Even though it is just preseason and the games do not count in the standings, there is something to be said for doing things the right way. The Broncos are doing things the right way.
Competitors want to win. While the 30-10 loss to Seattle will quickly fade from most of our memories, the Broncos did not like that losing feeling whatsoever.
“It’s always disappointing, whether it’s preseason or regular season, to lose a game,” Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway told 850 KOA on Thursday.
Head coach John Fox told us the same thing earlier in the week.
“Every time you throw it out there, you want to win. Obviously you feel better when you win,” Fox said.
I love the perspective the Broncos have. Even though it’s just the preseason, they want to win. If they’re going to be on the field, they might as well beat the other team. Good for them.
I also love the fact that they fully recognize where they are in the process. It’s about competing; it’s about winning; it’s about formulating the strongest possible roster for the regular season opener against Pittsburgh on September 9.
“We’re coming up to the tough time of year when you have to cut down to 75 (players) by Monday and 53-man roster five days later, next Friday,” Elway said. “This is getting to the crucial time to where we have to find the best 53 guys”
It’s also about playing good football, even now. Rest assured, there were not too many happy campers after the loss to Seattle.
“It was terrible,” linebacker Joe Mays said of the defensive performance against the Seahawks. “We know how we can come out and play this game. We know that we can come out and play with the best of them. We definitely didn’t show that this past weekend. We gave up too many big plays (and) most of it came from the run. We have to be better.”
Yes, they do. Quarterback Peyton Manning, who threw two interceptions against Seattle, told 850 KOA after the game that performances like he turned in simply will not cut it.
“We moved the ball well but just didn’t finish well in the red zone,” Manning said. “The interceptions and the turnovers are just inexcusable. They’re drive killers; they’re game killers.”
“Every interception has a story (but) nobody really wants to hear it,” Manning continued. “The quarterback signs the check for every throw that he makes. That’s three interceptions, two in the red zone in two weeks and (there’s) just no excuse for it. Tipped balls or not, somehow, some way, at the end of every play the quarterback’s job is to possess the ball. That’s something I have to do a better job of.”
All of this reflects a culture that is committed to winning at the highest level. It doesn’t guarantee anything but it certainly is a good foundation for the long journey that will begin in a matter of weeks.
We who follow the Broncos can hurry up and wish for the regular season to get here. Let me raise my hand and admit my guilt in doing that every August.
The Broncos are, thankfully, much more measured and thorough as they go through this arduous and, at times, tedious, preseason process.
And even though it’s only preseason, they want to win.
I love it.
What are you hoping to see when the Broncos host the 49ers in the third preseason game this weekend?
Thanks for reading and posting your thoughts.
Best,
Mike
I hope they win then, Mike! I also hope they show they can stop the run better than last week and that Peyton throws a long deep TD pass. My wishes!
cat………..to your question in the last blog…………
I still think they need to play as a unit at least the entire first half.
It’s all about building chemistry and rhythm…….and while building it at practice is great……….you don’t get the same feel as when you’re playing in a real game. And if the 49er’s D is being tough on us, we need that to get better and improve.
Of course, I don’t want him to get hurt, so if he’s taking a beating, we should prob take him out……..but then we have much larger issues to worry about. I think our O-line will stand up to the test.
I’ll say ditto to tlcat, but with one exception. Peyton has missed on two short TD pass opportunities, for whatever reason, so I hope he and his receivers can make one (or two or five!) happen this week.
Carsonic! FIVE!!!! That would make up for it right?!?!?!?!
Hey Mike…………thanks for the read.
I just want to see some sound football……………regardless of the final score.
I would like to see our O move the ball and would love to see PM score a TD, just so he can get that monkey off his back…..I’m sure deep down it’s bugging him. I’d also like to see him get through his series’ with no turnovers.
And on D, I want to see us limit the run game………..cause at this point, I see that as our greatest weakness.
I just want to see solid efforts from the 1′s, 2′s and 3′s.
Not only would that be awesome, everyone would stop talking about how amazing the 49er defense is if we were able to do that! LOL
Kod, I agree about the first half. But then he wasn’t supposed to play a whole half last week and he did. I guess it’ll be up to Fox and Peyton and what they’re thinking is most important out of this game.
yah, like last week, I think the flow of the game will dictate how long the 1′s play.
I bet if it were up to manning, he’d want to play the entire game!
ME TOO!
He would. I know it.
I am back in meetings today… I’ll catch up with you @ lunch.
Hey y’all. I’m not too concerned with the final score as much as I want to proper execution. I’m really excited about the no huddle offense, and that takes time to get everyone on the same page. I’d like to see us show that we can run the ball against the 49ers, and move the ball efficiently. Outside of turnovers, I’m not too concerned with Manning’s stat line, nor will I be during the regular season. I’d prefer not to be in the position to win or loose on Manning’s arm. Run game and defense baby!!!
I hear ya OT…………
If we can shore up the run D………we have the potential to be a top 10, or even top 5 D this season………..but it all boils down to if we can improve stopping the run.
Morning Mr. Rice! And TIcat & Kod…
I’d like to see more of what I watched in the 1st half last week. Of course without the turnovers. Or dropped balls. But. If they are going to happen, preseason is the time for it to happen.
On the D side, I’d like to see more sound tackling. It’s been a pleasant surprise so far and I’d like to know that this trend is the norm, not the exception.
Same goes for ST.
And of course the minor detail of watching our offseason prize throw a TD pass.
Though, if it has to happen in the regular season opener, it sure will make for a dramatic storyline!!!
Have a great weekend and as always-
Broncos Country Strong 2012!
morning sndvl…………
I wouldn’t be opposed to seing a PM touchdown either! lol But I’d be just as happy to see him march it down the field methodically and let McGahee punch it in again.
As for the 2′s and 3′s, I’d love to see Siliga, Omon, Trevathan, and Jackson step up and show they belong on this team. I hope Osweiler gets as many reps as possible, and battles through any adversity that he may experience, as well as show solid improvements to build on going forward.
Maybe PM can score a TD on a bootleg?!?!?!? hahaha Don’t think we’ll be seeing too many bootlegs from manning!
Wow! I must point out… The last 3 posts just so happen to be from regular contributors who also earned Training Camp prize packs… Too funny
we’re the new three amigos! hahaha
Nice one Kod!
Classic!
Gotta run for the rest of the day…………hope to catch up tomorrow.
Have a great friday everyone!
And for those that might have missed it………..here’s something to make you smile…….
My 16 month old is ready for the game on Sunday!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/80407532@N05/7850394550/
Did someone say bootleg?? Check out the gazelle tuck the ball and run….. Against the Raiders too, perhaps a sign??
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m7_aDs1lm10
Its simply: no injuries. Thanks for getting our perspectives.
Later on kod. Great pic!
No injuries are key – I agree!
Hey cat – the fact that Irsay is tweeting about “trade winds swirling” tells me he is looking for a quick uptick in ticket sales….
Final tuneup before Steelers game.
1. Establish run game vs. 3-4 (tough test).
2. Passing game plan vs 3-4 defense. (WR adjustment on routes run).
3. O work on recognizing blitz packages… (pass & run block)
4. Defense work on containing run game.. (limit big runs).
5. Defense recognize draw plays & screens and shut down.
6. Work on form tackling.
7. Create turnovers, strip, tipped balls, int’s.
8. Limit penalties.
Good list rbf1. I agree on all of it. Our turnover ratio has to improve, and I really want to see a bunch of forced fumbles this season!!!
Thx OT – yeah it would be great to see more turnovers this year!
As I watched David Bruton block the first punt last weekend on special teams, I was thinking back
and couldn’t remember the last time Broncos had blocked a punt…(getting old..lol).
Special Team turnovers are very big!!
I can’t remember any either, probably because there hasn’t been a whole lot in recent years.. Bruton really showed his worth on specials, and I hope Trevathan can do the same. There is a big opportunity for Trevathan on this team, we really need him to be the surprise of the year, given our “situation” at LB.. Lol
I think last week, we saw exactly how important Jason Hunters presence really was on that d-line. Hope the guys can jell up front with who we have left. They all seemed to follow his lead. Someone needs to step up.
Kod – Great pic!!!
Mr. Rice – I live rather close to Ninerland. It is sort of like my proximity to Raider Nation. Of course, Niners are not nearly as diabolical or smelly. They are not our sworn enemies against whom we must defend ourselves twice a year – with ugly, evil, and intelligence deprivation written all over them. It is just that these red and black folks are infiltrators who taint everything good in my region. They out number the lovely colors of blue and orange probably 2 to one. When it gets right down to it – even though it is a pre-season game – in every single phase of the game – I WANT TO BURY THEM!!!
I can’t believe that post didn’t get any comments for over an hour – That was seriously funny! This blog is lifeless and being considered for pronouncement as dead! I might have to allow the BlogKiller to post again – btw – that did turn out to be my son – the same one that posts for me at times. Urgh!!! LOL just when I thought I was in charge!!!
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