3
Jan
2010
VIDEO: Charles runs wild in Denver; Broncos miss playoffs
The Denver Broncos completed one of the worst collapses in NFL history on Sunday, getting routed 44-24 by the Kansas City Chiefs, and becoming the third team ever to start 6-0 and miss the post-season.
Jamaal Charles ran for a Chiefs franchise record 259 yards and 2 TDs, while LB Derrick Johnson returned two 2nd half Kyle Orton passes for touchdowns. It was the fourth consecutive loss for the Broncos, who started the season as the NFL’s darlings, but fell apart down the stretch. Orton came crashing back down to earth as the season wore on, and finished with 3 INTs on the day, while Charles drove the final nail in the coffin with the 56-yd TD above.
Continue reading after the jump for video of the Broncos getting Orton’d with Derrick Johnson’s 60-YD INT return.
28
Nov
2009
Broncos vs Giants Thanksgiving Game – Photo Essay
When the 2009 NFL schedule was announced, I was thrilled to see that my favorite team, the New York Football Giants, were coming to my adopted home state of Colorado to play the Denver Broncos this season. Not only would it be the first time I would get to watch my Giants play at Mile High – the site of some classic match-ups from the ’80s-’90s (remember the Gary Reasons goal line hit on Bobby Humphrey in the snow?) – but it would be on Thanksgiving Night!
I immediately put out feelers for game tickets, and invited my parents to spend Thanksgiving at my new home in Colorado. It seemed like a perfect holiday plan. And up until Thursday night at about 6:20pm MT, it was. It was at that point that my beloved Giants decided to crap all over our Thanksgiving celebration, by not even showing up for the game and putting on one of the more miserable displays I’ve ever had the misfortune of seeing in person. If you watched the game, you already know, and I’m not going to get into a breakdown of what went wrong (hint: everything. lowlights here). For me, it was just brutal, while for the Broncos fans in the house, it was a full-on party.
But the holiday wasn’t a total loss, and I still have much to be thankful for. We were blessed with box seats and pre-game field passes by the Denver Post – clearly a signal of our growing influence in the sports blogosphere. Or maybe my girlfriend got them for us. Whatever. In addition to free food and booze throughout the game, we were able to snap some decent photos from field level during warm-ups. Here are the best of those shots, with some commentary as to what you’re seeing. I hope you enjoy it more than I enjoyed the game.
All photos by ArtieFufkin.
Pre-game field passes = extra special surprise. Much thanks to the Denver Post team for taking such good care of us!
Aaron Ross fielding punts. Moments after this pic was taken, an errant punt bounced out of bounds and into my hands. As I handed it back to Aaron, I looked him square in the eye and said "Go get 'em Aaron!" He said nothing ... there was a general sense of lethargy from the Giants the entire night
Plenty of Giants fans in attendance for this game ... a short time later, they would all be miserable
And the Broncos take the field ... for warm-ups
CONTINUE AFTER THE JUMP FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THE BRONCOS/GIANTS
13
Nov
2009
Jay Cutler makes Josh McDaniels look like a genius
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
When the Chicago Bears made the trade for Pro Bowl QB Jay Culter, everyone – and I mean everyone – said that they got the best of the Denver Broncos in the deal. I mean, Cutler for Kyle Orton and a few draft picks?!? Experts across the land destroyed Josh McDaniels for making such a foolish, rookie move, and most felt that Cutler would flourish in Chicago, while the Broncos would flounder under questionable leadership. Fast forward to 7 months later, and all of the sudden, Josh McDaniels looks like the smartest man ever to walk the face of the earth.
Cutler threw 5 interceptions in last night’s 10-6 loss to the 49ers, including one on the final play that ended a potential game-winning drive by the Bears. And there could have been more. The loss takes the Bears to 4-5 on the season, and brings Cutler’s season total to a league-leading 17 interceptions, on pace to break Peyton Manning’s record of 28 in one year. Meanwhile, Orton has thrown just 4 INTs so far this year, and the Broncos are leading the AFC East at 6-2.
But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Sure, Cutler said all the right things after the game, but you can just tell that he’s breaking down mentally on the field. He looks uncomfortable out there, and his decision making process has been atrocious. Plus, the Bears offense seems intent on having Cutler throw to his check-down receiver on almost every play, instead of utilizing the big arm he’s famous for to try and stretch the field a bit. It seems like a bad fit all-around, and it’s only a matter of time before the team starts cracking under the weight of Cutler’s performance.
So, at least at the mid-season point, it sure looks like the Broncos got the better of this deal. And this just in: Cutler got picked off yet again at breakfast this morning.
28
Oct
2009
Kyle Orton vs. Skeletor vs. Orson Welles
Our favorite quarterback this season–without match–is madman Kyle Orton.
Can you endure this entire video tribute?
Is it even remotely as annoying as this Skeletor tribute?
And does Orton have even half the devil-may-care swagger of his soulmate… Orson Welles?
22
Oct
2009
OVERHEARD: Steve Rodgers and DarkHorse discuss Tom, Gisele, AD&D—and Zombies!
Thank you to ReadAndReact Administrative Assistant Isabella Zapp for transcribing and posting this conversation.
Steve Rodgers: DarkHorse, as a long-suffering Browns fan, do you see anything that gives you hope? I think if I were a Browns fan, I might start looking for another team?
DarkHorse: There is a plague on the Browns. At this hour, twelve Browns players are out with the flu–and we just lost D’Qwell Jackson for the season. Team secretaries and accountants will lineup vs. the Packers this Sunday–which may be a potential improvement. The season feels out of control and dangerous from a PR angle–will any free agent sign with the Browns again? I like Mangini, in theory, but Sundays feel like this to me.
So, what will Trent Edwards do with his newly discovered free time?
Steve Rodgers: I kind of like Mangenius, as well. The Browns feel like a Biblical curse that you would send on the enemies of God or something. If the secretaries line up, I hope Janice from HR is on the field. She fills out a pantsuit. Trent Edwards is spending his free time making highlight tapes for his accountant and taking a real estate correspondence course. He is also happily eating huge meals prepared by his wonderful and beautiful girlfriend. He feels lost without football but is looking forward to a brighter future.
What are some of the things in the LEAGUE right now that have you feeling the power?
DarkHorse: Well, I have a comfortable seat on the McDaniels/Orton Open-Bar Bandwagon Express–we love when a hot mess becomes a lovable team. I was digging the New York Giants until they were “pantsed” by the Saints. They’re dead to me this week. ITEM: I found this want-ad in a Nashville paper: “NEEDED: Large, burly men to play Advanced Dungeons & Dragons with other husky men from Mon-Sat (NOTE: also have to play a football game on Sunday—must LOOK the part, but playing experience not required). Extensive D&D campaign experience IS required–Level 22 and above ONLY. Please send your D&D resume to: J. Fisher / One Titans Way / Nashville, TN 37213. PS – Special consideration given to those with large figurine collections.”
The Tennessee Titans have moved past the gridiron -- to the Borderlands.
Steve Rodgers: I think the emphasis on figurines was very smart on Fisher’s part. It shows that those who apply will have attention to detail but, also, as the ad states, must be “burly.” I saw an ad like that in The Advocate in San Francisco, but it might have been for something completely different. Burly. The NFL: Where burly men run about in tight pants. Feel the Power!
DarkHorse: Three predictions you can TAKE TO THE BANK: (1) Drew Brees goes down for the season in Week 15 and the Saints lose in the first round of the playoffs. (2) Kyle Orton leads Denver to the AFC Championship, where they lose to… (2) Pittsburgh, and (the incredibly annoying) Big Ben, who will win another Super Bowl. Give me three LOCKS, Steve Rodgers.
Is there more to life than Gisele? (Source: WeeklyDrop.com)
Steve Rodgers: Three locks: (1) The Browns dig up the remains of Otto Graham, then preform devil voodoo on him, and he becomes the starting QB–he is a zombie. They slowly feed him Eric Rhett, who is kept in a meat locker under the Berea compound. (2) Tom Brady wakes up one morning, looks at Gisele, looks at his Super Bowl rings and his paycheck, and says, “Is this all there is?” (3) Jeff Fisher watches his team get pounded 32-0. After the game, he shaves his mustache, and hooks up with the CIA to become a handler of foreign agents in the field for a black ops division outside the goverment budget line. He never watches the NFL again.
DarkHorse: Does Zombie Otto Graham complete more than two passes a game vs. Buffalo? If so, I’m in.
18
Sep
2009
Friday Phone Call Between Tom Brady and Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton: Hey Tom, it’s me, Kyle. You mind if I ask a few questions?
Tom Brady: No problem, but I don’t have much time. Me and Gisele are headed out to Lake Como to hang out with Matt, Brad and George.
KO: You’re going to Lake Como? You have a game on Sunday!
TB: I’m Tom Brady, I can do anything.
KO: Um, well, I was wondering… Josh McDaniels, he keeps wanting me to hit the open man?
TB: Well…
KO: I mean what the hell, right?
TB: I, uh… that seems reasonable.
KO: You know how difficult that is?
TB: Well…
KO: That’s just crazy!
TB: I think maybe I have to go; the butler has informed me the limo is here.
Gisele [in the background]: Tommy, should I even bring underwear?
KO: Okay, but seriously, he also wants me to watch video! Of the other team! Can you imagine? What is that? I would understand if he wanted me to watch like “Replacements” or something, but game film? What? That’s crazy!
TB: Well… I really have to go.
KO: Okay, I am gonna go drink a TON of beer! You know what I mean? Get NFD, National Football Drunk. You know what I’m saying?
TB: I actually don’t.
KO: I got a 30-pack of Coors, my man. I mean screw McDaniels! I’m going to get HAMMERED!!!!
TB: Bye now.
KO: X-Box, chips and beer! Gonna get lit!! Let’s go Broncos!!!
11
Sep
2009
Kyle Orton is back–and will start this Sunday
Big bad Kyle Orton will be back in the starting lineup for the Denver Broncos this Sunday against the Bengals.
Per Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Orton, who suffered a gash on his hand September 8th, has practiced with the team all week and is “wearing a glove on his right throwing hand to protect his bandage [and stitches]… Orton is throwing the ball with his usual zip and depth.”
Would there be a better story in 2009 than Orton setting the league on fire?
5
Sep
2009
Broncos rookie QB Tom Brandstater will start Week One
As we hinted at earlier this week, CBS Sports is reporting that injuries to Kyle Orton and Chris Simms have thrust rookie QB Tom Brandstater into the starting role for Denver’s season opener against the Bengals.
Denver Broncos rookie signal caller Tom Brandstater (#3), will hopefully sport a more TV-ready haircut next week in Cincy.
2
Sep
2009
Former Patriot Assistants trip over themselves trying to claim Kevin O’Connell
Kevin O'Connell could reunite with Josh McDaniels in Denver
When the Patriots released back-up QB Kevin O’Connell on Monday, it seemed clear that at least one of Belichick’s former staffers would make a play for the 2008 3rd round choice. With the recent injury to Kyle Orton and presence of his former OC Josh McDaniels, Denver seemed like the most obvious fit for O’Connell.
But according to ProFootballTalk, not one, but FOUR teams have put in a waiver claim for O’Connell: Denver, Cleveland, Detroit and the NY Jets. Both the Jets and Lions need back-ups for their rookie QBs, so those teams make sense too. Cleveland is interesting, though. They already have a QB controversy, so does this mean Eric Mangini simply wants more in-house fodder for trade talks?
Let’s face it, Belichick could release a turd, and most of his disciples would kill themselves trying to scoop it out of the toilet. So is O’Connell a real viable option at QB, or just a sign that these young head coaches are desperate, and would be happy with Belichick’s table scraps?
Interestingly, the Kansas City Chiefs haven’t made a claim for O’Connell, which means that the GM who drafted him (Scott Pioli) a year ago isn’t interested. And with an ailing Matt Cassell, that could be a statement in and of itself.
1
Sep
2009
Things get worse in Denver…
With news leaking that Kyle Orton has suffered an “open dislocation” to his finger (meaning, essentially, that the bone split the flesh, requiring an abundance of stiches), will the Broncos be willing to start the season with a backup leading the way? Potentially slated to start: 2009 sixth-round selection Tom Brandstater.
At this stage, we're rooting for McDaniels to get through the 2009 season.
Or, is it time for Josh and the boys to make a move? Assuming that Orton is not the long-term solution in Denver, will the Broncos sit patiently, or pursue a capable signal caller from another team? Perhaps Minnestota’s Sage Rosenfels or Cleveland’s Derek Anderson have been mentioned in the past, but Anderson doesn’t fit well into McDaniels system.
It would be intriguing to watch the rookie head coach start his career with a rookie signal caller. We found this video of Tom B. (Brandstater, not Brady) talking strategy:
