Just! Do! Your! Job! (Keep Your Eyes on the Ball)

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 11:45 AM MDT in Strictly My Opinion

Woodyard Interception; photo courtesy of kentuckysportsradio.com

In Week 4 of the 2009 NFL season, the Denver Broncos hosted the Dallas Cowboys at Invesco Field at Mile High. Denver Head Coach Josh McDaniels wore a microphone during the game for NFL Films. It was a sloppy game in which the Cowboys jumped out to a ten point lead. Denver tied the score at 10-10. Late in the 4th quarter while the defense tried to stop a Cowboys drive, McDaniels sat down with QB Kyle Orton to discuss the last offensive drive by the Broncos. McDaniels was heard to tell Orton: "I'm not talking about my bad any more. Just make the play!" McDaniels then called the entire offense together and lit into them with the following words:

"Get in here! When we quit (bleeped) around and just do our job and quit worrying about everybody else's job and doing your own thing. That's what's killing us right now! Do! Your! Job! and quit making (bleeped) up. We haven't even seen what we can do because it doesn't even look like a football team out there. Let's Go!"

That speech was followed by the 51 yard pass play from Orton to Marshall that won the game.

After the fold: Keep Your Eyes on the Ball!

    This series is the result of an idea posed by Kentuckybronco as "a chance to reminisce and take a fresh look at the game from a perspective that may have been missed during the regular season." In this series, we will be briefly revisiting each win and loss of the 2009 season, and using that visit to lift out one aspect, theme, lesson or general football truth that was evident in the game. This will be a series of short reflections rather than an exhaustive analysis. What I'll be doing is simply watching each of the games anew to see what, if anything, leaps out at me. I think it's important for each of us to remember that what catches my attention may not be what catches your's. I'm hoping that many of you will choose to share what stood out to you in the highlighted game. It is my belief that it will be in the sharing of perspectives that learning will take place. For that reason, I'm planning on keeping the initial presentation relatively short.

    A quick word about re-watching games: is this necessary? Not at all. So many of our members have written so many great thoughts on the 2009 campaign that it would not be hard to go back and draw upon what you've already written. If, however, you have the time, the inclination and the access to a recording of the game, then by all means watch it again and see if anything new or different leaps out at you. Or perhaps, you'll see a confirmation of a previously held view.

First Game: Denver at Cincinnati -- "Keep Your Eyes on the Ball"

    This seems like a fairly obvious statement: when you're a receiver or a defensive back, a part of your job is to keep your eye on the ball. This is, to me, a truism of football. Two plays in the game at Cincinnati typify this statement very well. One play led to an interception, while the other led to a touchdown. When a player fails to keep track of the ball, well, bad things can happen to his team. This first play came in the 2nd quarter, with the score tied at 0. Cincinnati was facing a 3rd down with 6 to go on the Denver 27 yard line with 6:40 left in the 2nd quarter.

Doing It Right

Cincinnati's offense came out and lined up in a shotgun formation. They showed 5 on the line, with 2 RBs flanking Palmer in the backfield. 2 WRs lined up on the left side of the offensive line, close to the down linemen. A third WR was lined up wide to the right. Denver's defense countered with 3 down linemen, 1 OLB lined up across from the slot WR, and the remaining 3 LBs ranging from over the center to the WR on the left side of the offensive line. All three of those LBs were 3-4 yards upfield. 1 CB was lined up on the WR to the right, while the other was lined up well outside the outside WR on the left side of the offensive formation and 5-6 yards upfield. 1 safety as 6-7 yards upfield and directly in line with the offensive left tackle. The 2nd safety was in the middle of the field approximately 12 yards upfield.

6:40	The ball is snapped. The Broncos rush 3 of the 4 LBs while the CB to the left of the offensive formation and the safeties hold position. The CB covering the WR on the right side of the offense stays close to the reciver. 1 RB begins swings to his left into a passing lane.
6:39	The offensive line is holding a good pocket for the QB. Bailey is within an arm's reach of Ochocinco on the right side of the offense. Woodyard starts towards the left side of the offense, looking at the RB coming out of the backfield -- he is dead center in between the hash marks.
6:38	Palmer throws to his right, aiming for Ochocinco. Bailey lunges in front of Ochocinco, slaps the ball away from Ochocinco's outstretched hands with his own left hand and tips the ball into the air. The two are on the "20" marked on the field. Woodyard released the RB and sprinted towards the play.
6:37	After tipping the ball, Bailey falls to his hands and knees. Ochocinco, though bumped by Bailey during the tip, keeps his feet and moves after the floating ball. Woodyard continues to close on the play.
6:36	Woodyard leaps from the hashmarks closest to the play and gets his arms above Ochocinco's head.
6:35	Woodyard makes the catch above Ochocinco, drops his left shoulder as he comes down -- hitting Ochocinco in the chest -- and knocking him away from the play. Woodyard maintains possession all the way to the ground, where he is downed by another offensive player.

The key thing to notice in this play is how Woodyard kept his eyes on the ball, and was able to release his man in time to chase down the play. He maintained his focus on the ball from the moment he released the RB to the moment he hit the turf. To Ochocinco's credit, he also was maintaining concentration on the tipped ball and was moving to make a play. I suspect that Ochocinco was so focused on the football that he never saw Woodyard coming -- Ochocinco remained flat-footed, apparently in the belief that the ball would simply drop into his waiting arms, thus allowing Woodyard to outplay him for possession with a strong leap.

Doing It Wrong (Cincinnati) and Doing It Right (Denver)

The 2nd play that I'd like to use to highlight the importance of keeping your eyes on the ball came near the end of the game on what has come to be called the Miracle Catch and also The Immaculate Deflection. Yes, we're going to take a look at Stokley's incredible catch. This play occurred in the 4th quarter. Cincinnati had just gone up 7-6. McDaniels had argued with the officials and was able to get the clock reset to 38 seconds left in the game. Eddie Royal inexplicably chose to run the ensuing kickoff out from 4 yards deep in the end zone. He was tackled at Denver's 13 yard line. Orton's first pass, a long ball towards Marshall on the right side was nearly picked off. That set the Broncos up with a 2nd down and 10 to go on their own 13 yard line.

Denver lined up in a shotgun formation. There were 5 down linemen with a TE on the left side of the line. 2 WRs lined up to the left of the o-line, while 1 WR lined up on the right side. 1 RB lined up in the backfield on the QB's right. The Cincinnati defense lined up with 4 down linemen. CB's lined up across from the outside WRs. 2 LBs were clustered in between the hash marks about 7 yards upfield. 1 LB lined up across from the slot WR but 8 yards upfield. The safeties were in the middle of the field about 12 yards upfield.

00:28	The ball is snapped. The Bengals rush 4 as all 3 WRs head straight upfield. The CBs play tight on the WRs. The o-line holds the pocket firm.
00:27	The o-line continues to offer Orton good protection. All WRs are 2 yards upfield. The 2 LBs in the middle of the field drop deeper into coverage. The CBs are matching the WRs stride for stride.
00:26	The pocket continues to hold strong. CBs are still within an arm's reach of the outside WRs. A LB and a safety pick up the slot WR and the TE. Orton steps up in the pocket.
00:25	Orton throws to his left towards Marshall who has gotten behind the CB covering him.
00:24	Marshall is behind the covering CB. The LB and safety who had taken the TE and Stokley in the slot release their men to close on Marshall. Both are within a yard or two of Marshall, while Stokley is trailing the play about a yard behind them. The CB -- Hall -- who has been beaten, turns and sees the ball in the air. Hall makes an incredible leap as he's falling backwards to bat the ball away from Marshall.
00:23	The LB and safety who are closing on Marshall, never look up and attempt to tackle the WR. Hall has fallen onto his back and is watching the ball. Stokley moves closer as he watches the ball come down.
00:22	As Hall watches, the LB and safety take themselves out of the play as Stokley catches the batted ball, turns and sprints towards the goal line.

This is, perhaps, the most dramatic example of what happens when one player keeps his eyes on the ball, and another (or two) do not. After the tip, there were two defenders in a position to either intercept the ball, or at the very least, break up the play. Unfortunately (for Cincinnati) both players chose to focus exclusively on Marshall. Neither one ever looked up, not even after Hall made his leaping tip. Stokley, on the other hand, while trailing the play, tracked the ball to Hall, and after the tip, he kept his focus on the ball. The result: a catch. Not only that, but the LB who crashed into Marshall after the tip, effectively bumped the safety away from Stokley and the catch, giving Stokley a chance to get up to speed before being able to give pursuit. The rest, as we well know was a game-winning touchdown.

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Comments

nice post

that play Stokley had will always be in our memories! What a catch!

daaayuuuuum! you gonna take that KB?!? lol -Broncs55
Absolutely not. KB is a function of aggression and rage, the derivative of which can be traced back to my childhood.-KentuckyBronco
PS3 ID: KoRnHo|ed

by Broncs55 on Jun 14, 2010 11:58 AM MDT reply actions

thanks, B55

Stokley’s catch will always be the defining moment of the Cincy game. Too bad that Woodyard’s impressive INT gets overshadowed by Stokley’s catch & TD run.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 12:51 PM MDT up reply actions

very true

I played Safety/Cornerback a lot in highschool – so I’m always eyeing the defense more than any in the game, still learning at a position I havn’t played since college.

But game winning catches are always going to overshadow anything the defense does, unless they intercept it, put up a great goal line stance, etc. Defenses do win championships, but its not remembered as much unless the last play of the game ends with them making a great play!

by Broncs55 on Jun 14, 2010 12:59 PM MDT up reply actions

Nice analysis of the"miracle" play!

Best debunking of an all luck hypothesis I have seen.
What I remember about that game was emotions: the frustration with the offense, the surprise and gratification at seeing the good defense, the feeling we had outplayed them but given it away late, and then…..well you guys all felt that too!

by idahobronc on Jun 14, 2010 12:00 PM MDT reply actions

I don't think that play there was much to debunk

I was just glad Stokley was in the area to make the play!

I do recall however, the media after we beat Cincinnati basically saying that it was ONLY Cincinnati that we beat, no big deal. Then later proclaiming them to be a good team, yet rejecting the thought of us actually being good!

I also recall McDaniels saying that there are really only 10 teams that you have to worry about with everyone else taking themselves out of the playoff hunt by themselves. Unfortunately we were one of those teams last year, I don’t expect that trend to continue! I think this year we are playoff bound, even if its only a wild card!

by Broncs55 on Jun 14, 2010 12:03 PM MDT up reply actions

Like the thought...

Agree I think the team will be much improved both on Defense and Offense to get us into the playoffs in only McDaniels’ 2nd season as head coach…

oc60

"Peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

God Bless the late John R. Wooden

by oc60 on Jun 15, 2010 11:07 AM MDT up reply actions

Nice.

Seeing everything come together for such in depth analysis is awesome!

MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!

by ejruiz on Jun 14, 2010 12:02 PM MDT reply actions

Thanks to Troy (Kentuckybronco) for suggesting that this be done.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 12:52 PM MDT up reply actions

Should make the top NFL 100 Follies...

Thanks for sharing needed that as we head into July’s long wait till TC…

BTW: here’s the top 100 NFL Follies
http://www.hulu.com/watch/137434/football-follies-nfls-100-greatest-follies#s-p1-so-i0

oc60

"Peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

God Bless the late John R. Wooden

by oc60 on Jun 14, 2010 12:05 PM MDT reply actions

ywq

and thanks for the link

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 12:52 PM MDT up reply actions

What I took from those plays

Was that in the case of both plays the QB’s passes were less than ideal. Especially Orton’s pass, Marshal was open, he had beaten his man but the pass was under thrown allowing the tip by the defender.

by Dale Swahn on Jun 14, 2010 12:14 PM MDT reply actions

Actually it wasnt as I remember it

The pass was tipped because it was on a flatter than ideal trajectory, but was actually coming down ahead of Marshall. Had it been underthrown, Marchall would have had a clear advantage going up for it.

As it was, his hieght was nuetralized because he had to stretch forward for the ball. Hall is the one that made and incredible play on it by leaping up and forward at the same time and getting only one hand in front of Marshall’s outstretched hand.

I don’t recall if Marshall had both hands stretched or only one him self. but I do remember thinking at that instant it was too flat of a pass into too much of a crowd.

"My team's on the floor"
Gene Hackman - Hoosiers

by AlanC11 on Jun 14, 2010 12:22 PM MDT up reply actions

Yes, you are correct

That ball was tipped due to the DB’s amazing play on the ball and not due to a poor throw by Orton. Stokley was just doing what is preached (which doesn’t always happen) which is to pursue the ball… just in case!

Look what happened though!

by Broncs55 on Jun 14, 2010 12:46 PM MDT up reply actions

One thing that I struggle to remember in throws to Marshall

is Marshall’s habit of turning completely around for any pass thrown his way, even on ones that if he would just keep running would drop in over his shoulder. He would then rely on his strength to spin out of any tackle attempts.

We saw that same thing earlier in the Cincinnati game on a long throw where if Marshall had simply kept running, it would have dropped in over his shoulder, but he turned around and then had to leap for it, only to have it go through his hands.

In that play, Orton had thrown to the exact point where Marshall had turned around.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 12:56 PM MDT up reply actions

I had not thought of that in a while..

But yes it was one very bad habit of Marshall’s and I do remember the exact play you are talking about. That one drove me nuts at the time. By turning like that, he effectively stopped his route. But Marshall preferred to face the throw and make it a higher catch than it needed to be. It also allowed DBs to close on him a lot when the throw was excellent.

"My team's on the floor"
Gene Hackman - Hoosiers

by AlanC11 on Jun 14, 2010 1:09 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Great post Brian. This is going to be an interesting series.

And thankfully a long one. Its going to be one of my big Bronco-fixes for this next 6 weeks of absolutely nothing happening. I am glad that you chose to use the WW interception. It was an amazing play athletically (as all could see) but I think the guys discipline often goes unnoticed. I think he’s our best cover LB and I’ve been hoping he’ll become a starter ever since I saw him in 08’. The fact that McD kept him is a testament to the little guy (not really little, but comparitively). He can lay some big hits for his size, and he just always knows where to be in the passing game. I hope his run-game skills improve this offseason. Sadly I just don’t think he’s got the beef to fill gaps for ILB, and he doesn’t qualify as one of our top pass rushing LB’s to play Outside.

sigh It sucks cause he’s just so good, but he’s not a good fit in our base defense (3-4 or 5-2). He’s a great fit at 4-3 OLB, but we didn’t really call that much last year. It sounds like they’re going to be giving a lot of different looks this year (and aggressive playcalling) so I have a feeling we might see more of WW this year, since he’s a pretty nasty ball-hawking OLB for 4-3 coverages.

"I have no right, by anything I do or say, to demean a human being in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him; it is what he thinks of himself." - Antoine de Exupery

by Alexander Wall on Jun 14, 2010 12:21 PM MDT reply actions

You just had to remind me that we only have 6 weeks to TC

Now I gotta figure out how to fit 16 games into 6 weeks. LOL

Thanks for the insights, AW.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 12:57 PM MDT up reply actions

Lol. Yeah, sorry. It's alright. There's going to be so much TC coverage from other guys i'm sure you can carry it into TC.

Dont sacrifice the quality for qauntity. You write good stuff. Take your time.

"I have no right, by anything I do or say, to demean a human being in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him; it is what he thinks of himself." - Antoine de Exupery

by Alexander Wall on Jun 19, 2010 6:15 PM MDT up reply actions

Nice recap, second by second

of those plays. Rec’d!

Take my advice... I'm not using it!
"If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague."

by BroncTastic on Jun 14, 2010 12:32 PM MDT reply actions

thanks BT

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 12:57 PM MDT up reply actions

BShout

in the quote of McDaniels yelling at his team in regards to the dallas game, you forgot to add how his voice cracked when he yelled “lets go!”

although I loved hearing the coach yell at his team cause I was thinking the same MFing thing – I did smirk when I heard his voice crack considering how much the media gave his age attention. lol

by Broncs55 on Jun 14, 2010 12:48 PM MDT reply actions

Good point

That’s one of the downsides to the print media. If I had had the capability of pulling the audio out of the film clip it would have been a fun addition.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 12:58 PM MDT up reply actions

amen

I still pull that up on youtube about once every month or so! Great clipping!

by Broncs55 on Jun 14, 2010 1:00 PM MDT up reply actions

Youtube link to relive the play....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv3PxzhwnfI&feature=related

I had forgotten about Gus Johnson’s call, which is hilarious when Stokely came down with the ball.

QPU # 2.

by margabelle on Jun 14, 2010 12:59 PM MDT reply actions

LOL

The announcers were great to listen to in that moment.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 1:12 PM MDT up reply actions

say what you want about today's announcers

But they really havn’t been that funny since John Madden was drawing certain appendages on the screen during Monday Night Football! lol

by Broncs55 on Jun 14, 2010 1:20 PM MDT up reply actions

ROFL

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 1:30 PM MDT up reply actions

my favorite take

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E09_jVpVitc

I'm glad we had this talk. -- TJ Johnson

by BroncoInExile on Jun 14, 2010 10:56 PM MDT up reply actions

Excellent piece, Brian.

Keeping your eye on the ball is not only a football truism, but also a general truism for most sports. Baseball, soccer, rugby, basketball, etc. Just about any sport where contact with a ball is necessary, this expression can be used and SHOULD be practiced. Everyone go tell their children to keep their eye on the ball and don’t be like the Bengals. :)

Rec’d. I can’t wait for the next one.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6

by Troy Hufford on Jun 14, 2010 1:15 PM MDT reply actions

Thanks, KB

and thanks for the original suggestion of doing a series like this.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 1:17 PM MDT up reply actions

No problem. I'm glad you took it and ran with it because you did a much better job than I would have.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6

by Troy Hufford on Jun 14, 2010 1:22 PM MDT up reply actions

KB

can you do the games we lost… after all, you are a function of aggression and rage, the derivative of which can be traced back to your childhood.

It would make for an interesting read at least =D

by Broncs55 on Jun 14, 2010 1:24 PM MDT up reply actions

Brian said he would do all the games, both wins and losses, in this series. He's got it covered. Frankly, I'm much more excited to see Brian's work with this than I am to take the idea back.

Don’t be disappointed, though, Broncs55. I am currently writing a draft of a piece that shows a BUNCH of aggression and rage, so your wait for a KB rage piece shouldn’t be too long.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6

by Troy Hufford on Jun 14, 2010 1:28 PM MDT up reply actions

yay!

::claps excitedly::

by Broncs55 on Jun 14, 2010 1:29 PM MDT up reply actions

KB, you underestimate yourself

I’m guessing had you chosen to do this series, you would have had your own approach and it would have been well received by our readers.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 1:30 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

That may be true, but I'm still glad that I handed this idea off. :)

I knew that week 1 would make a great story, from this perspective, but I knew that I wouldn’t have the time to go through the rest of the 15 games before TC. So I decided to hand it off to one of you guys.

Again, I think it turned out great and you did an amazing job with it and I can’t wait to see what you come up with for the rest of the games.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6

by Troy Hufford on Jun 14, 2010 1:47 PM MDT up reply actions

thanks (I think LOL)

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 1:54 PM MDT up reply actions

hahaha

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6

by Troy Hufford on Jun 14, 2010 1:55 PM MDT up reply actions

Curious

Where are you rewatching Bronco games? I wouldn’t mind reviewing a few myself in order to analyze personnel.

"Peace, a journey without distance to a place we have never left."

by BroncoCUbuffs on Jun 14, 2010 1:27 PM MDT reply actions

I bit the bullet and purchased NFL Game Rewind's Off Season package

I have all the 2008-2009 games until July 31st. After that, I’ll most likely buy the new package to get the 2009-2010 games.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 1:32 PM MDT up reply actions

Great, much appreciated

I bought Rewind last year so it is probable again. Thanks for the actual date it’s available.

"Peace, a journey without distance to a place we have never left."

by BroncoCUbuffs on Jun 15, 2010 9:14 AM MDT up reply actions

Thanks Brian

My take is a little bit different on this game. Without rewatching it, what this game came down to was 3 or 4 plays. The two plays you mentioned, the sack that Orton took, and it seems like a long pass play that allowed Cincy to score their touchdown. Many times the difference between winning or losing or a blowout and a close game comes down to a half a dozen plays. The good teams has the ability to win the significant plays. 80% of the teams will be between 4-12 and 12-4. The difference between the 4-12 and 8-8 teams, and the 12-4 and 8-8 teams is winning the significant plays of the game. IMO

Now that that is over.....

by 3nS on Jun 14, 2010 1:48 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

very good points 3nS

I agree with your assessment and I hope I didn’t come across as saying that those two plays were the make or break plays of the game.

Rather, I was simply lifting them up as examples of what happens when a player keeps his focus on the ball.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 1:56 PM MDT up reply actions

Oh no, not at all

I just think different than most people. Your post is very plain and right on. The only exception I have is that it was more of not giving up on the play than keeping an eye on the ball. But, I am not going to trifle about words we as we are seeing the same thing.

Now that that is over.....

by 3nS on Jun 14, 2010 2:17 PM MDT up reply actions

That sack drove me crazy that day....completely agree.

Future 2010 MHR Fantasy Football Champion! ;)

"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 Jun 15, 2010 7:25 AM MDT up reply actions

The other lesson I learned from this game

When Hall deflected the pass, the announcers criticized Hall for not batting the ball down. In that situation I agreed with them that if a player could determine if the ball goes down or up that they should have batted it down. I allowed what they said to influence me and I berated Hall on this sight for not knocking the ball down. Then a MHR member brought to my attention that Hall was just making a great play to get his hand in there whether the ball went up or down was not whithin Hall’s ability to determine. So I rewatched the play and he was right. So, I am careful not to allow announcers to influence what I see with my own eyes.

Now that that is over.....

by 3nS on Jun 14, 2010 2:25 PM MDT reply actions

Another great point

As swg777 once told me, “Trust your eyes.”

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 2:30 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Nice work BShrout

Love a good little bit of analysis to get me through my arvo.
An ancient cricket adage is also – “Keep your eyes on the ball.”
An athletes body naturally reacts well and gets in good position almost on autopilot as long as you keep the target in your eyesight.
Loved that catch though… stick it boys!! Hopefully we pull off a couple extra close wins like this one next year and break into the play-off contenders range!

"The advantage law is the best law in rugby, because it lets you ignore all the others for the good of the game." - Derek Robinson
"You've got to get your first tackle in early, even if it's late." - Ray Gravell

by Rugbywits on Jun 15, 2010 11:45 PM MDT up reply actions

Let's make this a mantra for 2010

Hopefully we pull off a couple extra close wins like this one next year and break into the play-off contenders range!

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 16, 2010 7:55 AM MDT up reply actions

Agreed

deflections are sometimes caught, but are very rare. Corners are taught to get to the ball, better to swat it away then allow the pass. I’m sure in his mind it was “I either tip this or Marshall will grab it and get out of bounds.” He did what he was taught to do, plus if you look at the angle, it would have been hard for him to tip that ball down.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jun 14, 2010 2:33 PM MDT up reply actions

I guess all in all

The team seems to do better just after Mcdaniels has a inspirational speech using cuss words. ( =

Great read – I’ll relive that one any time! I guess I had forgotten the Woodyard interception being that close to our goal line…. The little things…. Thanks again!

That's quite a long handle there, G Funk. - That's what she said.

First (and only, in our lifetimes) team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! ( =

by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Jun 14, 2010 3:07 PM MDT reply actions

Well done Brian...I shall look forward to this series...

Just a note to remind of Stokely (also) having the awareness of the time (with eye) on the clock as he ran down the field, and then along the goal line, running out as much time as possible before going in…Very smart player…Thanks again!

- Whatever "it" was that got you to where you are today, "it" will certainly not be enough to enable you to stay there going forward! -

by BroncoSense72 on Jun 14, 2010 4:27 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Great post!

What a great idea for a series. I’ll always remember the catch to win the game, but the game never should have reached that point imo. Many dropped passes and stupid penalties during the game. Also remember McD reading KO the riot act after taking a sack. I wish a certain QB in Chicago would have taken about 26 more sacks last year. Rec’d.

by rocko1 on Jun 14, 2010 5:51 PM MDT reply actions

Thanks, rocko

It’s fun to take a quick look back.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 8:00 PM MDT up reply actions

I hope

that somewhere in your series, playcalling will be a focus. Key situation….why?

by rocko1 on Jun 14, 2010 8:26 PM MDT reply actions

Nice post.

A great recap to a great moment in Bronco history. I’m wondering what theme you will come up with for the game when McD says “I’m trying to win an M@%% F^^^@ game!” Hahaha. Thanks for the read.

by swg777 on Jun 14, 2010 9:22 PM MDT reply actions

Good question. LOL

thanks for the kind words.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 9:24 PM MDT up reply actions

Awesome idea at KB and BS

Awesome execution by you, ‘Shrout. HIGHLY Rec’d…..

- Nick

"Know the enemy, know yourself, and victory is never in doubt, not in a hundred battles."
- Sun Tzu

"if you look close, there’s a hoodie lurking in the background of picture 4. similar to the classic sasquatch shot and equally stunning, as the denver temperature today is relatively fair."
-oxmouth

by ncm42 on Jun 14, 2010 10:15 PM MDT reply actions

thanks

it’s a fun project — just force me to watch Broncos’ games. LOL

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 14, 2010 10:23 PM MDT up reply actions

Terrific post Brian

I’ll be looking forward to each one of these.

It's Alex, just Alex. But you can call me Alex=)

by Alex on Jun 14, 2010 11:33 PM MDT reply actions

thanks EA

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 15, 2010 12:26 AM MDT up reply actions

Nice article BShrout

Your breakdown not only shows that Stokley made sure he kept his eye on the ball but it also demonstrates his ability to read a game.
My rugby coach always told me that when a kick goes up the 1st player goes for the ball and the 2nd player goes where the ball might end up and this is what Stokley does on this play.
When the corner and Marshall are competing for the ball the other Bengals either stop or are attracted to where the ball is going. Stokley does not do this. He keeps on his toes and anticipates what could happen to the ball. When the ball is tipped the Bengals are either stood still or have committed themselves to where the ball was going that they are out of the play. By anticipating the play and keeping his eyes on the ball then Stokley is in the perfect place to go and make the play almost unopposed.

"The Holy Writ of Gloucester Rugby Club demands: first, that the forwards shall win the ball; second, that the forwards shall keep the ball; and third, the backs shall buy the beer." - Doug Ibbotson

by SteveUK on Jun 15, 2010 1:22 AM MDT reply actions

I agree he did a great job

I saw an interview with him after that game, and he was very modest about the whole thing, saying that he was just doing what coach had asked him to do — trail the play in case of a tipped ball.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 15, 2010 8:05 AM MDT up reply actions

There's a third play in Cincy....

That I felt reflected the key point of the game: awareness. In the first half, the Bungles were attempting a field goal, and they mucked up the snap. A Bronco was the first to get there (can’t remember which, no replay for me), and, knowing it was 4th down already, pushed the ball farther down field rather than picking it up. I just remember noticing this at the time.

by RaRaDonk89 on Jun 15, 2010 5:06 AM MDT reply actions

You're right that's a good example of players being aware

on both sides of the play after the muff.

The first Bronco to the ball was Andre Goodman coming off the edge. He appeared to be trying to scoop the ball up with one hand, but was tackled from behind by Graham (the kicker). Alphonso Smith was the 2nd player there, but was blindsided by Huber (the holder).

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Jun 15, 2010 8:14 AM MDT up reply actions

Brian, cant believe I have not posted on here already...read every comment...but great job my man!

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 Jun 15, 2010 7:23 AM MDT reply actions