Denver Broncos News: Horse Tracks - Playoffs???

Bye week playoff picture (AFC)

1) Cincinnati Bengals (3-0, 2-0)

2) Denver Broncos (2-1, 2-0)

3) Houston Texans (2-1, 1-0)

4) Buffalo Bills (2-1, 1-1)

5) San Diego Chargers (2-1, 1-0)

6) Baltimore Ravens (2-1, 2-1)

Buffalo edges out New England with a better divisional record, as do the Broncos over the Chargers. There are four 2-1 wildcard teams but San Diego and Baltimore get the nod with better overall conference records.

What does this mean? Absolutely nothing right now. For the Broncos, losing to Seattle was almost meaningless as they were a non-conference foe. If you are going to lose games, those are the games to lay a goose egg.

The next 5

Cardinals, at Jets, 49ers, Chargers, at Patriots

Three more conference games with a very important divisional matchup against the San Diego Chargers. The Charger game will fall on a Thursday Night just like last season.

Why no Latimer, Thompson?

The overall pulse of Broncos Country right now seems to want to see more playing time for these players. The issue with both players of course is inexperience. I can say very matter of factly that if Peyton Manning thought he needed Cody Latimer in the game, he would be there. Going forward, Wes Welker back in the lineup gives the Broncos their best three in the rotation and that is something Cody will find hard to crack.  I think you might see him get some reps later on as the season progresses but there is no need to rush.

When it comes to Juwan Thompson, similar deal. Montee Ball has done a great job on 3rd down with blitz pickups and looking at the slate of teams on the schedule, the Broncos will be facing some aggressive fronts in the next handful of games. If you're going to run him on 1st and 2nd down but not give him any pass blocking responsibilities, you are tipping your intentions to the defense. With a front that is already struggling to create room, that is the last thing you want to happen.

The key with both of these players is patience

Trust in Demaryius

I picked up this block on Richard Sherman from twitter yesterday. It's the sort of play that reminds me what a special player Demaryius has been for the Broncos. No one feels the pressures of a slow start more than Thomas.

"I just haven't been consistent, and it bothers me...I think about it, I keep practicing hard, doing the things I need to do. I want to make it right.''

It's only a matter of time before Demaryius puts together a complete game for the first time this season. And when he does, we'll I imagine the Broncos offense will start to fire on all cylinders as well.

Slump or no, he still came through in a huge way when the game was on the line.

Horse Tracks

Kickin' it with Kiz: Coaching not the issue for Broncos - The Denver Post
Can coaches. The Broncos' coaches lost that game against Seattle. The coaches are playing not to lose instead of playing to win.

Broncos' Aqib Talib fined for throwing elbow vs. Seahawks - The Denver Post
Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib was fined $8,268 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness in last Sunday's game against the Seahawks in Seattle.

Ward, Moore have long history
Safeties Rahim Moore and T.J. Ward have been friends since high school. The two are now teammates, working to help the Broncos become an elite defense.

Mason's Mailbag: Aqib Talib, aggression and a time to chill It's the bye week trip into the mailbag. with an array of topics from cornerbacks to the idea of a game in Brazil.

Rookie progress report: Bradley Roby seizes a role Bradley Roby has seen more snaps than the rest of the rookies put together, and has earned an expansive role through the first three games.

More fines coming for Washington-Philly brawl | ProFootballTalk So far, only Washington defensive lineman Chris Baker and Philadelphia tackle Jason Peters have received fines for their role in last Sunday's rumble at Lincoln Financial Field.  But more fines are coming.

Despite struggles, Chargers will keep calling runs - NFL.com The San Diego Chargers' running game has been bad. Despite the team's hope to rely on Donald Brown, the back averaged two yards per carry last week. Do the Chargers plan to stick with the ground attack?

Will Vernon Davis suit up against the Eagles? - NFL.com The San Francisco 49ers missed Vernon Davis last week. Will the Pro Bowl tight end be available when the Niners take on the Philadelphia Eagles?

Giants' Cruz: Eli Manning TD run is like unicorn or UFO - NFL.com Eli Manning scored a rushing touchdown for just the fifth time in his 11-year career Thursday night. New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz said witnessing the rare sighting was similar to spotting a unicorn or UFO.

Charlie Whitehurst says he's ready to start for Titans - NFL.com Charlie Whitehurst says getting reps in practice this week helped prepare him if Jake Locker can't play vs. the Colts. "Clipboard Jesus" could get his first start since 2011.

Jamaal Charles (ankle) probable for Chiefs vs. Patriots - NFL.com After missing last week's contest, Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is listed as probable to play Monday night against the New England Patriots. What else can we glean from the injury report?