1:22 P.M. MST: With Sunday’s loss, this could turn into a fairly interesting question-and-answer session. It’ll begin in about eight minutes.
1:28 P.M. MST: Here we go.
1:29 P.M. MST: “I really don’t know,” said Shanahan when asked about the running-back situation. He said Andre Hall’s ankle sprain could have been much worse and that it was “really a credit” to him that he played, however, Hall’s injury is the dreaded high ankle sprain.
1:29 P.M. MST: Says he has no update on the status of Travis Henry.
1:30 P.M. MST: When asked how crushing the loss was, he said, “It’s always disappointing … You feel like you have the game won and you give it back, it sticks with you for a lot of years … You don’t take advantage of an opportunity and you can’t close it out, it’s disappointing.” Cites a mid-1990s loss to Seattle as one loss that remained with him for years.
1:31 P.M. MST: Talks about positives on offense and defensively — “except the last three drives … but we can’t finish. We didn’t finish. … With seven minutes left, they’ve got 166 yards. Not to be able to close that out was disappointing.”
1:32 P.M. MST: On inserting running backs that succeed: “You have to have talent. You don’t do it without talent, and these guys are very talented … For (Hall) to gut it out was really a credit to him.”
1:33 P.M. MST: “I’ve seen guys with high ankle sprains come back and play in the coming week; sometimes it takes guys three or four weeks. You never know. I’ll tell you more as the week goes on.”
1:34 P.M. MST: On kicking to Devin Hester: “You’ve just got to play him like we did in the first half … all it takes is one mistake, the guy in the wrong lane, or the punt or kickoff (itself) … He made some big plays and that was the difference in the game.”
1:35 P.M. MST: On Karl Paymah: “Karl Paymah’s done a good job … He’s getting more confidence. He starts at right corner in our nickel and he does a good job; if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t be out there.”
1:35 P.M. MST: “We could have overcome those two (Hester) touchdowns. The thing that hurt us was the blocked punt.”
1:36 P.M. MST: Said Walker “made some strides” and thought he might use him more this coming week than against Chicago … “I watched him through warmups; he wasn’t completely comfortable with being full speed but I think he will this week. He only played about eight plays.”
1:36 P.M. MST: Said defensive end Kenny Peterson “did a good job.”
1:36 P.M. MST: Said that he “would think something would come down (Tuesday)” in regards to the resolution of Travis Henry’s appeal, but that he didn’t know.
1:37 P.M. MST: Declines to take the bait to comment about some of the officials’ calls Sunday.
1:38 P.M. MST: “We’ve got some new players on offense; we’ve got some young, very talented guys doing some great things for being so young. Defensively we’ve gotten better; we’re still not where we want to be but we’ve made some strides … Special teams, I thought we were making progress until yesterday; now we’re back to the drawing board.”
1:39 P.M. MST: Now is asked about Colorado State head coach Sonny Lubick: “I just know he’s not only a heck of a man, but a heck of a football coach. If CSU loses Sonny Lubick, they’re not only losing a great coach, but a great man … He’s a man’s man … Hopefully if he’s leaving, it’s on his own terms.”
1:40 P.M. MST: And we’re done.
Tags: Mike Shanahan
Does the word “denial” mean anything to you ?
Puh-leeze, kicking to Hester was moronic.
Yeah, superchop7, no kidding…there comes a certain time when you have to play a particular guy like he actually IS one of the best ever to play that position…Devin Hester at KR/PR is one of those guys, like adjusting for Randy Moss, or Barry Sanders, or Deion Sanders, or Shannon Sharpe, or Champ Bailey…if you challenge them the way you challenge average or even very good players, they will DESTROY YOU because yes, they are THAT MUCH BETTER.
And on a more important note, it’s terrible what’s going on with Redskins safety Sean Taylor. He’s in a coma now and they don’t know where he’s at as far as brain function. Best of luck to him and his family.
Great job Shanahan, you have RESTORED my faith in all that is Orange and Blue.
I love you once again!
http://www.LetPlummerPlay.com
Yup, they lost, but some huge strides have been made in the past few weeks. They’re putting points up, and sustaining long drives. It was a tough game to watch in the end, but I must say that the offensive line looks better by the week. Defense? Better too, but lordy, let them close a few games please. You can keep the two front teeth.
I’m not sure whether or not my neighbors were watching the game, but I bet that they could hear the Thunderous Roar!
What’s that smell? Bad Turkey? Nope, it’s the Raiders!
Go Broncos!
Does anyone else wonder what happened to the wonderful play action flip to a running back that we saw used so well for a full drive? Why didn’t we go with more of that instead of just charging the center later in the game? And for God’s sake, what happened to our defense in the 4th?
Yes everyone,
This was a heart breaking loss, and it was hard to watch with a Bears fan let me tell you that much. I think we out played them, but that isn’t enough! Our D did well and our offense the only thing I can say after a loss like that is ouch… Damn Devin Hester!
Anyone… Ron Rivera… you know, the reason for the Chicago Super-Bowl run… If Shannahan doesn’t fire Bates and have this guy on speed dial with a hugh $$ offer to take over the D-Coordinator job, Shannahan needs to be let go. Great coach… questionable judgement at this point in his career
The team looked great that’s why I don’t understand why they kick to Hester. You can give him one but two I just didn’t understand. I know the broncos lost but they sure look good I think we made some great strides in the past few weeks.
he (shanny) needs to hire an offensive coordinator like KUB. the bates defense is getting better. it worked great in the first half. looked to me like a lack of concentration on the players part…ecspecially in the fourht quater…on both sides of the ball.
I’m just saying dont pitch to bonds hit JUST hit one out on us. I’m counting on san dieigo to choke, so that the rest is up to us! We must keep in mind that game was cutlers first full season and i think we look alot better then alot of teams, we need not change mush just seal the deal.
This JUST IN: Pat Bowlen contacts Jake Plummer to see if Jake’s interested in the HEAD COACH position for next year?
WOW
Seriously, do you now have a life LetPlummerPlay?
A job? Something to do?
Stop spamming.
Is it just me or do we only have three formations anymore! Shotgun, I, and oh yeah more I. Not to mention, the same plays over and over! By the fourth quarter, my buddies and i would guess almost every second play! If we can call these plays, you bet your ass coachs are getting it right to! And for god sakes, what does it take to run up the score on someone? If i see shanahan sit on a lead by running the ball over and over and over again, i will puke. But i love em, down with the Raiders!
I had kind of resigned myself to the fact that Shanahan was taking the Steve McNair approach to Cutler’s development: Don’t open the offense up all at once, but slowly open it up over the course of 2 to 3 seasons. It was probably frustrating to (then) Oilers fans, but in the end I think it helped the team and McNair. However, when Cutler starts showing that he is capable of opening it up more, I don’t understand why they let him throw it downfield a couple of times only to then revert to the running a draw on 3rd and 7 garbage. He was drafted to be the franchise qb, so isn’t it about time to open things up a little more on 3rd down? I’m rambling, sorry.
If the Broncos play down to 5 and 11, they might get a top 10 draft position. They should be able to parlay that into 3 or 4 day 1 picks, which they sorely need.
O-Linemen, Linebackers, D-Linemen, a Safety under the age of 45, a burner WR…oh and I almost forgot–a PUNTER!
Why isn`t anybody calling out O`brian? His special teams have stunk all year, and now he allows kicks to hester. Every sports guy in America is calling him an idiot. Are they all wrong? Pat Bowlan needs to say something-anything to his coachs.
The game overall was played very well by our guys but that last 10 minutes was just fatal, horrific to watch. Our D just went home and died, its like they just gave up. They need to get the hint that just b/c you’re up 14 points doesn’t mean you should slack off. They do this all the time, just when we get a big lead, instead of doing their jobs and “defending” that lead they give it away like candy to a kid. It makes me furious and sick that they just give it away like that. I’m not pointing fingers at any particular person but the whole defense for not doing their jobs. They get paid millions to defend – not to give up touchdowns.
The offense on the other hand was actually fun to watch and worth watching. Of course, there were mistakes, what offense doesn’t have mistakes – even the Patriots have offensive mistakes, Brady isn’t perfect. Anyway, Cutler has improved and Andre Hall has improved just as much. The offense clearly came out to play, I truly believe though that we lost a couple TD’s b/c of the referees that don’t know how to do their job either. I about broke my TV when they said Stokley didn’t catch that one pass. Clearly they didn’t watch the replay or their just blind. The only thing about our offense is the red zone, something is still not getting through… they were fine against KC and Tennessee but what happened yesterday? Why can’t they pull through in the red zone… its like there’s some kind of rainy cloud just hanging over that area when our offense is trying to score. I’m baffled by it, how is it they can pull off a 60 yard drive or so and then once their inside the opposite 20 they just get stuck? Would love to know what’s going on.
And about Saurbaun, I just don’t know what to say that wouldn’t get me thrown off of here. I can’t even fathom why he would say what he said before the game and think something wouldn’t happen. He talked the talk but couldn’t walk the walk… he needs to leave the coaching to the oh i don’t know… the coaches!!!! and shut his little trap and just punt the ball AWAY from people like Hester. Maybe he’ll learn his lesson after this disaster of an ending. I hope he has nightmares about this and it haunts him about how stupid it was about what he said. Bottom line, he’s just crazy for thinking he could punt to Hester and nothing would happen. Well, I’m done venting for now.
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!
Lets not kid ourselves. Hester did not score the final 2 touchdowns and kick the winning field goal. A blocked punt, and our defense giving up huge chunks of yards in the passing game lost it for us. How do we let Chicago’s crappy receiving corps and Rex “Turnover King” Grossman get 30 yard passing plays the final 2 possessions of the game. Oh, and Champ….you got your ass burned trying to jump the route on 4th down. Cover the damn receiver and quit trying to guess what he is going to do.
My future prediction for the Broncos is 10-6!! Best believe it!! We WILL WIN the nest 5 games. I saw enough of the game to further prove my prediction. Our offense was the shiz and our defense was also good. Cant wait to beat the Raiders, Chiefs, Texans, Chargers, and Vikings. We could easily go 5-0!! Lets do it!! ALLL READDYYYY!!!!!!
P.S. Let’s just hope that Rivers sucks in the game and Adrian Peterson doesn’t gash us for 200 rushing yards.
The only thing salvageable in this whole mess is the offense is getting better. Cutler is doing well every game and only making minor mistakes. I am happy with the progress of Scheffler and thrilled at how well Stokley is doing. The run game looks better than it did last year and I think we are better off without the double Bells.
I disagree about the playbook not being open enough for Cutler. When was the last time the Broncos were a vertical offensive team? Just because Cutler has a strong arm does not mean the Broncos are going to change their offensive philosophy. I would like to see a few more down field shots but that may come when Walker gets back at 100%. And come on, on 4th and 5 on the 28 the Broncos had enough confidence in Cutler to throw the ball! I would have personally gone with the field goal at that point but the gamble paid off and that 4th down conversion lead to our first touchdown.
I also have to say while I’m the most supportive Broncos fan there is, this season is over. Realistically to mkae the playoffs the Broncos have to win every single game now and hope for San Diego to drop at least one more just for a tie. If they can’t put a 3 game win streak together then they are not going to just roll off 5 game. I think the Broncos will finish 8-8. And to do that we still need to go 3-2 in our last 5 games. I think we will beat Oakland, Kansas City and Minnesota. We’ll lose to Houston and San Diego. And I even think thats being optimistic. I just hope to see some competitive games, Cutler further developing and for the Broncos to figure out what and who the problem is. Its such a shame, such a missed opportunity since San Diego is having an off year. We could have really taken advantage of that and had a lot of possible successes this year. I don’t think its being a bad fan to be disappointed and admitting this is the end of the road for the Broncos. Thats ok, I’ll be there for the final 2 home games and I’ll be back next year.
Ugh
Too many mistakes and you can lose to a bad team !! How come with the bears at 3rd. down & 38 yards to go, we go into a prevent defense and let them run for 25 yards and kick a field goal. We GAVE them three points. By not taking that 15 yard penalty in the fourth quarter we started at our 10 yard line instead of our 25 yard line. How can we possibly get a penalty for not enough men on the line of scrimmage ? It seems that the two new coaches (defense & special teams) have made no difference at all. In fact, our defense and our special teams are MUCH WORSE than last year !! 14 points up with 5 minutes to go and we let them score twice !! Even with Hester’s returns, we’re still up by two touchdowns !! Yes, we were screwed by the refs twice, but, this team has been screwed for years.
I guess Shanny didn’t learn anything from kicking to Dante Hall. How come Hester had’nt had a t.d. in a month ? Because teams were not kicking to him !!! Shanny is losing it !!
This Broncos teams is done, put a fork in them !! Another game we should have won !! Shanny just seems to be getting older, not better.
Andre Hall = 5′ 8″ mighty might !!!!
Go Broncos !!!
I understand your point tigervixxen. However, most of the rationale behind drafting Cutler was that he would allow the playbook to expand. Shanahan said the playbook was too limited with Griese and Plummer, and drafting Cutler would allow the team to make the passing game a larger part of the offense. My point is, he seems to produce when given a chance. His passing (and the receivers — including Hall on the screen) was a big part of the reason for the 14 point lead. When there are 7 minutes left, you are going to lose if the play call is dive, dive, dive, punt. I guess what I’m saying in a very long-winded way is that if you are going to get yourself a Ferrari, why would you take it to the track just to drive 45 miles an hour….with your left blinker on…okay, my analogy is garbage, but still….
Vegas, I see your point too. Nobody will really ever figure out what Cutler can do if they don’t test his limits. But I think he has shown the more important things like comeback game winning drives and he has an excellent 3rd down conversion rate (before the Chicago game, who knows what it is now). I think he is a good leader with great talent. I think if Shanahan trusts him with those types of things I don’t think the offensive problems are about the playbook.
The red zone offense is pretty poor, especially inside the 5 yard line. Figuring out how to get a TD there would have saved the Green Bay debacle. I do think we get too conservative there time and time again. But not being able to punch it in on the run sets up the defense to know whats coming on 3rd down.
In general I would like to see Cutler throw more vertical passes but he did have 31 attempts against Chicago so hes not just handing it off. Plummer was mostly effective on the roll outs and bootlegs whereas I see Cutler as being a much better pocket passer. I think Cutler does get his chances and does make throws that only he can make. I think Cutler has improved the offense, they are more efficient and explosive than last year. Its just a shame to see how much the defense has deteriorated.
I think the problem is more of a conservative philosophy of running the ball when you have a lead and the prevent defense. It has worked in the past to squeeze all the minutes off the clock but for some reason the talent level isn’t there on both lines in order to make that happen.
I agree 100% about the conservative play calling. I am with you in that I don’t want to see us become a 50 pass a game kind of club. And, while I think the 4th quarter comebacks speak volumes about the young qb’s character, I think if we would use some of those weapons a little more efficiently earlier in the game, he wouldn’t be in the position of having to come back against teams like Buffalo. Thanks for making me think, though. To be honest, I didn’t even realize he threw it 31 times until you pointed that out.
Seriously, if O’Brian and Bates are brought back there should be a riot in the streets. These guys have shown glimmers of improvement, but one return and one block does not make up for 3 returns and 2 blocks against us. It’s been 2 days and all Shanny can say is “It’s a tough loss.” HOW ABOUT WE CHOKED THAT AWAY! Jeez, grow a pair, admit you screwed up royally in hiring these goofs and be done with it already. Does Shanny actually think this is going to go away? My God man, how big does your ego have to get in that Napoleon frame before you accept your faults in coaching, hiring and free agent moves?!
Reading some of the comments, I am not sure if I recall the same game. Our offense was pityfull for 3 quarters. Out of the first 10 drives, 7 were for 3 plays or less. We scored on the other 3. The first field goal came off a short field the second after one big play. The offense could not reliably get plays to sustain drives. I certainly prefer a series of 12 plays with eight of them going for 5 yards over one big play every 12 downs, the rest being incompletions or 2 yd. runs. While I say this, I admit, that Marsh’s TD was great and might have sparked some much needed confidence.
Inside the 5 yard line, I would prefer a more powerful runner Sapp or Mike Bell (in spite of his fumble – he played well on short and goal last year) over Hall. After the last TD, offensive play calling appeared tentative. Another 3 and out led to the blocked punt. The first try might have even done the job for us.
The defense played great for 58 minutes. They did not allow one long drive. I don’t blame them for the TD after the blocked punt. But the morphed int innocent bystanders after the 2-minute warming.
No comment on special teams only a technical question: Why does a kicker not switch to longer cleats on the non-kicking foot on slippery grass? In soccer, you adjust your footwear to the field conditions.
Go Broncos!!!
Wow, what a week for “Ask Todd Sauerbrun a question”. Hahahhahaaha
Everytime I come here it gets worse. People saying the Broncos go 10-6? Come on, who are we kidding. Why not just start posting requests for Shanahan to retire!
Every post should be…SHANAHAN RETIRE.
and for Dream, this is just for you my friend: http://www.LetPlummerPlay.com
after we beat Oak and KC and the Bolts lose to KC and Tenn, all you naysayers will be back on the bandwagon….just wait and see, the Broncos will win this division….
Ordinarilly I submit comments to show devotion and support for the Denver Broncos but right now I need to say something about a few of the other “fans” that are messing up this whole thing for the rest of us.I have never seen so much derisive negativeity from such undeserving fans in my whole life.If you people(and you know who you are) want to bastardize a website with your pitiful attempts at analysis of the play of some of the greatest atheletes in the world,then why don’t you all jump ship now and go become fans of a team where that kind of behavior is accepted.I can’t imagine working as hard as those young men do and coming up short,physically or mentally,and then having some beer chugging couch QB blogging about how I sucked.There is a huge difference,ladies and gentlemen,between serious criticism,worry,maybe even disapointment and abusing the performance of an individual based on the mob mentality of Sports writers and other knowitall crackpots who salivate over the demise of young careers using them for canon fodder to the ignorant masses of whom sadly some of you resemble.Wake Up !! The Broncos are Great!! GO BRONCOS!!!
You know what’s sad orygunbronco, homers like you that refuse to believe what their eyes tell them. This team has the talent to win, even WITH all the major injuries that have happened. Coaching is a HUGE problem though and without coaching you don’t win, that’s how it is in the NFL. I’ve been a die hard fan for 20+ years, Bronco fans don’t accept “average” football, the rest of the AFC West does. You want to support a losing effort then become a Cubs fan but I’ll be damned if I’m going to pat Shanny on the back and tell him it’s ok to lose.
If the Broncos lose to the Raiders this week I think Shanahan should publicly apologize and buy every season ticket holder a roast beef sandwich. I mean, I wouldn’t get one of the sandwiches, but the apology would be nice.
…I have to ask, why roast beef?
Why not roast beef?
Hmm. Well, I mean it would be the Raiders. What’s an appropriate sandwich selection for a Raider themed apology?
Underbaked white bread for Lane Kiffin.
Olives scattered all over the place like Sebastian Janikowski’s kicks.
Wet soggy lettuce for their rush defense.
Overripe tomatoes for Warren Sapp.
A sour whine vinagrette for Jerry Porter.
Sprouts, representing Rob Ryan’s caveman hairdo.
A pickle, for where the Raiders will find themselves when Jamarcus Russell fizzles out.
A tired slab of beef definitely brings Daunte Culpepper to mind.
Obviously some aged stinky cheese for Al Davis.
Let’s eat!
orygunbronco….. Since when is 5-6 great. You are an idiot. Go back to Oakland where you belong.
all i have to say is this…..bates, bly, webster, adams, and both ot cut..the rest of our boys are good on the verge of greatness….and on Bly i said it first, right when we made the trade…he’ll cost us some games…toast should be his nickname….with champ he has been playin hurt all season..plus he is constantly, having to look back for run support…
I was angry at the loss too…but i see a bright light at the end of this tunnel…may not be this or next season..but or boys are gonna mature into a elite team…I have loved the Broncos since i was 7…23 years later…my love for them is still there…so even if we went 0 and 16…i’ll bleed orange and blue…and you don’t…find another team…
Hey Andy– Is there any talk of having this game looked at for its officiating?
Why is everbody just complaning about Mr. Hester? The two best corners
in the game (CHAMP AND BLY) continue to get burnt on big plays!!! Dre Bly
has not made a play I have seen yet. I think Champ still must be hurt a little because he continues to get beat.
I think Champ is still hurt or hes too old… as for bly he better be better at covering! Can we put the fast John beck at MLB and DJ OLB so we could have a good LB lineup, who each play well at there positions. the D-Line isnt getting any penetration at al!!!!. Mallard is playing GREAT!
I think Walker played last nite… not a good idea, he was still hurt and he limited playin time for Stokes. Andre Hall…Selvin is much better.
DL: Dumervil-Mallard-Adams-Peterson
I’m with Orygunbronco. People on this blog talk like they know everything. I’m a proud Bronco fan I love watching team. They came up short. They played a great game. The team showed that they are a great team. People seem to forget the game was not under the best conditions. The field was terrible, which favors the Bears, I’ts there field. They know how to run on it. But with that, the guys still played great we just had some mental break downs that cost the game. We can say it was Hestar or the punt block, or the break down in the D. The Bears won the game period. We have to move on. There still some games to go, and we still have a great shot at making the playoff. Thats what we should be talking about. Not who did what. I hate to see fans talk so badly about the team. We have had to deal with so much this year, with the d changes, the new running backs the injurys, and don”t forget we had to tragic death last year that was hard to get over, and with all of this there still in position to make a run to the playoffs. So to all you fans who are ready to give up on the team, shame on you. Because no matter what I’m a fan and I love the team.
Oh my God. It takes me a couple days to get over games like this before I can post.
The Bears are a horrible team. I KNEW our defense would dominate them, and it did. Well, for 55 minutes, anyway. And I knew we could score on them, and we did. They only have 1 player on their whole team that can win them the game. Yes, of course, its Devin Hester. So all you have to do is not kick it to him. DO NOT KICK THE BALL TO DEVIN HESTER. EVERYONE in the NFL knows this. The person who told the punter to kick to Hester shouldn’t be fired, he should be shot. WHAT A MORON! Our entire special teams unit looked completely inept, and this isn’t the first time (remember the start of the year and Dominik Hixon, anyone?) I think we need to do some replacing of personnel on and off the field. When a guy runs 88 yards straight up the field and no one touches him, he’s not just good…you suck.
Great to see Jay Cutler and the offense hit some big plays again. They are really becoming fun to watch. Its awesome to see the 2nd year guys blossom. Next year with Cutler, Scheffler and Marshall we are gonna be rockin’ on offense. Having the same running back 2 weeks in a row would be nice, but I don’t even think we need it. We should try some Packers action and just let Jay toss the ball next week. No need to run, we have 4 or 5 guys who can really play receiver, so I’d like to see us do that a bit. Marshall, Scheffler, Stokley, Graham…use all those guys, and maybe even Walker if he can play a bit. Go 5 wide and have some fun. We should be able to absolutely level the Raiders. We’re a way better team than we were in week 2, I think.
Is it just me, or is Champ Bailey at about 80-90% out there? Don’t get me wrong, he’s still one of the best at 90%, but it seems like he isn’t quite right.
Don’t want to knock the coaching, but I saw a whole lot of nothing out of the offense at the end of the game…it shouldn’t be that hard to get a first down on a team that you have scored 34 points against. And why couldn’t the defense get any penetration in the 4th quarter? I watched those plays at the end and I saw a whole lot of Rex Grossman getting time. They guys sucks, if you rush him he throws INTs, like he did in the first half. Give any QB time and they’re gonna beat even the best secondary, and that’s what happened. Ugh.
Anyway, consider this season warm up for next year, and things are looking good. We are just a couple players away from great things, I think. I seriously doubt we can overcome SD at this point, but our schedule isn’t that hard, we should be able to beat everyone else, so who knows? Go Broncos!
Mike will lead us to 5 straight and lots of glory!
[...] Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan confirmed on Monday that running back Andre Hall sustained a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 12 game. No additional information is currently available. Reported by DenverBroncos.com [...]
i thought foxworth was the nickel back
champ doesn’t seem 100% out there maybe he isn’t getting thrown to enough but he doesn’t seem 100%
[...] Shanahan Fireside: Week 12 [...]