I don’t care how it happened, against whom it happened or any of the circumstances around the fact that it happened.
I am simply glad the Broncos experienced that winning feeling again.
After five straight losses and nine losses in the ten previous games, the Broncos just needed to win a game. And they did. Let me take a moment to exhale.
Ahhhhh. Nice. It’s good to remember what a Broncos’ win feels like. I had nearly forgotten what a Broncos win felt like, even if at least some of the players had not.
“No, not at all, just missed it” Lloyd told 850 KOA when asked if he forgot what it was like to win. “It was definitely a feeling I was longing for. The appetite for winning is insatiable. You’re never satisfied no matter how much you win and losing definitely takes a lot of steam out of the team. It’s good that we got character guys on this team, guys who are willing to fight when it seems like there is nothing to be fighting for. It was a lot of fun to be out there today.”
I don’t think it would be a stretch to say it was a lot of fun for Broncos Country to watch what happened against Houston, particularly in the second half. Seeing one’s team come back from a 17-0 halftime deficit has a way of brightening up one’s day.
The win was good to see for many different reasons. Some of the significant ones include:
1 – THE FUTURE PERSONNEL FOCUS. I saw enough from Tim Tebow to be completely comfortable with him or Kyle Orton as the starting quarterback next season. Because of that, I believe the Broncos can confidently move forward with the number one priority being to build the defense. Close behind as the number two priority is to fortify the offensive line.
Tebow and Orton have shown me that they are good enough to be quarterbacks who could get the Broncos into the playoffs. While neither might be considered elite at this point in time, they are good enough to get the job done if the defense and the running game improve.
2 – THE BRONCOS HAVE SOME TALENTED PLAYERS. I’m not going to sugarcoat the fact the Broncos need a serious personnel upgrade at more than one position. That is clear. At the same time, it is often easy to think a team no good players when a season goes south.
I was encouraged to see some guys make some plays, especially in big situations. Clearly Tim Tebow did that. Brandon Lloyd continued to do that. Justin Bannan did that. And there were others, too.
3 – IT IS NEAT TO SEE A GOOD MAN SUCCEED. Interim head coach Eric Studesville has stepped into a difficult situation and handled it with the class of a true professional. His focused yet friendly personality has been exactly what the organization needed after nearly two years of upheaval.
By all accounts, Coach Studesville is showing himself to be a darn good coach, too. I root for people like him. He has been businesslike yet outgoing, intense yet approachable, and throughout the last month, positive to the core.
I don’t know what the chance is he will be the Broncos’ next head coach. The common thought seems to be that the organization will go in another direction. If that’s the case, I sure hope there is a place for him on the new staff if he wants to remain with the Broncos.
I hope the win over the Texans was a first step in the Broncos organization going in another direction from the one we have seen in 2010. If it is, the organization and its fans may not soon forget that winning feeling.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. I wish you and your family all the best in 2011.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: 2010, Brandon Lloyd, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Justin Bannan, Kyle Orton, Mike Rice, Tim Tebow, Week 16
great post Mike,it feels great to finally win,and with a 4th qtr comeback from Tebow was sweet!!!!
I do think Studs is getting better as HC ,but lets face it,he’s only here for another game.
As far as talent,we have some good talent on this team,but we need to draft all Defense with the exception of a pass catching TE,IMO.
Orton would be ok to bring back as a backup to Tebow,but I’d sat he’ll be traded for picks we desperately need in the draft.
Hey Mike,
Great Post. The winning feeling was something long for by me as well. I was excited the way it happened, the comeback victory, Tebow, and the team rallying and not giving up.
I must say tho….We are Broncos Country (Not Nation…that belongs to our bitter rivals, Raiders)
Glad to see good happen to Studesville as well….His passion and love for the game is undeniable…carries himself proffesionally but looks like he has a little bit too much fun with his job lol. I like that. He has injected some passion into the team. I doubt as well that he is in consideration (not unless we take the cost friendly approach). Best luck to him.
sidenote: We have a lil debate on the other blog whether we should just lose against SD and take the second pick or risk ending with the 6th pick in a worst case scenario from winning. Just would like your thoughts if you care to share them.
*say
My prediction is SD 20 BRONCOS 31
However much I want a good draft position to see the effect a win had on the team was special.
If the Bengals can beat Rivers then I want to us make him even more of a cry baby.
123 BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have the answer TRB, no one even remotely associated with the Broncos would ever venture out to say that losing is ever anything to be even considered no matter the scenarios, that’s a gimme, and I respect that.
Yes, winning felt great, specially with a fourth quarter comeback, gotta go back to October of last year for anything remotely close to that, definitely made my Christmas.
Now for a perfect new year, play hard as heck all game for a great football display but just to lose on a last second FG to the Chargers and secure ourselves the #2 pick. That’s how I will have a good start on 2011.
great story. it is indeed nice to win, and at home, with Tebow leading the troops in a come from behind…. PRICELESS!! was very excited to see that happen. Gives Tebow some confidence going into the off season. and since the bengals won also, we get to stay in the number 2 spot… for now! win win situation for our organization!! now we know we have a couple viable options at QB (hope Tebow is our starter though) for next year!
i too am very glad for studes… and while i dont see him staying on as the HC, im hoping the organization keeps him on staff next year. i think he has proved his worth and should at the very least be allowed to keep his job as running backs coach!
i also agree that while we have A LOT of weaknesses (especially on the defensive side), we do still have a pretty talented offense! missing a running game, but i believe that will improve simply by having continuity on the O line next year.
@ TRB… i havent had a chance to read the previous blog, but im hoping the broncos win by losing! i feel terrible hoping for a loss (especially since im going to the game) but i believe it is crucial that we get that 2nd pick in order to begin rebuilding our defense! honestly, in spite of last weeks showing by us, and the melt down that SD had, i believe SD is still a better team than us this year. so i wont be surprised if SD takes it to us on sunday! im hoping we stay competetive but lets face it, SD has a MUCH BETTER defense than Houston, and there is no way our offense has the same success this week as they did last week. the potential exists IMO for Tebow to have a not so hot day! i am of course hoping that he continues to exceed expectations and has another great outing, but im trying to stay level headed and grounded on this one! Regardless of how the next game goes, i feel its safe to say that Tebow has certainly given this team and its fans something to be hopeful for and excited about for next season! thats my 2 cents!
TEBOW TEBOW TEBOW….BRONCOS BRONCOS BRONCS
OFFENSE WINS GAMES, DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!
THE BATTLE IS WON IN THE TRENCHES
1nOnlyTRB…thanks for the note. Fair enough, changed to Broncos Country! I know you get the idea, though.
As far as losing to the Chargers…I am never in favor of losing. This is an organization and a team that needs to build positive momentum. Plus, there does not seem to be a clear cut, have-to-draft defensive guy. At least there doesn’t seem to be one yet. Maybe one will emerge in the lead-up to the draft.
The Broncos need to beat the Chargers, or at least try to, and then see where they end up in the draft. We know this…the Broncos will be picking high enough to get a really, really good player…one who can potentially be an impact player immediately.
Mike
TRB
Historically Denver was part of the Arapaho Nation so it is quite appropriate to call the Broncos “Bronco Nation”.
The Raiders do not come from anywhere since they have been moved about by their owner because as you know nobody really wants them other than the Hell’s Angels. Historically California was populated by many different Native American tribes, but no nation.
I’d like to see a win over the Chargers this Sunday for many reasons. One being we can go into the off season on a high note, and start to lay the foundation down for our future. Kind of like how the Chiefs did us last year in the final game.
I think it would be fitting for Tebow to get his first division win against the Chargers. Esp since this is the first annual “Battle of The Questionable Throwing motions” between Rivers and Tebow. As much as I want a win, our defense brings me back down to reality.
I see that in the Drive of the Week coverage Tim Tebow calls Invesco “Mile High”.
Should we all call it Mile High from now on?
And of course melloo, you forgot to mention the most important reason of them all for you personally to wanna win so bad:
You will be attending your first Bronco game EVER!
I’m not, haha. Lose the darn thing already, we are already going out on a high note with last week game anyway.
Thanks Mike, I feel the same way and I do believe there are some defensive stand outs but they havent even declared yet.
Bay thanks for answering the question…u were right to an extent (I say extent becasue i believe this is how Mike truely feels)
CrazyHorserider
Didnt know that…interesting tho. But now a days and all over the site for example it is Broncos Country…wasnt really basing it on history just wat was coined and we kinda coined country and while no one wanted the raiders lol, they kinda coined Nation….But as Mike said…I got the point…Just like to nitpick that one thing lol
Let’s ask Invesco, LOL.
It’s Invesco Field at Mile High as far as how everyone needs to refer to it officially, but it’s Mile High to all of us fans I’m sure.
Like the Denver Post, I say that the Broncos play at “Mile High”. Invesco is a company. not a football field.
It’s amazing how much the first 5 draft selections will depend on who comes out early for the draft. If Luck doesn’t, everything totally changes.
And January 15 is the deadline to declare, the picture will be much clearer then.
ya, i still call it “Mile High”. dont care what name they put on the thing, it will always be “Mile High” to me!! thats where the magic began, and i can see NO REASON to take that magic away by calling it Invesco! in case no one has noticed, the stock market is inconsistent, so naming the stadium after a company that basically gambles on an inconsisten market is really not very encouraging… IMO! LOL
Hahaha oh yeah Bay i almost forgot about me attending my 1st ever Broncos game. Where was my mind, hahaha. I don’t want to see a loss but Rivers loves our Defense. Jackson loves our Defense, and it could be a long day if Champ doesn’t play and cover Jackson. I can accept a hard fought close loss but I can’t take a blow out to the Farters.
Bay did you see that link about the NFL stadiums that I posted <—— over there?
I say Mile High as well bc Mile High Magic sounds better. While Invesco @ Mile Migh Magic sounds like something Harry Potter would laugh at.
Yeah, I even put up a comment about it.
I don’t mind being beat out by Dallas out of the world stadium.
Yes, it was great to see our Team win, and to reiterate, the fashion in which it was done! Hadn’t felt that much excitement at Inveso for sometime now.
Would love to see us go out with a win in the season finale! It’s a double edged sword as I don’t want to see us give up a high draft choice.
That’s not to say the new regime could always trade up for someone they really wanted, but at what cost?
Looks like the Bolts may be ready to dump Turner after the season is over.
I appreciate everyone’s reason for wanting to lose this game Sunday, but, Tim Tebow is not going to go onto that field with any intention other than winning. He has made it very clear that he strives to win, and he is going to do everything in his power to win. He proved that to everyone last weekend I think. I truly believe that the defense will stand up to the challenge this weekend. Basically because they got a taste of what Tebow brings to their table last week and the week before. They like it, as we all do, and they are going to go and show us all that they can stand up to the challenge. Broncos 38 Chargers 21.
I just saw on ESPN the SD owner saying he would keep A.J. Smith and Turner for next year, so who knows…
Cooper is taking a vacation I guess, no blog from him this week.
As for Studesville as HC. I would not mind seeing that for at least one year. Give the man a chance. Look at what he is done so far. Not to bad I think. He walked into an absolute mess! BUT, there needs to be some changes below him. A strong look might need to be made at the defense coaching as well as the special teams coaching. A question that I have. Has anyone heard news on the Elway deal? ESPN talked on it a bit last night and said that a deal is being ironed out, but did not elaborate on it.
Seweatherman
Thats why the ones who want us to lose all think they should start Quinn instead of Tebow…cuz no way tebow gives less than his all. But Quinn on the other hand sucks. We could just say we are trying to evaluate quinns future with us as a back up or something.
As far as Studesville at HC…He hasnt done much…but then he took over with 4 games left…Like the guy, really do…but 2011 cannot be another experiment year…and thats what studesville will be…an experiment…Like his fire and passion tho…hope he remains….
That was basically why I was saying to give him a chance. His fire and passion, along with Tebow’s is rubbing off on the rest of the team and I see good things happening. I might be wrong, but, good things might be happening here. Like you also said, he has only had four games to show his stuff.
According to Woody, all the details between the Broncos and Elway and his agent have been worked out and it will be made official early next week making him something equivalent to Vice President of Football Operations, meaning he would have say over GM and HC.
Does this also mean that he will have input on draft selections? If so, how much input?
Well it is Mile High for me from now on.
And TRB I know where you are coming from and would never go against Broncos’ tradition.
However country really refers to geographical characteristics while nation refers to political and social characteristics. So imho country is not the best name for the fantastic living and breathing organism that is the Denver Broncos.
And with all due respect Studs is just a bridge from here to there, no way you get rid of someone with the knowledge of McD to give the job to a guy who has never even been a coordinator. What he is doing is letting everyone else do their job and staying out of their way other than with the running game, a lot of folks could do ok running things that way, just saying, and Tebow has really been the spark plug, the team was awful under Studs whith Orton playing the Cardinals game, and the D has been awful until the second half last week when Tebow’s play inspired them. Studs has had close to zilch to do about any of that other than the decent running game of Bucky and Ball last week. You are getting carried away about Studs is what I’m saying.
If Xanders remains GM he will be in charge of personnel decisions up front but with no final decision power would be how I see it, instead Elway would have the same kind of final decision power on personnel as McD had. Elway will call many shots, from hiring HC, OC, DC, FA and draft, I mean you don’t get a man like that involved in this without giving him major authority, and Elway wouldn’t do it without it, that’s why discussions about his role took so long. Plus Bowlen and Ellis are now gun shy after the McD disaster, so they need Elway’s guidance badly, make no mistakes about it. All that just my opinion of course.
Don’t crush me to bad guys. As you probably figured out, I am new to all this stuff. I have always been a Broncos fan, but I am also a Gator fan having followed Tebow here. I am just learning all this myself. I never knew the workings of a pro team as you guys do, but I am learning through you guys.
Bay, I’ve just seen your post on the previous blog about why it is not such a bad thing to lose against SD and get the D lineman we so desperately need.
To my mind this is not a loser mentality but a winning mentality. It is well known that in banking the best traders know when to take a loss and it seems to me that is what you are saying. In the best interests of our team a loss now will mean far more wins later. So logically your common sense approach is spot on.
Obviously with the Broncos the fans let their hearts rule their heads, but professionally there is no doubt that your wisdom is the best for the Broncos over time. So I am with you on this one.
seweather, not trying to deflate you or anything, I’m just discussing things the way I always do, don’t take it personally, a lot of us here are lifetime Bronco fans and always strive to find ways to make us better, and your boy Tebow is one big piece of the puzzle now, glad he brought you on board.
Crazy, thanks for thinking I’m not so crazy, LOL.
Invesco field at Mile High in Broncos Country filled with a Legion of Bronco fans that comprise Bronco Nation…..
It’s all good!!!!
I LOVE ME SOME DENVER BRONCOS!!!!
I hope you are right about Elway because I do feel that the fans have great trust in him and his ability and if Mr Bowlen hands this power to him it will be an historic day for the Broncos.
To have Elway involved in the Tebow era in such a major way will be quite something. He definitely has experience and intelligence to pull it off.
OC
That is brilliant
123 BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!
I appreciate it bay. As they say, gotta go for but will return later. Work has to be done! blah!!!!!!!
And the Duke rides back out of the sunset, steps down from his mighty steed and says…
“This Bronco Country needs a new Sheriff, so I came back to clean up this Dusty Denver Broncos Town….”
I Love me some “Duke” Sheriff Elway!!!!!
It will be great to see Elway in the front office. He loves the Broncos and I think it must have been heartbreaking for him to see the team over the past few years. I think that is why he wants to be involved. He wants to help the Broncos be a proud franchise again.
I also heard one of the ESPN guys say Elway would like to help and work with Tebow.
I am looking forward to the next few months. It will be interesting to see who is the new coach is and our draft picks. And not to forget, one more game left against the Chargers. Hopefully we can win.
I do not like loosing a game for a draft pick, at least this year. There is not clearcut, must have player in the draft at least not at this point.
I think you try and win the game and let the chips lay where they are. Even if they end up with the 5 pick it will be a good player or will be able to trade for some later picks if that is what is decided.
Seweatherman1
for what its worth…I kinda like Studesvilles approach…letting everyone do their job and not stepping over people and trying to make them do exactly what u want. They were hired for to do a job let them do it. But in the long run I dont see him making HC. Like bay said, not trying to deflate…just sharing points of views.
thanks Mike. WOW! What a great win. We needed that. I hope Studesville stays as RB Coach. He`s a good coach and a great person. He`s only going to get better and maybe one day be a HC. I`m rooting for Eric, But I`d like a HC who has that HEAD COACHING EXPERIENCE.
Thanks TRB. I understand what you are saying. I guess I am looking at this with a whole different outlook. I am just thinking of all the naysayers that said Tebow would not be able to play QB becauase blah…blah…blah…We know all the reasons that they had. On ESPN Sunday night and monday, the sports analysts still have the same blah…blah…blah…because Tebow ahs not proven himself over just 2 games. Well, my comment to this is…If what Tebow did this past Sundasy didn’t show somebody something…they have got to be blind or just not going to say Tebow can do this because he is left handed, or whatever reason they are looking for. I also don’t wish to be one of the naysayers on Studesville saying he cannot do the job. I have listened to all of his interviews online since he was named interimHC, and in one of those he said something to the effect that the coaches were going to do the job they were hired to do. I think the interview about this past Sundays game he said that they did the job they were supposed to do, but more work is needed in all areas. Do we loose him all together for someone else or do we keep him, because he is reflecting that he is a good coach and chance it for a year? That is the question? And, I am comparing this situation to Tebow situation. Denver gave Tebow a chance…There was a lot of Bronco Nation that did not believe in Tebow in the beginning. Now, I wonder how many you can find in Bronco Nation that have the same thoughts? This is after working with the offense in practice for only two weeks? The reswt of the season he had been doning mental reps, (or whatever they are called) whatever that is.
Great post Mr. Rice,
I agree with you on every point excpet one: I personally do not want to see anymore Orton. I think he is a very good Quarterback. Very smart. Very tough. His work ethic is unquestionable as you can see his QB rating go up each season he’s played in the NFL. But I think we saw him hit his peak this year and his best wasn’t good enough. When the chips are down so is he, unlike Tebow who’s track record indicates that he only gets better as things get worse. The headiness and sound fundamentals get you so far. But the raw athletic ability and the inextinguishable desire to win (or should I say they inextinguishable BELIEF that we WILL win?) gets you to a championship. So Orton must go. Not because he is bad but because not starting Tebow would, in my opinion, be the worst decision ever made in franchise history. I know there’s been some bad ones and I realize the boldness of this statement, but he’s our guy. The proper hier to John Elway. I do wish Orton luck and I thank him for the hard work he put in for this organization. I think he’s earned himself a starting job somewhere – just not here. Like Klis said – as a compliment – Orton’s career will likely mirror John Kitna’s. GO TEBOW!
good to see broncos win my predictionfor sunday
chargers 38
broncos 24
I think that the 5,000 plus that did not show for last weeks game will be there this week and get involved in the BRONCO STOMP! They realize that they missed one heck of a game and regret every momemt of it now. Sorry guys, but Tebow isn’t going to sit still with a loss. He is going to do everyting in his power to win. BRONCOS 38 / BOLTS 21.
i was surprised that there were 5,000 and some odd no shows! i figured the stadium would be at capacity with Tebow getting his first home start! Course it was the day after christmas so that may have played into it. watching the game i thought it looked like more than just 5,000 no shows…. looked like A LOT more! was glad to hear it was only 5,000. my prediction for this weekend is: 27 – 31 Dolts. that being said i think they win on the strength of their running game not Rivers arm!
cant stand that guy!! lol
TRB, I agree that “the broncos nation” doesn’t seem to fit us fans… There are many other fan bases that calls themselves “nation”(raiders, steelers to name a few) but “Broncos Country”, that’s what I really feel… It’s US!
Mike, Exellentent response on the “win or lose” debate, I fell the same way.
“I would like to re-post my thoughts on the matter for those who did not get the chance to read it, it was something like this:
I really want TT to beat the gay bolts! I mean, that would be awesome! I hate when rivers kicks our butt! Actually, I can’t stand it!
I understand the importance of the draft, specially when you are looking for certain players(and is a considerable difference from #2 to #9) but a better spot in the draft does not guarantees success as (look at Lions, Bills, even the raiders in past years)
Another thing that caught my attention was this silly idea of the Broncos thinking on going for Luck if available, I just don’t think a competent organization with smart personnel in charge of the draft would do such a thing, it just won’t be an intelligent decision based on the personnel needs.
Stop this loosing madness, we have been trough a lot this season, I am sick and tired of ppl(even raider fans) saying we got nothing!
So if you hate rivers more than the chargers(I do LOL) let’s try to shut his BIG mouth on Sunday at Mile high! Our house should be respected(at least give the best try)!
Who knows, if we win we might be a top 5 still…
Go Broncos! Let’s get the gay bolts something to remember entering 2011!!!”
Again Mike, I think we share some thoughs…
Keep it up Tebow!!!
Go Broncos on suanday and 2011!! Bring the D back to Denver!!
great post mike, i loved the way u sugar coated orton as being considered as the starter next year, and didnt want to step on his toes! but like all of us know and YOU know Tebow will be the starter next year! Now that we have are future quaterback here is my take on what should be done this off season! and before i start one other thing comes to mind to all the people who say we should lose to the Chargers! I DO NOT SIT HERE EVERY SUNDAY FOR THE PAST 28 YRS TO WATCH MY BELOVED BRONCOS LOSE! AND IM NOT GONNA START NOW!!!
1. Sign Champ Bailey
2. Gruden or Cowher (just need experience at position)
3. Mike Singltary (DC)
4. Kubiak (OC)
5. Keep Studs.
6. I am an Irish fan and I know we are going all defense in the draft but there is one thing we havnt had for a while in Denver is a good tight end! in the 2nd round we need to select Kyle Rudolph! the guy is just a STUD!
Imagine this fellow Broncos! Tebow to Rudolph for a touchdown!