The contrast is startling.
At times, the Broncos look like a great team. In the same game, they often look completely out of it.
That was certainly the case Sunday against the Rams. The Broncos played really well on their first three possessions when they scored 13 points and moved the ball seemingly at will.
The defense held Rams’ running back Steven Jackson down and looked like it was in for a good day.
That all changed…again. The Rams defense turned things around and unfortunately, so did the Rams offense. The result was a 33-13 St. Louis lead through three quarters.
On Monday, Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels again talked about his team’s inconsistent play.
“I think that’s been one of our issues this season, our overall consistency,” McDaniels said.
No doubt.
That inconsistency seems to be more acute on defense. On Sunday, the Broncos held the Rams three-plays-and-out on their first series. Then St. Louis, a team that was averaging 17 points per game entering Sunday, scored three touchdowns and two field goals on their next five possessions.
Huh?
The Broncos’ defense regrouped and held the Rams to just a field goal in the fourth quarter.
“There have been three or four games where I think we limit Jamaal Charles and Chris Johnson and Steven Jackson to two-and-a-half yards a carry,” McDaniels said. “Then there are other games where we don’t play the same and give up production to different backs that we haven’t done all season.”
Case in point: Rams’ quarterback Sam Bradford. He turned in his first-career 300-yard passing game and led the Rams to their first road win this season. In addition, the Elias Sports Bureau says Bradford became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw for 300-plus yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a road game.
Bradford is a good young talent. But seeing him break out like he did on Sunday was disappointing.
“Its not that we haven’t played well,” McDaniels said. “It’s just that we haven’t done it consistently enough. There’s a lot of reasons you’re consistent at something.”
It is clear the Broncos have been consistent at being inconsistent. And it is one reason the Broncos have struggled to the record they have.
“When you’re 3-8 or when you’re not playing as well as you want to play, the responsibility for that falls a number of places,” McDaniels said. “I’ll be the first one to stand up and say I can do a better job. But again, this is a team game, a situation where you have to have a lot of people do the right thing and execute at a high level.”
I’ll be interested to see if more coaches and players do a better job and execute at a higher level more often in the last five games of the season.
Thanks for reading. I always appreciate it.
Best,
Mike
Tags: 2010, Denver Broncos, Mike Rice, St. Louis Rams
Inconsistency is a direct result of having no true identity.
We are who no one really knows we are.
And with all due respect I really don’t care anymore what level the coaches and players will play at for the rest of the year, it would be counter productive to the only mission that is left for me in this shameful mess: Getting McD and Xanders terminated.
Sorry for this gloomy post, but anything else would be sugarcoating it. This regime of McD has been a disgrace to our franchise, and it is a nice privilege that I can say that here, thanks to you guys for allowing us to post our true emotions.
Inconsistency is also tied to immaturity. How are our young players ever going to develop into consistent professionals when their head coach acts like a high school sophomore most the time? This team needs to grow up. But in order for that to happen, they need a real man at head coach. Not someone who is completely incapable of governing his own behavior.
I so agree with Bay…but this problem is one that was created by Xanders and McD. The defense can only stop running backs when they send everyone and their mother…then on the backside we are unable to cover, because everyone is at the LOS. The Rams threw for those yards with a cast of no name receivers. A rookie QB and the like. A team that only averages 17 came in and lit the world up. Also if you really watched the game, the virtually allowed us back in the game in the fourth. They stopped playing their offense, settling for diving JAckson into the line, and were playing a prevent defense. It is a very sad time, and reports are that Bowlen is NOT going to fire McD. What I do know is that the defense needs to be seriously addressed during the offseason, through the draft and not by acquiring out of date, expired free agents. The offense needs playmakers, not just system guys. The overall machismo of this team needs to be addressed. It is terrible to see a 3-8 team full of guys celebrating every single reception. Hand wiping after every catch, but not saying a word after each miss, drop, or fumble. Playing a classless brand of football. It is sad to see every team come in and just have record breaking games against us. It is sad to know that, yeah we were able to defeat KC in Denver, but man did we light a fire under them for the rematch. Care to take a guess at what they are saying at Chiefs practice this week. Think they are not OVERLY motivated after the actions of our team last time we played them. Just venting, but this regime has damaged this franchise to an extent I find depressing. Well Bay here’s to supporting your cause.
I respect what you guys are saying but idk id rather keep mcdaniels atleast one more season. And i say this because lets say we get a gruden that means firing josh which means denver would be paying out his salary idk if we still are paying part of shanahans salary since he got a job. That would mean less money. Not only that but you would also fire the gm which i would greatly appreciate bowlen doing that lol. Tebow might not get a chance to play IF we dont get a gruden which means that was a waste of quite a few picks. Patience is a virtue no one came out and was great the first time or even the second time in this case. I respect what you guys are saying but axing a coach has alot more to do that just that head coach that means a staff is gonna most likely get axed alot of players too. it what sets franchises apart like detroit and the steelers.
One of the main problems this year on the field is not getting to the QB. No pass rush whatsoever. No pass rush = no sacks= the D staying on the field most of the game. On top of that, we are old on the D, which makes it far worse. And further more few hurries and balls knocked down. All that being said, if the D is always on the field then there`s little chance for our offense. And thats just the D side of the ball. Many problems in all three phases of the game. Offense, defense, and ST.
tWas the night before Christmas and all thru the land- the creatures were stirrin’ including Pat Bowlen. The gameplan was scripted with precision and care. In hopes that a playoff berth would soon be near!
McDaniels and X-Man all snug in their beds, with visions of healthy 1st round draft picks producing in their heads. OC with his Orange Towel and I in my cap. Had just settled down from our friendly attacks!
When out on the blog there arose such a clatter. I sprang to the ‘net’ to see what was the matter. The window opened with adobe flash, pop ups shut down and moved to the trash.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear? A scandal that you’d expect to see on Springer! With McDaniels and uh…um…sachh…?
I knew in a moment this wasn’t a trick.
As quickly as Hillis is rising to fame, they whistled and shouted and called all the names. Denver is where Spygate II got it’s name. Who woulda thought it got worse after the Raider’s game?
Just a fan havin some fun. Supportin Orton and Tebow and the offense to run. Hoping the defense gets some young guns!!!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good fight! Fire McD, let’s get this ship right!
You can include the fourth phase too strand! That’s coaching
I do agree with ya sndvl. Poor play call on the Offense at critical times of the game. On D there old and are just no executing. Even when they are in position they cannot execute the play. Totally frustrating.
I`m no coach, but it doesn`t take a rocket scientist to figure out that we need to draft all D this coming draft. And I agree that Patrick Peterson CB of LSU would be my top pick.
lmao!
Merry Christmas brother sndvl!
ILMSDB!
Hey there Mike,
Thanks for the post! Mike what now? Listen, I’ve supported McD since the beginning. Actually, posted earlier that I still do….to some degree.
Mike, you know what I hate most about all of this? I don’t like the unseemingly control Josh has. It’s so hard to even evaluate this football team on straight x’s and o’s because NOW we have secrets that got revieled that could arguebly a direct link.
Had none of this stuff surfaced, I think we all would be utterly dissgusted with what’s happening on the field, but the things that are happening off the field are obviously having a direct impact of what’s happening on the field.
You know what is extremely hard? I read post’s from other bloggers and because I truely believe there is a mutual respect between myself and say…Baylinorcrush I use him as an example. Now Bay, has passionately expressed his disspleasure with what is happening in and around Dove Valley. At times, I don’t agree. At times I think he is looking at situations WAY to deep…but THEN reports of video taping, staff members leaking information because of simply “the way he treats people”, ripping the coaches in front of the owner…etc It leaves me thinking…”So this is what Bay was refrencing….nice!”
It’s like sticking up for your kid to the principal when he was accused of doing something he shouldn’t of been when your child told you he didn’t. You go there to show your support of right is right and wrong is wrong. THEN you find out your child WAS involved! LOL!
Mike, it’s getting harder and harder to fight for an individual I so desperately want to believe in, but he is making it awfully hard to gain my trust! I don’t know if this makes sense…..
I just want my Broncos back is all. The prideful Broncos, The ones that have that look in their eyes! The ones that Pat was so instrumental in building. Just want them back is all!
Mike, thanks so much for your arena to speak and as always best wishes to your family and friends!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
With all the loses and scandals we have had to sit and watch our team go thru this year,not to mention watching our name being drug thru the mudd,there is only 1 option in my mind,and that sir is to CLEAN HOUSE!!!!!!!!
The inconsistency on the defensive side is what drives me insane the most. We have one of if not the oldest D yet we are very inconsistant. What we are seeing is that experience doesn’t always produce results.
We have to get some young guys playing in these next few weeks so they can learn from these vets, and make their mistakes while gaining some confidence. You look at Oakland and KC’s D and they have some youth. Oakland a mixture of youth and experience. I’m glad the young O-line is getting their bumps and bruises now. I know why the young bucks are inconsistant, but have no clue about the older chaps. Maybe age is catching up with them or contentment.
BFE, what Mr. Bowlen said yesterday is only a smoke screen I think.
I believe the NFL completed it’s investigation that has been on going for a few weeks. I believe the only crime commited by McD was not turning his film guy in to the league. I know in a perfect world McD should have immediately turned the guy in, but since I am not perfect I can understand him saying WTF are you doing, don’t you know that is illegal. Get rid of it, I don’t want to see it. Then rather than turning the guy in, he let it go. I wonder how many McD haters would have been on his case if he had turned the film guy in. I can hear it now-McD ran to the comnmissioner and squealed on his film guy just like the little kid who runs to the teacher and reports on everyone. What I am sayin is to some no matter what McD does it would not be right. Oh well, just my opinion which probably has no place here.
strandofds….I think you are right!
Danso…dude your opinion does indeed belong on here.If you are a true Broncos fan,and I’m sure you are,then you have just as much right to express your opinion than anyone else on here.Just because someone dosen’t agree with it don’t mean you should regret posting it,people disagree with my posts all the time,I don’t care tho,I post my feelings,I feel free to post anything I want on here,that’s why I love this blog,besides eveybody can’t agree on everything all the time!
Some fans(myself included) think that it is time for McD and Xanders to go,but hey if you think they shouldn’t,then that’s your opinion,we can agree to disagree on the subject,just saying.
BFE, this is rather sad but I`m already looking at the top 20 projected players in this Aprils draft. I know it`s early but just getting to know who is who and what position and college. Like I have been saying for this draft, that it better be all D. And more importantly who will be our HC.
Mike, I always enjoy your Blogs.
Inconsistancy is an understatement. I have never seen a team that looks so good and then so bad (mostly bad), not only from game to game but within a game.
The team is in total disorray and has no direction, which is the way the management and coaches have been running things. It looks like McD and the management have no idea what they are doing.
We trade up to draft Alfonso Smith (Mc D said he was worth trading up for and is 1st round talent) only to let him go.
We trade away Peyton Hillis for Brady Quinn, which is fine but then why draft Tebow if you already traded for Quinn. It does not make sense. If McD wanted Tebow so bad, then why waste a draft pick for Quinn.
We trade for Maroney. (I did not think he was that good in NE).
Now we have Spygate II.
I am tired of McD bringing in all his NE cronies. There is other good talent in the NFL other than NE.
I have been a Bronco fan since I can remember (about 35 years) and this is the most imbarrassing time I can remember.
The thing that is a shame is that when McD came in, all he needed to do was fix the Defense (something Shanny could not do). The Broncos already had a good offense, and in IMO, still do.
I just hope whether Mc D is coach or not they focus on D. It is imbarrassing how many points the D is giving up at home.
But, danso, why did that happen in the first place? Why Mr Scarnecchia just decided to do exactly what he was found guilty some years ago? What he knew would only bring him trouble just to see IF the coach wanted to see it? That makes no sense at all. The investigation its still going, so this is not about coach “haters” or “lovers/supporters”. And this is not the only scandal he has been involved. Way too much bad news about this team and all around McD.
Unfortunately I have to agree with strandoftds, the Bowlen declaration is more a smoke screen than anything else.
Class, respect, tolerance of other people’s opinion has always prevailed in these blogs. I absolutely think they are, right now, the best part of the Broncos.
Given the insult it is to us fans to make us watch this team, I would simply like to join Bay’s cause. However, I think my reasons might be different.
My reasons for firing McD and Xanders aren’t the personnel decisions, they are entitled to try to build a team they think can win in THEIR system. As humans, they are entitled to fail. I do not wish McD and Xanders to leave because of the 3-8 record. I haven’t seen worse to be honest with you but still. Again, as humans they are entitled to fail.
The REASON for their failures is the reason I want them gone. Lack of CLASS. I have always felt that the fans in this blog and every Bronco fan I have had the pleasure of meeting has been classy. Even in victory, blow out or not, celebrated through personal satisfaction and accomplishment, not through the belittling of the opponent. I have seen Bronco players shake hands and demonstrate class to even the most bitter of rivals.
I have never seen a coach fist pumping after a win on TV. I have never seen a coach give up on a game. I have never seen a coach disregard the people around him for his personal gain in such a fashion as to cheat, whether knowingly or not, the actions of his staff fall on him.
He needs to go because his personality and methodology lack a key ingredient in this proud organization: class.
Well said BFE. Everyones opinion counts. We are all individuals with different mindsets, thoughts , and feelings on things. Right now I`m neutral on the HC situation. Mr. Bowlen has a tough decision to make in the off season. What would you do if you had to decide to let McD go and then pay three coaches at once. Tough call I`d say. On the other hand the fans at MILE HIGH are making there own decision on if I want to pay big money 8 times a year to see a awful team. If the fans don`t go to the games, the best decision Mr. Bowlen might have to make is to pay three coaches and go and bite the bullet to save the franchize. That might be the wisest decision.
Mike, I was listening to you on the way home from the game. I live in the Springs, so it was a long snowy drive home. You asked the KOA listeners what the one word to describe the Denver Bronco`s. My one word is LATHARGIC. And when I say that I mean on offense in the 2nd and 3rd qaurters. In my opinion they may need to pick up the tempo on offense. Whenever they go to a hurry up in the first qaurter to start the game and in the 4th qaurter when there behind, the offense seems to hit on all cylinders. Thats just my opinion.
BFE-Thanks
If and when Coach Daniels gets let go, I hope the new coach learns how to succeed in Denver. Just say “I did it because it gives us the best chance to win.” That will keep all happy and content despite mediocrity after inheriting a team with H.O.F. caliber players. And then when having a QB who lead us to the playoffs and an AFC Championship game, to bench him after being 7-4 uttering the line once more for a rookie because he threw a 60 yard pass in stride to a receiver in training camp –and the next two seasons going 7-9 and 8-8. THe last season losing all four games to miss the playoffs.. In short in McDaniels had only extended the Broncos tendency to lie down and die.
Classy fans? That is also in question. Mr. Bakke posts a great post about the intricacies of photographing an NFL game, the cheerleaders post about supporting our veterans in time of two over seas conflicts requiring true sacrifice. How does this classy fanbase respond? By making those posts into a conspiracy and a joke.
I will never give up on the team. But the to the fans, in Jake Plummer fashion I give you the middle finger.
O&B, you call it lack of class I call it character flaws, same thing buddy, we are totally in tune here.
And Steve, very classy of you.
i thought it fitting.
This idea being floated around that the Broncos always took the high road, always a respectful organization and just now being the laughing stock of the NFL amuses me. The Broncos have always been disrespected and looked down upon. But if it helps fans to look past that in light of current events that’s okay.
And it`s been that way ever since those three SuperBowl losses in the 80`s. As an organization the Bronco`s have always been classy until now. But as a NFL franchise in the eyes of the rest of the NFL we have been looked down upon because of those SuperBowl losses. Little respect.
If you’re gonna talk draft then I hope we get Drake Nevis or Patrick Peterson out of LSU. Move Champ to Safety with Dawk and let Cox and Peterson man the corner spots. Well let Peterson learn from Goodman first.
Nevis is a high motor DT who lived in the backfield.
Here is what I think. If it weren’t for of 3-4 plays we would be 6-5 right now.
Jets game-Pass interference
49ers game-Chop block canceling a TD and block in back by Moss canceling one TD
Rams game-Moreno fumble giving an easy TD to Rams
But it is what it is and we are a terrible 3-8. Regardless I think we are a few players away on defense from improving a lot. I believe our offense will do nothing but get better. There is no reason to change coaches with 5 games to go and really no one to fill in anyway. Play it out and see what happens. Personally I would give McD his 3rd year and if no playoffs, no job. Use our draft picks to bolster the defense and get Doom back and keep the same D coach for two years in a row and see the improvement. I still believe and remember I don’t drink Kool-Aid, just beer.
Ok with that said I will probably be one of a few to pick the Broncos this week considering they are 10 point underdogs but I will take Broncos 37-33. I hope I don’t make the wall of shame
Go TEAM BRONCOS
how sad
I know nothing of Nevis, but we do need a DT badly. If he`s lives in the backfield I`ll take him.
What I do know is that we play consistently badly and that is why our record is so poor.
If I have said it once I have said it a thousand times, hiring McD and Xanders was a huge mistake and we are paying for it now.
Of course we are inconsistent, McD wrecked our team. Did he tell Mr. Bowlen he was going to do that in his interview. Doing it his way is the wrong way, we should ALL know that by now.
If Shanahan had stayed we could have drafted and traded to a top 5 defence by now, and got a decent defensive co-ordinator.
And as for the Kool Aid, I always thought that was a kids drink full of sugar. Me, I drink beer
strandoftds… Nevis is way better than Glenn Dorsey was when he was at LSU and even now. Nevis has a motor that just doesn’t stop!
Just what we need!! As far as I`m concerned for our D, it`s a DT, DE or That shut down CB Peterson and nothing else for our first round pick. Our pass rush sucks. Thats the first thing we need to address. Get that QB on the ground. Elvis needs some help.
I’m with you strandoftds! I like what we have at LB! We just need to shore up that front and backside of the D like you said. Champ at FS, Dawk at SS, Cox at CB, Goodman at CB, and Peterson at Nickel.
I like it. With Elvis coming back next season is only gonna make the D much better. But he needs more young talent around him. Ayers, Cox, Syd`Qaun, Vauhn, and Haggan is a start.
And ya, I started looking at some of the mock drafts for 2011 and all of them have Patrick Peterson between picks two and four over all. I know little about him. Most of these mocks say he`s a shut down CB. The best to come out in the last few years. If he is that good, go after him for God sakes.
I’m new to the blogs, but I also agree that Orton seems to be doing well, but he just doesn’t seem to do well when the game is on the line. He seems to lose his accuracy when he throws.
I would put Tebow in the last 2 games of the season, but I also agree with the earlier post that McD may not do that to try to win as many games as he can this year. But with the D playing the way they do, who knows.
The only good thing about losing more games would be to get better pics next draft
P.S. I’m enjoying what I’m reading here !
BroncofaninATL, welcome to the show. And yes, we are ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY!!
Thanks to those who have posted.
Broncfalls…I hear you. I feel your pain. I’m not sure exactly what to tell you, though. Thanks for the good wishes. I appreciate them and the same to you!
beefdirkus…Thanks so much for faithfully reading…and to all the others who do the same thing. It means a lot.
strandoftds…Despite the result of the game, I hope we made the long ride home a little more bearable! Thanks for listening, too. I can certainly understand your choice.
Best to all,
Mike
Mike, And once again win or lose, I`m a life long fan. It`s hard times right now for the Bronco`s and us fans. But just like in life itself, we`ve gotta accept the bad with the good. It`s a bummer sometimes but there`s no promises to anything. YOU`VE GOTTA EARN IT. We do have something to build on. Whatever Mr. Bowlen doe`s after the season, I will be behind him. I HAVE TOO! THE BRONCO`s ARE MY TEAM!! OUR TEAM!! The only way is up!
strandoftds…it’s that kind of passion that makes Broncos fans special.
Mike
I`ve been hard on my Boys lately but it is because I love them. I just simply love my Denver Bronco`s. And when they lose week in and week out it just hurts. And when I`m hurting I talk about the frustrations. And it`s only because I care. I`ve gotta be real. You better start winning you guys or your gong to get a spanking. HaHaHa!! Gotta have some fun. STRANDOFTDS
Good night Mr. Rice and GOD BLESS!!
strandoftds…thanks and you too!
Mike
caramello, i agree with u 100%. if were talking about the draft i hope and pray that we get a guy like patrick peterson who can not only make an impact on defense but also make an impact on the return game as well. That will do wonders to eddie royal who can now focus on playing reciever.
I think We should keep champ at corner and move cox to free and b-dawk at strong, then we would have a more athletic secondary. Also the return of Elvis Dumervil next year will help this team’s pass rush alot!!.
Go Broncos!!