This Sunday’s regular-season finale between the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos pits two division rivals against each other for the second time this season as they ring in the new year.
In any season, that’s enough to get the blood flowing and adrenaline pumping as the players gear up for the contest throughout the week.
Except this time, it means much more.
Not only are the Broncos going against the Chiefs for the 103rd time in the regular season — only the Chargers have played more regular season games against the Broncos with 104 — but they’ll be going against their former starting quarterback from the first half of this season with a playoff spot on the line.
“At the end of the day it comes down to beating the man across from you and us executing well,” Defensive end Robert Ayers said. “That’s about it. He [QB Kyle Orton] does know us, but we feel like we know the Chiefs, too. It’s a division team, and with all the scouting reports and all the stuff that helps us know the other team, that’s what we’re supposed to do.”
But Ayers was quick to play down the hype regarding his former teammate.
“It’s going to be fun as it always is, but I’m not going to think too much into this whole Kyle Orton thing,” Ayers said. “We’re fighting for something that’s big, and we want to go to the playoffs. That’s all I’m focusing on.”
Ayers’ current teammates have also downplayed any notion that Orton and the Chiefs have an advantage because of his time in Denver and familiarity with the offense playbook and defensive players. A lot has changed since the Broncos waived the veteran quarterback, and any insights Orton can give the Chiefs will be negated by the fact the Broncos defense went against him — in practice every day — more than anybody this year.
“(Orton’s possible advantage) is about as equal as it will be for our defense having practiced against Kyle.,” Head Coach John Fox said.
In the end, the game will be played by more than just one person. As Fox and the players have been saying all week, it’ll come down to the Denver Broncos against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Several Broncos players might catch up with their former teammate on the field before the game, but once the clock starts, the Broncos will be focused on winning and making the playoffs.
“You can know everybody all you want, but once you get hit in the mouth on the first play, all that goes out the window,” Elvis Dumervil said.
CHAMP BAILEY NAMED RECIPIENT OF GOOD GUY AWARD
One day after being named to the Pro Bowl, cornerback Champ Bailey received another honor, as he was named the fifth-annual Darrent Williams Good Guy Award recipient.
The award is named after Williams, a former Bronco, who passed away on Jan. 1, 2007 after completing his second year with the team. The recipient is chosen by members of the local media, who give the award to the person that best exemplifies Williams’ enthusiasm, cooperation and honesty while dealing with members of the press.
Bailey will receive the award after Thursday’s practice. Previous award winners are: Mario Haggan (2010), Elvis Dumervil (2009), Ebenezer Ekuban (2008) and John Lynch (2007).
STATISTICAL CHANGE FROM SUNDAY’S GAME
The NFL announced a statistical change on quarterback Tim Tebow’s second interception that was returned for a touchdown Sunday by Bills defensive end Spencer Johnson.
At the time, the play that occurred with 7:55 left in the fourth quarter was ruled as an interception. However, it has now been changed to a sack-fumble.
INJURY REPORT
Here is Wednesday’s injury report.
For the Broncos:
DID NOT PRACTICE: Safety Brian Dawkins (neck).
LIMITED: Safety David Bruton (Achilles), cornerback Chris Harris (neck).
FULL: Safety Quinton Carter (hip), linebacker Von Miller (thumb).
For the Chiefs:
DID NOT PRACTICE: Running back Jackie Battle (foot).
LIMITED: Safety John McGraw (ankle).
Below are some photos from Wednesday’s practice.
-Kenny Legan
Tags: Kansas City Chiefs, Kyle Orton, Week 17
Theres too much money in the Bowl System for it too change… the powers that be don’t care who the best team is, they simply want to make as many advertising dollars as they can…
BCS= BRING CASH SUCKERS
Big Cash Sellouts… either way… Greed is everywhere…
Nah. I take blog comments with a grain of salt. I look back on some of my comments and they sound worse than how I meant them. I try to keep disagreements respectful, but we all can sometimes get a little aggressive.. Passion is a good thing and I much prefer those debates that full of just that. Then we move on! We are all bronco country and share a love of the broncos and that guarantees I like everyone here no matter what!!!
And the “Superbowle bound Jets” won’t make it because Ryan’s mouth. LMAO!
Ya the bowl system can’t possibly make it much longer. Literally NO ONE likes it. Surely that’s enough to get it changed….
LOL – that’s usually the answer so I’d guess that’s the story.
On the other hand – fans like myself won’t be planning to watch many games because they are meaningless.
The only college ball I find myself interested in is to go look at a player. Usually it is a player that someone on this blog has said they like.
I feel the same way… I don’t like the Bowl Season, but it is fun to see some of the future NFL Players…
Denver has a really good chance to win this game… as we have all discussed the secondary is the key… Hopefully being selected to the Pro Bowl will light a fire under Miller and he can lay wood on Orton…
So, they changed the stat on Tebow, now instead of a pick sick it was a sack fumble return TD… Little difference, a turnover is a turnover and the clarification doesn’t make me feel any better
Don’t you wish officiating would go back and change bad decisions that matter?!!!
Redo the game – from the point of the ZEBRA bad call!!! 1st and 10.
Excuse me! not 1st and ten – we’d have the ball for the extra point kick and the Kick off! LOL
I’m def a college fb fanatic. Love it. The kids play for pride and passion mostly and play their hearts out. That’s why I love the draft so much, because the 2 sports i love so much come together. It’s great. I can talk draft all year.
And you do !!! LOL
The draft is totally next year for me.
O ya! Good point!!
I have to admit that sometimes the talent is more on display in college FB. A lot less discipline and they get by with stuff that is very entertaining.
The biggest key to this game IMO is keeping pressure on Neck Beard. As we have all witnessed, he is an accurate passer and effective QB when he has time in the pocket. When there is an ounce of pressure he crumbles. If we can turn the heat up a notch we should win this game hands down. Even if our offense if ineffective, we can keep their offense ineffective with pressure. With Kyle at the helm under pressure, 12 points is enough to beat this team. Champ can shut down Bowe, and their second biggest weapon IMO is McCluster. Reminds me of a Spiller or a Bush actually (but not as good). Keep the pressure up, and tackle their running backs and we should win this game. Their defense is tough, but we can pound away for the W.
Anyone here a hockey fan? That 24/7 Flyers/Rangers on HBO is great!
Don’t communist play that game? LOL J/K
My wife thinks she is a sports widow with only one sport. I have to discipline myself to keep to football.
Don’t really follow a hockey team, but I grew up playing it.. Hands down the most fun sport to play, so fast, and everyone’s lock on the ice.. Lol
Yup DB I’m the same as far as watching college ball, I put myself in a scouts position to try and see a young players strengths and weaknesses. I just watch players. Through my eyes it’s a big talent show come bowl time.
Running out of bounds is not an option.. If Tebow grew up in Colorado, I bet he would’ve been in the NHL right now
Back to football, haven’t really heard anyone worried about the KC run game.. Battle is most likely out, but they still have TJones, McCluster, and McClain.. With shaky safety play right now, I hope those ugly HR type plays don’t happen
I also wonder if KC will run a little no huddle on Sunday..
tebow couldnt play hockey because every second word out of a nhl players mouth is a f bomb and after the game all they do is drink beer. Part of the hockey culture. Awesome sport. Ultimate team sport. Even if u dont drink, u still sit there with a beer in youre hand. Its why in the nhl some teams have great road records because they play as a team and party as a team
Good point, a young Tebow would’ve been eaten alive in the hockey locker room.. Lol
Who’s your team cbf?
hey a sport is a sport maybe some guys want to go out with him after the game and he cant or won”t. great players get together all the time at someones house, have a beer, supper,meet the wife, and figure it out. Some things are done in sports without practice,media,or coaches
THE WINNIPEG JETS, got them back man. Cried twice in my sporting life. We lost the JETS and we beat the pack
Well, I certainly hope the home schooling hasn’t made him not wanting to hang out with his mates.. Could explain the lack of chemistry at times
Nice! Glad they’re back, never should have left IMO.. Hope Canada doesn’t hold a grudge with CO for the Nordiques.. Love the sport but left Denver before they came to Denver.. I pull for the Rangers mostly, but like all original teams, the over expansion blew chunks.. Lol
OT – the home education = poor socialization theory has been proven to be a bunch of huey. Home Schooling makes children into leaders and they almost always excel – with exceptions based on both the child and the parent/ teacher. I don’t buy that one at all.
OTOH – Tebow is not one to get shot in a barroom brawl. I’m pretty certain he won’t be there.
Hockey in Phoenix… Really??
with his non football commitmints, thinking that dosent happen
dont worry most of canada hates quebec
So…my son just called saying we won both games on our double-header tonight. Not only that -we 15 run ruled both teams – and I wasn’t there!!!
Have I just been Ortoned?!!! Am I the team Eeyore??? Was I our teams ‘best chance to win’???
Oh my! Where is my KC!!! LOL
I’ve been to Toronto and Montreal, and got Vancouver on the docket.. Good times, love Canada
Non Football Commitments? The only thing Tebow enjoys more than Jeebus is Football… He LIVES FOOTBALL… it is his release and place to let the darkness of human emotion manifest… I really believe that winning is therapeutic in that way and it is Tebow’s Drug of Choice…
Daddy, time for a In n Out Burger to calm the sences and heal your back. LOL
db if you dont run the team or the beer guy youre in trouble lol
Db – idk much about home schooling, I trust your opinion. Just trying to find a potential explanation for the lack of chemistry with his WR’s.. Maybe he Just needs the adversity to excel.. We’ll find out on Sunday, I say he pulls it out, but it won’t be One for the mantle… Lol
bt when some of the fellows go to someones house for food and drinks after a game, do u think hes invited
I have a feeling of Comfort about Sunday… One or two bounces will decide the difference as in most NFL games so I really believe that this is the time for us to Rise up and Take advantage!!!
B-R-O-N-C-O-S BRONCOS BRONCOS BRONCOS!!!
I think that there are enough non-drinkers in football (especially during the season) that the beer issue is a non-issue. Besides, Dawkins has been an outspoken Christian on this team for a long time. -and there are others. In fact, there has been strong outspoken Christians on the Broncos as long as I have been a fan and that goes back to 1982.
I do think he is invited, and I think he goes… his teammates all love him, and I don’t see or here any reports that say he is anti-social off the field…
I want to see him on TMZ lol
Daddy, if there is one thing we don’t have to worry about, the locker room chemistry is it.
I understand these last two games have been difficult to watch (and digest what went wrong), but that doesnt erase what has been accomplished since the Miami comeback, the 6 game win streak and these last two losses. We are a young team. With some Vets at key positions. If anything, it’s that chemistry that has led us to the brink of an AFC West title. It’s that chemistry that will be on the field come Sunday. And win or lose, we have plenty to build off of with a very bright future for our beloved Broncos…
But first things first. And this season is far from over. My suspicion is it will be extended by a playoff berth. Just think of the Chemistry once that IS accomplished…
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!
Football in general has very strong ties to Christianity, partly due to its southern roots, but I wouldn’t say the Broncos have more so than other teams, pre-Tebow (p.T.) of course… Lol
In no way, shape or form do I endorse benching Von Miller. Let him start. Let him play. Let him become THE guy.
He understands what is expected of him. I’m sure he will bounce back. I’m certain he will have a major impact in this upcoming game!
Bench a rookie, pro bowler? Only if there is a hall of famer behind him…
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!
Sndvl – I like the way you think!
OT – right! I certainly wasn’t trying to indicate that the Broncos had a corner on Christians in football. (Though as I think about it – the Rangers sure did a couple of seasons ago – made a heck of a run at the pennant that year too.) Hmmm!
I haven’t even came close to getting on the game score prediction board. And I lost out on my season record prediction. It has been a crazy year. I’m still enjoying the ride!
Den- 34
KC- 15
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!