Good morning, Broncos Country!
Oh, the bye week.
You love that your team has the time off, but you’re not exactly sure what to do. Do you take a break from football and spend time with your significant other or binge on football knowing you have no devoted interest?
Of course, for the Denver Broncos it’s about getting away from football so that players and coaches can clear their minds and heal their bodies. Two Broncos have gotten the focus in that regard, and perhaps rightfully so, Aqib Talib and Derek Wolfe.
There’s no question whatever happens over the last six games for Denver, the defense will be why it happens. But one player is perhaps the most crucial, and he too needs this time to get as healthy as he can get. That player is rookie fullback Andy Janovich.
Look at all of the kids out for the @nflplay60 . @AndyJanovich running some drills and inspiring some future football players . @Broncos pic.twitter.com/V3iNO1DfNn
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonMFOX21) November 8, 2016
For the last couple of weeks, he’s had a club on his right hand. Needless to say, when Janovich has been on the field, it’s pretty apparent why. It’s kind of hard to catch passes with one hand. In the last five games, he has two catches and one carry.
That has to change in the last six games. As Adam Malnati and I said on this week’s Mile High Report Radio podcast, it’s apparent to just about everyone that Janovich is the engine that makes this offense hum. It’s no coincidence over those five games the offense has been trash, save for the Monday Night game against Houston.
While it’s imperative Talib and Wolfe get healthy, it’s paramount for Janovich to get back for the Broncos offense. For Denver to keep pace in the AFC West and AFC playoffs, it needs the rookie fullback to pave the way. If that happens, his legend will only grow.
Broncos Tracks
This One's for John: Watch Super Bowl XXXII in full
Relive Super Bowl XXXII by watching the entire game, recently added to YouTube by the NFL.
The Squeeze: Head Coach Gary Kubiak receives lifetime achievement award
A concentrated look at the recent juice on the Denver Broncos.
Jake Plummer auctioning off Broncos game-day experiences to raise money for cannabinoid research - 7NEWS Denver TheDenverChannel.com
A former Denver Bronco is auctioning off game-day experiences for a good cause.
If A.J. Derby is ready for it, the Denver Broncos want to use him more - NFL Nation- ESPN
Tight end A.J. Derby has filled a need and watched his role steadily increase with Denver after being traded to the Broncos from New England.
Woody Paige: John Elway and the Denver Broncos are intertwined, for their betterment | Colorado Springs Gazette, News
In a quirk of providence, the Denver Broncos and John Elway came to life at the right time.
3 teams Broncos fans should root for during Denver’s bye week | Broncos Wire
With the Denver Broncos on a bye week, we examine three games that fans should watch this weekend. We also suggest who to root for.
AFC West Tracks
Chiefs Spencer Ware wants championship, 1,000-yard rushing season | The Kansas City Star
Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rushing season in high school, college or the NFL. He’s on pace for one this year, but he’s more interested in team goals.
Why more NFL offenses are using six offensive linemen | The Kansas City Star
With colleges going to spread offenses and producing fewer traditional tight ends, more NFL teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs and their opponent Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, are turning to a sixth offensive lineman in certain situations to gain more movement at the point of attack.
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce has snapped for a punt in a game
The Chiefs could be without long snapper James Winchester on Sunday vs. the Bucs, but tight end Travis Kelce might be able to fill that role.
Alex Smith All-22 vs. the Panthers - Arrowhead Pride
I don’t think it’s any secret that Alex Smith and the Chiefs offense struggled against the Panthers. In fact, ever since the game ended it’s been a source of near-constant discussion here.
Raiders have a playoff look as they face Texans in Mexico City
Former coach Jon Gruden sees similarities between the 2016 team and the playoff teams he coached.
Jalen Richard’s ascent with Raiders a surprise even to him - SFGate
Signed as undrafted free agent, Richard has played well as a backup running back and kick returner.
Raiders list CB Sean Smith, DT Stacy McGee questionable versus Texans
Oakland will have all 53 players on its roster available for Monday, including Sean Smith and Stacy McGee, who were both recently out with injuries.
Aldon Smith reinstatement countdown begins - Silver And Black Pride
It’s been two days since the anniversary of Aldon Smith’s one-year ban from the NFL. Since then, we have been collectively drumming our fingers for Commissioner Roger Goodell to come down from his high perch.
Chargers must decide if McCoy is man to entrust with good team - The San Diego Union-Tribune
Chargers have to decide whether Mike McCoy is right head coach.
Bolts D at the bye: a tale of what might have been - The San Diego Union-Tribune
The Chargers defense is among NFL leaders at creating turnovers this year, but is near the bottom in other key categories.
WR Isaiah Burse sparks San Diego Chargers' return game
Isaiah Burse got an opportunity to show his stuff in the return game Sunday and provided an unexpected jolt for the Chargers.
Random Thoughts on the San Diego Chargers at the Bye - Bolts From The Blue
Given that when I looked at the schedule in August I thought 7-9 would be the team’s most likely record at the end of the year, it seems silly that I am so disappointed by the Chargers sitting where they do.
NFL Tracks
Five matchups that will define NFL Week 11: Can Aaron Rodgers sling Packers out of slump?
Green Bay is counting on its star quarterback to deliver against Washington.
NFL Week 11 injury report: Who’s in and who’s out | FOX Sports
Live updates on the biggest Week 11 injuries.
Biggest Week 11 questions, stats and predictions - NFL Nation- ESPN
Can Jared Goff bring some life to the Rams' offense? How do Marcus Mariota and Andrew Luck match up? Can the Ravens stop the Cowboys? Time will tell.
NFL's best team: Cases for the Pats, Cowboys and Seahawks | SI.com
The best team in the NFL has to be either the Dallas Cowboys or the New England Patriots, right? But what about the Seattle Seahawks? Here's a case fo
espnW NFL fantasy football locks, flops and sleepers for Week 11
Four teams have byes, and a few guys are set to have the best week ever (looking at you, Mike Evans and LeGarrette Blount). What to do with the rest of your lineup? Anita Marks has an idea.
How the Philadelphia Eagles brought the NFL to Mexico - Philadelphia Eagles Blog- ESPN
The NFL will return to Mexico Monday when the Texans take on the Raiders, but the Eagles were the first to play in Mexico City on Aug. 5, 1978.
Why NFL kicking hell is heaven for football fans | New York Post
The Jets-Rams game was just 2 minutes and 25 seconds into the second quarter Sunday at MetLife Stadium when the Jets scored what would end up being their only points of the game — a razzle-dazzle touchdown on a nifty hook-and-ladder play.
Sunday Morning QB: Concussions biggest threat to the NFL's future - NY Daily News
The future of football might eventually be defined by the tears running down Luke Kuechly’s distraught face.
NFL | Carolina Panthers, Luke Kuechly have become face of NFL's struggle with concussions | The Charlotte Observer
Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly’s very public meltdown after he suffered a head injury Thursday night that has landed him in the NFL’s concussion protocol should be a wakeup call. He’s the sixth Panther to end up in the protocol this season, most in the league.
NFL denies inherent conflict of interest for team physicians | ProFootballTalk
An excellent, lengthy study from Harvard University regarding the protection and promotion of NFL player health has sparked an unexpected dispute regarding the fundamental question of whether doctors paid by pro football teams to treat NFL players have a conflict of interest. Of course they do.
NFL VP of officiating details why refs still miss calls despite instant replay | FOX Sports
Surely, we can all appreciate this explanation. Right?
NFL allows Al Michaels a timeout on Thursdays - NY Daily News
So, now the NFL is cool with having Mike Tirico replace Al (Exigente) Michaels in NBC’s Thursday and Sunday night booths.
Here's what you can expect from Jared Goff in his first NFL start for the Rams - CBSSports.com
A breakdown of Goff's skill set, what he showed in the preseason, and how he might fix the Rams offense.
Focus on Rams' Goff bodes well for Gurley - LA Times
The focus Sunday — at the Coliseum and for many NFL fans — will be on Rams quarterback Jared Goff as the No. 1 pick in the draft makes a must-see debut against the Miami Dolphins. That might bode well for Todd Gurley.