Author: Bob Morris

I'm a sports writer in real life, though I've always focused on smaller communities, but that hasn't stopped me from learning more about some of the ins and outs of the NFL. You can follow me on Twitter @BobMorrisSports if you can put up with updates on the high school sports teams I cover.

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

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

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

Broncos Vs. Bears Final Injury Reports

DeMarcus Ware and Peyton Manning, of course, have been ruled out and will not travel to Chicago. Smith and Walker will be game-time decisions, but it sounds like Sanders will play.

The Bears will be without Royal and it remains to be seen what happens with the others.

Again, my guess is that Jeffery will play and I would expect the same for McClellin. If Forte plays, he will probably get fewer touches than Jeremy Langford.

Midweek Musings: Broncos and QBs and Bears, Oh My!

Hello, Bronco fans! As you all know, a significant change took place with the Broncos this week, and SMA has already reviewed the effect Brock Osweiler could have on the offense. The question, though, is what this means for Sunday’s game against Chicago.

You are probably going to see a lot of people predicting that the Bears are going to beat the Broncos, because Osweiler doesn’t have the experience, the offensive line is a mess, the Broncos can’t run the football, and the likes of Jay Cutler, John Fox and Adam Gase are going to be motivated to be the team they used to be part of, and Fox and Gase know all the answers to how to beat the Broncos at what they do.

Except it’s not that simple. You can check SMA’s piece yesterday for what to expect from the offense, but let’s focus on what the Bears are like this season.
Continue reading Midweek Musings: Broncos and QBs and Bears, Oh My!

Broncos Replace One Backup O-Lineman With Another

The Broncos released G Shelley Smith to make room for Brenner, who was likely acquired because he can play guard as well as center, giving the Broncos more flexibility with their O-line depth and perhaps somebody who can upgrade the depth.

Brenner, a third-year veteran, spent most of his time on the Dolphins’ practice squad his first two seasons, but started four games at guard as a rookie in 2013. He was waived by the Dolphins after they signed LB James-Michael Johnson, a position where the Dolphins needed depth.

Smith will count for $500,000 in dead money toward next season’s cap, but he was likely going to be cut from the roster next season, anyway.

Broncos Vs. Bears Early Notes

I’ll have the Midweek Musings tomorrow. Got things to do at work this afternoon.

Regarding the Broncos, Daniels appears to be the usual day off he takes from practice. Ware and Sanders, of course, are related to injuries from last week.

The NSS Rankings And Who May Need Regime Changes

Here are this week’s Not So Scientific Rankings. You might have expected the Broncos to drop out of the top five, but they didn’t. They did, however, see their average score decline and they remain the borderline among the top-five teams.

As always, the rankings are an 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 The NSS Rankings And Who May Need Regime Changes

It’s Official: Osweiler To Start Vs. Chicago, Peyton Will Be Inactive

There it is. And, yes, Gary Kubiak made the right call, even if Peyton himself may not agree.

Peyton won’t even be active Sunday.