Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway and Broncos TV’s Chris Hall premiered the weekly Elway Access podcast on Tuesday afternoon.
It gave fans a chance to submit questions to Elway via twitter, as Elway broke down the Pittsburgh win and talked about the challenges in traveling to Atlanta on Monday night.
In reviewing the team’s Week 1 victory over the Steelers, Elway stressed the importance of the win because of the difficult schedule that lies ahead.
Denver opens up the season with three consecutive playoff teams from 2011. To start off by beating a 12-4 team from a year ago was extremely crucial to the 2012 season, Elway said.
“If we didn’t get off to a good start, who knows where we could have gone,” Elway said. “That’s why it was so important and exciting to be able to win that game.”
The performance of the Broncos’ new quarterback was also a topic of discussion. In his first game as a Bronco, Peyton Manning completed 19-of-26 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Manning finished with a quarterback rating of 129.2 — the highest rating by a quarterback in a Denver debut in team history.
Not only did he put his name in the Broncos record books, Manning also became the fastest quarterback to reach 400 touchdown passes and just the third QB to ever accomplish that feat.
“There were all the questions about Peyton that have been going on for six months, so it was very nice to finally get to the game and let everybody see what Peyton can do,” Elway said. “I think he showed that he still has a lot of football left in him and had a tremendous night. It was great for him, especially having that year off and the surgeries, everything he’s gone through and the hard work he’s put in. It was really gratifying for me to see Peyton come out and play like he wanted to play.”
Other topics of discussion in the podcast were the use of the no-huddle offense in Denver and among the rest of the NFL, the loss of defensive tackle Ty Warren to injured reserve and the solid performance of the offensive line.
“The offensive line did a tremendous job and gave Peyton time to throw the football,” Elway said. “Plus, we ran the ball pretty well. In the second half, we had some good chunks to keep the clock running and were able to move the ball. The offensive line continues to come together. They’re getting more used to Peyton and the way he does things.”
Elway also broke down the 71-yard touchdown from Manning to wideout Demaryius Thomas.
In the final portion of the podcast, Elway previewed the Broncos’ Week 2 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, which will air nationally on Monday Night Football. The Falcon’s offense hung 40 points on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.
“The best thing to do against a big offense is to hopefully stay on the field and score points when you get a chance, because you have to keep up with them,” Elway said.
“Hopefully, we can continue offensively. And defensively, if we can get some pressure on (quarterback) Matt (Ryan). That always seems to be the best pass defense, is get a good pass rush. The good thing is we have the ability to do that with our front four, and we’ll take strides this week after having that opener with Ben (Roethlisberger) and Pittsburgh last week.”
The next episode of Elway Access will air Tuesday after the Broncos return from Atlanta.
Tags: Atlanta Falcons, BroncosTV, Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway, Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 1, Week 2
So glad to leave a reply….Peyton was great Sunday night…live in Indianapolis and I am so hoping and wanting Peyton to go
to the Super Bowl !!! He is certainly on the right track….
That was certainly a great way to start the season. Elway is right, With Elvis on one side a Von on the other and Wolfe. WHEW I love the Broncos!!! Bring on the Falcons.
Our Run Defense must be on high alert….time to keep Wolfe on the edge with Ayers in b/w.. Mr.Mays, your time is up..pound Turner out of the game please. Put Ryan on his bum a few times Von and Doom.
Falcons 32 Broncos 29
I forgot about that. Peyton already made Broncos history. smh I love my team!!!!
Grew up in Littleton, have lived in Hawaii for 27 years and have not been this excited since the Elway era. Thank you everyone who got Peyton to Denver.
Peyton’s going to write alot more history for our Denver Broncos.
***Game Prediction Contest****
Broncos – 24
Falcons – 10
At this time I can’t see the Falcons planting anywhere near 20 pts. on this defense. Yes they have a good QB who is mobile and a few good receivers. But are they anywhere near as good as Pits receivers? I think not. I expect ATL to be shut down by the Denver secondary.
I just don’t think PM will have a lot of trouble finding the holes in ATL secondary.
I like your idea better than mine DaddyBronc!
So G.B. or da Bears?
THE BEARS!!!!!!!!!!
But, I’m biased…. Shhhhhhh. Don’t tell anyone! LOL Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall and Jeremy Bates…. And the Packers awful defense… Poor Aaron Rodgers, I don’t think eh has a chance. BUT division games are always different.
Have to disagree on that one Cat. Green Bay by 13. maybe
The Pack… Lol
Im sticking with the best defense.
Cutler opening his big mouth swayed my opinion and reinforced why I never liked him… Lol
But if the Beast wants to have a monstrous game, I’m all for it!!!
LOL… Aaron would’ve opened his big mouth too if he hadn’t been so stupid last week saying he’d wear an Alex Smith jersey. It’s all part of the game. But I’m still picking the bears,
Come on G.B.!
Altlanta prediction-
IN A SHOOTOUT . . . . Denver 34 Atlanta 30
The Orange Crush is back but will not do a lot of stopping this game.
I look for Decker to have two scores this game. PM targeted him several times vs. Pit but the timing was not quite right yet. Atlanta will be a different defense and will allow Decker more room.
Go Broncos
Can’t let the OUTSTANDING block by Zane Beadles go unnoticed on the DT touchdown. He hustled downfield must have been 20 yards to make the final block. Way to go Zane!
My neighbor is a GB fanatic. We are always arguing about whose team is bet. I won’t tell her I’m picking them this week.
LOL I hate Green Bay Bears games because I like both teams.
Zane Beadles…. From my town. I’m just a LITTLE proud of that guy!!!!
strand what happened to the results from last weeks score prediction?
Willis had a great block also. Coming from the opposite side to complete the block.
A little? ummmm. LOL
I`m not sure. I’m wondering the same thing. I did rather well. I don`t know if I’m in the running for points but I came real close if I didn’t. I’m curious.
Yeah I think I came close as well. Finally and no word now! I’m not making a prediction yet
Ok, not just a little!!!!! A LOT! LOL but it’s. OT every day a kid from Casper makes it big in the NFL… In fact, he’s the only one I’m aware of.
I like Baylinocrush’s formula for the contest much better. Turtle’s way is completely confusing. I don’t understand how it works at all. If it’s not broke don’t fix it. This new set up seems unfair to me. NOT COOL!!!!
Just having some fun with you Ticat. LOL
Wanting to make you laugh Bronco Bud! LOL
I deserve it. I’m a little passionate about my guys, Mitch and Zane.
In 5 minutes Altitude Sports is on with Dave Logan, Scott Hastings, Eddie Mac, and loud mouth Victor. My weekly fix. Laters!
You deserve to laugh. HaHaHaHa!!!
I miss Bay’s way as well bc we had the results right away.
Have fun Strand (;
Be back in 1 hour.
Don’t forget about my guy Peyton either. I’m a little obsessed with him…
Bay was on it big time. We were spoiled with his savvy business no nonsense way of things.
Strand, I’m just going to play the blog version…
hey guys, and gals. how is everyone doing. i am still pumped off that game. cant wait till monday.
Just got back from watching Summit Football on Altitude Sports Channel. Eddie Mac dubbed manning as THE MISTRO!!
I wonder why?! LOL
Dave Logan said watch for Willis McGahee to run the ball alot in this game to play keep away from the Falcons Offense. It was said that watch for Elvis Dumervil to have a more solid game this time around and set the tempo for our Defense. And it was also said that we need to stop the opponent on 3rd down to give our Defense some rest. Lastly, No Huddle, No Huddle, No Huddle!!
I`m so glad that you got to go and visit Mile High to watch your team. Great for you and your family Socal! Awesome experience!
Yes. Stopping the opponent on 3rd down is a great idea! Wonder why they didn’t try that against the Steelers…
I agree with you, DaddyBronc. I think Peyton will have his way with Atlanta’s secondary. Especially if the Broncos score early and take the crowd out of the game. If the defense can just keep ‘em down, this could be a huge road win.
Sorry I couldn’t stick around for the discussion. We are celebrating 13 years with our 8th child. My daughter and her husband are here. Good Times.
I think I like it when Lovie succeeds otherwise I don’t care anything about Bears and Packers except the desire to see good football.
Hello Broncos Country. I’m a Newbie to this blog site. Totally excited about this season with the addition of key players.
Certainly going to be a fun season watching the aerial attack take shape. I have three brothers who also love the AFC West. Unfortunately, they have allegiance to the other three teams (Go figure?). Lots of trash talking when we all get together. Anyway, as a loyal Bronco, I must put them in their place. I see Peyton again, show-casing his skills on Monday Night Football. This one to me is a no-brainer. GO BRONCOS !!!!
Welcome LakeArrowhead
thanks strand. it was experience that we will never forget. i am very excited for this season. so much to look forward for.
Welcome Lake Arrowhead!
Again – sorry to post and bail out of a good conversation.
I need to add that I think the greatest improvement we will see this week happens in JDR’s court. JDR has been hammering the good tackling fundamentals since he met this Bronco team. It showed all preseason. Then suddenly the Bronco defense comes up against BB who sheds db’s like…. How incredibly frustrating is that??? But they still got him 5 times and pressured him a lot more.
C’mon now!!! Anybody think babyface Ryan sheds lb’s and db’s like Big Ben does/did??? Anybody think Matt R. stretches a play and gains in accuracy as he is flushed out of the pocket like Rothlesburger???
My best guess is that ATL is heading into a very frustrating football game on Monday night. They are still a great football team and I doubt the Broncos get by with a whole lot. The team needs to play patient, disciplined, Peyton Manning football. It’s gonna come out allright.
(You know I’d rather be saying we need to play passionate, emotional, fired up football – but whatever….I won’t go there!!!)