After taking some time to reflect and deal with the shock of Shanny's firing, as well as reading all the post's since the event took place, I have had some thoughts that might be normal for most of us, and maybe they aren't.  I just wanted to throw them out there and see what you all think.

       We have all speculated and posted about the why and how of the Shanny firing, I am not sure if it is good or bad.  On one hand I am shocked and dissappointed, on the other hand I am excited to see where we go from here.  Bottom line is that I will support my beloved Broncos, NO MATTER WHAT.  I'm not completley sure what I think yet but am also excited about the future.  So here is what I saw this season and what I'd like to see in the offseason, you all give it a read and either agree or tear it apart at your leisure.  LOL

      This is what I felt at the end of the season before the Shanny firing.  First, Slo needs to go, along with several defensive players.  I am sick of watching Nate (I like to take a bad angle and then try to arm tackle backs up high) Webster play and he needs to be run out of town on a rail.  I realize that Webster is not the sole reason our defense was so bad but it was pretty obvious that he was a big part of it after he came back and we were back to the same seivelike defense.  ANY warm body would have been better IMO.  Also I got really sick of seeing the corners give a 15 yard cushion on 3rd and 5-8.  Who isn't going to convert that?  This draft needs to be extremely heavy on defense and we can't afford too many misses.  In my humble opinion we need a stud tackle and the meanest, baddest, nastiest MLB we can possibly find to restore some attitude to this D.  Safety also is a need and I'm not totally sure what is out there, I like the way Barrett hits but he is a ways from being what I think he can be. 

       On offense, we are fine.  Once we get some running backs back and healthy so we can run effectively and with power, we will be right where we want to be.  Cutler will be better once he has the freedom to operate with a defense that doesn't make him feel like he has to score every possession. 

       I think special teams needs to become more of a priority, I don't know if it is O'Brien or just the fact that it hasn't been a huge priority among the higher-ups.  That being said, I do think they were a little better this year.

       Now for the Head Coaching change.  I have read about all the speculation from bringing in Cowher to Brian Billick, also bringing in Pioli and a hot young coach.  I was thinking that we had good talent evaluation with the Goodmans so I'm not sure Pioli would help.  I know he is one of the best but the big name isn't always the answer.  I'm just wondering if it was the Goodman's talent evaluation the last couple drafts or did we just get lucky?  I don't know, maybe some of you know more about it and can clarify.  If that is the case then we need to concentrate on the best coach we can get and let him coach.  I have to admit, as a fan of smashmouth football, I am intrigued at the possibility of Cowher.  I am a huge fan of playing nasty defense and cramming the ball down people's throats.  However, one thing I loved about our Super Bowl teams is that we could kill you with the pass as well,  If you keyed on the pass too much we could run it right up your left nostril, and if you wanted to stack the line we would go over you.  We have that kind of offense now.  I think we need that nasty defense to go with it.  We need some players on defense that will get in your grill if you aren't there to win and play well.  I think one thing I saw on defense this year was a little apathy, guys were ok with getting their arses handed to them.  We had some rah rah guys but we need that guy that will rah rah when you get a sack but get in your grill when you miss your gap and give up a 15 yard run.  Not to hammer Webster too much but I got tired of him celebrating one decent play when he totally screwed up on the previous 5 plays.  It's like, "Nate it wouldn't be first and goal had you done your job earlier in the drive, you idiot."   I remember when I was a freshman in high school and I played on a state champoinship team in a small town, every one of us conducted ourselves with class and worked our tails off in practice AND the games down to the last feshman on the team.  Because if you didn't, the juniors and seniors on the team would put you against a locker after practice and send a clear message that if you are not here to win then you need to check your stuff in and leave.  What we had was accountability not only from the coaches but the other players as well.  That is harder to acheive on a high school team but is a definite must in the pro's to be successful.   Anyway, back to the new HC, I'm not sure who I want, I hope we get better on defense and special teams no matter who we get for a coach.  I guess I am disappointed that Shanny is gone, but am excited for change as well, I think Shanny is one of the best in the game but maybe it was time for a change?  However it shakes out, it is going to be a really interesting offseason and I'm looking forward to it as there are many changes needed for out beloved Broncos.  Hope you all enjoyed this post and have an awesome New Year!!!!