SMACK DOWN - Broncos run over by Chiefs 44-24, miss Playoffs
by John Bena on Jan 3, 2010 5:28 PM MST
in 2009 Denver Broncos Game Recap
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| Category | Broncos | Chiefs |
| Score | 24 | 44 |
| Rushing Yards | 84 | 317 |
| Passing Yards | 428 | 207 |
| Total Yards | 512 | 524 |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 7-15 | 3-10 |
| T.O.P | 32:55 | 26:57 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 2 |
| Red Zone Att. | 3-4 | 2-4 |
And just like that, poof, the season is over. It is a harsh reality for football fans especially so for those of us like me that spend so much time revolving around the Broncos. Let the blame game begin, afterall, this has to be someone's fault. Blame Josh McDaniels, blame Kyle Orton, or Brandon Marshall. All had a hand in this, as all three had a hand in any success the Broncos had.
Football is the ultimate team game - win as a team, lose as a team. From the start of off-season conditioning, the Broncos had a problem with Brandon Marshall. Josh McDaniels was consistent in how he was dealt with - be it the off-season or training camp or the final game of the season. In the end, in all parts of life, that is all you can ask for, consistency.
The Broncos obviously didn't earn or deserve a trip to the playoffs. We can say that now because they won't make it, and it is all of their own doing. It's been 27 years since the Broncos were swept at home by the AFC West opponents on their schedule - they didn't play the Raiders that season - and 30 years since they lost to all the AFC West opponents on home soil. That should tell the story right there - can't beat your own division, can't win the division, can't get into the playoffs.
Speaking of just this game, the Broncos defense simply didn't show up - right from the start. Brandon Marshall doesn't rush the passer, Tony Scheffler doesn't play run defense. Jamaal Charles ran over and around the Broncos run defense, continuing a slide that started nearly 2 months ago. We've seen now that the Giants game was a mirage as New York finished the season giving up nearly 90 points in 2 games. Other that that it has been a struggle, week in, week out, for the defense to play 4 quarters.
Of course, it isn't all on the defense - just like last season wasn't all on the defense. The offense cannot run the ball - the Broncos are one dimensional. That isn't a recipe for success for any team, especially a team like the Broncos who has flaws.
No matter who you name, the Broncos were once again embarrassed in the final game of the season, in a game they had to win. The opponent matters little - the Chiefs proved that playing loose is a powerful boost. The Broncos, however, showed that they haven't yet figured out how to win, how to handle the pressure. That will be Josh McDaniels' biggest job this off-season - figuring out how to instill a winning attitude into the tea,.
There is plenty of time to discuss what we should do. For now, I need to take a deep breath. This was a tough season for many reasons and for one, I could do without all the drama. Give me 53 players that will do what I do at my job everyday - show up, on time, and give it all I've got.
Perhaps this is for the best - the Broncos flaws and weaknesses are there for everyone to see - including those who make personnel decisions. I'd prefer the truth to lies, and the truth is the Denver Broncos are average at best - as a team - where it matters most.
Let the Rebuilding Season begin.
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Word. Let's get this offseason rolling. Xanders and McD doing work!!!
I’m excited. Not so sure anyone else is.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
i am for sure KB!!! Some fans are too negative
by Calibroncoboy on Jan 3, 2010 5:34 PM MST up reply actions
Exactly. I'm just excited to see what happens between now and opening day of 2010.
Who will be starting? Who did we draft? All that stuff. It’s like going from spring to summer or summer to fall. Just a change in season. We are going from regular season to offseason. Let’s go win the offseason.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
That's true. We saw last season that sometimes drama and turmoil is just noise.
It started off pretty well this season. Maybe we should just look past the drama and turmoil, because every team that doesn’t make the playoffs is going to be disappointed and have drama and turmoil. That’s just the nature of the NFL.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
only one team wins it all, all i ask for every year is hope for the future....
Bena sez “In the end, in all parts of life, that is all you can ask for, consistency” If you want mediocrity …make consistency your #1 priority. Hell we’ve had that in Denver for many years now! Consistently average! No Thank you!
Does what McD offered us up here in Denver this year provide hope? Not for me. I really want to have hope but what I’m left with this last day of the season is more talent wanting out, the team NOT rallying behind our new coach, some of our best leadership/talent over the hill and soon to retire and no real excitement about the coming draft …given our last draft (which may yet pan out but hasn’t shown me anything yet).
Yeah my hope is dim for the Broncos. I’m still pissed about the direction our franchise has chosen!
But I’ll still be wearing my colors to work in the morning and forever be a Broncos fan however much it hurts….
Go Broncos!
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 6:14 PM MST up reply actions
I feel for your pain, Whidbey,
but I won’t share it.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
With ya KB!!!
-Richee
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!
by BroncoSense72 on Jan 3, 2010 5:43 PM MST up reply actions
I'm excited too KB!
"When you put on that jersey, the name on the front is more important than the name on the back." - "Miracle".
"Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else." - Vince Lombardi.
F'n A man, F'n A
I’m more excited about next year than I have been since the luster of the Lombardi’s wore off.
"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
I'll be the first...2010 13-3 Baby, Here we come!!!
The next nine months are going to be exciting and fun to watch. Knowing now what we know about the McDaniels’s plan, seeing it unfold and implemented in FA and on draft day will be much more enjoyable this time around. Every guy we get will make sense in the big scheme of things and be complementary to the Team. More Dawkinses and Davises and Dumervilles and Gafneyses.
broncorat
"Our word for the week has been accountability...and anyone that showed any indifference to that, we’ll play without them, and we’ll play well anyway."
Can we trade draft picks for free agents
only kidding…I did like most of the free agent class…hope the rookies improve next year; I’m sure some will.
i just threw up in my mouth
gawd the thought makes me so tired
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 7:19 PM MST up reply actions
Enjoy your barf-mouth. Please don't share.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
We would have scored zero if we'd quit.
A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!! (April 2009 prediction)
Revised to 11-5 due to reality!
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
touche
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
New coach, new Team, yet same results
Very frustrating having another late season collapse, many were concerned about Dallas having troubles in December, but somehow they overlook Denver thankfully. I’m ready for some offseason drama in the form of trades and signings, so heres to next year.
Denver rookie head coach Josh McDaniels doesn't have a grasp on how to build a team." - John Clayton, April 23rd, 2009
here's to next year and a new "treatment" so people can get their Taco Bell
I'm glad we had this talk.
(signature courtesy of TJ Johnson)
by BroncoInExile on Jan 3, 2010 5:34 PM MST up reply actions
Dude , its the Curse of Shanhan...we need to change uniforms to break it!
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 Jan 3, 2010 6:07 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
Amen. Bring out the orange unis.
Best comment of the day, IMO, Boydy.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
I'm OK with not being a playoff team, but the run defense not showing up was hard to deal with....
Hard enough to come back from 2 pick sixes, but we couldn’t slow Charles down….that’s what bugged me.
A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!! (April 2009 prediction)
Revised to 11-5 due to reality!
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
yeah I'm with you on not making the playoffs It's the lack of effort that concerns me
If you can’t get up for a big game at home with a chance to make the playoffs you’re in the wrong line of work
Don;t confuse effort with talent...
The Broncos were thin on both lines coming in to the season – Ryan Harris going down, along with Ben Hamilton’s complete loss of skills, made that a fatal weakness
-TSG
SBNation's Denver Broncos Blogger
MileHighReport
Questions, Comments...E-Mail Me!
milehighreport@gmail.com
or
Call Me! (303)731-5605
by John Bena on Jan 3, 2010 5:41 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Do you think that a 6-0 team that was averaging less than 20 pts a game wasn't overachieving?
"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
Here's a little theory...
One of my athletes said it “The bronocs play down to everyone”. It got me thinking…maybe those 6 wins was when other suspect teams played down to us….
Lets get on with the off season….I am not even angry. I am embarassed….and disappointed! But, season over…..no more ulcers on the weekends!
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.
Did they play down to the raiders in oakland, or the Browns?
How about the Chiefs in KC.
I don’t think the old, ‘they play down to their opponent’ simplification works for this season.
"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
Thats the point.....they are even with teams like Oakland and Chiefs.......they are an average team so getting beaten by guys like Oakland and Kansas should not be a surprise. We just aint that good!
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.
I don't wanna be overly negative
But a team we beat by 30 turned around and beat us by 20 3(?) weeks later? A 50 point swing suggests to me that some of the guys just gave up. Can’t really expect that several players just lost talent in 3 weeks.
- Nick
"We got 'em right where we want 'em!" - Keith Bishop, right before John Elway orchestrated The Drive. 'Nuff said.
No defense for the defense but...
They were on the field a lot. It’s hard to get your head kicked in by Jamal Charles, take off your helmet without even catching your breath, and then have to go right back onto the field because the the offense didn’t keep a drive going. Our offense didn’t really help the defense in that respect.
Now the missed tackling…
by abroncosfanatic on Jan 3, 2010 5:39 PM MST up reply actions
McD says "no moral victories"
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
Run defense not showing up
Jamaal Charles has been the best RB in the league the last 6 games or so. But still, Broncos run D was terrible.
War is behavior with its roots in the primal sea - eat whatever you touch, or it will eat you. John Fowles
All caps haters comin out of the woodwork LOL
A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!! (April 2009 prediction)
Revised to 11-5 due to reality!
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
Yup!
-Richee
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!
by BroncoSense72 on Jan 3, 2010 5:45 PM MST up reply actions
I am behind McD 1000%!! Holy fair-weather fans batman! Get rid of bmarsh, scheff, and anyone else who doesn’t want to be a bronco and let’s start over with those that do. Installing a whole new program takes time and I am confident we’re going in the right direction!
I am behind McDaniels too
Although I was pretty mad during the 4th Quarter
I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. Coach Norman Dale "Hoosiers"
huh? I'm behind the players too which are we fans of the coach or the players?
Don’t they all make up the team?
Fair-weather means anyone that criticizes the team now?
Let the Kool-aid drinking begin batman.
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 6:29 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
post game link
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=349&videoID=2816&type=broncosTV&year=&month=
Denver rookie head coach Josh McDaniels doesn't have a grasp on how to build a team." - John Clayton, April 23rd, 2009
man
All I can conclude is that this was a failure of team. I can’t argue that this was simply a matter of bad coaching, and I can’t argue that this was simply a matter of insufficient talent. To me it comes down to this -
6-0 to start: Shows the coaches aren’t idiots. Shows the talent is there.
Losing streak: Partly from injury, but partly not – shows it’s a young team that doesn’t really know how to turn it on at will.
Team meeting: Leads to wins. Shows that “team” stuff, pulling together, has a positive impact, and that they weren’t “team” enough to win before the meeting.
Losting streak to end: The team just couldn’t hold together enough.
We’ll never know the full story of the locker room crap that is happening and we’ll have to accept that. But I think it’s pretty clear that this season’s failure (and it does feel like a failure, despite them being “better than expected”) is because of toxic team chemistry.
We can argue whether that’s Josh’s fault, some players’ fault, or merely Josh’s fault by default for not being able to surpass it no matter how crappy an attitude some players have. But I think that overall, that’s what I’m going to take away from this season.
Did Scheff and Marshall play on defense?
A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!! (April 2009 prediction)
Revised to 11-5 due to reality!
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
by Broncotodd on Jan 3, 2010 5:36 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
if they did they were alone ;-)
I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. Coach Norman Dale "Hoosiers"
Thanks to all your hard work this season, MHR Staff! I can't take it I need a break see you all in a few weeks...
by ThorpeBroncosfan on Jan 3, 2010 5:36 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
+1000
But we still have work to do…LOL
-Richee
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!
by BroncoSense72 on Jan 3, 2010 5:47 PM MST up reply actions
3 divisional home losses!!!!
I left the stadium tonight with Chief fans tomahawking in my face. This is NOT a home field advantage! Broncos Country is fading..I can’t get the guy nxt to me to stand up on 3rd down..or even make a peep. Sad sad sad
by CastorTroy on Jan 3, 2010 5:39 PM MST via mobile reply actions
wow you're right
we didn’t win one home division game this season. that’s horrible for home fan morale.
Wine and Cheese crowd?
That’s my best guess
"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
What do we have to look forward to next year?
Knowshon looks like he’s getting it. Darcel McBath and David Bruton look promising.
yeah
I think our secondary will be just fine. Concerned about line and linebackers. I’m not as high on DJ Williams as I used to be.
I think our top needs are offensive line interior, linebackers or d-line (not sure which, probably not both), and maybe another receiving option. I can’t see us getting a quarterback that isn’t totally top-tier, because if we’re talking a development quarterback, we’ve already got brandstadter.
A Word That Does Not Apply to This Season Is "Consistency"
2-8 is worse than the Chiefs in the final 10 games. Ouch. We run for more than 200 yards, and then we cannot run at all. The D-Line is great at stopping the run and sacking the QB, and then cannot stop anyone or even pressure the QB. Our D makes fantastic adjustments at halftime, and then does not seem to adjust at all. I guess we were consistent in our inability in short yardage situations.
I like McDaniels and will stick with him, but if stats don’t matter and winning is the only objective, then the last 10 games were just awful. Tough day for Bronco fans. Looks like another tumultuous offseason ahead. How many more can we stand?
defense
I’m curious, I’m not very able to read defenses well. Whose fault is it for the severe running game breakdown today? It’s got to be the linebackers. Was DJ out of position all game long again?
I don't know much either
but the D-Line needs to occupy blockers so the Linebackers are free to make plays. I did not see much of that going on today.
Well said John.
This one hurts. The offseason will be very interesting. By all accounts the idiots will run the roost around here for a while so I’ll be taking a few week break from MHR.
I really appreciate the work that you, Emmet, Jeremy, Doug and Steve do around here and I look forward to the unparalleled FA, Draft, and camp coverage in the coming months. Thanks again for all you do, and good luck putting up with the garbage for the next few weeks. I just hope for your sake that nothing crazy happens to make it worse…
+ zillion
Couldn’t have put it any better myself, big sky bro. Peace.
"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 Jan 3, 2010 5:47 PM MST up reply actions
I
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
errr... I'm with ya.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
this all began going down hill when bowe dropped that onside kick last year against sd.... :)
luckily im a bronco and a blazer fan......#52 is family
by chikndnnr on Jan 3, 2010 5:46 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
That will be Josh McDaniels’ biggest job this off-season – figuring out how to instill a winning attitude into the tea,.
I disagree. While that will be an important facet to instill, McD’s biggest job will be recruiting more talent on the O and D lines. Period. Heck, they might even need to upgrade the two middle linebacker positions, as well.
by Gristle McThornbody on Jan 3, 2010 5:46 PM MST reply actions
McD at the podium at
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=349&videoID=2816&type=broncosTV&year=&month=
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
thank you!
"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 Jan 3, 2010 5:47 PM MST up reply actions
guys
we are not that far away g c help bigger d- line easyer sch we can win 11 games next year
okay i have cereal palsy arhrtis and chronic fatiue as well i have a grea life loveing folks some days are better that other days i got a make a wish in 2001 saw my favorive team the broncos was the trip of the lifetime i wish everyone couild gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that ok but i bleed organ and bule reseident broncos fan for ap lol
by j-man on Jan 3, 2010 5:47 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Agreed j-man. +1
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
We'll be there j-man!
-Richee
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!
by BroncoSense72 on Jan 3, 2010 5:48 PM MST up reply actions
Oh snap. I like that CC.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
True.
The realist in me says no…….. but the fourteen year old girl in me says “omg, I totally want him”.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
True. You all are silencing the fourteen year old girl inside of me. Realism, it is.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
Oh god
that would make my year but no team is giving up the 1st pick in the draft for Marshall. A 1st rounder maybe but not the first pick. Wow that would make me cry with delight though
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
Me LIKEY!!!!
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
thanks kb
okay i have cereal palsy arhrtis and chronic fatiue as well i have a grea life loveing folks some days are better that other days i got a make a wish in 2001 saw my favorive team the broncos was the trip of the lifetime i wish everyone couild gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that ok but i bleed organ and bule reseident broncos fan for ap lol
I blame myself
I didn’t wash my Champ jersey this week. Feel free to toss tomatoes at me. I’m sorry i let you all down.
"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.
No no, it's still my fault for losing
my lucky Broncos hat earlier this season. :-(
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
No, it's my fault
I did not get the ingredients for my lucky Mean Green Chili yesterday. They are 8-2 when I get the stuff and make it.
Make those miracles happen - Jon Keyworth
LOL. It's MY fault.
I have a “new item-4-loss” correlation. I bought my orange jersey and wore it for the first time for the BAL game. Then 4 losses later we win. Then, on the INDY game, I got my brown and yellow socks. I wore them each week, and we lost each game, 4 losses is what it takes to break in my new gear, unfortunately. But after that, it’s flawless. SO we should be undefeated as long as I don’t get a new jersey.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
I guess I never will understand those of you attacking Coach Josh and saying he has to be fired!
That’s just plain stupid! Are you a fan of the team that’s called “Denver Broncos” or not? Tell me!
I just can speak for myself: Even if I am as disappointed as anyone of you is, I just LOVE MY BRONCOS! And whether they go 16-0 or 0-16, I’m going to love them!
I am PO'd
mostly at the OL for lousy a$$ blocking. On at least 3 plays I saw Hamilton standing around while the RB tried to find a hole. What the hell happened to him?
The LB’s missed too many plays in the middle and Charles ran over everybody.
Sad finish.
I DO NOT blame McD, Orton or anybody in the FOffice. This was a good year but with a sad finish. Need more size for sure.
Make those miracles happen - Jon Keyworth
Yeah good point about Hamilton
I’d forgotten about the Hochstein injury (not that he was amzing either) and they had to use Hamilton who was horrible this season. Gotta draft some guards this year!
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
Hamilton has been a piece of sh** all year
"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
Lupati!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by BroncoMath101 on Jan 3, 2010 6:24 PM MST up reply actions
amen
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
+1
wait, is it iupati or lupati? I think it’s with an “i”… Just curious, but more to the point I agree, I want him. If the Broncos trade down in the 1st for more picks they can still nab him.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
Thanks to all you true fans here
truly, I want to thank everyone here for making it still fun to be a Broncos fan through all the ups and downs this season I enjoyed the chatter here and the MHR perspective. Whatever our disagreements here, it’s still a great place to get through (another tough) season.
And whatever our disagreements all you have to do is look at the comments in the game thread on NFL.com today to see what a bunch of jerks other fans can be. Lots of Charger and Chief fan smack talk and garbage (and some idiotic posts by some Broncos fans too). Makes me appreciate SBNation more and this place in particular.
Sorry it was yet again another maddening late season collapse for our boys, really depressing, but I am proud to be a Broncos fan and will be so through thick and thin. I still maintain there is a LOT to look forward to with this team in the near future. This was sposed to be a rebuilding year and instead they made a playoff run. Onwards and upwards folks.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
by underdog on Jan 3, 2010 5:54 PM MST reply actions 9 recs
We'll know who the bad eggs were on the team once McD and Xanders start cutting and trading people.
Man is not a rational animal, he is a rationalizing animal.
They'll probably get rid of most of the Shanahan players
Goodbye Hillis, Scheffler, Marshall, Woodyard…
I think they like Woodyard
actually. I don’t think it’s about “Shanny players” as much as it is about attitude, imho.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
Bad eggs. From watching the last two months of the season, they’d be Kuper, LeKevin Smith, Clady, Renaldo Hill, DJ Williams, Wiegmann, Marshall, Scheff, and McBean. That’s a lot of guys to cut and some pretty good ones too.
It’d also help if McDaniels could coach a little better than dog crap.
He mailed it in months ago when he couldn’t find his way in the new O. He lost his confidence and became pretty much worthless to our O.
So he is a quitter on McDaniels.
I didn't see it that way...
I thought Orton just never looked his way.
With an injury?
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
I fail to see how Williams, Hill, Clayd, Smith, and McBean are bad eggs.
Isn’t McD about building a team?
"When you put on that jersey, the name on the front is more important than the name on the back." - "Miracle".
"Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else." - Vince Lombardi.
Good point.
I’d cut you for your attitude, but you have talent… LOL.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
It's what you DON'T say that I like most.
Orton wasn’t on your list. Fascinating.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
Yes they overachieved the 1st 6 games and they fell apart the last ten. Going 0-3 at home vs your division and 2-8 down the stretch. This team tuned out McDaniels they way the 2008 team tuned out Shanahan. In a must win game today, we saw the least amount of effort and leadership we’ve seen all season.
Accountability… What a joke. McDaniels talks the talk alright, but his words are hollow. He looked completely at a loss on the sidelines today. Had no idea what to do or say. Just yell at the one ref that actually gave us a few decent calls for once.
We have negative momentum heading into the 2010 season once again.
Singling out the quitters today was no easy task as there were so many, but dishonorable mention goes to the worst quitters.
That means you Renaldo Hill, Andre Goodman, LeKevin Smith (aka the new John Engelberger), Kuper and Clady. Way to quit on your team in embarrassing fashion. Enjoy your golf season as you guys were clearly there a few weeks ago.
and we went 3-0 against those same teams at THEIR home......what's thepoint.
A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!! (April 2009 prediction)
Revised to 11-5 due to reality!
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
You'd be at a loss
If you had an OL that blocked like sh%t, as they did today. What do YOU say to do? Run the ball? Where? Nothing worked in the run game because nobody could block.
Make those miracles happen - Jon Keyworth
True. Moreno had to dodge a tackler 3 yards in the backfield on 90% of his runs.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
If someone wants to check my stats on that one, feel free. That was a stat from the gut.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
And Clady may have been the worst of all. His effort today was a joke.
As I said earlier, this team tuned out McDaniels the exact same way they tuned out Shanahan.
Clady's play was surprising
in the second half of the season. Not sure they tuned out McDaniels though.
2-8 over the last ten games with home losses to KC and Oakland. A blowout in the last game. That is some damning evidence my friend.
I didn’t even mention the player revolt this week and the shit effort today by the entire team (sans Moreno and Gaffney)
It's not like the team isn't TRYING.
This team tried, but they don’t have enough TALENT to make the PLAY-OFFS!! So before you go ranting and raving (oh, TOO LATE) maybe you should’ve considered that! THIS TEAM NEEDS MORE TALENT!!
"When you put on that jersey, the name on the front is more important than the name on the back." - "Miracle".
"Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else." - Vince Lombardi.
They don’t have enough talent to be the Chefs and Raiders at home or the Redskins on the road.
Give me a break and stop blindling drinking the Kool-Aid because it’s not Kool-Aid my friend.
I never drank the Kool-Aid. In fact, I thought this team would go 9-7 or
8-8. It’s not like McD lost the game for us.
"When you put on that jersey, the name on the front is more important than the name on the back." - "Miracle".
"Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else." - Vince Lombardi.
Still haven't answered the question of why we beat those same teams at home....
Granted we lack consistency, but it’s not a train wreck like you’re making it out to be
A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!! (April 2009 prediction)
Revised to 11-5 due to reality!
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
it IS a train wreck! We're in worse shape than I can EVER remember!
And I’ve been a hard-core fan since 1976 or so.
We need help in EVERY AREA!! Maybe not at kicker but probably now at WR!!! HOLY SHIT THIS IS A TRAIN WRECK!
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 7:09 PM MST up reply actions
This team also needs better leadership and coaching from McDaniels. He fell apart over the last ten games. He was getting his coaching ass handed to him weekly over the past few months.
The only reason for that was because
the terrible offensive line limited his play-calling. Don’t blame McD for aging offensive lineman.
"When you put on that jersey, the name on the front is more important than the name on the back." - "Miracle".
"Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else." - Vince Lombardi.
Don't blame the coach for anything then, right?
Gawd I get tired of it.
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 7:04 PM MST up reply actions
If the bubble screen aver suddenly starts working on 3rd and 20
we will be super bowl bound for sure. LOL.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
this team needs more talent on the side lines too Dammit!
Maybe if we’d have drafted better for instance?
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 7:06 PM MST up reply actions
you have every right to your opinion
and you are intelligent man. I just am not in agreement with you.
I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. Coach Norman Dale "Hoosiers"
I could be wrong, but deep down, I bet you do agree with me in more ways than you care to admit. I’m not saying everything, but I am saying some ways.
You know I respect you alot and read your points all the time
I just do not agree today with what you are saying.
I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. Coach Norman Dale "Hoosiers"
I posted about the pathetic 2-8 record too...
worse than KC in the last 10 games. The blowout part in the last game came with Orton’s picks, which took the wind out of the team. Not sure we would have won otherwise, but I suspect it is very close. If and Buts, thought.
As for the revolt, it seems that all 5 team captains asked McDaniels to hold players accountable, which he did. I’m not convinced he lost the team, but I am with you entirley that there are HUGE issues revealed in the last 10 games.
Sort of. Playing awful is also a function of playing lazy or disinterested and those last two words describe Denver’ s team effort.
We played lazy and disinterested football
As a former football player myself
Sometimes you play like crap out there when you try too hard to do too much. I saw a lot out there today, and that is not a function of selfishness, it is a lack of understanding of or trust in what the players around you are doing. These are still players who are playing their first years in very complicated schemes. As the season went on, they grew confused and tried to do too much. But as they continue to play together and grow in the system, they will hopefully trust the players around them and will be much more efficient.
That’s the goal, anyway.
"In the topsy-turvy world of heavy rock, having a good solid piece of wood in your hand is often useful." -Ian Faith
Not to mention the change in starting line up almost every week.
Good points papi
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
Its very weird...Orton threw for 400 yards...but was not good from all reports...
We had a QB ho use to put up yards like that, and was considered a savior and still learning…interesting!
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.
because he WAS still learning
Orton was bad today. He didn’t lose us the game. Quit trying to divert from all the things you were SO wrong about this year by going back a year! Next you’ll be trashing Shanny again.
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 7:02 PM MST up reply actions
Most of the yards in desperation catch-up mode and only 1 TD
Basically he was given every chance on earth to have a career day and accomplished close to nothing in the area of the field where it counted. To quote everyone who criticized he-who-will-not-be-named, “garbage yardage”.
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted and then used against you.
Orton was at 300 yards in the 3rd quarter before he threw that second pick I dont know where you are coming from with that
He played well but threw 3 bad balls but with no running game whatsoever and us throwing almost every down picks are going to happen .
Whats funny is Orton did exactly what most of you have been whining and crying about for weeks . They went deep OFTEN and Orton scrambled and bought time to go downfield on several occasions.
And didn't do it well
Do I want the team to push the ball downfield. Of course. Does Orton do it well? No. Gaffney bailed him out multiple times. There is no real defense that says his game was good. And Orton finished the 3rd quarter with 265.
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted and then used against you.
so now when the receiver makes a great catch its a bail out ?
Some of you are really showing your true colors ? Werent you one of the ones talking about how we didnt have a running game because couldnt stretch the field and that Orton was limiting the offense because he couldnt throw it deep ?
Did we not stretch the field this game ? We had 4-5 drops in the first half . If we couldve gotten the running game going we couldve been even more successful .
Its seems that no matter what one of you is gonna show up and give us your best T.O about Orton
sorry which point were you making there?
funny clip btw! ty!
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 9:52 PM MST up reply actions
QB rating: 65
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted and then used against you.
If I was going to bother evaluating Cutler this year, yes.
And for the record, I’ll take his overall performance with the lack of talent around him (especially in the last two weeks) over what we’ve had.
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted and then used against you.
Jay Cutler - Garbage Time QB
You’ll note that he played his best games when the Bears were eliminated….
Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960
Orton played
extremely well today. Yes three picks, but let’s review. #1…bad throw or receiver run the wrong route. #2…Great play by #52. Orton made the correct read, but the LB was screened from KOs view. #3…Desperation throw in catch up mode. Over 400 yards…Numerous drops. Kyle showed up today, imo.
the common thread between both those guys
They lost doing it. 8-8
by johnnyurrotten on Jan 3, 2010 8:50 PM MST up reply actions
Who is Andy Lloyd?
- Nick
"We got 'em right where we want 'em!" - Keith Bishop, right before John Elway orchestrated The Drive. 'Nuff said.
If they were overachieving in the first six ugly wins, how are you gonna call them out for 6 hardworking losses?
"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
Part of being a coach
is gettting to get a wide array of player types to buy in to your way of doign things…I am not letting them off the hook, but there is responsibilities on BOTH parties to find the way to make it work. These are highly paid professionals (both coaches and players) and they ought to be able to be creative enough and responsible to their owner and their fans….I AM NOT SAYING THAT IS EASY…but in fact, that is a big part of leadership, and why leadership is difficult
What if you don't know Jack....but Jack knows you?
WELL STATED AND I AGREE 100%
We are on a very slippery slope when we suggest that players quit on the team. I was blown away at the lack of intensity on the defensive side of the ball. If these guys could not get up for this game there are some major problems and i think it starts at the top. Just my opinion!
Even Handed
Back in August I said that if the Broncos finished 8-8 that would be a fine record for a rebuilding year. They did that. But in truth in a way that made me more worried that relieved. I’ll stick with my comment from before. There is a lot of shuffling around but I have yet to see any measurable overall improvement. For every part of the game that showed progression there was a part of the game that showed regression, the O-line in particular.
I disagree profoundly with John that the fundamental problem is installing a winning attitude. The fundamental problem is that you need an organization that has a plan to win. I just don’t see it here. They remind me of little kids randomly shuttling things to and fro hoping beyond hope that they find the right combination. It’s not happening.
What makes you think that he won't be doing just that
-Richee
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!
by BroncoSense72 on Jan 3, 2010 6:03 PM MST up reply actions
We lost to the Chiefs with Shanahan last year... and the raiders....
Do you all have short term memory loss?
"In the topsy-turvy world of heavy rock, having a good solid piece of wood in your hand is often useful." -Ian Faith
This one's on everybody.
But it was nice when the fans didn’t root for failure. Didn’t start booing 5 clock minutes into the game. Didn’t only show up around here to celebrate failure. Didn’t have some misguided sense of entitlement. Couldn’t fight their way out of wet paper bag if fists were football knowledge.
Bronco Country, it was nice to know you.
The Broncos Rule!!!
by PredominantlyOrange on Jan 3, 2010 6:02 PM MST reply actions
Its no wonder the Broncos no longer have a home field advantage.
They probably hate the fans as much as the fans hate them.
by PredominantlyOrange on Jan 3, 2010 6:05 PM MST up reply actions
Why do you need to exaggerate that we worship McD?
Does it make your argument stronger?
"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
You're wrong about that!
the fans in the stands have been quitters, and today’s game was just the icing on their cake. I’ll be the first to agree that McD, as a rookie head coach, has much to learn. Show me one who doesn’t. That said, McD knows what it takes to BE a championship caliber team and is completely aware of what changes are needed in personnel. Imo, the benching of BM and TS just flushed all the turds to the top of the bowl. Did it cost us the game today? You be the judge.
wow you are completely clueless
in your blind hate for the man and everyone that supports him
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 3, 2010 8:02 PM MST up reply actions
Appreciate it, McGeorge
I’m glad the season worked out for you. It’s truly an honor that I don’t have your respect.
by PredominantlyOrange on Jan 3, 2010 7:48 PM MST up reply actions
LOL
-Richee
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!
by BroncoSense72 on Jan 3, 2010 8:02 PM MST up reply actions
so true
McGeorge has been doom and gloom all season. Now its his time to try and gloat and try to make himself look smart but comments like “so are the ones on their knees in front of McDaniels” just makes you look ignorant
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 3, 2010 8:04 PM MST up reply actions
certainly no more than your all blanketing comments Gnarly!
I’m sure McGeorge has been more doom and gloom and gloom this season than he wishes he was! Reality has it’s place I’m afraid. What you’re afraid of is that we who haven’t completely bought into the Kool-aid culture ….were to start gloating. Because we were right! Funny thing is, I for one don’t enjoy being right about anything non-positive concerning our team. Don’t confuse all of us like myself and I think McG with the all-out haters! You do us and yourself discredit. Read what we write and respond or ignore us. It is you that sound ignorant when you don’t.
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 9:50 PM MST up reply actions
:) Those that root for a loss will never be happy.
I was in it to win it until 1 minute left…..so be it. We weren’t a playoff team and it’s OK in my book.
We are better off now than last year however!
A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!! (April 2009 prediction)
Revised to 11-5 due to reality!
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
The fans
at the games, starting with the first srimmage, have been a huge disappointment. There’s absolutely no home field advantage in the mile high city.
Where are you then rocko1?
There are plenty of seats to be had. The season ticket holders that sell out every game are the ones that need to be checked. I spend my hard earned cash every season and stayed tonight to the bitter end, just like every game.
Come on BB
Not all of us live in Denver. Not all of us have the means or the pull at work to drop everything and get to a game. I live in Vegas and have to be at work at 6 am every Monday, and it’s hard for me to get Mondays off. I’m sure several others are in a similar boat.
- Nick
"We got 'em right where we want 'em!" - Keith Bishop, right before John Elway orchestrated The Drive. 'Nuff said.
Whidbey Island Wa here
we went to the preseason game vs the seahawks and screamed to the bitter end… folks who live close enough to see games in mile high are lucky indeed. Too bad so many take it for granted that we’re losing that mile high advantage!!
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 9:41 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I know "what ifs" are hard to take seriously....but
I wonder what would the tone be here if we got off to a slow start and finished strong, but fell just short of the playoffs…I know I allowed my hopes to get WAY TOO inflated following the 6-0 start….in the preseason, I sort of figured we would be like 9-7, so I am a little disspointed that we didn’t win one more game than last year, but other than the lousy close to the season at least the team was in the hunt all season….in August most of us would gladly have signed on for that….don’t get me wrong…I am bitterly disappointed and a bit pissed off about the way things eeriely mirrored last season….in fact, I am going to wait a few days before really assessing the way I feel about McDaniels or Orton…both are sort of off my Christmas list just now….and maybe they will stay there, but right now, as a fan, I think I am just sad that there will be no playoffs when for the last 3 months it sort of seemed inevitable…
What if you don't know Jack....but Jack knows you?
I'm far from bailing on him
But the question must be asked. Is Josh McDaniels the guy you want leading this team in the future? On the one hand, a well-coached team does not go 6-0 and miss the playoffs. It just doesn’t happen. On the other hand, a team that starts 6-0 is the result of a well-coached team. So what gives? Did the league figure McDaniels out? Did he wear thin on this group of players? I don’t know.
I still totally believe in the guy and think he has an incredible football mind, but some of the moves he made this year leaves me puzzled. Stirring up controversy every chance you get, being a control-freak and alienating players is no way to run a football team.
Anyway, I’m sure more rational thoughts will prevail in the coming days and weeks and I certainly don’t want to be like the Raiders hiring new coaches every year and not gaining any kind of consistency within the organization. I just think the question really needs to be asked. Is McDaniels the guy? Count me in the yes camp. For now….
Who knows where Denver picks this year.
Shocked we only won one more than da bears.
by CastorTroy on Jan 3, 2010 6:17 PM MST via mobile reply actions
12 in the first round
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
Gaaahhhh that just reminds me that Seattle has our first rounder next year.
Alphonos Smith is not worth a mid first round pick. Sorry but McD definitely lost that gamble.
Man is not a rational animal, he is a rationalizing animal.
Help
Anybody know a good site for player salaries and contract end dates
this one has salaries – but I’m curious how long we have re contracts. thanks
http://content.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?team=9&year=2009
by Something Clever on Jan 3, 2010 6:20 PM MST reply actions
I'll take that pick
Is Orton long term? If not, do we draft? TT might just be there
by CastorTroy on Jan 3, 2010 6:21 PM MST via mobile reply actions
they're the ones saying everything will be fine
oh yeah and you’re a troll if you don’t like it. …or if you picked the team to go 9-7 like i did!
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 7:42 PM MST up reply actions
This is on squarely on the feet of Mcdaniels, he made sure that every player out there was 100% commited, so it is not the players fault, this one is on the coach and seeing how he is such a huge fan of accountability, lets see him do some accounting.
But I wonder if this isn’t a case of what is good for the goose, because I doubt this is good for the gander.
It's going to be harder to justify wearing my throwback socks in public after today.
It’s still not going to stop me tho. Bring back the throwbacks next season!
+7
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
It's been fun, it's been real,
but…
Good luck with all the negative nancies and the troll’s boys, I’m ready to check out for a month or so.
"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
take it easy, jibbons.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
completely heartbreaking
acted a lil childish on the game thread as a result.
ugh how devastating the past 2 months has been football wise.
but the first month and a half was brilliantly thrilling, and i gotta give it up to the players who gave it their all this season (dawkins et al).
first season with MHR for me, and it boosted my fandom into near fanaticism… i’m definitely gonna temper that next season, but i s’pose i just can’t give up on this team no matter how awful the collapses have been the past two years…
lets hope for a nice draft and free agency! out with the headaches once and for all si vous plait!!
by RockyMountainHigh on Jan 3, 2010 6:30 PM MST reply actions
This will sting even worse if the Bengals win...which they should...
A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!! (April 2009 prediction)
Revised to 11-5 due to reality!
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
Even if they don't win, I just wanted to see our team go out with a big win at home against a supposedly inferior opponent.
The playoffs would have been nice but to go out like this is going to leave a bitter taste in my mouth for months.
Man is not a rational animal, he is a rationalizing animal.
I hear ya....same here
A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!! (April 2009 prediction)
Revised to 11-5 due to reality!
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
the broncos are
still my favorite team we could have gone 1-15 and the still would be my team mcd made some good changes and some bad but i am gonna go with the positives and hope that this team is stronger next year if they can figure out how to stop the run we win some of those close games i think they made a misake passing on maluluga in the second rnd last year oh well i am not the coach hopefully we have a good draft and sign some good fa’s to fill those holes real bronco fans you are the greatest it is a pleasure sharing the season with mhr thank u mr bena
A Little Perspective
I am willing to give McDaniels (and his draft picks) another year before blaming him too much, but the final 10 games were just pathetic. Using McDaniels’ (and many on the staff at MHR) standard that stats do not matter, only winning matters, these numbers are telling.
Teams with 4 wins:
Bills
Browns
Jacksonville
Chicago
Teams with 3 wins:
Chiefs
Raiders
Giants
Tampa Bay
Seattle
Teams with 2 wins:
Redskins (1 against Denver)
Broncos
Teams with 1 win:
Lions
Rams
I can only say, WOW.
Agree to a point
The Broncos started 6-0 then went 2-8—total collaspe— one of the worst in NFL history—worse than last year!
What does playing hard and losing look like?
Or coaching well and losing?
I’m pretty angry at how this all ended up. But I like people at MHR a lot better when they don’t pretend to read minds. Today I saw overpursuing linebackers, a bad throw by Orton, a bad read, and offensive linemen who got manhandled. I don’t know if they played hard or not. And neither do you.
What does good coaching look like in a loss? I’ve yet to see a good definition of that one, either.
Everybody comes down hard on the coaching, but evidence just as easily goes the other way. The 2009 Broncos are like their fast-starting, fast-fading predecessors in the following way: They had better scheming than talent. Early on, when there wasn’t much film to watch, the plays and the players fooled people. As the season wore on, other teams saw newly converted linebackers that had problems with their run assignments, a weak offensive line, and the lack of a deep threat.
I don’t know what happened with the players and their assignments, or what happened in the locker room. And neither do you. But there are plenty of explanations other than bad coaching.
People who bend over backwards to support McDaniels generally do so because his critics assume that he’s stupider than the average fan. There’s plenty that went wrong this year and plenty that I’d like to see done better, but like most of the Kool-Aid drinkers around here, I’m going to continue to defend the coach — loudly — as long as every loss is evidence of bad coaching, quitting players and a coach who should be in diapers.
by Chibronx on Jan 3, 2010 7:19 PM MST reply actions 4 recs
These Are Excellent Points
but the lack of knowing what constitutes these things cuts both ways—undermines points defenders and haters make. I like the direction of the team in general (other than the bottom line in the last 10 games), so am anxious to see what happens in the offseason and next year. The last 10 games were just brutal by any standard, however.
Yes, it Cuts Both Ways
McD haters say: I hate the Alphonso Smith trade. McDaniels has no sense of value.
Kool-Aiders say: I’m uncomfortable with the trade, but I see the point from a salary cap standpoint.
Haters say: The players quit. They quit on McDaniels.
Kool-Aiders say: They didn’t make plays. Maybe some players quit. maybe they lack talent.
And thus we get: The coach is definitiely a moron, vs. I think we’re on the right track.
by Chibronx on Jan 3, 2010 7:34 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Also, close losses on the road to excellent Indy and Philly teams were not brutal. The win in KC — their 3rd largest of the 00s — was not brutal. The Giants game was not brutal. The Redskins game was brutal b/c Chris Simms (him and him alone). It’s more of a mixed bag than last year, when they blatantly lacked the talent.
Orton Injury Did Hurt
The wins of course were not brutal, but the losses were. We likely beat the Redskins without the Orton injury, but hard to see us beating the Chargers if he starts. That is just an impression, of course. The Ravens, Steelers, Raiders, and Chiefs were really hard games to endure. I did like the effort against the Colts, and wish we had played them a week later given their lack of desire to go undefeated. If we had not begun 6-0, the final 10 would not have been brutal, but given how we showed we can play, they were brutal.
i was with you until the end there...
I’ll ignore the nonsense in the last paragraph and cheer all that above it.
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 7:27 PM MST up reply actions
I am still cleaning up all of the vomit I spewed in the second half. That was the most disgusting display I have ever seen. I wish this team had won only four games….they sure are not as good as their 8-8 record.
I guess, all the changes we made – we are essentially the same football team as we were in 2008. Medicore, getting blown out at home, collapsing when we could have secured the playoffs early, losing to the worst teams in football, ect ect. Embarassing.
Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.
The guy formerly known as ZAPPA
Agreed
Same as last year is right. Couldn’t stop the run last year. Couldn’t stop the run this year. From peewee ball to the pros it seems like that is the most certain path to defeat. Here’s to finding a run defense in the offseason.
Brandon Marshall doesn't rush the passer, Tony Scheffler doesn't play run defense.
Thank you. Whine all you want people, but this was always an 8 and 8 team. If your first year is as good as Shanahan’s 14th I say you did ok. And they got rid of a lot of dead wood.
And they’ll get rid of a lot more in the off season. This team will be fine. If they end up the same next year I will be concerned. They have a lot to fix but this is a team that most didn’t think would feel would finish 5-11 this year.
And if you are upset because you think McDaniels is on a ‘power trip’, please tell me who on the team SHOULD be, if not the head coach? Who do you think SHOULD be in charge? Brandon Marshall? The coach is in charge, and if any player has an issue with that they can ride the bench. Or walk the streets.
And I’m not drinking Kool Aid, either. I was skeptical of our new coach at first but I think he has the right approach. What did everyone expect, the Super Bowl first year? It takes time to build a team, and it takes time to put together a system. It is easy to sit on the couch and bitch like you’re an expert but the fact of the matter is no matter who you are – Shanahan, McDaniels, or anyone trying to build a football team – it takes time.
Nobody in the Broncos organization is unaware of what this team still needs to fix, they simply did the best they could to win with what they could put together in one off season.
And they did ok. I expect more in the second year. If they don’t produce, then I’ll worry. But for now, they took a very bad team and made it very average. I’ll wait till this time next year to pass judgment.
Go Broncos – and go they will – to the playoffs next year. And feel free to quote me on that.
Don't argue with fools. It's how they reproduce.
by TheMastermind on Jan 3, 2010 7:42 PM MST reply actions 6 recs
Well said. +1
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.
I have never understood the "power trip" criticism
I would hope he is in control and has a healty opinion of himself. I wish we had spread the 8 wins throughout the season. Having 6 come up front made the last 10 very difficult to endure. I want to see what McDaniels does next year, when he has a second free agent class and his rookies have a year of experience.
well said
No question McD’s has earned another year. I wish we didn’t have to go through another year or two (if we’re going to give him an honest chance it must be three really) to find out if he’s the one …but here we go!
Lot’s of emotion out there today… It’s because we love this team and LIVE FOR this team year round. Expectations are HIGH.
I’m not happy or very hopeful. For the record I predicted 9-7 for this year. If we win even one game more next year with a few more positions in tact for the future I’ll have to say the next year would be warranted. It’s such a long process… It’s really tiring to not have faith that it will be successful after all.
Go Broncos!
by Whidbey Bronco on Jan 3, 2010 7:58 PM MST up reply actions
Rec'd
We have a lot to look forward to as Broncos fans
"Really, I'm a high-motor guy. Tough, hard-nosed, a hard runner, can make you miss at times. And just competitive. I love to play the game and I bring that energy to my team. So, we'll see how that goes." - Knowshon Moreno
Knowshon Moreno=ROY
what?
"Really, I'm a high-motor guy. Tough, hard-nosed, a hard runner, can make you miss at times. And just competitive. I love to play the game and I bring that energy to my team. So, we'll see how that goes." - Knowshon Moreno
Knowshon Moreno=ROY
Abso Mother effing lutely.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
LOOKING FORWARD
It was the FIRST time the Broncos failed to win a division game at home. There were 10 scenarios when the day began for the Broncos to avoid joining the 1978 Redskins and ’03 Vikings as the only teams since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to miss the playoffs after a 6-0 start.
ESPN Radio Denver - Elway, McDaniels, Scheffler
I think we will hear both sides of the story tomorrow morning.
Just heard that on ESPN Radio 1600 in Denver 7-9 AM MT, they are having Josh McDaniels, John Elway and Tony Scheffler.
Should be quite the show. I bookmarked the show’s website because they stream the show live on the internet also. http://www.vicandgary.com/
MEDIOCRE
Let’s face it – the Broncos are simply a mediocre team with a mediocre QB. The “D” folded like a cheap suit the 2nd half of the year. Hopefully, we will get some quality draft picks from the Cutler deal, becuase Cutler is a more dangerous QB than journeyman Orton. If Chicago can find a few good receivers, Cutler will prove his worth, whereas Orton will never be a winner. Let’s draft a real QB, one for the future. Check out the Chargers – that’s what they did and look at where they’ve been the last 4 seasons……… in the playoffs. Starting 6-0 was the curse that got us all excited………….
Orton will never be a winner?
What’s his career record again?
- Nick
"We got 'em right where we want 'em!" - Keith Bishop, right before John Elway orchestrated The Drive. 'Nuff said.
We could and might draft a QB but it will take him years to get this system down so Orton is what we’ve got to work with for now. This team has bigger problems to address than the QB position and I hope that is what we focus our off season overhaul on. We already have a good 1st rounder from Chicago and we’ll likely get another 1st rounder for Marshall since it is clear he is done in Denver. I hope the Broncos spend them wisely.
Man is not a rational animal, he is a rationalizing animal.
by MrFNSunshine on Jan 4, 2010 12:04 PM MST up reply actions
accountability
with all the talk leading up to this game, about everone being accountable, a showing like that kills, especially watching the game on AFN at 2 in the morning overseas. the coach benched players that gave us key matchups that could open up other aspects of the offense, and the defense wasn’t wrapping up once it started. poor unaggressive play on both sides of the ball. a couple times ive seen orton put some real zip on the ball but in crunch time he still dumps it off underneath… just a frustrating end to the season.
by Bleedingblue&orange on Jan 4, 2010 2:30 AM MST reply actions
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