Why this team is good

[elsid13]

Posted by request of the lovely lady for ND
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_4286462,00.html

From today Rocky Mountain News

Broncos find fun flavors season
Locker room high jinks build camaraderie for 'misfits' and 'outcasts'

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
December 3, 2005

ENGLEWOOD - A container of mustard sits conspicuously among various toiletries in Trevor Pryce's locker. It's the yellow kind, the stuff that goes great with salami or pretzels but not necessarily -deodorant spray.

Yet it somehow makes perfect sense.

The whole Denver Broncos dressing room is full of hot dogs, so why not a little condiment to go with them?

More precisely, this loose team of equal parts character and characters that has forged a 9-2 record heading into Sunday's game (2:15 p.m. MST, CBS 4) at Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs (7-4) is like the composition of a hot dog.

There's myriad ingredients, some unidentifiable, that make a finished product that somehow works - except without the thin skin.

Wide receiver Rod Smith recently called the varied roster "outcasts" and "misfits," but in a good way.

And whatever character traits are perceived as odd are exploited by this fun- loving bunch.

"There's some funny, funny guys on this team," Broncos free safety John Lynch said.

Examples abound just 15 yards or so from Pryce's locker. There stands a large white pole, bedecked with pictures. And no one is spared.

A curly-haired youth with a "Vote for Pedro" T-shirt from -Napoleon Dynamite is captioned, "Nalen, age 6," poking fun at center Tom Nalen's pseudo-Afro. A smiling Charlie -Adams has a cartoon balloon emanating from his mouth, reading, "I'm still here," with the name Antwone Fisher, quoting from the movie character that linebacker Keith Burns thinks the receiver resembles.

A crazy person with a snake slithering from a nostril and through a man's mouth is dubbed Cecil Sapp. An oversized gent with clown makeup and University of Oklahoma gear is captioned, "S.A." for OU alum Stephen Alexander.

And an advertisement for medical equipment that boasts it can easily handle 500-pounders has the face of right tackle George Foster pasted over the patient's body.

No one seems to take the ribbing seriously.

"Not on this team. You can't," Adams said.

Denver has had easygoing groups before. But the togetherness of this group is even more apparent.

"I've been here three years, and it's been a winning team all three years," tight end Nate Jackson said. "But there's something a little different with this team than the last two years. The mix of guys are real close. It feels more special."

Whether the positive vibe comes as a result of the Broncos' on-field success or is partially responsible for it is debatable.

But good chemistry never hurts in a team sport.

A consistent theme voiced by the coaching staff is playing together as one. And this group seems to have taken that sentiment to heart. Broncos players stood cheering in the visiting locker room in Dallas watching the postgame interview concentrating on seldom-used Ron Dayne's big Thanksgiving performance.

Their unselfish play reflects that all-for-one attitude, despite some big-name players on the roster.

"It's one big clique - a Denver Broncos clique," said Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren, who's in his first season in Denver after having spent the beginning of his career with the Cleveland Browns. "And that's what I've been looking for all four years I've been in the NFL."

Dayne is just one of the players wide receiver Rod Smith jokingly referred to as "outcasts" and "misfits" on the current roster. The team is full of them, from the bevy of Browns linemen to career practice-squad players such as Curome Cox, Todd Devoe and Demetrin Veal and a supposed renegade punter in Todd Sauerbrun.

They've coalesced with a veteran core to produce arguably Denver's best team since the Super Bowl years in terms of on- field productivity and championship potential.

"Everybody's just so unselfish here," said Alexander, looking trimmer and more fit than his locker room picture. "And I've noticed that since Day One. Everybody wants the ball, but everybody has the whole concept in mind of what it takes to win. And each week it can be somebody different."

Take quarterback Jake Plummer. He gave coffee mugs plastered with an unflattering and unkempt image of himself to his offensive line with the inscription, "Wake up, (expletives)."

Several players have old leather helmets in their lockers and have worn them at times on "hat day" some Fridays.

Middle linebacker Al Wilson conducted an interview sporting the old-school look, weathered jersey included, telling reporters it was "for all the throwback players on this team," including Marco Coleman, Lynch and Smith.

"They wore this Marco's rookie year," Wilson said in mock seriousness.

But perhaps the moment that encapsulates the light-hearted spirit of the Broncos roster this season came Halloween week. D.J. Williams, mostly monotone in his dealings with the media but one of the biggest clowns on the roster, according to teammates, came to work dressed as fellow linebacker Patrick Chukwurah.

Williams sported dreadlocks, multiple earrings and several wristbands on his arms. Many of the players actually believed it was Chukwurah until being told it was Williams. Hilarity ensued.

"I was dying for 20 minutes," Broncos rookie cornerback Domonique Foxworth said.

Added Veal, "I don't think anybody can beat that."

And for most of the season, opponents are having difficulty beating the Broncos, as well, given such camaraderie. But it isn't all fun. It's ultimately about the games.

Keith Burns, another Broncos linebacker and often ringleader when it comes to keeping things light, said Denver's current mix works despite having guys "from all walks of life" and different approaches because of the underlying work ethic.

"You have some hard-nosed mentalities and some easygoing mentalities. And then there's your outgoing ones that like to laugh and joke," he said.

"But everybody now is starting to get that business approach to it. We all laugh together and we all go out and work together. And that's the essential ingredient it takes to put together a great team."

A little mustard just adds to the flavor.

For the record, the mustard is in Pryce's locker courtesy of fellow lineman Monsanto Pope.

It's a symbol of their ongoing food fight. Pope has been known to put Gatorade in Pryce's cereal and once tried to put the mustard on his teammate's pie.

"It's a reminder that I'm coming to get him," Pope said.

And he probably will, too.

"Ultimately, we're just a bunch of guys who have fun together and get our work done," Lynch said.

"And we do it in a really impressive way."

Strive for five

• Jeff Legwold's keys for the Broncos in their game Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs:

1 Grind it. The Broncos need to keep the ball so the Chiefs can't have it. The Chiefs are far more of a power team with Larry Johnson at running back, and he has recorded four consecutive 100-yard rushing games. The Broncos' own running game is the best medicine.

2 Hitch and go. The Chiefs are high-octane aggressive on defense. Their cornerbacks and safeties gamble for the ball. Some double moves, like the old stop and go, could result in big plays if the Broncos' receivers sell the fakes.

3 Find Jared. Not Subway Jared, but Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen. He ran roughshod last week over Patriots rookie left tackle Nick Kaczur and leads the Chiefs with eight sacks. Allen has a quality first move off the snap and will fight through a double team.

4 Survive the push. The Chiefs won last year's meeting in Arrowhead just about the time Dante Hall caught the opening kickoff and ran 97 yards for a touchdown. The crowd will be in a full-throat roar, and the Chiefs will be jacked. The Broncos need a big-time first quarter.

5 Now's the time. This is a big hurdle for the Broncos, who have compiled a 1-14 December record in Kansas City. But in the bigger picture, the Colts' finishing stretch is a tough one, so the Broncos still have a slim chance for home-field advantage in the playoffs if they don't lose a third game.

rasizerl@RockyMountainNews.com

Copyright 2005, Rocky Mountain News. All Rights Reserved.

[Sassy]

NICE! Thanks....

GO BRONCOS!

[ludo21]

i just found it as well on RMN, thanks for posting it tho. Sounds like their having a blast.

LOL @ DJ dressing up as Chucky, seeing as he comes across quiet, that would be quite funny.

[Odysseus]

Take quarterback Jake Plummer. He gave coffee mugs plastered with an unflattering and unkempt image of himself to his offensive line with the inscription, "Wake up, (expletives)."

--I frigging love Jake! I bet he would get a kick out of Circle Orange's hair fest. Should send him a set of those pictures on a mug. No kidding!

[elsid13]

Camaraderie should never be overrated.

[Sassy]

Take quarterback Jake Plummer. He gave coffee mugs plastered with an unflattering and unkempt image of himself to his offensive line with the inscription, "Wake up, (expletives)."

--I frigging love Jake! I bet he would get a kick out of Circle Orange's hair fest. Should send him a set of those pictures on a mug. No kidding!
That would be hilarious!

[ludo21]

Take quarterback Jake Plummer. He gave coffee mugs plastered with an unflattering and unkempt image of himself to his offensive line with the inscription, "Wake up, (expletives)."

--I frigging love Jake! I bet he would get a kick out of Circle Orange's hair fest. Should send him a set of those pictures on a mug. No kidding!


:militia:

i loved that quote as well. Jake is a leader whether people like it or not. CO should send hima sample, LOL

[BigPlayShay]

Gosh, I flippin' love this team. They are flippin' sweet.

http://www.rgj.com/news/files/2004/07/22/49183.jpg

[Bronx33]

Gosh, I flippin' love this team. They are flippin' sweet.

http://www.rgj.com/news/files/2004/07/22/49183.jpg


Quoted for truth...

[Mediator12]

i just found it as well on RMN, thanks for posting it tho. Sounds like their having a blast.

LOL @ DJ dressing up as Chucky, seeing as he comes across quiet, that would be quite funny.

When I was at camp, DJ williams was telling stories between warmup and the rest of practice. I literally almost fell over laughing! It took a lot of effort to not wipe out in front of those guys when DJ was going at it. He is easily one of the funniest storytellers I have ever heard.

[ludo21]

When I was at camp, DJ williams was telling stories between warmup and the rest of practice. I literally almost fell over laughing! It took a lot of effort to not wipe out in front of those guys when DJ was going at it. He is easily one of the funniest storytellers I have ever heard.


For a guy who seems so quiet its great to hear that he is a great guy and a great teammate. The comraderie on this team is awesome! No wonder they are working so well together.:Broncos:

[-Slap-]

Chemistry is a nebulous thing, but most winning teams seem to have it. The Patriots are a great example. I believe that's an area where the Colts might be still lacking a little bit.

[GreatBronco16]

Take quarterback Jake Plummer. He gave coffee mugs plastered with an unflattering and unkempt image of himself to his offensive line with the inscription, "Wake up, (expletives)."

--I frigging love Jake! I bet he would get a kick out of Circle Orange's hair fest. Should send him a set of those pictures on a mug. No kidding!


LOL, now that would be funny.

[Dr. Broncenstein]

I was in tears over the Plummer coffe mug bit.... Wake up, B!tches

[baja]

Chemistry is a nebulous thing, but most winning teams seem to have it. The Patriots are a great example. I believe that's an area where the Colts might be still lacking a little bit.


"Slice that meat, slice that meat". Payton has to be a big time jerk just to agree to do those idiot commercials.

[Broncoman13]

Take quarterback Jake Plummer. He gave coffee mugs plastered with an unflattering and unkempt image of himself to his offensive line with the inscription, "Wake up, (expletives)."

--I frigging love Jake! I bet he would get a kick out of Circle Orange's hair fest. Should send him a set of those pictures on a mug. No kidding!

That part of the story is when I actually laughed out loud! "Wake up, Biatch!" I love it!

[Bob's your Information Minister]

We are going to be jacked...it's going to be off the charts. Denver is walking into the Temple of DOOOOOM!

A bad first quarter might end the game early.

[elsid13]

We are going to be jacked...it's going to be off the charts. Denver is walking into the Temple of DOOOOOM!

A bad first quarter might end the game early.


thanks for wasting bandwidth jackass. STOP TRYING TO HIJACK EVER THREAD!!!!!! I won't miss you after tomorrow.

[watermock]

We are going to be jacked...it's going to be off the charts. Denver is walking into the Temple of DOOOOOM!

A bad first quarter might end the game early.

You would make the anti-nostradomus proud Boob....noone can be wrong 90% of the time, but you manage it...

[baja]

Is he leaving?

please tell me yes

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Is he leaving?

please tell me yes

If Denver wins, I'm banned for a year. If KC wins, 24champbailey gets the boot.

[elsid13]

Is he leaving?

please tell me yes


Some stupid bet between and someone on the board, get self ban from the site. Problem is that if Chef lose, Bobo will show up in 2 weeks or so, with some excuse.

[watermock]

We have chased dozens of trolls off, but Boob seems to have 9 lives...this might put him down tho if we get a win...

[Sassy]

We have chased dozens of trolls off, but Boob seems to have 9 lives...this might put him down tho if we get a win...
First we have to get the win...and then beat up the Chargers and Indy...then maybe he'll finally get the point that Denver is the better team ;D

[Paladin]

I really don't care if boob gets the point or not. In the scheme of things, boob is a booger. He is a turd passed by a roving turtle. He means very little to a gnat. He is a fly facing the torrents of a 200 mile hurricane. He is as a blade of grass in a field in the yard next to the Waste Treatment plant. I put no weight on anything s/he says, and I have him on ignore where he has been for about three months, now.

Broncos fans can root for their team, but also be realistic in looking at the strengths and weaknesses in this team. Mullets do not do that. The point here is that the Broncos have a good chance of winning the game tomorrow, and they are slightly favored to do so irrespective of the home field advantage which is what the mullets are putting their misplaced faith in. However, the Broncos can lose this game. But they sure have a chance, and that is all they ask for. We shall see what happens.

Win, lose or draw, regardless, f*ck boob.

[watermock]

Don't hold it in Paladin...let it all out!

I like our chances with Tater back and Dayne coming about....just run it down their throat and we will be fine...

[Jetmeck]

We are going to be jacked...it's going to be off the charts. Denver is walking into the Temple of DOOOOOM!

A bad first quarter might end the game early.

We have scored on first drives in all but one or two games,
your SEASON could be over IN THE FIRST QUARTER !

[Bob's your Information Minister]

We have scored on first drives in all but one or two games,
your SEASON could be over IN THE FIRST QUARTER !
While that's true, so is this:

Chiefs Defensive Scoring Stats: KC’s defense did not permit any offensive points in the first quarter for the eighth time this season. KC has allowed just 27 offensive points in the first quarter in 2005 and have allowed just three points in the first quarter of games at Arrowhead in 2005.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

We have scored on first drives in all but one or two games,


Denver has failed to score on their first drive in SIX games this year.

[Jetmeck]

While that's true, so is this:

Chiefs Defensive Scoring Stats: KC’s defense did not permit any offensive points in the first quarter for the eighth time this season. KC has allowed just 27 offensive points in the first quarter in 2005 and have allowed just three points in the first quarter of games at Arrowhead in 2005.

Only decent team you played AT THAT TIME was the Eagles, so just like the rest of your stats "it don't mean nothing" until you do it against quality teams. We have done it week in and out, at home and on the road against quality teams and mediocre teams like the one we played at home in WEEK 3. GOODBYE, BOOB...I won't miss you !

[Jetmeck]

Denver has failed to score on their first drive in SIX games this year.
You would be wrong !

[Malcontent]

Camaraderie should never be overrated.


Just ask a Marine/Army any veteran in any of our wars of the past! Salute!

[Sassy]

Just ask a Marine/Army any veteran in any of our wars of the past! Salute!
Do any of you remember pregame interviews for SB XXXII...the Oline was sitting around the table talking to Collingsworth and crew and they were talking...I think specifically Schlereth...about how their wasn't anyone of them that wouldn't go out in the middle of the night and do what he had to do for his teammate...and be happy about it! This group reminds me of that one...Very cool!

[Malcontent]

Do any of you remember pregame interviews for SB XXXII...the Oline was sitting around the table talking to Collingsworth and crew and they were talking...I think specifically Schlereth...about how their wasn't anyone of them that wouldn't go out in the middle of the night and do what he had to do for his teammate...and be happy about it! This group reminds me of that one...Very cool!

Well written Sass!!!
This team CARES about each other, which breeds a complete ASS kickin to the opponent unfortunate enough to have been in their way that week.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

You would be wrong !

Uh, YOU are wrong, dipshiat. Get a clue.

[Malcontent]

Uh, YOU are wrong, dipshiat. Get a clue.

Just shut up bob!

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Only decent team you played AT THAT TIME was the Eagles, so just like the rest of your stats "it don't mean nothing" until you do it against quality teams. We have done it week in and out, at home and on the road against quality teams and mediocre teams like the one we played at home in WEEK 3. GOODBYE, BOOB...I won't miss you !

I don't care who you play. That's a damned impressive statistic. You certainly didn't hold the Patriots scoreless in the first quarter at Denver.

[Jetmeck]

Uh, YOU are wrong, dipshiat. Get a clue.

Prove it dipstick, and goodbye dipstick.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Just shut up bob!

What? WHAT? Tell your ignorant friend Jetmeck to shut it. He sits there and spouts bullshiat, then I went and looked it up and called him on it and he has the gall to ignore me.

Jetmeck was OWNED by Boob!

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Prove it dipstick, and goodbye dipstick.

WHAT? I went and looked it up you moron. It's on NFL.com. Look at the drive charts yourself.

Get a clue.

[Jetmeck]

What? WHAT? Tell your ignorant friend Jetmeck to shut it. He sits there and spouts bullshiat, then I went and looked it up and called him on it and he has the gall to ignore me.

Jetmeck was OWNED by Boob!

Your middle name is BS, thankfully you are gone tomorrow. What section you sit in dipstick ?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Your middle name is BS, thankfully you are gone tomorrow. What section you sit in dipstick ?

I see you are not even going to bother addressing the exchange we just got finished with.

How does it feel to get owned by Boob?

[ludo21]

this is a great article, too bad the thread got hijacked.

[Jetmeck]

I see you are not even going to bother addressing the exchange we just got finished with.

How does it feel to get owned by Boob?


Sorry ABOUT THE HIJACK, tomorrow after this idiot is gone will help that out.

Where is this link on NFL.COM ???
They don't break down by drives !
DIPSTICK

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Sorry ABOUT THE HIJACK, tomorrow after this idiot is gone will help that out.

Where is this link on NFL.COM ???
They don't break down by drives !
DIPSTICK

Wow you are really showing your ass now. ROFL!

What the hell do you call this?

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/drives/NFL_20050911_DEN@MIA

Drive charts are available for EVERY game.

[Sassy]

Bob...it is your life's work to Hijack every single thread on our board?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Bob...it is your life's work to Hijack every single thread on our board?

Jetmeck hijacked it. You expect me to sit here and take his garbage?

[Jetmeck]

Wow you are really showing your ass now. ROFL!

What the hell do you call this?

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/drives/NFL_20050911_DEN@MIA

Drive charts are available for EVERY game.

I notice you picked the MIAMI game, I still do not see
where you accessed it or any other game. Sure will miss you, where were you sitting again ?

[Sassy]

Jetmeck hijacked it. You expect me to sit here and take his garbage?
Yeah but he's not the only one...and you've done it on more than just one...

[Jetmeck]

Jetmeck hijacked it. You expect me to sit here and take his garbage?

you have hijacked the whole board at times. Don't want to take any shiatt go over where you ARE welcome....on your own board.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I notice you picked the MIAMI game, I still do not see
where you accessed it or any other game. Sure will miss you, where were you sitting again ?

What? That's just one example.

Drive Charts are available for every game on NFL.com.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Drive Charts for the rest of Denver's games:

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/drives/NFL_20050918_SD@DEN

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/drives/NFL_20050926_KC@DEN

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/drives/NFL_20051002_DEN@JAC

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/drives/NFL_20051009_WAS@DEN

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/drives/NFL_20051016_NE@DEN

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/playbyplay/NFL_20051023_DEN@NYG

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/playbyplay/NFL_20051030_PHI@DEN

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/playbyplay/NFL_20051113_DEN@OAK

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/drives/NFL_20051120_NYJ@DEN

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/drives/NFL_20051124_DEN@DAL

DO YOU YIELD, JETMECK?

[Cleo McDowell]

i love seeing Bob spout off about statistics and his long list of reasons why he is so sure thatKC will beat this team etc etc only to be proven a jackass time and time again.

i kinda feel for him though. so much effort, so much analysis and so sure of himself but always wrong about his good ol chefs.. what will you say after we hand you your asses on sunday, bob?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

i love seeing Bob spout off about statistics and his long list of reasons why he is so sure thatKC will beat this team etc etc only to be proven a jackass time and time again.


In this case I was just answering Jetmeck and proving him WRONG. The only one that was "proven a jackass" in this thread was Jetmeck.

[Cleo McDowell]

In this case I was just answering Jetmeck and proving him WRONG. The only one that was "proven a jackass" in this thread was Jetmeck.


didnt bother to dive into another one of your statistical breakdowns. what i am talking about is you being the "statistical computer" that supossedly generates all outcomes and right answers about who will beat who, who will own who etc but turns out wrong 90 percent of the time.

you might be right in your breakdown, but that doesnt mean **** when your breakdown is your supporting evidence on why you think your chefs will beat the broncos. in my short time here, ive seen it over and over again, chit like "kendrell bell is going to OWN tatum," or "GUNTHER WILL LEAD US TO THE SUPER BOWL".

Why do you do this to yourself? Does your foot taste that good?

[Rock Chalk]

I don't care who you play. That's a damned impressive statistic. You certainly didn't hold the Patriots scoreless in the first quarter at Denver.
Yeah, who won that game?

[2KBack]

Yeah, who won that game?

He is nitpicking his stats again. Denver gave up that devastating 22 yard drive, ending in a field goal in the 1st quarter.

KC certainly didn't hold NY scoreless, as a matter of fact I believe NY even outgained KC.

I don't care who the opponent is, a shut out is damn impressive.

[watermock]

STFU Boob...it's not going to work...acting like you dont hijack threas is funny...

[watermock]

what I don't understand is how this clown doesn't reside at Chef Planet...

He dickhead...there is supposed to be morons like you at your home farm...

Evidently you were evicted from that craphole and think you can make a home here...you cant...your a freaking moron...

[Jetmeck]

In this case I was just answering Jetmeck and proving him WRONG. The only one that was "proven a jackass" in this thread was Jetmeck.

I still don't find those charts on NFL.com, but you are not smart enough to make them look that real. I am glad you won one of the LAST stat arguments before you kiss my a$$ goodbye tomorrow. It is nice to see some others won't miss you either. Enjoy your small victory tonight and be prepared to say your final goodbye tomorrow.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I still don't find those charts on NFL.com, but you are not smart enough to make them look that real.

I provided all the links to them, dumbass. God you're ignorant! ROFL!

[Merlin]

I don't care who you play. That's a damned impressive statistic. You certainly didn't hold the Patriots scoreless in the first quarter at Denver.
He was having a lousy day, and you held him by the half to 3 points. Your D did little to accomplish that fact, their O's lack of production was not a reflection of KC's D, but rather Brady's poor play that day. Conversely, when he played Denver he was playing well and he only scored 3 points in the first half. The idea that KC has a better first half team than Denver is ridiculous and the stats don't support you (either in D or O). BTW, your D is really bad in the second half, so stating that Denver has trouble in the second half is meaningless in this case. So, the only way this game gets one in the first half is if the usual avalanche by Denver hits. Enjoy your dreams.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Wow. All the credit to Brady and none to our D. Amazing.

[ludo21]

Wow. All the credit to Brady and none to our D. Amazing.


I think your D did a good job boob. Brady DID have an off day, most of his picks were his fault ie overthrows(NOT because of pressure) or WR drops.

Other than that, your D had pressure on him all day and i expect to see a heavy dose of allen tommorow.

[Merlin]

Wow. All the credit to Brady and none to our D. Amazing.
When your D does it against a decent team they will begin to get credit. Tomorrow will provide a nice litmus test.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

When your D does it against a decent team they will begin to get credit. Tomorrow will provide a nice litmus test.

I was told all last week that the Patriots were a good team and of course the Chiefs would not win because the Chiefs can't beat good teams.

[Kaylore]

Posted by request of the lovely lady for ND
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_4286462,00.html

From today Rocky Mountain News

Broncos find fun flavors season
Locker room high jinks build camaraderie for 'misfits' and 'outcasts'

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
December 3, 2005

ENGLEWOOD - A container of mustard sits conspicuously among various toiletries in Trevor Pryce's locker. It's the yellow kind, the stuff that goes great with salami or pretzels but not necessarily -deodorant spray.

Yet it somehow makes perfect sense.

The whole Denver Broncos dressing room is full of hot dogs, so why not a little condiment to go with them?

More precisely, this loose team of equal parts character and characters that has forged a 9-2 record heading into Sunday's game (2:15 p.m. MST, CBS 4) at Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs (7-4) is like the composition of a hot dog.

There's myriad ingredients, some unidentifiable, that make a finished product that somehow works - except without the thin skin.

Wide receiver Rod Smith recently called the varied roster "outcasts" and "misfits," but in a good way.

And whatever character traits are perceived as odd are exploited by this fun- loving bunch.

"There's some funny, funny guys on this team," Broncos free safety John Lynch said.

Examples abound just 15 yards or so from Pryce's locker. There stands a large white pole, bedecked with pictures. And no one is spared.

A curly-haired youth with a "Vote for Pedro" T-shirt from -Napoleon Dynamite is captioned, "Nalen, age 6," poking fun at center Tom Nalen's pseudo-Afro. A smiling Charlie -Adams has a cartoon balloon emanating from his mouth, reading, "I'm still here," with the name Antwone Fisher, quoting from the movie character that linebacker Keith Burns thinks the receiver resembles.

A crazy person with a snake slithering from a nostril and through a man's mouth is dubbed Cecil Sapp. An oversized gent with clown makeup and University of Oklahoma gear is captioned, "S.A." for OU alum Stephen Alexander.

And an advertisement for medical equipment that boasts it can easily handle 500-pounders has the face of right tackle George Foster pasted over the patient's body.

No one seems to take the ribbing seriously.

"Not on this team. You can't," Adams said.

Denver has had easygoing groups before. But the togetherness of this group is even more apparent.

"I've been here three years, and it's been a winning team all three years," tight end Nate Jackson said. "But there's something a little different with this team than the last two years. The mix of guys are real close. It feels more special."

Whether the positive vibe comes as a result of the Broncos' on-field success or is partially responsible for it is debatable.

But good chemistry never hurts in a team sport.

A consistent theme voiced by the coaching staff is playing together as one. And this group seems to have taken that sentiment to heart. Broncos players stood cheering in the visiting locker room in Dallas watching the postgame interview concentrating on seldom-used Ron Dayne's big Thanksgiving performance.

Their unselfish play reflects that all-for-one attitude, despite some big-name players on the roster.

"It's one big clique - a Denver Broncos clique," said Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren, who's in his first season in Denver after having spent the beginning of his career with the Cleveland Browns. "And that's what I've been looking for all four years I've been in the NFL."

Dayne is just one of the players wide receiver Rod Smith jokingly referred to as "outcasts" and "misfits" on the current roster. The team is full of them, from the bevy of Browns linemen to career practice-squad players such as Curome Cox, Todd Devoe and Demetrin Veal and a supposed renegade punter in Todd Sauerbrun.

They've coalesced with a veteran core to produce arguably Denver's best team since the Super Bowl years in terms of on- field productivity and championship potential.

"Everybody's just so unselfish here," said Alexander, looking trimmer and more fit than his locker room picture. "And I've noticed that since Day One. Everybody wants the ball, but everybody has the whole concept in mind of what it takes to win. And each week it can be somebody different."

Take quarterback Jake Plummer. He gave coffee mugs plastered with an unflattering and unkempt image of himself to his offensive line with the inscription, "Wake up, (expletives)."

Several players have old leather helmets in their lockers and have worn them at times on "hat day" some Fridays.

Middle linebacker Al Wilson conducted an interview sporting the old-school look, weathered jersey included, telling reporters it was "for all the throwback players on this team," including Marco Coleman, Lynch and Smith.

"They wore this Marco's rookie year," Wilson said in mock seriousness.

But perhaps the moment that encapsulates the light-hearted spirit of the Broncos roster this season came Halloween week. D.J. Williams, mostly monotone in his dealings with the media but one of the biggest clowns on the roster, according to teammates, came to work dressed as fellow linebacker Patrick Chukwurah.

Williams sported dreadlocks, multiple earrings and several wristbands on his arms. Many of the players actually believed it was Chukwurah until being told it was Williams. Hilarity ensued.

"I was dying for 20 minutes," Broncos rookie cornerback Domonique Foxworth said.

Added Veal, "I don't think anybody can beat that."

And for most of the season, opponents are having difficulty beating the Broncos, as well, given such camaraderie. But it isn't all fun. It's ultimately about the games.

Keith Burns, another Broncos linebacker and often ringleader when it comes to keeping things light, said Denver's current mix works despite having guys "from all walks of life" and different approaches because of the underlying work ethic.

"You have some hard-nosed mentalities and some easygoing mentalities. And then there's your outgoing ones that like to laugh and joke," he said.

"But everybody now is starting to get that business approach to it. We all laugh together and we all go out and work together. And that's the essential ingredient it takes to put together a great team."

A little mustard just adds to the flavor.

For the record, the mustard is in Pryce's locker courtesy of fellow lineman Monsanto Pope.

It's a symbol of their ongoing food fight. Pope has been known to put Gatorade in Pryce's cereal and once tried to put the mustard on his teammate's pie.

"It's a reminder that I'm coming to get him," Pope said.

And he probably will, too.

"Ultimately, we're just a bunch of guys who have fun together and get our work done," Lynch said.

"And we do it in a really impressive way."

Strive for five

• Jeff Legwold's keys for the Broncos in their game Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs:

1 Grind it. The Broncos need to keep the ball so the Chiefs can't have it. The Chiefs are far more of a power team with Larry Johnson at running back, and he has recorded four consecutive 100-yard rushing games. The Broncos' own running game is the best medicine.

2 Hitch and go. The Chiefs are high-octane aggressive on defense. Their cornerbacks and safeties gamble for the ball. Some double moves, like the old stop and go, could result in big plays if the Broncos' receivers sell the fakes.

3 Find Jared. Not Subway Jared, but Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen. He ran roughshod last week over Patriots rookie left tackle Nick Kaczur and leads the Chiefs with eight sacks. Allen has a quality first move off the snap and will fight through a double team.

4 Survive the push. The Chiefs won last year's meeting in Arrowhead just about the time Dante Hall caught the opening kickoff and ran 97 yards for a touchdown. The crowd will be in a full-throat roar, and the Chiefs will be jacked. The Broncos need a big-time first quarter.

5 Now's the time. This is a big hurdle for the Broncos, who have compiled a 1-14 December record in Kansas City. But in the bigger picture, the Colts' finishing stretch is a tough one, so the Broncos still have a slim chance for home-field advantage in the playoffs if they don't lose a third game.

rasizerl@RockyMountainNews.com

Copyright 2005, Rocky Mountain News. All Rights Reserved.


So anyway, back to what this thread is supposed to be about, which is the teams' chemistry.


I really think chemistry is something that is hard to create but can be more valuable and potent than expensive talent. On paper you can create a team that is the "best" team, but if they lack good chemistry a comparatively less talented team person for person with good chemistry will beat them.

Chemistry means that guys opperate on the same wave length and they don't need to communicate as much because they can trust each other and instinctively know what they are going to do. They can react and opperate as a unit. It also creates good luck. John Elway said that if you're a good team, good things go your way and I think we're seeing that this season.

[Sassy]

Good Job Kaylore!
I was just about to repost my related post to this thread...it was buried in J & B Garbage!


Originally Posted by Malcontent
Just ask a Marine/Army any veteran in any of our wars of the past! Salute!

Do any of you remember pregame interviews for SB XXXII...the Oline was sitting around the table talking to Collingsworth and crew and they were talking...I think specifically Schlereth...about how their wasn't anyone of them that wouldn't go out in the middle of the night and do what he had to do for his teammate...and be happy about it! This group reminds me of that one...Very cool!

[ludo21]

Good Job Kaylore!
I was just about to repost my related post to this thread...it was buried in J & B Garbage!


Originally Posted by Malcontent
Just ask a Marine/Army any veteran in any of our wars of the past! Salute!

Do any of you remember pregame interviews for SB XXXII...the Oline was sitting around the table talking to Collingsworth and crew and they were talking...I think specifically Schlereth...about how their wasn't anyone of them that wouldn't go out in the middle of the night and do what he had to do for his teammate...and be happy about it! This group reminds me of that one...Very cool!


I agree, teammates are brothers/family. This team reminds me of a great family that wont let anyone pull it apart. They lack some of the "big names",k but the O is a machine and the D is getting TO's and are utterly dominating opposing teams at will. I cant wait for the game!

Also i really hope Burns can play! i know its very unlikely, but that guy is our main ST, we need him for that emotional lift! DJ is a very good sub, but his energy cant be subbed.

[Kaylore]

Good Job Kaylore!
I was just about to repost my related post to this thread...it was buried in J & B Garbage!


Originally Posted by Malcontent
Just ask a Marine/Army any veteran in any of our wars of the past! Salute!

Do any of you remember pregame interviews for SB XXXII...the Oline was sitting around the table talking to Collingsworth and crew and they were talking...I think specifically Schlereth...about how their wasn't anyone of them that wouldn't go out in the middle of the night and do what he had to do for his teammate...and be happy about it! This group reminds me of that one...Very cool!
That team had a lot of character. I can tell you that while our offense isn't as good, our defense this year is better than the one during those times.

[Mediator12]

Wow. All the credit to Brady and none to our D. Amazing.

Screw that. Three INT's were WR drops and one was a poor throw. Add to the fact, that someone who did not even start the year on an NFL team was running behind a crappy revamped OL as well. Sure, your defense played well but the Pats were horrible last SUN.

[-Slap-]

"Slice that meat, slice that meat". Payton has to be a big time jerk just to agree to do those idiot commercials.
Peyton's contempt for the fans has never been concealed. Have you ever heard any other players crying about fantasy football fans besides Peyton?

[Mediator12]

Peyton Manning is one of the nicest, down to earth Pro athletes I have ever met and I have met several Hundred. Dude spent three days on his off week visiting Riley Children's hospital on the wing he helped fund personally. Hate him all you want for the beatdowns he has put on Denver. However, please refrain from making character assaults on someone you have never met and has top notch character.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Screw that. Three INT's were WR drops and one was a poor throw.

There was pressure on two of them. That is what caused the high throws.

[Kaylore]

Peyton Manning is one of the nicest, down to earth Pro athletes I have ever met and I have met several Hundred. Dude spent three days on his off week visiting Riley Children's hospital on the wing he helped fund personally. Hate him all you want for the beatdowns he has put on Denver. However, please refrain from making character assaults on someone you have never met and has top notch character.
I will say that I've seen no less than four interviews where Manning complains about fantasy football fans or at least makes some comment about how their priorities are wrong.

[Mediator12]

I will say that I've seen no less than four interviews where Manning complains about fantasy football fans or at least makes some comment about how their priorities are wrong.

Well, that might actually be insightful if people were not so absorbed in their FF teams. FF is worthless without the games being played and may be a trivial entertainment in its best accomplishment. If that offends FF fans, then so be it. Peyton wants to win a SB more than anything and therefore could care less about the priorities of FF fans.

[The Big E]

Well, that might actually be insightful if people were not so absorbed in their FF teams. FF is worthless without the games being played and may be a trivial entertainment in its best accomplishment. If that offends FF fans, then so be it. Peyton wants to win a SB more than anything and therefore could care less about the priorities of FF fans.
And maybe half the games being played would be worthless if not for FF. I watch more football and pay attention to lots of crappy games because of FF, and I think it's helped the league. Who is Manning to say what the fan's priority should be? I agree he shouldn't give a rat's ass about FF, but he also shouldn't complain about something that generates more interest in the league. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but he still bugs the crap out of me. Always has.

[wabbit]

I really think the Broncos are special this year because for the first time in a while, they're playing within their collective abilities, and not their expectations.

A kind of nebulous concept...expectations can often delude coaches into thinking their players can do things they really cannot do.

Oakland is a good example...with explosive WRs like Porter & Moss, you might think the vertical game is an instant ticket to success.

Problem is...the guy throwing to them is streaky at best, the running game is average & the defense can't stop the opponent consistently.

I really think Shanahan has finally concocted a formula with Plummer where he knows his breaking points...that is, situations & circumstances where Jake tends to make mistakes.

You'll notice that in many of those long yardage situations, Denver opts for an 8 yard pass, or a draw or screen when 18 yards is needed for a first down.

To some, that's giving up...surrendering, but there aren't too many people who can buck those odds fairly consistently & gain the needed yardage...a la Elway, or maybe Manning in todays game.

Shanahan would rather gain whatever positive yardage he can at minimum risk, then use his Pro Bowl punter to position the opponent poorly & let the defense go to work.

You saw this all day long in Dallas, and it made for a great game...it's what great coaches do; that is; make the best of good field position & opportunities while minimizing your weaknesses...that is, circumstances where a key player like Plummer or Bledsoe is most likely to make a mistake (read that:turn the ball over).

Shanahan gets better & better at this, but, especially with Plummer, it's been a long learning process...even for him.

[Lidderer]

unfounded yibbayabba.

And yet denver ranks around 8th in deep passing and nowhere near the tops in dink and dunks. Good call, badcaller.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

And yet denver ranks around 8th in deep passing and nowhere near the tops in dink and dunks. Good call, badcaller.

What do you mean by "deep passing?"

[-Slap-]

Peyton Manning is one of the nicest, down to earth Pro athletes I have ever met and I have met several Hundred. Dude spent three days on his off week visiting Riley Children's hospital on the wing he helped fund personally. Hate him all you want for the beatdowns he has put on Denver. However, please refrain from making character assaults on someone you have never met and has top notch character.
I say he's a jackass from a pompous family and I could give a rat's ass if you're star struck because he gave you the time of day.

While we're on that topic, your continuous namedropping around here impresses nobody except yourself. Just makes you seem like the type of poster who needs constant self validation.

[-Slap-]

And maybe half the games being played would be worthless if not for FF. I watch more football and pay attention to lots of crappy games because of FF, and I think it's helped the league. Who is Manning to say what the fan's priority should be? I agree he shouldn't give a rat's ass about FF, but he also shouldn't complain about something that generates more interest in the league. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but he still bugs the crap out of me. Always has.
He's such a nice guy that he makes commercials that mock the very people who cheer for him. Just as there would be no fantasy football without the NFL, there would be no NFL without the fans who cheer for these arrogant jerks. Do you ever hear any other players whining about fantasy football? Most of them accept griping from the fans about stats as part of the job, but Peyton expects everybody to have their lips plastered to his ass 24 hours a day. Jugeared asshole. I hope Bullock busts him wide open tomorrow.

[wabbit]

And yet denver ranks around 8th in deep passing and nowhere near the tops in dink and dunks. Good call, badcaller.

Some things are fairly easy to see & feel...if you're not trying to measure & quantify each little thing.

Emotion, intensity, subtlety...subjective observation.

The original point of the post was simply an observation.

I'm out there once a week on average...for several hours...are you???

Mind numbing bean counters, along with thier endless drolling litany of numbers, on the other hand, want nothing to do with this, like this pseudo-intellect who hopes to bully with numbers, stats & measurements, while, at the same time, detailing his higher metaphysical reasoning for selecting his user name on a message board.

By your standards, I guess Denver really did win that game against New York...every measurement save the score tells us so.

8th in the league in WHAT??

Here's a number for ya stat boy; Denver's passing offense ranks 21st in the NFL @ 195 ypg.

Oh yeah...lots & lots of long balls.

YAC is the crucial number here. Perhaps Denver turns many of those so-called "dink & doinks"...not my term of choice, into artificially long ball stats.

Watch a game without your calculator Einstein...

What a flaming, freaking jerk

[Odysseus]

Peyton Manning is one of the nicest, down to earth Pro athletes I have ever met and I have met several Hundred. Dude spent three days on his off week visiting Riley Children's hospital on the wing he helped fund personally. Hate him all you want for the beatdowns he has put on Denver. However, please refrain from making character assaults on someone you have never met and has top notch character.

Drop names all you want dude. It's kicks. Peyton isn't that down to earth. It's a matter of degrees. There are a lot of head cases out there and Peyton certainly is more personable than Elway and is very smart about who he is and what he's after. I would like to meet that Harvard QB whose out there tearing it up. You know that guy? What's the dirt? It's all good. :thumbs:

[Odysseus]

He's such a nice guy that he makes commercials that mock the very people who cheer for him. Just as there would be no fantasy football without the NFL, there would be no NFL without the fans who cheer for these arrogant jerks. Do you ever hear any other players whining about fantasy football? Most of them accept griping from the fans about stats as part of the job, but Peyton expects everybody to have their lips plastered to his ass 24 hours a day. Jugeared a-hole. I hope Bullock busts him wide open tomorrow.

Peyton isn't that bad dude. When was the last time you played any fantasy football? I's not personal and he does make some good points. Look at the duplicitous hypocritical shiat that happens around here this past off season. I understand completely why athletes don't get too wrapped up into it. Fans are an asset and any athlete that thinks more than that is delusional.

You are right. I would really enjoy seeing Peyton busted up. He does deserve every smack in the mouth that comes his way. I view him like Chad as just a guy with a different point of view. It's all good in my world. You make some very good points. Please don't let my difference on this piss you off. :thumbs:

[-Slap-]

Peyton isn't that bad dude. When was the last time you played any fantasy football? I's not personal and he does make some good points. Look at the duplicitous hypocritical shiat that happens around here this past off season. I understand completely why athletes don't get too wrapped up into it. Fans are an asset and any athlete that thinks more than that is delusional.

You are right. I would really enjoy seeing Peyton busted up. He does deserve every smack in the mouth that comes his way. I view him like Chad as just a guy with a different point of view. It's all good in my world. You make some very good points. Please don't let my difference on this piss you off. :thumbs:
I'm not pissed. I was telling Bill Clinton the other day that I'm the calmest guy you'll ever meet. Of course, Bobby DeNiro over there on the sofa thinks this is the funniest thing he's ever heard, so I huck a throw pillow at him. My damn luck, the pillow curves and hits Tiger Woods, spilling his drink onto Angelina Jolie. I thought Brad was going to be pissed, but he was totally cool. Of the 100,000 or so celebrities I've met, he's definitely in the top five percentile of coolness. Even so, sometimes I get this vibe from Angie, you know? I mean, if a dirtbag like Billy Bob (I can say that about him 'cuz we're boys) could ease up there and get some, I think anybody has a shot.

So anyway, QT, no offense taken.

[SJ Bronco]

I really don't care if boob gets the point or not. In the scheme of things, boob is a booger. He is a turd passed by a roving turtle. He means very little to a gnat. He is a fly facing the torrents of a 200 mile hurricane. He is as a blade of grass in a field in the yard next to the Waste Treatment plant. I put no weight on anything s/he says, and I have him on ignore where he has been for about three months, now.

Broncos fans can root for their team, but also be realistic in looking at the strengths and weaknesses in this team. Mullets do not do that. The point here is that the Broncos have a good chance of winning the game tomorrow, and they are slightly favored to do so irrespective of the home field advantage which is what the mullets are putting their misplaced faith in. However, the Broncos can lose this game. But they sure have a chance, and that is all they ask for. We shall see what happens.

Win, lose or draw, regardless, **** boob.

This is the best, well spoken melt down I've ever seen...LMAO! LOL

Rep..

[Odysseus]

I'm not pissed. I was telling Bill Clinton the other day that I'm the calmest guy you'll ever meet. Of course, Bobby DeNiro over there on the sofa thinks this is the funniest thing he's ever heard, so I huck a throw pillow at him. My damn luck, the pillow curves and hits Tiger Woods, spilling his drink onto Angelina Jolie. I thought Brad was going to be pissed, but he was totally cool. Of the 100,000 or so celebrities I've met, he's definitely in the top five percentile of coolness. Even so, sometimes I get this vibe from Angie, you know? I mean, if a dirtbag like Billy Bob (I can say that about him 'cuz we're boys) could ease up there and get some, I think anybody has a shot.

So anyway, QT, no offense taken.

Holy Crap! They have celebrities in Vegas? No way! I didn't think anybody famous was out there...except for Kiss. Those guys are never leaving even after they are dead. I think it's Paul Stanley is going to be buried with a six foot blond in case he's not dead. Frigging midget.