What The Broncos Should Be Thankful For

by Colby on Nov 23, 2011 4:32 PM MST in Strictly My Opinion

The 2011 season for the Denver Broncos has been a roller coaster.

After a very disappointing 1-4 start to the year, the Broncos have gone 4-1 in their past five games with the aid of a powerful run game and a much improved defense.

The Broncos sit one game back of the Oakland Raiders and the AFC West lead. Kansas City is one game behind the Broncos and San Diego Chargers. The Broncos have put themselves back in relevancy right now and have set themselves up for one thing:

The Denver Broncos have done what every team wants to do after the first ten games.

Have the opportunity to control their own destiny.

Even though the Raiders are a game up on the Broncos, chances of them winning out is very unlikely, just like the chances of us winning out are very unlikely. However, everyday things are starting to look better and better for the orange and blue.

Going back to news earlier in the week, San Diego has some injuries that definitely benefit the Broncos. A big part of us winning games is based off the pass rush of the Broncos front seven. Elvis Dumervil looks to be back to his old form and Von Miller is running away with the defensive rookie of the year award. Chargers guard Kris Dielman is out for the year, Louis Vasquez missing time with an ankle injury and Scott Mruczkowski now finished for the year, Tyronne Green and Marcus McNeill are banged up, the Broncos definitely have the advantage, at least in that aspect of the game.

When we play the Vikings, there is a very good chance Adrian Peterson does not play with a high ankle sprain and if he does, it will be in limited action. The Vikings have many other strengths that the Broncos have to be concerned about but anytime the best back in the league is missing, we will take it.

When the Broncos play the Bears, the game story was former Broncos first round pick Jay Cutler returning to Denver. However, Jay Cutler's season is possibly over meaning the Broncos do not have to worry about him. That should help the Broncos out and make it easier to handle the Bears Matt Forte.

The Broncos learned today that Fred Jackson, the new star runningback for the Buffalo Bills is on IR. This of course will help the Broncos deal with just CJ Spiller and Tashard Choice. Both of those are quality runningbacks but at least it is one less guy that we have to worry about.

The Kansas City Chiefs are very banged up. They are missing their best player on defense, Eric Berry, there best player on offense, Jamaal Charles, and now their quarterback Matt Cassel. Kyle Orton is interestingly going to be the starter for them come Week 17 to set up would could be a very important game for the Broncos.

We never like to see anyone get hurt, that is not my point. But the Broncos have been given an opportunity. Their opportunity to make the playoffs is directly in front of them and they have the ability to take advantage of this. The team is very healthy and is playing its best football.

So for thanksgiving, as fans we should be thankful that are favorite team has an opportunity to be one of the 12 that makes the playoffs.

The entire organization should be thankful that they are in position and have caught some breaks that could pave the way into the playoffs.

These are exciting times for the Broncos and like I said earlier, we are in position to do exactly what you want at this time of year:

Control your own fate.

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I am just thankful to be a Bronco fan

This team can always lift my spirits and give me something to look forward to.

Von Miller doesn't sleep, he waits

by RockyMountainThunder on Nov 23, 2011 4:54 PM MST reply actions

What I am thankful for (Broncos wise)

Josh McDaniels is no longer the coach
Joe Ellis no longer is running things
Kyle Orton is no longer the starting QB
Knowshown Moreno is no longer the starting RB
Von Miller
Orlando Franklin
Tebow drives
Champ Bailey
Brian Dawkins
A running game
A healthy Elvis
John Fox, Mike McCoy, and Dennis Allen
Being 5-5 and one game out of the AFC West Lead
Not being the Raiders, Chiefs or Chargers

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman

by Broncoman on Nov 23, 2011 4:57 PM MST reply actions 1 recs

Yes indeed there is a lot to be thankful for...

by bfree2bronc on Nov 23, 2011 6:02 PM MST up reply actions

Random thoughts

I think KC will want a look at their rookie in week 17 unless a playoff berth is on the line for them.

I think Denver is going to draft a 1st round QB next year for sure. I hope Tebow plays great so we can get a lot for him when we trade him to Jacksonville next year.

It will be interesting to see if these NFL defenses can adjust to the Broncos ‘last 5 minutes of the game’ offense. As well to see if the Broncos can generate some offense in the first 55 minutes of the remaining games.

by ddtraveller on Nov 23, 2011 4:57 PM MST reply actions

I don’t think that the Broncos will draft a QB at all this year. But you have random thoughts in a Thanksgiving post with nothing to be thankful for? Comon Man! U Gotta Have SOMETHING 2 B thankful 4!

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on aimlessly and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Nov 23, 2011 5:10 PM MST up reply actions

I think we will draft a QB and hope it the the WR turned QB Tannenhill...

by bfree2bronc on Nov 23, 2011 6:05 PM MST up reply actions

You are spot on. A few more MCD draft picks to clean out then on with EFX.

QB, CB, RB, DT top priorities for 2012.

"It's amazing the crowd Tim draws. It’s like he can’t do no wrong. But I’ll tell you what – if you don’t win in this league, it won’t last that long." Champ Bailey
"Week in and week out lost in Tebowmania, Von Miller comes to play the game of football, and to me, with consistency," said Deion Sanders, NFL Network analyst on NFL GameDay. "He’s the most impressive rookie."
Bronco fan since 1966. Current Bronco fan in Vegas, living the good life.

by myerda00 on Nov 23, 2011 5:16 PM MST up reply actions

spot on....?

Tebow plays great so we can get a lot when we trade hime, eh? Not because he pans out and we have our QB. Jeesh. If that is not the definition of sports hating, I don’t know what is.

by idahobronc on Nov 23, 2011 6:59 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs

No Joke Idaho...

Some comments on here just blow me away….I’m not a name caller, that is childish, but if I were, MHR gives plenty of places where you can use the Idiot word! LOL

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on aimlessly and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Nov 25, 2011 9:30 AM MST up reply actions

The Broncos should be thankful for

such a great fan base! We have been through some twists and turns for a few years now but we aren’t going anywhere!

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on aimlessly and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Nov 23, 2011 4:57 PM MST reply actions

lol

that’s another good one metalman, but if you asked around the league 7 weeks ago, people would’ve told you we were the worst fanbase in the league. Funny how perceptions can change so quickly

Still doubt Tebow?

by DBroncs1414 on Nov 23, 2011 5:11 PM MST up reply actions

Ya

But we never believed them…did U?

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on aimlessly and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Nov 23, 2011 5:12 PM MST up reply actions

not for a heart beat

what’s the worst to is I live in NJ, but go to college in CT, so I’m surrounded by NYJ, NYG, NE, and surprisingly a couple Raiders fans. After that Monday night loss where everyone heard the Tebow chants when we were down one possesion, they were all saying that the Broncos have the worst fan base ever. I calmly told them that while I would probably not have partaken in the chants, I couldn’t fully fault them after watching 2 seasons of Orton.

What’s funny is that it was the Pats fans who took my side and agreed, they said although the Broncos weren’t an overall good team Tebow could do better. However, the ESPN followers of the Giants, Jets, and Raiders laughed it off. Now the Giants respect us, the Jets know what we’re all about, and the Raiders are VERY VERY AFRAID. I don’t know about every Raider fan but the ones I know are hoping they win but said “they wouldn’t be surprised if they choked to us.”

I guess my main point is that perceptions change very easily, especially in a league where each team has 16 games a season. Remember when the Browns were 3-2, and people actually bought into them (can honestly say I did not), how about people saying the Steelers dominance was over after a week 1 blow out against Balty?

Still doubt Tebow?

by DBroncs1414 on Nov 23, 2011 5:45 PM MST up reply actions

I heard the giants fans boo a couple of times on MNF during their game vs philly

and they were in the lead in NFC east at the time. So no, we dont have the “worst” fanbase in the NFL. Losing just brings out the worst in people, even if they are winners at the time

"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
"When John Elway is standing in lava with a football, he will stay there and sink until you're open"
-Seanbaby

by Calikula on Nov 23, 2011 10:22 PM MST up reply actions

The Giants fans are generally classy

Jets fans on the other hand…

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

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 24, 2011 9:21 AM MST up reply actions

I'm grateful to be part of a great fanbase!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Nov 23, 2011 6:02 PM MST up reply actions

Great post Colby

first off, I’m thankful I’m once again proud to be a Broncos fan. Don’t take this the wrong way, I’ll wear my Elway/McCaffrey/Lynch/Royal jersey anywhere, but for the first time in a while I can have a football convo with other fans without worrying that I’ll just hear the Broncos suck.

I’m a big proponent of physical football, so I’m especially thankful to see a Broncos team that will punch you in the mouth and then take your best punch. we haven’t been this tough since we lost to the Steelers in that AFC championship, and I definitly think we are much tougher then that 09 team that won their first 6 games.

I’m thankful we FINALLY gave Tebow a chance. And I’m thankful I’m one of the many fans who can say “I told you so” to the legions of doubters.

And you nailed it on the head with the biggest one Colby, I’m glad we are in control of our own faith. At the end of the day, that’s all any team can ask for.

Still doubt Tebow?

by DBroncs1414 on Nov 23, 2011 5:09 PM MST reply actions

My giving thanks, not spiritual is

Bronco defense, Dennis Allen and his scheming, Von Miller and his Thomasism, Dumervil’s health, excellent move for Bunkley, McBean finding out what a DL does, Champ being close to Champ, Dawkins tutoring the youth, Keith Kidd for finding Vaughn, Harris, and Unrein.
I AM the Bronco fan in Vegas and would support MY team through any stupid (MCD’s drafts) times that take years to fix. 2011 was cleaning time (couple more to rid), 2012 is EFX time.

by myerda00 on Nov 23, 2011 5:13 PM MST reply actions

Long time reader, first time writing...

on MHR. I’m thankful for an amazing job our broncos have done this season. Will we win the superbowl? probably not, but to see them playing hard week in and week out makes me proud to wear my bronco gear in San Antonio, a place that’s overrun by cowboy love. So a toast to Von and Co. Tebow and co. And who can forget the awesome job by Colquitt and co.

And remember family always comes first on the holiday seasons, but my blood is Orange and blue (and during offseason silver and black for my spurs, but that’s a different topic) so make sure u at least rub it in a family member that doesn’t like Denver’s face that the ORANGE CRUSH IS BACK

by Argentinian Mamba on Nov 23, 2011 5:15 PM MST reply actions

I’m thankful for MHR. Having a place to talk and read about the Broncos with intelligent and knowledgeable fans (most days) is something I am grateful for.

As for the team… I am thankful that the Broncos are playing with heart and improving. We most likely won’t win a Super Bowl this year, but the future is starting to look a little brighter each week. Go Broncos and thank you to all that make MHR worth it.

"If we cannot find a way, we will make one." -Hannibal

by AvalancheRescueDog on Nov 23, 2011 5:33 PM MST reply actions

I am thankful

for there being an NFL season completely intact and for the Broncos to rise from the morass as a phoenix. We’re not finished yet!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Nov 23, 2011 6:02 PM MST reply actions

For sure, a few months ago it was looking bleak...

by bfree2bronc on Nov 23, 2011 6:15 PM MST up reply actions

The season isn't looking so tough now that some of the teams are beat up,

but that doesn’t mean the Broncos can slack off. Now is the time to put theboot to the Doltbags throat and twist it into the turf…

by bfree2bronc on Nov 23, 2011 6:19 PM MST reply actions

Colby what the hell?

this post is a month too late. We both know thanksgiving was in October.

But a month ago I probably wouldn’t be glad for many things bronco related so maybe it’s better you did this now instead of back at 1-4.

I am a fan of a team in the NBA, MLB, NHL, and NFL. I haven't seen the playoffs since April 28th, 2008 (1st round exit by raps). I haven't seen playoffs past the 1st round since January 26th, 2006. Stop and think about how insane it is. And depressing.

by Eddie.Teach on Nov 23, 2011 6:55 PM MST reply actions 1 recs

O Canada!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Nov 23, 2011 8:01 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs

Thank You Josh McDaniels

Brought us Tebow and crashed the team so badly we could pick Von Miller.

broncorat

"We want to be violent, aggressive, within the rules and we want to hit you as hard as we can." Dennis Allen

by broncorat on Nov 23, 2011 8:24 PM MST reply actions

There are two sides to every coin

Good point. I would love to know what the heck McDaniels was thinking drafting Tebow though. Tebow is the exact opposite (and I love it) of everything a McDaniels system QB stands for. In his system I would expect McDaniels to draft a pure passer who sits in the pocket and surveys the defense. That’s not Tebow baby! I wish someone would interview McDaniels and ask him if Tebow is playing like he thought he would when he was drafted.

by rybjammin on Nov 23, 2011 8:55 PM MST up reply actions

I am thankful for the community of Mile High Report and Bronco Fan's everywhere

For being in competition for a playoff spot after the start of the season.

Being able to see potential in the players on our roster instead of players that have reached their ceilings.

Watching Elvis and Doom being healthy and terrorizing QBs

Watching young receivers being healthy and getting better together.

Watching our defensive line being better than expected.

Watching Goodman play better than expected.

Watching Champ Bailey continue to be as good as expected.

Watching Tim Tebow and the rest of the posse run over people and Revis make a “business decision” not to tackle him.

Watching wins pile up and turn our season around.

..and for Tebow Fox Elway everybody on the team front office and the fans for making this season fun to watch.

by Kosty on Nov 23, 2011 9:55 PM MST reply actions

Chargers are 4-6

You made it sound like Denver and SD have the same record. Thankful that it is late November and there’s still a reason to watch.

by xandervan on Nov 23, 2011 10:43 PM MST reply actions

I'm grateful that Tebow has a chance to prove himself

Whether good or bad, we’ll finally get a real look at what we have in him. The media circus will continue to intensify but at least we’ll have some closure.

Go Broncos

Be a legend but don't overdo it.

by Will Schmitt on Nov 24, 2011 12:02 AM MST reply actions