/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51148877/usa-today-9564255.0.jpg)
Good morning, Broncos Country!
When people list off the best coaches in the NFL, one name is overlooked.
Prior to the 2015 season, one could grasp the logic. You could at least see why they would make that case. Heck, some in Denver questioned the move to hire him as the head coach. They weren’t sure it would work. It was too safe. John Elway was just doing a solid for his former teammate and offensive coordinator.
After what happened last season for the Denver Broncos, there is no excuse.
Gary Kubiak is one of the best coaches in the NFL. He’s also the most underrated. What he did last season with an ailing Hall of Fame quarterback and, for all intents and purposes, a rookie, is one of the most impressive coaching jobs you will ever see. Adam Malnati and I talked about this subject on the latest edition of the Mile High Report Radio podcast.
The fact it was capped off by a Super Bowl win shows how special that really was. How Kubiak handled a situation that could have blown up in his face is what great coaches do. They trust their instincts and don’t think twice.
Often times coaches have a knack to overthink what they do. They don’t trust themselves - either because of the stress of the job or the pressure to succeed. Or in some cases they just don’t care, as was the case for Kubiak’s predecessor when he said, "Isn’t winning the division enough?"
What allows Kubiak to listen to his gut is he knows what the Broncos are about. He knows the expectations and he embraces them. He wants them. Kubiak also knows how Elway thinks. There is a special connection between the two that feeds the other. It’s not so much friends as it is brothers. That’s how deep that relationship is for Kubiak and Elway. They are driven to succeed, but not just for themselves.
That’s why, at least in my mind, there was no doubt this would work when the move was made in 2015. It was the ideal situation at the right time, and it could not have worked out better for all involved.
Since Kubiak was hired, no team has won more games than the Broncos (18-4, .818). They won the Super Bowl. They fielded one of the greatest defenses in NFL history, and through three games, still do.
Since Gary Kubiak was named head coach, no NFL team has more wins than the #Broncos (18-4, .818). pic.twitter.com/GubRw8UIzh
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) September 27, 2016
Of course it helps to have an experienced coaching staff that you know will do its job. Kubiak has one of the best in the NFL.
Mark Kiszla wrote in The Denver Post earlier this week that, unlike some/most coaches in the NFL, Kubiak treats his players like men. But it goes deeper than that. The Broncos trust Kubiak. They trust their coaches.
There’s that word again. Trust.
Elway trusts Kubiak, and vice versa.
Kubiak trusts his coaches, and vice versa.
The players trust Kubiak, and vice versa.
The players trust their coaches, and vice versa.
It starts at the top and works its way down to the bottom. You want to know why the Broncos are so successful? That’s why. Trust breeds success, in any walk of life.
It's remarkable how good this team has been since Kubiak took over. And to think some questioned Elway when he made the move. https://t.co/uGKTM8I7xO
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) September 27, 2016
Kubiak has picked up right where he left off last season with how he’s handled the quarterback situation in 2016. As he did last season, he listened to his coaches but also trusted his gut. As the results have shown, he made the right call ... yet again.
At some point people will catch up and realize one of the best coaches in the NFL mans the sidelines in Denver. That what Kubiak did a season ago, and is still doing, wasn’t just a fluke.
It still baffles the mind how any person who knows a lick about football would rank the coach in Kansas City above Kubiak. No, seriously.
Broncos Tracks
Three Keys to Broncos-Buccaneers
The Broncos will have to overcome the heat and Jameis Winston's playmaking ability to get it done at Raymond James Stadium.
Five things you should know: Billy Winn's emergence, Brandon Marshall's perfectionism, and more
You may not know Billy Winn yet, but he's become an important part of the Broncos' D-line rotation and has delivered solid work against the run.
9 keys to the Broncos defeating Tampa Bay | 9news.com
TAMPA -The Broncos are 3-0, looking to go 4-0 for the ninth time in their last 30 seasons. They wound up using six of those previous eight, 4-0 starts to reach the Super Bowl.
Troy Renck: Take 5 Keys to Broncos victory vs. Buccaneers - 7NEWS Denver TheDenverChannel.com
The Broncos enter Sunday as a favorite. Who knew that the anyone outside of Denver realized they were good?
Denver Broncos-Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans vs. Broncos cornerbacks could be decided by hand-fighting | Tampa Bay Times
TAMPA — There was a time when Mike Evans was known for having a big body and a bigger mouth. While he still likes to talk on the field, defensive backs aren't responding because they're too worried about being beaten by the Bucs' receiver.
Woody Paige: The rankings are in and the Broncos look strong in nationwide polls - 7NEWS Denver TheDenverChannel.com
The Paige Power Rankings are in -- and the Broncos look strong.
Broncos vs. Buccaneers 2016 picks and predictions: Experts heavily favor Denver - SBNation.com
It's no surprise that experts feel the Broncos will best the Buccaneers on Sunday, though there are a handful who think Tampa Bay can win it.
Antonopulos adds more accolades to outstanding career with Broncos
Steve "Greek" Antonopulos' path to Northern Colorado's Athletics Hall of Fame made him a Broncos legend in the process.
Denver Broncos will host a Hackathon in their stadium | SI.com
The Broncos' hackathon will be open to Colorado college students, and will take place during a weekend in November.
AFC West Tracks
Chiefs’ No. 1 task? Slowing Steelers’ special connection, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and receiver Antonio Brown | The Kansas City Star
If you want to know the secret behind the best quarterback-receiver battery in the National Football League, watch the Pittsburgh Steelers practice.
Kansas City Chiefs game plan: Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) | The Kansas City Star
A detailed look at the key players to watch for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Chiefs’ keys to victory leading up to their Week 4 game at 7:30 Sunday night at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
Chiefs vs. Steelers 2016 odds: Pittsburgh seeks rebound effort as favorite against Kansas City - SBNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking to shake off an ugly loss last week with a win at home over the Kansas City Chiefs as betting favorites.
Chiefs DC asked about Marcus Peters shadowing a No. 1 receiver - Arrowhead Pride
It’s all the rage in the NFL these days (or mostly with Josh Norman).
Have Oakland Raiders solved their Eastern time zone woes? - NFL Nation- ESPN
After struggling mightily when playing in the East, the Raiders may be turning a corner, although winning in Baltimore won't be easy.
5 Things To Watch vs. Oakland Raiders
The offensive line will be put to the test versus one of the most talented young defenders in football.
Raiders' overhauled secondary looks to deliver against Ravens
Will that Oakland secondary be able to slow down that Baltimore offense?
Five Good Questions with Baltimore Beatdown: Are these 3-0 Ravens for real? - Silver And Black Pride
I speak with Kyle Barber from SB Nation Ravens blog Baltimore Beatdown to get the scoop on the Raiders opponent Sunday.
Chargers defense can rise to occasion - The San Diego Union-Tribune
The unit hasn't sealed a win with a stop since 2014.
LaDainian Tomlinson, Lorenzo Neal always knew Drew Brees had 'it' - New Orleans Saints Blog- ESPN
LaDainian Tomlinson and Lorenzo Neal saw early on in their days with Drew Drees that the quarterback had the qualities to be great.
New Orleans Saints at San Diego Chargers: Three key matchups | NOLA.com
The teams play at 2:25 p.m. MT Sunday.
LaDainian Tomlinson puts his foot in his mouth (again) - Bolts From The Blue
Former San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson has once again said the wrong thing just to make a headline. This time, his target is Philip Rivers.
NFL Tracks
If the NFL wants to grow the game, stop sending the Jaguars to London | FOX Sports
The unexciting Jaguars playing international games until 2020 isn't going to generate buzz.
Biggest Week 4 NFL questions, stats and predictions - NFL Nation- ESPN
Can the Seahawks get by with a hobbled Russell Wilson? What will the Texans look like without J.J. Watt? Here's what to watch for in Week 4.
NFL Week 4 injury report: Your updates on who's in and who's out | FOX Sports
Here's the injury news that will shape your favorite team -- and your fantasy squad.
Five matchups that will define NFL Week 4: How will Le'Veon Bell shift Steelers?
Steelers RB's return highlights the slate for Week 4.
N.F.L. Week 4: Schedule and Predictions - The New York Times
Byes are back, but Tom Brady still is not. Here’s what to expect in Week 4.
15 must-read fantasy football stats for Week 4 - NFL.com
David Johnson has been as consistent as they come so far this season. Where does he land in Cynthia Frelund's running back rankings. Plus 14 other must-read fantasy stats.
Big surprise (not): Pat McAfee steals the show at NFL event in London
LONDON — "I see a lot of drunk people out there," Pat McAfee told the crowd. "And I like that."
Cleveland Browns planning to release Josh Gordon - NFL.com
The return of Josh Gordon has hit another snag. The Cleveland Browns wideout is entering a rehabilitation facility and the team is making plans to release him, Ian Rapoport reports.
NFL Week 4 game picks: Patriots, Vikings, Broncos stay perfect - NFL.com
Will Rex Ryan's Bills ruin the Patriots' perfect start? Or can Bill Belichick continue to work his Tom Brady-less magic? Elliot Harrison picks the winner of each game on the Week 4 slate.
The NFL Is Losing to English Football in the Export Game - Bloomberg
It turns out that football is an easier sell to an overseas audience than football.
Why is TV viewership down? | ProFootballTalk
Fewer people are watching the NFL on TV, and no one really knows why. The NFL Players Association admits that the trend is an obvious concern.
Ricky Williams’s Awful NFL Contract Never Gave Him A Chance | FiveThirtyEight
In 1999, running back Ricky Williams signed a rookie contract with the New Orleans Saints in a deal often called the worst for any player in NFL history.
Which NFL coach will get fired after playing a game in London this season? - SBNation.com
In each of the last two years, head coaches have been fired after leading their teams across the Atlantic.