Blue collar with an orange heart: random opinions

Ahh, fandom. We all know that  "fan'' is short for "fanatic". Nowhere is that more true than on this site. The emotions poured into each post and comment is ever evident proof. I'm no less opinionated than the rest, just more limited in time and energy. As an industrial electrician in his late 40s, I follow my workday with a precise ritual:

1) Upon arriving at home, sit down and remain seated.

2)  2 ibuprofen and a good stiff drink.... and a good stiff drink...

3) Repeat as necessary

Most fans share a passion for their team. We just often differ on a strategy to get us to the promised land. That strategy may be right or wrong, but it does not make us any less a fan. Emotional outbursts are a requirement for any orange bleeding fanatic. Most of mine are directed at the TV, while many others' appear on this blog. With the time and rest afforded me by this holiday, I'll attempt to share the boneheaded (more like cement, actually) opinions from my warped mind.

I'll start slowly with the easy stuff:

1) Dogs don't understand football.

The family canine was saved from a bad situation. Her reaction to an interception by either team is the same: retreat to the office, under the desk. I've been working on this, though, and the progress is evident. To show that dad's emotional reactions to the game are not threatening, bribes of cheese have been offered to help her appreciate the sport. When chunks of goat cheese flew in the air like confetti at the end of the Patriots game, it may have made her a lifelong fan.

2) Spouses and girlfriends are often huge fans, and understand the game well. They just don't understand their husband's reaction to the game.

After a roughing the passer penalty, and a non call of intentional grounding (again, during the Patriots game), I made a comment (loudly) about the refs performing the Neil and Bob show on Tom Brady. When the wife left the room, I was sure it was to find a large object to hit me with.

3) The volume of my voice must rise in direct proportion to the distance between my couch in Pueblo, and the sidelines at Mile High (the name "Invesco" has nothing to do with football).

How else will McDaniels hear the necessary adjustments for winning the game?

Now for the nuts and bolts:

1) Quarterback

KO is the QB. He has proven himself to me. The spark he provided last week was huge, but short lived. He needs to be healthy. I wonder, though, if he shouldn't permanently wear ankle braces.

Tommy B needs to be the backup. After the first quarter against San D, I wanted McD to take Chris Simms' helmet and jersey, and give him a bus ticket. I've calmed down some since then, but only a little. I'm sure he's a great guy, but.....

2) MLB (RILB, LILB, take your pick)

What happens to Chicago's defense when Urlacher is out? How about Baltimore without Ray Lewis? The Broncos minus Al Wilson? The 3-4 has been an upgrade. Andra Davis has been an upgrade. DJ is one hell of an athlete...The point has to be made that the Broncos need a DOMINANT force in the middle. Last draft, I really wanted me some Rey Maua....WTF, I suppose it's spilled milk, but next year, Santa,please?

3) Would anyone else like to see Marcus Thomas get some time at DE?

4) Passes to the flat.

There are several plays that go to the WR just behind the line of scrimmage. I hate them all. It's a super opportunity for a pick 6. They lose yardage or give a short gain in most cases, and almost never convert on 3rd down, especially with more than five yards to go.

5) RBs need to be used more in the passing game.

How many times have the Broncos been burned for a long gainer on third down, saved from great pressure, by a dump off to a back? Is this not in McD's Playbook? Short routes out of the backfield are rare. Why? 

6) More cowbell.

7) TE

Use them more, and use more of them (more cowbell)!

8) I liked the on-sides attempt. It could have changed momentum.

9) Moreno had the ball with two hands until the stretch for 6 points. I have no argument, there.

10) Mitch Berger still sucks.

11) Pizza and beer are major food groups.

12) I used to have a six pack, but it has since turned into a twelve pack and a stromboli.

13) upon further revue (after watching more football), endzone celebrations should be defendable.

Go Broncos! The G Men are beatable!