Denver Broncos Discussion

[Diehard]

Nice to finally beat the Ravens in their house - it seems that game is on our schedule far too often.

Running game + playaction was what made the offense tick today. The Ravens didn't really have an answer once we started pounding the ball off guard.

The defense again locked things down for most of the game. Once we were in clock-grinding mode (which was pretty much all of Q4) we gave up some easy TD's... unfortunate but predictable at this point.

[njx9]

i'm still shocked that moreno looks like an nfl running back now.

[jCut]

Don't want to get ahead of myself, but we should end the season on an 11 game win streak. That's impressive.

[cmarq83]

Seriously Brady what was that?

[Diehard]

Originally Posted by jCut

Don't want to get ahead of myself, but we should end the season on an 11 game win streak. That's impressive.

We need to pull it off. The thing I am most concerned about is having an away game at the Patriots.... which now can be avoided.

[njx9]

yes, exactly! their loss tonight was so huge for us. get the bye and get a game, at least, at home. they're still a terrifying team in the playoffs, but far less so away from gillette.

[Diehard]

Originally Posted by njx9

yes, exactly! their loss tonight was so huge for us. get the bye and get a game, at least, at home. they're still a terrifying team in the playoffs, but far less so away from gillette.

Things are looking favorable. We'll see what happens with the Texans & Colts... if the Texans lose then we'll be playing KC with the #1 seed on the line.

[njx9]

it's all i want for christmas...

the team looks so different (i don't just mean peyton) from the last, say, decade. i don't know if it's coaching, or personnel, or what, but they look like they... care, i guess. some of those teams that folded in december never looked like they really cared if they got into the playoffs or not.

[Diehard]

Originally Posted by njx9

the team looks so different (i don't just mean peyton) from the last, say, decade. i don't know if it's coaching, or personnel, or what, but they look like they... care, i guess. some of those teams that folded in december never looked like they really cared if they got into the playoffs or not.

It all starts at QB. Manning brings a lot of things, including leadership and accountability. Cutler? Orton? Not so much.

Fox & Co have also brought an intensity to the defense that I haven't seen in a long, long time. Maybe not Romo style out-of-your-mind-craziness... more like the kind of on-field ferocity that Wilson and Lynch brought to the table.

[Diehard]

Originally Posted by Diehard

Things are looking favorable. We'll see what happens with the Texans & Colts... if the Texans lose then we'll be playing KC with the #1 seed on the line.

That worked out pretty well...

[njx9]

i love it. need to find out when tickets are going on sale now.

[DBNYDP]

Its weird coming back and starting to see happy njx posts.
Personally I'm incredibly nervous, we have a good shot this year and that worries me. I mean last year it seemed so ridiculous what we were doing so it was fine to go with it but now that we're doing so well...

[Cunningham]

What a crazy season this has been. There's been so many different things that, as a Denver fan, you have to be absolutely thrilled with. For starters, the development of the second year players is simply striking. Von has certainly become one of the premier players in the league, building on an already impressive rookie season. Franklin, though benefiting from Manning's wherewithal inside the pocket, has become a more than solid all around player at a position that I thought he would never have the ability to play at the NFL level. Rahim has had a complete turnaround from his rookie season. Even Chris Harris, a pleasant surprise last year as an undrafted rookie, seems to have become as good of a nickel cornerback as there is in the league (as long as he's not defending Welker).

Elway and Fox have completely transformed the franchise, making the final years of Shanahan and the entire McDaniels regime distant memories. Manning has been everything as advertised, and then some. Here's to hoping that Brock is actually able to pick up a few things from having Manning around. If Brock can get the mental side of the game down, as well as the preparation and dedication that all franchise QBs possess, he could have a long and successful career here in Denver.

[njx9]

all i want is to not play new england if we make it to the afccg. i think we can beat any other team we'd play. i don't think i'd give us better than coin flip odds against the patriots, though at least they wouldn't have two weeks to prepare new ways to screw up peyton.

[Diehard]

Originally Posted by njx9

all i want is to not play new england if we make it to the afccg. i think we can beat any other team we'd play. i don't think i'd give us better than coin flip odds against the patriots, though at least they wouldn't have two weeks to prepare new ways to screw up peyton.

* We won't see the Texans if they win... they'll be off to Foxboro to get mauled again.

* We beat both the Ravens and Bengals on the road - getting either one at home should be a very winnable game

* The Colts are a question mark as they has some intangibles... but their poor run defense doesn't bode well for playoff success

None of these teams should beat NE at home. It sure seems like a Broncos-Pat showdown is looming...

[elway=goat]

I have no doubt we steamroll anyone outside of New England, as far as the AFC goes. Our offense is clicking, our defense is solid. I am very confident we will be playing New England at Mile High, come the AFC championship game.

The question is, will things be different than the last time we faced them? We were still having some issues running the no huddle, and were working out kinks in the offense. Those issues appear to be over. DT and Decker are a very difficult matchup, for anyone. Big physical WR like that, with Manning at the QB are very difficult to cover, especially with everyone on the same page. It has also helped open up the running game.

On the flip side, New England now has Gronk back. This is the first time both TE's are healthy since like week 2. Gronk unlike last year, and fresh, healthy legs. Which could be a problem, and I believe they would of won the SB with a healthy Gronk. I like our defense, they are solid. But this is going to be extremely difficult. Champ, and Miller are 2 of the best in the league, Woodyard has played great, I like Wolfe. We're solid, but still have some holes that will be addressed in the draft. That doesnt help us now.

That's why I am a little nervous about that game. Also, we haven't played a good offense in awhile. So I will be curious how our D handles that test. Pats scare me, if they some how get knocked off, I will be extatic because it will be a cake walk to the SB. When I look at these teams.. I can't help but think what a weak group of teams are in it from the AFC. There are really only 2 teams capable of winning the super bowl, us and the Pats.

But let's assume we make it to the SB. I only see 2 contenders. Packers, and 9ers one of them will knock off the Falcons. How do we match up against those teams? The Packers are a down graded version of the Pats imo. The 49ers are kind a wild card here. They basically have a rookie QB. But have a great coach, and are stacked and experienced everywhere else.

I think we can beat either. But might have a tough time if the 9ers are clicking. Particularly the defense. I believe we beat either of them. Any time you have 1 game to win for a championship.. It's always a crap shoot. But looking on paper, the only team that scares me are the Pats.

[Diehard]

Originally Posted by elway=goat

The question is, will things be different than the last time we faced them?

We can't afford early turnovers and need to be able to weather their initial offensive gameplan. When they get a quick lead due to one or both of those things working in their favor, it is very difficult to come back and beat them.

[njx9]

anyone have odds on how soon after the season del rio goes someplace? i can't imagine going through two straight seasons with the same dc.

[DBNYDP]

I'm keying in Dumervil and Moreno as the key players for a run. Von Miller has been great all year at rushing the passer so I'm not too worried about him, but Dumervil has had periods where he has straight up struggled. I think how he plays is going to be a big reason our defense stops or submits to a top QB. Moreno just needs to run well especially if conditions are bad, if he does so it'll help our offensive balance and our defense out too. For some reason I just feel a big postseason from Moreno, reminiscent of TD times.

[Diehard]

Originally Posted by njx9

anyone have odds on how soon after the season del rio goes someplace? i can't imagine going through two straight seasons with the same dc.

I think he's staying a Bronco.

If the Raiders struggle again next year, does he replace Dennis Allen there? That would be ultra-wierd and give the TV talking heads all sorts of ammo... yet JDR to the Raiders does seem like a good fit.

[elway=goat]

Originally Posted by njx9

anyone have odds on how soon after the season del rio goes someplace? i can't imagine going through two straight seasons with the same dc.

I think it depends on how far we go. More than likely, by the end of next season, both coordinators are gone is my guess.

[DBNYDP]

...well ****

[jCut]

Devastating loss. Wow. Too much blame to go around, but a lot of credit goes to the Ravens. Their offense played very well and their defense made timely plays.

[TitanHope]

You guys were the only playoff team I was rooting for. Sorry guys.

[thetedginnshow]

If you want Tebow back, we'll give you Tebow back.