Ugly losses create a lot of doubt, just ask New England. Weeks ago after getting completely dismantled by the Kansas City Chiefs, the MSM left the Patriots for dead. Tom Brady was on the decline, the Belichick way was no longer effective, New England was on the fast track to mediocrity. A handful of weeks later and a victory against what many had called the best team in football in the Denver Broncos and the Patriots are atop the football world again.
Turnarounds happen that quickly. So what now for the Broncos?
I think the first thing to point out is that New England won the 2nd quarter in such convincing fashion (24-0), the fact that the rest of the game was close (Broncos outscored New England 21-19 in the other three quarters of the game) should give Broncos Country a little comfort.
The question is what can the Broncos hang their hat on?
The issue as I see it is that the Broncos are a talented team with no identity. Right now their offense is wildly inconsistent. At times it aims to set up the running game only to put the Broncos in poor situations on 3rd down. Other times the offense moves the ball only to see a penalty set the down and distance back too far to recover. Other times it shows the capability of moving the length of the field in only a play or two.
On defense we seem to have a pattern of shutting things down on 1st and 2nd down only to see a poor 3rd down call make it easy for the opposing offense to gash out chunks (and 1st downs) in the passing game.
Overall, the Broncos identity can be defined by one word "inconsistent".
Inconsistent teams don't win championships.
Unprepared teams don't win championships.
Poorly coached teams don't win championships.
The Denver Broncos will not win a championship by maintaining the status quo.
On to Oakland....
Horse Tracks
Broncos need strong finish to take top seed - The Denver Post
Broncos face tough road on road to secure AFC's No. 1 seed
Broncos Mailbag: Decisive loss at New England stirs up a hornet's nest - The Denver Post
In the Broncos Mailbag, Mike Klis tackles a whopping 10 Q's, including more than one about the loss Sunday to the Patriots at New England.
The Film Don't Lie: Broncos - AFC West Blog - ESPN
A weekly look at what the Denver Broncos must fix.
Denver Broncos want to see improvement closer to sea level - ESPN
At the halfway point of their season, the Denver Broncos have shown themselves to have multiple -- as in two -- personalities.
Upon Further Review: Broncos-Patriots
The result was one to forget, but there were spot moments of brilliance for the Broncos in the defeat.
Rice: Some 49ers doubt Harbaugh's 'college' mentality - NFL.com
San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice says that he's heard some complaints from players that Harbaugh's college mentality isn't working in the NFL. Does Rice believe the Niners can turn it around?
GM: Browns aren't catering to Josh Gordon upon return - NFL.com
Wideout Josh Gordon is scheduled to be back at the end of the month, but the Cleveland Browns general manager isn't anticipating a change in scheme just to force him the ball.
Aldon Smith not likely to return to 49ers this week - NFL.com
Aldon Smith is not expected to be reinstated early from his suspension for Week 10, Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday. When will the All-Pro pass rusher be available for the San Francisco 49ers?
Dominique Franks goes from starter to cut in Baltimore | ProFootballTalk
On Sunday, cornerback Dominique Franks started for the Ravens against the Steelers. On Tuesday, Franks was cut. The Ravens announced the departure of Franks less than 48 hours after he was a key contributor to the defensive meltdown that saw Ben Roethlisberger throw six touchdown passes in Pittsb...
Bucs bench Mike Glennon, return to Josh McCown | ProFootballTalk
The Buccaneers have made another change at quarterback. Mike Glennon, the second-year player who has started the last five games, announced on Buccaneers radio affiliate WDAE this evening that he has been benched.
Mike McCoy says San Diego Chargers' effort was not an issue - ESPN
SAN DIEGO -- A day after his team was embarrassed against the Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said during a conversation with
Injury to Gabe Jackson a blow to struggling Oakland Raiders run game - ESPN
Gabe Jackson's injury is another challenge for a Raiders' run game that's struggled mightily this season.
The Film Don't Lie: Raiders - AFC West Blog - ESPN
A weekly look at what the Oakland Raiders must fix.
The Film Don't Lie: San Diego Chargers - ESPN
A weekly look at what the Chargers must fix following their Week 9 loss to Miami.
The Film Don t Lie: Kansas City Chiefs - ESPN
Playing top tight ends more could energize passing game.
AFC West Rundown: Week 9
AFC West teams had a tough Week 9 as they finished 1-3. The Chiefs were the only team to come out of the weekend unscathed and they moved up to second in the AFC West standings.