Figure out how to win, Broncos, because I’m tired of writing about losses

OK, Broncos. Let’s talk.

This is no longer about you. Or W-L records. Or team morale. Or really anything about the game.

This is all about me now.

You need to stop losing because I’m tired of writing the “post-game loser” story.

It’s not just because it’s hard to see a depressed Von Miller at the podium.

It’s not just because the losing clichés are a million times worse than the winning ones.

It’s because Thanksgiving Day is over, and I’m feeling selfish.

I want to write a story about you winning. About how well the defense worked together to keep Melvin Gordon III from gaining more than three yards on ANY attempt.

About how Chris Harris Jr. got a pick-six while covering Mike Williams.

About how Von Miller sacked Philip Rivers three times, including a strip sack. Heck, maybe even for a score.

About how our quarterback - whoever he is on Sunday - completed 25 passes, two of them for touchdowns, one to a rookie tight end and another to a stud WR1. And none to a Charger.

About how the running game was established early and never let off the gas, that Phillip Lindsay rushed for over 100 yards and two touchdowns.

I really want to write a story about how the offensive line kept the QB clean - no sacks the entire game.

There are two I’s in WINNING, and those are both for me.

I can’t write another story where our coach says “we need to execute better” and then you say we just need to “find ways to win” and or the other team “had a good plan for us” and “just made plays.”

YOU need to have a good plan.

YOU need to make plays.

YOU need to find the way to win.

Because if you don’t win, then I’m the bad guy. I have to write the story with the PR-laden quotes and the terrible clichés and then get 50 comments about firing John Elway or getting rid of the coaching staff or - lord, help me - trading Von Miller.

Stop putting me in this terrible position. Win a game. Then win another one. Then win out because that’s the only way Broncos Country is going to stop thinking it knows everything about how to do it better.

[Between you and me, I get it. Winning “isn’t easy in this league.” Everyone “is good in the NFL.” blah, blah, blah. Trust me when I tell you that none of those work with this crowd. I’ve tried. They don’t care. They just want wins. OK, yes, there is the “lose-out-to-get-a-high-draft-pick” crowd, but they only want that if there’s a guarantee of a franchise QB in the mix, so we just have to ignore them because ... well, you know why.)

Let’s recap... it’s not about you, it’s about me. And I want a win. Because I want to write about winning. Winning is better than losing.

So figure it out and “find a way to win.”

Thank you.

Docllv’s Story of the Day

How a former Notre Dame football player overcame an opioid addiction - Chicago Tribune
The little brother of Broncos' tight end Jeff Heuerman became addicted to opioids at Notre Dame after undergoing six surgeries and experimented with harder drugs. After getting treatment, he rediscovered his passion for life.

Broncos Links

Mixed messages and missing logic: The Broncos’ handling of their QB situation is a head-scratcher – The Athletic
The Broncos have yet to declare a starter for Sunday, but they've dropped many hints Drew Lock may get the nod.

Broncos podcast: Drew Lock will make NFL debut as Denver's starting QB on Sunday
Plus, previewing the divisional matchup against Los Angeles at Mile High and the chances of fireworks between cornerback Chris Harris and wideout Keenan Allen.

Broncos Quarterback Drew Lock’s Reps Being ‘Upped Extensively’ – CBS Denver
Drew Lock will see an increased work load in practice this week as the Broncos prepare to host the Chargers.

Austin Ekeler is on a historic pace - Bolts From The Blue
"Receiving Back" should not be an insult.

The Lightning Round Podcast #202: Is it time for Rivers to retire? - Bolts From The Blue
Garrett Sisti and Jamie Hoyle are back with a brand new episode of the Lightning Round Podcast

Lock, Allen to split reps; Broncos’ quarterback decision to come later in week
It's Friday, so we should find out today which QB will start.

Way Back Wednesday: A stunner from start to finish vs. the Chargers
The Broncos' 30-24 overtime win over the Chargers at Mile High Stadium in 1985 remains one of the most memorable games in the history of the series, Jim Saccomano writes.

#TBT: Remembering some of the Broncos' top Thanksgiving Day moments
Take a trip down memory lane with photos from the Broncos' victories on Thanksgiving Day since 1974.

This is Denver's snowiest Thanksgiving since 1979
Even in Denver, it's a bit unusual to see mountains of snow on Thanksgiving Day.

NFL Links

Bill Belichick Remains the NFL’s Ultimate Problem-Solver - The Ringer
Belichick is a master at masking his team’s flaws and finding creative solutions. Even at 10-1, the Patriots face a few challenges this season that will test the limits of his expertise.

What we learned from Thursday's Thanksgiving games - NFL.com
Mitchell Trubisky led Chicago back from a second-half deficit to defeat Detroit, and Josh Allen surprised the football world by leading the Bills past the Cowboys. Here's what we learned Thursday.

Bills secure winning season in victory over Cowboys - NFL.com
The Buffalo Bills (9-3) secured their second winning season in three years in Thursday afternoon's 26-15 drubbing of the Dallas Cowboys (6-6).

Mitchell Trubisky rallies Bears to victory over Lions - NFL.com
The Chicago Bears (6-6) overcame a slow start on short rest and came roaring back to beat the Detroit Lions (3-8-1). Here's what we learned from the Bears' 24-20 victory on Thanksgiving Day.