For the past three weeks, the Broncos have tread a rocky road full of pot holes. Consecutive business trips to Kansas City, Arizona and Oakland all added losses to the team’s record.
But they have the luxury of spending the holidays at home. The team finishes their schedule with a two-game home stand, including a matchup with the Houston Texans on the day after Christmas.
Mario Haggan hopes to find a little Mile High magic in front of the home crowd.
“It would be great to come home in front of our fans right after the holidays and have some holiday cheer on Sunday and go out and play a great game,” Haggan said.
The linebacker said if the team wants to treat the fans to a positive performance, the players must pour all their focus into a sharp week of practice.
Interim Head Coach Eric Studesville gave his team a day off on Monday to recover and return to Dove Valley ready to work. The plan is to string together three crisp practices before a busy weekend.
Christmas comes on Saturday, and Haggan said game planning during the holidays is just “business as usual.”
“For guys that have been doing this as long as we have, we’re used to it,” he said. “Having to work around the holidays, that’s our job and that’s how we prepare.”
Jason Hunter said he will welcome a change on Sunday, when he won’t have to endure the jeers of another city’s fans.
The Broncos have compiled two-thirds of their win total at home, and they’ll host a Texans team used to 80-degree Decembers.
“It feels good to get back to INVESCO (Field at Mile High), get back here and feed off of some of the energy from the fans,” Hunter said. “We’ve been through some adversity, tough things have happened. But I think definitely winning these last two games would give everybody a good feeling leaving in January.”
CALLED UP
Stanley Daniels went from starting at the beginning of the year to being waived on Dec. 11, signed to the practice squad and now signed back to the active roster.
Studesville announced the move in his Wednesday press conference when he also told reporters that the team placed Spencer Larsen on injured reserve.
“Stanley has already started four games for us this year,” Studesville said. “So, as far as him being in the game at this point in time with two weeks to go, we felt at this point in time that was a better situation on the offensive line for us.”
The team filled Daniels’ spot on the practice squad with linebacker Dominic Douglas. The undrafted free agent from Mississippi State University spent time on St. Louis’ practice squad earlier in the season.
Studesville also addressed the issue of replacing Larsen, the only fullback on the roster.
He would not go into specifics, but Studesville said the coaches know they have players capable of stepping in as the lead blocking back.
“We are going to look at all the possibilities that we can,” Studesville said. “Do you replace him? No, because he has reps and time at that spot, but again we have cross-trained people to do similar things in our offense and we are going to look at what the best situation is, the plays that we want against Houston, that give us the best chance.”
After missing last week’s contest, Brian Dawkins, Kyle Orton and Demaryius Thomas all got back on the field in Wednesday’s practice. Dawkins (knee), Orton (ribs), Thomas (ankle), David Bruton (ribs) and Darcel McBath (quadricep) were all limited in practice. Knowshon Moreno (ribs) and Matt Prater (right groin) did not practice.
Daniel Coats (finger) and Eddie Royal (lower back) fully participated in practice.
For the Texans, LB Brian Cushing (knee/ankle/foot), TE Garrett Graham (hamstring), WR Andre Johnson (ankle) and K Neil Rackers (right hamstring) did not practice. T Duane Brown (shoulder), RB Arian Foster (hip) and QB Matt Schaub (right elbow) all fully participated in practice.
-Gabe Hiatt, DenverBroncos.com
Below are pictures from Wednesday’s practice:
Tags: 2010, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Jason Hunter, Mario Haggan, Spencer Larsen, Stanley Daniels
I am Surprised I did not tell all you guys “I Love you man” LOL
FTR
FTR, right back at you!
Broncfalls, thanks for the heads up on the DVD, but frankly with like 373 minutes of footage in that DVD I think I will find plenty to my liking and can skip some of the stuff I won’t like. Remember the disc came out in 2006 and it shows the Broncos history up to 2005, so it makes perfect sense to have a couple of the players from that latest era like Plummer and Lynch who went to the 2005 AFC Championship game in order to please all age groups. To our young fans those two are about as good as we had here then other than Wilson. And Merry Chritmas to you and your family!
BB&R, that’s exactly why I don’t want an O minded coach for the HC position, how on earth can you attract a highly quailified DC over here with arguably the down right worse D in the league, no front 7 to speak of, no leadership anyway, aging D overall, guys in trouble with the law, I mean it’s like taking over an asylum of sort, it’s going to be a mad job to fix it. So I won’t even go there attempting to answer your question. The only way we get that top notch guy who can righten the ship on D is to make one of the top DC our new HC, like Greg Williams, Spewell or Rivera and let them hire a DC of their choice, a “yes man” if you wish, like Phillips, who can execute the D the way they like to run it, Wink might even fit the bill in that case as TRB mentioned. To me that’s the only way to deal with this situation of having neglected this D for 5 years or so now, it’s so bad it’s not a rebuild job, it’s a new construction job! Going with an O minded HC will be going right back where we were two years ago and look at where that got us. Count me out of that option, the live and learn motto of mine would perfectly apply here. Only option for Kubiak to come here for me would be as OC, that’s it.
This is Krieger’s look at Orton’s demotion:
Strangely, it was left to Kyle Orton to announce that rookie Tim Tebow will be the Broncos’ starting quarterback for the rest of the season.
According to interim head coach Eric Studesville, Tebow started last week because Orton was injured and will start this week because of the uncertain state of Orton’s health.
According to Orton, he’s feeling better, expects to be ready to go Sunday and has been told it doesn’t matter.
“The way it was presented to me is that he’ll be the starter the rest of the season and that’s just how it goes,” Orton said Wednesday.
“I understand as an organization you’ve got a lot invested in first- round draft picks and you want to see them play, so that’s how it goes.”
Why the Broncos couldn’t have said as much publicly remains a mystery. No one would blink an eye at a 3-11 team deciding to take a look at a rookie quarterback. But Studesville has done an otherwise admirable job of handling a sticky situation all the way around.
I for one am getting very uneasy if not totally displeased about all this lack of transparency and honesty in our organization. You would think that after something like spygate2, doing things the right way, putting it out up front, being honest and forward with everybody, would be a major goal of the management, but no, ans so Orton is left to tell us himself that he has been truly demoted while management is telling us Tebow is playing because of Orton’s health. Quit the charade, do the right thing, be honest with your players and with the press and your fans, I believe we have all earned that, I mean we’re 3-11 and we are still here!
With all due respect, there is definitely a big need of influx of backbone at the top of this organization and Elway would be just the thing. Obviously the Ellis/Bowlen combination right now is not handling their coaches the way they should, if anyone could be told how to act properly it would be Studs, no guts no glory, definitely a troubling trend at Dove Valley in my opinion.
Here is to hope Elway, new GM, HC, OC and DC bring us what is lacking most now: AN ORGANIZATION WITH A STRONG BACKBONE WHO TELLS IT LIKE IT IS.
You want respect from your players and have everyone buying into the team concept and what the organization is trying to do, you got to earn it by starting being honest with them. Why do you think it’s the second year in a row the coaches lost the locker room…. It starts up top, the trickle down effect. What the heck is the hold up Elway?
Orton Airs Dirty Laundry……
“It wasn’t my decision. There was nothing I could do. The way it was presented to me was he’ll be the starter the rest of the season and that’s just how it goes”.
“(if) the organization wants to go a different way the rest of the year, then hey, that’s just how it is. If I’m back next year, my belief is I’m coming back as the starter.”
“Like I’ve said, I don’t think anything I’ve done with my play warrants anything other than that. But they’ve made the decision”, said Orton.
Those statements from Orton right there sound very, VERY, ME, ME, ME, ME….. Either he’s practicing for an opera or else he is acting deva-ish..
I think his words have exposed him as prideful and selfcentered. He puts himself above what is OBVIOUSLY best for the Broncos right now… His aim is not to help the Broncos succeed, but to help himself succeed…
Not to mention that he calls out the FRONT OFFICE in the media….? Even threatening that he wont come back next year unless he is the starter!!??
Did TT or BQ ever tell the media how dissapointed they were in the Team for not letting them play?? No, they both were very respectful of the Broncos mgmt and kept practicing hard and didn’t complain to the media.
Orton was the LEADER of the McDaniels led stagnant offense and should complain to himself for getting benched. He’s benched because he isn’t very good at football…
I think Mr KO needs to be shown the door before he starts complaining and whining in the locker room about not getting to play and then ends up making other players not happy to come to work again.
It’s bad enough that the rest of the team has to read it in the paper or hear about it on ESPN….
Orton is not acting like a TEAM player…..
Orton won’t be here next year because his 9 mil contract is like McNabb’s, not guaranteed, it’s a pay as you go contract, no way the Broncos will want to have a 9 mil back up QB, and Orton must know all that, I don’t blame him for not liking it, it will most likely cost him 9 mil, how would anyone like that? And who cares about team spirit right now anyway, 3-11 with the best hope being to lose two more games to get that #2 pick. Sounds like a personal OC vs Orton vendetta to me, LOL.
Well as a starter Orton is 5-19 since our fluke 6-0 start. All the stats in the world don’t mean crap when your win loss record looks like that. Orton, sorry bud, you might be putting up good numbers, but you aren’t making a difference Win loss wise. You had this coming. We all appreciate what you have done here and how you have faced adversity so well. Step aside and let Tebow have his moment. Don’t ruin your good reputation!!!
Technically I believe Orton is 5-18 since he didn’t start the Redskins game we lost last year, Simms did, anyway I think that’s how it works.
And he didn’t play last week so he is actually 5-17 since going 6-0.
He is looking better all the time! LOL.
Well Im off to the in laws so I wont be back till Monday go Broncos on Sunday and Merry Christmas to the Bronco Faith full
I think I can understand how Orton feels. I really don’t think we need to turn on him. We are all disappointed in the season but the blame can lay on numerous parts of the team more so than Orton. If Tebow is our man then Orton will have to go be a starter somewhere else. I have got to believe with his pay level he won’t be kept as a backup. Since the pay is not gurarenteed it will be easy to part company. I believe Quinn is under contract for another year or so and assume he will be the backup if Tebow gets hurt. That thought is scary. Anyway it will all play out in due time. I think the next HC needs to be someone who can run a team. I want him to be defensive minded and offensive minded. Why do they have to be one or the other? Hire the right cordinators and manage them. Ok my prediction will be Denver 31-27. I will never hope for our team to lose but if they do I will be less disappointed the next two games than normal. Use our first four picks next year on defense! (1,2,2,3)
WOW, imagine that danso and I kind of seeing eye to eye!!! Wonders never cease in Bronco Country! It must be that Christmas feeling in the air…
I just read a similar article about Orton’s demotion that had a couple of the same quotes by Orton. But the one I read also had some interesting quotes from Gary Kubiak about Tebow. Here’s what he had to say:
“You saw the energy of the football team pick up,” Kubiak said. “I’ve been very impressed.”
Then he went on to say:
“How (Tebow) played last week tells you that he was taking care of his business every week. He was staying ready to play, getting himself ready for his opportunity,” Kubiak said. “What you’re facing is another back back there, that’s very capable of beating you with his legs as well as his arm.”
With all the speculation about Kubiak returning to Denver I’ve been curious to see what he thinks of Tebow because let’s face it, if he’s not a Tebow fan he’s not going to end up here. To me those comments sound like Kubiak is indeed a Tebow fan. Just thought it was interesting. It’s starting to sound like a good fit having Kubiak groom Tebow, whether it be as HC or OC. Of course, he still has to lose his job in Houston first.
Well, I’ve said my peace about Kubiak as HC so I got nothing to add. But Kubiak as OC I can definitely be on board with that.
Orton is definitely justified in feeling frustrated. I don’t really blame him for his words. To me it’s obvious he doesn’t want to be back but to be honest I never thought he would be. When he signed that contract extension I immediately assumed that it was so he could be traded for picks in the offseason. McD or no McD, I don’t think he was ever in the long term plans. I like him as a person and respect his abilities, but he’s never going to be the kind of QB that can carry his team on his back. He’ll probably be a journeyman that will go to many different teams throughout his career and start for a year or two while a franchise QB is developed. Personally I wish him the best.
Yeah, I’m not the biggest fan of Kubiak for HC either, but I do think it could work if the front office and coaching staff were constructed the right way. I’ll just say this. If he did become the next HC, I wouldn’t be worried about my team’s coach acting like a child on the sidelines and in press conferences. That would be at least one improvement to look forward to.
Tim Tebow cares about TEAM SPIRIT right now……
Therefore, so do I!!!
ILMSDB!!!!!
bay,
I thought you wanted to see TT play the rest of the year?
Maybe I’m reading you wrong?
Bay-I see eye to eye with you much more than I disagree. I read nearly every post but don’t comment very often. Merry Christmas to all and a much better New Year!
Obviously you must be joking OC to even ask that! Of course I’ve been screaming for it for weeks, but that has nothing to do with Orton being disappointed. Let’s be clear the Orton era is over, the Tebow era has begun, but that doesn’t make Orton a bad guy just because he is upset at the concept of losing 9 mil….
Nice to know danso, it’s just that you usually address me only when you disagree so you can see where I come from… Anyway Merry Christmas to you too and your family.
I love you guys!
FTR
Bay-No sense addressing you when I agree-would go right to your head
Hey Broncos Country!
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Enjoy the game Sunday
Texans 31 Broncos 28
Lose out! Get a top pick and use it on DEFENSE! WOOHOO!
Go Broncos in 2011!
I agree that Kubiak should not be HC but OC. If he hasn’t got the humility to be downgraded he should look at Mike Tice who went from HC of the Vikes to O-Line coach at the Bears.
I am looking for Gruden as HC because he has the necessary charisma for a top team like the Broncos and should get on well with Elway and Tebow. That leaves us needing a top flight DC with a 4-3 system.
Obviously with Kubiak here this week we need to take account of the fact that this could be like a big game interview for the job. Then there is the Tebow factor and whether they let him play, so a prediction is not easy. I will take the Broncos to win 31 to 21.
Alright guys,I am now an official Tim Tebow supporter,I just bought an authentic Tebow orange jersey,and it is FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
I really thought about buying a Doom jersey,but after the gutsy performance Tebow showed Sunday,I changed my mind.Tebow is the leader we been missing from our Offense since Elway.IMO.
How could any Bronco fan not want a Tebow alternate orange jersey?
ITS SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!
crazy,Tebow will start the Houston game!
Broncos 27
Texans 34
Man everyone thinks Kubiak will be the head coach…its soo crazy…I mean when people are asking u befor eu are even fired or hired that have u heard speculations of this…and what do you think about tebow and blah blah blah…its like you are firing the man before he is gone…plus Bill Cower being interested and talk about saying good bye to your job lol. There is not Dennison without Kubiak…only reason Dennison stayed with us last year under mcd was because Shanny wasn’t working anywhere else…once shanny got a job and took kyle shanny with him from Houston…there was a opening for Kubiak…Theres no dennison in denver without Kubiak so we need kubiak. Kubiak, Dennison, Nolan would be both a dream and cost effective….
Oh yea…Broncos 27 Houston 20.
TRB,well said bro!
this whole thing about the last two games isnt about tebow or orton its about MONEY who is going to fill the seats the last two games. chances are the broncos arent going to win either one of those games no matter who is the QB but Bowlen wants to make sure he has a full house i dont blame him either it is about MONEY MERRY CHRISTMAS
I’ll be the 1st to admit we need a Defensive overhaul,but let’s not forget about our Offense,we need a ground game,and like it or not Kubiak and Dennison could put our Offense back to where it once was,we need a good DC.If we hire a Defensive minded coach,sure our Defense should improve,but if we don’t get somebody in here on Offense that will help with Tebow,and the running game,we will be one sided as well.So I don’t think Kubiak as our HC is a bad idea,I can live with it,as ong as we get a good DC,and draft some good Defensive players.
Tebow is built for our old offense. All the bootlegs that can get him in space throwing on the move or tucking it down and running. The zone blocking will bring the run game back and make the play action even more deadly. So I’m ok with Kubiak as well but only if he is handcuffed on making the personell decisions and we get a nasty dc.
I think John Fox or Mike Singletary either one could turn our Defense around.Assuming they both get fired,but I am a betting man,and I’m pretty sure they both will.
Lets not forget…Kubiak drafted no first round bust…especially on D fron 7. Both Mario Williams and Brian Cushings are beasting…I would like a Defensive minded HC…but I am all for kubiak as well.
BFE,
What I meant to say is that I do not know whether our coaches will let Tebow play an expansive game his way or whether they are going to rein him in. I am hoping they have learned from their mistakes against the Raiders and will let him try and win the game.
My prediction of a Broncos win is based on them letting Tebow off the leash.
On the other hand the powers that be may not want to win because they are aiming for the highest possible draft position.
Bring back the Broncos of old where we played to win the Super Bowl, not this loserville position we have been left with by McDaniels.
Crazy,gotcha TAKE THE CHAINS OFF T-BONE,AND UNLEASH THE BEAST!
TBR is darn right! That front 7 of Houston is tough as a rock! I just realized about Kubiak was a major part of that, thanx TBR!
That’s what we need and a SS as well!
All D with the very 4/5 picks then get a competent TE…
Fire Ellis & Xanders and hire Elway.
Let Elway find a new GM that actually knows NFL talent.
And let Elway choose a new defensive minded coach so that we can get back to the of the Orange Crush instead of this Orange Mush!
Cowher gets my vote!