3
Safety Brian Dawkins notched his 26th career sack and 36th career forced fumble when he strip-sacked Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder on Sunday. That play moved him into third place all-time in forced fumbles (since the statistic was tracked, starting in 1994). He also ranks third all-time among defensive backs in career sacks.
3
Kicker Matt Prater kicked his third game-winning field goal in overtime or as time expired on the road this season. He is the first player to accomplish that feat since Carolina’s John Kasay, who did so in 2003 — the Panthers’ Super Bowl season under Head Coach John Fox.
5
Sunday’s 35-32 comeback win at Minnesota marked the fifth consecutive road win for the Broncos. That ties for the second-longest road winning streak in team history. The club also won five straight on the road in 1984 and ’98.
5.8
Quarterback Tim Tebow and running back Willis McGahee rank second and third, respectively in yards per carry in the second half and overtime this season. Tebow has 51 attempts for 298 (5.84 avg.) and McGahee has carried 84 times for 488 yards (5.81 avg.) in the second half and overtime this season.
6
McGahee notched his sixth 100-yard rushing game of the season, finishing with 111 yards on 20 carries (5.6 avg.) against the Vikings. He is tied with Buffalo’s Fred Jackson for the most 100-yard games in the NFL this season.
8
Linebacker Mario Haggan became the eighth player to lead the team in tackles in a game this season. Haggan finished with 12 tackles (7 solo), including a game-high three tackles for a loss, along with an interception returned 16 yards for a touchdown. The interception was the first of his nine-year career.
36.0
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas registered a career-best 144 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions (36 yards per catch). The 36.0 average marked the fourth-highest figure in franchise history (min. 4 catches) and the highest since Steve Watson (36.4 avg.) in 1981.
48.8
Punter Britton Colquitt registered the second highest single-game net punting average (48.8 yards) in the NFL this season (min. 6 punts). Colquitt also owns the top single-game mark this season with his 51.0 net against Cincinnati in Week 2.
3,547
Colquitt has punted for a total of 3,547 yards and Prater has kicked off for 3,547 yards thus far in 2011.
-Stuart Zaas
Tags: Inside the Numbers
Couple reposts
TRB I loathe the Steelers with a passion! Elite team but also Elitely dirty! They have cleaned up a lot but I still really dislike them and would hold no greater pleasure then to knock them out of the playoffs. I remember that game the reversal of the Willie Parker fumble turned that game around otherwise we would be having very different disscussions right now.
All this Debate about Tebow and how or why he does what he does. Tebow is who he is on and off the field because of his passion and faith plain and simple. Critics have hounded him his entire career dating back to college and he has never been affected by it in anyway. He has always believed in himself and has been a winner everywhere he goes. He gives his lord and savior credit after every game because it is his faith that drives him along with his passion. It does not matter whether we say kind words or negative ones about Tebow on this blog because he is not driven by us again. I’m not as religious as TRB or DB but I at least can tell that what makes Tim Tebow the man he is is his rock solid foundation in his faith that won’t waver from a critic saying he is not a QB or a fan yelling he is the man… I hope that all made sense
Wow Colquitt and Prater kcking the same exact yards
The player I`m happy for is D. Thomas. He earned his paycheck this week.
Predicting a 21-13 Broncos win against the Bears.
Optimistic-realistic view has Denver going 3-1 to finish, Oakland going 1-3 to finish. Realist-realistic view has both going 2-2. You can never count on an AFC West team to lose a game that they should lose, or win a game they should win.
I could be way off base but my guess is that the Bears won`t get a single TD against our D. The couldn`t get a TD at Soldier field.
Yea LAX, I really don’t like the steelers and year Timmy doesn’t waver for anyone … and I respect that … and as much as others may not like his “super” faith … im sure they respect it too because no one likes a person who is wish washy on what they supposedly strongly believe. If all it takes is a few critics to make you waver then it must not be that important to u. Its funny because theres a verse in the bible that says “be either hot or cold, for if you are warm I will spue you out of my mouth” … or something to the effect lol. And ill leave it at that because politics and religion don’t do to well on the blogs and I aint trying to take anyone to church lol. TRB
Broncos – 20
Bears – 6
TRB
A blogger who is paying attention, thanks for the clarity on your prediction post TRB, much appreciated, it sticks out that way so I can’t miss it, everyone ought to do the same.
Np Bay. Its hard enough keeping track. Gotta make i easy for u some how.
TRB
BRONCOS 19
cubs 9
BTW, the pic above of Allen tracking down Tebow without a helmet is priceless.
Was that on his way to the so-called “fumble”?
I think the Bears D will still be tough.
Bears: 12
Broncos: 20
i wish tebow woulda put a shoulder into allans chops on that play.
Yea pic is pretty awesome … when I first saw it something looked out of the ordinary … its rare u ever see a player on the field of play without his helmet. I suppose the play only stops when an offensive player loses his helmet. Not a fan of the rule but i understand the safety … good thing it doesn’t apply to defense as well. TRB
TRB….my son has a 8×10 autographed photo of Jason Witten running down the field with his helmet off,live game photo too,pretty cool photo!!!!!!
He’s not a Cowboys fan,just went to a football camp that Jason Witten (a Tenn. native) runs every year about 100 miles from where we live!
Maybe Mr. Zaas would be willing to respond – or others who may have read and know something. It sounded like there was some sort of appeal or clarification supposed to happen concerning the double time-out, and this issue with the ground not being able to cause a fumble.
It looked clear to me that Tebow set the ball on the ground and walked away – him believing he had full control of the ball until he let go of it when the ball contacted the ground. Needing the knee as well? Never heard of that?
Seems as if Tebow – the commentating crew – and us – all need an explanation.
I find it very irritating when the officiating takes center stage in a game – seems to be getting crazier –
Could we deregulate??? LOL
I missed the first half so I am unaware. But im interested to see that fumble after what you just said. TRB
Since it was called a fumble live, it remained that way after the replay because there was nothing conclusive enough to turn the call over, if it had been called the other way it would of stood just as well, it’s one of those instances when the ball on the ground starts becoming loose as soon as Tebow’s knee hits the ground, it’s like simultaneous.
And I did not see it like that at all daddybronc, to me Tebow is putting the ball down on the ground to keep his balance as he is going down.
I just saw the play … totally looked like the ground forced the fumble but I guess when he had started losing possesion neither his wrist or knee was down yet … it was prett close tho …. but im not sure if the ball touching the ground is equivalent to a knee and means u are down … that would make sense since the ground can’t force a fumble. Im interested in the explanation as well DB. Lotta calls went against us that game and we could lsot … so happy we didn’t. TRB
The leaving the ball on the ground thing was clarified last year on the TD that was nullified, you must posess it all the way through the play, specially when you are the subject of a tackle pursuit like Tebow was, no way that play was anywhere close to being over, just saying.
That’s a picture perfect example of Tebow’s disciples believing he can do no wrong, LOL.
It’s not orange kool-aid anymore, it’s Tebownade, haha.
It is one of those issues that the NFL does need to clarify – I suggest going back to college rules.
For example : in the NFL, if a player trips on his own, and gets back up prior to being downed by the opposing team – play continues. And yet – if the QB takes a knee – the play ends – QB does not have to be touched.
Then we see players stumble for ten yards after contact – they are still down – knee – elbow – etc.
They say that the ground cannot force a fumble – but is that not exactly what the officials called? To me it was clear that Tebow controlled the ball until contact with the ground. The knee was still 2 inches up. But the knee was not the issue. Play should have been dead when the ball touched the ground. The issue should have been – did the ball move in Tebow’s hand prior to contact with the ground. That issue wasn’t even disputed – the officiating crew brought up some nonsense having to do with the knee. Urghh!!!
I know – I’m a Tebow disciple – He can do no wrong!!! LOL
If life gives you Tebow, make some Tebownade….
Haha – I was typing and didn’t see Bay’s post till after mine posted.
daddybronc: Here is what Coach Fox had to say about those plays in question yesterday:
On Tebow’s Fumble: “The rule on that is that supposedly the ground can’t cause a fumble but with the ball it can, so they ruled it that the ball was loose before his knee hit the ground.”
On the Vikings’ Timeouts: “We’re looking into that. We’re getting an interpretation of that (from the league).”
At least you know who you are! LOL.
“The rule on that is that supposedly the ground can’t cause a fumble but with the ball it can”
Fox, what does that mean?????? LMAO!
I mean im not trying to say it wasn’t … and really doesn’t have to do with being a disciple for me. I just don’t understand. Even after you just explained it. I’ve not been exposed to the game as much as u have could be the reason. But I thought he possessed it all the way down, wasn’t moving around in his hand, and the ground forced the fumble … sure he might have tried to use it to balance but his wrist and knee hit the ground immediately after so does that constitute play close to being over? cuz if he didn’t fumble the knee and wrist woulda ended the play … I am watchign it now on NFL.com which is why I am asking … didn’t see the game but I am watchign it in many angles on there. TRB
Whatever was called on the field had to stand because of no sufficient evidence to reverse the call, they showed the replay at least 6 times and even after that I couldn’t tell, so blame the call on the field not the replay.
Well i guess i understand now stuart .. i think … the ground can’t force a fumble but the ball was loose before his knee hit the ground because the ground made it loose which was what left me lost but its irrelevant at this point i suppsoe
Well that sounds more like it … the “No indisputable evidence” thing.
Thank you Mr. Zaas – I’m glad you inserted the supposedly – seems a bit illogical to me. Now we are trying to see whether the ball or the body contacts the ground first? I mean how many times have we seen the officials go under the hood to eval whether or not the ball is moving prior to contact with the ground when a player clearly lands on top of the ball? Oh well – I’ve never claimed to be too football smart.
lol Bay @ the 1:16 post … thats exactly what I am questioning lol.
BTW, that wasn’t Stuart explaining it, it was Fox.
Fox can coach but maybe he should refer to Pereira about explaining the rules, LOL.
Bay – just remember – I expect the controversy, adversity, losses to Lions. Tebow needs those things because he responds to them – even feeds off of them. Tebow is going to do wrong – just expect him to deal with it in the right way.
(I wouldn’t even be surprised to see him lose his cool. Wouldn’t that make headlines!!! LOL but then…he will make a public apology and take personal responsibility. Ho Hum…)
That’s why it’s arguably the best thing Elway hasn’t named him starter long term yet.
Fuel his fire!
You never saw me get in that debate – I just like seeing Elway in trouble with the fans! LOL
What’s this world coming to?
i think that fumble was confusing and a tuff call to make but a call that isnt tuff to call was that facemask on our kick return this is two weeks in a row that a face mask was not called the other one being tebow getting taken down by his mask last week.
i agree bay that elway is hasnt named tebow starter long term so tebow continues to shine to prove his worth.
A new generation of Bronco fans, that’s what it’s coming to, and most the time they’re losing me, LOL, generation gap…
I agree that Elway has chosen his words carefully and simply stated that he doesn’t know. He hasn’t said ‘no’ to Tebow (I do think that Elway hopes that Tebow is the guy to break everyone of his records – and that he is all for Tebow – just hedging his bets publically.) Nor are they (EFX) going all in on Tebow, yet – (Unwise to speculate on the draft until after the post-season).
I do think that some bloggers are missing the point that there are different types of players that benefit certain types of play. EFX has to make a decision at some point as the offensive line can be beefed up to support Tebow’s type of play.
It brings up the points: How many offensive plays can be called in a game? How many different looks are needed to confuse the defense? How many different offensive plays can a team perfect before encountering diminishing returns?
Looks to me that the Broncos offensive line was already better suited to Tebow than to…. LOL
I think an option QB that has versatile skills like Tebow, who can learn and run a Tebow offense, is the right back-up for Tebow.
I’m just hoping the next four games prove to everyone that this offense can score – consistently. (um-the post season as well!!! LOL – who woulda thunk it!)
Before seasons end we`ll see a fumble like what happened with Tebow against the opposition and of course the refs will call it the other way. You can`t fool me. Besides, we won the game.
Here, I’ll do my prediction the way Bay wants:
Broncos- 21
Bears- 13
You’re right, bay, I haven’t been paying attention; college is nuts. Not much time.
It’s fine MANIAC, it’s just some bloggers hide it in their comments so well I could easily miss it and then they’re bummed. You have to remember over the season I have to collect over a thousand predictions rummaging through thousands of posts.
I know there are tons of predictions; I just wanted to explain. An idea to make it easier though- have each blogger paste a certain string of text that wouldn’t otherwise be used (say, “xxPredictionxx” for instance) when they are making a prediction. Then you can just ctrl+F search each page for that string of text and find each prediction that way. Just an idea.
If it would be that easy…. new bloggers come left and right every week and trying to catch everyone and tell them to do things a certain way would be more work than me looking for the predictions, but that’s ok, all I ask is just a little consideration and for bloggers not to hide their picks in the middle of some of their books.