Try in the playoffs or forget about it? - The Orange Mane

mosca · 12-05-2006, 04:00 PM

First of all, I know that we're still in the playoff hunt. But at 7-5 and the way the team's been playing, it's looking more and more less likely. That being said, I'd like to know what people think about the idea of "building for the future" instead of trying for a playoff run.

Me, personally, I am of the idea that any playoff run is better than none. To me, the future is always "now" and that's one of the reasons that I've loved having Shanny as a coach. He plans on winning a SB -every- year. There are no givens in the NFL and that includes the given that this-or-that team "can't" win here or there. People constantly say that this team couldn't win in the playoffs, couldn't win on the road in the playoffs, couldn't make the Super Bowl, etc. as if these are 100% facts. If that's so obvious, doesn't that sort of counter the reason why we actually watch the games? In professional sports the unthinkable happens all the time... and while it may have not been likely that this team would do well in the playoffs, why go ahead and write that chance off altogether? They obviously have the capability to play well, as evidenced by the Patriot, Baltimore, and even Indy game. Is it entirely ludicrous to think that they couldn't string together a 2-3 game winning streak in the playoffs when it was crunch time?

In no way am I saying that this is what -would- happen, so don't accuse me of being a blind homer. I am simply saying that it would be a possibility. Stranger things have happened before - just ask the old Houston Oilers about someone named Frank Reich. Anyway - what are other peoples' thoughts about this? Would we actually have any chance whatsoever in the playoffs or would we be 100% doomed no matter what?

obediah · 12-05-2006, 04:07 PM

I think we should focus on what the hell our problem is and think about fixing it before next year than even worry about getting embarrassed in the playoffs.

Obediah

yhova · 12-05-2006, 04:15 PM

Excellent post mosca. I absolutely agree. It is not out of the realm of possibility. Also how great would it be to get Cutler his first taste of the playoffs in his rookie season ? Actually you can look at it like every game we have left is a playoff atmosphere as far as we are concerned so if we get in it will just be an extra perk.

BlaK-Argentina · 12-05-2006, 04:18 PM

Weren't the Steelers in this same position last year?

12th man · 12-05-2006, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mosca

First of all, I know that we're still in the playoff hunt. But at 7-5 and the way the team's been playing, it's looking more and more less likely. That being said, I'd like to know what people think about the idea of "building for the future" instead of trying for a playoff run

This has been a tough season. It seems like this year has been a "building for the future" year. Especially now that cutler is starting. At the start of the season, well for like two games, tatum and mike shared time, then tatum is injured and mike gets the start while sharing some time with nash, and now tatum is back and healthy. Incostistancy at rb. How about the fullbacks. both have been with us for a while but sapp never got this much playing time.

Then Lepsis is injured so a rookie in eric pears goes in for him, then foster stinks up the place; and then meadows who is new with us takes his spot, does good, then gets injured and foster gets it back and sucks again.

With the wr core, only Rod is the only guy that has been here longer than one year. Kircus is new, Javon is new, Marshall is a rookie, what about brian clark, quincy morgan. am I forgetting anybody from the wr core?.

What about TE's. scheff is new, and I think he will be getting more time now that cutler is the starter. Chad mustard has seen alot of time and he's new here. Even though alexander and nate have been here for a while they are almost non existant. Though, I will say alexander has done some good stuff for us.

Not that many new faces on the D except Lang and dummerville, but they have done pretty darn good at times. but still two new faces seeing a good chunk of playing time.

Coaches? Dinger was a coach with us before, but that was a long time ago, so he could be considered new. did we get brewster this year or last? God I can't remember!

What about the players we lost? Mike anderson IMO was the biggest loss. We need a vet like him with us. Looking back I wish we didn't get rid of putz eithier. The guy was a big plus in the passing game. we are hurting without him. We also lost kubiak who probably was the best oc in the league. As for Lelie and pryce? They suck ass anyway. not big losses there.

With all that said, we are still in the playoff race, and IMO we will be in the playoffs. Like you said the future is now, and shanny expects to win it all every single year. Shannahan always puts in the players that he thinks gives them the best chance to win a championship, and I garuntee you that he dosn't think he is out of it yet. once we make the playoffs, anything is possible. we did it in 97, pitt did it last year. All I know is when we make playoffs, there is no way in hell I think my team gets blown out. **** that! The only thing I will do is root my ass off when is see my team in the playoffs and think of nothing but our team jacking up the other team the week before the game.

NFLBRONCO · 12-05-2006, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlaK-Argentina

Weren't the Steelers in this same position last year?

Pitt could beat Indy in Indy. I sure wouldn't like our chances

Hotrod · 12-05-2006, 05:08 PM

Even with all the pissing and moaning going on. The board being split on the Cutler vs Jake situation I think we can all agree on atleast some level we all hope for a playoff game and the possibility of a SB run.

WoodMan · 12-05-2006, 05:24 PM

You play the regular season to make the playoffs, not win the superbowl. Remember the Vikings in 1998. 15-1 or something like that in regular season and Atlanta handed them their ass to play us in the superbowl. I am rooting for us to make it this year. You can't win it all unless you take the first step. Are the odds in our favor? No Do we have a chance? Yes
GO BRONCOS

ScottXray · 12-05-2006, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlaK-Argentina

Weren't the Steelers in this same position last year?

YES...but NO. They had a second year QB and a defense and offense that gelled and got better every week , plus they weer getting palyers BACK from injury at 7-5....We are adding to the injury list every week, and are starting a QB with one GAME experience..

Making the playoffs would be a miracle finish... I think we need 4-0 ...maybe 3-1....but we HAVE to win the last three, and really need to win this week too.
At SD (10-3), AT Ari (3-9), Cinn (7-5), S.F.(5-7) SD isn't going to lighten up on us...., Arizona...possible but 2nd week on the road, Cinn trying to get in OVER us and has a complete offense, SF ...Probable win.

Right now 9-7 looks like the top likelihood, unless Jay is a lot better from here on out.

Bladerunner · 12-05-2006, 07:39 PM

Any NFL team that is still in the playoff hunt, but wants to quit on the season to prepare for "next year," are a bunch of pussies. It just doesn't work that way. This isn't college where one loss and your title hopes are shot. This is the NFL. Most anything can happen and it often does.

Look, the Colts just lost to the Titans. If you can't grasp the implications of that and the distinction between making the playoffs and not, then you are probably beyond hope.

The idea that anything other than a Super Bowl victory is a failed season is stupid. Obviously, winning the SB is always the goal, but there are steps and processes that get you there. Bailing on a season when the playoffs are in reach isn't one of those processes. It's cowardice.

Kaylore · 12-05-2006, 08:16 PM

Of course you try and get better and make the playoffs, but you need to look at the big picture. Jay's first several games will be below the level that Jake played for us this year...well when he played well. However the lifetime of his career will be better so sooner or later we need to work through his rookie games until the game slows down and he can be leaned on a little bit. In the mean time everyone needs to play so we can help him fight through the games as they slow down.

DarkHorse30 · 12-05-2006, 08:37 PM

Question: How many times do you have to be blown out in the playoffs to decide your QB doesn't have what it takes to win the biggest games?

Answer: apparently 3 times was the charm.

Question 2: Is it insane to believe that you can STILL win a game against last year's SB team with the following going against you?:

-rookie starting his first game in prime time against last year's NFC SB team.

-pick for six that could have just as easily dropped to the ground or been NOT picked.

-Rod Smith fumbling WHILE falling to the ground because the defender's helmet magically found the ball...just after he picked up a first down and your team is driving.

-fumbling a kickoff when your team is only down by 4 points.

-starting TWO drives from your own ONE yard line.

-losing your All-Pro MLB to injury for the last 8 minutes of the game.

-FIVEturnovers.

The answer is, of course, yes. You would have to be insane to believe that Denver could win that game.

Call me insane.

12-05-2006, 04:00 PM	#1
mosca grand pubah honest optimism Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,950 Adopt-a-Bronco: Bubby Brister	Try in the playoffs or forget about it? First of all, I know that we're still in the playoff hunt. But at 7-5 and the way the team's been playing, it's looking more and more less likely. That being said, I'd like to know what people think about the idea of "building for the future" instead of trying for a playoff run. Me, personally, I am of the idea that any playoff run is better than none. To me, the future is always "now" and that's one of the reasons that I've loved having Shanny as a coach. He plans on winning a SB -every- year. There are no givens in the NFL and that includes the given that this-or-that team "can't" win here or there. People constantly say that this team couldn't win in the playoffs, couldn't win on the road in the playoffs, couldn't make the Super Bowl, etc. as if these are 100% facts. If that's so obvious, doesn't that sort of counter the reason why we actually watch the games? In professional sports the unthinkable happens all the time... and while it may have not been likely that this team would do well in the playoffs, why go ahead and write that chance off altogether? They obviously have the capability to play well, as evidenced by the Patriot, Baltimore, and even Indy game. Is it entirely ludicrous to think that they couldn't string together a 2-3 game winning streak in the playoffs when it was crunch time? In no way am I saying that this is what -would- happen, so don't accuse me of being a blind homer. I am simply saying that it would be a possibility. Stranger things have happened before - just ask the old Houston Oilers about someone named Frank Reich. Anyway - what are other peoples' thoughts about this? Would we actually have any chance whatsoever in the playoffs or would we be 100% doomed no matter what?

12-05-2006, 08:37 PM	#12
DarkHorse30 Smith Rules Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,091 Adopt-a-Bronco: wolf pot roast	Plummer was a playoff disaster waiting to happen.... Question: How many times do you have to be blown out in the playoffs to decide your QB doesn't have what it takes to win the biggest games? Answer: apparently 3 times was the charm. Question 2: Is it insane to believe that you can STILL win a game against last year's SB team with the following going against you?: -rookie starting his first game in prime time against last year's NFC SB team. -pick for six that could have just as easily dropped to the ground or been NOT picked. -Rod Smith fumbling WHILE falling to the ground because the defender's helmet magically found the ball...just after he picked up a first down and your team is driving. -fumbling a kickoff when your team is only down by 4 points. -starting TWO drives from your own ONE yard line. -losing your All-Pro MLB to injury for the last 8 minutes of the game. -FIVEturnovers. The answer is, of course, yes. You would have to be insane to believe that Denver could win that game. Call me insane.

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12-05-2006, 04:07 PM	#2
obediah Solid Starter Bronco Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 193 Adopt-a-Bronco: John Lynch	I think we should focus on what the hell our problem is and think about fixing it before next year than even worry about getting embarrassed in the playoffs. Obediah

12-05-2006, 04:15 PM	#3
yhova Seasoned Veteran Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 293	Excellent post mosca. I absolutely agree. It is not out of the realm of possibility. Also how great would it be to get Cutler his first taste of the playoffs in his rookie season ? Actually you can look at it like every game we have left is a playoff atmosphere as far as we are concerned so if we get in it will just be an extra perk.

12-05-2006, 04:18 PM	#4
BlaK-Argentina Pampita says... ... support your team! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mar del Plata, Argentina. Posts: 5,174 Adopt-a-Bronco: Eddie Royal	Weren't the Steelers in this same position last year?

12-05-2006, 05:08 PM	#7
Hotrod Self Appointed Expert aka Dortoh Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 25,136 Adopt-a-Bronco: Miss I	Even with all the pissing and moaning going on. The board being split on the Cutler vs Jake situation I think we can all agree on atleast some level we all hope for a playoff game and the possibility of a SB run.

12-05-2006, 05:24 PM	#8
WoodMan Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Gulf Coast of Mississippi Posts: 1,327	You play the regular season to make the playoffs, not win the superbowl. Remember the Vikings in 1998. 15-1 or something like that in regular season and Atlanta handed them their ass to play us in the superbowl. I am rooting for us to make it this year. You can't win it all unless you take the first step. Are the odds in our favor? No Do we have a chance? Yes GO BRONCOS

12-05-2006, 07:39 PM	#10
Bladerunner Ring of Famer ...Two weeks from everywhere! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: California Posts: 1,125 Adopt-a-Bronco: Willis McGahee	Any NFL team that is still in the playoff hunt, but wants to quit on the season to prepare for "next year," are a bunch of pussies. It just doesn't work that way. This isn't college where one loss and your title hopes are shot. This is the NFL. Most anything can happen and it often does. Look, the Colts just lost to the Titans. If you can't grasp the implications of that and the distinction between making the playoffs and not, then you are probably beyond hope. The idea that anything other than a Super Bowl victory is a failed season is stupid. Obviously, winning the SB is always the goal, but there are steps and processes that get you there. Bailing on a season when the playoffs are in reach isn't one of those processes. It's cowardice.

12-05-2006, 08:16 PM	#11
Kaylore 6-37, Raider fans. Yummy birds and snow! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ceti Alpha V Posts: 41,077 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Duke	Of course you try and get better and make the playoffs, but you need to look at the big picture. Jay's first several games will be below the level that Jake played for us this year...well when he played well. However the lifetime of his career will be better so sooner or later we need to work through his rookie games until the game slows down and he can be leaned on a little bit. In the mean time everyone needs to play so we can help him fight through the games as they slow down.