Head Coach John Fox
On the outcome of the game
“I was very proud of them. I thought they accomplished a lot. I thought they came a long ways from a 1-4 start with a football team that had no offseason, no OTAs — really I was as proud of them as any team I’ve ever coached. The New England Patriots had a little bit to do with that. They are a good football team, obviously we played them twice in a month and we’re a work in progress and we’re obviously not up to par to compete with them at this point. Not taking anything away from them – obviously they’re well-coached, they had two weeks to prepare, they were fresh. I think Brady was about as sharp as I’ve seen him. He’s a terrific quarterback anyways, but I thought he had a great night. The fact that we lost a couple safeties didn’t help.”
On bringing pressure
We reached a point there where we didn’t have enough people to match up on their multiple wideout stuff so it limited us to some point as far as playing man coverage. But that’s neither here nor there. I think they were definitely the better team tonight.
On QB Tim Tebow
“Kind of like our football team. I was really proud of where he started and where he brought this team. We are a work in progress. We’ve got a lot of work to do. That hasn’t changed for some time and as I mentioned earlier — with the two matchups we had against the New England Patriots I think it’s evident we have work to do.”
On the offense
“Every year has it’s own personality and we’re officially starting our offseason now and we’ll do whatever it takes to get better. So whether that’s scheme, personnel, all the same things the teams the teams that didn’t make the playoffs are already ahead starting on.”
On the season as a whole
“As I told all the men in that locker room – coaches, players, trainers, equipment men is that I was very proud of them and they worked very hard and I appreciated all their efforts.”
Quarterback Tim Tebow
On changes from Patriots defense
“They had a great scheme. They came out and they played well and they executed well. You’ve got to give them a lot of credit.
I just want to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ and thank my teammates for the effort they put forth not only tonight but the entire season. I also want to thank the Broncos fans for all their support this season and it definitely meant a lot.”
On the media attention he faces
“I haven’t worried to much about that. I think the cool part is the relationship with my teammates. The run was a lot of fun. A lot of ups and downs but we really try to block everything in the outside off and just enjoy the relationships with teammates and coaches and work and try to get better and I feel like we did that all year. We just didn’t put forth a good enough performance tonight . You’ve got to give them a lot of credit, that’s a really good team.”
On the season
“It had a lot of ups and downs. Overall it’s been a very special opportunity for me – something I’m very thankful for and very thankful I have the opportunity to build so many great relationships with teammates and coaches and to be able to overcome a lot of different forms of adversity with my teammates and to win some special games. There’s a lot of things that we’re proud of, it’s hard to see them all right now though.”
On the loss
“It still was a good day because before the game I got to spend time with Zach McCloud and make him smile. Overall when you get to do that it’s still a positive day and a good day. Sometimes it’s just hard to see but it depends what lens you’re looking through. I choose to look through those lenses and I got to make a kid’s day and anytime you do that it’s more important than winning a game, so I’m proud of that.”
On continuing to play hard
“Any time you’re getting beaten like that you just continue to fight. It doesn’t change who you are, how you play, how you go out there – you should be the same at all times. That’s what I wanted to show and it didn’t matter if it was the first play or the last play or if we were down by 42, I was going to be the same player and I was going to still give everything I have because that’s all I have to give. Every time I step on the field I’m going to give my whole heart regardless of the score.”
On his offseason goals
“Just work and improve — fundamentals, understanding defenses, my reads, footwork, everything. This will be a big offseason for me and I’m looking forward to it. Every single game including this one was an opportunity. Even coach McCoy and coach Gase on the sidelines at the end of the game, they were like ‘Just take it all in, learn from it and understand all these things that are going on so when we have an opportunity to get back here we can handle it differently.’ I try to learn from every experience good or bad.”
Cornerback Champ Bailey
On the season as a whole
“There was some good and some bad. Obviously we’re going home right now. Any time you have to wait another year to get a chance at the Super Bowl is disappointing. It is what it is. We just have to go home this offseason and check ourselves and hopefully get better.”
On whether the team is better than they were last year
“Absolutely, but that doesn’t make you good enough.”
On the Denver defense
“We can do some good things, but we have a lot of work to do. If we want to be elite, you have to play like it when you play teams like this. Especially when it’s win or go home.”
On Brady’s performance
“It doesn’t shock me. The thing is, you have to find a way to match that or exceed that. We didn’t do that.”
On the game plan
“We did (have a good game plan). We just didn’t execute it. You can’t put anything on the coaches. It’s all us. We’re out there. I know there are some calls they probably want to have back, but at the end of the day, it’s all us.”
Running back Willis McGahee
On the season as a whole
“We made it to the playoffs – nobody thought we were going to get this far. You always thought you could still win the game when you’re in the playoffs. This is one of those games…
On the frustration in ending the season this way
“It’s frustrating. It’s one of those games that you don’t want it to end like this. Unfortunately it did and you can’t do anything about it right now.”
On whether the year is a success in his mind
“I think we had a crazy season. It was a good season. You still don’t want to come into the playoffs and end the game like this. I think we could’ve done better. Those guys had a good game plan and they executed well.”
On his personal season
“I had a great year with the Broncos. We haven’t been in the playoffs since ’05. We got back in it, so at the end of the day, I think it was a plus. But, we didn’t win at the end.
“It was cool. I had fun. Everything happens for a reason. I’m just happy to be a part of it. Hopefully we can get back on track next year.”
Running back Lance Ball
On the way the season ended
“We showed a lot of spirit out there. It (is too bad) that we lost, but hold your heads up high, it was a great season.”
On the Broncos season
“It was a long road. It was up and down. We had to face a lot of adversity this year. Guys hung in there and we were able to have a successful season.”
Tight end Daniel Fells
On what he’ll remember most about the season
“I’ll remember the 1-4 start and then 8-8 and making the playoffs. I’ve been around for six years and this is my first year going to the playoffs. I’ll definitely look back and reflect on that.”
On whether the team made a big stride during the season
“Yes. Looking at it from where we started to where we ended – we did take some strides. But, we’re all competitors and we knew what we had here. We expected a lot more out of us. That’s why there’s frustration still.”
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas
On what he’ll remember most about this season
“Everyone doubting us, saying we were going to win two or three games. We won eight games and made the playoffs. When we were down 1-4, we still had doubters. We just came out, worked every day and just got better as we went.”
On if the Broncos are back
“I feel like they are. We just have some small things to work on. Once we work on them, we’ll get better and better as the years go on.”
On the direction of the team
“I like (the way it’s headed). We came in this year, nobody gave us a chance. They were saying we were going to win two games, three games. We came out and was 8-8, won the first round of the playoffs and ended up losing tonight. I feel like we can build on this year and keep going from there.”
Thats cool bay email me at your convenience… I’m probably gonna go out to eat, but my girl wants to go shopping so I might be pulling for a home cooked meal lol
It looks like the Packers have done enough bad things to self destruct and that they will not repeat.
The two top offenses in the NFL are not advancing to the conference championship. Just for fun I will join oldsouth BBBP for me TIM Tebow will not be the starting QB in the 2012-13 season he will be replaced by a free agent or a trade.
Royalty, done deal.
Yeah Bay some teams just implode like GB and NO.
Oh yeah and us.
We finished the season 8th. That means there were 24 other teams that were worse than us not bad at all.
From 31st to 8th
Way to go team and coaches.
Well it was a fun ride while it lasted. Too many injuries.Which Simms never talked about us missing 10-13 players,unlike the steelers which he brought up yesterday again. I knew yesterday day was coming since 2005. Brady and Belicheat have wanted to kill us ever since 2005. Congrates to Brady you finally beat us in your home. Now you are 3-6 and most likely will win next year too. You really showed up our 4th string safeties. Why did you not even look at Champ(bad memory) Brady beat us more this season than his whole career combined! I think we should of ran when we had the ball 1st in goal in the 4th quarter,so then 45-17.
Thanks BAY for the contest tracking. I had to pick against us to keep the winning streak alive.lol…
Good evening fellow Bronco Fans…..here’s to a exciting season ! I know we have A LOT of work to do but there is plenty of time for those discussions. From a 2-5 start to doing something that GB, & NO are not going to do…..win a playoff game ! I’m so proud of our team. In a world of over payed ,crybaby, selfish athletes , this team never gave up & that’s what I’m lookin for more than anything. I Think Fox & Elway have succeed in changing the culture In Dove Valley and that more than the draft and free agency is what leads to a winning program ….. Been fun watching & commenting on the games wit u guys this yr see u around April!
Thanks!
GO BRONCOS! 2012!
I thought our coaches did a nice job this year. Next year will be the real test. We play the best division in the NFL, AFC north , and a another tuff division in the NFC south and a 1st place schedule. We might fall back to 5-11 or 7-9. Look at KC this year.
So much for elite qbs in playoffs. 2 out of 3 are out. Wow no packs and no saints. Ha
Well the draft should be real interesting. We still have alot of needs. Safety MLB, Corner , RB, WR, DT ,QB,DE
The Saints lost cuz they could not beat the Rams or Bucs on the road in the regular season other wise they would of hosted and they would of won.
The Packers were the only team to rest their starters in week 17 and the only home playoff team to lose. TIMING!
Saints and Packers D is what killed them. I said it earlier this week that Belicheat would have a D plan to slow down our running game. NE D looked great yesterday.
What a Fun Ride!!!!
Great Job Broncos!!!!!!!!
We are back to being a playoff contender!!!!
Next year is going to be even better!!!!
I LOVE ME SOME DENVER BRONCOS!!!!! W or L!
ILMSDB!
The saints turn the ball over 5times and lose by 4
How about a Patriots/Giants SB repeat?
With the Giants winning it all again?
D-E-F-E-N-S-E!!!!!!
Was anyone aware that Andre Goodman is playing on a five year deal that was worth 20.4 million? WOW…
So I take it that we are #25 overall in the 1st round of the draft?
So Goody has two years left, I say cut him or trade him.
Yes Strand… we pick #25…
I was looking at our Free Agent list… this team may look VERY different by the time next season Starts…
Did they ever get Prater locked up Long Term? I can’t find an update
okay another shot from a tebow fan. again i don’t mind debate but dont put words in my mouth please applejack. here is one of my recent posts (today)
“and if a less than elite qb is good enough in your opinion, thats fine, theres more than one way to get there, but i wonder if tebow can even be serviceable in this league. ya know?”
so when you say ‘louisiana keeps telling me an elite qb is the only way to get there’ you are putting words in my mouth to attempt to discredit me. i do not respect that kind of stuff at all. debate me with facts, not cheap shots. turtles bad enough. don’t need two of him lemme tell ya.
We need CB, S, DT, and RB for starters in the first 3 rounds.
Fair enough Louisiana. Quotes and all.
Sincerely,
Just another Tebow fan
No. Prater signed a one year deal. We need to sign him long term.
11:08 to be exact
no problem then applejack. i’m not unreasonable i promise. but i do make my stand. and i don’t think its my way or the high way. tebow could come out next year and be what alex smith is and shut me up. i would be happy with that. if he could do enough to get us to the promised land with an elite d then i’ll take it, believe me.
Goodman’s contract should come as no surprise since it was done by McDanial. He also made Lonnie Paxton the highest pd long snapper in the NFL.
Goodman needs to redo his contract or be gone.
SIGN PRATER!! Remember the SNL sceane
ya mcd did alot of crazy stuff. some good, most bad. like 80/20 bad. it looks like dthomas is gonna be a good receiver for us so theres one thing he did for us. that oline was him too, minus franklin. the tebow thomas connection that won the steelers game was him i guess. i love me some beadles, man he’s tough. and thats about it.
cb, dt, s, rb, & sign prater. right on strand. now lets hope that all happens!
Stop with the QB debate… Tebow will be our QB moving forward… Elway is committed to working with him and no one works harder… Just saying!
Anybody knows what Aaron Rogers QB rating was?
very true papacy, he will be. and i will cheer him on and hope he can do it. if we get him some competition in there other than quinn, i think it will push him even harder. an entire offseason with elway would do any qb some good, and with tebows work ethic anything can happen. his lack of natural ability will hinder him, though. The debate will rage on all offseason so like it or not get ready for alot of it!
1.Lamar Miller RB Da “U”
2.Vontaze Burflict ILB Arizona State
3.Brandon Boykins CB Georgia
4.Jarius Wright WR Arkansas
5.Russel Wilson QB Wisconsin
5.Jeff Demps RB Florida
7.Matt Conrath DT Virginia
-I like our CB: Vaughn, Harris, Squid..Boykins is a explosive player that’s always around the ball..We may pick up a vet CB in FA.
-I think we have enough DT coming off IR where we do’nt need to draft one so early.
-Our Offense lacked explosive players and Wright and Demps are the definition of explosive.
-Vontaze Burflict is an athletic Inside presence that we havent had since Al…I like Mays, but he lacks athleticism.
-Lamar Miller is a boost to our power run game..he brings speed and not too much dancing.
What do you think about it?
not bad risky but i think burflict could be there as late as the 4th round because of character issues, much like parrish cox. so i’d wait til that time frame for him too, because if you pick a 2nd rounder that has to be cut because of those issues, its alot more costly than if you take a chance on a 4th rounder. but he’s got talent for sure, and if he played to his ability without any issues, he’d be a second round steal. i like boykins, wright and demps on your list, but dnt know much about conrath. lamar miller in the 1st is one i’m not sure of as well. we do pick 25th though so maybe. not bad. been seeing alot of good list on this blog!
I think he’s learned his lesson…by being benched multiple times..I think Tebow n Champ are going to make sure everybody is prepared to make another run next year, hopefully Dawk comes back for his last year if and only if he’s healthy…O n I doubt we’d draft safeties again because eventually champ will be back there..
How come when Aaron Rogers’ receivers miss they are all “dropped passes” and the fault of the receivers, and not the quarterback’s fault? But most of this season when Tebow’s receivers dropped passes that should have been caught it was all his fault, and they weren’t called “dropped passes”
What’s worse, an over achieving team getting smashed or being the #1 seat getting knocked out? I bet Packer fans feel worse then we do right now. My condolences.
ya the thought of champ going to a charles woodson style free safety position to end his career sounds great. and imagine if carter turned into a great strong safety in front of him. he is a strong tackler so it’s possible. that would be great for us. but a dominant strong safety in the draft would not be a bad idea if ones there and elway feels good about him.
Yea there were about 9 drops in that game, so it doesn’t all fall on Tebow or the O line..Team lose
def a team loss. d got obliterated too. ugly all around. surprising after handling a tough steelers team like we did.
Both us and the Steelers were hurting, the pats were healthy and would have beaten whichever team came to foxboro IMO( now that we lost lol)
N i still think we should have signed T.O.
well i was right with ya til then! def no to T.O. he wouldnt have brought enough to the team to warrant his presence. imo of course