a twisted heap of failure

What started as so promising a season, 6-0 seems like it was years ago.  The Donkeys began the season on an absolute tear, with strong defense and flawless offense as the foundation to a new winning tradition.  The Joshy McD era started with a huge bang.

At week five, the Donkeys were leading the Chargers by three games.  San Diego stood at 2-3, with losses to some soft teams.  I was bold enough to make a prediction that the Donkeys would win the AFC West and win at least a playoff game. By the way, if I make a sports prediction, don’t listen to me (well, except when it comes to the Red Wings because their suck is blatantly apparent).  Boy, was I wrong… I shoulda stuck with my .500 prediction.

Two years in a row, the Broncos had a multi-game lead in the running for a playoff spot.  A single win in the final three or four games would have sealed the deal.  Alas, the last time the Broncos won in week 15, 16, or 17 is December 2007.

I still agree with the Cutler trade.  And I support the coach in sitting players that do not put team first.  I think the defense needs to plug a few spots, but was at least decent throughout the year.  I’m looking at the O-line… the running game went to shit after the bye week.  The pass protection started to break down way too often.  Kyle Orton was under way too much pressure to avoid getting clobbered.

So…for the playoffs, I don’t have any favorites.  I do have one request…someone, anyone, knock off the Chargers.  I cannot stand Philip Rivers and his punk ass…

I have had numerous conversations over the summer and into the fall about this team.  Most people prepared themselves for a dismal season…. 2-14, 3-13!  Fire McDaniels!  I always sensed there was something about this McDaniels kid.  I like Belichick and the style of coaching and player management.  No player is above the team and everyone is accountable.

Josh McDaniels learned that style and has brought it to Denver.  This was readily apparent in handling Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall.  He didn’t back down and established himself as the boss.  My way or outta here. Now that the team is winning, will any player care to step up and complain or request a trade?

Did you ever notice that the guy never came out to attempt to justify his decision making to the media and the fans?

I’ve been on the .500 bandwagon, perhaps even 9-7.  Bottom line, respectable.  There were many so called experts lining up to predict the worst season in Broncos history.  Guys like these…

“Their front seven is garbage!” Epic fail…

The Broncos will win the AFC West and will win a playoff game this year. That is a mighty fine foundation for a winning tradition.  And, Kyle Orton, you just keep being you and you’ll do just fine in Elwa…err, Denver.

Shut up, Jay.  I have officially lost all respect for you and would be more than happy to see you leave.  Good lord, son, do you know what the word team means?

I’ll send you a box of tissues…

The free agency extravaganza and flea market began last week.  There has been a lot of money getting tossed around like its falling out of Warren Buffet’s pockets.  Big name players are jumping to new teams in a game called “show me the money” or “my loyalty can be bought.”

There have been trades too.  Some good ones, mostly just role players getting rolled.  It happens, its business.  It professional sports…comes with the business of game.

But, in Bronco country…QB Jay Cutler’s name was mentioned in some possible trades.  Little Jay’s feelings were hurt… he was “shocked!”  Jay’s had his head swell a little too much this year.  Self generated comparisons to John Elway and Brett Favre… uhh, yeah, not so fast, Trigger…you haven’t won a damn thing yet.

Hey, Jay…you are a professional athlete in a kids’ game.  You are not a person in the business, you are a commodity.  It ain’t the first time a team’s “star” was shipped out… loyalty to a team or to a player is a rare deal.

Instead of whining about your new coach and GM and how your feelings were hurt, buck up and prove to them that you are simply untouchable…I’m thinking Peyton, Big Ben, or Brady here.  Step it up big guy…

Until then, everyone is trade bait.  This is a TEAM and a BUSINESS.  The team’s business is to WIN.  It’s bigger than one guy…any move that brings a team closer to winning the big game is a good move.

Oh…and Philip Rivers called.  He’s laughing at you…

Especially at Safety with Hill (30 years old) and Dawkins (36).  Sure, they’re good and should work well with Bailey (30) at CB.  But, how long can their legs keep up with young, strong, and fast recievers?

Buckhalter is getting up there as well, but he has been out for three entire seasons during his career.  He’s probably a little more fresh at 30 than most RBs.  Can the knees hold up?  Its not like recent history has been kind to Broncos runners.

I know…modern conditioning and training keeps these guys younger, longer.  Hell, at 30, I was in terrific shape.  Now on the eve of 40, I’m fat, slow, and tired…

On the flip side, we have a 32 year old head coach.

Can football season get here soon enough?

I like this move by the Donkeys, and many of the others they’ve made.  The defense was awful…again.

So, what are we to expect of the new Broncos defense come Spetember? My guess… more of the same.