Horse Tracks 11/30/09 - Broncos return to practice today; Chargers pummel Chiefs to remain 1 game ahead of Denver

by Douglas A. Lee on Nov 30, 2009 5:30 AM MST in Horse Tracks

DPP - Broncos need Orton to stay healthy - Mike Klis
"The Broncos resume practice today in preparation for their game Sunday at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium. Injuries to watch are Marcus Thomas (shoulder), Wesley Woodyard (neck), Ty Law (hamstring), Eddie Royal (thigh) and Knowshon Moreno (wrist)."

DPP - Analysis: Broncos have rotten record in December games played in Kansas City - Jeff Legwold
"The Broncos are 1-16 in December games in Kansas City."

DPP - Q&A: Does Brandon Marshall still want out? - Jeff Legwold
"My contract is over in a month and a half, so I'll be able to accomplish the things I want to accomplish. There will be a team out there willing to trade for anybody, I mean anybody, who has accomplished the things that I've accomplished." Wow. Missed that one....

ESPN - Phillips apologizes to McDaniels - Bill WIlliamson

DB - The "D’s" back in Defense - Mark Cooper

AP - Broncos coach McDaniels airs his grievances

NFL Results

NFL - Kansas City Chiefs 14 at San Diego Chargers 43

NFL - Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17 at Atlanta Falcons 20

NFL - Miami Dolphins 14 at Buffalo Bills 31

NFL - Washington Redskins 24 at Philadelphia Eagles 27

NFL - Seattle Seahawks 27 at St. Louis Rams 17

NFL - Carolina Panthers 6 at New York Jets 17

NFL - Cleveland Browns 7 at Cincinnati Bengals 16

NFL - Indianapolis Colts 35 at Houston Texans 27

NFL - Jacksonville Jaguars 3 at San Francisco 49ers 20

NFL - Chicago Bears 10 at Minnesota Vikings 36

NFL - Arizona Cardinals 17 at Tennessee Titans 20

NFL - Pittsburgh Steelers 17 at Baltimore Ravens 20

AFC West News

SDUT - Prelude to 'month of perfection' - Kevin Acee

SDUT - Rivers considers heave his highlight

SDUT - Tomlinson keeps movin' up, passing Allen and James

SDUT - Despite injuries, defense thrives - Kevin Acee

SDUT - Chargers Top 50 honored in various ways - Tod Leonard

SDUT - Facing losers, it's time to prey - Nick Canepa

SDUT - Gates learned through pain - Tim Sullivan

KCS - Chiefs get zapped by Chargers 43-14 - Adam Teicher

KCS - Chiefs show their immaturity in loss - Jason Whitlock

KCS - Chargers burn Chiefs secondary with big plays - Kent Babb

KCS - Chiefs receiver Chambers proves something to his former team - Kent Babb

KCS - Charles makes good plays — and a bad one - Adam Teicher

KCS - Chiefs blitz | Niswanger has bad day snapping the ball - Adam Teicher & Kent Babb

KCS - Chiefs notes | Haley may rethink future holiday breaks - Kent Babb

KCS - Grading the Chiefs - Adam Teicher

NFL News

NFL - Report: Browns' Rogers out for season with left leg injury

NFL - Source: Giants' Manning developed stress reaction in injured foot

NFL - Eagles WR Jackson suffers concussion in win over Redskins

NFL - Falcons QB Ryan, RB Turner exit game vs. Bucs with injuries

Concussions

NFL - Report: Goodell will expand restrictions concerning head trauma

NYT - As Signs of Concern Spread, N.F.L. Revisits Concussions - Greg Bishop

FH - Merril Hoge: Concussion Nearly Killed Me In Locker Room - Will Brinson

FH - Steelers at Odds Following OT Loss - Thomas George

NFL Opinion

PFW - Speculation increases about 'rock star' coaches

NFL - Forget Brady, Brees, and Manning; Favre is the league's MVP - Vic Carucci

CBS - Week 12 Judgements: Titans feeling Young at heart - Clark Judge

SI - Ray Rice, Kenny Britt, Dennis Dixon in spotlight of Week 12 in the NFL - Peter King

Y! - Rally shows QB Young in a different light - Charles Robinson

ESPN - Last Call: Wrapping up Week 12 - John Clayton

FOX - NFC East coming down to Eagles and Cowboys - Jimmy Johnson

NFL - Separating the contenders (Titans) from the pretenders (Cowboys) - Jason La Canfora
"Winning at Arrowhead will be tough, and even though they stopped their skid by beating the Giants, they might not win again until they host the Chiefs in the season finale, matching last year's collapse." Here's La Canfora doing his best John Clayton impression. Isn't La Canfora a reporter of news, not a football analyst?!?! When did he get into the predicting business?

NYT - For Saints’ Drew Brees, Stature Doesn’t Dictate Success - Judy Battista

PFW - Saints got steal in free agent Sharper - Mike Wilkening

NFP - Are Kubiak’s days in Houston numbered? - Dave Miller

SI - Kubiak must go, the amazing Colts, coaching blunders - Don Banks
"You can add another notch to Darrelle Revis's belt. The Jets' shutdown cornerback -- and we don't toss that label around lightly -- not only limited Carolina receiver Steve Smith to one catch for 5 yards, he picked off Delhomme twice, returning the first one 67 yards for a touchdown. Why does anyone throw in Revis's direction these days?

I don't quite get the intricacies of the Jets' new color-coded offensive system that is designed to help rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez better protect the football, but something worked against Carolina. Sanchez threw just one interception in completing 13 of 17 for 154 yards and no touchdowns. Given that he's been a turnover machine in recent weeks, that's progress."

I don't mean to pick on Banks (really, I like him), but as I went to the Jets game yesterday, it's quite obvious to me that Banks didn't see any of the game and is writing his observations off the box score. Revis' first INT came when a Delhomme pass bounced literally five yards in the air off Steve Smith's back foot. Totally bizarre, and Revis was not covering Smith, nor anywhere remotely close to the guy. Revis' second INT came when he was beaten down the sideline by Smith, but Delhomme severely underthrew him. Yes, Revis made a nice play and was in the right place to make it, but he was chasing Smith down the sideline at that point. Terrible throw by Delhomme, but by no means a bad decision.

As for Sanchez, the guy looked absolutely terrible yesterday. I'm shocked that he only had 4 incompletions, as many of his throws were at the feet of receivers. Meanwhile, Sanchez looked frantic in the pocket and displayed happy feet even when given adequate protection. His INT was a terrible one, coming as the Jets were trying to simply protect the lead and waste some 4th-quarter clock. Again, I don't mean to pick on Banks...but this is some shoddy writing....

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Marcus Thomas

his shoulder only hurts from winning all that money off his cousin last week from their bet on the Giants game. True story. His cousin from Jersey, a massive Giants fan, was in town last week staying at my hotel and talking mad trash to me about how the Giants were going to walk all over the Broncos. Was going off about making a bet with Thomas over the game and couldn’t wait to collect his money Thursday night. Let’s just say he was much, MUCH quieter Thursday night when he came in after the game.

I thought you knew that algebra was all razzamatazz. A Globetrotter always saves the good algebra for the final minutes.

by A.J. Haefele on Nov 30, 2009 6:06 AM MST reply actions

We better keep this from the NFL. Haha. Were you staying at the Westin by any chance?

by Calibroncoboy on Nov 30, 2009 8:36 AM MST up reply actions

Im thinking a big part of ...

… Marshall’s happiness recently has been because he realized he needed and to perform well and act like a grown up in order to get on another team with a deent contract. I won’t be surprised if Marshall isn’t with us next year. This is too bad, considering that Marshall has taken some pretty big strides forward in terms of maturity. I still wouldn’t give up on him sticking around, but we’ll see.

For what it is worth, I think Denver has # 5 seed (wildcard) slot as of now. The division leaders so far also happen to be the top four teams in terms of wins (IND, CIN, SD, NE) followed by DEN then BAL.

The good news is that Denver is only a game behind SD. Also, if either CIN or NE falls to a WC spot, Denver beats them head to head. Denver’s remaining sched looks tougher than SD’s though (in my estimation). IND will be tough, and PHI could be tough as well. I have no idea why KC in DEC is so bad either, but we’ll find out.

Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Nov 30, 2009 6:08 AM MST reply actions

Correct Broncos are fifth seed and would play NE (4th)

They need to play well to secure that spot for sure. It is exciting Steve isn’t it, and I’m looking forward to KC.

"Kool-Aid Kool Aid, Tastes Great, We Want Kool Aid, Can't Wait"

by littletinybroncos on Nov 30, 2009 6:14 AM MST up reply actions

Denver is not going to let Marshall leave for anything less than a 1st and 3rd round pick, but I doubt we go that route.

Considering the massive drop-off from Eddie Royal in 2009, it’s very fair to say we don’t have a #1 WR on our team besides Marshall. Brandon’s leverage over Denver has increased significantly this season. IMO, and I think I’ll be right here, Marshall will get one of our two franchise tags next year. I highly doubt he’ll sign for a hometown discount, but the franchise tag will pay him (my guess) $9MM per season. Such a large raise should keep him in the fold.

With Elvis, Orton, Scheff and Kuper to resign, my guess is at least one other Bronco gets the 2nd franchise tag (Elvis). I don’t think Bowlen will want to pay several huge signing bonuses in one offseason during the worst recession in decades. Kick the can down the road. There may not even be a 2011 season so I understand why guys like Marshall want to get theirs (big singing bonus) today. It’s just business.

This is my favorite website.

by McGeorge on Nov 30, 2009 7:48 AM MST up reply actions

Marshall will get his new contact .. don’t worry.

He is one of a handful of superstar WR’s in the league, and they don’t grow on trees – he’ll get paid.

by hallandnash on Nov 30, 2009 8:09 AM MST up reply actions

I agree he is among the Top 5 young WRs in the NFL and he’ll get his new deal.

I just don’t think it will be this offseason. Bowlen may prove me wrong and reward the guy for his noteworthy bounce back. But that would be more goodwill than good business.

This is my favorite website.

by McGeorge on Nov 30, 2009 8:31 AM MST up reply actions

Just curious, why

wouldn’t it be this off-season? If not then, then when? It seems after this season would be the time to extend him/reward him (or trade him, though I also don’t think they will go that route).

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos fan in Niners/Raiders country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Nov 30, 2009 10:13 AM MST up reply actions

For as good as Marshall is

He is more a Boldin than a Fitzgerald.

I still think we need a burner — a Harvin type — who can stretch the field with long strides and who can return punts with same.

I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we take someone like Dez Bryant, if he’s available.

by JeffG on Nov 30, 2009 8:56 AM MST up reply actions

Jeff, I totally agree. I love the new Marshall as much as I was critical of the old one. But the team’s depth at WR often masks the poor diversity of its current roster. They have a bunch of guys who are money on short/possession stuff. No matter how long they sign the kids up for, they need someone who can push the secondary deep.

by Chibronx on Nov 30, 2009 9:57 AM MST up reply actions

Royal is a great guy, but not a #1 WR.

Deep threat and punt returner… That was supposed to be Royal’s job. He is doing okay at punt return, but he is not a deep threat. Furthermore, Royal is not a true #1 WR that requires the defensive attention of a Marshall. I love Eddie Royal, but he is simply not a good/productive/talented a WR as Marshall (not even close) regardless of the misinformation being spread at MHR back in preseason.

If anyone would go on the trading block, it would be Eddie as we need a deep threat to compliment Marshall. We don’t need a deep threat to compliment Eddie.

This is my favorite website.

by McGeorge on Nov 30, 2009 11:08 AM MST up reply actions

Royal is so quick

He’ll eventually wind up at slot.

I’m hoping McKinley can be the guy. But if we can land a stud, we should. It would open up the offense and make the special teams that much more dangerous.

I like Royal in the open field, but he takes a lot of steps to get there.

by JeffG on Nov 30, 2009 6:17 PM MST up reply actions

Correct. Royal is a slot guy. He is NOT a #1 WR, which is why we can’t let Marshall leave unless we replace him with someone that can handle that job. It’s not Gaffney, Stokely or McKinley either.

This is my favorite website.

by McGeorge on Nov 30, 2009 6:22 PM MST up reply actions

We can't let Marshall go period

That kind of talent in a WR doesn’t happen often…… he is a Top 5 WR in the NFL, we can’t really replace that so we need to make a push to keep him

by Whosbob89 on Nov 30, 2009 7:40 PM MST up reply actions

I'd like to keep Marshall

use Royal at slot, and get a burner who can also return punts.

That true deep threat would open up space for Marshall to work, and for Royal to exploit after the catch.

Bryant would be the perfect fit physically. Not sure how he stacks up in terms of intangibles.

by JeffG on Nov 30, 2009 9:31 PM MST up reply actions

Getting Dez Bryant would be pretty sweet

But is that really a possibility???

by Whosbob89 on Nov 30, 2009 9:32 PM MST up reply actions

Don't be surprised if we do trade Marshall

New England has had a history of trading their WR who wanted more money, I could see them trading for a 1 this year and a 4th rounder next year, and maybe we get the kid from Oklahoma State.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman

by Broncoman on Nov 30, 2009 8:31 PM MST up reply actions

I can see that, as well.

If they put the tag on him, he might start behaving badly again.

I like Marshall as a player — and I think him worth keeping — but only if we can get the right supporting cast around him.

by JeffG on Nov 30, 2009 9:32 PM MST up reply actions

I suspect that ultimately B Marsh will stay

because he wants to.

He will most likely take awhile to decide, and enjoy his long awaited leverage. I sure would.

But from what I’ve seen, he and McD have developed a very deep mutual respect and admiration for each other borne out in effort, wins, play calling, and fist bumps. I think B Marsh knows a big fat contract will be offered by one or more other teams, but ultimately hopes it will be matched by the Broncos. (And whether McD and X shell out that kinda dough out will say a lot about their philosophy in paying our stars.)

Either way, keep him or lose him, the Curious Case of Brandon the Bronco is a terrific lesson to all of the young Turks in the league. Play well + live well = be rewarded.

"All we're trying to do is win the *********** game!" -- Josh MF McDaniels tearing into his offensive line after three false starts in the red zone. The tirade turned the tide of the game, and the Broncos dominated from that point on.

by broncosmontana on Nov 30, 2009 3:06 PM MST up reply actions

of course, I forgot about the franchise tag option and the restricted free agent offer sheet matching thing. But you get my drift. : )

by broncosmontana on Nov 30, 2009 3:07 PM MST up reply actions

Yeah, the hug a few weeks ago and the fist bump on thanksgiving said a lot, IMO. Friends? I think so.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by Troy Hufford on Nov 30, 2009 3:47 PM MST up reply actions

I hope so

by Whosbob89 on Nov 30, 2009 9:39 PM MST up reply actions

Shame on Legwold

for throwing out a couple of stats and calling it analysis. He offers no possible explanation or insight into the poor results. He’s goofing off again!

"Kool-Aid Kool Aid, Tastes Great, We Want Kool Aid, Can't Wait"

by littletinybroncos on Nov 30, 2009 6:09 AM MST reply actions

Come on...

Are you trying to say that the Broncos team that lost in Arrowhead a decade ago has no bearing on this year’s team? I think you’re doing a disservice to the time it took Legwold to write that article on his iPhone while walking to his car this morning. LOL

Don't argue with fools. It's how they reproduce.

by TheMastermind on Nov 30, 2009 6:26 AM MST via mobile up reply actions

enjoyed these snippets

Young converted three fourth downs and a third down on the Elway-esque drive, finishing it with a 10-yard, 4th-and-goal completion to rookie receiver Kenny Britt on the game’s final play.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/29/week12.snaps/index.html#ixzz0YLfLB0Qs
Get a free NFL Team Jacket and Tee with SI Subscription

• Two more interceptions for Chicago’s Jay Cutler. Three more touchdowns (and 392 yards passing) for Minnesota’s Brett Favre. Could this season have gone in more divergent directions for those two newly acquired NFC North quarterbacks?

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/29/week12.snaps/index.html#ixzz0YLfRDbXg
Get a free NFL Team Jacket and Tee with SI Subscription

interesting, copy/paste comes with advertising now. LOL

Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.

by Sean in Pa. on Nov 30, 2009 6:18 AM MST reply actions

Good call on Banks

I’m glad I’m not the only one who read that and said…huh?

Oh, and this just in…the Broncos need Kyle Orton to stay healthy.

Yes, and you also need to eat sometimes, or you’ll die.

Don't argue with fools. It's how they reproduce.

by TheMastermind on Nov 30, 2009 6:22 AM MST via mobile reply actions

Thanks, Doug.

Well, if Banks has it coming…

"All by their heads, he places crowns."

by Tempestuous Binary on Nov 30, 2009 6:30 AM MST reply actions

Thanks Doug...

I broke my monotorium about posting on MSM blogs, but I had to leave a comment for La Canfora.
He needs to report, because it is clear by his article he does not understand ANYTHING about football, and was probably more pre-occupied with a turkey leg that watching the Giants/ Broncos game!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.

by boydy2669 on Nov 30, 2009 7:10 AM MST reply actions

Thanks Doug.

Real Power, comes with the realization that One cannot change the Moment;
only ones perception of it: Atitude! JQM

by UB3 on Nov 30, 2009 7:35 AM MST reply actions

It's Nice

to be back. Not only did Dawkins’ meeting inspire the team, so did my absence from the MHR. Now I can post again because we’re a good team! Thanks, Doug.

Brad James

by the Bradfather on Nov 30, 2009 7:37 AM MST reply actions

The Chiefs I watched yesterday looked absolutely toothless.

I don’t care what our past record at Arrowhead says, we got this one.

Man is not a rational animal, he is a rationalizing animal.

by MrFNSunshine on Nov 30, 2009 8:32 AM MST reply actions

You mean you don't agree with Legwold?

lol jk

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by Troy Hufford on Nov 30, 2009 8:35 AM MST up reply actions

Still

We can think that way but I hope the Broncos don’t. That’s how they’ve lost to inferior opponents on the road in the past.

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos fan in Niners/Raiders country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Nov 30, 2009 10:28 AM MST up reply actions

Last time I felt this way the Broncos were 3-0.

That was a nice lesson for me…

"All by their heads, he places crowns."

by Tempestuous Binary on Nov 30, 2009 10:58 AM MST up reply actions

Is this Jason La Canfora guy for real ?

We may not win another game until the Chiefs yet he calls the Eagles contenders ?

Look at the eagles schedule !!!

at Atlanta, at N.Y. Giants, San Francisco, Denver, at Dallas.

and they have the same record as we do right now so who may not win another game ?

Falcons are a game behind the Eagles and so are the Giants for that last wildcard spot

by Hoopforia on Nov 30, 2009 8:36 AM MST reply actions

After a quick glance at the standings this morning, there were 11 teams 4-7 or worse, and four teams with the 4-7 record. That would put us anywhere from pick 7 – 11.

by ButteBronco on Nov 30, 2009 8:56 AM MST reply actions

The Bears have two exceptionally easy games vs. St. Louis and Detroit. That alone gets them to 6 wins, and the Packers and Ravens are capable of laying an egg on any given Sunday. I wonder what the Strength of Schedule is for the other lousy teams out there.

by Chibronx on Nov 30, 2009 9:59 AM MST up reply actions

La Canfora

…has the Titans — at 6 losses, with games left against SD, Indy, and Miami, and who needed a last second drive to beat a MATT LEINART-LED Cardinals team — as contenders; but the Broncos, with 7 wins in the bank and 3 games left against KC and Oakland, as pretenders?

Really?

Did I misread that?

by JeffG on Nov 30, 2009 9:02 AM MST reply actions

Well whaddaya know, La Canfora is on Twitter

Jason La Canfora

Be polite but feel free to drop him a tweet questioning his analysis ;-)

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos fan in Niners/Raiders country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Nov 30, 2009 10:16 AM MST up reply actions

And here's what I just wrote him

(Hard to say it in 140 characters or less)

@JasonLaCanfora Miami a “contender” but Denver a pretender who could only win 1 more game? Sorry, but wrong. You’re also overrating Eagles.

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos fan in Niners/Raiders country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Nov 30, 2009 10:20 AM MST up reply actions

And I also wrote to him this

@JasonLaCanfora Also, your analysis about Broncos dismisses NYG game. Why ignore how they played in 7 wins and not do that for other teams?

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos fan in Niners/Raiders country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Nov 30, 2009 10:24 AM MST up reply actions

LaConfora's the Pretender

and one day on NFL Total Access, Rich Eisen is going to say: LaConfora, you’re the emperor and the emperor has no clothes.

Brad James

by the Bradfather on Nov 30, 2009 9:04 AM MST reply actions

Thanks Doug

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks

by KaptainKirk on Nov 30, 2009 9:44 AM MST reply actions

Thanks Doug!

"A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do" Walter Gagenot
"Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible."

by bchiper on Nov 30, 2009 11:40 AM MST reply actions

To me this season will be a success if

the Broncos beat the Colts. Playoffs would be even better of course, but given expectations before the season, that would just be double plus good. (Assuming of course that Denver doesn’t actually meet Indy in the playoffs, which rarely ends well.)

Since the Texans choked yesterday looks like it may be up to Denver to ruin their perfect season.

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos fan in Niners/Raiders country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Nov 30, 2009 12:43 PM MST reply actions

From Eddie Royal on his Facebook page

Eddie Royal Thanks for all of your support and for asking how I am feeling. I’m doing much better! Glad we got back on the winning track. Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos fan in Niners/Raiders country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Nov 30, 2009 1:06 PM MST reply actions

LaConfora reminds me of a water boy in high school.

Too sissified to suit up but knows everything about the sport.

by bfree2bronc on Nov 30, 2009 1:57 PM MST reply actions

How serious is Eddies Injury

I never even knew he got injured

by Whosbob89 on Nov 30, 2009 3:14 PM MST reply actions

Hip injury in the second half. Not sure on what play, since not much was said about it.

by bfree2bronc on Nov 30, 2009 3:28 PM MST up reply actions

apparently not that serious

if his update is any indication. But it did take him out for the remainder of the game.

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos fan in Niners/Raiders country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Nov 30, 2009 5:36 PM MST up reply actions

Bummer. Broncos-Colts not switched to prime time

according to the AP. Oh well, maybe after it’s over we’ll be glad they didn’t ;-) but… would’ve been cool. Denver’s not on Sunday Night Football at all this year, other than exhibition, as far as I can recall. Which sucks.

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos fan in Niners/Raiders country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Nov 30, 2009 5:35 PM MST reply actions