Mile High Report - Broncos 24, Bengals 10 Week 13: Everything we knowBy Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2018-12-05T07:00:04-07:00http://www.milehighreport.com/rss/stream/178819532018-12-05T07:00:04-07:002018-12-05T07:00:04-07:00GIF Horse - Surviving San Francisco
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<figcaption>Are you not entertained? | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Broncos should beat the 49ers, but already without Harris, Paradis and Shaq, they need to do so without serious injuries. </p> <p id="DlzX76">Through the first half of Sunday’s gave with the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> it definitely seemed like the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> had been sucked into the trap <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/11/28/18114382/broncos-tiger-trap-game-with-bengals">I worried about last week</a>. Keenum and the passing game just couldn’t keep drives going until the very end of the 2nd quarter. As well as <span>Phillip Lindsay</span> played throughout the game, it was a pass to a role player that broke the game open. </p>
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<figcaption>As a receiving threat, Booker has been a solid contributor this season. </figcaption>
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<p id="i4z2vU"><span>Devontae Booker</span> has been a bit of a controversial player among Broncos fans this year. Early in the season, everyone, including myself remembered him for his 3.8 yards per carry career average. I thought that perhaps he was earning playing time on third downs because the coaching staff was reluctant to trust the rookie backs with protecting the quarterback. While there was undoubtedly some truth to this, it’s probably time to accept that <span>Booker</span> has also done a good job with the assignment. </p>
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<figcaption>Keenum really excels on plays like this. </figcaption>
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<p id="w3b1Z8">On the play above, Musgrave calls a verticals concept with a crosser underneath. Keenum identifies that the defense is in zone coverage when Booker motions across the formation prior to the snap. The tight ends pull their defenders deep and give Booker space to operate underneath. The play sets up <span>Lindsay</span>’s 6 yard touchdown right after the 2 minute warning, but is the perfect illustration for why Musgrave so often motions a back out wide. </p>
<p id="Frm2EK">Booker’s on pace for a career low 472 yards from scrimmage this year, but has done the most with the opportunities that have presented themselves. In many ways he represents this 2018 Broncos team and how they’ve improved since last year. The rookies are flashy and Denver wouldn’t be competing for the playoffs without them, but there is depth on this squad that simply wasn’t present since <span>Peyton Manning</span> was playing.</p>
<p id="aNeSa3">That will be important down the home stretch. <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/4/18123814/patchwork-fly-zone-crash-broncos-playoff-hopes">I mentioned it yesterday,</a> but the secondary and Elway are about to be tested with <span>Chris Harris</span>’ absence. I looked at how the defense adjusted for the rest of the Bengals game. Rather than push <span>Brendan Langley</span> into a bigger role than he’s shown he can handle, Woods and Joseph made the most of the depth at the safety position with as many as four on the field in the Dime. Justin Simmons stepped into Harris’ vacated slot position while Willie Parks became the safety alongside Darian Stewart. Despite what I initially thought, Su’a Cravens didn’t move from his role as the dime sub for <span>Josey Jewell</span>. </p>
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<figcaption>Schematically, the Broncos didn’t look different Sunday without Harris which is encouraging. </figcaption>
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<p id="MyFry9">As far as coverage, Simmons did an admirable job. It makes sense as he’s had enough range to play both corner and safety during his collegiate career and filled in during <span>Aqib Talib</span>’s absence last year. The Bengals did find Boyd a few times with Strap sidelined, but that’s to be expected when you lose a Hall of Fame talent in the secondary.</p>
<p id="kTTVyI">It was an unexpected challenge the Broncos passed with flying colors, but they also did an excellent job accomplishing the three I set out in last week’s GIF Horse. </p>
<h1 id="8AJaN6"><strong>Key 1: Let Lindsay carry the day on Offense</strong></h1>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sure, Phillip Lindsay averaged 8.3 yards per carry today, but if you take away his 65-yard run he would have only averaged 5.1 ypc.</p>— Adam Harstad (@AdamHarstad) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamHarstad/status/1069341501883383808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="hprZpe">If you take away the 65-yard dagger Lindsay ripped out in the third quarter he’d still finish with 92 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. He accounted for 7 of the Broncos 16 first downs on the day. That 65-yarder can’t be ignored though, as splash plays are such a staple of Lindsay’s game. It was the longest of 5 runs that gained 10 yards or more. </p>
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<figcaption>Linday’s first touchdown was 90% him, where his lateral mobility saved a broken play. His second was a team effort and great blocking by Sutton and Bolles to free him into the third level. </figcaption>
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<strong>Key 2: Minimize </strong><span><strong>Mixon</strong></span>
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<p id="32xYF5">I mentioned last week that <span>Joe Mixon</span> represented the Bengals best chance to beat the Broncos and he did his best to do just that early. In fact just under half of his total yardage came on the first drive of the game when he broke runs of 7, 8 and 23 yards against the Broncos defense. </p>
<p id="hySk6p">Inexplicably, Cincinnati offensive coordinator Bill Lazor started to call the game through <span>Driskel</span> after that which helped the Broncos accomplish this key. He finished with only 12 carries. </p>
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<strong>Key 3: Dump </strong><span><strong>Driskel</strong></span><strong> into the dirt.</strong>
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<figcaption>Shelby Harris with the quickness. </figcaption>
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<p id="JvJKSH"><span>Jeff Driskel</span> did about as well as any Bengals fan could reasonably hope for in his first start with a decimated offense around him. Much like the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> before them, Cincinnati's game plan was to try and minimize the Broncos edge rush as much as possible. With a healthy Dalton that could have become a problem, but Driskel and the Bengals offensive line made more than enough mistakes to prevent this one from becoming too close for comfort. In fact it seemed as though the Cincinnati line was so concerned with the pass rush that they were willing to give up yards to counter it. The refs dinged the Bengal offense for 3 false starts and 3 holds. </p>
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<figcaption>It’s a lot to ask of a tight end to come back across the formation and block Miller. Lazor should probably burn this play. </figcaption>
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<p id="EXeb9Z">There were some shaky moments early, but the Broncos did what they were supposed to do against a team they clearly outclassed. It didn’t have the excitement the Steelers or <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> games carried with them, but that was a good thing. Good teams beat the bad teams badly and the 24-10 score wasn’t nearly as close as even that. That’s good because San Francisco represents another test of the Joseph’s ability to keep his team focused. </p>
<h1 id="mfm07T"><strong>On to San Francisco</strong></h1>
<p id="wjlv0x">In the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>, Denver is about to face another banged up team caught up in their own injury marred rebuilding effort. If the draft were today they would hold the first pick but with Kyle Shanahan pulling the shots and a talented defensive front there are pieces there to spring the upset. </p>
<h1 id="fgoTto"><strong>Key 1: Move the ball through the air</strong></h1>
<p id="T2WUhC">Four of Russell Wilson’s 11 completions went for touchdowns last Sunday, which really just served as the epitome of the 49ers defense this year. Despite John Lynch’s best efforts they just don’t have the personnel on the back end to compete. <span>Richard Sherman</span> has looked better than most dared hope in his return from the Achilles injury that ended his career in Seattle but as a unit this team is among the worse teams in the league against the pass. <span>Courtland Sutton</span> and <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> should feast. Robert Saleh’s defense has been gouged by play action passing, something Musgrave should exploit early and often to get Keenum into rhythm and away from the strength of the 49ers defense: their line and rookie linebacker <span>Fred Warner</span>. </p>
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<figcaption>Richard Sherman will probably have a lot of trouble with the Broncos receivers. </figcaption>
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<h1 id="wppAsQ"><strong>Key 2: Force Nick Mullens to win the game</strong></h1>
<p id="wRn5iX"><span>Matt Breida</span> won’t suit up against the Broncos, which leaves <span>Alfred Morris</span> and <span>Jeff Wilson</span> to carry the ball Sunday. <span>Morris</span> has been pedestrian all season and at 30 it’s fair to question if he’s reaching the end. Wilson came out of nowhere against Seattle, finishing with 134 yards, including 73 receiving. </p>
<p id="thBt64">It wouldn’t be a surprise if Shanahan tries to feed the rookie early and often to keep the offense out of must pass situations, which is why it’s imperative the second and third levels of the defense have a better start to the game than they did against the Bengals. San Francisco runs play action more than all but five teams in the league this year and Denver still has spots where it gives them issues.</p>
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<figcaption>Shanahan’s offense uses play action better than most teams in the league, but features a passer that can be exploited. </figcaption>
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<p id="bEhaJz">Hidden among the 49ers record is the fact that they’re one of the better teams at scheming their runners yards. The Shanahan system is renowned for how beautifully it marries the ground and air games together, which relieves pressure on both in situations where the opposing defense has to respect every option at the offenses’ disposal. Denver needs to shut the rushing attack down and force San Francisco into situations where <span>Von Miller</span> and <span>Bradley Chubb</span> can force Mullens into mistakes. </p>
<h1 id="TGLFMj"><strong>X-Factor: Pressure makes diamonds</strong></h1>
<p id="kU9t38"><span>Bradley Chubb</span> will have a chance to really make a statement against 12-year stalwart <span>Joe Staley</span>, who remains an elite blindside protector. To those in the know, a big game against <span>Staley</span> could do a lot to demand some attention as the DROY voting heats up. </p>
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<figcaption>This may be my favorite play Chubb has made this year. Uses a stutter to get free and his length to knock the ball out. </figcaption>
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<p id="hO5Z8a">It will be fun to watch Von battle rookie <span>Mike McGlinchey</span> on the other side of the line. The former Domer has been one of the very best rookie linemen this year, but <span>Miller</span> has notched a sack in the last 4 games. He’s running as hot as he’s ever been.</p>
<p id="KvAY44">On the other side of the ball, Keenum needs to keep his streak of clean games going. The clearest road to an upset for San Fran starts with turnovers. They have the worst turnover margin in the league this year, but have beasts up front that could turn the tide in their favor quickly. <span>DeForest Buckner</span> leads the way and will likely garner national attention the Niners ever become relevant. The former 7th overall pick is the kind of rare 300 pounder to also threaten double digit sacks, he possesses a truly rare blend of size and quickness.</p>
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<figcaption>With how badly the Broncos interior struggled against Geno Atkins and the Bengals tackles last week, Buckner poses a serious threat.</figcaption>
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<p id="mAI9Lk">Around him <span>Arik Armstead</span>, <span>Sheldon Day</span>, <span>Cassius Marsh</span> and <span>Solomon Thomas</span> have all flashed in spurts. In fact all 5 of the 49er linemen have amassed 10+ pressures this season. What’s really scary about this line though is how long they are. Both <span>Buckner</span> and <span>Armstead</span> stand over 6’6 and could get their hands in Keenum’s passing lanes, especially with liabilities at both guard spots.</p>
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<figcaption>The length of the 49ers line could be an issue for Keenum. </figcaption>
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<h1 id="BCo2jt"><strong>Summary</strong></h1>
<p id="l9tGMa">Wherever this season ends, there’s been so many encouraging moments to build on that it’s hard to deny better days are ahead for the Broncos. Before the year I expected this season to be rough early, but even I had given up hope of the postseason before this recent stretch. The Broncos have what on paper looks like the easiest game of the season ahead of them, but the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> are proof that any team could upend Denver and deserves respect. It’s on Vance and the team to execute. </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/5/18125140/film-review-denver-broncos-san-francisco-49ersJust_JoRo2018-12-04T10:00:07-07:002018-12-04T10:00:07-07:00Score a great Christmas deal on new Broncos swag
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<p>Use the promo code HOODIEHALF at checkout to get both at a great price and free shipping.</p> <p id="XuaVZ7">Since he arrived, no one has been able to contain <span>Phillip Lindsay</span>. </p>
<p id="YorCpW">Just like a pitbull, he shows power, passion and fearlessness. </p>
<p id="FiFMfd">It’s fitting that’s the nickname that’s stuck with the undrafted rookie free agent for the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>. As the team <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1069364594278322176">tweeted after the game,</a> “another career day for ‘The Pitbull.’” Teams haven’t been able to lay a finger on “The Pitbull” through 12 weeks, but Broncos Country and the MHR Community now has a chance to do so. </p>
<p id="G7tsU7">Fans cannot get enough of <span>Lindsay</span>, so do your part by joining in the fun with <a href="http://bit.ly/2EaF2eh">this new shirt from BreakingT.</a> It’s our way of celebrating the <a href="http://bit.ly/2EaF2eh">Undrafted | Homegrown “Denver Pitbull.”</a> </p>
<p id="lEB1AQ">Not only can Denver fans get the new shirt, but the <a href="http://bit.ly/2SqbPiE">Orange Rush is now available in a hoodie.</a> </p>
<p id="YNGfLf">There’s a way to get both at a great price. Since this is the season for giving, one could land a great deal on a Christmas gift. Here’s how it works: </p>
<p id="VELZT7"><strong>• The deal: </strong>Buy one hoodie, get 50% off any one item in the BreakingT store. That could be a second hoodie, a T-shirt, or whatever you want. Check out the <a href="http://bit.ly/2Q6LY1P">Denver Collection</a> for the Denver sports fan. </p>
<p id="CdFc3R"><strong>• My idea for Broncos Country: </strong>One way to think about it is that you could get the <a href="http://bit.ly/2SqbPiE">ORANGE RUSH hoodie</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/2EaF2eh">PITBULL</a> shirt for less than $60 and free shipping. That’s a pretty sweet deal.</p>
<p id="vLa33G"><strong>• The code: </strong>Use HOODIEHALF at checkout.</p>
<p id="XgrShd">“The Pitbull” has been unleashed by the Broncos. </p>
<p id="y75wQS">The Orange Rush is now the best pass-rushing duo in the NFL. </p>
<p id="pXd06K">Both are a major reason why Denver is thick in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoff-picture">AFC playoff picture</a>. </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/4/18125488/new-denver-broncos-phillip-lindsay-shirt-orange-rush-hoodieIan St. Clair2018-12-04T09:00:04-07:002018-12-04T09:00:04-07:00Phillip Lindsay is NOT the Face of this team
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<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>He’s just way too sexy for the way this team wins. </p> <div id="RATwz8"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP8137142022" style="width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<p id="qfWbrI">The local kid is going to get more media attention in the next few weeks than we have seen since <span>Tim Tebow</span>, and he deserves every bit of it. The guy is an incredible talent and will be a big part of the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> future. In the coming years it’s almost a sure bet that he will be who the team tries to build its image around. His toughness and charisma and his underdog mentality are what this team should try to become. They should build around their run game and try to win like they did in the glory years of the late 1990s — with players who are angry because they are low draft picks — or undrafted free agents — and with an all-time great rushing attack. </p>
<p id="3RkzkM">All of that said, we aren’t talking about the future today. We are talking about the 2018 team that just might have a chance to sneak into the playoffs and shock the world - and especially Denver fans. This is a team that is so unsexy it’s like Mrs. Doubtfire and Jabba the Hutt had a baby that somehow found a way to succeed despite looking like an unpolished turd. </p>
<p id="Sek1ea">I love when my team wins and a win is a win is a win, but boy oh boy our Broncos have a way of making it as ugly as possible (except you, Phillip gorgeous hair Lindsay). <span>Case Keenum</span> was 12 of 21 for goodness sake, and there were more penalties and injuries than in a Spanish soccer game. But at the final whistle, the score was well in favor of the good guys and that’s all that matters. </p>
<p id="7Jil3M">It got me to wondering about the face of the team and the identity that is slowly taking shape in what promises to be a crazy <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/a/march-madness-2018-ncaa-tournament">final four</a> weeks in the NFL, and I finally landed on who is actually the poster child:</p>
<p id="LaSWD6"><span>Shelby Harris</span>. </p>
<p id="rmfSpp">The big man who has overcome great odds as a seventh-round pick by the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> (poor guy) to become one of the team’s key weapons on defense. He has made game-changing plays in each of the last two weeks and has been consistently awesome as a run-stuffing and pass-rushing DT. And I mean absolutely no offense to the guy - who just had a beautiful little baby girl with his wife - but he’s not what we would call sexy in football terms. He’s a big, lumbering lineman who makes an impact by getting down and dirty and being nasty in a pile of 300-pound men. </p>
<p id="dlAYTf">He’s a guy who has finally found a spot on a team and an identity as a player who just works his butt off to make things happen. It may not be pretty and I doubt he could pop up off the ground as quickly as the star rookie running back but the dude gets it done. That is who this team is right now. Not sexy, almost never favorites, not particularly loved or noticed by anyone but the job gets done and every now and then we see a moment of brilliance. </p>
<p id="30782o">This team isn’t the sexy, quick, high-powered group that strikes fear into the hearts of opponents. It is, however, a group of players who are underrated, under-appreciated and working their tails off to prove to the world and their fans that they are for real and they’re here to stay.</p>
<p id="mh0yEy">This is an ugly team and Denver Broncos fans need to embrace it and get excited about our very own Jabba Doubtfire that kicks ass. </p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/4/18123461/phillip-lindsay-is-not-the-face-of-the-broncosKevin Gillikin2018-12-04T08:00:06-07:002018-12-04T08:00:06-07:00Broncos at Bengals: The No Bull Review
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<figcaption>David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Denver Broncos went on the road and handled their business against the hapless Cincinnati Bengals. Here are my thoughts, opinions, and analysis on the Denver Broncos’ most recent game.</p> <p id="kOwpvU">Good teams win games against bad teams. I know the Bengal’s record was on par with the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>, but when you compare the teams on paper, the talent levels are just completely different. </p>
<p id="cgoJW1">This was a game that the Broncos are <em>supposed</em> to win. </p>
<p id="3B2Mx3">This was the same kind of game we saw earlier this season against the N.Y. Jets where the Broncos completely just fell apart.</p>
<p id="TVUPOF">But this wasn’t that game.</p>
<p id="49xcDR">And this doesn’t look at all like the same team from that game.</p>
<h1 id="UYUI64">Offense</h1>
<p id="WPll3g">I’ve been pretty up and down on Bill Musgrave’s play calling this year, but overall, I honestly thought this was one his best games as a play caller this season. </p>
<p id="Ab5q99">We stuck with the run. We ran the right guys in the right situations. We had some creative plays to open up some one on one matches on the outside.</p>
<h2 id="ykNLrr">Quarterbacks</h2>
<p id="U2C2AQ"><span>Case Keenum</span> honestly had a fairly rough game of it. The early season overthrows were all over the place in this one with him frustratingly missing receivers multiple times in this game. You have to love his big tosses to <span>Sutton</span> though as his placement on them was perfect.</p>
<p id="GMozX1">Look for him leaning on that more as long as the Broncos can keep scheming single match ups with Sutton for <span>Keenum</span> to look for.</p>
<h2 id="9xBziw">Line</h2>
<p id="7F4xEN">Bill Turner had a pretty rough game if we’re being honest. I’m still pretty proud of the guy though. Keep in mind he’s a depth tackle for us filling in at guard.</p>
<p id="Uiacc8">The only other real worry about the offensive line in this game was <span>Connor McGovern</span> trying his hardest to make some turnovers happen based off of too many low snaps. It was so bad, Keenum adjusted his stance to darn near kneeling when he was taking shotgun snaps to make sure he was able to dig it out if another bad snap came his way.</p>
<p id="wStrTY"><span>Garett Bolles</span> had a really strong game on the left side. They have to find ways to pull him out on more plays because he’s absolutely filthy in space as a blocker. I almost would like to see him play at guard where you can pull him in your play design space a lot easier.</p>
<p id="YAUkTM"><span>Jared Veldheer</span> was again a rock on the right side. The guy is playing great football and I’d love to see him play for us again next year.</p>
<h2 id="qIUjW0">Running Backs</h2>
<p id="Q81b1u"><span>Phillip Lindsay</span> is an absolute monster on the football field. He’s getting more and more carries as the year goes on and I love it. Speed kills in the NFL game and I’m not sure he’s not the fastest guy on the field each week the Broncos play. </p>
<p id="oOXiOS">His acceleration was the highlight of the game from what I saw. The guy just kicks up his gears so quickly that it makes the angles the defenders take completely wrong. Pair that with his ability to change angles while staying darn near full speed and you get elite NFL talent. </p>
<p id="mqz483">I also have to say I like what I’m seeing from <span>Royce Freeman</span> as well. His game isn’t going to get the credit he deserves for two reasons: 1) <span>Lindsay</span> is exponentially more talented and electrifying and 2) He had a fumble that people are going to throw shade on.</p>
<p id="YZBrdC">But let me tell you, his game was very good. That fumble was a great play by the defense...he didn’t hold it wrong, but just got stood up by the defense as he was trying to power forward for extra yards. He still ran for 4 ypc as the #2 RB which is superb. I also think he’s a back that is likely going to play better the more carries he gets, and unless Lindsay gets injured, he’s just not going to get that kind of opportunity.</p>
<p id="QR0NO5"><span>Devontae Booker</span> also should get some props. His biggest contribution is as in the passing game with 2 passes for big yards, but it is worth noting that while he’s not in contention for starting snaps by any means, he has a role on this team and is productive in it. </p>
<h2 id="OuvD1X">Receivers</h2>
<p id="UxjWYw"><span>Courtland Sutton</span> needs 4-5 passes a game where he gets to jump ball it against a defender. He’s got serious skills and this was a pretty impressive break out game for the rookie.</p>
<p id="4BorIE"><span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> got a lot of targets and if Keenum’s throws would have been on, he would have had a pretty impressive game. As sit was, he got 6 catches and averaged 4.8 yards which is a little underwhelming for a normally prolific receiver.</p>
<h1 id="mMkyK9">Defense</h1>
<p id="SgF8Fu">I have to say I expected the defense to have more trouble than they did with a young QB with little to no film. </p>
<p id="bBZf1P">But I was worried over nothing. The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> couldn’t handle the pass rush and with <span>A.J. Green</span> going down, just lack any kind of serious threat to take advantage of our poor CB depth.</p>
<h2 id="vCPr9s">Front 7</h2>
<p id="vMmZjB"><span>Bradley Chubb</span> should be the defensive player of the year. He’s got the look of a young elite talent that is going to develop into a very special player. It just isn’t fair that we have him on a team along with <span>Von Miller</span>.</p>
<p id="bkMyWu">Speaking of Von, he also had a great game. He lived in the Bengals’ backfield for much of the game. He had a great TFL, hit the QB multiple times, and got 1.5 sacks to boot. </p>
<p id="8CeYaO"><span>Shelby Harris</span> followed up a spectacular game last week with another superb effort this week. He is looking more and more like the interior pass rush this defense needs to really shine. </p>
<p id="xUsl2H"><span>Todd Davis</span> is the man. He’s playing great football and is a big reason that this team is playing such good defensive football overall. He led the team in tackles again this week and added 3 TFL.</p>
<p id="F3Q8II">With Josey Jewell out, I loved seeing Sua’ Cravens step into the ILB spot and hold it down. He didn’t drop any big time flashy plays, but he filled in just fine with a 5 combined tackles. His versatility is a very big bonus to have in a player.</p>
<h2 id="AEXWYG">Secondary</h2>
<p id="s4d4v6">Chris Harris, Jr. going down is going to be a very big hit to this defense. Cornerback is probably our weakest group on defense behind him and we’re going to need some very young players to step up in a big way to be able to finish off this season strong and have any chance to get into the playoffs. Get well soon, Chris!</p>
<p id="3u1EpG"><span>Isaac Yiadom</span> was thrust into a lot of playing time that he just doesn’t look ready for. If he’s going to help this team win, he <em>has</em> to study his tail off an execute better than he did in this game. I’m not saying he sucks...I’m saying he’s young and doesn’t have his techniques down yet to stay on his guys and make plays. What’s damning here is that I’m saying this when he went against one of the worst WR corps in the NFL with <span>A.J. Green</span> out.</p>
<p id="wX0Kig"><span>Bradley Roby</span> again just blows me away with how little effort he gives at times. The TD that was scored on him was in every way total sucktitude. It was a poor angle, it was a poor effort, and it was a garbage play when you are the “best” corner the Broncos have with CHJ out. </p>
<p id="UOCmvf"><span>Justin Simmons</span> had another up and down game, but when he got moved into playing more #3 corner, I thought he did very well and is a solid option for the team to fill holes in man coverage type looks against the depth receivers that teams will throw up against this defense.</p>
<p id="3PymGa"><span>Darian Stewart</span>...I just want to say I can’t believe you dropped that pick.</p>
<h1 id="cGRInV">Special Teams</h1>
<p id="L9IS7r"><span>Colby Wadman</span> is growing on me. His corner kick early in the game was absolutely beautify and pinned the Bengals down inside the 10. He had a couple other really nice punts with hang time on them as well. I was pretty harsh on him earlier in the season, but he’s obviously putting in the work to be a better punter and it is showing up on the field.</p>
<h1 id="08yZZV">Final Thoughts</h1>
<p id="RlGFan">Losing Chris is a big blow to this team as I mentioned earlier. Hopefully the Broncos find some way to fill in this gap. If they don’t, look for better teams with better talent at receiver to put some big numbers up on us.</p>
<p id="l1xtDc">Sadly, I’m not sure next week will be a true test for this team. It is going to be another game that the Broncos should be expected to handle easily against a far lesser talented team in the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>.</p>
<p id="LWSq6p">But for now, this team has climbed back to 6 - 6 and has a shot at making the playoffs which I honestly didn’t think they were going to be able to do a month ago. I love it and I love how we are finally seeing the coaches do more and more things on both sides of the ball that just plain make sense.</p>
<p id="dWgxrq">How about you out there in Broncos Country? Does McManus deserve some shade for the missed FG? Do you think the offense is playing down to its opponent instead of thriving? What’s the formula for making it to the playoffs for this young, talented team?</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/4/18125148/broncos-bengals-no-bull-reviewsadaraine2018-12-04T07:00:02-07:002018-12-04T07:00:02-07:00Broncos 3rd & long: continuing improvement despite injuries
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<img alt="Denver Broncos v Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-Xc-mKx2YGOUPkeMuLewBSrO-gc=/0x94:2075x1477/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62620963/1067745112.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Denver Broncos defense is doing enough to win games and that’s all that matters. </p> <p id="lb7lo6">The first half against the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> was a pretty ugly display by the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> offense. Their first four drives ended in three punts and a missed field goal, with two of those being 3-and-out drives. Against the team who was (and still is) worst in the league at stopping opponents on third down, they had two 3-and-outs on our first four possessions. </p>
<p id="UCGSyT">But then something happened. </p>
<p id="bDzbWu">That something was Phillip Lindsay. He sparked the offense to our only score of the first half and he was a beast in the second half. He likes to give credit to his OL (as he rightly should), but he is running with the vision and power of a young <span>Jamaal Charles</span> right now. Why would I compare him to Jamaal Charles? Well, they both are (currently, as it could still change if Lindsay has some bad games in the remaining 4) part of a very select group of running backs. Guys who ran for 6.0 ypc or more on 150 or more carries after the merger. Only Adrian Peterson (2012), <span>C.J. Spiller</span> (2012), Jamaal Charles (2010), Barry Sanders (1997) and O.J. Simpson (1973) have been able to do that and the three hall-of-famers (AP will be in the HoF when he is done) were only able to do it once each. Lindsay is really treating us to a show this year. </p>
<p id="8jALAC">So how did the defense do at stopping the run on first down? The Bengals ran the ball 12 times for 44 yards on first down - 3.67, but most of that came on two runs: a 14-yd run from <span>Joe Mixon</span> and a 10 yard run at the end of the game from Mark Walton. We stopped two first down runs for no gain and four others for 1 yard. So the Bengals were facing 2nd and 9 or 10 many times during the game, which did not help their young QB who was making his first career start. Couple the difficulty running the ball on first down with the penalties and you had a fairly difficult task for <span>Jeff Driskel</span> who played a pretty good game all things considered. </p>
<p id="7uCX5K">On the year Denver has moved up to 20th at stopping the run on first down. We are now allowing 4.77 yards per carry. We were dead last in this stat after the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> game. Houston has taken over the top spot allowing a paltry 3.54 ypc on first down runs while KC is still dead last with 5.67 yards per carry allowed on first down runs. </p>
<p id="8K1SL6">The Broncos ended up forcing the Bengals into 12 3rd & long situations. </p>
<div id="lVXwgY"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Quarter</td>
<td>Time</td>
<td>Down</td>
<td>ToGo</td>
<td>Location</td>
<td>Detail</td>
<td>Yds</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>5:17</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>DEN 44</td>
<td>Jeff Driskel pass complete short left to Alex Erickson for 2 yards (tackle by Bradley Chubb). Penalty on Clint Boling: Illegal Block Above the Waist, 10 yards, Penalty on A.J. Green: Illegal Shift (Declined)</td>
<td>catch but short</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>5:03</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>CIN 48</td>
<td>Jeff Driskel pass complete short middle to A.J. Green for 7 yards (tackle by Chris Harris)</td>
<td>catch but short</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>0:38</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>CIN 28</td>
<td>Jeff Driskel pass incomplete short middle intended for Giovani Bernard</td>
<td>incomplete</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>11:38</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>CIN 16</td>
<td>Jeff Driskel pass complete short left to Tyler Boyd for 12 yards (tackle by Bradley Roby)</td>
<td>catch but short</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>5:34</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>35</td>
<td>CIN 15</td>
<td>Giovani Bernard middle for 4 yards (tackle by Von Miller)</td>
<td>run short </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>1:26</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>CIN 42</td>
<td>Jeff Driskel pass complete deep middle to Tyler Boyd for 22 yards (tackle by Justin Simmons)</td>
<td>conversion by catch</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>0:20</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>DEN 17</td>
<td>Jeff Driskel pass incomplete deep right intended for Cody Core</td>
<td>incomplete</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>13:57</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>CIN 18</td>
<td>Jeff Driskel pass incomplete short left intended for Giovani Bernard (defended by Adam Gotsis)</td>
<td>incomplete</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>10:07</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>CIN 47</td>
<td>Jeff Driskel pass complete deep middle to Tyler Boyd for 23 yards (tackle by Darian Stewart)</td>
<td>conversion by catch</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>6:18</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>CIN 28</td>
<td>Jeff Driskel pass complete short left to Giovani Bernard for 8 yards (tackle by Bradley Roby and Darian Stewart)</td>
<td>conversion by catch</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>12:38</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>DEN 42</td>
<td>Jeff Driskel pass complete short left to Giovani Bernard for -5 yards (tackle by Todd Davis)</td>
<td>catch but short</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>7:19</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>CIN 23</td>
<td>Jeff Driskel pass complete short middle to Giovani Bernard for 8 yards (tackle by Todd Davis)</td>
<td>catch but short</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="KLa3hb">They were able to convert on three of those twelve. <span>Driskel</span> was actually pretty effective throwing the ball on 3rd and long while under heavy pressure from the Orange Rush. He was able to complete 8 of 11 passes for three first downs. More importantly he was not sacked once on a 3rd and long situation. </p>
<p id="lqcL4l">For the season, we have allowed conversion on 28.7% of 3rd & longs. That is good for 24th in the league. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> are now in last place allowing conversion on 37.0% while the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> remain firmly in first place allowing only 17.1% conversion on 3rd and long situations. </p>
<p id="DSd3I7">Overall, we held the Bengals to 5 of 13 on 3rd down conversions. We are now in a three-way tie for 17th place in 3rd conversions allowed - at 39.9%. The Vikings lead the league at 29.9% while the Bengals are still dead last at 54.8%. </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/4/18124859/broncos-3rd-long-continuing-improvement-despite-injuriesJoe Mahoney2018-12-04T04:30:06-07:002018-12-04T04:30:06-07:00Horse Tracks: Will a Patchwork Fly Zone Crash the Broncos Playoff Hopes?
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<img alt="NFL: Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7tDIhMRlSAQyi-Z2WyWkADVmGyY=/0x0:2397x1598/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62620926/usa_today_11695568.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>It’s now or never for Roby in Broncos orange. | Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can Bradley Roby, Justin Simmons and the rookies step up?</p> <p id="DAuR7b">In case you somehow missed the news, at the time of my writing this, the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> are looking at going into the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> having survived a costly battle of attrition with the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> Sunday. Lost to injury during the game were <span>Josey Jewell</span>, <span>Derek Wolfe</span> and <span>Chris Harris</span> Jr. The first two both look like they’re eyeing this weekend for their return but <span>Harris</span>’ injury was far more significant. </p>
<h4 id="F91KRm"><a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-injury-updates-bengals-chris-harris-josey-jewell">Injury Updates: Joseph updates status of Chris Harris Jr., Derek Wolfe and Josey Jewell</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="vPCmp6">”Chris Harris [has] a break in his lower leg,” Joseph said. “Chris is one of our leaders. He’s one of our better players. When you lose those guys, obviously you don’t gain anything. You lose something. But ... we won’t flinch now.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="o4sbkQ">It’s one thing to say what needs to be said after such a demoralizing injury, it’s hard to expect Joseph to say anything else really. Another thing altogether is finding a way to minimize the absence of a Hall of Fame slot corner in the era of 11 personnel. Fortunately for the Broncos, San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan utilizes more 2-receiver 2-back sets than anyone and the 49ers are a shell of what fans expected them to be going into the season. Last I checked on <span>Nick Mullens</span> there was a question if he’d be benched for <span>C.J. Beathard</span>. If Shanny finds a way to steal a victory with <span>George Kittle</span> and a pack of bubble gum next week, Vance Joseph deserves his walking papers.</p>
<p id="aZ9h15">Going forward, things get uglier quick. As bad as the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> win loss record looks from afar, this is a very different Cleveland team with <span>Baker Mayfield</span> at the helm. There’s hope that <span>Tramaine Brock</span> is in line to return shortly until he does 3rd round rookie <span>Isaac Yiadom</span> will man the 2nd corner spot. Former <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> cornerback <span>Jamar Taylor</span> is expected to sign with Denver this week after Arizona released him in November. He played for Vance Joseph back when the Broncos head coach was the Miami Dolphin’s defensive coordinator, but it’s fair to ask how much he can contribute coming off the street this week.</p>
<p id="kMyiiw">If for some reason he doesn’t sign, or even if he does Harris’ absence means Joe Woods and the Fly Zone will likely consist of a heavy dose of big nickel packages with <span>Justin Simmons</span> moving down into the slot. Mile High Report’s own Jeffrey Essary took a look at when <span>Simmons</span> played the position during <span>Aqib Talib</span>’s absence last season.</p>
<h4 id="IREHjn"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/3/12/17107658/broncos-secondary-without-aqib-talib">Tale of the Tape: What does a ‘Talib-less’ secondary look like? - Mile High Report</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="DoSK5q">So how did he fare? Pretty darn good, actually. Aside from one play he’d love to have back (which we’ll look at), he allowed two catches for 16 yards, and had himself an interception returned for a touchdown.</p></blockquote>
<p id="GqUzv1">If Simmons does become the de facto slot corner, Su’a Cravens will see an increase in playing time at a more traditional safety position than the dimebacker spot Joseph and Woods had in mind for him when he was brought to Denver last spring. </p>
<p id="QzSBnG">That’s a lot of moving parts, but the NFL is a next man up league. <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/11/27/18113131/will-broncos-vance-joseph-save-his-job-with-playoffs">As I said last week there</a> would come a time down the last stretch of this playoff chase where Joseph would have to prove himself a worthy head coach. It’s gut check time.</p>
<p id="umnzYX">One thing that’s helping the Broncos going forward? The other teams that will likely compete for the wildcard spots have much tougher schedules over the remaining month than Denver does. There is even a road to the 6th seed that would allow for them to drop a game somewhere along the way, though it would make things really really tight. </p>
<h4 id="eXsdIy"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/3/18123683/afc-playoff-picture-denver-broncos">NFL Playoff Picture: Denver Broncos need AFC North to stumble - Mile High Report</a></h4>
<p id="RJtJ2i">The Denver Broncos sort of need to win out to have a good shot at making the playoffs, plus they’ll need a few games to their way.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yes, if:<br><br>* Chargers are 2-2 or better;<br>* Pittsburgh goes 3-1;<br>* Baltimore goes 3-1;’<br>* Miami, Tennessee and Indianapolis all lose at least one game<br><br>DEN would then lose a tiebreaker for the No. 6 seed at 10-6 with Baltimore. <a href="https://t.co/2Gw5l6zrpu">https://t.co/2Gw5l6zrpu</a></p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1069629205200146433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<h1 id="F5JZWR"><strong>Broncos Links</strong></h1>
<h4 id="Zzp0il"><a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/next-day-notebook-chris-harris-won-t-go-on-ir-eyes-week-17-return">Next-Day Notebook: Chris Harris won’t go on IR, eyes Week 17 return</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="dPhKFn">Joseph said he is hopeful <span>Brock</span> can return against the 49ers to bolster the secondary.</p></blockquote>
<p id="EBOTCZ"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/2/18122463/phillip-lindsay-rookie-record">Phillip Lindsay becomes eighth Denver Broncos rookie to top 1,000 yards - Mile High Report</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="EgTRnh">Lindsay is averaging over 6 yards a carry and should be a Pro Bowler this year. Go vote. Now. Don’t pass Go, wait to collect your $200 until after you voted.</p></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">With a quarter of the season still to play, Phillip Lindsay has 77 more rushing yards in his rookie campaign than Le'Veon Bell did as a rookie back in 2013... and he's done it on 90 fewer rushing attempts.</p>— Taylor Kothe (@taylorkothe_nfl) <a href="https://twitter.com/taylorkothe_nfl/status/1069619353765797888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="pT7zX4"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/3/18123304/broncos-are-finding-ways-to-win-again">The Denver Broncos are finding ways to win again - Mile High Report</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="MDCrE2">In a game that started with a whimper, the Broncos found a way to win.</p></blockquote>
<p id="rlHmxL"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/2/18122555/broncos-bengals-winners-losers-week-13">Denver Broncos 11 winners, 3 losers in 24-10 win over Bengals - Mile High Report</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="F83QxO">Phillip Lindsay continues to remain “Philthy,” and the Broncos win their third-straight game to keep the playoff dream alive.</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lindsay vs. Barkley, on a per-touch (receptions + rush attempts) basis:<br><br>Yards/touch:<br>Lindsay: 6.3<br>Barkley: 5.8<br><br>Move-the-chains rate:<br>Lindsay: 1 1st down every 3.4 touches<br>Barkley: 1 1st down every 4.3 touches<br><br>TD rate:<br>Lindsay: 1 every 19.9 touches<br>Barkley: 1 every 22.4 touches</p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1069656604990205952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="xM0ccY"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/2/18122401/broncos-bengals-5-things-we-learned">Denver Broncos: 5 things learned in 24-10 win over Cincinnati Bengals. - Mile High Report</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="48728Y">The Denver Broncos secured their third consecutive victory this afternoon against the Cincinnati Bengals. Here are five things we learned from today’s game.</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Philip Lindsay man...every damn week. And a testament to the inexact science of drafting. No one picked him.. not even Denver...when he was out there doing his thing in their back yard of Boulder</p>— trey wingo (@wingoz) <a href="https://twitter.com/wingoz/status/1069309681519206402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="aLQFpl"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-13-grades-browns-get-a-d-as-mayfield-melts-down-packers-get-an-f-as-mccarthy-gets-fired/">NFL Week 13 Grades: Browns get a ‘D’ as Mayfield melts down, Packers get an ‘F’ as McCarthy gets fired - CBSSports.com</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="0ELnQx">Broncos: B Although <span>Case Keenum</span> couldn’t take advantage of playing against one of the worst defenses in the NFL, Philip Lindsay definitely didn’t squander the opportunity. The Broncos running back carried Denver’s offense with 152 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. The Broncos defense also did a good job of terrorizing Bengals quarterback <span>Jeff Driskel</span>, who was making his first career start. Denver racked up four sacks, including 1.5 by <span>Von Miller</span> and <span>Shelby Harris</span>. </p></blockquote>
<h4 id="sLPWL4"><a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/2018/12/03/kellys-2019-mock-draft-3-0/2/">Kelly’s 2019 Mock Draft 3.0 - Page 2 of 3 - The Draft Network</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="lm2j5z">19. Denver Broncos PICK: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa Jeff Heuerman is a mediocre tight end who offers little in the pass game, so Denver will likely look to upgrade that spot this offseason. Fant is a dynamic, athletic freak at the position. He provides rare natural pass-catching ability in his large frame, making him an enticing piece to pair with 2018 second-round wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Fant would provide a presence in the intermediate and up the seam for quarterback <span>Case Keenum</span>.</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just a great forced fumble by Bradley Chubb here. There is no doubt he should be heavily considered for Defensive Rookie of the Year. <a href="https://t.co/Yx3t2Cc2kz">pic.twitter.com/Yx3t2Cc2kz</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1069337135482904576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a>
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<h1 id="lFJqs3"><strong>49er Links</strong></h1>
<h4 id="SGt2re"><a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2018/12/3/18124759/49ers-injury-report-matt-breida-status-marquise-goodwin-dekoda-watson">49ers news: Matt Breida OUT for Week 14, Kyle Shanahan expects Marquise Goodwin to be back - Niners Nation</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="T4WRdb">The 49ers will be dipping down into the depth chart.</p></blockquote>
<p id="mX2Co0"><a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/san-francisco-49ers/post/_/id/33043/your-move-raiders-49ers-jump-to-lead-in-race-for-top-draft-pick">Your move, Raiders: 49ers jump to lead in race for top draft pick - San Francisco 49ers Blog- ESPN</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="IXbvsi">”We’re just beat up,” cornerback <span>Richard Sherman</span> said. “You think about the guys we have out there, we lose our No. 1 receiver, No. 2 receiver, No. 1 quarterback, No. 2 quarterback, No. 1 running back, the thing, it just ends up adding up. You lose your starting safety, you lose your backup safety, you lose person after person, you lose two of your Will linebackers and then [<span>Malcolm Smith</span> is] kind of beat up. It’s just guys beat up, but guys are fighting hard and giving us the best chance.”</p></blockquote>
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<p id="WY4TMl"></p>
<h1 id="UPDKQU"><strong>A look around the AFC West</strong></h1>
<p id="Wrs2ZJ"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25432345/nfl-botched-kareem-hunt-assault-investigation-why-interested-truth">NFL botched Kareem Hunt assault investigation - Why it wasn’t interested in the truth</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="ycAEQ5">When it comes to the NFL and violence against women, the question clearly isn’t, “What did they know and when did they know it?” It’s more like, “What did they want to know and when did they decide they had no choice but to know more?”</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="DqZ1ei"><a href="https://deadspin.com/kareem-hunt-was-a-suspect-in-a-nightclub-assault-in-jan-1830834686?utm_medium=socialflow&utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter">Kareem Hunt Was A Suspect In A Nightclub Assault In January</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="2XBoVK">The unnamed accuser told police that when he approached the group, Atkinson punched him in the shoulder, and though the victim tried to fight back, he was overrun and kicked to the point of unconsciousness by three men, one of whom he identified as Hunt.</p></blockquote>
<p id="bMpO9L"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/kareem-hunt-reportedly-being-investigated-by-nfl-for-second-incident-in-ohio-could-face-long-suspension/">Kareem Hunt being investigated by NFL for second incident in Ohio, allegedly punched man - CBSSports.com</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="pJCY9p">In the early morning hours of June 3, Hunt got into an verbal altercation with another guest that allegedly ended with Hunt punching the man in the face. Since the man wasn’t seriously injured and since he chose not to press any charges, the incident basically went unnoticed during the NFL offseason. </p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">If you ever find yourself in a messy situation make sure you never, EVER hire Kareem Hunt’s PR folks. This is about as tone deaf and poor answer as you can provide. <a href="https://t.co/nN7z4EExih">pic.twitter.com/nN7z4EExih</a></p>— Kyle Crabbs (@GrindingTheTape) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrindingTheTape/status/1069289692443697152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="IT5O1R"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25438260/do-things">Patrick Mahomes reaction to Kareem Hunt video: ‘We don’t do those things’</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="dsoGik">”I saw the stuff that happened,’’ Mahomes said after Sunday’s 40-33 win over the Raiders. “We don’t do those things.’’</p></blockquote>
<p id="npL0i7"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/2/18123192/report-former-denver-broncos-c-j-anderson-likely-to-fill-in-for-kareem-hunt-in-kansas-city-chiefs">Report: Former Denver Broncos RB C.J. Anderson likely to fill in for Kareem Hunt in Kansas City - Mile High Report</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="rsbyWB">Say it ain’t so!</p></blockquote>
<p id="xRNzi0"><a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2018/12/2/18122991/report-former-broncos-running-back-c-j-anderson-could-be-signed-by-the-chiefs">Former Broncos running back C.J. Anderson could sign with the Chiefs - Arrowhead Pride</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="lzSXfg">The Chiefs are apparently planning to meet with two veteran running backs on Monday</p></blockquote>
<div id="J82WlS">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Soon Ash <a href="https://t.co/DJhWpLiuvh">https://t.co/DJhWpLiuvh</a></p>— Cj Anderson (@cjandersonb22) <a href="https://twitter.com/cjandersonb22/status/1069768430767681536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2018</a>
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<h4 id="0cJZKI"><a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2018/12/3/18124076/chiefs-expected-to-re-sign-charcandrick-west-per-report">Kansas City Chiefs “expected” to re-sign Charcandrick West - Arrowhead Pride</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="loD5BH">On Sunday, reports said the Chiefs would kick the tires on West and former Bronco <span>C.J. Anderson</span> on Monday.</p></blockquote>
<p id="74Sheo"><a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2018/12/3/18123120/the-dixon-five-making-up-for-kareem-keeping-focus-and-mr-kelce">Kansas City Chiefs beat Oakland Raiders 40-33: five hot takes - Arrowhead Pride</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="d7xVxi">Only twice this season — in Week 1 and Week 2 against the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> and <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> — did they pass on a smaller percentage of their plays. And the Chiefs gained more yards on the ground — 174 — than any game this season except against the Cincinnati Bengals.</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">KC's game winning TD. some miscommunication b/w Nick Nelson and Daryl Worley. <a href="https://t.co/p4fIGliA30">pic.twitter.com/p4fIGliA30</a></p>— Safe Gipsy (@GipsySafety) <a href="https://twitter.com/GipsySafety/status/1069735073237352448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="JyBILl"><a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2018/12/2/18123182/raiders-week-13-report-card-vs-chiefs-running-backs-cough-it-up-three-times">Raiders week 13 report card vs Chiefs: Running backs cough it up three times - Silver And Black Pride</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="J8lvs1">If there is a silver lining to the way things have gone recently it’s that despite losing week after week the Raiders are playing hard and competing.</p></blockquote>
<p id="nYxAme"><a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2018/12/2/18123057/raiders-vs-chiefs-4-winners-4-losers">Raiders vs. Chiefs: 4 Winners, 4 Losers - Silver And Black Pride</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="C3vMrO">There was a lot that went wrong today, but this looks like a team giving their all, especially their best players.</p></blockquote>
<div id="WUZ1bO">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This running play was pretty successful today: 23, 10, 17, 16 on these 4 plays. the 10 yarder was called back b/c a player didn't get set. <a href="https://t.co/ytiP2aJk17">pic.twitter.com/ytiP2aJk17</a></p>— Safe Gipsy (@GipsySafety) <a href="https://twitter.com/GipsySafety/status/1069402941839339521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="36EXua"><a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2018/12/2/18123174/derek-carr-moves-up-raiders-record-books-in-loss-to-chiefs">Derek Carr moves up Raiders record books in loss to Chiefs - Silver And Black Pride</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="4XfHDB">Gannon finished with 17,585 passing yards with the Raiders. <span>Carr</span>’s 285 yards Sunday night against the Chiefs, gives him 17,802 yards for his Raiders career. <span>Carr</span> is now second in club history to only Hall of Famer Ken Stabler, who holds the record with 19,078.</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="CBgyjr"><a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-news-raiders-lose-timeout-after-jon-gruden-throws-challenge-flag-inside-two-minutes-kansas-city-chiefs/1oe5gurhz0b3m1hiyrj2l9hwyz">Raiders lose timeout after Jon Gruden throws challenge flag inside of two minutes | NFL | Sporting News</a></h4>
<p id="MY30wt">You’d think a $100 Million coach would know the rules.</p>
<p id="qErJEf"><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/12/03/chargers-steelers-sunday-night-football-philip-rivers-keenan-allen">Chargers in the spotlight with Sunday Night Football win vs. Steelers | SI.com</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="lR7iiT">In two weeks the Chargers get another primetime game for the nation, this time against Kansas City in a game that could shake up the entire AFC playoff seeding.</p></blockquote>
<div id="aoKnAy">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Patrick Mahomes has 7 games with 4+ pass TD this season<br><br>Only Peyton Manning, who had 9 such games in 2013, has more in a season in NFL history <br><br>Mahomes needs 15 pass TD in his last 4 games to break Manning’s single-season NFL record for passing TD (55)<a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chiefs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatrickMahomes5</a></p>— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLResearch/status/1069400313143091200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<h1 id="FDQTi8"><strong>The rest of the AFC Contenders</strong></h1>
<h4 id="41eH1o"><a href="https://steelersdepot.com/2018/12/rivers-chargers-exploit-steelers-rigidity-they-stick-with-what-they-do/">Rivers, Chargers Exploit Steelers’ Rigidity: ‘They Stick With What They Do’ - Steelers Depot</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="xd65JS">“They really like to match everything and zone everything up. If Keenan is number three, he’s going to get matched up with a linebacker and they just kind of match everything up. They’re dogging backers. They’re all over the place blitzing guys, but not bringing a lot of guys so there are still people out there in zones”, he said.</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">When you cover Keenan Allen with a LB on the game’s biggest play (and most of the game, tbh). Just ridiculous defwnse <a href="https://t.co/JYpeYQVLnw">pic.twitter.com/JYpeYQVLnw</a></p>— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/1069448510200848384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="kUzvbK"><a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/29519/steel-melts-steelers-suffer-historic-collapse-to-chargers">Pittsburgh Steelers suffer historic loss to Los Angeles Chargers - Pittsburgh Steelers Blog- ESPN</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="d11Swh">”We had this game in our hands, and it fell a whole different way,” linebacker <span>Bud Dupree</span> said.</p></blockquote>
<p id="nN6JXd"><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2018/12/3/18123562/afc-playoff-picture-steelers-latest-loss-has-little-impact-on-the-afc-standings-ravens-chiefs-nfl">AFC Playoff Picture: Steelers’ loss has little impact on the standings - Behind the Steel Curtain</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="DMNVIt">As for Pittsburgh, their remaining schedule doesn’t get any easier. The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> and <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>, along with the Raiders and Bengals all await the Steelers in the coming weeks as the regular season winds down.</p></blockquote>
<p id="UA98KY"><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2018/12/3/18123373/6-takeaways-from-the-steelers-disappointing-loss-to-the-chargers-heinz-field-sunday-night-nfl-refs">6 takeaways from the Steelers disappointing loss to the Chargers - Behind the Steel Curtain</a></p>
<p id="YdI0P5">The Steelers picked the worst possible time of year to have a meltdown.</p>
<div id="nOqwuk">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A week ago, Steelers were in a decent position to earn home-field advantage while leading 17-10 in Denver.<br><br>5.5 quarters later, they're looking realistically at a 4th seed, possibly a 6th seed, and maybe not even in the tournament.</p>— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) <a href="https://twitter.com/FO_ScottKacsmar/status/1069455914728595456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="VDLG6l"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000995487/article/steelers-rb-james-conner-suffers-lower-leg-contusion">Steelers RB James Conner suffers lower leg contusion - NFL.com</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="t5A56P">Conner has suffered multiple MCL injuries in the past and spent time in concussion protocol a few weeks ago, but had not been seriously bit by the injury bug this season until Sunday evening.</p></blockquote>
<p id="1HsArK"><a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/12/2/18122725/the-ravens-went-down-to-georgia-a-kyle-barber-rendition">The Ravens Went Down to Georgia — A Kyle Barber rendition - Baltimore Beatdown</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="Ux18ou">The Ravens went down to Georgia, They were looking for a game to steal They were in a bind, the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> a game behind they’re trying to make a highlight reel....</p></blockquote>
<p id="Zw0AU4"><a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/12/2/18122690/5-takeaways-the-ravens-26-16-win-over-the-falcons-nfl-lamar-jackson-joe-flacco">5 Takeaways from the Ravens’ 26-16 win over the Falcons - Baltimore Beatdown</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="S2htRQ">For the first time since Week 13 of the 2017 season, the Baltimore Ravens are on a three-game winning streak.</p></blockquote>
<p id="tFmxr8"><a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/12/2/18122677/ravens-vs-falcons-final-mvp-stock-up-stock-down-lamar-jackson-justin-tucker-marlon-humphrey">Ravens vs. Falcons final: MVP, stock-up & stock-down - Baltimore Beatdown</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="3rjUrN">It was yet another exciting Baltimore Ravens game here as <span>Lamar Jackson</span>, <span>Robert Griffin III</span> and <span>Sam Koch</span> passed and ran this game into a victory.</p></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dearest mother —<br>My disappointment is immeasurable. Our unit fell to the Jungle Cat men. We simply were unable to gain the necessary ground to fortify a victory. I find myself flummoxed by the outcome of the final maneuver of the battle. We must learn and move onward.<br>— Andrew</p>— Capt. Andrew Luck (@CaptAndrewLuck) <a href="https://twitter.com/CaptAndrewLuck/status/1069335709092204544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="RTXx1b"><a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/12/3/18123563/colts-news-andrew-luck-shutout-for-the-first-time-since-high-school">Colts News: Andrew Luck shut out for the first time since high school - Stampede Blue</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="dCbok4">Failed fourth-down calls cost Indianapolis three chances to put points on the scoreboard in 6-0 loss to <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a></p></blockquote>
<p id="sehu2R"><a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/12/3/18123375/colts-vs-jaguars-week-13-winners-and-losers">Colts vs Jaguars: Week 13 winners and losers - Stampede Blue</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="OEHlqo">This was Frank Reich’s worst game as a head coach. As the primary offensive play caller, Reich was unable to make the necessary adjustments to deal with Jacksonville’s excellent coverage, and seemed to struggle to dial up plays to get his receivers open.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Dci9o5"><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/12/03/houston-texans-deshaun-watson-super-bowl-winning-streak">Houston Texans chances at the Super Bowl | SI.com</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="VJxoka">If this is the <span>Deshaun Watson</span> the Texans have moving forward, they’re a full-fledged Super Bowl contender.</p></blockquote>
<div id="876cbm">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Deshaun Watson is a gift. Not at all scared of 3rd-and-15, throws the corner route to DeAndre Hopkins with perfect placement. That blend of velocity, arc, and placement is next level. <a href="https://t.co/sCIWT6aTwW">pic.twitter.com/sCIWT6aTwW</a></p>— Derrik Klassen (@QBKlass) <a href="https://twitter.com/QBKlass/status/1069667336590843909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<h1 id="xO7Ngk"><strong>Taking a look at the rest of the league</strong></h1>
<h4 id="ktSCdh"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/12/3/18124960/mark-sanchez-butt-fumble-recovery-washington-philadelphia">Mark Sanchez adds to his legacy with a Butt Recovery Fumble - SBNation.com</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="CiQG6D">In his first game action since 2016, Mark Sanchez had another incident with a fumble and his butt.</p></blockquote>
<div id="O8Vcfw">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Love that there’s an entire Wikipedia page dedicated to the Butt Fumble, that 79,088 people witnessed the Butt Fumble, and that there’s an”Aftermath” tab on said Butt Fumble Wiki page. <a href="https://t.co/in7YiR5udz">https://t.co/in7YiR5udz</a></p>— Tim Ryan (@TheSportsHernia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSportsHernia/status/1069776988481773574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2018</a>
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<h4 id="6nuiD5"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000995998/article/eagles-stay-in-contention-with-win-over-redskins">Eagles stay in contention with win over Redskins - NFL.com</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="3Yo1KJ">The Philadelphia Eagles (6-6) kept their playoff hopes alive with a 28-13 victory over the injury-riddled Washington Redskins (6-6) to close out Week 13.</p></blockquote>
<div id="KHMxiL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What did this guy just say? <a href="https://t.co/YH8kvQeE0R">pic.twitter.com/YH8kvQeE0R</a></p>— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) <a href="https://twitter.com/thecheckdown/status/1069792704953909249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2018</a>
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<p id="RaftP1"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000994869/article/what-we-learned-from-sundays-week-13-games">What we learned from Sunday’s Week 13 games - NFL.com</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="LGdOoE">The Jacksonville Jaguars ended their seven-game skid and shutdown the Indianapolis Colts’ five-game winning streak in one day. Here’s what else we learned from Sunday’s Week 13 games.</p></blockquote>
<p id="3ftAiq"><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/12/03/nfl-coaching-hot-seat-john-harbaugh-marvin-lewis-todd-bowles">NFL coaching hot seat: John Harbaugh, Marvin Lewis, Todd Bowles | SI.com</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="xkYDiB">Mike McCarthy was relieved of his head coaching position in Green Bay. Will any other coaches join him and Hue Jackson as mid-season firings this year?</p></blockquote>
<p id="gV5hKm"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25437481/nfl-week-13-2018-overreactions-why-not-aaron-donald-rams-mvp">NFL Week 13 2018 overreactions - Why not Aaron Donald of Rams for MVP?</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="ybZMAo">Will Josh McDaniels will be the next coach of the Packers?</p></blockquote>
<div id="a4Bmqk">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">And this is precisely why they need to take QBs out of the OPOY discussions and just call the MVP what it is, best QB award. Then you at least give a best skill position and best defensive player award. <a href="https://t.co/pL9eHHWZCa">https://t.co/pL9eHHWZCa</a></p>— Jeffrey Essary (@JeffreyEssary) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffreyEssary/status/1069733607621697537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="1jiX6E"><a href="https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2018/12/02/green-bays-next-head-coach-must-be-aaron-rodgers-advocate-and-offensive-savior/">Green Bay’s next head coach must be Aaron Rodgers’ advocate–and offensive savior | Touchdown Wire</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="kybSlC">As I’ve said and written many times before, McCarthy’s Achilles heel as a head coach and an offensive play-designer was his rigid inflexibility and inability to design passing concepts that would regularly beat even the most rudimentary of defenses</p></blockquote>
<p id="zfFtl1"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25438836/answering-biggest-questions-packers-firing-mike-mccarthy-2018-nfl">Answering the biggest questions on the Packers firing of Mike McCarthy - 2018 NFL</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="bKA6z4">The only game they’ve won over a team’s primary starting quarterback came when they beat <span>Josh Allen</span> and the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> at Lambeau in Week 4.</p></blockquote>
<p id="A76lKj"><a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/46392/next-packers-coach-must-make-it-work-with-aaron-rodgers">Next Packers coach must make it work with Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers Blog- ESPN</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="PeIqbx">Coaching an elite quarterback with high-level intelligence like Rodgers isn’t easy, and any candidate for this job might be wise to ask McCarthy what that’s like.</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jeff Saturday, on ESPN, on his last year in GB with Aaron Rodgers: "...when you'd be in the huddle, and Mike McCarthy would make the play call, you could see Aaron's frustration. Whether it be the eye roll..."<br>Said a lot of the players questioned the play calls.</p>— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikefreemanNFL/status/1069669163541651457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="U9TQev"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000995601/article/mike-mccarthy-era-ends-in-green-bay-during-thirteenth-season">Mike McCarthy era ends in Green Bay during thirteenth season - NFL.com</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="Ws4oyh">For one thing, the timing may benefit McCarthy, whose record (125-76-2 in the regular season, 18-10 in nine playoff appearances) and reputation may well land him another NFL head coaching opportunity within the next five weeks. Creating the vacancy also allows the Packers to mount an open search for McCarthy’s successor over the next month. And make no mistake: This job -- primarily because of Rodgers -- will be highly, highly desirable among prospective candidates, especially those who regard themselves as creative offensive minds.</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="A7UNY2"><a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/green-bay-packers-head-coaching-candidates-mike-mccarthy/7jnw6otomhzy1iok2jvrxupad">11 potential Packers head-coaching candidates to replace Mike McCarthy | NFL | Sporting News</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="henTrA">The Packers’ next hire is critical, because it will define the back end of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ career with the franchise. McCarthy re-energized <span>Brett Favre</span> when he arrived as coach. The next coach will have the same mission with a different QB, and the presence of Rodgers will make this job one of the most desirable openings in the NFL.</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This HAD to be on purpose lol <a href="https://t.co/Uz25xzMZpR">pic.twitter.com/Uz25xzMZpR</a></p>— Justin Barlow (@FFcouchcoach) <a href="https://twitter.com/FFcouchcoach/status/1069393864677629952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<h4 id="qIXsZF"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-mcdaniels-candidacy-look-like-replace-packers-mike-mccarthy-052613311.html">Potential candidate to replace Mike McCarthy: Josh McDaniels</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="Yt5jHk">McDaniels still fashions himself as being on a track to taking over an NFL team. Some NFL assistants clearly believe a Green Bay and Josh McDaniels marriage is something that has a legitimate shot.</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="koGqoV"><a href="https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2018/12/02/silverstein-new-coach-wont-guarantee-rodgers-packers-instant-success/2145711002/?fbclid=IwAR0SaGwqu57O5yaroDRuRAlvExJGA-7gueOjbDhVA9Md5m-oiyXwu5gTaB4">Packers new coach won’t guarantee Rodgers, Green Bay instant success</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="EUxZYW">Then there’s the new coach and his offensive system. Suppose the new guy doesn’t want to give Rodgers all the freedom to change plays and tell his receivers to run routes differently than McCarthy did. Those are all legitimate possibilities.</p></blockquote>
<p id="BoKGWt">How great would it be if McDaniels got hired to coach Green Bay only to turn around and trade Aaron Rodgers in a 3-man deal for <span>Brian Hoyer</span> and a ham sandwich?</p>
<h4 id="glwQRQ"><a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/2018/12/03/fixing-the-packers-2019-offseason-plan/">Fixing The Packers: 2019 Offseason Plan - The Draft Network</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="PgGGNT">Head coach Mike McCarthy is gone, the Packers playoff hopes are dashed and they appear headed for a top ten draft pick. How can Green Bay be fixed?</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shout-out to David Moore casually doing the Macarena on the sidleine. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Seahawks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Seahawks</a> <a href="https://t.co/BMYL4Q2XOM">pic.twitter.com/BMYL4Q2XOM</a></p>— Samuel Gold (@SamuelRGold) <a href="https://twitter.com/SamuelRGold/status/1069363708604936193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="E23obt"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000995628/article/rivera-declines-to-discuss-reports-about-his-future">Rivera declines to discuss reports about his future - NFL.com</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="r6jGaH">”I think we have a lot of talent on this team, and honestly, I look at last year and I look at this year and I think we’re a more talented bunch this year, but I think we were more disciplined last year,” Kalil said, via the Charlotte Observer. “I just don’t think we’re a very disciplined football team, especially in critical situations.</p></blockquote>
<p id="6br0mm"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25441250/detroit-lions-lt-taylor-decker-trying-recover-ball-first-career-td">Detroit Lions LT Taylor Decker trying to recover ball from first career TD</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="i5dPAG">”That’s my first-ever touchdown,” <span>Decker</span> said after the game. “Been playing football since first grade, always been an O-lineman. So for my first touchdown to come as a left tackle in the NFL is pretty damn cool. “And I think I threw a duck into the stands. So whatever fan has that ball, I’d like it back.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="kWzF2W"><a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4708763/despite-valiant-effort-bears-fall-to-lowly-giants-without-trubisky">Despite valiant effort, Bears fall to lowly Giants without Trubisky - Chicago Bears Blog- ESPN</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="KiW1KM">But in the bigger picture, the Bears committed way too many costly and uncharacteristic mistakes to escape with a victory. When’s the last time you remember the Bears defense busting not one, but two coverages on touchdown passes?</p></blockquote>
<p id="HGqQG8"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25438496/adam-thielen-minnesota-vikings-heated-exchange-new-england-patriots-coach-bill-belichick-just-lost-my-emotions">Adam Thielen of Minnesota Vikings on heated exchange with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick -- ‘Just lost my emotions’</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="70jNek">Field mics picked up the Vikings receiver yelling “that’s bullcrap” in the direction of the Patriots’ bench after Belichick pulled the challenge flag out of his sock and threw it onto the field. During the exchange, Belichick appeared to tell <span>Thielen</span> to “shut the f--- up.” An official then escorted Thielen back to the Vikings’ huddle.</p></blockquote>
<p id="uWexnc"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25438498/jets-todd-bowles-calls-players-dumb-mistakes-loss-titans">Jets’ Todd Bowles calls out players for ‘dumb mistakes’ in loss to Titans</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="IVwrlZ">”I don’t know how many [penalties] we had, but it felt like we had one every play,” he said. “It cost us, and it’s disgusting.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="iSt7Rd"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000995618/article/arthur-blank-i-havent-lost-faith-in-quinn-dimitroff">Arthur Blank: I haven’t lost faith in Quinn, Dimitroff - NFL.com</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="X6c98o">”We’re sitting here at 4-8,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said, via via Jeff Schultz of The Athletic. “When there was chatter that we were Super Bowl contenders, and then this ... it’s difficult to go through. It’s tough on everybody. We have a lot of injuries. That’s not an excuse, but ... it’s reality. They’re fighting the best that they can.”</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="sN8pfs"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/12/03/tyron-smith-says-he-expects-to-play-this-week/">Tyron Smith says he expects to play this week – ProFootballTalk</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="gRO5zG"><span>Smith</span> has missed the last two games with a stinger, and said he hadn’t gone to get a second opinion. Getting him back will help stabilize things up front. <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> quarterback <span>Dak Prescott</span> has been sacked a league-high 45 times this year, as the Cowboys have been without <span>Smith</span> in the short term and center <span>Travis Frederick</span> all season after he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome earlier this year.</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watching nothing but Aaron Donald for a whole game is like watching the last hour of Man on Fire when Denzel is blowing stuff up with rocket launchers and sticking C4 in criminals’ butts. <br><br>Aaron’s my MVP pick.</p>— Robert Klemko (@RobertKlemko) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKlemko/status/1069695077994266625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<h4 id="MGwUyI"><a href="https://theundefeated.com/features/mahomes-prescott-wilson-and-now-jackson-are-not-just-dual-threat-qbs/">Mahomes, Prescott, Wilson and now Jackson are not just ‘dual-threat’ QBs</a></h4>
<p id="JQU3mV">From the beginning of the season, five black quarterbacks have started in the NFL: anyone who’s paid attention knows there should be six.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/4/18123814/patchwork-fly-zone-crash-broncos-playoff-hopesJust_JoRo2018-12-03T21:15:01-07:002018-12-03T21:15:01-07:00Young guys need to step up in Harris Jr.’s absence
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<img alt="NFL: Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-eOtSHgkcRR6qA_o45PNDN53o14=/16x237:3207x2364/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62620281/usa_today_11777206.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Vance Joseph tells Dave Logan on Orange & Blue Radio he has confidence his young secondary can meet the challenge.</p> <p id="1X8lI1">Although Sunday’s win was another gritty fight for the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>, the body count on the battlefield has left the team digging deep - as in deeeeeeep - in the secondary for the remaining four games of the season.</p>
<p id="ohhK5x">Vance Joseph confirmed that the team is hopeful to get injured Chris Harris Jr. back for the Week 17 game against the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a>, ruling out putting him on IR. The Broncos reported today that they will bring in former <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> cornerback <span>Jamar Taylor</span> for a physical to fill some roster space until Harris Jr. heals.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jamar Taylor was second-round draft pick of Dolphins in 2013. He was with Vance Joseph in Miami for a couple weeks in 2016 before he was a draft-day trade to Cleveland. Taylor was full-time starter in 2016-17 for Browns. Was with Arizona Cardinals this year. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9sports?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9sports</a></p>— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/1069722735427764224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="srwKgS">With <span>Harris Jr.</span> out four weeks, the Broncos are relying on rookie <span>Isaac Yiadom</span> and second-year corner <span>Brendan Langley</span> to help streaky <span>Bradley Roby</span> cover the cornerback slots once not so long ago occupied by Pro Bowlers <span>Harris Jr.</span> and <span>Aqib Talib</span>.</p>
<p id="UX60o0">Yikes.</p>
<p id="iP9Lsv">And although two of the upcoming opponents include the 2-10 <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>, 2-10 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> plus the 4-7 <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> before getting the Chargers at home, none of the four will be an easy win - especially with a patchwork quilt of a secondary that includes moving <span>Justin Simmons</span> to nickel.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="iOFqSp"><q>“I’m very comfortable with our roster as far as Yiadom and Langley. We have some young guys that have to step up. That’s why you build the roster the way you build it so you have some depth and you don’t lose any positive mojo when you’re playing good.” - Vance Joseph</q></aside></div>
<p id="1QbF5I">But as Joseph told Dave Logan on Orange & Blue Radio today, he’s got confidence in the young guys.</p>
<p id="m1qHah">“I’m very comfortable with our roster as far as <span>Yiadom</span> and <span>Langley</span>,” Joseph said. “We have some young guys that have to step up. That’s why you build the roster the way you build it so you have some depth and you don’t lose any positive mojo when you’re playing good. Injuries happen; I think we’re prepared for it, and we have to move forward.”</p>
<p id="BMRZiN">Joseph also noted that <span>Simmons</span> - who jumped in at nickel on the fly on Sunday once Harris Jr. went down - did well despite changing positions.</p>
<p id="wa3h4s">“It’s incredible that he could move from a safety to nickel on the spur of the moment like that - and that speaks to his football IQ and to his physical abilities. And he played nickel really, really well yesterday,” Joseph said, adding that Yiadom went from playing sub to base corner. “And that young corner has gotten better and better each week. He’s fearless, he’s smart, he plays with great technique and he’s got the type of personality that he can bounce back from bad plays.” </p>
<p id="Z0zevU">The head coach noted that Joe Jones, who mainly plays special teams, had to fill in for <span>Josey Jewell</span> when the linebacker - who was already playing the backup role for an injured <span>Brandon Marshall</span> - went out with an injury. And Jones made four tackles.</p>
<p id="gNlnnW">“Our staff have prepared our young guys to step in to play and to play meaningful downs,” the coach said. “I’m looking forward to watching these young guys play.”</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/3/18124975/isaac-yiadom-brendan-langley-need-to-step-up-in-chris-harris-jrs-absenceLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2018-12-03T19:44:18-07:002018-12-03T19:44:18-07:00Broncos at Bengals game balls: Phillip Lindsay is having himself a year
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<figcaption>David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Is there a player more deserving of a game ball for the Denver Broncos 24-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals than Phillip Lindsay?</p> <p id="J1B53H">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> three-game winning streak has really showcased how great of a rookie class they have as for we have another week with multiple rookies gracing our game ball list. <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/11/29/18117912/broncos-bengals-preview-recap-week-13">With a 24-10 win</a> over the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>, the Broncos are now in good position to make a serious run at the playoffs in their <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/a/march-madness-2018-ncaa-tournament">final four</a> games and that is largely due to the rookies you see listed here. </p>
<h3 id="7t2yqy"><span>Phillip Lindsay</span></h3>
<p id="y6xiup">What is left to say about the undrafted rookie? He finished the game with 19 carries for 157 yards and two touchdowns for an eye-popping 8.3 yards per carry. <span>Lindsay</span>’s 937 yards rushing are the most through 12 games by any undrafted rookie since the 1970 merger, according to NFL Research. Lindsay is a special player, so just sit back and enjoy it. <em>- Ian St. Clair</em></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This <a href="https://twitter.com/DomataPeko?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DomataPeko</a> story about the first time <a href="https://twitter.com/I_CU_boy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@I_CU_Boy</a> introduced himself to the team is everything you could want it to be and more. <a href="https://t.co/w9jF1APN4H">pic.twitter.com/w9jF1APN4H</a></p>— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1069431364997414912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a>
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<h3 id="bxgmsK"><span>Von Miller</span></h3>
<p id="ZIhUPs">With 12.5 sacks on the season, <span>Von Miller</span> ranks second in the NFL as he has returned to MVP form with a new partner in crime in rookie <span>Bradley Chubb</span> taking some of the heat off his side of the line. The two have become the most fearsome sack duo in the NFL with a combined 22.5 sacks on the season. Miller now has a sack in seven-straight games, which has tied his previous longest streak. What a run these two are making <em>- Tim Lynch</em></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">When you’ve put the team on your back for so long and finally somebody can put you on theirs <a href="https://twitter.com/VonMiller?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VonMiller</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/astronaut?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@astronaut</a> <a href="https://t.co/BIJucIxyW9">pic.twitter.com/BIJucIxyW9</a></p>— Dreamville (@VintageBroncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/VintageBroncos/status/1069347982653382656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a>
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<h3 id="jy3bd8"><span>Bradley Chubb</span></h3>
<p id="RgDsP4">Most of Broncos Country including Von Miller was elated that the Broncos were able to draft Bradley Chubb. That move is paying big dividends to a team who is actually fighting for a playoff spot inexplicably in a season where most of us had written them off. Chubb made a key strip sack in the game and even recovered it to help the Broncos to their 6th win of the season. He was a force all game though with a couple of QB hits and 3 tackles to boot. This team is blessed with what looks like a 2nd elite talent at OLB to pair with Von Miller who’s really stepping up week after week and showing better and better play as his rookie season wears on. <em>- Sadaraine</em></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just a great forced fumble by Bradley Chubb here. There is no doubt he should be heavily considered for Defensive Rookie of the Year. <a href="https://t.co/Yx3t2Cc2kz">pic.twitter.com/Yx3t2Cc2kz</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1069337135482904576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a>
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<h3 id="NEnesa"><span>Courtland Sutton</span></h3>
<p id="0FUVuy">When Denver drafted <span>Courtland Sutton</span>, the idea was that he would eventually take over for Demaryius Thomas. Against the Bengals, that replacement was finalized. His four catches for 85 yards were well over half the passing yards that <span>Case Keenum</span> had. His 30 yard touchdown grab on the 50/50 ball Keenum threw up in the 3rd quarter was exactly what he was brought in to do. Having a reliable receiver who can make those 50/50 grabs consistently is a huge benefit to the offense. It was on full display in Cincinnati, and should be for the foreseeable future. <em>- Adam Malnati</em></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">50-50? More like 90-10 for Courtland Sutton. Great throw, great catch. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a> touchdown. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DENvsCIN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DENvsCIN</a> <a href="https://t.co/lFz6BnBsPI">pic.twitter.com/lFz6BnBsPI</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1069321609834582016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a>
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<h3 id="evuwR3"><span>Colby Wadman</span></h3>
<p id="2ePtiR">Yep - game ball to the punter, and a well deserved one! In an ideal world, the punter is the most bored & under-utilized player on the roster. But in the real NFL, having a punter who plays like Wadman did Sunday is a major asset. He punted 6 times for a total of 260 yards, or 43.3 yards per punt. But what’s more important is where he put those punts on the field. And, with a little penalty help from the Bengals, his six punts forced Cincinnati to start drive after drive from deep in their own territory. He consistently flipped the field and forced Cincinnati into terrible field position, which helped put even more pressure on first-time starting QB Jeff Driskel. That became even more important late in the game, when the Bengals were forced to abandon the run as they tried to claw their way back, and 2 huge 4th quarter sacks were the result. As odd as it seems, it’s not inaccurate to say that the Broncos’ punter helped give Von Miller & Bradley Chubb the opportunities they needed to stifle any hope of a Bengals comeback. <em>- Taylor Kothe</em></p>
<p id="oSyHcn">Wadman’s punts had the Bengals starting at the following spots on the field:</p>
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<li id="kwe2n4">CIN 5 yard line</li>
<li id="ds7A5X">CIN 12 yard line</li>
<li id="02ppOz">CIN 16 yard line</li>
<li id="BPymTh">MUFFED punt - Denver Recovers at CIN 33</li>
<li id="gVgQxZ">CIN 12 yard line</li>
<li id="pJPPZj">CIN 15 yard line</li>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Positives from the game:<br><br>Colby Wadman.<br><br>Nailed the Bengals at their own 5 with his first punt, then followed it up with a 58-yard punt and a 57-yard punt.</p>— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZacStevensBSN/status/1069301637833875456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a>
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<h3 id="gAm2HX">Offensive Line</h3>
<p id="vwVhMi">When we lost two of our original starting offensive lineman for the season, I expected the OL to implode. No only has the OL not imploded, they are playing as least as well as when Ron Leary and <span>Matt Paradis</span> were still in there. Did they allow some pressure on <span>Case Keenum</span> on Sunday? Sure, but <span>Geno Atkins</span> is still elite, so I was expecting him to destroy our interior OL. He did not. The OL allowed Keenum to be sacked twice for eight total yards. But they allowed our running game to flourish. The Broncos ran 34 times for 218 yards and two TDs. That’s 6.4 yards per carry. Yes, I know it was against one of the worst defenses in football, but good teams execute when they are supposed to so that they can beat the teams that they are supposed to. On Sunday our OL did just that. They executed and for that they get my game ball. FWIW It’s hard to gauge Turner and Wilkinson, but according to PFF Bolles is the 27th best OT in the league right now and Veldheer is the 57th. <em>- Joe Mahoney</em></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Case Keenum said Phillip Lindsay was awarded a game ball and he wanted to give it to the O-line. Wanted to give the front five the credit.</p>— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickiJhabvala/status/1069350031755481098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a>
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<h4 id="W3SMkP">Who gets your game ball for the Broncos 24-10 victory over the Bengals?</h4>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/12/3/18124942/broncos-bengals-game-balls-week-13Tim Lynch