Thin Air

I’m surprised I didn’t end up in the hospital after that game. What an exciting game and an even more exciting outcome!

I’m not going to talk about penalties. There were missed penalties for both teams and I don’t think any of them had more of an effect than the other. The clock runoff at the end of regulation confused everyone and I don’t think it was fair for the Patriots. Regardless, I believe the outcome would be the same. Like I’ve said before, there were over a hundred plays where the game could’ve been won or lost. Before I go into my jive, here are some fun stats:

• Tom Brady: 23/42 for 280 yards – 3 TD – 1 INT – 3 sacks
• Brock Osweiler: 23/42 for 270 yards – 1 TD – 1 INT – 3 sacks

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

Now that we’re close enough to conduct reasonable projections, and Sunday night’s pivotal game against the Patriots is the books, I thought I’d take a look at what the Broncos need to obtain the best possible playoff seeding.  This is a mini-project that I might take on for the remainder of the regular season, depending on how things shape up.

Continue reading Broncos Playoff Standings: 2015 Week 13

The Denver Broncos have promoted safety Josh Bush from the practice squad.

The move was likely made because the Broncos won’t have T.J. Ward for at least one game because of an ankle injury.

Bush has regular-season experience, having played in two games last year and three earlier this season. He impressed during the preseason and it’s likely he’ll stick around even after Ward returns to the lineup.

To make room for Bush, the Broncos waived tight end Richard Gordon, who wasn’t needed any longer with the acquisition of Vernon Davis.

Also, the Broncos waived TE Arthur Lynch from the practice squad. It remains to be seen if the Broncos bring in somebody to replace him. (No, Gordon isn’t eligible.)

Chris Mortensen reports that Peyton Manning will not be healthy enough to play “anytime soon”. This is not surprising given the nature of the injury.

From Jason La Canfora, the guy who called the meltdown in the Chiefs game before it happened, a report indicating the Broncos may be prepared to stick with Osweiler over a healthy Manning.

Everyone in the Broncos hierarchy, from football czar John Elway on down, is committed to giving this offense a chance to thrive under the first-year starter, and Elway and Kubiak — who passed on acquiring Manning when he was head coach in Houston — are strong-willed enough to do what they believe is best for the organization regardless of the political fallout. “They are not going to be bullied into doing anything they don’t want to do, by anyone,” as one team source put it.

Continue reading Reports: Brock/Peyton decision could be a month away, Broncos prepared to stick with Osweiler

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

Man what a game! Here are some of my observations afterwards:

Continue reading Observations: New England vs Denver (30-24)

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

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:

Danny Amendola is out against the Broncos. In fact, not even traveling with the team. #WBZ

— STEVE BURTON (@STEVEBURTONWBZ) November 28, 2015

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