With the resurgence of the 2009 Denver Broncos, there has been lots of press on the great job done by head coach Josh McDaniels.  There are accolades given for the great work done by our DC, Mike Nolan, in rebuilding the Denver D into a tenacious force.  It has been talked about how the entire coaching staff is doing a bang up job with some of the best teachers in the business like Wayne Nunnely, Bobby Turner, and the eternal Bronco Rick Dennison.  We are all aware of the stalwart holdovers like Ryan Clady, B Marsh, Champ, Elvis, and DJ.  We also know of the wily veterans added to the roster like Brian Dawkins, Renaldo, Goodman, Andre Davis and Buck.  As well as the guys who got their shot and are making good like Ronnie Fields and Mario Haggans, the rookies like Alphonso and Knowshon, and last but not least our offensive leader, Kyle Orton.  But one name I haven’t heard in the last four weeks as credit was handed out is the name of our beloved owner, Pat Bowlen.

After the San Diego debacle Mr. B decided that the organization needed a change of direction, and made a series of touch decisions towards that end.  First and foremost he replaced the mastermind/head coach/GM, Mike Shanahan.  I will never have anything but good will for Mike and fond memories of his time here, but it was time to part ways.  Next Mr. B. made the correct decision to hire the up-and-coming Josh McDaniels.  In fact, after meeting with coach McD, he sent COO Joe Ellis out to Boston to conduct a second interview, sealing the deal before Josh got a chance to conduct his scheduled interview with St Louis.  Cleveland passed on Josh because they wanted an HC with more experience.  Good thinking Cleveland!  Next when Jay Cutler’s mounting frustration with the changes and the events in the offseason turned into a full-on tiff with the team, Mr. B again made the tough decision that was the right one for the organization, green lighting the now infamous trade.

At the time his judgment, his sense, and his mental faculties were questioned.  At one point Mr. B felt compelled to send a letter to season ticket holders to tell them, “Understand this:  it remains about team.”  Four straight regular season wins later the questions and the talk have all died down. 

Time after time this offseason Mr. B made the tough decision, made the timely decision, and made the right decision.  Now as the wins pile up he is able to sit back in anonymity and enjoy the ride, watching his new wunderkind head coach and his well-prepared football team win four straight and watch the Broncos bandwagon grow.  So I raise my pint here in front of my computer and say, “Thank you Mr. B.  Here’s to you.”