In sports, when a team goes through tough times, it seems like those times will never end. Similarly, when a team goes through good times, it seems like those times will never end.
The good times are rolling for the Denver Broncos.
On Sunday, they clinched the AFC West with a 31-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It was the latest example of Peyton Manning’s immeasurable talent, Von Miller’s immeasurable impact and the Broncos’ incredible knack for having the heretofore anonymous player step into the spotlight.
Seriously, Mitch Unrein scored a touchdown?
He sure did. And he also hit Josh Freeman just as Freeman delivered a pass that Miller intercepted and returned 26 yards for a touchdown. That pick-six gave the Broncos a commanding 28-10 lead with 3:56 left in the third quarter.
That’s the kind of season it has been. Whenever the situation demands it, someone steps to the forefront. If not Mitch Unrein, then it has been Chris Harris. If not Chris Harris, then Tony Carter. If not Tony Carter, then Trindon Holliday. If not…well, you get the idea.
While you dream of a playoff run and a third Lombardi Trophy, take a moment to savor the experience of watching the 2012 Broncos. Remember what you are witnessing.
Because we have consistently watched the Broncos excel this year, we can too easily think that seasons like this are the norm. Just a brief stroll down memory lane reminds us they are not. Watching a great team play causes us to take its ability for granted. We come to believe it will be great all the time.
The Broncos themselves, however, know better. Their goal has never been to be 9-3. It has never been to only win the AFC West. That’s why they view the achievement as an inevitable—and almost insignificant—step on the journey to a much greater accomplishment.
“Anytime you win, I enjoy it for a minute, at least a few minutes tonight (Sunday)” head coach John Fox said after the victory over the Buccaneers. “Then we turn it around and get right back at it the next day so that part won’t change. It’s business as usual.”
That’s the perspective of a man who coaches a team that aspires to much more than a measly division title.
“There’s different championships,” Fox said. “Your division is obviously one. Everybody aspires to be in the conference championship but at the end of the day, everybody is looking for that world championship. It’s a great accomplishment (winning the AFC West), a tribute to the staff and coaches in that locker room. They did a fantastic job. We still have a whole quarter of the season left. We’ll see what happens.”
Few would argue that the Broncos have had a great season to this point. But the work isn’t done. Their ultimate goal has yet to be reached.
“Winning the division, that was certainly one of our goals,” quarterback Peyton Manning said. “We still want to keep getting better throughout the season. Not a whole lot of time to think about it with a game on Thursday. But it sure feels good to get the win.”
Cornerback Champ Bailey briefly acknowledged the division title before also turning his thoughts to the next challenge of playing the Raiders on Thursday.
“That is something that you always want to do. It feels good to get that wrapped up but we have to put that behind us and get ready for the Raiders this week,” Bailey noted after the game.
The Broncos didn’t celebrate a thing after beating the Buccaneers. As the 850 KOA broadcast team noted, the Broncos didn’t pass out t-shirts or hats in the locker room. To the Broncos, winning the AFC West is not an earth-shattering feat. It’s simply a byproduct of going about their business.
If your goal is to win the Super Bowl and you’re good enough to do it, then winning your division is hardly worth talking about.
“When you’re good at something, you’ll tell everyone,” the late Walter Payton once said. “When you’re great at something, they’ll tell you.”
Everyone is telling the Broncos how great they are. The beauty is they’re not listening. They’re too busy winning games.
And they’re too busy working on plans to celebrate a much more significant achievement in New Orleans in February.
What impressed you most about the win over the Buccaneers? Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: Mike Rice
I was proud of our run defense! I was worried that the Bucs’ 1-2 punch of Martin and Jackson could overpower us, but our boys really were amazing. And it was so great to see Von make that pick six.
I must admit, my expectations for the offense may be a bit too high, and I occasionally get that “c’mon, only 24 points?” feeling. (Lol!) I need to take your advice, Mike, and really savor every amazing minute of this beautiful season.
Finally, I do hope that Woodyard can make it back soon!
conyinuous adjustment to game conditions in all phases of the game. I live in Indiana and have watched Peyton do this since he came into the NFL, but Denver is fortunate to have all areas of offense, defense and special teams, not only having the talent but also the coaches to adjust as the game plays out. Indy only had this for a few years before and after the super bowl win. I am pulling for you, keep it up
I have been to a few Raider games in thier house donning my Bronco gear. I was in the cheap seats and I got beer spilled on my back, (On propose).Then two Raider fans got into a fight in front of me and got kicked out by security. I was like good I could kick my feet up on the empty seats. The fadier fans behind me then still would kick my seat but at 10$ a beer stopped spilling thier beer! LOL
FTR
Good reminder Mike. I have not felt the pregame exitement in my gut in recent years like I used to. But this year has brought back the sit on the edge of the chair cuz you know something will happen. And it has.
ILMSDB
FTR
It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this excited about the orange and blue, what 16, 17 or more QB’s in starting position, since Elway. Peyton and John are almost the same QB. Elway probably stronger arm, Manning maybe better at defense reading, but both the best at running a team on field, yes, even better than Brady. This team has all the right parts to finish this season with the Lombardi. I think I am most impressed with the turn around of the defense, and what a great job Del’ Rio has done and getting them all on page with few missed assignments, and what do you say about Von Miller, Rookie of the year last year, should most certainly take “D” player of the year, simply for the presence he demands on the field, and the fear he puts in opposing offenses. Dumerville seems to be getting on track as well, Carter, Harris, turning it up in Porters absence. I smell a Superbowl this year.
I’m just so excited about this season overall. It’s truly a dream and an answered prayer to be doing really well in all 3 phases of the game: offense, defense and special teams. And that is what is happening. It is great to be a part of it right now. I’m especially proud of all the guys, and coaches for doing what is most important: working really hard, and staying humble. Keep that up, and great things are ahead…
Go Broncos!!
The Manning family in particular represents the best of what football can be, how it should be played, how professionals should conduct themselves, and how to bring respect and the other qualities to the game that you want to see as good examples to follow. His move to Denver made me an instant Broncos fan – as I was a Colts fan for 14 years – and am not at all surprised about the impact he has had, elevating the play of everyone around him. Peyton sets the bar high for all players around him, and he surely loves the fans in Denver, just as I have come to see them as classy fans that truly deserve another few good years with a quarterback that matches much of what John Elway did for the Broncos. I’m enjoying the ride for as long as it lasts, and will no doubt remain a Broncos fan long after Peyton has said his good byes. A classy city, a classy football team, with classy fans, and certainly with a quarterback in a class by himself.