Wildcard Week - Horse Whisperings
by KaptainKirk on Jan 4, 2012 11:01 AM MST
in Horse Whisperings
Email
Print
- Head Coach John Fox is just the 3rd individual in franchise history to lead the Broncos to the postseason in his first year with the team (Red Miller-1977, Wade Philips-1993).
- The Broncos became just the 6th team since the current playoff format was introduced (1990) to enter the postseason after starting the season 1-4.
- Denver finished with the league’s top rushing attack (164.5 ypg) after totaling 2,285 rushing yards (190.4 ypg) over its last 12 games—the most productive 12-game rushing stretch in team history.
- QB Tim Tebow ranked 2nd among all NFL quarterbacks with 660 rushing yards—a total that ranks as the most by a Broncos quarterback in franchise history.
- RB Willis McGahee led the Broncos with 1,199 rushing yards and seven 100-yard rushing games.
- WR Demaryius Thomas totaled 25 receptions for 448 yards (17.9 avg.) with three touchdowns in Denver’s final five games to mark the most receiving yards in team history during the last month of a season (Dec./Jan.).
- T Ryan Clady joined T Claudie Minor ('74-77) as the only players in club history to start every game during their first 4 years. Clady has started 64 consecutive games to begin his career as one of just three players from his 2008 draft class to accomplish that feat.
- C J.D. Walton is one of three offensive linemen who entered the NFL last year to have started every game for his team.
- G Zane Beadles is tied for 4th among offensive linemen who entered the NFL in 2010 with 30 starts, including opening 14-of-16 games as a rookie last season and all 16 contests in 2011.
The Denver Defense finished the 2011 regular season in a lot better shape than it did in 2010.
| 2010 | Rank | Rank | 2011 | |
| 29.4 | 32nd | Points | 24th | 24.4 |
| 390.8 | 32nd | Total Yds | 20th | 357.8 |
| 236.2 | 25th | Pass Yds | 18th | 231.5 |
| 154.6 | 31st | Rush Yds | 22nd | 126.3 |
- CB Champ Bailey was named to his 11th career Pro Bowl in 2011 to tie for the 3rd-most selections in NFL history.
- S Brian Dawkins, who joined the Broncos as an Unrestricted Free Agent on Feb. 28, 2009 after playing his first 13 seasons with Philadelphia, completed his 16th NFL season playing the safety position—tied for most in league annals.
- DE Elvis Dumervil, who led the NFL in sacks (17) in 2009, returned to the Broncos defense after missing the entire 2010 campaign with a pectoral injury suffered during training camp.
- Dumervil ranks third in the NFL in sacks per game (.70) and is tied for the 3rd-most 2+sack games (14) in the league since his rookie season in 2006.
- LB Von Miller tied for 3rd in the AFC with 11.5 sacks this season—a total that ranked 2nd among all league rookies. He also tied Rulon Jones for the most by a rookie in franchise history.
- Jeff Rodgers finished his first season as the Broncos Special Teams coordinator after serving in that capacity under Head Coach John Fox in Carolina in 2010. According to Football Outsiders, Denver's Special Team's improved from the 27th ranked unit in 2010 to the 15th best in 2011.
- K Matt Prater owns the best field goal percentage from 50+ yards (.750 / 12-of-16) in NFL history among players who started their career after 1970.
- P Britton Colquitt set the team single-season records for gross and net punting average, previously held by Tom Rouen (47.6; 1998) and Mike Horan (38.9; 1990), respectively.
-
Colquitt became one of just two players in NFL history to post a 50-yard gross average along with a 43-yard net average during a single month (min. 20 att.). In four games in October, Colquitt punted 24 times for a 50.3-yard average (43.5 net) with four punts inside the 20 and zero touchbacks.
- Eric Decker recorded a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown against Oakland (9/12) that represented the 3rd-longest such play in franchise history and the 29th punt return touchdown overall.
- Eddie Royal returned a punt 85 yards for the go-ahead touchdown in Denver’s 38-24 come-from-behind win at Oakland in Week 9, representing the 6th-longest punt return for a touchdown in team history and the 30th overall.
WILDCARDS
- The Broncos have played in 7 Wildcard Playoff games and have a 1-6 record. However, they are 1-0 at Home, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 42-17 on December 27, 1996.
- The Steelers are Denver’s most common postseason opponent (6 GP) with the club owning a 3-3 all-time record against Pittsburgh in the playoffs, including a 3-2 mark at home.
- The Last Denver Home Win against the Steelers: 24-21 (1/11/98)
- The Last Denver Home Loss against the Steelers: 34-17 (1/22/06)
- Denver is 7-3-1 at home during regular season play against Pittsburgh.
- The Steelers open as 8 point favorites.
- The Broncos are 120-1 underdogs to win the Super Bowl.
- In five of the previous six playoff meetings between these two clubs, the winner has gone on to play in the Super Bowl.
| Player | GP | W.C. | Div. | Conf. | S.B. |
| Brian Dawkins |
18 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 1 |
| Lonie Paxton |
17 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Russ Hochstein |
14 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Broderick Bunkley |
7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Willis McGahee |
7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Champ Bailey |
5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| D.J. Williams |
2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Jason Hunter |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Rafael Bush |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| André Goodman |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tony Hills |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Joe Mays |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dante Rosario |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Jonathan Willhite |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTALS |
79 | 22 | 29 | 19 | 9 |
64 comments
|
5 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
GO BRONCOS!
wasn’t the Steelers also Elways first post season game in his first playoff campaign? I believe that was his 2nd year.
The Definition of an optimist: A Buffalo Bills fan waiting at Buffalo Niagara International Airport for the Bills to return from winning the Super Bowl.
yes in 1984
hopefully we have a better outcome Sunday than that was!
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 Jan 4, 2012 12:30 PM MST up reply actions
funny, something else similar to Elway
The Definition of an optimist: A Buffalo Bills fan waiting at Buffalo Niagara International Airport for the Bills to return from winning the Super Bowl.
of course
Elway’s opposing signal caller, Mark Malone, never raped anybody, he just had a Tom Selleck mustache 
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 Jan 4, 2012 12:51 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
This should be an interesting week
Especially with Gimpy Rapist and Mendenhall out. As long as we can cover those deep threats in Wallace, Brown, and Sanders, I think we should be OK.
you forgot, their 2nd best safety Clark isn't coming either lol
The Definition of an optimist: A Buffalo Bills fan waiting at Buffalo Niagara International Airport for the Bills to return from winning the Super Bowl.
i would say best
polamalu isn’t that good and Rogers proved that in the super bowl. In their defensive scheme he is free to do whatever. He’s just runs around. He’s horrible tackler he just throws his body as players. Clark is a beast though its best for us he’s can’t go they will be missing him
by David Swanson on Jan 4, 2012 11:35 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
they are both good at what they do :)
Troy is just like Dawkins, he is a run stuffing hard hitting safety that can cover okay.
Clark is an excellent coverage safety which is what they are historically best for.
The Definition of an optimist: A Buffalo Bills fan waiting at Buffalo Niagara International Airport for the Bills to return from winning the Super Bowl.
I think Polamalu does just fine...
…but only if he has Clark helping him in coverage. The two of them make a pretty formidable safety tandem. Polamalu is basically a lighter LB who sometimes can cover and jump routes, but his biggest strength is at the line.
That DEFINITELY helps.
Thanks, Mile High! You’ve officially taken out one player from the opposing team, just by being a mile high!
by H-bizzle on Jan 4, 2012 12:21 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I hope the Broncos think this way about Troy...
polamalu isn’t that good and Rogers proved that in the super bowl
He’s just runs around.
…because if they do, he’ll have a career day.
Troy was hobbled by an achillies injury that never healed till this past off-season. And you call yourself a football fan for saying “he just runs around”? I am concerned about how he keeps smacking his head into the ball carrier though, so you aren’t 100% off base with your post.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
Polamalu is one of the most over-rated players in the NFL today. Fact.
Not saying he’s not a good player, but he’s no way as influential as people say. I’m more worried about your linebackers in all honesty…
Most over rated? LOL
He was the DPOY last year.
"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there."
- Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).
Overrated- "To overestimate the merits of; rate too highly."
The guy is a good player of that there is no doubt, but to be awarded DPOY last season was staggering. He got totally shown up in coverage last year, in a league that is becoming more “passer friendly”. Not the attributes you would expect in a player that is considered best in his position, let alone the whole defensive side of the ball.
You keep wanting to use his coverage last year...
…when for the last entire half of the year, including the Super Bowl, he had an achillies injury that kept him from playing above 75% of his capabilities.
Keep telling yourself he’s over-rated; he’ll be in the HOF first ballot.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
Guess who was voted NFL Defensive Player of the Week?...
…yea, the over-rated guy who just runs around a lot.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
I know Polamalu
is a great player, I just hope we can use some plays to sucker him into making bad decisions, we shall see, the Broncos need to play their best but only a fool would say we don’t have a legitimate chance. If the Broncos cut out the turnovers and force two or three, I say my beloved Broncos win by 7 or more!
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 Jan 4, 2012 2:28 PM MST up reply actions
Any Given Sunday...
…No one gave the Seahawks a chance against the Saints last year, no one gave the Giants a chance against the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Hopefully it will be an exciting game, with no injuries on either side.
Good Luck; see you Sunday!
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
Yes, thanks!
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 Jan 4, 2012 2:44 PM MST up reply actions
I think Polamalu
Has faded a bit over the years.
I remember back in the 2005 Playoff game where he blew through two offensive linemen to tackle Tatum Bell on what was sure to be a huge run.
I’ve never seen anything like that before, and I don’t think he’s the same player now.
Wow, Tatum Bell
that’s way back, you’re confusing the stripling youths like Sayre!
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 Jan 4, 2012 2:44 PM MST up reply actions
Yes
back when Kevin Smith was brand new
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 Jan 4, 2012 4:48 PM MST up reply actions
You haven’t watched him this year then.
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Jan 5, 2012 7:57 AM MST up reply actions
Kinda like this?
http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/10/steelers-troy-polamalu-animated-gif-titans/
"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." ~Jack Lambert.
"Superman ain't got nothing on me, ... Kryptonite? C'mon now. It's just that you're never going to hear me say that somebody is tougher than me, ... Because I don't believe somebody else could be tougher than me." ~James Harrison
by H-burgSTEELfanatic on Jan 5, 2012 9:52 AM MST up reply actions
same old Troy
"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." ~Jack Lambert.
"Superman ain't got nothing on me, ... Kryptonite? C'mon now. It's just that you're never going to hear me say that somebody is tougher than me, ... Because I don't believe somebody else could be tougher than me." ~James Harrison
by H-burgSTEELfanatic on Jan 6, 2012 8:56 AM MST up reply actions
I definitely wouldnt say Palomalu is overrated
I remember back in 09 when you guys lost like what 4 or 5 straight? they were saying because palomalu wasnt in. Denver fans know full well how bad the defense misses Dawkins, and Troy is like that for the Steelers, only better
"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
Troy
is a warrior, can’t talk smack about him. I wish the Broncos had a couple more like him on the team.
Release the Tebow!
And besides...
He has Great Hair!
It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on aimlessly and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.
And don't forget...
that he has Great Hair!
It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on aimlessly and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.
Why do you think Pittsburgh has become such a center for medical research...
…they’re trying to perfect human cloning before Troy retires.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
The team plays better when he is on the field
Its kindof like Tebow for us. I think everyone elevates their game due to him.
This is an absolute joke. I’d love to hear why you think he is overrated. I will start my argument with 2010 DPotY, PFF’s top rated safety this year, and Advanced NFL Stats 2nd highest rated safety.
Your move.
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Jan 5, 2012 7:55 AM MST up reply actions
Have you see any other safeties do what Polamalu does? I doubt it.
Look at some of his highlights and watch as your jaw hits the floor.
"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." ~Jack Lambert.
"Superman ain't got nothing on me, ... Kryptonite? C'mon now. It's just that you're never going to hear me say that somebody is tougher than me, ... Because I don't believe somebody else could be tougher than me." ~James Harrison
by H-burgSTEELfanatic on Jan 5, 2012 9:50 AM MST up reply actions
Polamalu has really cool hair
but then again, so do I…
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 Jan 4, 2012 12:31 PM MST up reply actions
Couple games ago I saw
him run into a TE head first and get up all wobbly….he was seeing stars LOL I wouldn’t doubt if he has “played through” a couple different concussions.
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
Yes, unfortunately he has a habit of thinking his hair is added protection...
…but you’ll notice, the Steelers kept him out of the rest of the game, despite his protestations, and in spite of the fact (as mentioned here quite frequently) that our Defense suffers in his absence. This, unlike the Browns, who risked life and mental acuity of their QB after Harrison knocked him out, all for the sake of a 4-12 season.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
Yeah that was dumb
I thought they shoulda kept Seneca in there. He made a pretty good throw to put it in the red and that hit Harrison put on McCoy was brutal
"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
Troy's hair only protects him
if he is truly a Nazarene, as Biblical Samson. If he’s not, then it is merely an impeccable adornment, not a representation of strength
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 Jan 4, 2012 11:32 PM MST up reply actions
If we are talking about the same play
it was an offensive lineman, not a TE that he took down.
Things can always be worse....
The play I was talking about
Was an outlet pass to the TE ….Troy lowered his head and bounced right off him. The TE went sideways a little and went down. Troy got up all wobbly :)
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
Nice Re-Kap,Kap
I like the photo of Tebow Two. That was a good touch.
Let’s hope that all the injuries and altitude add up to really hurt the Steelers this Sunday. And let’s also hope that the Broncos can over come the major injuries of their own. And let’s also hope that the offensive play calling will be adjusted to utilize Tebows abilities to throw on the move. And let’s also hope that Tebow will hit open WRs. And let’s also hope that the WRs will catch the passes thrown to them. And let’s also hope that Denver’s DBs are able to handle the Picksburger WRs. And let’s hope that Elvis Von Doomerville can pressure and sack Big Head Ben and the Monsters. And let’s hope that the Zebra’s call a fair game. And let’s hope that the Steelers fans do not dominate the seats at Mile High. And let’s also hope that the Broncos can sustain several drives by getting several first downs. And let’s hope that McCoy can get Tebow into a rhythm early and call a effective, balanced attack. And let’s hope that win or lose the Broncos are a better team this time next year and entering the playoffs on a roll with their helmets held high.
Victory is sweet, even deep in the cheap seats.
by KoloradoKaos on Jan 4, 2012 12:28 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
the photo is nice.
all we can hope is that tebow escapes from the fire breathing horse mouth on the upper left that’s looking to eat him alive.
oh brother.
Victory is sweet, even deep in the cheap seats.
by KoloradoKaos on Jan 4, 2012 12:49 PM MST up reply actions
*** NEWS FLASH***
Dawkins sits out of practice again.
My guess is he’ll sit all week but play since it’s playoffs. I’m not so sure about how much he’ll play tho.
The Definition of an optimist: A Buffalo Bills fan waiting at Buffalo Niagara International Airport for the Bills to return from winning the Super Bowl.
I read this morning that his neck injury might be career ending. :-(
Win the individual battles at the LOS - all else flows from that.
key word in there, "might"
he’s had neck injuries his whole career practically
The Definition of an optimist: A Buffalo Bills fan waiting at Buffalo Niagara International Airport for the Bills to return from winning the Super Bowl.
God Bless Dawk
win, lose or draw, preferably the former, he is committed to us, so I’m committed to him throughout his life, we are Bronco brethren and brethren in Christ, love ya Dawk!
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 Jan 4, 2012 2:45 PM MST up reply actions
I just Hope.
That our boys walk the talk and come out out on top! Broncos on 3. 1 2 3 BRONCOS!!!
by CenCalBronco on Jan 4, 2012 1:46 PM MST via mobile reply actions
Interesting Whisperings
Fun stuff, rec’d
"Give me 22 Tebows and I'll play all the positions both ways!" "Give me football, or give me football."
Agreed...
…and I appreciate the hospitality. Good luck on Sunday.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
All right Broncos fans we need help from beyond the grave
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_WyUwNPOzQ&ob=av3n, this is the best I know how
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 Jan 4, 2012 11:24 PM MST reply actions
Thanks for the look at the big picture Kap!
You have to look at the season as a whole, and we are miles ahead of where I thought we’d be right now. Granted, when we were as poor as we were last year, anything looks better. Still, I’m comfortable believing this year was a BIG success!
Now….back to this week. We need to go all in this week….open the playbook, and spread the field no matter the consequence! I would imagine they will get an inspirational speech by #7, and I’d love to be a fly on the wall for that!
GO BRONCOS!!
W-L record doesn't matter to me.... I just want to see a team on the rise at the end of the year!
playoffs
Denver needs to do to Pittsburg what West Virginia did to Clemson.
by harryfugginknutts on Jan 5, 2012 8:53 AM MST reply actions
it's too bad
West Virginia can’t play another bowl winner next week in a bracket, I hate the BC$ :(
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 Jan 5, 2012 9:02 AM MST up reply actions
I'm starting to agree about the BCS being lame
in terms of not having seeding and playoffs. If so, this year it would still end up LSU / Bama
GB 2
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Getting Social With MHR
Web Stuff
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Things to know about NFL men who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam
- How Kyle Orton almost cost the Colts Andrew Luck
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
