justwhytee sayin wat he sees...(game 3 and the web of induced thoughts)

where to start with this spiderweb of thoughts and opinions...forewarning: I've stewed on this all night/morning and I'm recoverin from a weekend full of "outside influences"...the following connects kinda like web, different angles and lines of thought that work toward the center of my current Bronco state of mind... I'm sure yall know where I'm comin from.

With the exception of his 2min drill before halftime, I thought he (Cutler) looked average with an above average arm. The score was 3-3 for most of the first half, with our defense forcing more "3 & outs" than I saw all last year. Even after the TD which resulted from Hester's PR, Orton was still statistically ahead of Cutler for the night (better completion %, more yards, no TO's/TD's)...even with all the bonehead penalties our O-line took, we were still we neck-n-neck with "JC the savior" and his '85 Bears...until they executed a smooth 2min drill capped off with a TD. On this drive we saw vintage Cutler...sidestepped pressure in the pocket, made accurate laser throws to his TE's repeatedly and converted in the RZ. Up till that point tho, I saw Cutler rattled and knocked down numerous times ( I swear we shoulda had a safety...isn't holding by O-Lineman in their own endzone equal a safety for the defense? I'm pretty sure it was Pace holdin Doom).

I can see how/why people (fans,critics,experts,media) are painting yesterdays narrative as they are, but to me, it's case of several things: like boxing, if you can flurry at the end of the round you impress upon judges/viewers and appear to be winning rounds to close to call.Cutler 2min drill was Bear's flurry at half and left impression that Cutler had a great night..."Large Market vs Smaller Market" as in narratives favorable to Chicago will have more influence and "Traction" within the national media and popular opinion. Even most Denver Media outlets have chosen the more conservative narrative and perspective, Shanny's influence also apparent...not necessarily intentional, but a factor regardless...The jury is still out on McD and the new Broncos. In the absence of new evidence, people will run with existing opinions,criticisms and bias. Personally I think we've already seen a substantial improvement in our defense from top to bottom, our ST (Hester PR not withstanding, however, Hester is Hester!), but that perspective doesn't sell papers and merchandise anywhere outside Denver.

Orton did not have a bad game, not a great game, but nothin to project gloom over. He went against the defense and coach that know him best, played with a short-handed offense that committed an excessive amount of penalties (negated much of our first half offensive production) and still managed to battle Cutler to a near draw (up until he was pulled due to injury).  If it's true that the Bears are SB contenders wit JC and a refocused Dfence (Lovie playcallin for D this year), then it's also true that the Broncos showed very well for themselves tonight...Personally, I think the Bears will battle for 2nd/3rd place in the NFC North, behind GB and next to MIN.

Bottomline, the halftime score of 17-3 is a realistic one, but also easily misconstrued. We had no Knowshon, no Gaffney (no BM either), no Kuper, no Jordan, no Simms...this equals little to no depth at QB, RB, G, and WR...add this to our extensive penalties and I see the recipe for conservative playcalling. Why would McD risk Orton's health on deep routes when we're already short on backup QB's, WR's and O-lineman? (we saw that fear come to fruition regardless tho).

Other notes:

Weigman was havin trouble with run blocking...can see us havin issues running between tackles against bigger Dlines this year still...surprised with all the penalties against our first team O-Line...

Chris Collinsworth is a goof. The fact that Shanny was his OC in college may explain the blatant bias (Shanny's extensive network may partially explain the widespread negative perception of McD and the Broncos this year).

Doom is lookin great...both rushin the passer and droppin into shallow zone coverage.

Easy to blame our LB's for last nights constant Cutler-to-Olsen/Clark connections, but honestly, on that last drive before half, Cutler put the ball on wires and his TE's made the receptions in tight coverage...give Bears credit, no need to knock our D, they played well (for the most part).

Dawkins is WX!!

Ayers was lookin alot better, I noticed him numerous times lastnight flyin around the ball. Saw him drop in zone and come up to make an important 3rd down tackle on underneath pass.

McKinley continues to make big plays with 2nd team offense.

Darius Walker should make the roster, he's gotta hold on to the ball, but he's hittin holes with speed and decisiveness...Jordan will have to be a "FB" to make roster, kinda hope he does b/c he's an asset blocking and catching outta the backfield, as well as splitting out wide.

Brandstater for Vice-President...honestly, he looked pretty good with all things considered. He showed much improved ppocket-presence and even flashed his "arm" on a couple occasions. He led our team to 2 scores and kept his composure after a couple TO's. His lone INT was off the hands of Royal (not sure who's at fault). Not badd. Now I'm wonderin if we should sign O'Connell still, could be smart tho...

Alphonso has work to do, on both ST returns and in man coverage. Hurt abit to see him beat deep in 2nd half lastnight, but anyone payin attention to Bears camp has already heard about WR Johnny Knox (CHI 5th round pick) and his "wheels"...I guess 'Phonz didn't get that memo yet.

Anways, I'm out like Collinsworth after "one blow"