The AFC Playoff Discussion

[MileHigh64]

To me anyway, all the teams have the players,coachs and potential to get hot and go to the big game. Obviously Steelers could have trouble without Bell. What worries me the most with Denver, is not the talent but the weather. I think Peyton of all the Qb's, will have the bigger handicap in bad conditions. Let's hope for decent weather for Peyton or a dominant run game if otherwise.

The Accuweather long range forecast for Denver's game on January 11th is calling for 55 degrees and sunny skies. Of course, that's still quite a ways off and that forecast could change dramatically. Let's hope it stands! Go Broncos!

MH64

 

[cdumler7]

The Accuweather long range forecast for Denver's game on January 11th is calling for 55 degrees and sunny skies. Of course, that's still quite a ways off and that forecast could change dramatically. Let's hope it stands! Go Broncos!

MH64

It always amazes me how people do not understand the weather in Denver. I remember when Manning signed with the Broncos and everybody was like "well he can't play in the cold so if the Broncos get home field advantage they are done." Yes Denver can have its cold days like we saw with the Baltimore game back in 2012 but then we can have the 55 degree days in the middle of January. It just really is all over the place.

 

[Mondo Jay]

It always amazes me how people do not understand the weather in Denver. I remember when Manning signed with the Broncos and everybody was like "well he can't play in the cold so if the Broncos get home field advantage they are done." Yes Denver can have its cold days like we saw with the Baltimore game back in 2012 but then we can have the 55 degree days in the middle of January. It just really is all over the place.

Indeed. I remember more nice days than bad over the years in Denver (playoff time).

 

[cdumler7]

Indeed. I remember more nice days than bad over the years in Denver (playoff time).

I remember that Baltimore year the next weekend it was like 50 degrees and just perfect. Now having said that I do think this Bronco team is built now to handle if it is a bad weather game like we could maybe see in New England if that is what happens. You usually want a team that can stop the run (we finished 2nd in almost every major running category) and one that can run the ball (most rushing touchdowns over the last month of any team in the league).

 

[WalkerBoh]

It always amazes me how people do not understand the weather in Denver. I remember when Manning signed with the Broncos and everybody was like "well he can't play in the cold so if the Broncos get home field advantage they are done." Yes Denver can have its cold days like we saw with the Baltimore game back in 2012 but then we can have the 55 degree days in the middle of January. It just really is all over the place.

Most of that was blown way out of proportion, and neglected to consider that all of his Pre-Denver cold weather games were ALSO away games. I remember it being a bit chilly for the Raiders game, and I also remember it wasn't exactly balmy for the San Diego game last playoff season. The Ravens ending was more a war of attrition. Everyone was getting tired by then. It's less of a deal than the media and opposing fans want to believe.

 

[iknowftbll]

Something I hope the Broncos will do in the playoffs is throw the ball to Virgil Green. Much was made of him catching his first TD pass in the closing moments of the Raiders game. There is a major problem with this: Virgil Green has become a major cue to the enemy that the Broncos are going to run the ball. Green has a capable enough set of hands that he is a legit receiving threat, and if the Broncos make it a point to throw to him early the enemy can no longer assume it's a run play when he is in the formation. A short pass to Green early may result in a long play too, if the defense has crowded the line in anticipation for a run play.

What say you guys?

 

[iknowftbll]

Most of that was blown way out of proportion, and neglected to consider that all of his Pre-Denver cold weather games were ALSO away games. I remember it being a bit chilly for the Raiders game, and I also remember it wasn't exactly balmy for the San Diego game last playoff season. The Ravens ending was more a war of attrition. Everyone was getting tired by then. It's less of a deal than the media and opposing fans want to believe.

Sorry, that doesn't fit the narrative, so most conveniently ignored it. Including some of the fans of our AFC West rivals. To them all I have to say is:

 

[DownSetHutch]

Something I hope the Broncos will do in the playoffs is throw the ball to Virgil Green. Much was made of him catching his first TD pass in the closing moments of the Raiders game. There is a major problem with this: Virgil Green has become a major cue to the enemy that the Broncos are going to run the ball. Green has a capable enough set of hands that he is a legit receiving threat, and if the Broncos make it a point to throw to him early the enemy can no longer assume it's a run play when he is in the formation. A short pass to Green early may result in a long play too, if the defense has crowded the line in anticipation for a run play.

What say you guys?

I agree and was thinking the same thing a few weeks ago. If he can get just a little separation, Manning could get him the ball, and it could be a big play. It would also change the defense's thinking when he is on the field. Incidentally, I like TEs who can both block and catch proficiently, because if they are known for one or the other it clues in the defense to what we are going to do on offense.

That would be a great postseason wrinkle to throw in the mix. You've gotta come up with some new wrinkles in the postseason.

 

[MileHigh64]

I agree and was thinking the same thing a few weeks ago. If he can get just a little separation, Manning could get him the ball, and it could be a big play. It would also change the defense's thinking when he is on the field. Incidentally, I like TEs who can both block and catch proficiently, because if they are known for one or the other it clues in the defense to what we are going to do on offense.

That would be a great postseason wrinkle to throw in the mix. You've gotta come up with some new wrinkles in the postseason.

^^^^ This!

I remember a certain TE with the last name Sharpe that was proficient at both receiving and blocking. He was a HUGE part of our Superbowl runs. The Broncos need to shock the football world with some new looks, twists and wrinkles in the playoffs. I believe that they have the personnel to do it and now just need to pull the trigger on some different offensive tactics. Can't wait for next weekend. Personally, I think the Steelers are going to be coming to Denver a week from Sunday. Go Broncos!

MH64

 

[BigKen]

Most of that was blown way out of proportion, and neglected to consider that all of his Pre-Denver cold weather games were ALSO away games. I remember it being a bit chilly for the Raiders game, and I also remember it wasn't exactly balmy for the San Diego game last playoff season. The Ravens ending was more a war of attrition. Everyone was getting tired by then. It's less of a deal than the media and opposing fans want to believe.

It only stands to reason that foul weather game for Manning were away games because he played indoors at home with the Colts. That's what makes him subject to conversation about playing outdoors. The sad part is that Manning rarely played in bad weather in college and then played for Indy. The NFL season goes from a warm September, cool October, cooler November and cold December. Over the last 10 years the overall weather pattern has been warmer across the country.

During the past week the weather in New England has been rather pleasant and it's been in the single digits and teens in Denver. As the Denver weather turns milder, it's going to get much colder in New England and we're expecting freezing rain, snow and ice this weekend. Who knows what next weekend will bring or the week after. Hell, it's snowing in Nevada, Arizona and Texas........50-50 for a snowy Super Bowl in Glendale??

 

[iknowftbll]

It only stands to reason that foul weather game for Manning were away games because he played indoors at home with the Colts. That's what makes him subject to conversation about playing outdoors. The sad part is that Manning rarely played in bad weather in college and then played for Indy. The NFL season goes from a warm September, cool October, cooler November and cold December. Over the last 10 years the overall weather pattern has been warmer across the country.

That's exactly what we're saying, though. When the Broncos signed Manning, all we heard about was how he couldn't play in the cold weather. Few people took the time to shift the narrative toward the more likely reason Manning's games in cold weather featured worse overall performances than home games, and that was because all his cold weather games were by default road games. Most QBS perform better at home than on the road. There are exceptions, but most follow that general rule. Now if someone could take all his cold games and compare them to road games played in nice weather, and then could demonstrate a noticeable drop off, then maybe we'd have something to discuss. At this point, I'd still consider it OBE, though. Manning has played well in a couple pretty cold games since his arrival in Denver, so I definitely think the narrative is overplayed.

 

[randymon]

Peyton Manning stats in the 10 cold weather (32 dgress or colder) gms he`s played in 16 yrs........ W-3 L-7. 11 tds and 12 ints. Comp % 59.4% ( career avg.65.4% ( well below) 214.1 yds passing avg ( career avg 269.5 yds, Also well below. Obviously he does struggle. I`am hoping for 33 degrees and above anyway

 

[WalkerBoh]

It only stands to reason that foul weather game for Manning were away games because he played indoors at home with the Colts. That's what makes him subject to conversation about playing outdoors. The sad part is that Manning rarely played in bad weather in college and then played for Indy. The NFL season goes from a warm September, cool October, cooler November and cold December. Over the last 10 years the overall weather pattern has been warmer across the country.

During the past week the weather in New England has been rather pleasant and it's been in the single digits and teens in Denver. As the Denver weather turns milder, it's going to get much colder in New England and we're expecting freezing rain, snow and ice this weekend. Who knows what next weekend will bring or the week after. Hell, it's snowing in Nevada, Arizona and Texas........50-50 for a snowy Super Bowl in Glendale??

Since the Super Bowl in Glendale will be played in a dome, no chance.

 

[WalkerBoh]

Peyton Manning stats in the 10 cold weather (32 dgress or colder) gms he`s played in 16 yrs........ W-3 L-7. 11 tds and 12 ints. Comp % 59.4% ( career avg.65.4% ( well below) 214.1 yds passing avg ( career avg 269.5 yds, Also well below. Obviously he does struggle. I`am hoping for 33 degrees and above anyway

Again, only way this can be considered significant is if you also take into account home vs. Away games. Until 2012, all of Manning's cold weather games were away games.

 

[randymon]

Again, only way this can be considered significant is if you also take into account home vs. Away games. Until 2012, all of Manning's cold weather games were away games.

True Walker but that's what worries me if NE makes it to AFC Championship along with Denver.

 

[iknowftbll]

True Walker but that's what worries me if NE makes it to AFC Championship along with Denver.

The Broncos can't pick their opponents and us worrying about it has no affect on the outcome either, so why not just enjoy the ride and see what happens?

 

[randymon]

The Broncos can't pick their opponents and us worrying about it has no affect on the outcome either, so why not just enjoy the ride and see what happens?

Wow! Was pondering what my New Years resolution should be. Not anymore! Geez thanks IKF!

 

[iknowftbll]

Wow! Was pondering what my New Years resolution should be. Not anymore! Geez thanks IKF!

Sorry to go all "life coach" on you there.

Go Broncos!

 

[randymon]

Sorry to go all "life coach" on you there.

Go Broncos!

I knew you'd take my sarcasm in the text it was intended my man. Cheers and Happy New Year sir

 

[iknowftbll]

I knew you'd take my sarcasm in the text it was intended my man. Cheers and Happy New Year sir

To you as well.

I am really looking forward to these wild card games, actually. I can't wait to see who the Broncos are going to play next week. I am also morbidly curious about this Arizona @ Carolina game. I don't know why, but something about a 7-8-1 playoff team fascinates me.