/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65996041/Screen_Shot_2019_12_30_at_12.17.15_PM.0.png)
The Broncos’ 16-15 win over the Raiders was anything but pretty, but it was sweet nonetheless.
There were plenty of expletives, but this time in celebration rather than frustration.
"Way to finish the [expletive] season‼️"
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 30, 2019
Inside the locker room after we #BeatTheRaiders! pic.twitter.com/MCIxNF36q1
And that energy from the locker room carried over to Broncos Twitter where players expressed a lot of love for teammates, their coaches and the fans - a rather amazing sight for a team finishing 7-9.
I was Destined for this Life... This is my Destiny I Love you Denver❗️ Rookie Year in the ✔️ pic.twitter.com/BhBDpqOn7M
— Dalton Risner (@Dalton_Risner66) December 30, 2019
Also, Dalton Risner said this:
Dalton Risner on ending the Raiders’ season:
— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) December 30, 2019
“It felt great. I’m so glad they’re headed home and not going to the playoffs. I can’t stand the Raiders.”
And this:
Dalton Risner: “I think Drew Lock is gonna kick a lot of ass next year”
— Phil Milani (@philmilani) December 30, 2019
And that sentiment seems to be popular - even if for different reasons.
My quarterback is better than yours‼️ #broncos https://t.co/My6gqmB85G
— Davontae Harris (@wichkid) December 30, 2019
Von Miller on Drew Lock: “To infinity and beyond. He’s a relentless competitor and I’m excited about where his game is about to go”
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) December 30, 2019
Chris Harris Jr. on Drew Lock: “We’ve been waiting for that ... I love him, man. If I’m here or not, I’m always going to cheer for Drew.”
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 30, 2019
Of course, the real talk on Twitter started the second Shelby Harris batted down Derek Carr’s pass attempting to win the game.
Attempting...
SHELBY!!!!!
— Derek Wolfe (@Derek_Wolfe95) December 30, 2019
Let’s go boys!!!!!!!! @ShelbyHarris93 with a huge batted ball! Way to finish the season off right boys!!!!
— Adam Gotsis (@gotsis96) December 30, 2019
In fact, Adam Gotsis was practically the Broncos’ own Twitter play-by-play throughout the game.
@I_CU_boy I see you Pitbull! Keep running that thing my dawg!!!
— Adam Gotsis (@gotsis96) December 30, 2019
That boy @PhillyWill11
— Adam Gotsis (@gotsis96) December 30, 2019
And Bradley Chubb, another injured starter relegated to watching the game from the sidelines, was not to be left out of the Twitter action.
only un-drafted player with b2b 1k seasons! @I_CU_boy you a legend bro! congrats fam
— Bradley Chubb (@astronaut) December 30, 2019
Of course the sad reality of the final game of the season is that the Broncos have a number of defensive starters hitting free agency, and that was not lost on them - especially Chris Harris Jr.
Thank You Broncos Country for everything. It’s incredible what we’ve accomplished. Undrafted and 9 years later...Love y’all !!!!!
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) December 30, 2019
For Justin Simmons and Will Parks - two safeties who have bonded since being drafted the same year - it was surreal to think of being on different teams next year.
.@PhillyWill11 and @jsimms1119 played against each other in the 2013 Independence Bowl, then were both drafted in the Broncos' class of 2016. They've been inseparable since, and now face free agency together.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 30, 2019
After the game today, they exchanged jerseys and said this: pic.twitter.com/0Z569fHsZ0
But having the prospect of a future franchise quarterback definitely makes the idea of staying in Denver a much more enticing deal - as Derek Wolfe noted.
Derek Wolfe said the Broncos having a QB will play into his free agency decision.
— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) December 30, 2019
“That’s huge. We all believe in Drew.”
And now Broncos Country feels a lot like Will Parks:
THIS YEAR WAS A GOOD ONE MAN. BAD AND GOOD THIS HAS BEEN AN AMAZING FREAKING YEAR. SOMETHING SPECIAL IS ON THE RISE. LETS GOOOOOOOOOO. pic.twitter.com/ixNW9wlSbz
— William (@PhillyWill11) December 30, 2019