The Real Reason Orton Got Booed

by SSMT on Aug 8, 2009 8:32 AM MDT

I was reading a fan post about the practice and how folks were booing the team and Orton in particular.

One reader commented that he was sitting by some folks and as soon as Orton made his way onto the field he started getting an earful. Some readers questioned why Bronco fans would act this way. We should be true Bronco fans and be more supportive.

Now, before I write this sentence and you read it please understand that I've been a Bronco fan for 25 years. I love my team and I love the new direction we are going. I think McDaniels is sharp. I think Orton will be fine. And I have no patience for some of the trolls I've seen around here who spread their negativity without (and here is the important part) FACTS.

With that being said - here is my humble opinion about the Bronco fan base:

We are one of the most fickle in the whole NFL.

Again, that wasn't easy to write. And I'm sure it's even harder for you to read. But, before you get up in arms, please hear me out.

Frankly, in a lot of ways. We've been spoiled. As a fan, I've seen our team go to 5 Super Bowls. Not a lot of other fans can say that. A good buddy of mine is a die hard Vikings fan. The last twenty years have been tough on him.

And here is another story to keep it in persepctive.

The first game I ever saw was at old Mile High (why, or why did we tear that beauty down?!). Bottom of second deck on the 50 yard line. It was the last regular season game against the Chargers. To set the scene even more: we were headed into the playoffs as a wild card. In four games John would be hoisting his first Lombardi trophy.

We walked all over the Chargers without TD (as memory serves me).

And the whole game I had about 4 or 5 fans sitting directly behind me that made it their goal to let everyone else around them know how BAD Elway had gotten. "He's too old." "He doesn't have an arm anymore." "He's too slow". And on and on.

As a die hard I couldn't believe it.

Even without his coming Super Bowls Elway would have probably still been a Hall of Famer and all I'm hearing is negativity about our team and Elway in particular. Even as we are annihilating a division rival.

My point in writing this article is a decidely unpleasant one - and that is pointing out that Denver's fan base is impatient and fickle.

We are always going to have the crybabies coming out to the stadium or lurking at MHR with nothing positive to say - even when there are a lot of positive things going on - simply because this is Denver. And this is the Bronco's.

I have had dozens of friends who support teams other than the Bronco's comment on how spoiled and fickle we are. At first I fought it. Then I just denied it. And, after seeing how this year has panned out thus far I now believe it to be confirmed.

Again, MHR has a decidedly different 'tone' to it. It (thank goodness) is objective and pro-Bronco - which is a far cry from MSM. But you and I have to realize that a lot of so called Bronco fans lap up anything the MSM feeds them. We don't see them a lot at MHR (if we do, they troll) - but we do in our everyday lives and, unfortunately, at the stadium.

So, if Elway had a tough time - it's no surprise to me that Orton is getting booed at practice. I personally think that if he can get past the mental hurdle of being the red headed stepchild in Denver and living in the shadow of an overhyped, petulant former QB he will quickly make us forget Jay.

But, if we heard severe criticisms from ignorant fans about, quite possibly, the greatest quaterback to ever play the game. Orton is going to get an earful unless he wins the Lombardi this year. Even then they probably wouldn't be happy.

I'm just saying that I'm sadly not surprised about what transpired at practice. You shouldn't be either.

Best -

Go Broncos!

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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Comments

Well said SSMT

I think that’s why it is such a breath of fresh air the first time you stumble upon the MHR. The fist time I visited the site I was shocked, it was such a nice change of pace from what we are use to hearing. It is definitely dissappointing when you hear home fans contstantly dogging the team. I live in Balitmore and for the last 6 years I’ve flown out to Denver to catch a broncos game with my sister (we were both born in Denver) and it’s definitely a bummer when you hear a lot of negativity towards the home team, especially when the Broncos are winning! Making it out to one game a year is some important to us, so sometimes it does feel like a lot of people take the broncos for granted.

GO BRONCOS!!

by Vandylaxn21 on Aug 8, 2009 9:01 AM MDT reply actions

its just people

people who dont want to accept the truth: the broncos are in the opening stages of creating the most unstoppable dynasty the world has ever seen
or something like that

"Have you ever heard of the emancipation proclamation?"
- "I don't listen to hip-hop"

"Born like this / Into this"

by BroncoJoe311 on Aug 8, 2009 9:01 AM MDT reply actions

haha

+1!

Lady, you want me to answer you if this old airplane is safe to fly? Just how in the world do you think it got to be this old?
— Anon

Both optimists and pessimists contribute to the society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute.
— George Bernard Shaw

by Choochoobonewagon on Aug 8, 2009 1:51 PM MDT up reply actions

Those people were just practicing thier boos...

for when Cutler comes to town….

"So tell me what happened."
"Well, the last thing I remember is seeing this flash of Blue and Orange and the #22... then everything just went black..."

by HillisRanUover on Aug 8, 2009 4:47 PM MDT up reply actions

You are the resonator of my thoughts SSMT.

I hate any negativity the msm spews out and calls it professional journalism, it’s unprofessional and unsettling to say the least. Booing is one getting attention to himself and wanting to be noticed, that person really has no clue what professional athletes go through and could never lace up their shoes. Ignorance is a compliment, they know better.

by bfree2bronc on Aug 8, 2009 9:32 AM MDT reply actions

Well said bfree, as usual

The amount of dedication, effort, time, sacrafice, blood, sweat and tears these guys put in, is all too often taken for granted by these type(s) of “fans” and “media”

by BroncoSense72 on Aug 8, 2009 9:57 AM MDT up reply actions

A Sense of Entitlement

Starting with CU’s roll to dominance in the mid-80’s the collective tone of Colorado fans started changing. Then Super Joe and crew arrived and dominated the NHL for a decade. They made it look easy to sustain dominance. Then the mastermind arrives and finally brings the trophies.

Now all of this is expected rather than appreciated.

Broncos fans and the region do well with riches, not so well with rags. The Magic is gone.

There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-- that principle is contempt prior to investigation."
-- Herbert Spencer

by PredominantlyOrange on Aug 8, 2009 9:41 AM MDT reply actions

Tough to generalize about the fans, I think

I haven’t been to a home Broncos game in a long time. In fact, I saw IF@ Mile High for the first time just a couple months ago. So while I can’t compare from direct experience, I have been a fan where the fan base unquestionably had a sense of entitlement (Atlanta Braves).

At the stadium, that generally transalated to apathy. The last few playoff years, I could get field-level tickets the day of the game! (With only one Series win in all those chances, it’s somewhat understandable.) Still, a few years removed now, people are missing October ball. The Broncos – the team that’s, yes, expected to win – have been away much longer.

Now living in the Philly area, its fairly easy to say that the fans here are more loudly critical of the team(s) than most places (even though they tend to have fatalistic expectations). It’s pervasive and really rather annoying.

Perhaps the differences I see between the fans in these two cities merely reflects the general differences between people in Philly and Atlanta. I suspect that’s more the case, and Denver falls somewhere in between. I’m not sure that’s so bad. And no matter where you are, there will always be the “passionate” folks who spout off, but don’t take the time to learn what’s going on.

At the end of the day I have to believe that Orton, of whom we have a real expectation of maturity, can deal with a few vocal naysayers. Ultimately the thing that will shut those people up is competing hard, making the games fun to watch, and of course, winning!

It’s only a matter of weeks now.

by MakeCents on Aug 8, 2009 12:18 PM MDT up reply actions

Unfortunately....

online ticket sale websites are not designed to recognize these types of fans and deny their ticket sales so they don’t make it into our beloved Mile High. Isn’t there an app for that?

by dr.mort on Aug 8, 2009 9:42 AM MDT reply actions

I disagree

I’ve heard people call Colorado fans fickle a lot, and frankly, I simply disagree. My response is always, why should we accept a poor product? Honestly, we don’t like losing, but we are a lot more gracious about it than most (think Philly and Dallas). We still have set attendance records in football, baseball, and hockey, which I think that people fail to realize. If a guy isn’t performing, though, then we’re going to want someone else (with 3 exceptions: John Elway, Joe Sakic, and Todd Helton). Is that fickle? No, it’s wanting a winning product, something that I think we’ve earned the right to want.

I just don’t see anything wrong with wanting better. If the Broncos win the Super Bowl, the parade will be the event of the century. If they go 0-16, the stadium will be full of people letting the team know that that’s not acceptable. Fickle, horse’s a#$. Wanting a winning product is not fickle. Only showing up for a winning product and not a losing one, i.e. Dallas “fans”, is fickle.

"Speak softly and carry a big (hockey) stick." - Theodore Roosevelt

by wtnelson on Aug 8, 2009 11:23 AM MDT reply actions

Yeah

Avs fever ran rampant….when they fell in our laps. I guessing you can see the Avs for under face by now.

Dudes went freakin’ nuts just to get baseball…but then the novelty ran off.

I eventually just dropped my CU tickets…because it was no longer any fun to tolerate the collective negativity.

Now a very vocal element has already turned on a player and coach before they’ve even had a chance to play a single real game.

I’d say the fans in the region have made the descent to ordinary at best. We certainly don’t deserve mention on any Top 15 list.

by PredominantlyOrange on Aug 8, 2009 12:23 PM MDT up reply actions

In otherwords,

I’m all the sudden pretty flattered by Jay Cutler’s recent comments. That was very diplomatic of him…and ironic.

by PredominantlyOrange on Aug 8, 2009 12:26 PM MDT up reply actions

Who the #ell's fans does he think is a 10 anyway?

If Chicago is just a 9…. That just ocurred to me

First team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! and then some, right? I think four and we oughtta let someone else have a fair shot : )

by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Aug 8, 2009 10:54 PM MDT up reply actions

Bus cook

is a “10”

Precision in thought, concision in style, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Aug 9, 2009 2:07 AM MDT up reply actions

His parents probably get a 10

by PredominantlyOrange on Aug 9, 2009 9:59 AM MDT up reply actions

Bo Derek is a 10

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Doc Bear on Aug 9, 2009 10:38 AM MDT up reply actions

I agree that Denver fans show up,

But burying a coach and everyone he brings with him before the preseason even starts seems pretty fickle to me.

I really think we are talking about two different types of fans though. We have the bandwagon fans and the thick and thin fans. The bandwagoners have been hoping on and off for years, ripping Plummer for one season, then getting in line for the ‘05 season, and then burying him after the loss to the Steelers. If a QB with the record Plummer had can’t get solid support from the fans, I think it is safe to say the fans are too fickle.

Someone else got it right, this is exactly why MHR is so successful, because it gives a platform to all things Broncos that doesn’t fall to pieces when things aren’t perfect. Thank you John Bena.

"It's the first time that I've probably ever seen a 260 pound back run into a free safety and go flat on his back, I mean it was exciting." ~John Elway

by jibbons on Aug 8, 2009 1:27 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

I don't really think so

If a fan has a legitimate reason to not like Josh McDaniels, then I have no problem with that. Every fan is free to decide for himself whom he does and doesn’t like, and it may not have anything to do with football.

Every team has bandwagon fans, and the Broncos are no different. I equate “fickle” with “bandwagon”, and to me, that’s just not what Broncos fans, by and large, are. More than that, that’s just not what Denver fans are, by and large. We have our share of those folks, but that doesn’t make our entire fanbase that way. You want to talk about a “fickle” fanbase? Go look at the San Diego Chargers, a team with a grand total of zero real fans.

"Speak softly and carry a big (hockey) stick." - Theodore Roosevelt

by wtnelson on Aug 8, 2009 2:08 PM MDT up reply actions

I hear ya,

I don’t think there is an even balance between the fickle and the kool-aiders, if that were true, we wouldn’t have such a long waiting list for season tickets. I was wrong to generalize the fans into two groups without saying that the fickle are massively outnumbered. Every time someone jumps off the bandwagon, there are 3 people waiting for their spot. I also think that it is that imbalance that makes the fickle so loud, they feel isolated, threatened.

OK now I am way over thinking this.

"It's the first time that I've probably ever seen a 260 pound back run into a free safety and go flat on his back, I mean it was exciting." ~John Elway

by jibbons on Aug 8, 2009 11:46 PM MDT up reply actions

Go look at the San Diego Chargers, a team with a grand total of zero real fans.

Feh, talk to me when you have somebody like Ryan Leaf under center you bandwagoneer. I watched every game he played, my retinas are still scarred…

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Aug 9, 2009 11:38 AM MDT up reply actions

50% real fans...

I lived in SoCal from ‘98-’08 and attended every Bronco game at Qualcomm during that span, as well as a few up in Oakland. The first 5 years I enjoyed tremendously – the SD fans were great sports with good banter, but only half of the stadium were there to support the Bolts; the other half were wearing the orange and blue. When riding the train to the stadium, there was plenty of good-natured ribbing back and forth. However, the last five years were terrible. The band-wagon fans came out of the desert and took off their silver and black Halloween costumes and putt on the powder-blue. The train rides became unbearable, as well as the heckling from the Charger “fans” in the stands. It truly became comparable to going to the Oakland Coliseum, where Fader Nation attended more for the freak/side-show than to watch and support their team.
I love the city of San Diego, and understand that there are life-long, die-hard fans of the Bolts, but to come to this board and insult a Bronco Fan by calling him a band-wagoner is simply ignorant and IMHO projection. I used to look at the Chargers as my second favorite team – because of the fanbase and the fact that they were never a real threat to God’s team (… why else would sunsets be orange and blue). However, like the Red Sox, Faders, and Cubs, the bandwagon Charger fans are turning your formally respectable fan base into a joke.
Go back to your own forums and enjoy watching your Chargers slide back into their rightful place in mediocrity.

by DizzeeBronc on Aug 9, 2009 12:28 PM MDT up reply actions

but only half of the stadium were there to support the Bolts; the other half were wearing the orange and blue

Well that’s true enough, with Steeler games too. I usually see it as the mark of a city that is good to be from. I’ve heard the stadium can be hard on visitors now, I really do think that is a shame.

I love the city of San Diego, and understand that there are life-long, die-hard fans of the Bolts, but to come to this board and insult a Bronco Fan by calling him a band-wagoner is simply ignorant and IMHO projection.

Heh, it’s just hard to pass up somebody busting the Chargers fans for being fair weather fans, when the Broncos haven’t known more than a summer squall in recent memory. After all the Bolts were only 8-8 last year too; Rivers threw 5 picks in the practice I saw and everyone was cheering. Of course it was nice to see our secondary having a good day; that didn’t happen very often last year.

Go back to your own forums and enjoy watching your Chargers slide back into their rightful place in mediocrity.

The rest of the division has mediocrity covered; I think the Bolts aren’t going anywhere for now. We’ll know for sure if Rivers gets his contract.

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Aug 9, 2009 1:42 PM MDT up reply actions

good to see you Brian

I think of you everytime someone mentions bandwagon SD fans…. not like that of course… :)

Precision in thought, concision in style, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Aug 9, 2009 10:10 PM MDT up reply actions

Of course. ;-)

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Aug 10, 2009 7:44 AM MDT up reply actions

On a side note.

Though I don’t like to be around the negative Denver fans, I DO like the fact that they show up, and they start almost every game with hope in their hearts. Even if it quickly fades. Not many other city’s can say the same.

If you think about it from a player’s point of view. What’s going to inspire you more, a loud, full stadium; or a half-filled moderately-loud stadium? Whether you agree with me or not, I think the full stadium and all the noise is going to get the blood going more than anything. There are still so many positive people attending that the noise is going to be a mixture of appreciation and malcontent. Down on the field you’re not listening to an individual voice, but just taking in the whole thing.

I am glad that Denver fans have heart, even if it is fickle. Regardless of our mood, we show up, and we come to see what the player’s have got to give this city. Isn’t that a spectator’s job? At least in Denver a Coach can say, “If we win, we’ve got die hard support. But if we lose, we’re going to get reemed pretty hard.” Not many other cities can boast that. If their teams are bad, they don’t spend the money. Denver comes, and Denver speaks it’s mind.

There is no greater path to growth than communication. We as the fans, are doing so here in our beloved city of victory. If the Broncos lose horribly the city will light fires with their opinions (they have already started), but take heart because a dynasty will rise from the ashes.

It's Orange Crush time. And no I am NOT talking about the soft-drink.
Which I beg the question: "Can liquid really be... soft?"

3 TE Set = 3 losses or less.

Do it MickeyD... 13-3!!

by USMCWall on Aug 8, 2009 1:48 PM MDT up reply actions

That's exactly my point

If fans in Washington, New York, Dallas, or Green Bay boo, it’s because they’re “knowledgeable”. If fans in Denver boo, it’s because we’re “fickle” and “bandwagoners”. What the hell’s the difference? I get that people have this idea that we’re some kind of a modern-day Tombstone, but I think that the “fickle” label is undeserved, at best.

"Speak softly and carry a big (hockey) stick." - Theodore Roosevelt

by wtnelson on Aug 8, 2009 2:05 PM MDT up reply actions

The Point Is...

WT- Here’s something we can agree on: ALL fans are fickle to some extent. Me and you. But, to what degree we are is something that can never be determined because it’s too subjective. Which is what my post is about – my experience and feedback from fans all around the league.

Overall, over the last couple of decades we’ve had a pretty good run with a lot of good players. We’ve had more success than most organizations. But because of our success we turn on guys at the drop of a hat. Elway was a surprising example. Plummer is another one that comes to mind.

I was at the 05 Championship game. He played bad…no doubt. But so did the rest of the team in my opinion. Then, the next year he came out – played hard – and won. What did he get? Fired 3/4 of the way through the season with a winning record.

Wanting more for your team and wanting to win it all every year is part of being a fan. I want that and so do you but we all too often have unreachable standards – even for pro athletes.

At least where I’m from Denver has a strong reputation as being fickle.

Best-

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race" Calvin Coolidge

by SSMT on Aug 8, 2009 2:25 PM MDT up reply actions

I understand what you're saying

And believe me, I’ve been known to do and say things out of frustration, but perhaps change my mind the next day. It’s all out of love for my team(s), though. There are plenty of bandwagoners here, just like there are everywhere, but to characterize a fanbase as fickle, particularly a fanbase such as this one, I just can’t agree with.

There may be a certain level of bandwagonhood, a “Fickleness Meter”, if you will. Teams like the Chargers and Cardinals rank much, much higher on that than we do, in my opinion.

I’m not meaning to take a shot at you. I’ll always respect a guy that has beliefs and speaks them with reason to back them up, and that is exactly what you have done here. I believe differently. This is such a unique area, though, that it’s really tough to gauge a fanbase, especially with all of the transplants that have moved in in the last decade. However, I think that to characterize a fanbase, one has to look at actual fans of a team, and not just fans in the area. To me, the national sentiment about Colorado sports fans is skewed very badly by the huge number of outsiders that have moved here in recent years, and we get an unfair and undeserved reputation because of it.

"Speak softly and carry a big (hockey) stick." - Theodore Roosevelt

by wtnelson on Aug 8, 2009 9:36 PM MDT up reply actions

Well stated wtnelson

Having been a fan for fifty years I certainly don’t consider myself fickle. long with most other true fans, i have come to expect a certain level of performance and if that is not met I am disappointed. In my case that level is not totally tied to W-L record. I want to see a tream effort, I want to see men of character, i want to see hard-nosed football and I want to see good linemen!

It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09

by firstfan on Aug 9, 2009 1:33 AM MDT up reply actions

+1

It's Orange Crush time. And no I am NOT talking about the soft-drink.
Which I beg the question: "Can liquid really be... soft?"

3 TE Set = 3 losses or less.

Do it MickeyD... 13-3!!

by USMCWall on Aug 9, 2009 3:05 AM MDT up reply actions

Orton tougher than you think

I completely agree with your comments about fickle Bronco fans. However, I got the sense that you feel Kyle Orton may be overwhelmed by the negative attention. Rest assured, coming from Chicago, Bears fans are tough and were tough on him at one time. They pummeled Orton early on, and then came to really appreciate him. He was considered a “working class guy” and was appreciated for winning, with a team that had a fraction of the talent the Broncos have. Orton will be fine/great. The Broncos will win. The fans will still complain.

The Bears, stealing a page out of the Shanahan playbook, think that adding a star is all that is needed to win. Watch for the coming implosion of Cutler, and then the Bears this season.

by JRSIII on Aug 8, 2009 11:26 AM MDT reply actions

Fickle

WTNelson – I agree we aren’t as hard on our players as some teams. But fickle is having a long time tradition of winning and still constantly complaining.

Ironically WT, the last few years have been spent NOT winning and we seemed to give Cutler and Shanahan a pass. Bowlen called them on it, and rightfully so.

I agree, as fans we deserve to see a winning program. Which is exactly what Bowlen and company are trying to do. But the ‘fickle’ fans didn’t even let the players take a snap before passing judgement.

Anyway you paint it, that’s fickle.

JRSIII – Hopefully you are misreading me (or I didn’t make my self clear enough – which could certainly be the case).

I’m jacked about having Orton. Granted, I didn’t feel that way about the trade right off the bat until my Vikings buddy told me how good he was.

Your absolutely right about the Chicago fans. They are brutal. In a few years, I think Cutler will understand that.

Orton will do well. As will the team. How long that will take is a big question. But they are certainly headed in the right direction in my opinion.

And you are right – even if we win and Orton and McDaniels are all world there will still be those fickle fans who just don’t see it – and never will.

Best

by SSMT on Aug 8, 2009 11:36 AM MDT reply actions

Outlaws

We definitely expect a lot from our teams, but they always get propper support. Like I had said earlier, I currently live in Baltimore and I’ve grown up playing lacrosse on the east coast. I don’t know if anyone on here ever goes to the Denver Outlaws games, but they easily lead the pro-lax league in attendence over all of the east coast teams. So Denver fans definitely get behind their teams.

by Vandylaxn21 on Aug 8, 2009 12:41 PM MDT reply actions

Great read

I agree with your sentiment. I have not seen it first hand because I am a lifelong Californian. Most Bronco fans I’ve met out here are of the diehard optimistic types. That must come from having to deal with divisional rival fans all the time. The constant ridicule and teasing turned us into rabid maniacs.

That may be the difference with MHR. It’s creator is from Cleveland and most of its contributors are displaced Bronco fans. We have to deal with being the minority fan every day which may have given us all a unique ability to remain positive. We are not constantly bombarded with local Bronco media coverage that is invariably negative.

Thats my two cents worth of opinion. :)

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

by Tim Lynch on Aug 8, 2009 1:35 PM MDT reply actions

though I am still trying to not be a displaced fan.....

hope to hear on job soon

fader nation is a conquered nation

Jerry Jones is Al Davis with a smile!

by mdierk on Aug 8, 2009 1:46 PM MDT up reply actions

Excellent point Zappa!

It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09

by firstfan on Aug 9, 2009 1:39 AM MDT up reply actions

To make conclusions about an entire group

Based on the actions of a few is silly, imo. Anecdotal impressions garnered from one or two experiences aren’t proof of the collective guilt of the entire group. There’s always a few knuckleheads in any crowd, acting like idiots and saying stupid stuff, wherever you go. Nothing new there, certainly nothing unique to Denver Bronco fans. You wanna hear real booing? Try Philly for some real booing.

It really, really, wasn’t a big deal, it really wasn’t. Having witnessed it firsthand, I really think people have really taken the booing thing way, way too seriously.

As I’ve stated in other threads, not all booing is created equal. Denver is not Philly in this regard. These were not angry “BOOOOOOOOOO!!! YOU SUCK, GET OFF THE FIELD!!” kinds of boos. They were “Boo, c’mon now, you can do better than that!!” kinds of boos. The two are NOT the same. I’ve heard John The Great booed in EXACTLY the same way when he wasn’t having a good game. So what?

I just don’t see it as The End Of The Bronco Fan Universe as some seem to be painting it. Does it mean “we’re the most fickle fans in the NFL”? No, I don’t think it means that either. I think it means we expect success from our team, and are upset when we don’t get it. I don’t see anything wrong with that. I mean really, any East coast fan base is harder on their team than the Bronco fan base is.

Yes, we expect a lot from our teams, but we’re also very forgiving of their faults and supportive of them- witness the sellout streak, 2nd in the entire NFL. Try finding that same thing in places like like NY, Philly, or Chicago.

I really think some are over-reacting and assigning meaning that just isn’t there.

by AllBroncsallday on Aug 8, 2009 1:35 PM MDT reply actions

I saw three cars with Bronco stickers on them on my way to work this week. Funny thing is, I live in Florida. I saw maybe one car with Dolphin sticker on it. I think we’re fine.

Everyone used to say KC had the best fans in the NFL.. Well anyone that watched a KC home game last season saw 25,000 empty seats each week.

There used to be thousands of empty seats at a Calgary Flames hockey game when they were terrible. I’ve been to Red Sox games in the 1990s when the stadium was ¼ full.

When teams are bad, fans get angry, they boo and they don’t show up.

As for the Orton stuff on Thursday, my pals at Investco (not McDaniel fans at all) said the booing at practice was VASTLY overstated. Prater got it pretty good, but the rest of it was overblown. As non-McDaniel fans with an axe to grind, they stuck up for McDaniels and Orton. I’ll take their word on this one.

Love the Broncos, don't like their Coach.

by McGeorge on Aug 8, 2009 1:43 PM MDT reply actions

Good point.

Several Broncos stickers in my town. In fact, there are four other Broncos fans where I work. Amazing!

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

by Steve Nichols on Aug 8, 2009 7:34 PM MDT up reply actions

Same here

There are about half a dozen Bronco fans where I work, out here in Wichita – and I can’t recount as many Chiefs fans, continuing to wear their gear last season at work…. I think fickle and bandwagon are about the same thing, eh?

That’s the thing I have to disagree with, is how can our fanbase be called fickle at all when we’ve sold out consecutive home games for forty years – 4/5’s of the team’s existence?

First team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! and then some, right? I think four and we oughtta let someone else have a fair shot : )

by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Aug 8, 2009 11:05 PM MDT up reply actions

First Hand

Two things. I can only base my arguments on my experience.

From what I’m now reading about the booing it does appear to have been overblown. That’s good. Both Orton and McDaniels deserve better until proven wrong.

But, as far as fickle fans. We’re up there for sure. This isn’t just my opinion – it’s the feedback from all kinds of fans I’ve talked to over the years.

Both my brother in laws are rabid Steeler fans. They and their fan base have a rabid following (dare I say better than the Broncos) and act like it. Do they get on their guys? Yep. But it is far more warranted than I’ve ever seen with Denver. And actually, they were the ones to point this out.

Of course, I could argue semantics with some of the commentors here until the cows come home. But, it’s all subjective.

I certainly didn’t say that we were the most fickle. But again, we’re up there.

I also agree we aren’t on the same level of verbal brutality as a Philly. But, we’ve been spoiled for too long.

by SSMT on Aug 8, 2009 2:01 PM MDT reply actions

I've been to Raiders games

and granted, they’ve been a very bad team, but the fans were unbelievably harsh towards their quarterback. The first play of the game, incomplete, and the crowd has alread turned on its most important player. I could understand it to some extent because they’ve been getting lousy qb play but it just seemed so unproductive. Almost immediately the quarterback has to deal with a hostile crowd in his own stadium and you’ve wiped out some of your homefield advantage.

I’d hate for Broncos fans to follow that path because whatever anger or even skepticism people have about the qb change and Orton could easily take on this same dynamic where people won’t have any patience for mistakes and, let’s face it, there’s going to be plenty with a new system and everything. The team will act like they don’t care because they have to; complaining could just make things worse. But its not a good situation if this continues. Its only a practice but I can picture in my mind how ugly this could get and then you’ll get intercine warfare between fans – on one side, the I’ve-paid-for-my-ticket-and-I’ll-boo-if-I-want-to crowd and the other side that wants to be supportive. I guess winning is going to be the key to “buy” some goodwill from the fans.

by Broncos2009 on Aug 8, 2009 2:04 PM MDT reply actions

In Chicago

the Bears fans turned on Grossman in a very hostile way in 2007. It started in the preseason and never let up. It was just a lot of pent up frustration with the Bears organization over the QB play during the past 10 years. Grossman was the scapegoat, but the boos were really directed at management. When Orton won the job for the 2008 season, that all quickly disappeared. The fans were very supportive of Kyle and very seldom booed over a bad play.
After having a great run, obviously many Broncos fans are frustrated with the lack of success.The firing of Shannahan was officially the end of that great run. Outside of the owner, Shanny was the last link to that great era. Trading Cutler dashed the hope(17-20 record) for the second coming John Elway II and just added fuel to the fire. It’s difficult to let go and move on for many of the fans. This happens all the time in sports and for just about every franchise that has been very successful.

by rocko1 on Aug 8, 2009 4:51 PM MDT up reply actions

Raiders

Agreed – that organization has been in turmoil the last 5 years or so. The one difference I see is that Bowlen has a long term vision – as does McDaniels.

Davis has been swinging for the fences with recent draft picks and – in my very biased opinion – missing horribly and completely frustrating his fan base. That’s saying nothing about the constant coaching changes and problem children on the roster.

But, your point is well taken, we have had huge changes this year and a brutal upcoming schedule. It can make for a very divisive situation with fans.

Best

by SSMT on Aug 8, 2009 2:44 PM MDT reply actions

I'm not really comparing the direction of the teams

We’re in much better shape than the Raiders. But I do think there’s a very real danger of the same dynamic taking hold with a lot of our fans, the same Broncos fans who are already anywhere from uneasy to angry about all the changes that have taken place. Winning could go along way towards diffusing it but neither Orton or McDaniels are in an enviable position right now from the point of view of dealing with fan expectations. Yes, the pressure is always there to some extent, but its worse if a lot of the fan base already feels alienated by the direction of the team before they’ve even played a game. I see the potential for a very bad dynamic where booing becomes an expression of protest as well as an expression of vindication of those who are predicting doom. Its almost inconceivable that Orton will come out and look like a superstar so early on but I’m hoping fans will keep some perspective and cut the team some slack. We’ll see…

by Broncos2009 on Aug 8, 2009 3:18 PM MDT up reply actions

I blame Elway...

Now hear me out, I am sure someone else has thought of this too. Fans will never forget #7 or the position he played. You stand behind center for the Denver Broncos and you don’t perform at a HIGH level then your going to hear it. Fans are yearning for the late 90’s again and they see an elite QB as the way to get there.

I was at the practice and the boo’s were more playful then anything, what else are you going to do at a practice? Orton throws a incomplete pass or Prater miss a FG and 13,000+ go silent? Not going to happen, so we tossed some boos their way in constructive criticism. The fans can’t tell them any other way. They heard the boos, they might not have gotten a letter or however else we are suppose to communicate. Fans use boos and cheers.

by bhsmarine on Aug 8, 2009 7:33 PM MDT reply actions

Good post!

I think much of our base is spoiled. Elway and Shanahan won SBs, and when Elway left all folks seemed to do was make comparisons. Now that Shanahan is gone, folks will do the same. The past is over, and folks are either with the team are not. This is not Elway’s team anymore, and it isn’t Shanahan’s.

I’ve been behind every new QB we’ve had. I’m going to do the same with the new coach. It is fair to be critical of them, but the comments should be factual and without the sarcasm. For example, folks want to treat Cutler as if he ever gave us a winning season, or even bothered to prevent from turning the ball over on those yards he accrued last year. But Orton could get his team to the playoffs, and throw without all of the INTs. (Cutler and Jake the Snake have a lot in common with the INTs, except Jay couldn’t get us a winning season, while Jake got us to the AFC game). But despite comparing their numbers (points and turnovers trump yards if you want to win games), some folks seem to love Jay Cutler more than the Broncos. That’s ok, but folks should just come out and admit it.

Shanahan couldn’t get us more than one playoff victory after Elway left, and I think I was blinded on this for a long time. The last three years (with Cutler and Shanahan both) were tragic and embarassing. McDaniels has a terrific track record as an OC and teaching QBs. I’m willing to give him a chance.

Last, there’s an issue of class. Some cities boo their own players, and that’s just their culture. I’ve never understood it though, and consider it classless. I wasn’t at the Mile High practice, and some folks have written that the MSM got it all wrong (that the boos were more good natured than vindictive). If that’s the case, I’m fine with it. I just don’t want to be like some towns that have no class towards their players or team. (Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I’ve never been into booing opponents either. But at least I can understand it. Booing my own guys? That would be pathetic).

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

by Steve Nichols on Aug 8, 2009 7:48 PM MDT reply actions

Denver fans can support Cutler

First of all I want to say that I am not for booing Orton, McDaniels, or any of our Broncos. But I also don’t think we need to drink from the McDaniel’s Kool-aid cup or we are not a true fan. Jay Cutler played hard and well for us for over two years making us a better team and I believe he was treated poorly by McDaniels. Not because of the trade but because of the attitude that McDaniels showed toward him. I know there has been a lot of he said, she said, in this whole mess, but how about true Bronco fans show some support to someone who has actually done something for the Broncos in a game or for a season. I can’t help to think that if the fans would have offered more support to Cutler during that mess, the Broncos management would have done something more to keep Cutler in Denver. I’m not saying put him above the organization but anytime I have offended someone I have always tried to go out of my way to make it right. Did Cutler act poorly, yes, but how long did it take McDaniels to come out publicly in support of Cutler, how long did it take Mr. Bowlen to reach out to Jay? The bottom line is I feel we are a better team with Culter than with out him. Yes we did get some (hopefully) great draft picks in the deal, and I have always been a fan of Orton, I respect the way he has always played. This has been hashed to death and that is not my purpose for this comment. I am a life time Bronco fan and I won’t dump them even if they go winless the next two years, I also won’t boo them. I will watch them every Sunday and I will hope they win. However if McDaniels doesn’t work out, I hope Mr.Bowlen can swallow is pride and make a change before we loose any more “franchise” players. I won’t boo our team but McDaniels also hasn’t earned by trust and when Cutler comes to town I won’t boo him either.

by Snowoso on Aug 8, 2009 10:04 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

And all the while he was with us

unbeknownst (at least to me), he was secretly dreaming of ‘the other’ Orange and Blue.

; )

There’s no way to know for sure who’s ‘fault’ it was Snowoso – but I (we) know your pain

And you do realize for McDaniels to not ‘pan out’ as you say, he has at least a couple seasons to get Us back to being completely competetive – if not just because of the Cutler debacle. (I’d say at least three).

First team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! and then some, right? I think four and we oughtta let someone else have a fair shot : )

by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Aug 8, 2009 11:20 PM MDT up reply actions

Three years

I wouldn’t go by years but wins per year. One year at least 3 wins, two years at least 6 wins, and at three years at least 9 wins. If only win one or two games this year than we have more problems than loosing Cutler.

by Snowoso on Aug 9, 2009 1:12 PM MDT up reply actions

Support Cutler?

Snowoso – first, thanks for commenting. There’s obviously a lot of different experiences when it comes to perceptions about what a fan is and isn’t.

But, I strongly disagree with your comment about supporting Cutler. I know – this has been hashed out a lot and it’s a point of contention – but please hear me out.

I supported Cutler for 2 1/2 years like the majority of fans. I truly didn’t have many complaints about Jay on the field. Yah, he was erratic and I didn’t care for his sulking routine on the sidelines, but he certainly had potential.

Jay’s biggest problem is himself and his actual likeness to McDaniels. They are both my way or the highway type people. Jay wanted a say in who the head coach was. He wanted another Shanny who would place him on a pedastal and design around him. He wanted another O-coordinator who would call 50 pass plays a game. In short, he wanted to be the man. And why would this surprise any of us when everyone wanted him to be the second coming of Elway. But the facts are, he wasn’t.

So along comes McDaniels. A young guy just a bit older than Cutler who comes in and has the same sort of attitude. “I’m running this show and you either get in line or out of the way.”

The problem is: McDaniels – by his job title – IS the man. Cutler didn’t like it and knew that he would have to prove himself and tow the line. From all the evidence I’ve seen that was when Cutler began implementing his exit strategy.

Did McDaniels listen to a phone call about Cutler? Yep. And to my knowledge he never denied that. Did the trade happen then? Nope. So obviously they weren’t offering enough. But to me, it’s his job to listen to each and every call. You never know when a Hershal Walker trade could build our next dynasty.

Fans say you don’t with a franchise player. First of all – Jay ain’t a franchise player. Secondly, they’re wrong. If a team calls up and offers you 10 players/draft picks for Big Ben or Peyton Manning you – at the very least – listen. If you don’t you’re an idiot.

Too many fans in Denver don’t want to face up to the music that Jay simply didn’t want us. Jay – right or wrong – wanted Jay. He wanted to be loved and adored wherever he went. Now he has Chicago and every fan (for the time being) wants to have his babies.

I was for Jay until this all started breaking out and he lied to me. He said he wanted to be a Bronco and all the while he wouldn’t return Bowlen’s calls or acknowledge that he requested a trade.

Is McDaniels attitude the right one? Honestly, when it comes to a TEAM sport I think it is. Which is why he has my support. Would I have liked it if I was Jay? Nope. But I also wouldn’t have liked being a .500 team the last few years with no real hopes of changing that trend and winning a Super Bowl.

I also would have looked at a guy like McDaniels and where he came from and his winning ways and thought, “you know what, this guy could help me and the team get to the next level.” And I honestly think McDaniels felt the same about Cutler – talent wise. Or else he would have traded him right off the bat.

They each could have helped each other. But it was not to be.

I honestly don’t know another player who had MORE support than Cutler did. In most fans eyes, the guy could do no wrong because he had immense physical talents and we all saw a little chance that he could become our next Elway.

“Ya, but he had a bad defense” (or a hundred other excuses). Fine, lets change that. So Bowlen brings in a sharp young guy with some new energy to turn things around. Only problem was he was going to hold Jay accountable just like he would Hillis, Sheff, Doom, Royal, Marshall and every other big-name player.

Too many fans are like abused spouses. They want to pretend that the person really loves them and that they’ll change. So you support them beyond what they deserve. Then you realize what is really happening and how that person could care less about you.

Best-

by SSMT on Aug 9, 2009 8:41 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Support

SSMT,
It is nice to be able to express different views with someone without a lot of name calling. You say Cutler’s problem was not having a say in the coach, my response is why then did Cutler head to Denver right after the Pro Bowl to start learning the offense and stay until he was almost traded. I also agree that no player is untradeable. But lets also look at the trade that was proposed. Tampa Bay called Denver to propose a trade Cutler for their first round draft pick (pick19), with the idea that they trade for Cassell. Denver (i don’t know if it was McDaniels) then called the Patriots offering the number 12 pick for Cassel (This according to Peter King). The Patriots wanted the trade to happen quickly and before anyone could negotiate with Cassel’s agent on a new long term deal. Denver began negotiations with the agent, this the info that got back to Cutler that he referred to many times. The Patriots got pissed and went a head and traded Cassel to the Chiefs. I would be pissed too. But again, I agree that Culter needed to get over it and move on, but I also think that McDaniels could have handled it much better. I think your abused spouse comment is very good and also could apply to coaches and owners and not just players. Again finally I would like to say as fans we shouldn’t be booing our players, Orton had nothing to do with the Cutler mess and should have our support. I also hope McDaniels is half the coach he thinks he is.

by Snowoso on Aug 9, 2009 1:08 PM MDT up reply actions

Good read

And I agree with the annoying-ness of those fickle/bandwagon types, but like I responded to McGeorge and HT above – 40 consecutive years of home sellouts – that overrides any of the half-a$$ers, and as WT stated, especially when using other cities for contrast.

It is frustrating to deal with those fakers and/or content – being – complacent types otherwise referred to as ‘fans’ – but that’s a big reason I’m here!

Thanks for reminding (me) us, we’re not alone in our full a$$ed-ness!
= )

First team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! and then some, right? I think four and we oughtta let someone else have a fair shot : )

by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Aug 8, 2009 11:13 PM MDT reply actions

The booing doesnt bother me. To be perfectly honest, its not bad when people are vocal. That means th ey care. There is no requirement that you have to be a certain way to be a fan. You have a broad slice of people in every fanbase. And so, youll have different reactions to a variety of situations within the fanbase. If some people arent pleased, they might boo. That doesnt mean theyre not fans.

I have no right to project my own notions of what “being a fan” is on anyone. Its silly.

by Alex L. on Aug 9, 2009 2:26 AM MDT reply actions

You have every right to project those notions

Just zero right to say others MUST fit into them

; )

First team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! and then some, right? I think four and we oughtta let someone else have a fair shot : )

by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Aug 9, 2009 9:21 AM MDT up reply actions

???

by Alex L. on Aug 9, 2009 1:16 PM MDT up reply actions

he's saying 'judge and be judged'

but force no one to your side…

Precision in thought, concision in style, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Aug 9, 2009 10:12 PM MDT up reply actions

I think one thing that seperates the Broncos fans from the other AFC West fans is that there is so much dissension among the fanbase. That shows that fans care. If it was bandwagoners, then youd only have blind acceptance. If you just go with the flow, chances are youre a bandwagon fan.

by Alex L. on Aug 10, 2009 12:34 AM MDT reply actions