Taking stock

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

Admittedly I have been a little tough on the Broncos this year. That's what high expectations will do. Several of my fellow Bronco Nation-ers have also commented that their enjoyment this season has been diminished due to those high expectations. It's kind of like relief when they win and not a lot of enjoyment. Personally I'm done with that and it only took the whole season. Enjoy the journey not the destination.

I haven't been on in a couple of weeks. In any case I thought the Charger win was a gutty performance. I like the way they fought even though it wasn't their best game.

Last night though was tough. I liked the offense when we went to the hurry up. This was not the best defensive performance of the season. Special Teams were horrible, what has happened to Colquit? He's 25th in the league and plays half his games in Denver.

I'm not concerned about Manning, he has been harassed and hit all year. I think he showed plenty last night. Admittedly it wasn't his best game but he can get the job done. I am concerned about the O-Line though and I'm not sure they can do anything about it. I think we've got plenty to win the SB except the O-Line. They rushed the ball pretty well when they added an extra lineman but pass protect has not been good.

I'm going to enjoy the the Rahduh game next week and after we kick the chit out of them we will be the #2 seed with a bye. You don't get that position by accident. I remember a Ravens team coming into Denver a few years ago not playing their best football and I think they did ok.

GO BRONCOS!!!!!

 

[LucklessPadresFan]

It seems like Manning has been off his game the last 4-5 weeks. I remember a thigh injury, is it worse than originally thought?

 

[Broncos6482]

Admittedly I have been a little tough on the Broncos this year. That's what high expectations will do. Several of my fellow Bronco Nation-ers have also commented that their enjoyment this season has been diminished due to those high expectations. It's kind of like relief when they win and not a lot of enjoyment. Personally I'm done with that and it only took the whole season. Enjoy the journey not the destination.

I haven't been on in a couple of weeks. In any case I thought the Charger win was a gutty performance. I like the way they fought even though it wasn't their best game.

Last night though was tough. I liked the offense when we went to the hurry up. This was not the best defensive performance of the season. Special Teams were horrible, what has happened to Colquit? He's 25th in the league and plays half his games in Denver.

I'm not concerned about Manning, he has been harassed and hit all year. I think he showed plenty last night. Admittedly it wasn't his best game but he can get the job done. I am concerned about the O-Line though and I'm not sure they can do anything about it. I think we've got plenty to win the SB except the O-Line. They rushed the ball pretty well when they added an extra lineman but pass protect has not been good.

I'm going to enjoy the the Rahduh game next week and after we kick the chit out of them we will be the #2 seed with a bye. You don't get that position by accident. I remember a Ravens team coming into Denver a few years ago not playing their best football and I think they did ok.

GO BRONCOS!!!!!

That's been my mentality since the 2012 season. I was so bummed about how it ended, but when I looked back, I realized the Broncos gave me a whole lot more Sundays to be happy than to be sad. And considering the way things had been going, that was really good.

Life is too short to be stressed out about every play, and every game. My cousin texts me constantly during and games and anytime things don't go the Broncos way, he's freaking out, saying the team sucks, Manning is done, etc. And I used to be that way, too.

Enjoy this ride, Broncos fans. We're not that far removed from 4-12 and McDaniels.

 

[Broncosr0k]

It seems like Manning has been off his game the last 4-5 weeks. I remember a thigh injury, is it worse than originally thought?

Not that I see. Manning has been copying Cutler and trying to force balls in double and triple coverage. I think changing to the run game and having Manning drop back instead of start in the shotgun throws off his mechanics. That part is fixable, the dumb decisions are making me worry.

 

[Malibu]

Not that I see. Manning has been copying Cutler and trying to force balls in double and triple coverage. I think changing to the run game and having Manning drop back instead of start in the shotgun throws off his mechanics. That part is fixable, the dumb decisions are making me worry.

The thing is in big games these kind of throws happen. Yes it's something to worry about but he isn't going to change. His arm is getting weaker and every short pass to the outside as well is being jumped on by CB's because it takes forever to get there. They have to run the ball to get into the PA game so maybe then can get some chunk yardage. Hillman out of the backfield would be nice as well when healthy.

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

The thing is in big games these kind of throws happen. Yes it's something to worry about but he isn't going to change. His arm is getting weaker and every short pass to the outside as well is being jumped on by CB's because it takes forever to get there. They have to run the ball to get into the PA game so maybe then can get some chunk yardage. Hillman out of the backfield would be nice as well when healthy.

I agree with the premiss but I'm not too sure his arm strength is diminished. He worked very hard in the offseason on his core strength. I think it's because he's been a human pinata and he's very sore. He has taken a ton of shots this year.

 

[Malibu]

I agree with the premiss but I'm not too sure his arm strength is diminished. He worked very hard in the offseason on his core strength. I think it's because he's been a human pinata and he's very sore. He has taken a ton of shots this year.

I agree with that as well. It's a lot of pressure on the o line to block for a pure pocket passer that has no mobility whatsoever when they decide to give up on the run.

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

I agree with that as well. It's a lot of pressure on the o line to block for a pure pocket passer that has no mobility whatsoever when they decide to give up on the run.

Yeah, the other reason why I don't think it's an arm strength issue is the pass to DT down the middle, the TD to Sanders (while it was short it was a bullet). He had several throws that had zip. I have no doubt that he has lost some arm even since the beginning of the season tho. I think if the line gives him time he can still make all the throws.

 

[randymon]

Last yr Manning threw the deep ball with some good zip ( not sure I saw that last nite) and with good projectory for the most part. You guys have to have noticed that he`s not attempting those as much as last yr and the "zip" and projectory of those are not the same. I`ve noticed he`s throwing the back shoulder 15-20 yds down the field passes alot more now. Teams are seeing this and the corners are now not so worried about the hook and go and are staying with tight coverage on our wrs wating for the back shoulder passes. Look I have to believe that 90% percent of the guys on this board ( who I respect) have to have noticed that Manning and his arm strength is really getting more obvious especially now and this late in season. I love the guy as much as everyone and don`t want to see him decline or hurt or anything but I`am reacting to what I see and I don`t think he is performing at the level he did last yr and I think he`s degressing every game due too to fatigue, muscle weakness,etc. Denver needs to be very careful with him here on out and limit not only his throws but the type of throws like the out patterns that require good arm strength to complete or your looking pk 6`s right in your face. I think last nite was as about as transparent as you could possibly get as to whether Denver should rely heavy on the run game going forward. Stats mean crap now. It`s who makes the least amount of mistakes and who uses the run game to open up the passing game the most effectively. Seattle does it and so does NE, Dallas and Pittsburgh. Rocket science right?? I still think Denver has just as good a shot as any team to go all the way but if they rely to heavy on Mannings arm, it wont last long IMO Gents

 

[MileHigh64]

Last yr Manning threw the deep ball with some good zip ( not sure I saw that last nite) and with good projectory for the most part. You guys have to have noticed that he`s not attempting those as much as last yr and the "zip" and projectory of those are not the same. I`ve noticed he`s throwing the back shoulder 15-20 yds down the field passes alot more now. Teams are seeing this and the corners are now not so worried about the hook and go and are staying with tight coverage on our wrs wating for the back shoulder passes. Look I have to believe that 90% percent of the guys on this board ( who I respect) have to have noticed that Manning and his arm strength is really getting more obvious especially now and this late in season. I love the guy as much as everyone and don`t want to see him decline or hurt or anything but I`am reacting to what I see and I don`t think he is performing at the level he did last yr and I think he`s degressing every game due too to fatigue, muscle weakness,etc. Denver needs to be very careful with him here on out and limit not only his throws but the type of throws like the out patterns that require good arm strength to complete or your looking pk 6`s right in your face. I think last nite was as about as transparent as you could possibly get as to whether Denver should rely heavy on the run game going forward. Stats mean crap now. It`s who makes the least amount of mistakes and who uses the run game to open up the passing game the most effectively. Seattle does it and so does NE, Dallas and Pittsburgh. Rocket science right?? I still think Denver has just as good a shot as any team to go all the way but if they rely to heavy on Mannings arm, it wont last long IMO Gents

I don't think anyone will ever be able to fully diagnose or determine where Peyton is at until we're all looking back in a few years after his retirement. However, it does appear as though he's lost some zip on the ball and that is to be expected. I think what has us all up in arms is that it seemed to happen overnight. Peyton Manning went from the best offensive season of any QB ever (statistically) to this year where he seems less than elite. I'm just not convinced that it's an "arm-strength" issue, to be honest.

I believe that the punishment he's taking behind our offensive line is contributing to the perceived decline of his arm strength. Looking at that pick six last night, he was throwing off of his back foot and his mechanics were pretty screwy. This is tough to comprehend from the "mechanics master" of the NFL over the years. I think he's become jittery due to all the hits he's been taking.

I'm also of the mind that the commitment to the running game has somehow taken him off of his game. He does not seem to be given a chance to establish passing rhythm and flow. In the 3rd quarter last night, he went back to the no-huddle and looked like Peyton of old. I think balance is so important to win a championship but they need to be careful to take it too far. Change that takes you too far outside of your comfort zone can be a fickle maiden.

The Bengals seemed to know and/or anticipate what was coming last night. Peyton is famous for throwing to a spot (timing route) and I think some of his recent picks are a result of defenses knowing what was coming their way. The Broncos need to freshen up the playbook and keep defenders on their heels. Hell, Hue Jackson and the Bengals did that very thing to us last night with screens, QB sneaks and Dalton end arounds!

I'm predicting a huge game from Manning next Sunday. He'll have two goals in mind: 1) redemption 2) tune-up for the playoffs. We'll see. I think the Broncos need this bye in a big way and there's no better way to get it than to DEMOLISH the Oakland Raiders. After all, there isn't a franchise more deserving to be squashed than our rivals from the East Bay.

Go Broncos!!

MH64

 

[randymon]

I hope your right about next wknd because they need to head into the playoffs with some good confidence and energy. I just hope they cn have a big lead at the half and are able to give some guys ( esp Manning) some extra down time and avoid injuries to key guys going forward. PS. I also mentioned in a post a few days ago that besides Mannings obvious arm strength that I`ve noticed he`s been throwing off back foot quite a bit lately and he certainly did more of that last night as well. I know, I was watching him closely all night. We can attribute it to many things I supposse but whatever the prob is, its disconcerning for sure heading to the big games MH64

 

[DownSetHutch]

MH64, I also noticed that the Bengals seemed to know/anticipate what we were doing on offense. I was thinking that they must have visited the Bill Belichick video library.

 

[iknowftbll]

MH64, I also noticed that the Bengals seemed to know/anticipate what we were doing on offense. I was thinking that they must have visited the Bill Belichick video library.

Haha, that thought occurred to me as well. But let's give a solid team some credit. That team had a lot to play for, and it just sort of reached a boiling point for them that night. Unfortunately our boys weren't up to the challenge. I keep saying a stinker right before the season ends is not necessarily a bad thing. The only thing it did was officially rule the Broncos out of earning the #1 seed, a position that was a long shot to reach anyway.

 

[cdumler7]

HOF thank you for these words. I will admit after the loss I was one of those ready to jump off the edge from this season. Reading your words and also reading the words of Terrell Davis though have reminded me just how great of a run we have had and the fact that this is not over. Davis said last year..."People underestimate that loss late in November or December...It's a chance for the team to refocus, recalibrate."


If you listen to the entirety of his interview last year he said that for both Super Bowls late season losses were actually what helped them actually be ready for the playoffs. Especially in the year where we started out something like 14-0 or 13-0 he said the team was starting to get this idea that they were unbeatable and it wasn't until the losses happened late in the season that the team actually took a good hard look at their weaknesses and then began working on how to fix them.


Also like you said HOF look at Baltimore just a couple of years back. We were beating them something like 38-3 or 31-3 (too lazy to look up the exact number) late in the season on the road. Nobody gave them a chance coming to Denver to win or then to the next week go and crush the Patriots. My guess is that late season loss to us was a huge humbling point for them.


I am not one that obviously hopes for our team to lose but honestly I was a bit nervous at the idea of us going into the playoffs having won 6 in a row. No loss is easy to take but we have seen this team be motivated by a loss in the past and go out the next week and crush an opponent.


Also all this talk of Peyton just makes me laugh a bit. If he is so hurt then what the heck was that 3rd quarter clinic he put on? Yes he forced a few balls in this one that were picked off unfortunately. He had some off throws but when he is on this guy is just about unbeatable. We shall see which version of Peyton we get but my guess is get him a week of rest and time to refocus here before the playoffs and people will be saying "see I told you nothing was wrong with Peyton" all throughout the media.

 

[BigKen]

If I may.....I believe that Bronco fans and Pats fans are hoping for the same thing this weekend. No injuries. I hate playing a divisional opponent on the last weekend. Especially one that you've beaten earlier. In the Broncos case, it's more than a divisional opponent it's a team that you've hated and have hated you since 1960. The Patriots are more fortunate as they have their spot and nothing can change even if they lose. The Broncos have to win to insure that they stay where they are.


I hope everything goes your way Sunday. I always want to play and beat the best. In my opinion, that would be the Broncos revisiting Foxboro on January 18th.

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

MH64, I also noticed that the Bengals seemed to know/anticipate what we were doing on offense. I was thinking that they must have visited the Bill Belichick video library.

Great observation DSH. I have been saying that since the NE game as well. That is part of Manning's greatness, his windows are very small and he still gets the ball exactly where it needs to be. Not much separation from the WR's and it isn't due to lack of speed. It really does seem as though the DB's run the routs for our WR's. If you look at the pick 6 the defender was in perfect position as if he new exactly where to be. I think the Broncos need to look at that offense and change things up. It also seems like they run just about every time on 1st down lately.

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

From Klis: Elway spends wisely: 3 Bronco FA signs DeMarcus Ware, TJ Ward and Aqib Talib make Pro Bowl in first year. First time in 18 years for NFL team.

This is why Elway is a great executive.

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

Just a thought. Would anyone else like to see the Broncos start the game in the spread, go no huddle, tiring out the D-Line then pound on them in the second half with that running game? Not saying to abandon the run while in the hurry up but....

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

^ That would also get Manning in rhythm IMO. ^

 

[Malibu]

Pro Bowl is a joke considering fans vote on it so I'm not to thrilled whether a player makes it or not but Elway has done a good job but a Super Bowl victory is a must to be considered a great job.