elsid13
01-13-2006, 06:58 AM
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_3397968
As much as containing Tom Brady, starting fast and getting the running game going, there's another factor Broncos players and coaches talked about this week before Saturday night's AFC divisional playoff game versus New England at Invesco Field at Mile High.
The crowd.
"We really need the fans in that game," coach Mike Shana- han said. "It can be a huge advantage for us. We really expect a loud crowd."
Shanahan's sentiments were echoed by his players all week. A raucous crowd is expected in Denver's first home playoff game in seven years and the first in the five-season history of the stadium.
The Broncos went 8-0 at home this season for the fifth time in team history and the first time at Invesco Field. Denver and Seattle were the only teams to go undefeated at home, and both teams carry a 10-game home winning streak into the weekend.
"The fans can be a big factor for us," Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said. "To have a home playoff game can be a real advantage. We really need them to be loud, and I think they will be."
The franchise will place orange pompoms on every seat and hang several playoff banners and markers in the stadium, said executive vice president of business operations Joe Ellis. He said the team doesn't need to manufacture excitement for this game.
"Our fans have been waiting seven years for this," Ellis said.
What do you think of the matchup in the AFC divisional playoffs between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos? Share your thoughts on DenverPost.com's message boards.
"We expect them to bring their 'A' game, and we expect our team to bring their 'A' game."
The team encourages fans to consider public transportation and to arrive at the stadium early. All stadium parking lots will open for cash and permit parking at 10 a.m., and all stadium gates open at 4 p.m. Kickoff is set for 6:15 p.m.
The rest of the story is in the link
As much as containing Tom Brady, starting fast and getting the running game going, there's another factor Broncos players and coaches talked about this week before Saturday night's AFC divisional playoff game versus New England at Invesco Field at Mile High.
The crowd.
"We really need the fans in that game," coach Mike Shana- han said. "It can be a huge advantage for us. We really expect a loud crowd."
Shanahan's sentiments were echoed by his players all week. A raucous crowd is expected in Denver's first home playoff game in seven years and the first in the five-season history of the stadium.
The Broncos went 8-0 at home this season for the fifth time in team history and the first time at Invesco Field. Denver and Seattle were the only teams to go undefeated at home, and both teams carry a 10-game home winning streak into the weekend.
"The fans can be a big factor for us," Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said. "To have a home playoff game can be a real advantage. We really need them to be loud, and I think they will be."
The franchise will place orange pompoms on every seat and hang several playoff banners and markers in the stadium, said executive vice president of business operations Joe Ellis. He said the team doesn't need to manufacture excitement for this game.
"Our fans have been waiting seven years for this," Ellis said.
What do you think of the matchup in the AFC divisional playoffs between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos? Share your thoughts on DenverPost.com's message boards.
"We expect them to bring their 'A' game, and we expect our team to bring their 'A' game."
The team encourages fans to consider public transportation and to arrive at the stadium early. All stadium parking lots will open for cash and permit parking at 10 a.m., and all stadium gates open at 4 p.m. Kickoff is set for 6:15 p.m.
The rest of the story is in the link