Will he go quietly into a backup role or will he request to be traded? I don’t know what Orton’s feelings are but watching the Chargers game you could see he knew his time had come to an end and Tebow’s was just starting. What is the Broncos brain trust of EFX thinking? To be honest I have no idea what we will do with Orton now but let’s take a look at a few scenarios.

First to being with we need to look at the ‘Original’ plan or what EFX were originally thinking when they decided to put Orton on the open market at the end of the lockout. Remember for the first week leading into the start of training camp the Broncos were trying to move Orton onto another team. The deal was only stopped because Orton could not come to agreement on a new deal. At this time remember that the Broncos also signed QB Adam Weber as a College Free Agent. It is my belief the Broncos would have moved Orton on and gone with the remaining 3 QBs, being Tebow, Quinn and Weber. With Tebow and Quinn fighting it out for the top two spots. Of course Orton stuffed that all up and won the starting job. Orton’s plan going into the season was to probably play as well as he could and get a new deal with another team as he already knew he was not in the future plans of the Broncos.

That gets as to the current point in time. Orton’s plan tanked as much as he did and now Tebow is the starting QB for the rest of the year. So what happens now? There are three scenarios that could take place.

The first would be we keep Orton in a backup role. He becomes second string leaving Quinn number 3 and never getting his chance to start. There are a few issues with this situation. There is the locker room, will the players and all the coaches for that matter be on the bandwagon, will they all play for Tebow or will there be disgruntle players. One could be Lloyd, he has been vocal in the past. But remember Lloyd is out for himself and that big contract. He will want the QB that gives him the best chance to be up big numbers. Whether that is Orton or Tebow is to be seen. Only time will tell. Secondly there is Orton himself. Will he be a cancer in the locker room? Will he undermine Tebow’s leadership and be a distraction? I doubt it, doesn’t seem like that is a part of Orton’s character to act that way. However these are all issues that need to be considered in making any personal decision. It is my opinion that nothing probably comes of this. Orton sits quietly on the bench the rest of the year and signs somewhere else next.

Scenario two is that Orton is traded. The first issue with this is not many if any trades occur in the middle of the year before the trade deadline. Which it in itself is not too far off, restricting any possible time frame on a deal. Then what teams would be interested in Orton and what is his trade value. The Seahawks and Dolphins (again) may be interested as both have had issues with QB play and injuries. But what price do you put on Orton after a dismal start to the year? I say we get whatever we can. Maybe a depth player or a late round draft pick. If we are trying to trade him we won’t have much to bargain with. The other perspective of this scenario is what if Orton requests a trade? Again I doubt Orton requests a trade or is very vocal, like I said before it is not really in his character but he does want to be a starter. This may cause a distraction to the locker room with an upset player but I think it is unlikely.

The third and finally option is Orton is straight up cut. The Broncos have had enough of Orton and will go with the remaining 3 QBS instead. This also allows Orton to sign with a team of his choice. But I pretty sure that EFX won’t let Orton just walk for nothing. However then why let him ride the pine all year to just leave at the end?

This I think really comes down to how he handles himself in the coming week. If he is vocal I can see him being traded at a discount price or we could just get rid of him. Otherwise Orton goes off quietly into the setting sun over the Rockies. Here's a Mile High Salute to the Neckbeard. ~ Aussie

300th post - Tebow named Starter

2011-10-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

Tim Tebow is now the starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos.

On Tuesday, Head Coach John Fox made the announcement to the media after telling the team in an early morning meeting.

“We announced (to the team) that Tim Tebow would start the Miami game and we’re moving forward.”

Bronco players were told at an 8 a.m. meeting today that Tim Tebow would replace Kyle Orton as the starting quarterback.

After this afternoon's practice, head coach John Fox explained the decision.

"We're a 1-4 football team. I'm a 1-4 head coach," Fox said. "It's my job, our job, to make decisions to try to change that. We'll see if this is one that does that."

Fox also made it clear that the Broncos' 1-4 record is not all about who's at quarterback.

"We haven't gotten it done as a football team," Fox said. "It's not one guy, it's not all Kyle Orton's fault, but we do have to make adjustments, we do have to change, and we have to do something to win football games."

Today Tebow talked about handling expectations and what he and the Broncos offense need to accomplish before facing the Miami Dolphins.

"I'm just very honored to get this opportunity," Tebow said this afternoon from the team's headquarters at Dove Valley. "I'm very excited. I'm just blessed to be a Denver Bronco, and to go out there and play for this organization is truly a privilege."

Coaches informed the quarterbacks of the decision to go with Tebow after the players arrived at Dove Valley this morning.

"I'm just disappointed with everything," demoted quarterback Kyle Orton said at his locker after his first practice as a backup. "I wish I could have played better, wish we had a better record, wish a lot of things. But the reality is what it is."

Orton said he would continue to be a good teammate to Tebow moving forward.

As for Tebow, how will he approach practice as heads into the Miami game as the starter?

"It's not just in the 'what if' — what if I'm in there for this, what if we get this look — you have to plan for it because it's going to happen," Tebow said. "I just really try and visualize it and be ready for practices so we can have sharp, crisp practices all next week and really improve. One, to give coaches confidence in me, the players confidence in me. And two, to go out there and practice and do it right."

Tebow will take a Broncos team that is 1-4, through a bye week of practices before traveling to Florida to face the Dolphins.

"I'm very excited about it," said Tebow, a former star at the University of Florida. "Not that it's Miami or that it's in Florida, it's just the opportunity to start for the Denver Broncos and that truly is an honor and a privilege."

The Dolphins on that day will honor Tebow at halftime for his time in college with the Gators — an odd move by a host team putting the spotlight on the opposing team's quarterback.

"I haven't really thought about it," Tebow said. "It's extremely nice of them and it is great memories. But on that day, I'll be focused on being a Denver Bronco and trying to go out and compete to the best of my abilities."

Tebow also talked about being thrust to the top of the depth chart.

"I feel I've improved in several ways, just with my knowledge of the offense and understanding defenses and how we're trying to attack them and what I need to do to exploit weaknesses that day that they have," he said.

He also addressed past concerns about his throwing motion.

He said he has improved "just with my fundamentals, with accuracy and footwork and getting the ball out of my hand."

But expectations for Tebow, among Broncos fans and nationally, run high.

"That's something I've never tried to do is live up to other people's expectations," he said. "I set high expectations of myself and try to live up to them, that's why I put pressure on myself every day, that's why I work hard, try to improve every day, because I have expectations of what I want to accomplish."

Tebow's goals?

"Every single day, get better," he said. "Understand the game plan, understand what we're trying to do against the defense and go out here and practice and execute what we're tying to do for that game."

Tebow started the final three games last season — going 1-2 — after Orton got hurt and the Broncos decided to see what Tebow could do. Tebow was selected by former coach Josh McDaniels with the 25th overall pick in the 2010 draft.

As a rookie, Tebow completed 50 percent of his passes and threw five touchdown passes and three interceptions. He also ran for six TDs.

The Broncos will practice Wednesday before being dismissed until Monday for the bye week. During those four consecutive days off, players are not allowed to meet or work with coaches, making these two days of practice and meetings important for Tebow as he prepares to start Oct. 23 against Miami.

Players will be allowed in Dove Valley to do voluntary work on their own during the bye.

Tebow, who has thrown for 733 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions — in addition to 264 rushing yards and seven touchdowns — in 12 career games. The Broncos do not play this week so Tebow will make his first start of the season, fourth of his career, on Oct. 23 at Miami — where the Dolphins will honor former University of Florida football players.

There could be just as many Tebow fans, in other words, as Dolphin fans, in the stadium that day.

Other News:

Cornerback Champ Bailey, safety Brian Dawkins, wide receivers Eddie Royal and Demaryius Thomas and tight end Julius Thomas were held out of practice for injury reasons. Right tackle Orlando Franklin was excused for personal reasons after the death of his younger brother. All are expected to be back for the next game.

Aaron Brown, a speedy, 205-pound tailback who spent the previous two seasons with the Detroit Lions, was brought in to Dove Valley for a tryout Monday.

Brown was a sixth-round draft pick in 2009 and was one of Detroit’s final cuts from their 53-man roster prior to this season. He rushed 189 yards on 44 carries (4.3 per carry) in 21 games for the Lions.

Also working out for the Broncos on Monday were defensive backs David Jones and Trevard Lindley. Jones is a fifth-year defensive back/special teamer who played three seasons with Cincinnati and last season in Jacksonville.

Lindley was a fourth-round pick just last year by the Philadelphia Eagles but was cut just prior to this season’s opener.

The Broncos also waived running back Brandon Minor off their injured reserve list.

300th Post
This also happens to be the 300th post on Broncos Blog. Thanks to everyone that reads and enjoys our stuff. Thanks to Princess and Digger who have contributed posts. Hope we continue to make many more posts and grow our reader base. ~ Aussie.