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 had some very inspiring movie vids for ya’ll. One was about the career of Tebow. Since people say it gonna be a movie. The other was a trailer of DT aka Optimus Prime Character this yr. Truly great vids but they wont let me put it up. in moderation. lol
So have any of the nfl/espn folks picked us for an upset?
I think the D is going to play light’s out. Let’s see what Brady can do when he meets, Von, Doom, ayers up close and personal.
Yeah they have picked us but not officially. This game is like watching ur mother in law go ova the cliff in ur new mercedes. lmao Brian Billick’s Quote. Saying the car is Tom Brady and the mother in law is the NE Defense. lol Hate to lose that car!!!!!
I haven’t made my prediction yet anyways. I try to wait. I must say though that after Tebow took over I wrote down all of the remaining games and picked which games we could win. I figured we would go 8-8 but I was wrong on 2 games. I picked us to lose to the Bears and win against the Chiefs. Oh well too bad I didn’t pick that record for the contest but honestly I didn’t see us winning more than 5 games with Orton.
HoooooWEE!!!I’m happier than a hog in mud with a fresh bucket of slop.Just got notice from StubHub that my tickets shipped.Should be here tomorrow.
The Broncos will be represented by at least one fan in Foxboro
If I win the free tickets from Eddie I will be there too. LOL I even have Monday off
I never win anything though
Its going to be COLD. DBfan, just keep jumping up and down and yell. It’ll keep you warm!
Oh no cold weather…Brrrrr I am from Florida and not used to cold. I have NEVER even driven in snow. I was born and raised in Michigan but left when I was 16 and I had not driven yet.
greatness
U probably have more thna one link in ur post correct greatness. post each link one at a time. anything more than one link is instant moderation.
Wish I was a twitterin’ type.
Back home and burned out from the trip! It was worth every penny and mile!
Especially considering the last game I attended in Denver was on Black Sunday. This game more than made up for that October afternoon in 2010. This time the stadium was full well after the game ended.
Glad to see the guys getting back to work. It will take our best effort to knock the Pats out. I have confidence they are capable. And after the win on Sunday, I’m sure they have plenty of confidence too!
Is it Saturday yet?
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!
I grew up in far southwestern Az.Used to it being 100 plus degrees most of the year.Live near Ocean City,MD. now.Been goose huntin’ when it was 20 degrees out and still wore shorts.From the waist up I’ll be covered good though.
Bout the only time I wear long pants is when I’m huntin’ or motorcyle ridin’.
Deer huntin’ that is.
Not good:
“The Patriots will have the benefit of having two starters back defensively this weekend, LB Brandon Spikes and S Patrick Chung, who were injured the first time they played the Broncos. Spikes is especially key because he’s a run stuffer and was Tim Tebow’s college teammate at Florida, so he has faced him in practice running the spread.”
It’ll be good to beat with all their starters and shut the mouths of the excuse makers.
Good news:
“The Jacksonville Jaguars have hired Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey as head coach, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.”
Testing
Now we just need Jeff Fisher to take to Rams job, and it looks like we’ll have our coaching staff intact
Not sure if this is good or bad:
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Chargers say offensive coordinator Clarence Shelmon has decided not to return next season. Shelmon spent 10 seasons with San Diego and 21 in the NFL. He was offensive coordinator from 2007-2011, although head coach Norv Turner called plays. In a statement released by the team on Tuesday, Shelmon says, “I’m just done. “You know when it’s time. It’s time for me to go and do some other things with my life.”
Hope the Broncos do whatever it takes to keep some continuity in the coaching staff.
Good to hear that DBfan! We need someone from the blog to be there and keep this thing going…
One less distraction for us with the Mularky hiring. More good news!
BTW, I saw the halo directly over my head in the north stands. It must have been a result from the fireworks
How beautifully ironic we can get retribution for the McEra with a victory on Saturday…
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!
sndvl that is goin’ to be SWEET to see happen.Skeptically confident it going to happen.Ahhhhh retribution.Only way it would be sweeter is if he were the HC
Chris Harris’ people need to give NFL.com a call… Correct me if I’m wrong, but it looks like they have a pic of the other Chris Harris, formerly of the Bears… Plus, he’s a CB, not a SS…
http://www.nfl.com/player/chrisharris/2530510/profile
Not all the salaries are listed, and Dawkins’ was restructured, but some of these are head scratchers…
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/den/roster
Good evening people. Still enjoying the victory. Good luck at the game DBFAN. Wish I could go….hope I win the tickets from that Royal giveaway, that would be sweet.
I was trying to see what Chris Harris is making this year, but can’t find anything.. I’m sure it’s the minimum, being an undrafted rookie.. Surely we’ll make it right, as the kid is a gem!
LOL! Classic!
http://www.milehighreport.com/2012/1/10/2696789/i-know-im-a-tecmo-super-bowl-nerd-i-enjoyed-this-however
Hola Blogsters!
OT… I watched that just a little while ago… Brought back memories!!! I loved Tecmo…
Quiet day on the Blogs… Congrats to Goodwin! Goodluck young Bronco!!! Get you some… LIVE ACTION!
DB… you 6:10pm post made me smile!!!
VON TEBOW FOOTBALL BABY!!!! What a great feeling this week is! Like a football Bonus!!!!
FTP!!!
lol, that was vintage Tecmo Bowl, remember LT was unstoppable
What’s up fellas?! I’m soooo pumped up for some Bronco football baby!!!
you and me both OT
the pitt mayor tebowing in a 15 jersey is priceless
I’m Pumped for Saturday… I’m still pumped from Sunday…
I’m in such a great mood… BRONCO FOOTBALL BABY!!!!
I usually played as LT on Tecmo also… he would more often than not just clear the edge and Whammo!!! lol…
Hilarious!
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=m5OAGHXc1ZU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gtQ61nk04M
i love this video it gets me pumped to see denver in action
I want this game bad! I got a lot of Patriot fans around me, and they’re pretty obnoxious…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gouuZ5GUS8M
this video is crazy funny!!! lmao
i cant get over how dumb mark davis looks with those sweet bangs.lol
Those are cool videos, never seen em before
ya the orton one makes me laugh every time
Eh..
“Former Dolphins coach Tony Sparano is expected to replace Schottenheimer in New York, according to NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora, who cited league sources.”
No first round picks for the raiders next two years….you have to clean house.
Anatomy of the Play Video
http://www.nfl.com/videos/denver-broncos/09000d5d825e2308/Anatomy-Tebow-Wild-Card-Win
Shows a lot more locker room footage. AWESOME video. Loved it.
Enjoy!
how sweet would it be for our broncos to send home two teams that have combined for 5 superbowls in the last decade or so.
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/38552/mccoy-out-of-mix-in-jacksonville
May be Old News…. but good news…
@0723 i love how they said those yellow towells would have to be used for something else tonight.lol and it was awsome to see how happy and proud our locker room was. looks like a team on a mission to me.