Horse Tracks: Monday will be worth the wait for Denver Broncos

Man, was I excited for Thursday night football last week. Sure, the orange pants may have been a bit of a turn-off, but you just can't knock any uniform that rocks that old-school Denver 'D' logo... Then the game happened. Sure, you can blame the Broncos performance on the offensive line, poor quarterback play, or bad play-calling, but I'm going to lay responsibility where it firmly belongs - on the orange pants.

Today is Friday and it's been over a week since that game. The customary self-imposed media blackout after a loss is likely over for many of you now. It's safe to turn on sports radio and NFL Network again. However, like last week, this week is also atypical. The Broncos aren't playing on Sunday, but Monday night. Here's hoping the Broncos take advantage of the extra time to better prepare for Houston.

That time will no doubt be crucial for Denver to sharpen their focus and return to Broncos football as we've known it over the last year. Coach Kubiak is back and I'm guessing he was none-to-pleased at the performance he watched from his couch. Let's hope he stoked the coals and kicked some butts into gear. Honestly, they needed it.

Yup, Monday is still days away and to Broncos Country, this long spell between games feels like a mini-unearned bye-week. It's been a long time since we've seen the fellas, let's just hope they're the fellas of the first four weeks of this season and not the jumbled band of misfits that suited up in orange and blue the last couple weeks.

I'm excited to see the Broncos take the field on Monday night. Something tells me there's a lot of fight left in that locker room. Let's hope so.

HORSE TRACKS

I'm sure that coach Kubiak has feelings about his old team. Let's hope they're the same ones that fueled Mike Shanahan's desire to beat the Raiders every year. Kubiak To Face Texans For First Time As Head Coach " CBS Houston

In case you missed it, there's someone on the Texans roster that probably has feelings about his old team as well. Brock Osweiler, Gary Kubiak face former teams Monday night (Oct 21, 2016) | FOX Sports

What did Brock and coach O'Brien have to say about facing the Broncos on Monday night? That's What They Said: Texans HC Bill O'Brien, QB Brock Osweiler | Denver Broncos

The Broncos' Andrew Mason has five things you should know about Monday's game. Five Broncos things you should know: Trevor Siemian's status, third-down issues and more | Denver Broncos

Did you catch Thursday's injury report? Broncos Injury Report: T.J. Ward, Matt Paradis back after getting rest days | Denver Broncos

Demarcus Ware is getting closer to rejoining the Broncos defense. DeMarcus Ware near returning for Broncos, but concussions are hampering two others – The Denver Post

Speaking of Ware, he checks in. Through My Eyes: DeMarcus Ware checks in from the sideline | Denver Broncos

The Texans are likely to get a couple players back from injury just in time for Monday. Texans expect Kareem Jackson, Jeff Allen to return against Broncos - Houston Chronicle

Von Miller says he has no hard feelings for Brock Osweiler. The great thing about sacks all quarterbacks equally... and often. Broncos' Von Miller says he has no hard feelings for Brock Osweiler - Houston Chronicle

Did you know the Chiefs were playing the Saints this Sunday? Here's a preview. High-flying Saints ready to face ball-hawking Chiefs defense (Oct 21, 2016) | FOX Sports

Got to love what one news cycle can do for a sports story. Before last night Thursday Night Football game, Fox Sports went with this article. The Jay Cutler era is over in Chicago, even if the Bears won't admit it | FOX Sports

Then, during the game, Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer suffered a broken arm. Bears' anemic offense takes another hit at quarterback (Oct 21, 2016) | FOX Sports

So, Fox Sports reversed course and went with this. Let's all commend them for sticking to their guns. Jay Cutler Guaranteed His Starting Job Back Now | FOX Sports

It looks like Josh Brown's days are pretty much done. He's swirling the toilet bowl of culpability and it's only a matter of time until the NFL flushes him away. Good riddance. Josh Brown told Giants he abused his wife and team still decided to re-sign him - CBSSports.com

The NFL's not-so-thorough investigation has been reinvigorated after being exposed. King County Sheriff blasts NFL over Josh Brown | ProFootballTalk

With the Giants in need of a kicker, a Chicago favorite is stepping in to save the day. Kicker Robbie Gould flying to London to join Giants for game vs. Rams - CBSSports.com

Gronk like tablet. Only if work. Gronk Prefers Tablets On Pats’ Sidelines, But ‘Only If It’s Working’ " CBS Boston

When it comes to Hauschka, close is good enough. Seahawks K Steven Hauschka reveals his name has been misspelled for years | FOX Sports

Ndamukung Suh needs to stop kicking people. LOOK: Roethlisberger appears to get kicked by Suh, leading Steelers to file complaint - CBSSports.com

So, I guess it's time to declare the Panthers decision not to sign Josh Norman an "oopsie." Parting ways with CB Josh Norman backfired on Panthers (Oct 21, 2016) | FOX Sports

One thing that's not a mistake is what the Browns have in Terrelle Pryor. Report: Browns, Pryor discussing contract extension | ProFootballTalk

Then there's Dallas... What to do? What to do? Donovan McNabb thinks the Cowboys should trade Dez Bryant and Tony Romo - CBSSports.com

It's boom and bust for LeSean McCoy owners. Last week was amazing, this week his icing up. Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy out Sunday | ESPN

Take all you think you know about, Bills owner Terry Pegula and throw it out the window. Let me guess, there wasn't that much to throw... Well, read up on him here and toss at will. If you think you know Bills owner Terry Pegula, think again | USA TODAY

It could be that or it could be he's getting up there in years. Wife of Antonio Cromartie: Protest cost him his job | USA TODAY

It looks like the Rams are liking what they're seeing out of Jared Goff in practice. Jared Goff to get more practice reps after Week 7 - NFL.com

Who do you have winning this weekend? Pick posts are starting to roll in!

USA TODAY Sports' Week 7 NFL picks | USA Today

NFL Week 7 Cheat Sheet: Peter Schrager's picks for all 15 games | FOX Sports