The New Year's Time Machine

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 6, 2009 6:21 PM MST Comment 55 comments

If only we could step back and forth through time and witness pivotal moments in Bronco history. Some of the more experienced megafans on MHR may be able to provide us with some firsthand accounts of what it has been like in prior uncertain times. What were the arguments about head coaches and owners and quarterbacks? What was the consensus regarding certain changes in play style and play calling? What is the fan's perceived identity of the Denver Broncos? And maybe we can explore some future scenarios, some optimistic, some downright ridiculously rose-colored, and some (after all, we must accept the possibility in order to be wary of it) nightmarish.

Does anyone remember, at the risk of disclosing age bordering upon ancient, the moment you learned that a pro football team would be coming to Denver? What was the talk? What were people saying? Excitement? Disbelief? Cynicism?

How about the moment Bob Howsam sold the Broncos to the Phipps family? Or the scuttlebutt surrounding the other ownership changes, from Kaiser to Bowlen?

Or that first super bowl in 1978?

I ask those who were there, what was it like when Red Miller, the first man to take the Broncos to a Super Bowl, was replaced (after an 8-8 season in 1980...eerily familiar?) by Dan Reeves? What did the fans and the press say when Reeves was fired (again after an 8-8 season... a pattern seems to be emerging) and Wade Philips, and eventually Mike Shanahan were hired? Was the discourse similar? Was the feeling of shock as prevalent as it has been since Shanahan was fired?

Many of us know how it felt to watch our Orange and Blue Thunder roll past the Packers in that redeeming Super Bowl, and then soundly snuff nearly ever team in their path the following season, to watch John Elway hold that Lombardi above his head, at last.

Speaking of Elway, his first few years were not the same pageant of ticker-tape and confetti as his final two. Who has stories of the media and fan talk from 1983-1986, from Rookie to engineer of "The Drive."

And "The Drive." Many a fanpost has been written on that little gem.

Please, those of you who were there, who remember the feel, the way the discussions proceeded, the arguments, the coaching options who were never to be part of Broncos history, give us a glimpse into the similarities and differences between those "fanposts" and these, between that time and this one.

And let's turn our attention to the future. "White. A blank page or canvas. My favorite. So many possibilities." - Stephen Sondheim

Scenario #1:

Wow this "improved" Denver Bronco defense is still just struggling, John. Shanahan has groomed Sam Bradford and they have led the Jets to a thorough rout of Mike's old team. I'm sure Pat Bowlen is in that pressbox rethinking a few decisions after 5 years of losing seasons and 3 head coaches.

That's right, Al, you know, they thought they had their guy in Raheem Morris, but this Bronco organization just isn't what it used to be. The lack of discipline in this offense shows some deep flaws in the trust of the team in the coaching staff. Marred with penalties, and unable to get coordination on the field is stifling the offense, and the defense if rife with talent, but they just can't get anything done. Oh, and another pick-6 by former Bronco Karl Paymah just sealed the deal. I think the Broncos will have a tough time getting back into this one. 38-10 with 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter, and we'll be right back.

Scenario #2:

Well, Kris, the Denver Broncos have pulled an upset here today as they clinch that final AFC wildcard berth. Coach Bates has called a brilliant game today to put away the Chiefs 28-3.

Yeah, and this Chiefs team has been riddled with injuries, or they might have gone farther. But I don't know of a better coach for just working with the players he has than Josh McDaniels here in KC. I think he could get a chearleader to believe she could start at linebacker. The Chiefs will be a playoff contender next year for sure if they can acquire a little youth.

Scenario #3:

And John Elway just can't get it done as coach as he could as a quarterback. You get the feeling, Dick, that there is some tension between the old legend and Jay Cutler. The broncos fall to 4-10 against a (now) 5-9 Raiders squad. The Chargers maintain their dominance atop the AFC West and the once proud division is in the tank for yet another year.

Scenario #4 (La-la land warning)

What a turnaround this has been from a year ago! Steve Spagnulo is the man of the year in Denver. He gave Jay Cutler and Jeremy Bates a defense, and this offense has just been on FIRE! People thought Bowlen was crazy to fire Shanahan, but Spagnulo has led this team to a perfect season! 19-0 breaking the Patriots former best single-season record. Who would have thought this in August, much less in January!

Absolutely. GM Jim Goodman and Spagnuolo bringing in the defensive staff they brought in, making those tough trades to get Darren Sproles and Haynesworth to the Mile High City, allowing Bates to continue to develop Cutler, and the play calling never misses! Those two old corners are just snatching everything that comes near them! It's like they can will the ball into their hands. They might as well have red and pewter jerseys on the way Leinart is throwing to them. That concludes Super Bowl XLII, Denver Broncos, 44; Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 17. A third Lombardi Trophy goes to Denver on the back of that man, Peyton Hillis, and the arm of Jay Cutler, in the hands of Eddie Royal, and Darren Sproles... (Thunderous applause)...

I could go on for hours. I'd like a few scenarios from the rest of MHR. Have fun with this! What is our team going to do in the future? Consider these New Year's Predictions, but not just for 2009. We know the character of our team. As fans, we demand integrity, class, excellence, and victory. We support sportsmen on the field and gentlemen off the field. We guarantee a smash in the mouth when the game is on the line, and a helping hand off the turf when the whistle blows.

We have our part, too. We must maintain the faithfulness in our fanhood. We are not fair-weather fans; we are Bronco fans. The sharp cowboy named Shanahan has tamed the white horse, and they have had some great adventures together. We are sad to watch him walk into the sunset alone, but comforted in the fact that his head is held high. Now what of Thunder? What of that alabaster steed that had been Mike's companion, trainee, vehicle for advancement, and friend? He is free, as is the nature of the wild bronco. He cannot be permanently tamed. He is liquid, always in motion, ever changing. He is power and strength and emotion and passion. This team is free as the wind. The right cowboy will come, to harness the power, and focus the energy. He will guide the development of muscles and thoughts the domesticated horse has lost. And in the end, there stands the white bronco, on a Mile High cliff overlooking a vast prairie, rising up on his back legs in defiance of a charging thunderstorm before him, with a bright orange and blue sunset silhouetting him, catching fire to his windswept mane. He is champion once again, and it is his freedom, his spirit, not the will of any one cowboy, that brought him there.

We love Shanahan. But Bowlen has unleashed a raging beast upon the NFL. Let's look to the BEST of the past and future in this, our time machine.

-Harvey J. Neptune

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Solid Post

-TSG

SBNation's Denver Broncos Blogger
MileHighReport

Questions, Comments...E-Mail Me!
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by John Bena on Jan 6, 2009 6:46 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 6, 2009 10:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha. GREAT READ.

I especially liked the multiple pick sixes in one game by Paymah. :)

I’m interested to see what comes out of the community on this one. You already did a fine job getting the ball rolling. I love talking about scenarios like this…guess this is why it’s a much anticipated time of year for media members, who just LOVE to speculate.

by phantom818 on Jan 6, 2009 7:29 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Hey, the Paymah thing could happen.

We have been known to train great players and not give them schematic support. When they go into a system that gives them a chance, they flourish. Look at Dominic Hixon in NY and Pryce with the Ravens. And look at what Bly was able to do before he got in Slowik’s backward system.

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 6, 2009 10:27 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha I know [and you just HAD to mention Hixon!!!!! :)]

But two pick sixes in one game seems a bit excessive. That’s like…Ed Reed territory! Plus, it hurts to think that the situation could become a reality.

by phantom818 on Jan 7, 2009 3:50 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome post.

That was fun to read.

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 6, 2009 7:34 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

I can’t wait until your signature reads: “Jay Cutler’s 4th qtr/game-winning drives: NFL record 104”

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 6, 2009 10:46 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice touches.

I like the one about beating the Chiefs. We need to get this division back in the order it belongs: Broncos-Chiefs-Chargers-Raiders. No more of this San Diego winning the division crap.

Here’s my scenario: December 22, 2009. Broncos clinch the AFC West with an 11-5 record with a 27-20 win over the Cowboys, who are coached by Mike Shanahan.

Hey everybody, Harry Caray here from that big ol’ new stadium here in Dallas. Big l’ new Dallas Stad… Wait, what? We’re in Denver? Oh, well forget I said that then. Say, that new stadium in Dallas, it holds 100,000 people, right? I wonder how many hot dogs it would hold? Imagine the possibilities!!

Well, here in Denver, the Broncos have taken the AFC West from the San Diago Chargers with a 27-20 win. Coach Steve Spag… Spug? Spagnil…. Coach Steve has lead the Broncos to an 11-5 record, with their offense scoring over 29 points a game. Peyton Hillis scored two touchdowns today to set the record with 33 touchdowns on the season. Hey!? Did you know that for every touchdown he scored, he could eat 3 hot dogs? All in one sitting! Actually, I’m not sure of that. I just made it up.

Mike Shanahan led the Cowboys to a 10-6 record on the season, but caused controversy after a 1-5 start by trading Terrell Owens, Tony Romo, Roy Williams, and Roy Williams to the Lions in exchange for every member of the Big 3 of the auto industry. Not only did Mike Shanahan end the financial crisis with his careful leadership and business skillz, he led the Cowboys to the playoffs with 62-year-old Brad Johnson as the starting quarterback.

The Broncos go into the playoffs as the number 3 seed and will host the declining Chargers in the first round of the playoffs. The Broncos have already beaten the Chargers 49-13 and 65-6 on the year. Say, remember last time they played when rookie safety Patrick Chung blitzed and split Philip Rivers’ jaw in half? That was fun. Rivers hasn’t been able to taunt the fans or opposing quarterbacks all year long. You know what I decided? If Philip Rivers were a hot dog, I would not eat him. That’s the first time that’s ever happened, ladies and gentlemen! ‘Course, maybe he’d be okay with a little brown mustard and relish….

Say, can we get a shot of Philip Rivers cryin’ on the sidelines. Oh, that one’s good. Haha. Everybody point and laugh at Philip Rivers. Why, he’s wearing a pirate hat. Haha, Philip Rivers is a pirate! What kind of pirate are you, Philip Rivers? What? No, I didn’t photoshop that pirate hat onto Philip Rivers’ broken face. Okay, maybe I did, but it’s still funny, right?

My producer Ned says that’s all the time I have. What’s that, Ned? We were never on the air? Why that’s preposterous! What do you mean there’s no SportsCenter in heaven? Oh well, I had fun anyway.

"WTF" By Zappa. 1/5/09

I can deal with bears....sharks on the other hand.......of course, I am not talking about if I were menstrual(I’m a guy so that isn’t it), but yeah. I can deal with bears if my arm or something was bleedin’, but sharks? I’ll pass on those. The worst feeling in the world is to be out in the surf and feel something very large brush up against your leg as you were alone waiting for your next wave. I don’t think I’ve gone out past waist deep in the ocean since. lol It was probably just a damn dolphin or something, but yeah. Screw sharks and the evolutionary train they rode in on!

by papigrande on Jan 6, 2009 9:40 PM MST reply actions 3 recs

What Harry Caray was unclear about was that we beat the Cowboys 27-20.

Not the Chargers, as we already played them twice. Harry asked me to clarify that. Oh, and the last four paragraphs are supposed to be in italics too. Don’t know how that happened..

"WTF" By Zappa. 1/5/09

by papigrande on Jan 6, 2009 9:42 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you really think

Shanahan would go to Dallas? I thought Jerry Jones was self-proclaimed Mastermind-in-chief. Shanahan would not be a yes-man to the whims of a megalomaniac. It would be funny to see him follow Wade Philips…again…and then do things with a football team Wade could not do.

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 6, 2009 10:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe.

I needed a team for the story, and looking at the 09 schedule Dallas seems like the most likely destination for Shanny. I will root for him wherever he goes (unless it’s in the AFC West). He’d certainly have a lot of talent at his disposal with the Cowboys. And a nice new stadium that’s almost as big as his house!

"WTF" By Zappa. 1/5/09

by papigrande on Jan 6, 2009 10:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah.

I agree. NO Chef Shanahan! And DEFINATELY no Saint Diahgo Bolts. We know how Mikey feels about the one-eyed monsters from Oakland, so I don’t think that’s a problem.

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 6, 2009 10:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You are freakin hilarious.

I was almost in tears at this. 62 year old Brad Johnson… LMAO.

Your distaste for Rivers rivals my own. That bug-eyed, maniacal grin of his gives me the Phillip Shivers. But ol’ Phil without a working mouth would be like a car without a working… well… car. It’s the guy’s very existence.

65-6? I like your thinking. Why not get into some triple-digit scores with our Broncos Shock and Awe-fense.

I heard ESPN is actually getting Frank Caliendo to do a Harry Caray vs. John Madden segment on SportsCenter.

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 6, 2009 10:19 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Harv!

I think it would be cruel to Caray’s memory to have anyone but Will Ferrell impersonate him. Though Caliendo does a great Madden.

"WTF" By Zappa. 1/5/09

by papigrande on Jan 6, 2009 10:33 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Great material Papi, rec'd!

I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.

by Arctic Bronco on Jan 7, 2009 3:06 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Too freakin' funny papi!

I’m not sure you mentioned the new stadium in Dallas enough (a la the pre-season game we had to sit through with the Dallas announcers).

Nice slamming of Phyllis as well. Why, He’s wearing a pirate hat. I actually heard Harry say that as I was reading it. Classic!

and rec’d!

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"tough times don't last, tough people do" - Mike "The Mastermind" Shanahan

by DesertBroncoFan on Jan 7, 2009 11:50 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You asked about perceptions.

I remember after Dan Reeves had been coach for for several years, we started calling him “up the gut reeves”. We knew Elway’s talent was being wasted. Then, he drafts Tommy Maddox. Elway had been hoping for a O lineman or a wide receiver and Dan drafts a QB. Elway with Walsh or Shula would have been without doubt the very best. When Reeves left, it was almost as good as the day we got Elway.

by danelama on Jan 6, 2009 9:50 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Excellent!

This is great stuff! This is exactly what I was hoping for… a little reminiscence, and a little wild speculation.

So we see that the fans were RIGHT about Reeves. I get the general consensus that fans think the Shanahan firing was premature, but not by much, and it’s palatable because of the last 3 years. And I sense excitement at prospects, and fear at lack of options to replace him. I hope we can look back on this and say Bowlen had brilliant prescience.

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 6, 2009 10:22 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Sorry

This “Excellent” comment should have been a reply to Danelama

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 6, 2009 10:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice post, BTW!

I don’t think I’ve seen you around here much, so, welcome! A nice first post. I like the discussion this is going to elicit. Rec’d!

"WTF" By Zappa. 1/5/09

by papigrande on Jan 6, 2009 10:33 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks.

I lurk. I’m a lurker. It’s my job. It’s what I do. I’m trying to become more involved in the community. You guys all crack my sh!7 up. That shark thing was epic, as evidenced by your shiny new signature.

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 6, 2009 10:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Harv, ths is a fun post, thanks for the mirth. Rec'd.

I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.

by Arctic Bronco on Jan 7, 2009 3:10 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

That Was FUN!

Thanks for sharing.

by ejruiz on Jan 7, 2009 5:12 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Reeves hiring

I remember everyone being pissed about firing Red Miller, after all he had lead us to the franchise’s only playoff and Super Bowl appearances. And then hiring a Cowboys Assistant (America’s Team my a$$).

I don’t know if people were upset about firing John Ralston for Red Miller, though I seem to remember a little bit of anxiety because no one knew who Red Miller was (I could be wrong, I was only about 10 at the time).

I also remember how everyone was disgusted by that punk Elway daring to choose number 7. What did he have over Craig Morton (again, who lead us to the playoffs and Super Bowl despite being on death’s doormat before the AFC Championship Game).

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"tough times don't last, tough people do" - Mike "The Mastermind" Shanahan

by DesertBroncoFan on Jan 7, 2009 11:58 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Great post....

hmmm, let me take a guess and say you want Spags as our next HC. :)

This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.

by Tim Lynch on Jan 7, 2009 1:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Not necessarily.

I have no idea. I’m not the expert, and I am not doing the interviews. That’s the front office’s job. I really just threw out the names of various coaching candidates to give some variety to my little yarns. I was hoping some other contributors would take the Cowher approach, the McDaniels approach, the ?WHOMEVER? approach. What might the team look like after a year or two under any given coach?

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 7, 2009 10:02 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

DB that brings back memories of Elways

Rookie year remember ( Wrongway Elway.) So many interseptions everybodys defense wanted to play us
Bringing in a big name running back ( Tony Dorset ). To bad he was at the end of his career.
I guess this dates me a little.
Great Post——-I’d rec. this if I new how haha

I see said the Blind man to the Deaf man who was near.
What is it you hear when I speak in your ear.

by UB3 on Jan 7, 2009 2:08 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I remember

where I was when I found out that Wade Phillips was hired 16 years ago. I was in a bar after a Hockey game with my teammates, and I look on the TV, and they were showing Bowlen introducing Wade and him getting all enthusiastic. That was a very mediocre two years, however. Thank goodness Shanahan replaced him two years later.

by PABroncofan on Jan 7, 2009 5:25 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Every time I see Wade

I can’t help but think of those Hormel Chili commercials he did when he was Denver’s HC.

“Hi, Mah name is Wade Phillips, and ah eat Hormel Chili.”

by CoastalBronco on Jan 7, 2009 5:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Man, between Wade Phillips' Chili

and ol’ Harry Carey’s Tasteless Rivers Hot Dog, we might have the makin’s of some downright INDIGESTION! It’s a new Hybrid fear for Broncao fans everywhere: Wade Phillip Rivers! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 7, 2009 10:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

looks like he hasnt quit eating that chili

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 9, 2009 12:08 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Great read! Rec'd

love the senarios and the response by Papi. This is why the MHR report is the best, because the best fans are here. If you want to get serious or you want a good laugh, just stop on by. WORD OF WARNING! If you tend to get hooked on “stuff” easily, and you have already read this article, then it is already to late for you. Welcome to the party! The refreshments just keep on coming!

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man.

by metalman5050 on Jan 7, 2009 10:05 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, MetalMan

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 7, 2009 10:07 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

U R More then welcome and don't stop with the creativity!

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man.

by metalman5050 on Jan 7, 2009 10:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice

First off I have a hard time with everyone saying Reeves was fired. He wasnt offered another contract after the 1992 season. I didnt care so much when Red was fired. The better part of that was when Fred Gerhke was fired. He traded for Matt Robinson in 1980 and cost the Broncos and #1 and basically the 1980 season. Craig Morton was the man before Elway, and I feel Red and Gerhke were always looking to replace Craig. (who was just as important in 1977 as was the Orange Crush) and it didnt work. Weese and Robinson both were eventually replaced by Morton.
In 1983 I remember Elway was having a rough season and after DeBerg got hurt and Elway was 0-2 in his return the starting lineup. (Denver was 1-2 in that stretch against the Seahawk gameKubiak started and Denver won 38-27 and the press were saying Kubiak was better than Elway. (believe it or not it was that @zz Woody Paige leading that charge) But in game 14 Elway had a great game against the Browns and Denver won 27-6 over the Browns. Which basically got Denver a WC berth, but in the next game it was the first glimpse of what Elway was gonna be, he knack for winning games in the 4th. BAsically he sucked for 3 qtrs and the Defense kept denver in the game as best as they could. Going into the 4th qtr, doen 19-0 to the Colts of Baltimore, Denver gets on the board with a 21 yd TD pass to Clint Sampson (anyone remember him? or this next guy) then after a stop He gets the Broncos t0 19-14 with a TD pass to Jesse Myles.But then the 2nd best CB ever to wear the Broncos colors, Louis Wright picks off Mike Pagel with under 3 minutes and 60 yards to go and 1 time out Elway began #1 of 47 Fourth QTr/OT comebacks. Facing a 4th and 2 Elway drops back to pass and Willhite releases early on a delay pass route (he was suppose to stay in and block and be Elways last resort) and Elway hits him in the flat and Willhite rambles 26 yards for the GW score and Denver wins 21-19. That was when the city fell in love with Elway. He got better in 1985 and 1986. HAndcuffed by Reeves offense but was a winner.

Those are a few of my memories of a few of the things you stated above

Also I believe Denver can be 11-5 next season, but they need to improve their defense and it could happen. Heck Miami went from 1-15 to 11-5 and there is no reason Denver cant go from 8-8 to 11-5 or better

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 8, 2009 10:16 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Very nice

Except Louis Wright was the best Bronco CB ever.

Anyone looking for a sign will find one. JB Freeman
All signs fail in time of drought. James M. Green

by bradley on Jan 8, 2009 11:05 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok. . .

I just think Champ is, however I know he was the best prior to Champ. I am not set in stone on that assertion. I have been lucky enough to see both play in their prime

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 8, 2009 11:31 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Reasonable minds can differ

Both were/are great. Clearly the best two Bronco CB’s.

Anyone looking for a sign will find one. JB Freeman
All signs fail in time of drought. James M. Green

by bradley on Jan 8, 2009 11:40 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I we had a starting lineup of all Broncos

which is an awesome idea—someone should do it— they would be on it. And we really should do that top 11 O and D post. Here’s mine (off the top of my head):

QB- John Elway (duh.)
HB- Floyd Little
FB- Howard Griffith (anyone got a better one?)
WR- Rod Smith
WR- Lionel Taylor
TE- Shannon Sharpe
LT- Gary Zimmerman (I really want to say Clady, but…)
LG- Mark Schlereth
C- Tom Nalen
RG- Dan Neil
RT- Tony Jones (yes, that is the entire line from XXXII. I know. But why not?)

MLB- Randy Gradishar (Help me with the LB positions. Was he an ILB or an OLB?)
OLB- Karl Mecklenburg ( could I put him somewhere else?)
OLB- Tom Jackson (tough crowd. No Al Wilson…)
DT- Maa Tanuvasa (name only. He has the. best. name. ever.)
DT- Keith Traylor (this position needs help too.)
DE- Rich “Tombstone” Jackson
DE- Simon Fletcher
SS- Steve Atwater
FS- Dennis Smith
CB- Champ Bailey
CB- Louis Wright

K- Jason Elam
P- ….. Todd Sauerbrun. (All punters should use roids. This is a joke.)
KR- Rick Upchurch

"WTF" By Zappa. 1/5/09

by papigrande on Jan 8, 2009 4:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd like to see someone's who has more experience as a fan.

Like, say, Styg, bfsisd. Zappa, Guru, Someone like you guys.

"WTF" By Zappa. 1/5/09

by papigrande on Jan 8, 2009 4:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

To start

Lyle Alzado at DE instead of Fletcher

Fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. When the fear has gone past, I will turn to see fear’s path. Where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain.

Bene Gesserit saying. (From Dune, by Frank Herbert)

by bradley on Jan 8, 2009 6:45 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree but. . .

OK, I remember Alzado and Gerhke bickering over the end of his stay in Denver. Him wanting to be a fighter (remember his exhibition foght against Ali at Mile Hi) then becoming a raider. I still am bitter at both parties for that. I also Loved Rulon.
To me the best LB’s ever were TJ,Gradishar, Swenson, and Rizzo. Rizzo has those 3 picks @ oakland in 1977 in the 30-7 thrashing of those guys

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 9, 2009 12:06 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Gradishar

was an ILB in the 3-4, with Joe Rizzo the other ILB, and Jackson and Bob Swenson the two OLB’s, on the great D of the 70’s. Swenson was repeatedly voted MVP on the D (by his teammmates) until his career was cut short by injury. Rizzo was very good, but replace him with Mecklenburg and you’d have the best LB corps ever.

by bradley on Jan 8, 2009 6:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

No TD? You sound like the HOF.

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on Jan 8, 2009 7:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

TD or Floyd Little

Very tough choice.

by bradley on Jan 8, 2009 8:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

The Franchise gets the nod.

That was probably the toughest call. But I would sound like the hall of fame either way. TD can still be on the team, just as a backup.

"WTF" By Zappa. 1/5/09

by papigrande on Jan 8, 2009 9:03 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

no offense to Little

But man, thats tough, but I will go with the guy who owns all the Bronco rushing records. Then I would have Little (who is #2) spelling TD. But man, its a tuff choice

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 9, 2009 12:07 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Tough one indeed.

However I will go with TD because when he was running he was pretty much unstopable. Well, except for a game or two.

Nothing against Little, I just never saw him play……he would be the backup though

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Jan 9, 2009 10:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

If we are doing this all time team on skill

TD is the starter and Portis spells him. Floyd Little was great but Portis did set records and what he did in 2003 was nothing short of amazing.

No disrespect to Floyd Little.

Was it hard? "It hurts. But tough times don’t last — tough people do. That’s life." - Mike Shanahan

by Steve O' on Jan 9, 2009 11:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

some others also

TE: Riley Odoms was awesome.
NT: Rubin Carter
Safety: Billy Thompson ( 4 fumble returns for TDs was a NFL record for over 20+ yrs)
P: Luke Prestridge, Billy Van Huesen
CB: Goose Gonsulin, Mike Harden.
Now these are just a few of the other greats. Now I cant say I overall disagree with what you have listed. Real good list.
Maybe if anyone does a list like that it would be 2 for each position

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 9, 2009 12:12 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

It seems to me

that Gehrke didn’t see the problem on offense correctly back then. QB wasn’t the problem. As SB XII showed, the O-line was. The Broncos also lacked a stud RB at the time as well. I heard that they fell in love with Matt over one game, a 28-24 comeback win by the Jets over Denver at Mile High in 1978. That was a terrible trade. They gave up their #1(which they could have used on RB Joe Cribbs) and one of their #2’s(which they could have used on G Irv Pankey, they used their other #2 on the great DE Rulon Jones) for Robinson. The drafts overall during the Gehrke-Miller era were lacking, and they didn’t get too much better in the Reeves era.

by PABroncofan on Jan 8, 2009 10:24 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

ohh ya

in 1978 Denver is up 28-17 at the half, and the lack of a dominate running game, which put the defense on the field to long they fainnaly ran out of gas and Wesley Walker scores on a 80 yd bomb. The amazing fact is Denver gave up 31 in that game and still only allowed 198 points that season

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 8, 2009 11:34 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

ah yes,I remember it well!!

The Sooper Bowl of’ 78 – so named for the tv’s installed in King Soopers..as if anyone would be shopping!! Every menber of the Orange Crush..Rick Upchurch’s kickoff and punt returns..the M and M connection. Lyle Alzado in town..Red Miller..he really did have red hair….Craig(ouch) Morton…the marvelous Tom Jackson, with a decidedly smaller waist.
the awesome Joe Palooka Karl Mecklenburg…..Bronco cakes on sale at Albertsons….
all three Cleveland games….then the Giants, I knew something was up when Neil Diamond patted the Giants coach on the ass. Then a move to Buffalo..same story until that blessed day in 98!!!! And now, my heart has been broken again by this team, I only hope that Shanahan lands somewhere in the NFC.

by oldbroncogal on Jan 8, 2009 6:08 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Welcome to MHR, glad to hear from you

I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.

by Arctic Bronco on Jan 8, 2009 8:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs