Good morning, Broncos Country!
Tradition is hard to build and harder still to maintain.
When an organization hits both, jackpot. Of course, there are various forms of tradition that branch from each of those roots. In regards to the Denver Broncos, it’s one of the few in the NFL that has built a rich tradition and been able to maintain it. The last four seasons and the death of Pat Bowlen have made it incredibly difficult to see a path back to the winning ways, but if any franchise can get it back, it’s the Broncos.
On the MHR Radio Podcast (Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify), Adam Malnati and I discussed how that happens — connections to the past and former all-time great players. For example, Chris Harris, Von Miller and Derek Wolfe to Champ Bailey, who was one of Mr. B’s favorite players. Bailey was able to pass along to all three what it means to play for the Broncos and put that helmet and uniform on. Whether implicitly or explicitly, he showed what it means to be a Bronco. Now those three veterans can pass that along to the young core that is (hopefully) poised to lead the next generation.
It never hurts to have players on your roster who grew up fans of the team and just “know.” Guys like Phillip Lindsay and Dalton Risner can speak to that tradition. Throw in all of the alumni who are always back at the facility from the Orange Crush days to Peyton “Freaking” Manning, and that’s how Denver can find that path back. With looming issues off the field right now (ownership), the coaches and the roster can control what happens on the field. Breathing, feeling and living that tradition is so important because it makes it about more than the individual.
Of course it helps to have a quarterback to foster excitement and hope for 2020. Despite the ridiculous notion from some, that’s also true at head coach with Vic Fangio and the majority of his staff — save for special teams. Throw in gobs of salary cap space and the potential for a third-straight strong NFL Draft, and it’s OK to think “this is about to change.” Remember, if the three games Denver lost in the final seconds flip, this team is in playoff contention — even with the two games against the Kansas City Chiefs.
It makes even more crucial that this young core knows the rich tradition and what it means to play for the Broncos.
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Horse Tracks
Alexander Johnson finds his element at Dinosaur Ridge | 9news.com
Denver Broncos linebacker Alexander Johnson loves dinosaurs, and took on "The Dino" as an alter ego in college.
MIC'd Up: Lock family tailgates Broncos-Chiefs game | 9news.com
The family of the Broncos' rookie quarterback cheered against their hometown Chiefs team to support Drew Lock.
End of season shifts focus to Drew Lock's development, reclaiming homefield edge
The Broncos will have their noses pressed up against the playoff window pane for the fourth consecutive year. However, goals can be accomplished over the final two home games, starting with Drew Lock's development.
Broncos' youth has been served; now comes the hard part - Denver Broncos- ESPN
Development of a young core with potential will be paramount for the Broncos if they want to end their playoff drought.
Running Back Phillip Lindsay Could Set NFL History Against The Lions – CBS Denver
With two home games remaining, the team still has a lot to play for.
NFL Tracks
What’s the most shocking NFL QB move that could happen this offseason? - SBNation.com
This week, Geoff Schwartz weighs in on the 2020 QB market, whether the Raiders will move on from Derek Carr, and if an average Joe could record a sack in an NFL game.
Why women coaches are becoming less rare in the NFL and college - SBNation.com
SB Nation spoke exclusively with people in coaching circles to find out what’s being done to get more women hired.
A look back at the worst playoff teams in NFL history, and how they performed - SBNation.com
There have been a number teams that finished .500 or worse that ended up making the postseason.
Tom Coughlin had no business running the Jaguars anymore - SBNation.com
The Jaguars should’ve known Tom Coughlin would leave the roster in ruins. He already did it to them before.
Darren Sproles to retire, says 'I gave it everything I had on every play'
Eagles running back Darren Sproles will retire after the season, ending his 15-year career in the NFL.
Buccaneers slated to bring back Jameis Winston for '20 - NFL.com
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to bring back quarterback Jameis Winston for the 2020 season, sources tell NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
Six days to go - How an NFL team gets moved for every road game
Whenever an NFL game kicks off, it has taken a legion of unknown equipment managers and travel staffers to get the road team there. Sometimes that means traveling with a Peloton bike and a whole lot of hats.
Former Bengals receiver Chad Johnson plotting a return to the NFL, as a kicker - CBSSports.com
Johnson hasn't played in the NFL since the 2011 season
NFL suffers through decade of controversy, scandal and shame
The 2010s in the NFL saw bounties and bullying, battered women and battered brains, a blackballed quarterback and many blown calls.
NFL's all-time team missing out on younger generation of players
The NFL's all-time team has honored some of the greatest players throughout history — but it often has omitted many from the 21st century.