Month: November 2015

The Morning After: Yes, ‘Broncos Beat Patriots’ Just Happened

Did John Elway say something a few months back about how, if the Denver Broncos, they should go down kicking and screaming?

Turns out that attitude not only leaves a good impression on people, it can actually get you a win when all seems lost.

The Broncos never held a lead until Andre Caldwell hauled in Brock Osweiler’s touchdown pass with 1:15 left in the game. It looked like the game might still get away from the Broncos after Tom Brady completed a long pass to Brandon LaFell to lead to Stephen Gostowski’s 47-yard field goal, followed by the Patriots winning the toss.

Then came a three-and-out and C.J. Anderson took over.

Broncos fans will rightly get bragging rights for a couple of days, but the work isn’t done yet. They’ve got to get players healthy, they’ve got to keep winning because the Kansas City Chiefs are suddenly surging, and they’ve got to knock it off with the dumbest of penalties already.

But you know what? This “kicking and screaming” attitude could go a long way to overcoming those weaknesses.

Let’s talk about last night’s game.
Continue reading The Morning After: Yes, ‘Broncos Beat Patriots’ Just Happened

Three Short Thoughts on the Broncos

Hello, long time no see! I hope all has been well on your side of the fence as it has on mine. Just last week, I concluded my first year as a student assistant for a college football program and it felt like a vacation the whole way through. That is an article for another day though as I would like to talk about a topic that is more relevant.

Continue reading Three Short Thoughts on the Broncos

2015 Patriots/Broncos Injury Reports

It’s been an understandably quiet Thanksgiving week, but nonetheless here’s a quick roundup of what the attrition is looking like for tomorrow night.

For the Broncos, in addition to Peyton Manning DeMarcus Ware will miss another game due to his back spasms–certainly disappointing but at least it’s at a deep position. Evan Mathis is the only questionable, but again at least Max Garcia can cover when needed.

The Patriots’ list is more substantial. It does not even include Aaron Dobson, who was IRed earlier this week.  Jamie Collins listed as doubtful is notable as he recovers from his extended illness.

The biggest question through the week has been Danny Amendola, listed as questionable yesterday.  However, news is flying this morning that he, too, will miss this game:

Not So Scientific Rankings Week 11

Here are this week’s Not So Scientific Rankings. For some of the rankings I looked at, I know what you are thinking… some of them make no sense. I’m not sure what Pro Football Focus looks at, but whatever they are, they are too generous to the Atlanta Falcons, who are showing they are a seriously flawed team.

I do not, however, believe any of the rankings are too biased toward Kansas City. It’s clear that Charcandrick West is a good fit for the Chiefs offense and the defense is for real. If the Chiefs make the playoffs, they will be dangerous.

As always, these rankings are the average of the following:

Pro Football Focus Power Rankings

Pro Football Reference Simple Rankings System

Five Thirty Eight ELO Playoff Probability Rankings

Football Outsiders DVOA Rankings

Andrew Mason’s Power Rankings
Continue reading Not So Scientific Rankings Week 11

Peyton Manning Will Be Out At Least Two Weeks

Via Andrew Mason on the team’s website:

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is expected to miss at least the next two weeks as he continues his recovery from a plantar fascia tear.

Following a Monday consultation with noted foot and ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C., it was recommended that Manning spend at least the next week in a walking cast. After the cast is removed, he will begin additional rehabilitation on his injured foot.

We’re all well aware that next week’s game is against the Patriots.  The game after that will be at San Diego.

Mason also adds that, as is typically the case with John Elway, you can never have too many quarterbacks–and they’re not going to expose themselves to possibly being forced to start rookie Trevor Siemian:

With Manning sidelined for multiple weeks, the Broncos will look to add depth at quarterback. The team is expected to work out former Minnesota Vikings starter Christian Ponder on Wednesday.

 

Broncos at Bears: The 10 Things I Liked and the 10 Things I Didn’t

We won and I want to get some things out of the way before diving into my jive. Brock Osweiler finished the game with 20 complete passes out of 27 attempts. He had a 127.1 QB rating, two touchdown passes, and zero interceptions. A great start for any QB in this league, especially a quickly improving Bears defense. However, I would hold off jumping on the bandwagon until he starts more games. The Bears had very little game tape to scheme against Osweiler. The Patriots have more tape, so it will be interesting to see how they play against him this weekend.

Regardless, it’s obvious that Osweiler is a better fit for the Kubiak offense. He can move out of the pocket quickly and scramble if necessary. Working from under center allows the running backs to gain some speed before the hand-off, providing them an opportunity to gain more yards than the pistol/shotgun formations. SterlingMalloryArcher wrote more on this in a previous article.

Continue reading Broncos at Bears: The 10 Things I Liked and the 10 Things I Didn’t

Analysis: Super Bowl Chances With Top Defense But Not Top Offense

The other day, I remarked that I wouldn’t have Midweek Musings this week because of Thanksgiving, but I do have something else for you. I did some research the past couple of weeks to consider if the Broncos can win a Super Bowl with the No. 1 defense in the NFL when the offense isn’t doing enough to help.

It’s easy to write off the Denver Broncos as having any hope of reaching the Super Bowl because of the various issues plaguing the team, particularly after last week’s shellacking against the Chiefs at Mile High. However, we must remember that seasons are not decided in Week 10 or 11 but in the playoffs.
Continue reading Analysis: Super Bowl Chances With Top Defense But Not Top Offense