Broncos take aim at record

[SoCalBronco]

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3136883


broncos
Broncos take aim at record
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer




Broncos QB Jake Plummer has been a catalyst for the Broncos' offense having no turnovers in their past four games, as they improved their record to 5-1. (Post file)


The Broncos' offense is four quarters away from sole possession of an NFL record.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Broncos would break the NFL mark for the longest streak without a turnover if they complete their game at the Meadowlands against the New York Giants on Sunday without losing a fumble or throwing an interception.

That might not be easy. The Giants lead the NFC in forcing turnovers with 18 in five games. Cincinnati of the AFC has forced 21 turnovers in six games, leaving New York with a higher average.

"They're the best in the NFL at turnovers," Denver coach Mike Shanahan said. "They come after you."

The Broncos, who made holding onto the ball one of their preseason goals, will have to earn their record. The Broncos have gone 264 minutes, 31 seconds since they last committed a turnover. It came Sept. 18 against San Diego when Jake Plummer threw an interception in the third quarter. Elias tracks this statistic in terms of games, not minutes. Denver's streak of four consecutive games without a turnover already has tied the NFL mark.

Not coincidentally, Denver rang up wins over Kansas City, Jacksonville, Washington and New England in those games.

Several teams have gone four games without a turnover, the



last being Seattle, spanning Nov. 11 through Dec. 2, 2001. But no team has accomplished the feat for five games.

"Don't tell me that," Denver fullback Kyle Johnson said, wincing. "It's like talking to a pitcher during an no-hitter."

Shanahan also shied away from the subject, saying he doesn't want to jinx the team.

Johnson struggled to get a grip on why the Broncos suddenly have become glued to the football.

"It's not like we spread palm oil on our hands or anything," Johnson said. "It's just playing smart football. It's just executing what we practice. The fact that we've done well so far is great,




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but you really can't explain it. We're just playing smart."
Although the Broncos say they're not holding the ball any tighter, the improvement is dramatic. Denver has five turnovers. The NFL record for fewest turnovers in a season is 12, set by Kansas City in 1982.

Last season, Denver committed 29 turnovers - 20 Plummer interceptions and nine lost fumbles. Plummer's controlled play this season is the major reason for the team's 17-quarter streak without a turnover. His three interceptions is his lowest total after six games in any of his nine NFL seasons.

"Jake has it the hardest when it comes to turnovers,"
MIDWEEK AUDIO
Listen to Broncos players and coaches preview upcoming games. (Real Audio)

Mike Shanahan
Jake Plummer
John Lynch


tight end Stephen Alexander said. "It's the position he plays. It's always tough on the quarterback."

Plummer worked diligently in the offseason to cut down on his mistakes. A major theme of the Broncos' winning streak has been a ball-control offense.

"I'm not trying to go out and not throw interceptions," Plummer said. "I have to be smart and not try to force it or make a crazy play, and sometimes throw it away. ... I am playing ball and going through the offense the same way I have for the past few years. It's just that things are happening for us right now."

At a record pace.

Staff writer Bill Williamsoncan be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.

[ludo21]

Thanks Socal..

I look for at least 2 TO's this game, too much has been made about not turning the ball over and against this tough Giant team, it might be a recipe for disaster. Hopefully im wrong and tha players keep playing smart.

[Orange4Life]

I wish everyone in the media would stop talking about the T/O streak. Its bad for the MoJo!!!

[DomCasual]

This is pretty darn amazing, considering who we have behind center. If you polled a hundred football writers at the beginning of the year, and told them, "One team this year is going to approach the NFL record for most consecutive games without a turnover - who would you guess it would be?" - how many of them do you suppose would have picked the Broncos?

I bet zero.

[CHANGSTER]

"Don't tell me that," Denver fullback Kyle Johnson said, wincing. "It's like talking to a pitcher during an no-hitter."

amen. killer mojo.

[OrangeShadow]

mojo killer! :ban:

[-Slap-]

As long as the players don't think about it too much, it shouldn't make a difference. You should always be concerned about protecting the football, but you can't play the game worried about fumbling.

The law of averages suggest that we're going to have a four or five turnover game at some point to bring the numbers back to normal. Not going to be a fun week around here if that happens.

[Odysseus]

Not going to be a fun week around here if that happens.

No joke!

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I look for at least 2 TO's this game,

I'm guessing they'll have one on their first drive.

[rbackfactory80]

It is supposed to rain this week, so I hope we play better then against the Redskins and give that extra attention to taking care of the ball.

[elsid13]

I'm guessing they'll have one on their first drive.

With Plummer throwing behind the back pass left handed to Rod Smith who is in triple coverage.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Whoever thought Jake Plummer would have a shot at directing an NFL offense poised to set an NFL record for the longest streak without a turnover?

[BMF Bronco]

This thread sucks!

[GSRelyea]

It is supposed to rain this week, so I hope we play better then against the Redskins and give that extra attention to taking care of the ball.

Reports are looking pretty good right now, the rain should end early Sunday morning. 55-60 degrees partly sunny by game time.... Sounds like some good tailgating weather to me!!!

http://aolsvc.weather.aol.com/main.adp?location=USNJ0128

[Jason in LA]

It's funny that everybody in this thread has come to the conclution that the Broncos have now been jinxed. When I read the first part of the story I saw a 5 turnover game coming. Man I'm feeling bad now.

[Broncoman13]

"Don't tell me that," Denver fullback Kyle Johnson said, wincing. "It's like talking to a pitcher during an no-hitter."

Hey ain't just whistlin Dixie!!!

[GreatBronco16]

Guess this is a time for the reverse mojo.

Denver will set a new NFL record with 25 TOs against the Giants. And ofcourse they will lose in an also record fashion, 126-0.

[Traveler]

again the giants stop another bronco streak. with the media harping all week on it, it's a definite that we'll have a turnover.

[ludo21]

Even if we have a TO, as long as we win its all gravy ~

[watermock]

Burger Bill with the bad mojo...if we turn the ball over 4 time I propose we get a lynch mob and hang him from a sturdy tree with an extra strong rope.

[Mile High Shack]

I hate articles like this

it's so obvious Plummer is going to throw 3 picks this weekend

there is no way we are winning

[Popps]

Wow, you're telling me that big, dumb dope Plummer is about to be part of a turnover record? No way... he's too "erratic" and inaccurate.

I'd be curious to know what's the longest quarter streak without an INT for a Bronco QB?