Mile High Report - Broncos vs. Colts Week 15: Everything we knowBy Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2017-12-20T10:30:01-07:00http://www.milehighreport.com/rss/stream/165356632017-12-20T10:30:01-07:002017-12-20T10:30:01-07:00Tale of the Tape: Connor McGovern’s big game
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<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Denver Broncos may have found a starter at guard in Connor McGovern.</p> <p id="EaCnWA">While the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> are eliminated from playoff contention, there are still plenty of things to look for on tape that will help inform Denver’s future, and our understanding of it as fans. </p>
<p id="Q1WQke">So, while we may have taken a brief respite due to the fact that there just hasn’t been a lot of good football to look at, Tale of the Tape will be here throughout the remainder of the season and into the off-season taking a look at what the eye in the sky can tell us about the Broncos.</p>
<p id="VTOOiO">Speaking of that, now is the time to begin hitting me up in the comments on things you would like to see potentially highlighted in this series. In fact, today’s topic is via commenters’ request.</p>
<p id="5ZVenP"><span>Connor McGovern</span> hasn’t seen the field much since being taken in the 5th round of 2016’s draft. While he reportedly looked solid in camp playing center while Paradis recovered from hip surgery, we haven’t got to see much of him at guard. </p>
<p id="f8HrIt">Now, with Leary being put on injured reserve, this has opened up a nice window for McGovern to show what he can do, and for Denver to see what they have in the Missouri product.</p>
<p id="3th4Rk">Thursday night’s game against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> was what I would consider a breakout game for the 2nd year player. As much of a “breakout game” one can have at right guard.</p>
<p id="SmO4AR">McGovern impressed me with his movement in the run game, the movement he was able to generate, as well as his solid pass protection.</p>
<p id="xSgOX0">Let’s dig into the film.</p>
<h2 id="G86l2k">Run Game</h2>
<p id="yTfqV3">Denver posted for their largest rushing yardage total <strong>in over three years</strong> last night: 45 carries for 213 yards and 4.7 YPA. <span>C.J. Anderson</span> accounted for 158 of those yards on 30 carries and 5.3 YPA. </p>
<p id="DgYZBS">Anytime the running game posts those kind of eye popping numbers, you have to look at the boys up front, and Connor McGovern played a big part in the Broncos’ huge game on the ground.</p>
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<p id="XerB52">First of all, the new camera angles for TNF are awesome and allow for some great high-definition analysis of the line play, often without even needing the coaches film.</p>
<p id="GEFYHA">Here Denver is running a toss right, with Janovich leading around the edge. The Colts played most of the night with an extra safety in the box to stop the run, as they do here.</p>
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<p id="MmmqSC">McGovern here is taking on the 3-technique 1-on-1 and must work to get his backside shoulder squared with the DT’s playside shoulder, as you see above. It takes good initial quickness to be able to jump out and reach block a defensive tackle here.</p>
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<p id="AVKmC8">This allows him to begin to position his body between the defender and the ball carrier’s intended path on the toss.</p>
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<p id="41gmEa">McGovern now has the DT turned nearly perpendicular to the line of scrimmage and has sealed him off from this play. He has also held his ground well so the linebacker gets stuck between he and Stephenson, so Anderson has a lot of green grass with Janovich clearing out the safety.</p>
<p id="KxBPAi">Great execution all around on this one.</p>
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<p id="zqb5Ya">This next one shows a trend that continued throughout the night as Denver ran inside zone or split zones with great success.</p>
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<p id="BA8mLd">McGovern often had the backside DT 1-on-1 when they would run inside or split zone left, as he does here.</p>
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<p id="YleYWc">His power in the run game is evident here as he locks on and begins to move the defensive tackle.</p>
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<p id="k5RrO4">Collinsworth actually called him out from the broadcast booth for this play as he just collapses the backside, leaving a gaping cutback hole for C.J. Anderson.</p>
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<p id="awiixA">Above is where McGovern and his man ended up, and the other circle is about where they started the play. I know he also used the defenders momentum here, but that’s still some serious movement at the point of attack, and a great finish.</p>
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<p id="GI4Xda">He was doing this all night with these runs. </p>
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<p id="covZEz">This one he shows nice recognition at the second level to take out the linebacker after he’s helped with the double team and gets two guys on one play.</p>
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<h2 id="nClf8W">Pass Protection</h2>
<p id="wDQyby">Not only did he have a big night in the running game, but he looked pretty good in pass protection. The NFL is a passing league at the end of the day (I’m competing for most cliche sentence of all time here), so you have to be able to hold up and keep pressure out of your quarterback’s face on the interior.</p>
<p id="uNkvcu">McGovern wasn’t always perfect, but he continues to work and stay with the block even after being initially beat.</p>
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<p id="kZf7zO">This allows Brock to still get the ball out unhindered and stay clean.</p>
<p id="zbzJzI">Here’s another one.</p>
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<p id="Vg8zkP">This play he gets beat pretty bad initially, but makes a nice recovery and stays with it to re-direct the defender, and once again, protect his quarterback.</p>
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<p id="GQeHoW">This one shows great recognition and awareness on a 3rd down play. The DT and DE are going to run a twist.</p>
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<p id="ORXzkZ">McGovern initially helps with the DT, then recognizes the twist and comes off to pick up the looping DE.</p>
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<p id="6y2GeW">He easily redirects him to Paradis and they stop him in his tracks.</p>
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<p id="F3xc9H">Now unfortunately, <span>Trevor Siemian</span> doesn’t know how to step up into the pocket, Garrett Bolles struggles with speed rushes, and <span>Donald Stephenson</span> gets beat as well, leading <span>Siemian</span> to be sacked and ultimately injured.</p>
<p id="jRG3jK">But McGovern does his job and shows great awareness to easily handled the T/E stunt.</p>
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<p id="o4wtQA">Lastly, I noticed McGovern does a nice job helping and “looking for work” in pass protection when there isn’t a rusher immediately in his area.</p>
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<p id="UaNDzU">So those are some things that stuck out to me about Connor McGovern’s game against the Colts. Now, I recognize that the Colts defense isn’t exactly the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> or the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a> defensive front, but there are still positive takeaways to get excited about from this game. </p>
<p id="b2PmA2">I am looking forward to seeing more of McGovern over the last two games of the season, and will likely re-visit this conversation at the season’s end when there’s a 4-game sample size to examine.</p>
<p id="ZO1XgX">Until then, let’s talk in the comments. What did you see, Broncos Country?!</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/20/16799774/connor-mcgovern-film-studyJeff Essary2017-12-17T04:30:02-07:002017-12-17T04:30:02-07:00Fans, share your thoughts: What should the Broncos do with their logo and uniform?
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<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Fans can weigh in by answering the poll and in the comments about what Denver should do.</p> <h2 id="Iu8NgQ">Good morning, Broncos Country!</h2>
<p id="hghhVv"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> fans love nostalgia. </p>
<p id="fBpqxs">You could say the same about most fanbases, but that’s especially true for Broncos fans. That shoots up even more when you have a discussion about Denver’s logo, uniform and colors. That was on full display this week given the Broncos wore their color rush uniforms on Thursday Night Football against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. </p>
<p id="N75dCS">On a side note, <a href="https://goo.gl/X6ZfVk">Adam Malnati and I recapped the 25-13 win on the latest MHR Radio Podcast. </a></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Should the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a> make the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ColorRush?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ColorRush</a> helmet their every game helmet? Maybe use the jersey too? Alter the color to a lighter hex of blue? What say <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BroncosCountry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BroncosCountry</a>? They’ll wear these on Thursday vs the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colts?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colts</a>. <a href="https://t.co/52D70vYdfU">pic.twitter.com/52D70vYdfU</a></p>— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) <a href="https://twitter.com/IanStClair/status/940360236384129025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="OPvuNj">It was that in mind that I asked fans on Twitter before the game if they wanted Denver to make the color rush helmet the every game helmet. Maybe the jersey too, maybe alter the color to a different hex of blue. Or just go in a different direction if the Broncos decide to change their uniforms/logo. </p>
<p id="LLkRon">So let’s put it to the MHR community. What say you Broncos Country? </p>
<p id="CADRyr"><em>The MHR Radio Podcast is now on </em><a href="https://goo.gl/vLyHyQ"><em><strong>iTunes,</strong></em></a><em> </em><a href="https://goo.gl/2vBomS"><em><strong>Google Play</strong></em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://goo.gl/D33Fa2"><em><strong>Stitcher.</strong></em></a><em> Please subscribe to the one that fits your fancy, and also rate and review what you hear.</em></p>
<div id="ow7qJX"><div data-anthem-component="poll:809472"></div></div>
<h3 id="3QLK3Q">Broncos Tracks </h3>
<p id="sf8Aa3"><a href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/An-NFL-fans-guide-to-key-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-the-bowl-games/41f061aa-26d2-4c4d-8443-e511bcdf1fea">An NFL fan's guide to key draft prospects to watch in the bowl games</a><br>Bowl season gets under way on Saturday, so get to know some of the players who will be on draft radars over the next few months.</p>
<p id="ggeanH"><a href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-nextdaynotebook/Next-Day-Notebook-Controlling-giveaways-has-Broncos-realizing-potential/038a2f29-190d-4e0b-8a05-83e619e9e6a6">Next-Day Notebook: Controlling giveaways has Broncos realizing potential</a><br>Though it's too late for the playoffs, the Broncos are playing the kind of football Head Coach Vance Joseph wants them to play.</p>
<p id="xNEC22"><a href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Watch-a-replay-of-the-Broncos-win-over-the-Colts/86853a60-8adc-4c43-b24e-f9eb6d0e5af0">Watch a replay of the Broncos' win over the Colts</a><br>Miss Thursday's win over the Colts or just want to watch it again? With NFL Game Pass, you can watch replays of Broncos games and other NFL matchups.</p>
<p id="zLFaFw"><a href="https://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/broncos/woody-paige-josephs-willingness-to-change-will-likely-save-him">Woody Paige: Joseph's willingness to change will likely save him - Denver7 TheDenverChannel.com</a><br>Vance Joseph will be the Broncos coach again next season. Winning consecutive games, and the players not giving up in the final month of the season were critically important to Joseph.</p>
<p id="cP7mWV"><a href="http://www.9news.com/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/mike-klis/nations-capital-awaits-brock-or-paxton/499869424">Nation's capital awaits: Brock or Paxton? | 9news.com</a><br>Brock Osweiler earned the starting job. He deserves it.</p>
<p id="L6ZapK"><a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/261871/jordan-taylor-has-earned-broncos-trust-and-plenty-of-jobs">Jordan Taylor has earned Denver Broncos' trust -- and plenty of jobs - NFL Nation- ESPN</a><br>Working his way up from the practice squad, WR Jordan Taylor showed the Broncos he can fill in at punt returner, quarterback, and even safety.</p>
<h3 id="IJuK5k">NFL Tracks </h3>
<p id="ziRAt9"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/12/16/16773102/2018-nfl-playoffs-clinching-scenarios-standings-week-15">NFL playoff standings: Clinching scenarios for Week 15 - SBNation.com</a><br>Four teams can join the Steelers and Eagles in the postseason this weekend.</p>
<p id="mnDubE"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2017/12/16/16780936/new-england-patriots-2017-nfl-playoffs-scenario">NFL playoff picture 2017: How the Patriots can miss the postseason - SBNation.com</a><br>The Patriots will inevitably make the playoffs, but it’s fun to imagine the doomsday scenario that leaves them out.</p>
<p id="LIktIJ"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2017/12/16/16784416/nfl-picks-against-the-spread-week-15-2017-packers-panthers-chargers-chiefs">NFL picks against the spread 2017, Week 15: Best bets for the adventurous gambler - SBNation.com</a><br>Get your money ready! Gambling picks for every game in Week 15.</p>
<p id="YyDHXs"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2017/12/16/16764238/philip-rivers-chargers-mvp-race-2017-nfl-season-playoffs">Chargers QB Philip Rivers should a candidate for 2017 NFL MVP - SBNation.com</a><br>Rivers’ play might get the Chargers in the playoffs for the first time since the 2012 season.</p>
<p id="BA3yBk"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2F2017%2F12%2F16%2Fnfl-week-15-matchups-aaron-rodgers-packers%2F957928001%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2017%2F12%2F17%2F16785502%2Fbroncos-logo-uniform" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NFL Week 15 matchups: Will Aaron Rodgers push Packers to playoffs?</a><br>Aaron Rodgers is back in action, but he faces a tall order in returning Green Bay to the postseason.</p>
<p id="G1dwmg"><a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/261721/week-15-nfl-predictions-scores-for-every-game">Week 15 NFL predictions: Scores for every game - NFL Nation- ESPN</a><br>Playoff berths are at stake for several teams, with Chargers-Chiefs on Saturday and Patriots-Steelers on Sunday among the top matchups.</p>
<p id="6jg85F"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000893241/article/nfl-iq-quiz-week-15-time-to-test-your-football-knowledge">NFL IQ quiz Week 15: Time to test your football knowledge - NFL.com</a><br>Welcome to the Weekly NFL IQ Quiz, testing your knowledge as we head into Week 15 of the 2017 season. Think you know your stuff? Give it a go!</p>
<p id="kwObEs"><a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-great-nfl-passing-boom-is-over-hope-you-enjoyed-it/">The Great NFL Passing Boom Is Over. Hope You Enjoyed It! | FiveThirtyEight</a><br>After a steady six-year climb, NFL offensive numbers have fallen back to Earth this year.</p>
<p id="U6CYeC"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21759278/ranking-best-nfl-potential-head-coach-openings-2018">Ranking best NFL potential head coach openings in 2018</a><br>A super-talented 22-year-old quarterback and a few defensive stars? The Texans' job is intriguing if Bill O'Brien doesn't return. Bill Barnwell sorts the coaching jobs that could come open in 2018.</p>
<p id="hYvPoj"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000893396/article/reggie-bush-on-his-nfl-career-im-done-for-sure">Reggie Bush on his NFL career: 'I'm done. For sure' - NFL.com</a><br>Reggie Bush still feels like he has something left in the tank for the NFL. Nonetheless, the former New Orleans Saints running back announced his career is officially over.</p>
<p id="MG7XoL"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000893424/article/ajayi-would-embrace-larger-role-for-wentzless-eagles">Ajayi would 'embrace' larger role for Wentz-less Eagles - NFL.com</a><br>Jay Ajayi finally saw a bigger role against the Los Angeles Rams last weekend and shined. With Carson Wentz down, could he see an even larger workload against the Giants this weekend?</p>
<p id="4QnQei"><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/carolina-panthers-investigation-owner-jerry-richardson-2017-12">NFL teams don't sound happy about Panthers' investigation into owner - Business Insider</a><br>NFL teams don't sound happy that the Panthers get to investigate owner Jerry Richardson and one executive reportedly called it 'a total scam.'</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/17/16785502/broncos-logo-uniformIan St. Clair2017-12-16T10:09:36-07:002017-12-16T10:09:36-07:00Broncos keep winning and the mantra has changed
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<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Broncos 25-13 defeat of the Colts may have answered some big questions about 2018</p> <p id="Lk7ajT">After the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> defeated the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> on Thursday Night Football, the #EmbraceTheTank mantra switched to #AbandonTheTank. Interestingly enough, the win may have been important to answering some big questions about the team. <span>Connor McGovern</span> shined, and the offensive line may be coming together nicely for 2018.</p>
<p id="6M3qCo"><a href="https://goo.gl/X6ZfVk">As Ian St. Clair and I stated on the MHR Radio postgame recap,</a> other questions about the Broncos future may have started to be answered. The win either helped save Vance Joseph’s job, or it didn’t. We will find out in a few weeks, but it certainly bodes well for him that the team has played this well two weeks in a row. If the defense can keep rolling like they have, Joseph may have the head coaching position for 2018 locked down. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brock to the rescue for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a>. Yet in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MileHighReport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MileHighReport</a> Radio Recap, <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamMalnati16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdamMalnati16</a> & I are convinced this team can only win meaningless games. <a href="https://t.co/5cUbYo2Jdp">https://t.co/5cUbYo2Jdp</a></p>— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) <a href="https://twitter.com/IanStClair/status/941682553718747136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a>
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<p id="6osyxO">Speaking of that defense, they have looked very good, and against a bad Colts team, they continued to shine. While they did not get a take away, and only had one sack, the Colts offense only looked comfortable in short bursts. It wasn’t a shutout, but it was a good all-around win. The only touchdown they gave up came after the worst interception I have ever seen <span>Trevor Siemian</span> throw. After that, there was very little offensive movement for Jacoby Brissette, <span>T.Y. Hilton</span>, and <span>Frank Gore</span>.</p>
<p id="HOsd70">Another question answered could be the fate of <span>Trevor Siemian</span>. The Skycam view that NBC has been using gave every fan the opportunity to see what the quarterback sees. It wasn’t pretty for Siemian, and he struggled while in the game. However, his injury in the first quarter has landed him on IR, and probably ended his career in Denver. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vance Joseph: Trevor Siemian’s season is over. He will go on IR. No surgery needed for his left shoulder injury, just “rest and rehab."</p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/941746047864524803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a>
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<p id="avdBPs">Meanwhile, <span>Brock Osweiler</span> came in and looked like the QB that Elway wanted him to be when he made him a second round draft pick. He was throwing darts. Whether he will start the rest of the way remains to be seen, but his touchdown pass to <span>Cody Latimer</span> was textbook. He went through the progression, looked the deep safety away, and hit Latimer for the score. His play in relief of Siemian may have given him a little more time in Denver.</p>
<p id="EkGw1Q">What’s the big takeaway? After a season of serious lows, many in Broncos Country had resigned themselves to the fact that Denver was terrible and would be getting a very high draft pick. Now, the prospect of winning out has fans looking at 2018 with real promise. Unfortunately, the only thing these wins do is push the team’s draft pick further back. But if Vance Joseph is right, that momentum may be useful next season.</p>
<p id="wz7Kam">Then again, how often has he been right this season?</p>
<p id="4gImdA"><em>The MHR Radio Podcast is now on </em><a href="https://goo.gl/vLyHyQ"><em><strong>iTunes,</strong></em></a><em> </em><a href="https://goo.gl/2vBomS"><em><strong>Google Play</strong></em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://goo.gl/D33Fa2"><em><strong>Stitcher.</strong></em></a><em> Please subscribe to the one that fits your fancy, and also rate and review what you hear.</em></p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/16/16782136/broncos-keep-winning-mantra-has-changedAdam Malnati2017-12-16T07:00:05-07:002017-12-16T07:00:05-07:00C.J. Anderson gained over 100 yards after contact against Colts
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<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>According to Pro Football Focus, C.J. Anderson gained a whooping 102 yards <em>after</em> contact against the Indianapolis Colts.</p> <p id="pJrdiZ">As someone who blogs the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> 24/7, something caught my eye from Pro Football Focus that I can honestly say I’ve never seen from a player in the orange and blue. </p>
<p id="075wKf"><span>C.J. Anderson</span> had <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-refocused-denver-broncos-25-indianapolis-colts-13&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2017%2F12%2F16%2F16783832%2Fcj-anderson-100-yards-after-contact-colts" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">102 yards after contact</a>. So 102 of his 158 yards came after an <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> defender hit him.</p>
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<p id="3PJ1GE">RB C.J. ANDERSON, 86.0 OVERALL GRADE</p>
<p id="nepvMw">Anderson was already going to be a big part of the Denver offense, but after QB <span>Trevor Siemian</span> went down with an injury, Anderson became the focal point. He helped chew up the clock in the second half, carrying the ball a whopping 30 times for 158 yards. He topped the 100-yard mark on <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnfl%2Felite%2Fstats%2Frunning-back%2Felusive-rating%23tools&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2017%2F12%2F16%2F16783832%2Fcj-anderson-100-yards-after-contact-colts" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">yards after first contact</a> as well, and forced seven missed tackles.</p>
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<p id="LA5UMy">It has to be rare, because PFF also gave their game ball to Anderson who was a human tackle breaking machine on <em>Thursday Night Football</em>.</p>
<p id="dIcObY">The performance puts Anderson within striking distance of his first 1,000 yard season. He needs just under 75 yards in each of the next two games to break that all-important milestone.</p>
<p id="AzUxcP">Given how well <span>Devontae Booker</span> has come on as of late, Anderson could very well be on the trade/chop block for the Broncos once the offseason comes around. There is virtually now cap hit to getting rid of him and if John Elway needs the cap space to bring in a guy like <span>Kirk Cousins</span> that might be one of the ways he finds the money.</p>
<p id="lCYzzp">Whatever happens, Anderson’s time in Denver has to be one of the more under-appreciated stints. The fact is, Anderson came up big during the games biggest moments in his career and that says a lot about a guys character and competitive fire. </p>
<p id="V2q0iW">Have a game ball, C.J. You’ve earned it!</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/16/16783832/cj-anderson-100-yards-after-contact-coltsTim Lynch2017-12-15T23:00:02-07:002017-12-15T23:00:02-07:00Is Mike McCoy responsible for the Denver Broncos offensive struggles?
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<p>Friday’s The Afternoon Drive had a very interesting debate on Denver’s former offensive coordinator.</p> <p id="Kz1ddo">Save for one game this season, most had no clue what Mike McCoy was up to. </p>
<p id="uXUBnm">The last two games for the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>, with Bill Musgrave as the offensive coordinator, punctuated that for Les Shapiro on <a href="https://audioboom.com/posts/6555898-friday-dec-15-hour-1-broncos-winning-a-good-thing-brock-a-future-in-denver">Friday’s The Afternoon Drive.</a> </p>
<p id="J6dJcj">“The more we watch, and the more we see them have success running the offense the way they did (Thursday night), it really sets it in stone, it really tells me that they made a big mistake putting Mike McCoy and Bill Musgrave next to each other in the office and having them come up with an offensive scheme,” Shapiro said. “We were told this is an all-star group of coaches they were bringing in. Well, it’s wasn’t so much, OK?</p>
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<p id="Ayeelr">“I’m assigning even more blame to Mike McCoy for what was going on.” </p>
<p id="0GyxW7">Eric Goodman and Shapiro proceed to have a very interesting debate about the Broncos offense, the personnel and what the expectations were this season. And what we all saw Thursday night against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> solidified everything Goodman and Shapiro have been saying about Denver’s offense for two years. </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/15/16784136/mike-mccoy-broncos-struggles-on-offenseIan St. Clair2017-12-15T12:00:04-07:002017-12-15T12:00:04-07:00Broncos have tough time embracing the best QB on the field
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<p>Vance Joseph announces Friday he’s not sure who will start versus the Redskins. That will be “a long and hard conversation.”</p> <p id="w2TxK8">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> seem to have a love/hate relationship with <span>Brock Osweiler</span>.</p>
<p id="ZhfVfz">When the Brockster relieved an injured <span>Peyton Manning</span> and kept playoff hopes alive with a 5-2 record, we loved him.</p>
<p id="5pMpAn">When he left the team for greener pastures and a pair of ridiculous cowboy boots, we hated him.</p>
<p id="Q3PJu6">When he got sacked by <span>Von Miller</span> we laughed at him.</p>
<p id="U80GFX">When he got benched/traded/benched again, we felt sorry for him (or not).</p>
<p id="KUPRt2">At least until we were welcoming him back to Denver with semi-open arms (because that first press conference after rejoining the team in August rightfully earned him a little praise and possibly some forgiveness).</p>
<p id="fOfUHJ">We found ourselves at an emotional crossroads in November when <span>Trevor Siemian</span> started slinging the ball to <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> defenders as often as Broncos receivers and Vance Joseph made the call two days and two quarters too late to make Osweiler the signal caller.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brock is back.<br>Can he save the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a> again? <a href="https://t.co/btpxnGRBVL">pic.twitter.com/btpxnGRBVL</a></p>— Doctor of Words (and tights) (@docllv) <a href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/927091329242411008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2017</a>
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<p id="XM3MLU">Oz faced the NFC-best <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> followed by the AFC-best <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> before losing his third game in as many starts thanks mostly to an ill-timed interception that sealed the Broncos’ three-point loss to the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals </a>as well as the bench for Oz. </p>
<p id="gHY4Ts">So Joseph called in <span>Paxton Lynch</span> for the following game against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>, but the outing went rather poorly and ended in another ankle injury for No. 12, opening the door for yet another QB change. </p>
<p id="PEhVF4">Paying for past sins, Osweiler was relegated to clipboard duty only as <span>Siemian</span> came in for the final quarter and appeared to get the offense rolling and sealed his start for the following week in Miami. </p>
<p id="xIOmik">Although Siemian’s disastrous showing against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> all but ensured another chance for Osweiler as starter, Joseph argued Siemian had earned the right to be the starter against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>.</p>
<p id="JA5eTn">And that 23-0 shutout win for the Broncos appeared to cement the final QB roster decision of this lost season.</p>
<p id="86TCG8">Until Siemian got hurt midway through the first half of last night’s game in Indy. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="YD9IqV"><q>“You guys all know, I’ve been on a little bit of a roller coaster ride for the past two years. Just to go out there, Thursday Night Football, with my teammates that I love. I was just having fun, and that was simply it. I was going to lay it all out there.” - Brock Osweiler</q></aside></div>
<p id="86SbLI">Once again Broncos Country found itself relying on a guy it loved to hate and hated to love. </p>
<p id="YCUK2O">That is, until that guy scored an 18-yard rushing touchdown and did the Mile High Salute.</p>
<p id="IXAaJY">Suddenly - at least for another 24 hours - the Bossweiler was back in good graces with Broncos Country.</p>
<p id="ojO8zI">“I was just a little kid having fun tonight. That’s really what it was,” Osweiler said about his celebration after the touchdown. “You guys all know, I’ve been on a little bit of a roller coaster ride for the past two years. Just to go out there, Thursday Night Football, with my teammates that I love. I was just having fun, and that was simply it. I was going to lay it all out there.”</p>
<p id="gcuiQ5">No. 17 knows perhaps better than anyone that second chances don’t come all that often, so you have to be ready to do something with them.</p>
<p id="b9zaH6">Oz, who is on at least chance seven where Broncos fans are concerned, made the most of his time on the field Thursday night.</p>
<p id="dBWC3O">“You know, we always talk about around our building how you never know when it is going to be your last game in this business,” he added. “So just enjoy every moment and that was really what I was doing tonight.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brock Osweiler<br><br>11/15, 174 yards, 2 TD<br><br>Quarterback rating: 151.1</p>— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanKoenigsberg/status/941515235906768896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a>
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<p id="24K7kE">Osweiler threw 12 of 17 for 194 yards and two touchdown passes. He spread the ball around to five different receivers and handed the ball off 42 times to a tune of 264 rushing yards.</p>
<p id="UdFx2Q">His teammates - many of whom were with Osweiler during the Super Bowl run two years ago - were ecstatic with the new life for the offense last night but were not surprised.</p>
<p id="DJHD3g">“He’s a quarterback we trust,” said <span>Cody Latimer</span>, who had perhaps his best game in his four-year career with three catches for 60 yards, one touchdown, one two-point conversion and a host of good offensive blocks. “Like I said, he’s started before for us. He practices with us every week, so when he came in I knew there wasn’t going to be a change. We were still going to make plays when we were called upon. He’s a great leader. He came out, did a good job leading the offense and getting us good drives too.”</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="52UzNB"><q>“Oh, you know, Brock is a gamer. Brock loves football. I mean, the amount of love and enjoyment he gets out of playing the game pours over into the whole huddle...He never had a doubt and we rallied with him, and started scoring some points.” - Matt Paradis</q></aside></div>
<p id="OX7k9Y">If there was one thing Osweiler mastered with his tutelage under Manning it was the art of the press conference.</p>
<p id="7ToKSF">Complimenting his teammates and his coaches, Osweiler wasn’t taking any more credit for the win than he deserved.</p>
<p id="BRgGry">“I think the biggest thing is we had a great rhythm tonight. We were really running the football. That’s a huge credit to the backs, O-line, tight ends, Andy (Janovich) at fullback, making big holes all night,” Osweiler said. “And any time you’re able to run the football with that kind of success, you’re going to get man-to-man coverage outside. So now, DT (<span>Demaryius Thomas</span>), Emmanuel (Sanders), Cody (Latimer), Bennie (Fowler III) – all those guys can go take advantage of one-on-one matchups. We just had a really good rhythm going offensively, and we were able to mix the run and the pass.”</p>
<p id="X0Hy5V">Broncos’ center - and one of the most consistently effective blockers on the offensive line, <span>Matt Paradis</span> - had no question Osweiler could get the offense in rhythm.</p>
<p id="PS5DX3">“Oh, you know, Brock is a gamer. Brock loves football. I mean, the amount of love and enjoyment he gets out of playing the game pours over into the whole huddle,” Paradis said. “So, I mean, he came right in, and just, you know, he never had a doubt and we rallied with him, and started scoring some points.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brock Osweiler's 99.2 Total QBR tonight is the highest in the NFL for any QB in a game this season (min. 20 action plays). It's the highest Total QBR in a game for a non-starting QB in the 12 seasons for which ESPN has Total QBR data. <a href="https://t.co/z8DUU4qfhw">pic.twitter.com/z8DUU4qfhw</a></p>— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/941570054960717825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a>
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<p id="3UtaZb">The rest is history, of course. </p>
<p id="WIQb11">The offense did its job, holding onto the football, moving the chains, keeping the defense rested - even scoring.</p>
<p id="LuXgyC">That made it easy for Von Miller and company to be aggressive and limit a very mobile <span>Jacoby Brissett</span> who burned them in the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>’ opening drive with an uncontested touchdown run.</p>
<p id="RC98ds">“There’s nothing we can do about this season at this point,” said outside linebacker <span>Shane Ray</span>. “You see us come out here, and we get another win, a hard-earned win. It was a close game at first. It just feels good to have all of these guys and their excitement and their work ethic pay off.”</p>
<p id="JYfExw">But in spite of all the excitement Osweiler sparked on both sides of the ball, the Broncos still have a hard time loving him.</p>
<p id="MNjdwO">“He played well. Three touchdowns, two passing and one rushing,” Joseph said after the win. “He played with great poise. He played clean, smart football for us and it was a win.”</p>
<p id="3BTY3o"><em>It was a win???</em> </p>
<p id="iDGGhG">Talk about a lackluster endorsement for the guy who likely just saved the coach’s job for another season.</p>
<p id="bdk9lJ">And when asked if Osweiler earned the start for next week against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>, the answer was even more non-committal.</p>
<p id="1iA2dm">“I can’t say that right now,” was all Joseph had.</p>
<p id="dqs1BD">The added on Monday afternoon that discussion of who starts next week will be a “long and hard conversation.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vance Joseph says he is “not sure” who the starting QB is, but that he has “two healthy guys” at QB. Said that he wants to see Paxton Lynch “play more,” and that will have some bearing on the decision. “That’s going to be a long and hard conversation."</p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/941746519304175618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a>
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<p id="VlXriT">I have never been too high or too low on Osweiler. Mostly I enjoyed that he could help the team and wasn’t sorry Broncos didn’t end up paying him $19 million a year post-Super Bowl win. I wished the coaching staff kept Kyle Sloter versus bringing in Osweiler, but I have made my peace with that and have on many occasion this season called for Oz to be the starter.</p>
<p id="xxWXzC">Since coming back to Denver, the Brockster has been the best QB on the field - which isn’t saying a ton but is still saying something - and he has most definitely been the only quarterback with an ounce of skill to not just manage this offense, but lead it.</p>
<p id="gXSSOF">If Lynch is healthy by the Redskins game, there will be a lot of chatter about playing him to “see what he’s got” and sticking Oz back on the bench.</p>
<p id="vRmUY4">I’d much rather the Broncos show some love for No. 17 and let the hated QB build on what he brought to the table last night (and I’ll even stop calling him Brent).</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/15/16781486/broncos-have-tough-time-embracing-brock-osweiler-as-best-qb-on-the-fieldLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2017-12-15T11:00:03-07:002017-12-15T11:00:03-07:00Broncos-Colts game balls: Hail to the offense!
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<p>Once Brock Osweiler entered the game, the Denver Broncos outscored the Indianapolis Colts 25-3.</p> <p id="GDGNNW">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> have started a new, more better kind of streak. A winning streak! <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/14/16779252/broncos-colts-final-score">Their 25-13 victory</a> over the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> was a heck of a lot more impressive than their shutout win over the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> last week as it involved a much more consistent offensive performance.</p>
<p id="8GN2Ai">For the first time since Week 2, the offense is getting a slew of game balls from our staff. Starting with the man of the hour...</p>
<h2 id="DDmpQC">Brock Osweiler</h2>
<p id="kEDTry">I'm giving Brock Osweiler my game ball this week and a whole bag full of orange and blue love from Broncos Country. THANK YOU for good football, Brock. I hope you stick around next year as you are the only guy to take the field at all this year that has shown any modicum of leadership and actual NFL level quarterback talent. Yes, he did this against what is a fairly poor defense, but the numbers don't lie...dude posted a QBR of 147.7 with several impressive NFL throws downfield that helped this offense look actually dangerous for the first time in a long, long time. <em>- Sadaraine</em></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hmmm, two straight games of solid quarterback play and the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a> have outscored their opponents 48-13 and are 2-0. Coincidence?</p>— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/MileHighReport/status/941539883696275456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a>
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<h2 id="FBcwDk">Connor McGovern</h2>
<p id="rf7sDL">Connor McGovern gets my game ball. Skycam. Love it or hate it, the fancy video game camera angle did one thing against the Colts. It showed McGovern owning the line. There was no way he wouldn't get a game ball, and I am happy to be the one to give it to him. He was incredible in his role at RG. All you had to do was listen to the enamored musings of Mike Tirico to know that he was dominating the line. Or you could look at <span>C.J. Anderson's</span> stats. They paint a pretty nice picture. It feels good to write that about an offensive line that has spent a couple seasons being less than good most of the time. As Ian St. Clair mentioned on the MHR Radio postgame recap, the Broncos may have solved their issues at guard for next year. McGovern at RG, and move Ron Leary back to his natural position at LG, giving <span>Garett Bolles</span> a veteran presence to help him out. <em>- Adam Malnati</em></p>
<h2 id="WlFqyE">C.J. Anderson</h2>
<p id="LXKCE6">Who better to mention after McGovern than the guy he helped pave the way for? It may have been Booker with the incredible leap, but it was the C.J. Anderson train that helped the offense rumble into that little-traveled land known as "Consistency". The line gave Anderson some great holes, and he eagerly took advantage of them. Even when they didn't, CJ showed off some great power running to break tackles and gain extra yards. 30 carries for 158 yards is a great night for any running back, and stands as the 3rd highest rushing total of Anderson's career. Honestly, that 5.3 ypc average may be even more impressive considering the longest run of his night went for 16 yards. Though he didn't manage to break off a huge run, Anderson was consistently effective and his running was a major factor in the team's mid-game offensive turnaround. <em>- Taylor Kothe</em></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">After rushing for 158 yards against the Colts, Broncos running back C.J. Anderson is on pace for a 980-yard season, oh-so-close to his first 1,000-yard year. Denver will probably try to help him get there. <a href="https://t.co/bL3gdc5H5t">pic.twitter.com/bL3gdc5H5t</a></p>— Jon Heath (@JonHeathNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeathNFL/status/941529227677044736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a>
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<h2 id="MphKkv">Adam Gotsis</h2>
<p id="xMt9uO">My game ball goes to Adam Gotsis. I know he was facing a depleted Colts' offensive line, but any time a defensive end leads the team in tackles (4 solo, 3 assists) you know he is doing work. Gotsis also recorded one QB hit and at least two pressures that I saw to go along with his tackles. One of those pressure was all effort. Brissett had extended a play and it appeared that the rest of the DL had quit on the play, but Adam keep working and forced a throw-away. Those are the kind of effort plays that seemed to be missing during our losing streak. <em>- Joe Mahoney</em></p>
<h2 id="AWJacn">Cody Latimer</h2>
<p id="53jBxu">Cody Latimer is <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/13/16766772/cody-latimer-2018-free-agent-broncos">playing himself into a contract</a> when he becomes a free agent in March. He has been coming on strong this season making a good case to come back next season as the Broncos #3 wide receiver behind <span>Demaryius Thomas</span> and Emmanuel Sanders. This touchdown catch was a thing of beauty and was a perfect throw from Osweiler.<em> - Tim Lynch</em></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The lead!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeatTheColts?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeatTheColts</a> <a href="https://t.co/wvUsuz93GR">pic.twitter.com/wvUsuz93GR</a></p>— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/941511069410869249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/15/16780504/broncos-colts-game-ballsTim Lynch2017-12-15T10:00:05-07:002017-12-15T10:00:05-07:00Five things we learned from the Broncos win over the Colts
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<p>After Thursday, Trevor Siemian’s career in Denver is clearly over - so too should Vance Joseph’s. </p> <p id="y4m8SA">Vance Joseph and the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> have pulled off the impossible. </p>
<p id="MDFV4W">They have now, somehow, some way won two games in a row after the 25-13 victory over the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> on Thursday night. Now those happy feelings Broncos Country is used to have returned. All snark aside, at least we got that game out of the way and can enjoy football that matters this weekend. If you haven’t taken a gander at the rest of the Week 15 schedule, do yourself a favor and check it out. There are some good games on the slate this weekend. Or you could catch the newest “Star Wars” movie if you’re so inclined, though based on the attendance in Indy, most already did so Thursday night.</p>
<p id="kjmlVc">In terms of the Broncos, it’s great they decided to beat two terrible teams. Congrats, though this should have happened regardless of how terrible Denver is. It just solidifies what some said after the shutout win over the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>: Where was this during the eight-game losing streak? Sorry, but beating two awful teams when the season is over doesn’t change how it felt to watch the Broncos (5-9) put forth a historic losing streak. It just hardens those emotions.</p>
<p id="LqYTA6">Here are the five things we learned from Denver’s win over the Colts (3-11). </p>
<h2 id="VRRP09">Joseph needs to get fired</h2>
<p id="SuC8bV"><a href="https://goo.gl/X6ZfVk">As Adam Malnati and I said on the MHR Radio recap,</a> the play of <span>Brock Osweiler</span> hammers that message home. Joseph’s insistence to stick with <span>Trevor Siemian</span> makes him look even worse. It’s been clear to just about everyone, save for the Broncos head coach, that Osweiler is the best quarterback on the roster. Who knows where this team would be right now if he was the starter for 2017. We don’t know that because Joseph fell in love with <span>Siemian</span> and wasted another season on a terrible quarterback. That’s incompetence. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brock to the rescue for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a>. Yet in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MileHighReport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MileHighReport</a> Radio Recap, <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamMalnati16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdamMalnati16</a> & I are convinced this team can only win meaningless games. <a href="https://t.co/5cUbYo2Jdp">https://t.co/5cUbYo2Jdp</a></p>— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) <a href="https://twitter.com/IanStClair/status/941682553718747136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a>
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<p id="EGCe4H">It was unfortunate that Siemian suffered such a cringe-worthy injury, though you are left to wonder if Denver would have won the game with him at the helm. The awfulness of Joseph, yet again, was in plain sight for the nation to see. Nothing screams “I have no idea what I’m doing” like continually trotting out a terrible quarterback, yet thinking he gives you the best chance to win and being proven the exact opposite is the case.</p>
<p id="m0mE0g">But it’s not just the quarterback he’s done that with. </p>
<h2 id="J4YFjy">Siemian is finished in Denver </h2>
<p id="fK9o9b">If there was any question what the future holds for Siemian, we got the emphatic answer on Thursday. If – and that’s a huge “if” right now – he remains in the NFL, it will not be with the Broncos. </p>
<p id="kEAc8k">Siemian’s not a good quarterback, and hasn’t been since he was named the starter in August 2016. He’s not a starter. He’s not a capable backup. It’s a shame this organization wasted so many games on him given we knew all of this prior that initial decision last year. </p>
<h2 id="tao7b6">Have the Broncos found their answer at right guard? </h2>
<p id="6puXZ2">As it stands now, yes, but let’s not get carried away. That guy is, of course, Connor McGovern. One could make the argument he was the best player on the field for Denver on Thursday. McGovern was a huge reason <span>C.J. Anderson</span> and the Broncos were so effective on the ground. Of course, it’s imperative to point out that this happened against the dreadful Colts whose defense might be even worse. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cris Collinsworth on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a> Connor McGovern:<br><br>“They may have found something”</p>— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZacStevensBSN/status/941508233042132992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a>
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<p id="JB6Nvw">At the very least, Denver has the option now to roll into 2018 with McGovern at right guard and could move <span>Ronald Leary</span> back to left guard. That takes a huge priority off the list for holes John Elway has to fill on his roster - through free agency or the NFL Draft. </p>
<p id="PugOOL">But as I mentioned earlier, that’s yet another indictment on Joseph and shows his raging incompetence. The only reason McGovern is on the field is because of an injury to Leary. If Leary was still healthy, we would not see McGovern on the field. We wouldn’t see that he could, emphasis on “could,” be the answer at right guard. </p>
<p id="zn0Rai">Joseph has shown no interest in giving a look to younger players, even after hope of a playoff run faded. Look at the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/14/16778954/denver-broncos-and-indianapolis-colts-inactives-peko-active-four-rookies-inactive">players who were inactive for Thursday’s game</a> — all in a similar situation as McGovern. So we’re left to ask: Who else is Denver failing to get answers on and giving a chance to because Joseph wants to protect his job and win games?</p>
<h2 id="AOT2EQ">Why is <span>Jamaal Charles</span> on the roster? </h2>
<p id="c0Mbw4">Coaches always roll with the “hot hand.” Well, usually. Those coaches aren’t named Joseph. But Broncos offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave did on Thursday ... in large part because of the play of McGovern. </p>
<p id="9elOTI">Anderson and Devonate Booker were those guys in Denver’s running game. Charles, meanwhile, didn’t get a single touch in this game. Why is he on the roster? Why is he wasting a roster spot? <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/11/20/16677678/five-things-broncos-season-ending-loss-to-bengals">I made the call after the loss to the Cincinnati Bengals for the Broncos to release him.</a> At this point, give him the courtesy and the chance to sign with a different team since he won’t get a chance in Denver (despite Joseph saying over and over and over and over and over that Charles would).</p>
<h2 id="lpkDVK">It’s always a pleasure to watch <span>Adam Vinatieri</span> </h2>
<p id="SmW0QM">Three days after Christmas, the Colts kicker will turn 45 years old. He’s still one of the best, if the not the best kicker in the NFL. That’s incredible. Did you see the extra point he made last Sunday against the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>?</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> LETS GOOOOOOO <a href="https://twitter.com/adamvinatieri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adamvinatieri</a> <a href="https://t.co/P2PnP8SBMY">pic.twitter.com/P2PnP8SBMY</a></p>— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/939959923697479680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2017</a>
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<p id="DWUXKV">When you consider <span>Brandon McManus</span>' inconsistencies for the Broncos this season, it gives you a deeper appreciation for how outstanding Vinatieri has been, and for how long.</p>
<p id="gKL85W">Players like Vinatieri don’t come around that often so you have to enjoy the times you get to see them. If he’s selected for the Pro Bowl, he would be the oldest player in history to play in the game. That currently belongs to <span>John Carney</span>, who was 44 when he played in the Pro Bowl in 2008. </p>
<p id="rDUjgO">Add it to the list of accomplishments the best kicker in NFL history has on his resume. </p>
<p id="bl6qVD"><em>The MHR Radio Podcast is now on </em><a href="https://goo.gl/vLyHyQ"><em><strong>iTunes,</strong></em></a><em> </em><a href="https://goo.gl/2vBomS"><em><strong>Google Play</strong></em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://goo.gl/D33Fa2"><em><strong>Stitcher.</strong></em></a><em> Please subscribe to the one that fits your fancy, and also rate and review what you hear.</em></p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/15/16780448/five-things-broncos-thursday-night-win-over-coltsIan St. Clair