To Defensive Coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale, it’s no secret what makes the Kansas City offense successful.
But that doesn’t make it any easier to stop.
“It’s going to be just like coming to your Friday night high school game when you are seeing a ‘Wing-T’ team,” Martindale said. “They run the ball, run the ball, run the ball. And that is what is making them a good team because they are feeding off of their defense’s turnovers and takeaways and they do some good things with it.”
Running backs Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are both on pace to top the 1,000-yard rushing mark this season, leading the league’s top ground attack and taking the pressure off quarterback Matt Cassel, who has thrown 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions in his last six games.
Those stats have proved the key ingredients in the Chiefs’ unexpected rise to the top of the AFC West this season.
“They control the tempo of the game,” Head Coach Josh McDaniels said earlier this week. “They control the pace of the game and they never ever really beat themselves.”
The Broncos learned what Charles can do when the third-year running back ran for 259 yards and two touchdowns in the Chiefs’ win in last season’s finale.
Kansas City added the veteran Jones in the offseason, and he has offered a powerful change of pace to give the team the league’s best rushing duo so far this season.
The pair have combined for 1,289 rushing yards and five touchdowns in eight games.
“We know Charles, with his outside ability, but you can’t sleep on Jones, who has been one of the leaders in rushing yards for the last couple of years,” Brian Dawkins said. “They have a potent attack. The thing that we have to do defensively is tackle well.”
At times this season the Broncos run defense has flashed brilliance, such as when the unit held explosive Tennessee running back Chris Johnson under 100 yards in a Week 4 win. But in more recent losses to Oakland and Baltimore the squad allowed more than 200 yards on the ground.
Without Robert Ayers for the fourth straight game, the defense’s job becomes even tougher as they try to set the edge and avoid big runs like the 56-yard touchdown burst Charles had at INVESCO Field at Mile High last season.
With that said, the Broncos relish their opportunity to extinguish a rushing attack that has given defenses across the league trouble in 2010 as they try to halt a four-game losing streak.
“It’s a challenge and that’s what it’s all about in this business,” Justin Bannan said. “If you’re a competitor, you should welcome those challenges and see how you stack up.”
FAMILY AFFAIR
Britton Colquitt’s goal each Sunday is to help the Broncos win in the kicking game. This week the first-year punter has a little extra motivation.
When Kansas City visits INVESCO Field at Mile High, Colquitt will square off against his older brother, Dustin, for the first time.
Among the family coming to town for the occassion will be parents, Anne and Craig — a two-time Super Bowl-winning punter with the Steelers, and cousin Jimmy, who punted for the Seahawks in 1985.
“My dad — it’s his dream come true to see his sons both play against each other,” Britton said. “It’s just really cool.”
The family will arrive in town Friday night, and Britton said the group plans to get together for dinner on Saturday once Dustin arrives in Denver.
Since the specialists normally go out early to test field conditions and loosen up, Britton said he expects to have some time to talk with his brother on the field — and even trade a few pointers — before the opening kickoff.
Once the game starts, family bragging rights will be at stake — at least until the rematch in Kansas City on Dec. 5.
“It’s really exciting,” Britton said, “and hopefully for our team’s sake, I outkick Dustin and help our team win.”
The Broncos had no new additions to the injury report on Thursday.
Ayers (foot) and Andre’ Goodman (hip) did not practice and will not play this weekend. Darcel McBath (ankle), Kevin Vickerson (groin) and Wesley Woodyard (hamstring) were limited for the second straight workout.
For the Chiefs, S Kendrick Lewis (hamstring), WR Dexter McCluster (ankle), S Jon McGraw (knee) and G Brian Waters (shoulder) were limited in Thursday’s practice.
- Eric Detweiler, DenverBroncos.com
Below are some photos from Thursday’s chilly practice session:
Tags: 2010, Brian Dawkins, Britton Colquitt, Denver Broncos, Don "Wink" Martindale, Kansas City Chiefs, Week 10
And how do the few bloggers here including Kizla at the DP feel now about thinking it would be a great idea to bring Merriman in:
• Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman will not play against Detroit on Sunday, and is out indefinitely after aggravating an injury to his right Achilles tendon.
if we are taking scores…ill give denver the benefit of the doubt and say we will WIN 24-23, last second 65-yard FG by prater haha
We take scores all season long buddy, win or lose.
Good morning Bloggers! It is truly amazing how, the closer we get to game day, the more optimism grows that we can get the job done and beat down KC.
Go Broncos!!!
Merriman sucks more than a hooker on pay day. Glad we don’t have him.
Looking forward to Sunday. I hope to God this team shows us something. We need wins.
If nothing else, I am an Iowa boy, and I think Adrian Clayborn looks mighty good as a possible draft choice. DE that gets after the QB. Yeah.
That would be a gargantuan effort, and it would put us only two games back in the division, we have at least two more days to live the dream, haha, and to keep it going after that a win is the only option, we are now officially up againts it, no more luxury of being able to lose division games, THIS IS IT, A PUT UP OR SHUT UP GAME! ARE WE READY!?!?!?!
I’m finally here. I love this Blog. Have been reading for the past 3-4 years and love our fans.
I guess McD has one more chance to prove he can get it McDone.If we lose this one the season is definitely over(like it wasn’t already)but I will be optimistic,I would like to see McD gone,but I would rather see us go 6-2 down the stretch and maybe have a respectful record at 8-8 again.
BFE
Merriman is washed up,that’s why the Dolts dumped him.
DJ Williams arrested for DUI????WTF
Is this true?damn,this team is falling apart!!!!!!!!
http://www.google.com/url?url=http://is.gd/gYoxk&rct=j&sa=X&ei=JG7dTJbiIYL68Aabg8zhDw&ved=0CAMQsAcwAA&q=denver+broncos&usg=AFQjCNEPfTqbq0jmJguk2X7zZGy5eTP1LQ&cad=rja
D.J., D.J., D.J.,
Are you serious? Can Tebow play LB? LOL!
UGH! I can’t believe it! I never would have expected that! I thought our players would have more class or at least common freakin’ sense to call a taxi.
O.k., I have to ask….LOL
If you were an NFL player making millions for one of the greatest sports franchises anywhere in the world….wouldn’t you just pay someone to take you from bar to bar? LOL!
It blows my mind why players of any sport take that chance of getting a DUI….here in Illinois there is a zero tolerance law. This means that you don’t have to be stumbling drunk. In Illinois if you blow a .08 you’re done! that’s hardly any alcohol!
To much to risk when all you have to do is call a cab! I do and I can promise you, I don’t make millions LOL!
GO GET EM ‘BOYS!
On a side note,
I’m going to go out on a little limb here and probably get slammed for it, but it’s how I feel I guess.
Bay, you made a comment a few blogs back I believe (if I have the wrong blogger I apologize). The blogger stated that JMac knows football but Denver is his training ground. That although he could be a very good coach in the NFL, the training wheels are still on and like Mangini (sp) Belichek (sp) they go on to do bigger and better things.
Well….I agree with you. I”m sure most or all of you have figured out by now that I am a JMac supporter. So I will support him. How long? I”m not sure. I certainly don’t know what is going on with our boys but it’s not Bronco football that’s for sure. But I truely believe JMac knows football. He knows what leaders look like!
Have there been bad trades? uh….yeah! LOL! Bad player releases? yep LOL…not all of them were bad but some. Particularly a white, hog that runs with the power of a John Deere tractor…LOL!
It’s a kid story time. LOL!
My kid is learning how to ride a bike. (little late I know) Here’s the thing. I know my boy can do it! My wife knows he can do it! But until Jadyn believes it, it won’t matter.
…..Sooner or later those training wheels have to come off. Jadyn may not be ready for it! Heck, he may never be ready….but in the end I will do everything in my power to get him to learn how to ride his bike. But mark my words, those training wheels are coming off! If after the wheels are off, you still can’t ride that bike, you best find yourself the most comfortable pair of shoes in your closet buddy! LOL…..
I believe in JMac. He’s made some dumb mistakes. Many of them. I still believe in him though. How long? Not sure….but I look at him like I do my kids. My gosh sometimes I want to hit em’ into the next month and then 2 minutes later want to pat him on the a$$ and say “ada boy!”…
I guess as a fan, I’m willing to take the scrapes, bumps, scratches and falls that come with this head coach right now. I know in my mind, I reserve the right to call it quits and take off the training wheels…I’m just not yet to quit on him….
Just my humble opinion!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
The article makes it sound that if they follow this simple formula the broncos will pull out a win. But have the forgot that the broncos have not yet to shut down a running back since CJ.
Got to say that i wish i did not take our running attack that we used to have for granted.. Its been a while since the broncos have been able to throw in a back ups at running back and have them run for over 1000 yards…Now im just hopin to get a 100.
Were going to have a tough time winning until we can stop the run and run the ball consistantly. Obviously having Orton throw for 500 is not getting us much of anywhere!
WOW DJ? say it aint so. He is like champ. Got his head on straight. Never had any legal issues i don’t believe. We already knew there had to be more discipline in the house but maybe even more discipline than we thought
Orangenblue
I took those days for granted too bro, i mean, olandis gary, mike anderson, rueben drougns, quentin griffin, tatum bell, im sure i am missing a couple but man, plug em in and it was money. Although i will say i saw all that coming to an end when McDaniels came. I mean seriously, even with Cory Dillion the patriots struggled running the ball.
WOW DJ? say it aint so. He is like champ. He rarely gets in trouble. only issue was a dui in 2005. Guess the players are more depressed about the season than we thought and are drinking their pain away lol. But then again it was DUI not DWI so it coulda been another substance (weed?)
We already knew there had to be more discipline in the house but maybe even more discipline than we thought
ORANGEnBLUE
I took those days for granted too bro, i mean, olandis gary, mike anderson, rueben drougns, quentin griffin, tatum bell, im sure i am missing a couple but man, plug em in and it was money. Although i will say i saw all that coming to an end when McDaniels came. I mean seriously, even with Cory Dillion the patriots struggled running the ball.
Thing is considering this might be DJ’s SECOND DUI, the league might dish out a suspension, when it rains it pours, what a shamble of a team we have now, out allegedly drinking and driving at 3 am two days before a game, obviously even one of our captains has given up on this season. Absolutely no excuse DJ, you get paid second best money on the team and this is how you pay us back? Shame on you, a terribly disappointed fan of yours here.
And yeah Broncfalls, I’m the one calling us McD’s training wheels, but I’m even more proud of my new moniker for him: McDone, and it seems like it’s catching on like wildfire here.
Looks like a two to four game suspension, probably after this game or the next one:
Williams, the Broncos’ leading tackler and one of their defensive captains, will likely be suspended for two to four games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
San Diego receiver Vincent Jackson is serving for a three-game suspension (reduced from four games) for repeated DUI arrests. Previously, defensive end Jared Allen served a two-game suspension.
Our LB corp is a joke even with him in there, but he is the clear leader, imagine what it will be like inside when he is out, UNREAL!
Cant wait for sunday. heres hopeing for a good game and a much needed win.
On another note have you guys noticed that 2 players we got rid of this past season are now doing even better.
Alphonso Smith- 30 tkl 5 Int- are corners only have 1 each
Peyton Hillis- 133 Car 644 Yds 4.8 Avg 7 TD – better than any of are’s
Im not bashing are team I just dont understand what McD is thinking about when he gets rid of players.ok so Alphonso didnt do much last year but he was a rookie still learning he looks good now. and Hillis every bronco fan saw what he could do in 08 and every fan knows he didnt get a fare shot last year we just kept giving it to jordan on short yardage or passed.
Well I hope are team can pull it together and I hope McD knows what he is doing.
8.6 million pay for this year alone and the man drives himself drunk, no chauffeur, no limo, no cab, just a stupid drive yourself drunk moron, WOW!
And this is what DJ said in 2005 after his DUI:
“Yeah, it’s embarrassing,” Williams told The Denver Post at the time. “I know now you’ve got to have a driver or somebody driving you around when you plan on going out like that.”
And he learned absolutely nada, zilch, nothing, just did the same stupid arse thing again, hollow words. Come to think of it, it seems like the Broncos mode of operandus this year, hollow words.
Just when I’m here doing my very best to pull behind my team for one last shot at respectability, SLAM, here we go, just ruin my hopes why don’t you, I wonder why I give so much of myself to a team like this at times like these, disgusting. I must be the moron, that’s the only explanation.
What’s up everyone! Just great, Dj’s suspension will probably start the San Deiego game. The same game that is our only Prime Time game of the season. WOW, I don’t even want to imagine what that game will look like. Esp the way Rivers is throwing the ball, as well as the fact that we get no pressure on the QB.
A toddler at the goal line could crawl to a toy at the 20 yard line. Quicker than we can get to the QB. SIGH!! I guess it’s safe to start Thomas Jones in fantasy football this week so I can @ least be a winner at something sports wise this weekend.
This is the latest update by Klis:
Media members viewing the first 10 minutes of practice saw Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams drive away from the facility just a couple minutes after he arrived. It’s possible Williams, the Broncos’ leading tackler and a defensive captain, will not play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs even though the league is not expected to rule on whether he violated the personal conduct policy until a later date. He is facing a suspension of up to four games, although it’s possible such punishment would be enforced until the start of next season.
broncofan96 I’m with you, Bay, BeastFromTheEast and everyone else who misses Hillis. Not only was he tough but people fail to realize that he was the best of the three when him. Mcfadden, and Jones were at Arkansas. Hillis just wasn’t getting as many touches.
Plus I liked him bc he brought back the Mile High Salute!!
Yeah, anyone who likes Hillis should read the “Hindsight” blog, two blogs back, we really put out our heart in that blog and did not back down one bit about our ex-boy Hillis, proud of most of the bloggers on that one.
That was the Hillis blog, now this one has become the DJ blog, can we get a good blog coming up? PLEEEEEASE!!!
Aww MAN!!!! DJ, what in the name of the good Lord are you thinking BOY!!!
You just spilled my glass of Orange koolaid and fogged up my Orange goggles!!!!
This is all Ortons fault!…………………….
Not really! Just kidding..haha
I’m just glad to be able to blog here….
ILMSDB!!!!
Lets get a blog up that says “Tebow gets start in Mile High against KC this Orange Sunday”!!!!!!!!!
That will get the Good Blue Blooded Bronco Fans all alit with Orange Overjoyment!!!!!!!!
LETS GET THE TEBOW TRAIN ROLLING BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!
A SUREFIRE WAY TO GET A SPIN ON THE FANS ATTENTION AND PUT OTHER BAD NEWS ON THE BACK BURNER……
ILMSDB!!! THIS IS TEBOW TIME!!!!!
Man I think I might be taking 7 points away from us and giving them to KC in my game prediction.
Wow, just heard about DJ’s stupid mess. Amazing how nobody has common sense anymore. And the fact that he’s a captain of this team makes this situation even worse and more disappointing. He deserves a suspension if this is how he’s going to betray the fans. No excuse for this. I don’t want him on the field if he’s going to make near-deadly mistakes like that. We need players on the field with sound judgment.
I still think we can win this game. All this drama though is really starting to push my buttons. Becoming too close for comfort. Amazes me though how Denver can never seem to catch a break.
Hey caramel, sup brotha?? LOL
Have faith Bronco Country…
GO BRONCOS in 2010!!!!
Heyyyyyyyy Sis! How have you been? Other than dealing with all of this mess! I agree that he doesn’t even need to be on the field as well. I had two very close friends male and female die bc of a drunk driver at seperate times.
Whether it was booze or drugs it’s uncalled for. Hasn’t any of these athletes learned from the Donte’ Stallworth tradgedy! To be honest I expect a story like Dj’s to take place down here in New orleans. A place where the bars don’t close until the last person leaves, and we have Drive-thru Daiquiri Shops on every other or 3rd corner.
It seems there’s always something BAD or at least not beneficial with the Broncos week in week out…
Absolutely not smart from our lineman captain… Totally agree they should not mind paying even a $100 for a cab if necessary!
Anyways, as usual we need to move on and try to focus on Sunday, because there’s no secret to any of us that is CRUCIAL to win 4 out of 5 divisional games left if we want a playoff spot…
Let’s get it started against K.C, then try to get that little momentum against the “Gay Bolts” on MNF, and then keep rolling with a not-so-hard schedule…
This is were we would see what this team is made off, coming off bye week gives me hope we could try to compete for a postseason berth.
“This is where we hold’em, this is where we fight, this is where THEY DIE!!! ”
GO BRONCOS!!!!
$100 dollars is chump change next to the cost of a DUI. I don’t know what they cost in Colorado these days, but here in Texas, when it’s all said and done you are out nearly $10,000, no joke. In fact part of the anti DUI campaign here is they have road signs here and there that simply say: Don’t get a DUI, you can’t afford it.
damn the bad news just keeps on rolling, sort of highlights the way the team has been headed lately. No excuse for a DUI but out getting drunk on the town a few days before the game says something about the morale of the players. Bay you mention Texas, the only state where I got a speeding ticket from a Texas trooper who was sitting under a tree (the only one for miles) in the middle of nowhere drinking a six pack (ok it was 20 years ago), but unforgettable. This KC game is starting to look more and more like our Alamo and I’m not liking the odds.
DJ is the best all around LB on the team and is a captain,man I like cold beer,but I do NOT drink and drive,big bummer.Our Linebacking Core will be awful with Doom,Ayers,and DJ all out,I was just starting to think we might have a shot Sunday,but this just takes the wind outta my sails…
Oh well it’s past 5:00(beer thirty),and I’m thirsty,but I will NOT drink and drive!!!!!!!!!!
Inexcusable DJ.
Why oh why do these multimillion dollar players just not get it?
What makes this even more boneheaded is the fact the NFL offers a FREE service to all the players to prevent this from happening.
They offer free rides, in stretch limos, with all the amenities, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These drivers are current or former law enforcement personnel who are allowed to conceal/carry. These limos are tops too. Game systems, blue ray players, mini bars…. All free of charge. All the player has to do is call the number.
This is just ri-dam-diculous. Way to set an example Mr. Williams.
Maybe Spencer Larsen will see some time at LB this weekend?
Whatever the case, I hope Wink gets Our D motivated as all get out. I know the Offense is as ready as possible.
I find it interesting that most of the blogs here do not really connect with the commenting audience.
I am more interested in all of your thoughts and opinions and the blog just gives us the ability to communicate. I have to say that the one blog I do relate to best is Coop’s because he is the one I respect the most. Then come all of you, the Bronco’s fans.
I am afraid DJ’s DUI has massive implications because as a captain he should be leading his men but here he was drinking a few hours before practice. In cases like this any ban is a poor response from the authorities to someone who obviously has a problem. DJ needs help not punishment, and the fact that he was so low he took to drink points to an awfully low team morale.
I suppose when you are a stellar player who is being let down by the management, and can see no hope of being part of a winning team, it must be a massive blow.
Team morale at the Bronco’s has always been good in the past, with a strong connection between the players and the fans. Now, for whatever reason, morale is the lowest since the Bronco’s were formed, and there is a major disconnect between the fans/players and the management and coaching staff. If a player gives 100% for the Broncos then he will have the support of the fans, but any less than that and the fans will soon find him out.
Maybe McDone does give 100% but he just doesn’t have the judgement, experience and ability to get the job done. The fact that Bowlen has provided Denver as McDone’s training ground does leave a sour taste in the mouth because the fans should only be paying for second class tickets for a second class show. We also give up any hope of getting to the play-offs, and life is too short to keep supporting a losing HC who has destroyed what once was an excellent team.
McDone’s vast ego and poor communication skills were always a problem to me and even though so many fans willed him to do well he just doesn’t get it. He really believes his losing strategy is the best.
However there may well be a pot of gold hidden within the Bronco’s and of course this is Tim Tebow.
The Bronco’s need a hero and the fans all support this young man who has an abundance of courage and fortitude. His derring do could lift the spirits of the whole team and when you have a prize thoroughbred colt raring to go you do not hold it on a short rein or lock it in the paddock but you give it its head.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and Tebow is our man. There is so much goodwill invested in him that even if he loses games whilst learning the fans will not see it as a waste of time.
Champion the Wonder Horse was always a favourite of mine in the 1950′s, no wonder I love the Bronco’s, and now I pray that Tim Tebow will be the man to take the Bronco’s to the promised land.
Caramel – I was doing fine till I read what DJ was up to last night. Can’t put into words how disappointed I am in him right now. Such a shame. I wish he would come on to this blog and read how angry the fans are at him. I’d love to have him out there on Sunday and Lord knows we need him but not if he’s gonna make stupid decisions like this. If he’s dumb enough to drink & drive & get caught doing it… he’d be dumb enough to make bad decisions on the field. We don’t need it. Unreal. I’d like to smack some sense into him right about now.
I can only hope with this mess he’s made, he’ll get the picture. Sad that it takes a big blooper like this to wake people up but if it works, then I guess it’s better to learn it now than never.
Nice Crazyhorserider, I have often said, I can deal with Tebow growing pains and losing under tebow, but to continue a crapshoot season and keep losing with a vet at the helm with minimal up side…is unacceptable. Put in Tebow. Give Decker and Thomas more playing time (no disrespect to our productive vet recieving core)
Looks like Goodman is questionable, this time its a hip thing. Guess this is when u can tell people are getting old. I knew he wasnt good to go in SF. You could see it in his plays. Lost the battle on a couple of key downs. Hope Cox can go. Just a Concussion, has had two weeks off. (I have never been concussed[if thats a word lol] but im sure 2weeks is ample time)
Nice post Crazyhorserider,
I have often said, I can deal with Tebow growing pains and losing under tebow, but to continue a crapshoot season and keep losing with a vet at the helm with minimal up side…is unacceptable. Put in Tebow. Give Decker and Thomas more playing time (no disrespect to our productive vet recieving core)
sidenote:
Looks like Goodman is questionable, this time its a hip thing. Guess this is when u can tell people are getting old. I knew he wasnt good to go in SF. You could see it in his play. Lost the battle on a couple of key downs. Hope Cox can go. Just a Concussion, has had two weeks off. (Not downplaying. I have never been concussed[if thats a word lol] but im sure 2weeks is ample time)
Yeah I hear ya sis! Him and all of the players/coaches need to come on here and see how upset we are. Don’t tell me about a great week of practice, don’t tell me you haven’t given up on the coach and your teammates, don’t tell me you are feeling good and ready to go. No all you players and coaches show me some intensity and effort instead of talking about it.
Our coach and players are starting to sound and act like politicians!! Talk a good game but can’t bring the action to back it up!!
I would love the idea of Spencer Larsen getting a look at LB.
Haha, with McD that’s like wishing on a dry well!
Tebow should be QB. Thomas and Decker should play more. Lloyd should still start. Gaffney is good in short yardage. Royal needs a chance to go deep.
Vickerson should be back. That is good news. Use Hunter and Moss on the outside, and Haggan and Mays in the middle. Woodyard too if he is back would be good on the outside I think. He has a lot of speed which we need.
Cox should start over Goodie. Cox is young and makes mistakes, but I love watching him play. Syd’Quan needs to be the nickel corner. He excites me. Dawk should switch places with Hill, and then Hill should be benched behind McBath. Marcus Thomas has made some key plays, and I still like the guy in the middle. I like him better than Fields too. Bannan is an alright guy, he can stay.
The new O-line change better be permanent. Clady, Beadles, Walton, Kuper, and Harris is something I have wanted for a while and I think it will be successful. If McFlipFlop doesn’t change his mind again.
Moreno… he just needs to stay healthy. He has made strides catching balls out of the backfield.
Our TE’s? Yikes. They should just try to catch some passes. Or block. Something other than irritate me.
And we should release Brady Quinn. He looks lamer than Colt McCoy.
GO BRONCOS!!!!