Broncos next up for the champs, and they're better than they think - The Orange Mane

PatsWin2002 · 10-12-2005, 02:49 PM

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9672716/

Patriots might find themselves at .500
Broncos next up for '04-'05 champs, and they're better than they think

ASK THE NFL EXPERT
By Don Pierson
NBCSports.com contributor
Updated: 5:09 p.m. ET Oct. 12, 2005

Now it’s the Denver Broncos’ turn. They are the latest roadblock in the rocky schedule of the New England Patriots. Not only can the Broncos bring the Super Bowl champions to an ordinary 3-3 level, they can stay firmly atop the AFC West at 5-1.

Since a fast start is a Denver staple, the Broncos don’t yet know how good they are. But they do know they are at least lucky after playing three games in a row without a turnover.

“No, you don’t have to talk about it,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “You don’t have to put the whammy on us.”

No turnovers is a guarantee for success. It’s also a universal recipe that is nearly impossible to follow.

The Broncos are home for the fourth time in five weeks, so they know this is a good time to produce. The Patriots are on the road for the fourth time in five weeks-at Carolina, at Pittsburgh, at Atlanta, at Denver. So far, they are 2-1 while also losing to San Diego in their only home stop during the stretch.

A 4-1 record is nothing new for the Broncos. They were 4-1 in each of the last three seasons, only to fail to make the playoffs in 2002 and suffer lopsided first-round playoff losses to Indianapolis the last two years.

While Bronco fans know to withhold a measure of enthusiasm until January, a win over the Patriots on Sunday would provide a nice springboard for playing four of their next six games on the road-at the Giants, at Oakland, at Dallas, at Kansas City.

The Broncos lost to the Patriots 30-26 in Denver two years ago, so there is payback involved. It was on a Monday night and the Broncos led 26-23 until Tom Brady hit David Givens for the winning touchdown pass with 36 seconds to play.

”It’s always nice to go up against a team that has been very good,” Shanahan said. “Obviously the last time we played them, it was a very close game. I think our football team is looking forward to playing them. They always find a way to win, get the job done. That’s something we’re looking forward to.”

Quarterback Jake Plummer was injured for that game and never has played against the Patriots. Danny Kanell subbed.

Tatum Bell wasn’t around either. He’s the latest designated Broncos’ running back. Against former Broncos’ running back Clinton Portis and the Washington Redskins last week, Bell had touchdown runs of 34 and 55 yards and gained 127 yards in only 12 carries.

No Broncos’ back had gained 100 yards on so few carries since Portis got 129 in 12 carries in 2003. It was the Broncos’ special way of sticking it to Portis, who was traded for cornerback Champ Bailey before last season.

Bell doesn’t even start. He’s been hampered by injuries since he was a second-round draft pick last year (like Portis in 2002).

Mike Anderson starts at running back. He was a sixth-round pick, like former Bronco superstar Terrell Davis. No team plugs in capable running backs as quickly and seamlessly as the Broncos. Their leading rusher last year, Reuben Droughns, was deemed expendable and traded to Cleveland for defensive linemen Ebenezer Ekuban and Michael Myers. Droughns now leads the Browns in rushing, but his 276 yards and 3.9-yard average pales in comparison to Bell’s 281 yards and 6.2 average and Anderson’s 301 yards and 4.1 average.

”Mike is still the starter, so obviously he’s doing something I’m not doing,” Bell said. “I just have to keep working. I don’t want to just be a one-game wonder. I want to be the starter.”

The Broncos also have resurrected the career of former Heisman Trophy running back Ron Dayne, who languished on the New York Giants’ bench before signing in Denver as a free agent. He has only 13 carries so far, but his 4.1-yard average is much better than his 3.5 career number in five seasons in New York. His time will come in Denver.

Plummer is hoping for the same kind of rejuvenation. He remains the key to Denver’s postseason chances. The Broncos were the only team in the NFL last season to finish among the top five teams in both offensive and defensive production. It didn’t help them beat the Colts, but it tells them they have at least the foundation of a very good team.

In six seasons in Arizona, Plummer threw more touchdown passes than interceptions only one year. He’s done it both years in Denver and although he currently has only one touchdown pass and two interceptions, he has just completed the second three-game stretch of his career without a pick. The first was last season.

Having missed two previous games against New England because of injury-the game two years ago and a 1999 encounter in Arizona-Plummer has an opportunity to test himself against the best. It will provide at least a snapshot of possibilities to come.

The Broncos are 0-3 in playoff games since quarterback John Elway retired following his second straight Super Bowl win in 1998. Shanahan has put together four winning seasons in six without Elway, but has gained a reputation as a “Teflon” coach immune to criticism. The natives aren’t likely to remain restful forever.

”I think we have a little bit more depth now than we did over the past couple years,” Shanahan said. “We just need to stay healthy, play at a higher level, and win some of those close games.”

_______________

Page 2 of the article is Q&A and not relevant to our showdown this weekend.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9672716/page/2/

BroncoFanDoug · 10-12-2005, 03:10 PM

Quote:

He’s done it both years in Denver and although he currently has only one touchdown pass and two interceptions, he has just completed the second three-game stretch of his career without a pick. The first was last season.

Huh? Am I missing something? I have him with 5 TDs and 3 picks. Heck he had two to Carswell in one game!

Taco John · 10-12-2005, 03:32 PM

The fact that we almost won this game with Danny Kannel as a starter is sure comforting...

Hercules Rockefeller · 10-12-2005, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

The fact that we almost won this game with Danny Kannel as a starter is sure comforting...

Plus Elam had his yearly hamstring pull during the game and the Broncos twice had to go for it on 4th down in the 4th quarter, when Elam could have ended the game either time with a FG.

Blart · 10-12-2005, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

The fact that we almost won this game with Danny Kannel as a starter is sure comforting...

Yeah, Jake and Steve were both hurt, and it was a very close game. Could have gone either way.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=231103007

Same thing happened in '00 pretty much.

Broncos have always been a good match against the pats.

Garcia Bronco · 10-12-2005, 03:53 PM

And Portis yanked himself from the game and couldn't finish with his sternum.

Garcia Bronco · 10-12-2005, 03:54 PM

Shrewed move to take the saftey by the Pats when we had them pinned deep.

Garcia Bronco · 10-12-2005, 03:54 PM

didn't we wear the all Blue uni's that game?

epicSocialism4tw · 10-12-2005, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blart

Yeah, Jake and Steve were both hurt, and it was a very close game. Could have gone either way.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=231103007

Same thing happened in '00 pretty much.

Broncos have always been a good match against the pats.

Wow.

That game recap sounds like it could be scouting for this weekend. Lets hope that we win the turnover battle and our defense makes the big plays.

ludo21 · 10-12-2005, 04:10 PM

As long as we continue to not turn the ball over we will be right there in the game. Hopefully Bell gets a few more reps than last week and proves he can do it again.

I like tha ttitude of all the coaches and players tho, really exciting that their not satisfied.

Rock Chalk · 10-12-2005, 04:19 PM

We are going to win this game too. It wont be as close as the Washington game.

In fact, we are going to humble the champs like SD did.

Ball control ball control ball control. Why let Brady on the field?

ozomulsion · 10-12-2005, 04:20 PM

Quote:

The Broncos also have resurrected the career of former Heisman Trophy running back Ron Dayne, who languished on the New York Giants’ bench before signing in Denver as a free agent. He has only 13 carries so far, but his 4.1-yard average is much better than his 3.5 career number in five seasons in New York. His time will come in Denver.

LMAO, am I the only one who laughed at this? All aboard the Dayne train! Choo-Choo

Rock Chalk · 10-12-2005, 04:29 PM

“No, you don’t have to talk about it,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “You don’t have to put the whammy on us.”

Thats what I laughed at.

El Guapo · 10-12-2005, 04:31 PM

I cant wait for brady to rip our defense to pieces.

Rock Chalk · 10-12-2005, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick_7

I cant wait for brady to rip our defense to pieces.

Karma is bull**** and so is mojo. If you really believe Brady and the mediocre Patsies of THIS year can beat THIS team, you are a sad evaluator of talent.

Denver is gonna stomp them.

El Guapo · 10-12-2005, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlecRaenos

Denver is gonna stomp them.

couldnt agree more, however, everytime we start running our mouths the team loves to knock us off our high horse.

orange crusher · 10-12-2005, 04:48 PM

If we're able to run the ball effectively and open up the passing game for Jake a bit, I like our chances. The key is long offensive drives that keep the chains moving and keep Brady off the field and wear the defense down. Yeah, that's the key to beating about everyone, but more so with the Pats because of Brady. I think the defense will do a decent job, but it will be a little tougher to keep the Pats out of the endzone than it has been with our previous opponents IMO. We need a big game out of Trevor and Co. I like Trevor's matchups so hopefully they can make Brady's day looong and miserable.

Rock Chalk · 10-12-2005, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick_7

couldnt agree more, however, everytime we start running our mouths the team loves to knock us off our high horse.

Dont care. I do it every year and see no reason to stop.

jasee · 10-12-2005, 05:35 PM

and who could forget Deltha Toast Neil getting burned for the winning touchdown.
I like our chances with Champ and rest of rookie db's

Atlas · 10-12-2005, 08:15 PM

I watched that game in a tent in Balad, Iraq at 5 in the morning. I was so pissed that Denver lost. I think the Patriots are due another ass kicking just like the one S.D put on them. Of course I would settle for a one point win.

Paladin · 10-12-2005, 08:25 PM

Would you settle for an "ugly win"? Something like last week?

Heck, yeah.

I'm going to the game!!

Dukes · 10-12-2005, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

I watched that game in a tent in Balad, Iraq at 5 in the morning. I was so pissed that Denver lost. I think the Patriots are due another ass kicking just like the one S.D put on them. Of course I would settle for a one point win.

I was in Okinawa, and had to follow along with espn's gamecast. I'll be wearing my lucky blue Champ jersey, so there's nothing to worry about guys!!

Circle Orange · 10-12-2005, 08:36 PM

I hope Trevor falls on Brady, thusly making Patriot Pancake.

Sir Mawn · 10-12-2005, 08:38 PM

Belichick respects Shanahan as much or more than any other coach in the league. Considering Belichick's a brilliant defensive mind and widely thought of as the best coach in the league, I find it ridiculous that we have people calling for OUR head coach's head.

Belichick has a very tough time game planning against Shanahan. To me, they are the two best coaches in the league.

Tredici · 10-12-2005, 09:00 PM

I'm still in shock after reading that article. I'm so used to the negative stuff this seems shockingly complimentary.

I mean, this writer is really slacking. Where's the obilgatory offensive line chop blocking rhetoric?

10-12-2005, 02:49 PM	#1
PatsWin2002 Giggity Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: South of Boston Posts: 6,270	Broncos next up for the champs, and they're better than they think http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9672716/ Patriots might find themselves at .500 Broncos next up for '04-'05 champs, and they're better than they think ASK THE NFL EXPERT By Don Pierson NBCSports.com contributor Updated: 5:09 p.m. ET Oct. 12, 2005 Now it’s the Denver Broncos’ turn. They are the latest roadblock in the rocky schedule of the New England Patriots. Not only can the Broncos bring the Super Bowl champions to an ordinary 3-3 level, they can stay firmly atop the AFC West at 5-1. Since a fast start is a Denver staple, the Broncos don’t yet know how good they are. But they do know they are at least lucky after playing three games in a row without a turnover. “No, you don’t have to talk about it,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “You don’t have to put the whammy on us.” No turnovers is a guarantee for success. It’s also a universal recipe that is nearly impossible to follow. The Broncos are home for the fourth time in five weeks, so they know this is a good time to produce. The Patriots are on the road for the fourth time in five weeks-at Carolina, at Pittsburgh, at Atlanta, at Denver. So far, they are 2-1 while also losing to San Diego in their only home stop during the stretch. A 4-1 record is nothing new for the Broncos. They were 4-1 in each of the last three seasons, only to fail to make the playoffs in 2002 and suffer lopsided first-round playoff losses to Indianapolis the last two years. While Bronco fans know to withhold a measure of enthusiasm until January, a win over the Patriots on Sunday would provide a nice springboard for playing four of their next six games on the road-at the Giants, at Oakland, at Dallas, at Kansas City. The Broncos lost to the Patriots 30-26 in Denver two years ago, so there is payback involved. It was on a Monday night and the Broncos led 26-23 until Tom Brady hit David Givens for the winning touchdown pass with 36 seconds to play. ”It’s always nice to go up against a team that has been very good,” Shanahan said. “Obviously the last time we played them, it was a very close game. I think our football team is looking forward to playing them. They always find a way to win, get the job done. That’s something we’re looking forward to.” Quarterback Jake Plummer was injured for that game and never has played against the Patriots. Danny Kanell subbed. Tatum Bell wasn’t around either. He’s the latest designated Broncos’ running back. Against former Broncos’ running back Clinton Portis and the Washington Redskins last week, Bell had touchdown runs of 34 and 55 yards and gained 127 yards in only 12 carries. No Broncos’ back had gained 100 yards on so few carries since Portis got 129 in 12 carries in 2003. It was the Broncos’ special way of sticking it to Portis, who was traded for cornerback Champ Bailey before last season. Bell doesn’t even start. He’s been hampered by injuries since he was a second-round draft pick last year (like Portis in 2002). Mike Anderson starts at running back. He was a sixth-round pick, like former Bronco superstar Terrell Davis. No team plugs in capable running backs as quickly and seamlessly as the Broncos. Their leading rusher last year, Reuben Droughns, was deemed expendable and traded to Cleveland for defensive linemen Ebenezer Ekuban and Michael Myers. Droughns now leads the Browns in rushing, but his 276 yards and 3.9-yard average pales in comparison to Bell’s 281 yards and 6.2 average and Anderson’s 301 yards and 4.1 average. ”Mike is still the starter, so obviously he’s doing something I’m not doing,” Bell said. “I just have to keep working. I don’t want to just be a one-game wonder. I want to be the starter.” The Broncos also have resurrected the career of former Heisman Trophy running back Ron Dayne, who languished on the New York Giants’ bench before signing in Denver as a free agent. He has only 13 carries so far, but his 4.1-yard average is much better than his 3.5 career number in five seasons in New York. His time will come in Denver. Plummer is hoping for the same kind of rejuvenation. He remains the key to Denver’s postseason chances. The Broncos were the only team in the NFL last season to finish among the top five teams in both offensive and defensive production. It didn’t help them beat the Colts, but it tells them they have at least the foundation of a very good team. In six seasons in Arizona, Plummer threw more touchdown passes than interceptions only one year. He’s done it both years in Denver and although he currently has only one touchdown pass and two interceptions, he has just completed the second three-game stretch of his career without a pick. The first was last season. Having missed two previous games against New England because of injury-the game two years ago and a 1999 encounter in Arizona-Plummer has an opportunity to test himself against the best. It will provide at least a snapshot of possibilities to come. The Broncos are 0-3 in playoff games since quarterback John Elway retired following his second straight Super Bowl win in 1998. Shanahan has put together four winning seasons in six without Elway, but has gained a reputation as a “Teflon” coach immune to criticism. The natives aren’t likely to remain restful forever. ”I think we have a little bit more depth now than we did over the past couple years,” Shanahan said. “We just need to stay healthy, play at a higher level, and win some of those close games.” _______________ Page 2 of the article is Q&A and not relevant to our showdown this weekend. http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9672716/page/2/

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10-12-2005, 03:32 PM	#3
Taco John 24/7 Broncos In Elway I Trust Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 49,697 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Manning	The fact that we almost won this game with Danny Kannel as a starter is sure comforting...

10-12-2005, 03:53 PM	#6
Garcia Bronco Hokie since 1993 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 45,991 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tom Jackson	And Portis yanked himself from the game and couldn't finish with his sternum.

10-12-2005, 03:54 PM	#7
Garcia Bronco Hokie since 1993 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 45,991 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tom Jackson	Shrewed move to take the saftey by the Pats when we had them pinned deep.

10-12-2005, 04:10 PM	#10
ludo21 RIP Darrent Williams Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 17,901 Adopt-a-Bronco: Paul Ernster	As long as we continue to not turn the ball over we will be right there in the game. Hopefully Bell gets a few more reps than last week and proves he can do it again. I like tha ttitude of all the coaches and players tho, really exciting that their not satisfied.

10-12-2005, 04:19 PM	#11
Rock Chalk Cheeky Bastards Laus Deo Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: The Backside of the Internet Posts: 29,940 Adopt-a-Bronco: Chris Harris	We are going to win this game too. It wont be as close as the Washington game. In fact, we are going to humble the champs like SD did. Ball control ball control ball control. Why let Brady on the field?

10-12-2005, 04:29 PM	#13
Rock Chalk Cheeky Bastards Laus Deo Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: The Backside of the Internet Posts: 29,940 Adopt-a-Bronco: Chris Harris	“No, you don’t have to talk about it,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “You don’t have to put the whammy on us.” Thats what I laughed at.

10-12-2005, 04:31 PM	#14
El Guapo aka mav_7. who? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: VA (heart is in TX) Posts: 3,444	I cant wait for brady to rip our defense to pieces.

10-12-2005, 04:48 PM	#17
orange crusher Predominately Orange Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 2,563	If we're able to run the ball effectively and open up the passing game for Jake a bit, I like our chances. The key is long offensive drives that keep the chains moving and keep Brady off the field and wear the defense down. Yeah, that's the key to beating about everyone, but more so with the Pats because of Brady. I think the defense will do a decent job, but it will be a little tougher to keep the Pats out of the endzone than it has been with our previous opponents IMO. We need a big game out of Trevor and Co. I like Trevor's matchups so hopefully they can make Brady's day looong and miserable.

10-12-2005, 05:35 PM	#19
jasee Just Drafted Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 25	and who could forget Deltha Toast Neil getting burned for the winning touchdown. I like our chances with Champ and rest of rookie db's

10-12-2005, 08:15 PM	#20
Atlas Draft Defense Early&Often Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 18,526	I watched that game in a tent in Balad, Iraq at 5 in the morning. I was so pissed that Denver lost. I think the Patriots are due another ass kicking just like the one S.D put on them. Of course I would settle for a one point win.

10-12-2005, 08:25 PM	#21
Paladin Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 9,150	Would you settle for an "ugly win"? Something like last week? Heck, yeah. I'm going to the game!!

10-12-2005, 08:36 PM	#23
Circle Orange SPOT ON. Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: The Styxx, D.C. Posts: 3,956	I hope Trevor falls on Brady, thusly making Patriot Pancake.

10-12-2005, 08:38 PM	#24
Sir Mawn Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mexico City Posts: 1,926	Belichick respects Shanahan as much or more than any other coach in the league. Considering Belichick's a brilliant defensive mind and widely thought of as the best coach in the league, I find it ridiculous that we have people calling for OUR head coach's head. Belichick has a very tough time game planning against Shanahan. To me, they are the two best coaches in the league.

10-12-2005, 09:00 PM	#25
Tredici Ring of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 10,010	I'm still in shock after reading that article. I'm so used to the negative stuff this seems shockingly complimentary. I mean, this writer is really slacking. Where's the obilgatory offensive line chop blocking rhetoric?