Broncos/Bengals game thread

[Broncos6482]

That I do and glad you understand but what makes you think I'm going to shut the fuck up? Seriously not happening. GL with that and for the others that called them soft at times good luck shutting them up. I don't shut up for anyone and believe it or not that includes you. As for Broncos6482 I agree that Elway is happy the way they have fought back in numerous games like you posted above but in the playoffs can't get in these holes at half or have second halves where they look as bad as they did against Pittsburgh. I'll say it again just to be clear for some of you. This team has as much talent as anyone in the NFL except on the o line and is capable of beating anyone. Hoping they put it all together starting this Sunday versus the Chargers and like to see a whole game of pure domination like they did against the Packers.

I like how you except the offensive line, as if that's just a small thing and not actually a huge deal. The fact is, the Broncos are putting a qb who has only made a half dozen starts behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. To expect the Broncos to go out there and dominate teams from opening snap to final whistle is just unrealistic, especially when they're playing against some pretty stiff competition.

The fact is the Broncos have faced a decent amount of growing pains this season, but they've set themselves up nicely for a first round bye, which I think is actually a great accomplishment considering the injuries and turnover this team has faced this season. I mean, the Broncos have two safeties playing significant snaps that they literally signed off the street a couple of weeks ago, it's absurd to expect the defense not to have a drop-off. And the offensive line has lost the guy they expected to play at left tackle, and the guy that replaced that guy. Ryan Harris was supposed to be a back-up and he's starting at the most important offensive line position. Then you've got everyone's favorite whipping boy, Michael Schofield, who wasn't even supposed to see the field this year, starting at right tackle. Is it a surprise the line is struggling with that much turmoil?

Look at the model NFL franchise, the Patriots. They've faced a ton of injuries, too, and they aren't playing nearly as well as they were earlier in the season, and they've only got one more win then Denver. Their offensive line is struggling so much that Belichick, widely regarded as the best coach in the league, decided he had a better chance at winning if he put his defense on the field to start overtime.

I think the standard you're trying to hold the Broncos to is ludicrously high. Not every play is successful, not every draft pick a hit. Maybe lower them to a little more of a realistic level and you might actually ENJOY watching the Broncos games, rather than bashing on Elway because the Schofield pick hasn't panned out, or complaining every time the Broncos have an unsuccessful play.

Personally, what I want more than anything else from my team is effort. Sure, Schofield is often getting beat like a drum, but he's out there competing and giving it his all every play, and sure enough the line allowed the Broncos enough time to make the game winning drive last night (twice, really). So I'll never bash on a Broncos player that's giving maximum effort.

Right now the team is what it is, and no one is walking through the door to fix their issues. I really hope the Broncos manage to win the Super Bowl, but if they can't do that, all I ask is that they go down kicking and screaming.

 

[Malibu]

Sorry I wrote that folks who criticize Elway, Kubiak, and our players should "shut the fuck up". You and everyone else who shits on the Broncos for not winning a SB all have as much right to express yourselves as I do. Just not clear to me that everyone understands how much more difficult it is to win than lose.

It's very difficult and I understand completely. I just don't want to see another season wasted considering how good this defense is and the talent that I believe is there on this team. I'm sorry I don't get excited over Divisional titles or just making the playoffs otherwise it's orange slices and pizza for everyone. Maybe that's just me and if other don't agree you all have the right to your own opinion.

 

[Broncos6482]

Not an angry person at all. Considering the b.s. I have to dealt with in my life I'm pretty happy. Have a great son and great family and many good friends. You have the right to your own opinion and don't worry I won't tell you to shut the fuck up. Believe it or not I respect you as a poster on this message board. You do seem to know your shit.

Thanks, I try.

Let me just say that I'm not the first person who's noticed your excessively negative attitude. We all want the Broncos to win the Super Bowl, just remember that it's really, really hard to do that. Maybe just try to remember that the other guys are getting paid, too, and they also really want to win the Super Bowl.

 

[Malibu]

I like how you except the offensive line, as if that's just a small thing and not actually a huge deal. The fact is, the Broncos are putting a qb who has only made a half dozen starts behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. To expect the Broncos to go out there and dominate teams from opening snap to final whistle is just unrealistic, especially when they're playing against some pretty stiff competition.

The fact is the Broncos have faced a decent amount of growing pains this season, but they've set themselves up nicely for a first round bye, which I think is actually a great accomplishment considering the injuries and turnover this team has faced this season. I mean, the Broncos have two safeties playing significant snaps that they literally signed off the street a couple of weeks ago, it's absurd to expect the defense not to have a drop-off. And the offensive line has lost the guy they expected to play at left tackle, and the guy that replaced that guy. Ryan Harris was supposed to be a back-up and he's starting at the most important offensive line position. Then you've got everyone's favorite whipping boy, Michael Schofield, who wasn't even supposed to see the field this year, starting at right tackle. Is it a surprise the line is struggling with that much turmoil?

Look at the model NFL franchise, the Patriots. They've faced a ton of injuries, too, and they aren't playing nearly as well as they were earlier in the season, and they've only got one more win then Denver. Their offensive line is struggling so much that Belichick, widely regarded as the best coach in the league, decided he had a better chance at winning if he put his defense on the field to start overtime.

I think the standard you're trying to hold the Broncos to is ludicrously high. Not every play is successful, not every draft pick a hit. Maybe lower them to a little more of a realistic level and you might actually ENJOY watching the Broncos games, rather than bashing on Elway because the Schofield pick hasn't panned out, or complaining every time the Broncos have an unsuccessful play.

Personally, what I want more than anything else from my team is effort. Sure, Schofield is often getting beat like a drum, but he's out there competing and giving it his all every play, and sure enough the line allowed the Broncos enough time to make the game winning drive last night (twice, really). So I'll never bash on a Broncos player that's giving maximum effort.

Right now the team is what it is, and no one is walking through the door to fix their issues. I really hope the Broncos manage to win the Super Bowl, but if they can't do that, all I ask is that they go down kicking and screaming.

The o line is a huge deal and was posting about it since preseason so I'm lost there. Why shouldn't have high standards for this team or franchise. Were not the Lions for god sakes. Just making the playoffs shouldn't be good enough. This is the Broncos not some shit franchise that's happy to get to .500. We should expect nothing less then a Super Bowl victory. I'm sure they all are busting there ass and they should be with the money there making. I think Oz is an upgrade over Manning and is playing well enough to win the whole damn thing. The talent is there and it's seems like I'm more positive about this team and it's talent then you are.

 

[Malibu]

I just want to see them dominate the Chargers who are terrible this week. I'd like to see 2 good halves before going in to the playoffs. I don't really think that's to much to ask for. I also don't believe that's unrealistic as well but if they just barely win I will be more then happy. Not happy about getting my car out of a foot of snow. So got some work to do. Later.

 

[Mingo]

Between the Orangemen, the Gators, the Lakers and the Broncos - Malibu has just about every point on the compass covered.

 

[Orange Crush77]

I don't know, I think it's perfectly fine for fans to get pissed off if the team doesn't show up. We should've beat the Steelers last week, we folded up in the second half. Whatever that was in the first half of yesterday's game, no, that's not ok. AJ McCarron should not be marching his squad up and down the field in our house like it's alright. Not against this D, sorry. When guys can't make simple tackles, basic fundamentals that are taught in Pop Warner, damn right I'm going to get pissed. I've been following this franchise for damn near 40 years, I'm about as emotionally invested in a team as can be. This team has the ability to win it all, I know that for sure. This coaching staff should be striving for perfection and playing to this teams strengths which I question at times. There was a systematic and fundamental difference in the two different halves of yesterday's game. The 2nd half played to this teams strengths, you be the judge

 

[Orange Crush77]

And if Elway has one hair on his nutsack, I'm positive he feels the same exact way

 

[cdumler7]

This team, these coaches, and even Elway are definitely open to criticism. They have all made some major mistakes that honestly could cost this team down the road. I mean heck losing the Raiders and Steelers game when we had both games won essentially could cost us not only the #1 seed but even winning the division. Those are games that should have been won with how we started.

At the same time this team has done some incredible things. We had a complete overhaul on the coaching staff, an aging HOF QB that looked like crap all year to be replaced by a kid that had never started in the NFL. We have an OL that this past Monday had 3 starters all in their first year of starting. We have faced injuries, suspensions, and just about anything else you can think of. Yet here we are with the 2nd best record in the AFC with the best defense in football looking like a true competitor for the Super Bowl. Even if we don't win the Super Bowl I would still say this season will be one to remember with all the turmoil to see this team fighting the way they are is just impressive.

 

[Orange Crush77]

The monumental difference this year has been Wade. I gave him some shit in this thread for the play calling in the first half and rightfully so. He changed it up, went more to a zone look with a more aggressive front, and we virtually shut them down. Kudos to him for adjusting and the same could be said for Kubiak also. The Steelers game killed me. We had that team on the ropes, Oz looked unstoppable, and instead of going for the KO we slow played ourselves to a loss

 

[AmericanTebowFan]

For me, yesterday's performance erased the terrible performances against the Raiders and Steelers. They could have completely folded when they were down in the first half last night. The way they came back in the 2nd half showed that this team has good mental toughness! I especially liked that a young kid like Osweiler was able to come up so big in such a pressure-packed situation! We're set up beautifully now to get a 1st round bye, which gives us a real chance to go all the way.

 

[Mingo]

The most encouraging sign is - you can see Brock Osweiler getting better and gathering confidence. If he grows up into a full - daddy sized - QB in the playoffs - that is another path to the Championship for this Bronco team.

 

[Broncos6482]

The most encouraging sign is - you can see Brock Osweiler getting better and gathering confidence. If he grows up into a full - daddy sized - QB in the playoffs - that is another path to the Championship for this Bronco team.

One thing I've noticed especially, he looked much better climbing the pocket to buy himself some extra time last night.

 

[cdumler7]

One thing I've noticed especially, he looked much better climbing the pocket to buy himself some extra time last night.

He definitely did much better with this part of the game. The last few games when he has felt pressure he has seemed to move from side to side right into the hands of the DE instead of stepping up in the pocket. I think it is because he is thinking that just like in college where he could get to the outside of the pocket and make a play he can do that in the NFL. Problem is he just doesn't have the speed to outrun the DE's in the NFL. So very good to see him climbing the pocket and keeping his eyes down field. That was the other issue is he would pull the ball down and stop looking down field looking to run. He made some very nice plays after climbing the pocket this past game.

 

[Broncos6482]

He definitely did much better with this part of the game. The last few games when he has felt pressure he has seemed to move from side to side right into the hands of the DE instead of stepping up in the pocket. I think it is because he is thinking that just like in college where he could get to the outside of the pocket and make a play he can do that in the NFL. Problem is he just doesn't have the speed to outrun the DE's in the NFL. So very good to see him climbing the pocket and keeping his eyes down field. That was the other issue is he would pull the ball down and stop looking down field looking to run. He made some very nice plays after climbing the pocket this past game.

Yep, and up until last night I was on the fence about him for next season, but at this point I think he's done enough to warrant a new contract from the Broncos.

 

[cdumler7]

Yep, and up until last night I was on the fence about him for next season, but at this point I think he's done enough to warrant a new contract from the Broncos.

Oh I agree. You give him a full off season knowing he is the starter and getting all the starter reps and I am definitely interested to see what he can do. He has shown amazing poise considering the situation he has stepped into. I'm interested to see when the Manning shadow is no longer a concern what this kid really brings to this team. This is why i think they just need to name him the starter from here on out for the season. That would be a huge boost in my opinion to his confidence to know that if he screws up say this Sunday and has a bad game that he will still get his shot in the playoffs. I think he has earned that at this point and beyond.

 

[iknowftbll]

I haven't read the whole thread so please forgive me if this has been discussed.

Some thoughts on AJ McCarron:

1) He was insanely good. And the Bengals WRs did their part too. Once or twice and you may think the kid got lucky, but he consistently was putting the ball in places where only his guy would come down with them and in places where his guy had a chance, but it wouldn't be an easy grab. Until WP made some adjustments to the zone, our secondary was getting toasted. And that's a good secondary.

2) Was it just me, or did it seem like McCarron, good as his game was, was also a bit of a little bitch? I mean, after every little thing he got up and was looking for a flag. One play actually warranted one, and the defense got away with a facemask on that play. Fair enough for him being frustrated on that one, but on the other occasions he got up looking for a penalty flag he just looked like a little bitch. At one point, I can't remember if it was Gruden or Tirico but one of them mentioned McCarron has an "arrogance" about him. That's an interesting word choice. It's the NFL and plenty of athletes in the league have some arrogance about them. But they aren't often described so directly by those in the broadcast booth. I'm glad he left the city with his first career "L" attached to his name.

 

[cdumler7]

I haven't read the whole thread so please forgive me if this has been discussed.

Some thoughts on AJ McCarron:

1) He was insanely good. And the Bengals WRs did their part too. Once or twice and you may think the kid got lucky, but he consistently was putting the ball in places where only his guy would come down with them and in places where his guy had a chance, but it wouldn't be an easy grab. Until WP made some adjustments to the zone, our secondary was getting toasted. And that's a good secondary.

2) Was it just me, or did it seem like McCarron, good as his game was, was also a bit of a little bitch? I mean, after every little thing he got up and was looking for a flag. One play actually warranted one, and the defense got away with a facemask on that play. Fair enough for him being frustrated on that one, but on the other occasions he got up looking for a penalty flag he just looked like a little bitch. At one point, I can't remember if it was Gruden or Tirico but one of them mentioned McCarron has an "arrogance" about him. That's an interesting word choice. It's the NFL and plenty of athletes in the league have some arrogance about them. But they aren't often described so directly by those in the broadcast booth. I'm glad he left the city with his first career "L" attached to his name.

Oh he definitely got a big head about him after that 1st half where he thought he should be getting the 10-year Vet treatment. I also don't think he has had very often in his life where he has struggled like he did in the 2nd half where he was having to run for his life a bit. He is used to being surrounded by the best roster college money can buy and winning National Championships with ease. When the Broncos adjusted all of a sudden he had to be an NFL QB where you have to read a defense and make a good decision. He proved that he just doesn't have that right now and he reached a point that he just kind of lost it. I posted this earlier but I saw a point where the zoomed in on his eyes and he looked scared. All I thought is "We got him!" He reached that rookie wall where a defense has you figured out and you have to adjust but just don't have the smarts to do it yet.

 

[SpiritOf77]

I think the team missed David Bruton last night

I just cannot see some of those long 3rd down conversions the Bengals made happening with Bruton out there . . He's a perfect swing guy for this defense and carries himself out there like a leader ( which he is ) .. He had really upped his contributions on the field, and while no disrespect to Josh Bush, Bush made some costly mistakes out there leading directly to 1st downs or points ..

 

[Malibu]

Between the Orangemen, the Gators, the Lakers and the Broncos - Malibu has just about every point on the compass covered.

Don't forget the Brewers arghhh.