In Sunday’s win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the offensive line took pride in its performance.
Tim Tebow wasn’t sacked, the offense picked up 131 yards on the ground and the unit did it without one of its leaders.
“We miss Kup (Chris Kuper) terribly,” said Russ Hochstein, who took over Kuper’s right guard spot. “He was a phenomenal leader here and we miss him a lot. We wish (the injury) wouldn’t have happened, but I just have tried to step in and play the role that I’m supposed to and that’s to help out in situations like this. I’m just trying to play the best I can, trying to play mistake-free and help the guys out on both sides of me.”
Head Coach John Fox said Hochstein did “a great job” doing just that, and Willis McGahee agreed.
“Russ did an awesome job filling in for Kuper,” McGahee said Monday. “I don’t think there was really a dropoff even though Kuper is a big part of our offense.”
Part of that can be attributed to Hochstein’s experience.
The 11-year veteran has now started 42 games at five different positions during his NFL career, all of which have come in Denver and New England, though he started his career in Tampa Bay.
He was part of New England’s back-to-back Super Bowl-champion teams in 2003 and 2004, and played in all 16 games during the Patriots’ 16-0 season that led to a Super Bowl XLII berth.
That gives him a unique perspective on the Broncos’ opponent in the Divisional round of the AFC playoffs this Saturday.
“It will always be a great memory for me, no doubt,” Hochstein said of playing for the Patriots. “I was part of some great runs and great memories and I still have a few friends that play there. I have great memories and that will never go away – you can never take that away from me. But we’re here now and we’re trying to make them here.”
Hochstein described New England as a “very well-coached, disciplined team,” and pointed to the AFC East champion’s 13-3 record this season as proof.
While Hochstein didn’t want to compare the two teams, particularly New England quarterback Tom Brady and Broncos signal caller Tim Tebow — “apples and oranges,” he said — he did mention a few similarities.
“They are both good players and good leaders and both will find a way to win no matter what they can do,” he said. “(Brady) always has charge (of the huddle) and Tim always has charge. Never be too high and never be too low. Good quarterbacks have that.”
This week, Hochstein — like the rest of the team — is looking to bounce back from the team’s Week 15 loss to the Patriots.
“First and foremost, we got beat,” he said. “We have things we need to correct and fix and we’re currently working on those. We’ll do our best to run the ball efficiently, pass when need be and do what we have to do.”
DISCIPLINED DEFENSE
While Hochstein covered the offense, Quinton Carter talked about what the Broncos need to do on the defensive side of the ball to come away with a win this Saturday.
“If you watch film, there were a lot of big catches and guys wide open with nobody defending them,” Carter said of the Week 15 loss. “We have to play smart and can’t make mistakes. That’s the biggest thing. We can’t make mistakes against that team because they capitalize.”
Carter said a “busted coverage” and some missed tackles helped New England tight end Aaron Hernandez rack up 129 yards and a touchdown in the previous meeting, and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco found the end zone for New England’s first points with no Broncos defender in sight.
Those are things the rookie safety said the defense is working on extensively this week.
“We’re emphasizing that,” Carter said of sure tackling. “That’s something that needs to be played to the fullest. In the game, we have to really concentrate on that. So we’re focused on that at practice.”
As far as blown coverages, Carter said that Brady has a propensity to lead safeties astray with his eyes. While the secondary can occasionally follow his eyes to “go take a risk here and there (and) make a play,” the defensive backs can’t go outside the scheme.
“You just have to be disciplined in coverage,” he said. “Just don’t try to make the play if it’s in the area of the field that you’re not covering. Just be disciplined.”
Linebacker Wesley Woodyard echoed that sentiment.
“Brady, he’s a really smart quarterback and the thing he does is check audibles at the line,” he said. “You can’t be prepared for it, you just have to do your best to make sure you are down the field and make sure you’re in the right places and doing your job.”
TEST VS. AFC’S BEST
The New England Patriots are the No. 1 seed in the AFC for a reason, as the Broncos can personally attest.
But that doesn’t mean the Broncos are doubting themselves in advance of their opportunity Saturday in Foxborough, Mass.
“We’re confident, but not basically because of that (Week 15) game but because of the way our season has gone and where we’re at,” Head Coach John Fox said. “It’s a huge test, no doubt, to go up there against a very experienced team, a team that’s been playoff-tested. That’s why there are only eight of us left.”
Denver’s experience against New England earlier in the season has left them with plenty of things to fix for the rematch, along with plenty of knowledge of their opponent they can use to their advantage.
“This is an opponent that we’ve played about a month ago,” Fox said. “There is familiarity on both sides. It’s kind of like the second game in a division rivalry, so that’s kind of what it is. Whoever executes the best is going to win.”
The Broncos know they’ll enter Saturday’s matchup as the underdog, but that doesn’t faze them.
“Maybe for some people it is (motivation),” Tim Tebow said. “Just playing the Patriots is enough motivation for us. Going to Foxborough and playing Tom Brady, playing Bill Belichick, that’s enough motivation. Let alone, it’s a huge playoff game, so all those things add up. I’m sure there will be a lot of motivation.
“The one thing that I’ll be most proud of is our team will definitely go out there and play hard, play with a lot of passion, and emotion, and enthusiasm, which is all you can ask for.”
Below are photos from Tuesday’s practice.
-Gray Caldwell
Tags: Divisional Round, Head Coach John Fox, New England Patriots, Quinton Carter, Russ Hochstein, Tim Tebow, Tom Brady
I find it very interesting how the Patriots never have anything negative to say about their opponents..us in particular. They address us with respect and never seem to have the “we’re better than you” tone in their voice. I know most of it is politics..saying and doing the right thing in front of the camera. However I genuinely think they are concerned at the threat that we pose to them.
TRB you also forgot one other title for Bay. Blog mediator. He keeps us all in line and keeps our perspective focused on the Broncos.
Bill Belichick: Broncos offense hard to prepare for with Tim Tebow
By Lindsay Jones
FOXBOROUGH, Mass — By the way Patriots coach Bill Belichick talked about the Broncos Tuesday morning, you’d have thought it was Denver who won the last meeting between the two teams in December.
It was classic Belichick here at Gillette Stadium, with nothing but overwhelming praise for the upcoming opponent. In this case, that’s the Broncos, a team the Patriots beat 41-23 on Dec. 18 in Denver.
“They were good when we played them before. They’re still good,” Belichick said. There are a lot of things they are doing better.”
The Broncos put together two first-quarter scoring drives against the Patriots last month, and rushed for 252 total yards in that game, while quarterback Tim Tebow threw for 194 yards — 116 of which went to receiver Demaryius Thomas.
Belichick said today his team will use the experience gained in the first game against Denver, as well as minor schematic details gleaned from Buffalo, Kansas City and Pittsburgh, for the rematch on Saturday.
“Of course, always , experience is a good thing, having played a team. But they played us so I think that evens out. We can do a better job of coaching it,” Belichick said. “They are a difficult team to prepare for, because they do a lot of different things, and there aren’t really any other teams like them in the league, so there’s no other team in the league you can draw experience from. What they do offensively is unique, and so you try to simulate it in practice, but it is a little bit different.”
I really think he’s scheming and we’re going to see some things that no one has seen this season from the Patriots.
Broncos formation on game-winning play was legal, NFL says
By Nick Groke
In the Broncos’ defeat of the Steelers on Sunday in the first round of the NFL playoffs, there were calls and non-calls clearly missed by the umpiring crew. Like in most games. It’s something Mike Klis answered in his mailbag today.
But beyond that, some in their Monday morning chairs wondered if the Broncos lined up in an illegal formation on Tim Tebow’s game-winning, 80-yard TD pass to Demaryius Thomas in overtime.
The question was: Did Denver have six men on the line of scrimmage (one too few)?
The NFL quickly addressed the question Tuesday.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told NFL.com:
“There is nothing to this. This is a legal formation. This should not have been flagged.”
And Mike Pereira, Fox TV’s expert on rules (he’s also the former NFL vice president of officials), agreed. He told NFL.com:
“Watch on any Sunday. This is a good formation compared to many. They are not technical with this.”
******************
There is a video that goes with this story. Here is the link to the video.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-fantasy/09000d5d825d51e9/QB-Tebow-to-WR-Thomas-80-yd-pass-TD
I think you are right weatherman. I think Belichick is scared and that is why he pushed to have McDaniels back. We all know the lengths he will go to have a competitive advantage re: illegal taping of practice and a questionable hire in McDaniels. He could have waited until the season is over to do that since his OC is staying until they are done but I think he thought that McD could give some insight to our team. I don’t think he can though because we are not the same team we were when he was here. Different plays and different players in the respect that the players are playing different. I hope we send them packing on Saturday and then lets see what America has to say about that. I can wait another week for the book LOL.
OMG I really wish we had decker … clearly more experienced and just as good as if not better than Thomas (clearly not as physically gifted tho). They are sooooooo gonna swarm Bay Bay it won’t even be funny. Gonna really need Royal, Willis and TE’s to come up BIG. Decker torched all year, to have him open with everyone on Thomas woulda been a nightmare for them. This young recieving corp has sooo much potential. People keep calling Bay Bay Tebows best friend lol … I think its Miller lol. From a QB standpoint i suppose its DMT.
TRB
Wow, I was reading about the comments that Sanchez’s team mates were saying about him and boy are they aweful. It is sad when you can’t earn the respect of your team mates and work hard to improve. I know our locker room does not feel that way. One thing we do have is a QB who will work harder than anyone to improve which motivates the ones around him to work harder too. Thnak you guys for not being selfish and working so hard.
Well, I decided to spend an extra day on the water so I won’t be back til Saturday meaning I must make my prediction now, Pats 31-24.
Billichick needs to worry and do whatever he thinks he can do. This is an entirely different team than what they faced in week 15. Getting Joshy baby isn’t going to help him much for the same reason. All in all, if our team hits the field with the same drive and attitude they played the Steelers with, we are winning this game hands down. We whipped the best defense in the league so there is no reason we can’t whip the worst defense in the league. The fact t hat it is going to happen in their house makes it that much more special.
Have a good time Bay. Be safe!
McDaniels may not make a difference but Chung and Spikes do … mostly spikes agaisnt the option and the run in general. The run game was wat got us out to a get lead. Once again the determining factor however will be if the D can limit Brady. We are going to have to find a way to get to Brady. The only team to take him to school and sack him MULTIPLE times was pitts. They gotta watch that vid and see what Pitts did cuz we gotta get to the QB. Chung doesn’t scare me as much … but don’t espect as many deep bombs as we had against Pitts. He is gonna need a high percentage of mid range and short range passes. USE YOUR CHECK DOWNS FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. Lol … thats how other QBs get good stats. They know when to check down, have the RB pad stats with a completion and yards. I understand his short passes lack touch but to play at this level he is gonna have to improve at his weakness long enough to win the game. Either way, their D doesn’t scare me as much as thier O … our D will be the deciding factor. Against pits I believe we played alot of Dime or was it quarters? we had alot of DBs and few front 7 … unlike our Nickel D we barely gave up alot of rushing yards. TRB
Pats 24
Broncos 31
so whats a get lead?
and trb the patriots do not have a running back. they got three almost running backs. the pressure on brady, like you say, is critical. He cannot be allowed to sit back there and pick us apart like the last game. It was painful to watch him just sit back there for like 7-10 seconds just about every play and hit reciever after reciever. very frustrating to watch. we need to get pressure, however we have to. we should blitz and let our db’s go man to man and just trust them to hold up long enough for miller or doom to get brady roughed up, because if we drop 7, i dont care how good the secondary is, if brady gets 10 seconds to throw, he’s gonna go completion crazy. pressure 1st, coverage 2nd.
I thought Quinton Carter (spelling?) played extremely well in Brian Dawkin place. And I have also been impressed with Harris this year as well. That was the best game I have seen Carter play all year!!! GREAT JOB GUYS!
GO BRONCOS!!!
I agree with all of you. Our D is going to be the key to this game. Brady has to feel pain early and often.
check downs yes, but also important to take shots down the field against the pats weak secondary. we can keep them off balance and guessing mixing the run/screen with a few deep passes. tebow does pretty well with the deep ball so givem a chance to hit some bombs a cupla times a quarter. keeps the d honest and may result in a cupla td’s and first down runs. they will defend the run better with spikes, but he cant cover very well so some play action with a quick slant may be a good call multiple times throughout the game. spikes will be rusty and may bite alot, and chung isnt all that great, i agree.
If we can limit mistakes, and tebow plays well again, we definately have a good shot. Just gotta pressure brady and make no mistakes. cant say it enough. If we win, it’ll make my year, and thats awesome!! CMON BRONCOS SUPER BOWL BOUND!!!
Yup his deep ball is pretty darn good. Im not sure im ready to trust it agaisnt double coverage which im sure Bay Bay will probably get. Throwing a few will definitely help back them up so we can run better. Running is also key not just cuz its what we do best and it worked last time but because it burns time and keeps brady off the field. Once we had to play catch up last game after the fumbles by mainly passing … we lost the game. Defintiely need to use those roll outs again … glad they incorporated them last game … play action roll outs to the TE … and alot more playaction on first downs seeing as how we usually run run pass. This is gonna be a great game … i pray we win … crazy thing is this is just divisional … even if we survive this we still gotta survive the AFC championships to get a chance at the title … long road ahead against Quality teams but I fear NE the most because of thier offense. I think we can Own Ravens offense if they win. And Yates has done well and Foster is beasting but I believe both teams pale in comparison to what Brady brings. TRB
Do you guys think that Goody can take Deion Branch out of the game 1 on 1?
If so, I think we have to play Harris at the 2nd CB… Sit Mays, and run a modified 4-2 with Bailey playing free lance D… responsible for the Strong Side TE, and being close to the line for Run support… Sort of an SSS (Super STRONG SAFETY)
Harris is a Quality DB that can play both Safety and Corner… His ability to Tackle in space will be key this week…
Denver is Built to win this time of Year and I LOVE IT!!!!
VON TEBOW FOOTBALL BABY… It only gets better!!!!
FTP
Mornin’ Broncos Country.Is it Saturday yet?
The anticipation is killin’ me.With where we were and where we are,the year’s already been made for me.Not against gettin’ a triple layer of icing on that cake(year) though.
Agreed DBfMD… This is all BONUS FOOTBALL!!!!
Everybody loves some BONUS!!!!
VON TEBOW THANK YOU!!!
Quick score pick – pats 28, Broncos 17
I believe Chris Harris played both Safety and Corner in college which is proably why he can tackle so well.
I think the advantage in safety we will have this game is bruton. First of all the man is flat out fast. I mean fast. He will run down anything and anyone. He can also tackle. I think he will be able to cover one of the TEs way better than Rahim and Quinton carter could. Last game so many missed tackles, even champ, I believe Bruton will help limit this.
Gooman will have to take on ochocinco … i know … sounds funny since he has done nothign all year but one of his few TDs if not his only one came on the Broncos … agaisnt goodman. I am really interested in seeing the match ups we use. I am also looking forward to a more DB heavy set. Totally nullified the pass happy steelers without giving up to much in the run game.
TRB
Patriots: 27
Broncos:13
http://www.nfl.com/voting/protectors/2011/YEAR/0?module=HP11_content_stream_voting_prilosec#playerId:09002be2812c2a44
Id like to remind guys again that our Oline is up for Offensive oline of the year.
TRB
Some friends of mine(Raisin fans)started talkin’ smack to me about the Broncos and TT after the Buffalo game.I said”go ahead and keep talkin’,they’re gonna come to YOUR house and hand you your first home loss of the season”.HOLY SHEEP DIP!!!Only one game away from being a potential reality.
forgot DBFan from AZ lives in MD like me
Hard choice without voting out of pure fandom.Our oline has been pretty good,no excellent,at making holes for the run.Protection for the the QB has ,alot of the time,been pretty bad to say the least.
TRB,you’re just a pond swim and a stones throw away.
Not trying to take anything away from our oline.They have done GREAT most of the time.
Yea, protecting QB has been bad at times .. other times Tebow has had all day … some of the sacks tho have been because Tebow holds too long too try to make a play … so I cannot fully blame our oline. And all the other Olines up for awards … thier teams do well in the pass but not the run … hard for a Oline to own both. I say #1 Rushing Offense is enough for the oline to get love lol. But yea … i voted out of pure fandom as well.TRB
new blog
Kudos to O-line coach Dave Magazu who came over with Coach Fox from Carolina and transitioned our O-line into one of the best in the league! (Coach Magazu pictured above).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGWbVHU_Rmg
This one is about DT. Tell me what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljic3_THGz0
This one is about Tebow. Let me know what yu think. neither of these vids were made by me.
I like the quote on the DT one. It can be referred back to the Experts and fans.