The 2011 holiday season is giving the vast multitudes of Denver Broncos plenty to celebrate as the team is far ahead of the dismal preseason predictions of pro football pundits.
This is not written as criticism of what seemed at the time to be logical projection, but serves once again as a reminder that all preseason predictions are predicated on the previous year’s performance.
New year, new leadership and coaching, new results. Or maybe, we should say, new half year.
For all the dramatic developments the Broncos have made this year have come since the team was 1-4, a time frame when Head Coach John Fox acknowledged that he and the coaching staff was stilling getting to know the team. Looks like the “getting to know you” phase is moving along very well.
This is just the third time in Broncos history that the team has been three games under .500 at any point in the year and came back to even.
From 1-4 to 6-5, the Broncos are relevant, the fans are ecstatic and the core mix of young and veteran players bodes well for the future.
But as George Allen liked to say, the future is now, and now is plenty impressive.
The Broncos have joined only the 1971 Miami Dolphins in the post-merger National Football League (1970 to the present) to have a four-game span in which the team committed one or fewer turnovers, held opponents to 60 or fewer points and rushed for 876 or more yards.
Two teams: the 1971 AFC champion Dolphins, and your Denver Broncos this year. That, folks, is one sobering statistic.
The defense, running game, offensive line and special teams all have had major roles in this remarkable turnaround.
And then there is the play of the quarterback.
It seems as though there is a new “first” in every game Tim Tebow plays.
This week’s latest is that in addition to some fine passes at critical junctures—end of the first half and end of the game (both are pretty critical, right?)–his 22 rushing attempts rank as the most carries by a quarterback since 1950 in NFL play.
Also, for the season Tebow has one interception and one fumble on 237 times touching the ball, second lowest figure of any quarterback in the league, trailing only Aaron Rodgers of the World Champion Green Bay Packers.
Like all statistics, it is just a grouping of numbers, but it IS a statistic, nevertheless.
Lots of events happen in a game, and sometimes, over a period of years, there is déjà vu.
When the Chargers had a field goal blocked in overtime, with the block negated by Denver calling time out, this was the second time in history that San Diego had two chances at an overtime field goal to beat the Broncos, each time with the first one blocked, and each time with Denver calling a time out to give San Diego a second chance.
This was the second time—out of two—for it to work out badly for the Broncos. As we all know, Sunday in San Diego the second attempt was wide right, then Tebow drove the Broncos down the field for the winning field goal by Matt Prater.
But back on November 17, 1985 in a game played at Mile High Stadium, Broncos Ring of Fame safety Dennis Smith blocked the field goal, only to have team captain Mike Harden call time out.
Smith said in the huddle—and this seems so incredulous, that he thought he could block it again!
As crazy as that sounds, remember that great players are defined by making great plays at pivotal times in a game.
Smith in fact did block his second kick in a span of 45 seconds, and this time it took an absolutely perfect bounce into the hands of another future Ring of Famer, cornerback Louis Wright, who picked it up on the fly (and he was the fastest player on that field, or most any other field, most of the time) and dashed untouched into the end zone for a 30-24 Denver win.
As Yogi Berra says, sometimes it’s a case of déjà vu, all over again.
Anything can happen when two NFL teams take the field. There is nothing like the theater of the NFL, and the Broncos are center stage in that theater in 2011.
Next performance is at Minnesota this Sunday. The Broncos will be hoping for another curtain call in what has developed into a special season for the team and its fans.
Tags: Jim Saccomano, San Diego Chargers, Week 12
I am going to the new blog. I would much rather look at and comment on our cheerleaders than argue with carnage.
Orangenblue,
when moreno went down I just hoped Jerimiah Johnson could catch because ball can’t and not only can he catch he lined up at reciever a few times. He played great. Though he was better than ball in preseason personally. Dunno if moreno will be let go but he isn’t taking that much money these days. Got most of his money up front. I still like Mario Fannin too. We seem to have some option at RB which once again pr8ves that our running issues the last 2 years wasn’t because of rbs per se, at least not just that but because of scheme and playbook that mcd lacked in the run game. If the oline blocks, running will happen. Like back in our zone days when we could plug anyone in. TRB
Lol @ seweather. Anyway im at work and have spent more time on da blogs than I woulda liked. Sorry to anyone who was irritated or bored with the Tebow back and forth.
Later days, TRB out..
Unfortunately, we can’t bank on “building” with Willis….he is long in the tooth….Johnson is not that impressive IMO….and we cannot continue to run option, if we do, then we STILL need to draft a high level qb because someone is going to kill Tebow…(not literally)….
Second, again TRB that shows your mancrush on Tebow, how many people on here were speaking well of Orton….and when that happened where were the leave him alone comments….
When Orton played poorly or not, I said Orton is playing poorly but the WHOLE TEAM is playing poorly…it was a constant theme of mine. Stop putting it all on Orton. I pointed out ORton’s weaknesses. And what should I give Tebow credit for….I SAID HE RUNS WELL….the comeback against the Jets he RAN the ball down the field…the final scoring play was a RUN…this last “comeback” I clearly do not credit him for, hat eme if you wanna, but when the drives had to be made, he didn’t make them…Mcgahee had the big run, Miller had the big tackle for loss and darn it PRATER made the field goal….
I am tired of people saying Tebow is a rookie…he isn’t just isn’t….he had an offseason LAST YEAR which was his rookie year….he had the ENTIRE season to practice with the team, he started games last year he is not NEW….Cam is a rookie, Dalton is a rookie, Ponder is a rookie those guys are still able to THROW THE BALL…it isn’t a question of them throwing it…there are decision making questions, which come with al rookies, but being able to throw the ball…..nah….Elway could always throw the ball for those who speak on his stats…his decisions may have been wrong, and sometimes he had too much confidence in his arm but he could always throw…I don’t even know why I argue this on these boards…most of these people were “HAPPY” Cutler was gone….and he has led his team to the League Championship and 6-3 this year…really talent judges on here
TRB,
I think ball was outplayed by johnson as well. I am not 100% sure that we can plug anyone in but many could be prosperous in the zone blocking scheme. I think Johnson has the speed, toughness and elusiveness to be special. McDaniels offense was not geared to RBs at all, and Fox’s is. Joe Schmo is not going to get 1000 yards in a season let alone survive a game, but I get your point.
U win carnage. U are right. And I dunno about being happy cutler waas gone. I was happy with my cutler to marshall connection.
And why does he matter how many times he passes. We are winning. He passes and runs enough.
And no one called tebow a rookie. At least I didn’t. And seweather said our rookies OR Tebow. He wasn’t counting tebow as a rookie. At least that was not the impression I got.
Anyway, time will tell like all things. And I don’t hate u nor do I have a man crush on tebow … marshall maybe but not tebow. I just defend him because people rather look at his negatives. Same way I did with moreno, ayers and others.
And Ortons time was just over. Sure the whole team was playing badly. But orton was always a patch work. Never the future. It was time for a change and the change is working out well so far.
TRB
Carnage… There are more and more Tebow lovers and more and more Tebow haters as well. Everyone has an opinion. Tim has played as many games as the other rookies you speak of. Maybe they can throw the ball with a tighter spiral, or at a higher velocity, or maybe even more accurately at times, but how many interceptions do they have? How are their teams fairing? Tebow has a defense and an offesive line that are playing lights out, but Tim does not make the horrendous mental errors that these rookies you speak of continually make. I would take 10-20 passes a game and no stupid mistakes over a guy that throws into triple coverage and loses the game because of an interception or a fumble. Tim is leading Denver and those others are not. Simple as that. For al those that want to tear him down, look past the numbers into what the players on the team are saying about what is actually going on in that locker room. The team is comiing together and they all believe in Tebow as much as every other member of the team.
I said Tebow has played as many games as the other rookie qbs in the league, so his stats could basically be compared to theirs. Thats probably the confusion.
Tebow has started 9 games=one game past a half a season.
Our record in those 9 games is 6-3!
I am not at all confused….people on this board…maybe not you guys call him a rookie…and TRB I don’t wanna win…I just back my opinion as vehemently as you back your opinion…I am not trying to convert you, I know you are a Bronco fan….I enjoy the wins….never been an issue with me…I am not a Tebow fan though…makes me no less a Bronco fan….
“Tebow” is not winning the games and that is where I have the larger issue…don’t you realize that if we were playing a higher level offensively that we wouldn’t have to keep “coming back”. Yes Tebow has come from behind or fourth quarter wins, but that is because he hasn’t played well the first three. Can we at least agree on that. Stop acting like he is superhuman, to this point he has been lucky enough to dig himself out of the holes he has created for himself. I enjoy winning now, but like Elway, I don’t see how this can be good for the franchise futurewise.
Precisely BFE.. He is young and learning. Everyone needs to give the kid a break and put the focus on the defense. The defense is the core of this team and everyone needs to refocus on the fact that this is a TEAM game. The TEAM is winning and we need to be happy because no one expected this, to be honest, after the 1-4 start.
Ur right carnage, saying “u win” was a lil condescending. U are indeed defending ur stance just as strongly as I am. I was just trying to end it and spare the some readers.
I don’t see the problem with a QB … a young one without even a full season to his name, only 9 games so far, relying on his team. They also rely on him to make things happen and he does whether it be running, passing or both. Same could be said in miami if prater didn’t miss fg the comeback would not have been as necesary.
So if we were winning like rodgers, but our d was giving up mad points its ok? Isn’t it then a defense relying on the qb to win. But a qb can’t on a defense and rest of teammates. Its a team sport and everyone need sto do their part enough to win. And that’s what I see happening.
Its team getting done, and im fine with that over a superstar QB and not getting it done like cam for example. I just believe he is learning and hasn’t reached his peak yet. Not even close. Lotta great decision making on when to pass, run, throw away, or place it in a position that only his reciever can get it and no one else. I believe that’s why his passes look in accurate because its either he catches it or no one does because I think all they tell him to do is not turn the ball over and for a young guy he has done it well and I believe with a full offseason he will be much better. TRB
Tebow definitely needs to get better,but you have to give him credit for giving the team a much needed spark,when they needed it!!!
The team respects Tebow,his leadership has helped this team overcome a 1-4 record,the whole team has played better since Tebow stepped in,like him or not he is a winner,even if he does need to get better.
Carnage makes good points,the Defense has been playing lights out,but I tend to think the whole team sees Tebow as a leader,therefore they back him,and see his enthusiasm,and their will to win increases!
Just one man’s opinion that don’t mean a Helluva lot!
BFE
I’ll say…spirited conversations today! Love it! Personally just enjoying the wins. I sit and shake my head throughout most of the game when Tebow makes some wacky off target throw and I can accept it. Because no matter how much I used to defend Orton, he wasn’t getting the job done. Somehow, Tebow and all of this unorthodoxed option stuff is, and I don’t care how ugly it is…at least it’s getting handled. And huge credit to the o-line, running backs and defense for keeping the heart beating! None of us knows how things are gonna shake out the rest of the season, but I’m gonna just sit back and enjoy the ride. If Tebow can develop into an accurate passer, then things could get really good. If defenses would have to respect his arm and the run threat we all know how dangerous this offense could be. Lets just hope he can become a passer in the near future.
Indeed bfe indeed. Just a young qb with alot of work to do that I see getting better every week.
I guess where we differ is we believe he will get there, carnage doesn’t. Plain and simple. Everything else is just details. Nonsupporters believe he gets too much credit and that supporters think he is superhuman. Supporters think he has earned some credit and is getting it done and will get better and think nonsupporters give him no credit.
At the end what we believe is irrelevaant. All that matters is what his teammates believe. And even JE if things keep going well will not mess with the lockerroom dynamic.
TRB
tim can throw the football he is being held back a bit by the coaches and thats probably a good thing he has no turnovers in 5 games in a row now and our defense is playing great so throwing a bunch and turning it over doesnt make sense right now. he may have to throw in certain games like against ne i think he may have to throw more but he did throw for 308 yards last year against the texans and he threw for 482 yards in the sugar bowl a record he owns. tim has been working harder then anyone to improve his throwing and with time he will be better for it. our broncos will be crazy good when we have that dual threat to throw and run defenses cant stop that.
go broncos
let the players and coaches do there thing. i dont care if we throw it the rest of the season as long as we win. I love watching these guys grind it out and wear down opposing defenses. passing is way overrated anyway. defending the run and pass is just as important to our offense as passing itself. When running we control the clock, get good field position, and frustrate opposing offenses and defenses. and as our team has shown recently, we can be clutch and win in the final minutes. many other nfl teams cant say that right now.
lol@the chiefs for having a video of orton highlights in a bronco uni on chiefs homepage
I think Tebow is almost the perfect qb for Fox’s philosophy.
Jim,
I’d posted my recollection of Dennis Smith’s double FG block on the Chargers a few posats back. Glad to see we both recalled an incredible sequence of events. I though that he also recovered and scored the TD, but your memory is better than mine. Louis Wright. One of the original “shut-down” corners.
All I got to say on this whole team is it looks allot like the Giants of a few years ago with new names catching the ball(Eli and Plax)(TT AND DECKER) and mixed wiley old vets LIKE OURS (Champ DJ and B DAwk ) with explosive young rooks and other younger Players(Elvis Ayers Von ect.) on D and good Special teams and few turnovers. and look what they did….GUYS I THINK WE GOT THE RIGHT FORMULA TO DO GREAT THINGS GO BRONCOS SHOW THE VIKINGS THE MEANING OF COLD WEATHER TEAM!!!