Minnesota Vikings @ Denver Broncos - 'This Is The End' Game Day Open Thread

by TheSportsGuru on Dec 30, 2007 1:02 PM MST in 2007 Game Day Threads

Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos
Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium
Denver, Colorado

	1st	2nd	3rd	4th+OT	F
Vikings	0	3	0	16	19
Broncos	0	14	3	5	22

Minnesota	Stat	Denver
164.1 ypg (1st)	Rush Offense	121.9 ypg (9th)
172.3 ypg (28th)	Pass Offense	223.3 ypg (13th)
336.5 ypg (14th)	Total Offense	345.3 ypg (9th)
23.1 ppg (13th)	Scoring Offense	19.9 ppg (21st)
70.5 ypg (1st)	Rush Defense	140.7 ypg (30th)
266.1 ypg (32nd)	Pass Defense	195.6 ypg (7th)
336.5 ypg (24th)	Total Defense	336.3 ypg (18th)
19.3 ppg (10th)	Scoring Defense	26.0 ppg (30th)

Thanks to Gonzo over at Daily Norseman for the chart above. Imitation is the finest form of flattery!

BRONCOS INACTIVES --

FB Mike Bell
DE Larry Birdine
DE Paul Carrington
TE Daniel Graham
LB Ian Gold
QB Darrell Hackney (in uniform as third QB)
OL Isaac Snell
WR Brandon Stokley

Notes: Are you part of the problem or part of the solution. That is what the Broncos are trying to find out. I will be looking for effort, 60 minutes worth, and looking for guys I will want on the roster we the 2008 season gets underway.

VIKINGS INACTIVES --

QB Kelly Holcomb -- 3rd QB
WR Sidney Rice
S Mike Doss
CB Antoine Winfield
FB Naufahu Tahi
LB Vinny Ciurciu
LB Dontarrious Thomas
OT Chase Johnson

Notes: The Vikings, on the other hand, are still battling for a playoff spot. Sure they need help, but any hope is better than no hope at all...

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Comments

I must have missed it

What's up with Stokely? And who are we going to start at WR -- Martinez, Marshall, and ... ? Walker? Jacobs?

Loyal to the purple/black and orange/blue.

by Silverblood on Dec 30, 2007 1:53 PM MST 0 recs

Walker will start

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 2:11 PM MST up 0 recs

Pylon gets

the 12th man award.

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 2:35 PM MST 0 recs

Is there ever....

a play to Cecil Sapp that DOES work???

-TSG

www.milehighreport.com

by TheSportsGuru on Dec 30, 2007 2:35 PM MST 0 recs

I'm interested

to see what kind of record contract for FBs he gets this year...

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 2:38 PM MST up 0 recs

this team really has no heart...

Rod Smith is a Hall of Famer.

by Jake The Stash on Dec 30, 2007 2:36 PM MST 0 recs

Doc on the radio broadcast

"AP has that rare case of speed, and power and...and...jukability! I think...

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 2:42 PM MST 0 recs

Hey mates!

Can anybody please tell me why Selvin rushed for -7 yards? What was this play all about?

by DjBroncos on Dec 30, 2007 2:42 PM MST 0 recs

Cutler fumbled the snap

and then pitched it back to Selvin.

"Better you than me!" he was heard to say...

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 2:45 PM MST up 0 recs

Again

(Insert Bronco defensive player here) almost had a great play there! He almost got (insert INT, fumble recovery, tackle here).

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 2:44 PM MST 0 recs

It surely has...

been a year of near-misses, almosts and should'ves...

-TSG

www.milehighreport.com

by TheSportsGuru on Dec 30, 2007 2:48 PM MST up 0 recs

WOW

We did survive the first quarter 0:0!

(Thanks styg!)

by DjBroncos on Dec 30, 2007 2:48 PM MST 0 recs

np

are you sopcasting Dj?

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 2:54 PM MST up 0 recs

Sopcasting?

Well, I don't know what it means in my language... That's my problem right now.

I AM trying to watch the game with the program SopCast, but it will not work -.-

by DjBroncos on Dec 30, 2007 3:03 PM MST up 0 recs

coining a phrase

yeah, mine isn't working either. No demand for the game might mean no feed worth watching...

oh well

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:08 PM MST up 0 recs

Oh no

I'm really not into coining phrases.

But the game I'd like watching...

by DjBroncos on Dec 30, 2007 3:15 PM MST up 0 recs

this season

can't end fast enough for me....get a good draft pick.

Hearts were broken in Chicago...Balls taken in Oakland...Coffins nailed in Houston...Belch!

by mdierk on Dec 30, 2007 2:49 PM MST 0 recs

held to a FG...

it's better

Hearts were broken in Chicago...Balls taken in Oakland...Coffins nailed in Houston...Belch!

by mdierk on Dec 30, 2007 2:50 PM MST 0 recs

Only a field goal.

Let's not see Paulsecu punt on this drive.

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ on Dec 30, 2007 2:52 PM MST 0 recs

Logan and Doc

just got an order of curly fries and chili fries.

nom nom nom...

Oh and Young had a decent run.

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 2:56 PM MST 0 recs

Young breaks contain

by using a backbreaker over his knee!

Bam!

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 2:57 PM MST 0 recs

Now, don't let that be the only good drive for

the rest of the game.

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ on Dec 30, 2007 3:02 PM MST 0 recs

AP returning kickoffs

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:03 PM MST 0 recs

31

Number of teams that have had at least one
top-10 draftpick since Mike Shanahan
became the Broncos’ coach in 1995.
The only team not to draft from the
top 10 is Shanahan’s Broncos, who enter their game today in a four-way tie
for the NFL’s ninth-worst record.

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:12 PM MST 0 recs

My thoughts too ...

... when I look at the chargers. How many top 10 picks do those guys have? 5 or 6? Can we blame them for having talent? God I hate the Giant's for that Eli Trade. They gave up way too much.

Remember when Eli didn't want to play in SD because they just sucked... those were the days.

Although if Rivers can be a little more Leaf like, it might be all good.

BUT THEN there is Indy. They have turned every 1st round pick into gold. Damn them. I want their GM.

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Dec 30, 2007 3:19 PM MST up 0 recs

Are we actually doing a good job with AP?

A while back when he broke that 296yd game vs the Chargers, I started having nightmares about a 300+ yard game in week 17.

Although the way I imagined it back then was a brocos team in control of its own destiny needing a win to get in.

I guess deams are just that, dreams.

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Dec 30, 2007 3:14 PM MST 0 recs

Denver

notoriously underplays significant games this year. It wouldn't surprise me at all if we shut down AP in a situation where it really has no bearing.

Doesn't mean Taylor won't have 200yds against us though...

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:17 PM MST up 0 recs

First of all after his yardage so far

he has a fumble :)

by DjBroncos on Dec 30, 2007 3:20 PM MST up 0 recs

Engleberger

Says, "Anything the Pylon can do, I can do BETTER!"

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:18 PM MST 0 recs

What's that pylon stuff about?

Did I miss something? I just don't get the joke.

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Dec 30, 2007 3:21 PM MST up 0 recs

Chester Taylor appeared

to have a TD, but the ball hit the pylon and went out of bounds in the end zone. Broncos gained possession as a result.

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ on Dec 30, 2007 3:24 PM MST up 0 recs

Taylor's first fumble

hit the pylon as he was stretching for a TD. Ended up being a touchback for Denver.

-TSG

www.milehighreport.com

by TheSportsGuru on Dec 30, 2007 3:25 PM MST up 0 recs

Taylor

lost a fumble when the pylon knocked it out of his hands at the goalline earlier...

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:25 PM MST up 0 recs

Is that Selvin's first TD

whoops penalty

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:19 PM MST 0 recs

Isn't that the 2nd touchdown

called back for Selvin Young?

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:20 PM MST up 0 recs

He had a TD vs KC

A 16 yard run and TD I think.

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Dec 30, 2007 3:21 PM MST up 0 recs

Bingo

I looked it up and he had a lone TD in our first game against KC.

How about this stat: 5.6 ypc avg

I like me some young...

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:34 PM MST up 0 recs

There is a funny thing about it

Way back in the pre-season the GURU had a radio guest who said they didn't like Henry. It wasn't like he didnt have good average and total numbers, but his yards were not consistant.

I think the same is true of Young at the moment.

12 yard run, 2 yard run, 2 yard run, stuffed at the line, PUNT. You get a 4 yard average, but no use.

3, 5, 3, 4, 2, 5, 4 Yard ... 1st DOWNs baby. Less than 4 yard average, but consistant movment.

I think that is more important. You can add big runs to make it nice, but the consistant runs have to be there.

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Dec 30, 2007 3:40 PM MST up 0 recs

Good point

Great point, in fact.

But 5.6 is a good number to build on methinks ;)

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:51 PM MST up 0 recs

How do you break 18 tackles

and NOT get a TD?

He must be a 2007 Denver Bronco.

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:22 PM MST 0 recs

No

the 2007 broncos slip in the backfield when there is a huge hole open infront of them

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Dec 30, 2007 3:23 PM MST up 0 recs

Way to get to the 1

Let's hope we can actually punch it in for a change

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Dec 30, 2007 3:23 PM MST 0 recs

Backpedaling Cutler

hits a Scheffler after he uncovers on a run-sellout play.

Woo!

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:26 PM MST 0 recs

I Like...

Prader as a kickoff specialist.....

-TSG

www.milehighreport.com

by TheSportsGuru on Dec 30, 2007 3:29 PM MST 0 recs

Let's see

how he kicks outside of Denver before we get too happy.

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Dec 30, 2007 3:31 PM MST up 0 recs

Nope...

He's my bright spot in 2007 and I am sticking to it...

-TSG

www.milehighreport.com

by TheSportsGuru on Dec 30, 2007 3:32 PM MST up 0 recs

Guru's newest lock

Prader. Write it down.

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:35 PM MST up 0 recs

It's already written.

That's the neat thing about a blog

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Dec 30, 2007 3:40 PM MST up 0 recs

What is a

Win Born?

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:31 PM MST 0 recs

Thats an euphemism for....

what you call "a keeper", that will kick Gold and Webster off the lineup, and make us forget #56...

Oh well, maybe not, but he is af keeper..

From Denmark, so i excuse my self for un-knowing-ness...

by Claaaaas on Dec 30, 2007 3:48 PM MST up 0 recs

Nice to see...

Another team make stupid, idiotic mistakes...

-TSG

www.milehighreport.com

by TheSportsGuru on Dec 30, 2007 3:31 PM MST 0 recs

Its like

looking in a mirror almost...

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:34 PM MST up 0 recs

Halftime

Well, at least we're ahead. And have a couple of TDs. Which we couldn't say last week, but there's still another half of football to play...

Loyal to the purple/black and orange/blue.

by Silverblood on Dec 30, 2007 3:37 PM MST 0 recs

What about Mustard!

The guy is catching some balls.

And what are the odds that MARSHALL Holds out this offseason?

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Dec 30, 2007 3:42 PM MST 0 recs

I would have to guess

that marshall has been through too much with this team to want to put them in a bad position, especially with all the disappointment this year.

And I think it goes both ways, so Denver will pay him when his day comes, as well.

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:53 PM MST up 0 recs

Hey all!

Just got back from work, but expect to get paged back anytime. Am going to follow on nfl.com.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by hoosierteacher on Dec 30, 2007 3:50 PM MST 0 recs

Nice kick to the two...

...by Guru's newest favorite player.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by hoosierteacher on Dec 30, 2007 3:51 PM MST 0 recs

Way too short!

A punt in Denver by a Bronco HAS TO BE 75 yards long!

by DjBroncos on Dec 30, 2007 3:54 PM MST up 0 recs

The lead is nice too.

Vikes should be able to run on us, but I don't think they can pass from behind.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by hoosierteacher on Dec 30, 2007 3:52 PM MST 0 recs

And if Mustard can work out catching balls...

I like the multi-TE set possibilities we have for next year along with Scheff and Graham.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by hoosierteacher on Dec 30, 2007 3:54 PM MST 0 recs

and if we resign Jackson...

aye yai yai.

How many TEs do you need to run 3 TE sets? 4? 5?

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 3:56 PM MST up 0 recs

lol

You should have the depth to allow for you to run a 3-TE system in case of injuries, unless you are just running three TEs as a formation (as opposed to writing your playbook around a 3-TE system).

Teams already run two TEs (and do so more and more). Teams will run 3 TE as an extra formation for awhile before someone decides to make it a central formation. The key is having at least two good receiving TEs and one who is able to catch most of the time. But three receiving TEs is ideal (though you still need at least a couple of guys behind them).

In a true 3-TE system, remember, you save money and roster spots by de-emphasizing both the FB position and most of the receivers. (You need one good receiver to drag the weak side, and a decent back-up).

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by hoosierteacher on Dec 30, 2007 4:06 PM MST up 0 recs

What is the

ideal QB for a system like this? Could it capitaliz on a rushing QB, or would a manningish type guy be the perfect fit?

Gameday postwhore.

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 4:19 PM MST up 0 recs

I'm interested

in knowing what Shanny would have done if that call had been reversed.

We have to fire test our guys after all...

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 4:01 PM MST 0 recs

A 18-yard gain

with a short pass to Scheff - there you have your answer ;)

by DjBroncos on Dec 30, 2007 4:05 PM MST up 0 recs

And Shanny gets an A+

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 4:06 PM MST up 0 recs

Cutler!!

You had a chance to get a completion to yourself!

I don't care about a heads up play man! All the great ones have a completion to themselves!

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 4:01 PM MST 0 recs

Pats bubble screen vs. Broncs bubble screen

Speedy Welker or Battering Marshall?

Which would you prefer?

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 4:03 PM MST 0 recs

Bubble

Since Marshall can block so well, pass to Walker. Let Marshall do his blocks.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by hoosierteacher on Dec 30, 2007 4:12 PM MST up 0 recs

It's looking like we can kiss our

first top ten pick in 15 years good by...

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 4:05 PM MST 0 recs

We had the #10 in 2000

but traded it to Baltimore for the 15 and other stuff (we then took Deltha O'Neal at 15). So we haven't drafted in the top 10 in 15 years, but we did qualify for that "honor" once.

Any idea if the Broncos have no shot at a top 10 pick since Carolina, Chicago and Cinci all won? I know it is ordered by strength of schedule, but I cant find that info anywhere online.

by MattR on Dec 30, 2007 4:14 PM MST up 0 recs

After the SB (as in next day)...

Go to NFL.com, go to "records" tab, and click "league". It shows the order teams finished in. (It won't take into account trades though). Of course, the draft order will come up on a gazillion draft tabs on any sports site.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by hoosierteacher on Dec 30, 2007 4:21 PM MST up 0 recs

I'll say like Parcells

That's a good thing... not a bad thing...

Besides, who cares if it will be James Lauranitis or Dan Connor in the first round?

From Denmark, so i excuse my self for un-knowing-ness...

by Claaaaas on Dec 30, 2007 4:17 PM MST up 0 recs

More leverage

could mean top tier DT or Saf.

But it is looking more and more like LB will be the only non-reach position left to us in the middle of the first round.

Gameday postwhore.

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 4:21 PM MST up 0 recs

100 catches

for Marshall now?

by DjBroncos on Dec 30, 2007 4:20 PM MST 0 recs

Why do they...

keep saying Marshall was on the Dolphins practice squad??? Can someone PLEASE correct him???

-TSG

www.milehighreport.com

by TheSportsGuru on Dec 30, 2007 4:21 PM MST 0 recs

Remnds me of Korhieser

...saying no one has heard of LT during the SD game. (Dumb east coaster thought EVERYONE has heard of Tiki Barber, but the "few" people who have heard of LT only know him for his dark face mask).

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by hoosierteacher on Dec 30, 2007 4:24 PM MST up 0 recs