Time for Payback - A Journey into the Black Hole

by mdierk on Nov 2, 2011 12:38 PM MDT

Wow, what a wild season! After eight weeks of the season in the books we come back to where it all started....playing the Oakland Raiders. I wrote a fanpost before our first game called "Renewing the Rivalry" where I talked about how our Broncos and how some of us fans have not taken the Raiders very seriously for the last several years. Once the game happened, we saw that Denver had a number of chances to win, but penalties, fumbles, a poor run defense and horrible red zone play where we settled for FG instead of TDs cost Denver a chance at starting 1-0. Kyle Orton was the starting QB that night and dropped a ball during a play that would have potentially scored a TD. Eric Decker scored on a punt return to get the Broncos back in the game. It was at least it was close unlike 2010, but it was still a loss.

My how things have changed since that night. Kyle Orton was booed, called a "Tin Man" (I'll take credit for that one) and played his way to the bench. Tim Tebow has taken over the helm as the starter to controversial results. His play is best described as rough and ugly. He caught fire in the last five minutes against the Dolphins, but was awful against the Lions. Overall the Lion game was easily the ugliest game this year. Denver is not the only team to deal with changes. Oakland has had some major events since that night. While they are 4-3, they have endured the loss of Jason Campbell (broken collarbone), the death of Al Davis and trading a lot of their future for Carson Palmer.

I think it is easy to say that this is a MUST WIN game for the Broncos. Right now, the team overall is not very good and they will have to play a perfect game to win this Sunday. My hope is that Denver will come out angry and play with some purpose. Oakland only responds when you are hitting them hard and flustering them. Make them draw the penalties instead of the Broncos. Denver must close off the run on order to succeed. By forcing the Raiders into 3rd and long situations, the defense can pin their ears back and come at Palmer. On offense, the OL is the biggest key to gaining victory. Oakland's front seven are one of the best in the NFL and are going to come after Tebow. As of right now, Denver is limited in the RB stable and the OL as a group will have to play lights out to keep Tebow clean and get some sort of holes for Lance Ball and Moreno to run through.

I'm looking forward to watching the game this Sunday. As bad as the team has played, when you watch a Denver/Oakland match-up all records are thrown out. This will be the typical AFC West slugfest again. I have noticed that some Raider fans are starting to pity our lowly Broncos. Let them do it at their own peril. All I ask for is to see Denver show some toughness, punch the Raiders in the mouth and ruin their season.

As always, GO BRONCOS!

Poll

Will we finally see some wins for once?

Sure! Just keep sipping the Kool-Aid!

207 votes

Are you kidding? You can't be serious! Leave now and never come back!

66 votes

Ah ha! So you are the "idiot with the keyboard"!

104 votes

377 votes | Poll has closed

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Comments

Curious to know how many folks here have been to games in Oakland?

I assume your experience was as bad as mine was last year (have told that tale here before but…)

Nothing terrible happened in the sense that we weren’t killed or beaten up but were verbally threatened numerous times and walking out of stadium after game finished (this was last year, when Tebow played) was rather scary, even though I was with a big guy, a Broncos fan who played center in div I college, and he was more scared than I was! When a Raider fan actually shoved him in the shoulder on way out, he went up to a cop who seemed indifferent (tho cops were keeping an eye on things and asked people to stand back when they got too close to the few of us Bronco fans who were there). Anyway, not fun. There were some cool die hard Raider fans who were at least kind of fun to talk to, sitting near us, certainly won’t say they were all bad. But there was just this general feeling of pending violence towards us (and I was definitely a pretty quiet fan, wore a DB hat and that was about it).

So, basically, I won’t be attending the game this Sunday, but maybe will go again at some point. Will watch it on TV nervously enough praying that the competitive Broncos of this year’s first game or even better yet, the one that played in Oakland two years ago, show up. If they play like they did against Detroit (and I guarantee the Lions will follow same exact blueprint vs Tebow) then the game could get out of hand…

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

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by underdog on Nov 2, 2011 1:44 PM MDT reply actions

I went in 2008 when the Broncos beat them down 42-14 on MNF.

I stayed in my seat cause my brother said they were looking for Broncos fans to drown in the urinals.

It’s more Oakland than the Raiders though….Oakland is a crap hole filled with uneducated morons.

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by Tim Lynch on Nov 2, 2011 1:50 PM MDT up reply actions 2 recs

If Oakland was suddenly wiped off the map I wouldn't have much sorrow or concern.

They say Winnamuca, Nv is the arm pit of America…Well Oakland is the sh!t hole of the world!

by bfree2bronc on Nov 2, 2011 2:03 PM MDT up reply actions

Well since my sister and brother in law live there and other friends, I won't quite take y'alls "nuclear option" ;)

SOME of Oakland is a shithole, yah; some of it is actually surprisingly nice and diverse. (Temscal, the hills, SOME of Lake Merritt and downtown) but yeah there’s a lot of crime, not a very safe place overall. But I also think they have always tried to appeal to the “outcast/rebel” mentality so there’s literally a criminal element to some of the fans who show up to games. It’s that group that scares me.

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

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by underdog on Nov 2, 2011 2:16 PM MDT up reply actions 2 recs

the part of Oakland that isn't crappy

must be full of Broncos and 49er fans!

Brad James

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With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Nov 2, 2011 3:29 PM MDT up reply actions 2 recs

I used to go to the A's games all the time and never had any trouble...

I wouldn’t go to a tRaiders game on a bet. Your taking your life into your own hands.

by bfree2bronc on Nov 2, 2011 10:33 PM MDT up reply actions

I have been to one many moons ago, was ugly then and I don't think much has changed

These are fans that have knifed other fans, jumped, shot, etc.. I would say watch your back if you go, word of advice, parking lot is probably the worst part where I would worry the most.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
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by Broncoman on Nov 2, 2011 4:08 PM MDT up reply actions

I went to Tebow's first start last year in the Black Hole.

The Raider fans in the stadium were really cool. We talked all game long and had a great time. I agree with you, the dangerous part is walking outside the stadium to the train and also the train ride on the way home. There was an incident where the whole train car was chanting Broncos suck!!! around a very small group of us Broncos fans. Also, there was a fight and a glass bottle thrown that narrowly missed my wife and I before shattering on the wall next to us but that was not anti-Broncos, just normal stuff for Oakland :)

The beatings will continue until morale improves.

by CourseXVI on Nov 2, 2011 10:45 PM MDT up reply actions

We haven’t had a two game winning streak (just two games) since we beat the Giants and KC in mid 2009.

That’s a long fricken time.

I was there!

by McGeorge on Nov 2, 2011 1:50 PM MDT reply actions

McG...

WE’RE JUST TRYING TO WIN THE MFING GAME HERE!

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by Tim Lynch on Nov 2, 2011 1:56 PM MDT up reply actions

Oh man McG

those wins came at a time when everyone and their brother were telling me… “you’re pathetic Broncos won’t win another game now.” I wish they were the turning point and McDaniels hadn’t flopped / wore out his welcome so badly. Was there a better played, complete game from our boys in 2009 than the Giants win??? All aspects of our team came together for a beautiful win that night.

"If you went to the Fair with this guy and you played that game where you have to throw the ball through the hole..... HE may never get it through the hole, but he's still gonna be walking away with all the stuffed animals" Prime on Tebow!!!

by PaleHorse78 on Nov 2, 2011 2:52 PM MDT up reply actions

Fox's pre game speech should sound like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yid-CW-O9Qw

I'll eat this 'Tebow Crow' when it has been given adequate time to cook.

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by Zac Man on Nov 2, 2011 1:59 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

I live in the heart of Raider land.

And everyone here thinks our Broncos are a joke and if we play like last week than I am inclined to agree that dosnt meen I’m not a Bronco fan. Please Broncos rally up and get this turned arround. 1 2 3 Bronos!!!

by CenCalBronco on Nov 2, 2011 2:06 PM MDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs

1 2 3 Broncos!! imeen hehe

by CenCalBronco on Nov 2, 2011 2:13 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

Yeah it's not fun being here right now.

Keep the faith man, even if this year continues poorly they’ll right the ship and get their revenge.

And the Raiders sure have put a lot of faith in current roster, given they have practically no draft picks for next 1-2 years.

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

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by underdog on Nov 2, 2011 2:18 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

yes you know its bad when Raiderfan is laughing at us.

by CenCalBronco on Nov 2, 2011 2:21 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

Raiderfan has been laughing since last year.

Really though, I feel for you guys. Not too much, but…
Looks bad over there.

by ROFLCOPTER16 on Nov 2, 2011 3:25 PM MDT up reply actions

Meh, everything is cyclical is my viewpoint

all my favorite teams have had great runs and bad periods. I feel like we still have a good owner, and some really good young players. It’s really a matter of having one more good draft, filling a couple of holes in free agency, and then yes the small matter of figuring out who the hell the QB is. But unlike some fans I don’t think the future is that bleak. These 2 years have sure been a pain the butt though.

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

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by underdog on Nov 2, 2011 3:55 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

My thinking is...

All this pain will be worth it for the kick ass draft picks we’re gonna get. I have to believe that. It’s all I’ve got.

So this is what it was like to be a Raiders fan all those years…

Well, except I can read. And have never been arrested. And am handsome. Aside from that, it’s probably the same.

Damn. I can’t even enthusiastically make fun of Raiders fans any more. This sucks.

strikes Tebow pose

There. Much better. That solves everything.

Tim Tebow built my hot rod. And it runs 46 percent of the time.

by TheMastermind on Nov 2, 2011 2:37 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Look at the Raiders' situation

they have NOTHING to hope for, if Carson Palmer doesn’t work out, they’re screwed for years, the Faiders and the Dolts will be in the AFC West basement for years to come

Brad James

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by the new Bradfather on Nov 2, 2011 3:30 PM MDT up reply actions

Are you serious?

We have a great D-line, amazing RB’s, great special teams, a good WR corps…

The only holes are at secondary and QB.

And they’re all young. We’re set talent-wise for a few years.

by ROFLCOPTER16 on Nov 2, 2011 3:33 PM MDT up reply actions

ya

You have holes that are the most important aspect of winning in todays NFL. Ones most easily fixed through the draft (as opposed to FAs) and no draft picks.

You guys should definitely feel good about the future.

One fish, two fish, red fish, DOOM fish.

by Trapped in O.C. on Nov 2, 2011 3:57 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

Every aspect is important.

Offense is too. Look at Baltimore and the trouble they’ve had recently.

by ROFLCOPTER16 on Nov 2, 2011 4:34 PM MDT up reply actions

I would kind of say you're both wrong :)

I think the Raiders have plenty of talent so I don’t think they’re screwed for years. I do think, however, that history shows that between injuries and age, teams need to fill in depth and starters via the draft sooner than they think. Mortgaging the draft over next two seasons is raeally high risk. Maybe it’ll work out if Palmer puts it all back together and is great for a few years, they could be fine. I don’t think all the young receivers are that great and still have questions about their OL (and some key defensive players won’t be around a lot longer). It’s just really risky to not give yourself any contingency plan or way to add depth and youth for the future.

But if all things go right for them, and I mean all things, t hey’ll still be good for another year or two.

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

Follow @craigary

by underdog on Nov 2, 2011 3:58 PM MDT up reply actions

The WR's will take time to mature. Look at DHB.

That was one of the reasons for signing Housh, the other being a familiar target ffor palmer.
Sure, it’s not good to mortgage a draft. But we’ll get some compensatory picks for gallery and asomugha.

As for our O-line, it’s pretty good. Though I really think Satele is just plain undersized for a center. Put Wizniewski in for God’s sake.

by ROFLCOPTER16 on Nov 2, 2011 4:01 PM MDT up reply actions

Yeah I live in Manteca

You know where Bass pro Shops is lol

And everyone I know is a Raider fan and they love to mock me and talk crap about tebow and the boys. I ignore it to say the least. But Just once if there was a game our boys came to play. This is it.

I plan on moving to Golden Co soon Though. I hate it here

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by TommyTSlice on Nov 2, 2011 5:15 PM MDT up reply actions

All I want for Xmas is the Broncos to kill the raiders!

I don’t care about all the Tebow media stuff any more. The first game was close an we were an Orton fumble away from winning that game. It’s time for the Broncos to just play football. Screw all of the politics. Just play the game and have fun. Please Broncos beat the raiders!

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by Albuquerque on Nov 2, 2011 2:21 PM MDT via mobile reply actions

Ya but that was when we had a competent passer

But then again so did they. Kinda.

One fish, two fish, red fish, DOOM fish.

by Trapped in O.C. on Nov 2, 2011 3:58 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

This will be an entirely different Raiders

Instead of Jason Campbell you’ve got Carson Palmer. That certainly will help balance things out. But frankly, I expect them to make Tebow look like a fool again this week. The Raiders have a decent d-line, which will make things really tough for Denver’s O-line.

I kinda like power running football though. It’s iike a bloody violent ballet…
When it was working it was a thing of beauty to me. - Vagus

(Please note that from now on I shall only refer to Cam as "The Newt" and Rivera as "BAMF")

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by The Duke Dude on Nov 2, 2011 2:21 PM MDT reply actions

hopefully not

hopefully we’ve reviewed enough film from the last debacle and our o-line starts to get a comfort level when playing the Faders….. and when I say comfort level, I don’t mean the past 3 or 4 against them in which the line was comfortable getting beat badly.

by PaleHorse78 on Nov 2, 2011 2:48 PM MDT up reply actions

Decent?

Frankly, I’m insulted.

by ROFLCOPTER16 on Nov 2, 2011 3:22 PM MDT up reply actions

I can't argue

whatever you guys have going on over there on that line is more than decent. Just ask Orton.

by PaleHorse78 on Nov 2, 2011 8:48 PM MDT up reply actions

Payback?

Please. Let’s not even worry about payback. Let’s worry about converting more than two third downs all day long. Let’s see some blue helmets in the Raiders backfield. Let’s at least be in the game at halftime.

That’s what I want to see. Anything past that is gravy.

Tim Tebow built my hot rod. And it runs 46 percent of the time.

by TheMastermind on Nov 2, 2011 2:34 PM MDT reply actions

Mastermind,

I guess I have a higher expectation than you. I want to see improvement too, but wins are bigger with me.

Kyle Orton is the Tin Man....No heart, can't move and the oil can is too far away!

Follow @mdierk

by mdierk on Nov 4, 2011 10:34 AM MDT up reply actions

Hey Mdierk...... do you know what time it is my man?

It’s time to TAAAAAKE IIIIIIIIIIITTT!!!!

by PaleHorse78 on Nov 2, 2011 2:47 PM MDT reply actions

Hope it goes well

But I fear not – we don’t do well against the strong D-Lines, and Oakland has a strong D-Line.

On the other hand, what better way for Tebow to demonstrate improvement than to make some of the plays he couldn’t make against Detroit.

On the other other hand, if Lynch was right that the receivers were running downfield routes with no outlets (we can’t verify that without the All-22 film), and if that play calling continues, then look for the Tebow experiment to be over soon, and I’ll finally join in with the conspiracy theorists…

by tunesmith on Nov 2, 2011 3:13 PM MDT reply actions

At least.....

At least Tebow has been around long enough to see Oakland 3 times and played them twice…..
So…. Maybe the 3rd time will be a charm..? I know, I’m punch drunk on the Kool-Aid

I’d be happy to get a win in Oakland. Even if its the last and only win for the rest of the season!

GO BRONCOS-!!

by Xinnix on Nov 2, 2011 3:21 PM MDT reply actions

The next game is always the most importat, but this one is special

The Broncos were humiliated on Sunday in ways i cant even describe. It was a disgusting loss but one that can be expected against a very good team when our team is very very young and not good either.

But that makes this game at Oakland even more important. Football gods need to be shining on the Denver Broncos sunday. This team showed ZERO fight and i am so freakin sick of seeing a lack of effort out of players on the offensive side of the ball. I am a supporter of every player on the Denver broncos so even though i am very skeptical of Tebow being a good player its time for other guys to step it the F up. Wide receivers give this guy no effort and im sick of seeing drop after drop. I have a feeling alot of these guys just have no faith in Tebow and maybe deservedly so but god damn it do your job.

Where is the pride, there is nothing more embarrassing than being blown out at Home. Nothing period. I cringe at the lack of pride out of this team, yes they are young and still in a sense coming together but WHERE THE HELL IS THE PRIDE??? Its about having pride in what you do and not embarrassing yourself and teammates. Sunday was almost worse than Oakland because of the fact we were still in the game at Halftime. Maybe were not going to win the game, but there was a whole half of football left and these guys did not care, they wanted to go home.

My challenge this week is to the entire organization top to bottom, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WHEN ADVERSITY PUNCHES YOU SQUARE IN THE FACE? It starts with the coaches but ultimately comes down to the players. How are you going to respond going into a hostile environment after being humiliated. How will young guys respond after being benched, getting their @ss kicked and playing against our hated rival. God where is the passion, where is the fight, how will you respond to getting knocked the F down.

Coaches need to fire this team up. With McDaniels we saw that wins were ridden high and losses were ridden low. That is unacceptable and i can only pray this team doesnt fall on their face. FOX you need to set the tone, you are the head coach and a defensive guy, which is where the fire and rage should be coming from.

So to the entire Broncos organization, go punch that mother f’ing bully in the face. Kick some ass and lets start building a winning culture here in Denver.

GO BRONCOS-TAAAAAKEEEEE ITTTTTT

Perspective is not taught at MHR, so stop reading the DP and go get some.

by BroncofanfromBoston on Nov 2, 2011 3:34 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Hopefully they will toss 6 INT's our way this game too..

..We're 2-14 till we're not!
They say the cool is all over me..

by Teboner on Nov 2, 2011 3:55 PM MDT reply actions

The raiders should have held off on that trade

Word on the street (MSM, because that’s def where those bums belong) is that the Colts might shop manning if they land pick 1.

He at least might be worth that investment.

But typical raiders investing everything in nothing.

One fish, two fish, red fish, DOOM fish.

by Trapped in O.C. on Nov 2, 2011 4:03 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

Must win?

In my opinion, this is no longer a must win game since the Broncos do not have any realistic shot at a playoff spot. I would like to see the following:

1. In week 1, McFadden ran wild. If they can keep him under 100 yards along with the overall Oakland running game in check, then that would be a step in the right direction.

2. Offensive line play needs to improve. The Raiders D totally dominated the offensive line of the Broncos – this can’t happen again, otherwise this game will look alot like last week.

3. QB improvement and game planning. Tbag needs to show improvement with each week, improving his accuracy and making faster reads… I’ll be Tebowing all week, praying the play calling speeds up the game with short passing routes, short play action passes, and some designed scrambling / passing to get Tbag in to a decent rhythm.

4. Solid running game. Whomever is toting the rock this week – hoping both McGahee and Moreno, a good day in my book is over 130 yards total running, and over 4 yards average per attempt.

Oh ya, and if the Broncos squeak out a win – or at least show signs of significant improvement – I will make Tebowing part of my daily regimen. :)

Go Broncos!

by tjpmontana on Nov 2, 2011 3:58 PM MDT reply actions

McFadden might not play.

For any other team that’d be terrible. But then again, Bush is good enough to be a #1 back on a lot of teams himself, and Jones has a lot of potential too.

It certainly won’t help the Raiders. But losing McFadden doesn’t kill them.

by ROFLCOPTER16 on Nov 2, 2011 4:04 PM MDT up reply actions

We seem to handle Bush better than McFadden

which is weird, they are both big, burly backs

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by the new Bradfather on Nov 2, 2011 4:05 PM MDT up reply actions

Bush is slower and 35 pounds heavier.

Taiwan Jones is more of a Chris Johnson; He’s 6 feet 195.

by ROFLCOPTER16 on Nov 2, 2011 4:06 PM MDT up reply actions

it's hard to picture someone heavier than McFadden at tailback

but that makes sense, Taiwan Jones can jet, I watched him in college, let’s bomb Taiwan like North Korea!

Brad James

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by the new Bradfather on Nov 2, 2011 4:09 PM MDT up reply actions

Bush is 245 pounds.

He’s an entirely different style of back. That’s why the Raiders’ running game is so great. McFadden busts the big gains and puts them up, and then tehy put Bush in and bring the pain.

Another wild card is Marcel Reece. He’s a fullback the size of a tight end who’s as fast as most receivers. And a great blocker to boot. He’s the reason the Raiders’ run game dropped off a bit; he was injured week 3. He’ll be back.

by ROFLCOPTER16 on Nov 2, 2011 4:12 PM MDT up reply actions

Oh I remember Reese

he had that huge touchdown on us last year when we went to Oakland :(

Brad James

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by the new Bradfather on Nov 2, 2011 4:20 PM MDT up reply actions

Sweet memories.

6-3, 240, runs a 4.4
He’s dangerous. You can’t stack the line for that exact reason.

by ROFLCOPTER16 on Nov 2, 2011 4:21 PM MDT up reply actions

This game could be a run fest

The over under for total pass plays betwen Denver and Oakland, I would say is 50. I don’t see Carson Palmer being ready to do much and I know that McCoy and Fox if McGhee is ready, are going to try to pound the rock and give Tebow a better chance on 3rd downs. Lets hope our D-line and O-lines show up with their work boots, cause it is going to be a game won or lost in the trenches.

by Broncoman on Nov 2, 2011 4:05 PM MDT reply actions

wear your hard hats boys!

Brad James

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by the new Bradfather on Nov 2, 2011 4:09 PM MDT up reply actions

So this is basically what is going to happen.

We are going to go to the black hole and Tebow is going to tear it up. He is going to throw 2 Td passes and 300 yards. He will also run for 50. We will beat the Raiders 24-14..
GO Broncos!

by RichardBonco on Nov 3, 2011 12:16 AM MDT reply actions

by ROFLCOPTER16 on Nov 3, 2011 1:03 PM MDT up reply actions

From Calif.

Ever been attacked by a mob? I have, it’s not fun. Calif. is famous for that. Don’t go where you aren’t wanted or don’t wear Broncos gear. Did see some punk Raiders fans get beaten really bad one night after the monday night game several years ago. We were coming down the walkway from our nosebleed season seats. They kind of deserved it, or maybe asked for it

by Baghdad on Nov 4, 2011 4:47 AM MDT reply actions