December 31, 2006 2:51 PM
Broncos out of playoffs; some fans stranded in Hays
At least a dozen loud Broncos fans are cheering on their team at the Stadium Club sports bar in the Holiday Inn in Hays, Kan. We're stranded, waiting for I-70 westbound to open. Until then, three big screens, a roomful of people getting to know each other and football, football, football.
Just watched the Chiefs beat Jacksonville to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Broncos got the early field goal and Mike Bell just broke open up the middle down to the three. Jake Plummer back in at quarterback when Jay Cutler was smacked in the head - and probably won't return. Broncos have to settle for a field goal. That's two red zone trips and no touchdowns, not a good sign.
Jake makes what the announcers call an "ill-advised throw", which is intercepted. Welcome back. Champ Bailey interception and great return for a touchdown. Broncos fans in Hays erupt in cheers. Defense probably going to have to win this game.
December 31, 2006
6:09 PM
Art Fugue writes:
Fire Shanahan.
December 31, 2006
6:12 PM
LareyKerling writes:
Do whatever it takes to get Gary Kubiak back.
December 31, 2006
6:13 PM
Jeff Shober writes:
Probably would have died a slow painful death in the playoffs. Play calling in 1st half was ridiculous. Cutler will be fun to watch in a few years.
December 31, 2006
6:14 PM
Dwight writes:
BOO-HOO, BOO-HOO
December 31, 2006
6:16 PM
Dwight writes:
BOO-HOO, BOO-HOO
December 31, 2006
6:16 PM
Greg writes:
Nice effort, Broncos! Thanks for wasting my entire afternoon watch that pathetic excuse for football! With the 99% if the population making peanuts compared to their salaries, at least I put a little more desire in my work. Enjoy your vacation and you deserve all the criticisms you get!
December 31, 2006
6:17 PM
Greg writes:
Nice effort, Broncos! Thanks for wasting my entire afternoon watching that pathetic excuse for football! With the 99% if the population making peanuts compared to their salaries, at least I put a little more desire in my work. Enjoy your vacation and you deserve all the criticisms you get!
December 31, 2006
6:17 PM
Bill writes:
The Bronco's are now the official laughing stock of the NFL. Let's hope the choksters can figure out how to pressure a quarterback and stop any running back outside of high school during the next seven months. Enjoy the long off season, boys. You've earned it.
December 31, 2006
6:19 PM
Bill writes:
The Bronco's are now the official laughing stock of the NFL. Let's hope the choksters can figure out how to pressure a quarterback and stop any running back outside of high school during the next seven months. Enjoy the long off season, boys. You've earned it.
December 31, 2006
6:19 PM
Anonymous writes:
Shanahan has to go!! The offense is so predictable. Without John Elway and some true leaders the team has no discipline. At least we don't have to be totally embarrassed at New England next week.
December 31, 2006
6:20 PM
Mac Brown writes:
Time for Shanahan and crew to be fired. Are you really this stupid Mr. Bowlen?
December 31, 2006
6:20 PM
ken writes:
I hate to say it but the Chiefs are probably more deserving than us anyway. We should all root for them in the playoffs. At least theY're in our division. Go Chiefs!
December 31, 2006
6:21 PM
Futbal King writes:
Ha ha!
The only thing more sad than the Brocos gettn knocked out are the losers who wasted an entire afternoon watching it all unfold as if it was some mystery.
Futbal Sucks
December 31, 2006
6:23 PM
Karl writes:
Time to retool the offensive and defensive lines. Then maybe the Broncos will be a contender, not a pretender!
December 31, 2006
6:26 PM
LJK writes:
We should be proud that the Bronco's had so few penalties this year - it must be some kind of record. Everything else they did sucked.
December 31, 2006
6:26 PM
Robert Shapiro writes:
The whole team has played poorly and inconsistently. The offense, defense and special teams. Whats the deal with the kicker not being able to get the ball past the ten yard line on the kick off? It seems SF had the ball on their 40 after every kick off. I know that every one is going to blame Shannahan.. To me he is a great coach that put together a good record with a mediocre team....
December 31, 2006
6:27 PM
Mike writes:
Plummer - you come in for what, 6-7 plays, and lose yards, blow a TD opportunity, AND throw an interception. I can NOT wait until you are released. I wonder if Mongolia has a football team in need of an incompetent QB. Don't bother turning off the lights when you leave, you will likely miss the switch.
Tatum Bell, enjoy playing for someone else next year. Just don't drop the pen when signing your contract.
Browncos, it is now time to leave. Really, Mastermind. The lipstick on a pig trick is no longer working.
Champ Bailey, THANK YOU for a great season. You are one of the few who tried hard all season.
To all the rookies, you are a big part why the Broncs did as well as they did. I look forward to seeing you become the Broncos of the future.
Here is to the Broncos in the Superbowl next season.
December 31, 2006
6:27 PM
RedMan Lives writes:
On behalf of the entire CHIEF NATION, I would like to personally thank each and every member of the Denver Broncos and their staff. Well done and thanks for the memories.
December 31, 2006
6:29 PM
Chitown writes:
Kubiak isn't leaving Houston. Shanahan is all yours, Denver. He's perfect for you. You're perfect for him. Sit back, take a deep breath of oxygen deprived air and enjoy watching real men play football for the next month.
December 31, 2006
6:35 PM
Larey writes:
I'm glad I'm a transplant - I'm rooting for Houston next year (go Kubiak!) because I think the Broncos have a little farther to go on their downward slide. I think next year is going to be miserable with the Broncos finishing behind the Raiders... shudder!
December 31, 2006
6:36 PM
john, bronco fan since 1960. writes:
pathetic playcalling. why in the world did Shanahan call 3 running plays in a row on the 1st drive of overtime? Cutler was doing well. And then he puts Tatum Bell back in!!Is Shanahan getting senile. What horrible play calling. Get a new coach, Pat . Mike hasn't got what it takes.I attended the very 1st Bronco regular season game ever played, in 1960 in Boston. They would have beaten this team!!
December 31, 2006
6:37 PM
Gee Dee writes:
I told you idiots in week eight that the Broncos would end the season 9-7 and out of the playoffs. Their success early in the year came against lousy teams. Just as I predicted, they were exposed as frauds as the season wore on.......
December 31, 2006
6:39 PM
john, bronco fan since 1960. writes:
Pathetic playcalling! Why in the world did Shanahan call 3 running plays in a row on the 1st drive of overtime? Cutler was doing well. And then he puts Tatum Bell back in!!Is Shanahan getting senile. What horrible play calling. Get a new coach, Pat . Mike hasn't got what it takes.I attended the very 1st Bronco regular season game ever played, in 1960 in Boston. They would have beaten this team!!
December 31, 2006
6:44 PM
squinky writes:
Yeah, it's all Plummers fault. Fummy how Golden Boy gets a pass on his INT because he was woozy, but Plummer blew the game because he came in the threw an INT after 4 weeks on the bench? Really. Unfortunately, not every team is as accomodating as the Cards and and Bengals in making the Golden Boy look like you know who. It will be interesting to see who you blame next year when Plummer is gone and the Broncos still suck
December 31, 2006
6:45 PM
John writes:
I'm not sure the defense could stop Thomas Jefferson right now anyway so we'd never have stood a chance against New England. The part that irks me is Shanahan's 'inventive' play calling when we are close to the endzone. 'Lets run up the middle again - it's failed 5 times already so let's have Jake try it - they'll never expect that!!.'
December 31, 2006
6:49 PM
Harvey the Wonder Hamster writes:
Hey Children (i.e. Shanahan critics), Mike doesn't put on the pads and play on the field. Name a better coach out there who could come in right away and lead this team better than him. Oh that's right, you can't. Yes, he has made bad play calls all year, including this final loss. But show us a coach who doesn't!
Grow up and get your priorities straight you fair-weather fans...
December 31, 2006
6:50 PM
Anonymous writes:
It was not Plummer's fault and it was not Cutler's fault. The Broncos have no Defense, The defense lost the majority of the key games this year!
December 31, 2006
6:51 PM
ShannonP writes:
I haven't been this angry about a Bronco collapse since the Jacksonville loss in the playoffs in 1996. This is sad... 4-4 at home and losing to a poor 49ers team when everything is on the line. The magic maybe gone... because it appears that other than Bailey- this team has no heart.
December 31, 2006
6:52 PM
Bron-cows writes:
Tips for next year - Pressure the quarterback (theirs not ours)
- Stop oposition from pressuring our quarterback so much
that's good enough for the playoffs
-anything more than that will require a legitimate 230lb 4.5-40yd dash running back - you know I heard they make these guys
- you can't leave teams with 4 or 5 seconds to throw the ball if they picked on Champ instead of Darrent with that much time to throw the ball we'd all be calling for Champs head now
December 31, 2006
6:52 PM
Roy Edwards writes:
It might not have made a difference but what kind of call was that when the fumble recovery was overturned? When the referee is bending over to pick up the ball, obviously the whistle (should have) had blown and the play was over. The 49er picked up the ball after the fact. Denver just wasn’t good enough to do well in the playoffs anyway, the Genius has lost his luster. I believe that happened when Gary Kubiak went to Houston! It should be an interesting off season in Denver
Roy
December 31, 2006
6:54 PM
Anonymous writes:
"On behalf of the entire CHIEF NATION, I would like to personally thank each and every member of the Denver Broncos and their staff. Well done and thanks for the memories."
Yeah, those football juggernauts will last a whole extra week before they get shellacked and bounced from the 1st round. Enjoy your week.
December 31, 2006
7:04 PM
Travis Argabright writes:
Thanks Broncos for the year. Any year your team has a chance is a great year.... Looking forwad to Cutler in 2007...
December 31, 2006
7:05 PM
John Overacker writes:
Pathetic. You win the coin toss, have the crowd and history on your side and you move down the field and promptly call 3 running plays in a row. Shanahan = IDIOT. This running back by LOSER plan he has stuck us with has done us proud this year. Tatum Bell can't hold onto the ball and Mike Bell can't stand on his own two feet. They suck. Have fun playing indoors next year with the rest of the Arena Ball rejects. Other than Champ Bailey, Jay Cutler and Javon Walker, the rest of this bunch can catch the first snowplow out of this town. Good Riddens. Shanahan has next year to step up. Enough is enough. Show us why they keep calling you a mastermind. If he can't get it done, bring in Cowher. Part of me feels good about this loss though, imagine what would of taken place next week in New England when Belichick and the Brady Bunch would have embarassed us for another playoff loss. Thanks Broncos for not wasting my time again next week and having to sit through another silly playoff performance.
December 31, 2006
7:11 PM
Gary Owens writes:
We in Kansas City understand that we're cheering for a not-so-good team. Very few Chiefs fans would tell you that we "deserve" to go the playoffs this year. That being said, it is a real delight to (a) see Denver lose, and (b) watch you guys tear your team apart in the aftermath. Let the games begin!
December 31, 2006
7:17 PM
John writes:
In Shanahan's defense, I believe that there are few coaches better with the x's and o's than he and he did the best he could with the team that he had this year. The real question is; how did the team descend to such mediocrity after going to the AFC championship game last year? The root of the problem is the personnel moves (or lack of them) that were made during the offseason. The Broncos had several critical holes that needed to be filled: The receiving corps was in a shambles - One of Plummers two favaorite targets when he needed to convert a third down, Rod Smith is aging and not what he used to be, and surely Shanahan knew this. Plummer's other most effective third down target, Jeb Putzier, was sent off to Houston. Yes, Lelie was effectively replaced with Walker, but this was like applying a bandaid to a knife wound. On defense, Trevor Pryce, the Broncos best defensive lineman (12 sacks and counting for the Ravens this season) was let go without replacement. Instead, Shanahan spent the draft on a new quarterback which was not a need instead of filling these critical holes. Plummer is everyone's favorite target because he throws alot of interceptions. What these people don't realize is that to win, chances must be taken sometimes. Plummer isn't afraid to take the chances that need to be taken in order to win games, even at the expense of his own statistics. This is what made him a consistent winner in Denver. There are many quarterbacks who are statistically better than Plummer who will never be winners because they are afraid to take the risks that need to be taken.
December 31, 2006
7:26 PM
Craig Hoyer writes:
Shanahan tried to sell Cutler's entry into the season as their "best chance" at winning a super bowl. What nobody ever asked...and what he didn's say was... It is a super bowl one or two years away (at best). Don't continue fooling yourself that a rookie could take this team to the Super Bowl this year. If Kubiak is still here.... this team goes to the Super Bowl w/ Jake at QB. Shanahan couldn't over come the loss of Kubiak (period).
December 31, 2006
7:33 PM
RJ Porter writes:
Shanny is too stubborn...stop trying to run the ball up the gut 3rd and 2.It didn't work.Doesn't work...injuries to the O-line and average running backs,he should have went back to the shotgun and spread out the offense.I realize after Cutler is a rookie and got dinged up and he had to protect him,but this is a Mike Shanahan offense?
Way too conservative lets face it the defense is below average an the running game average at best the only shot was Cutler to his rookie wideout/tight ends and Javon.
Still it gives us the 3rd place schedule next year in the division and we improve out draft position by 3-4 slots.Cutler is still healthy and we don't get slaughtered next week in New England.A loss like this makes the team address it's serious defensive problems.So all in all a pretty good day for the Broncos.
December 31, 2006
7:37 PM
pete writes:
It's not like the CHEFS are burning up the league.Yes we deserved to lose, what with the conservative play calling and T. Bell, what do you expect. I know this much: the CHEFS will be teeing it off coming MONDAY. Why even bother showing up
December 31, 2006
7:53 PM
jlipp writes:
This game truly WAS a "picture perfect" view of the football personel "The Mastermind" has put together.
Todays game shows that Shanny truly has no clue of how to run a football team. The man has made 3 good personel decisions in his entire term as head coach of the broncos. Trading for Champ Bailey, signing John Lynch and finding Rod Smith. These 3 men are the only 3 who truly BLEED ORANGE BLOOD!!! Did you see Lynch slam his helmit in discust? If there only was a "fountain of youth" for him and Rod Smith.
Al Wilson, guess he's not the Warrior we all thought!
Javon "The Answer?" Walker? Give me Donald Driver, he has heart!
Tatum Bell, have fun in Oakland next year! Because the only team dumb enough to sign you to a contract is the oAKLAND rAIDERS. Trust me!
The O-Line...What a bunch of little girls, Oh Wait......Thats the DL line Im talking about. Browncows???
Thanks to Mike Heimerdinger for finally talking some since into the Mastermind on draft day. Nice rookie class to build on.
Larry Coyer, what are you really smoking in that pipe of yours? You defensive scheme all season was predictable at best.
So Seeing how the list could go on and on. I choose to fix the gaping wound. A great place to start is with the Team Philosophy. It is time for a new message! Time for a New Head Coach.
The 49ers? From what I saw at their training camp this summer, I would have beat the HOUSE in Vegas that the Broncos were a better team. Talent wise Denver gets the nod. Problem is, today we were out coached. PLAIN AND SIMPLY OUT COACHED!!!
December 31, 2006
7:53 PM
Johnny Knoxville writes:
It comes down to coaching when you don't have a play that can score inside the 5. It's true that life after Shanahan isn't real attractive, but this team's been in the same rut ever since Elway left.
We're spoiled. Teatering year after year on just making the playoffs isn't good enough after back to back Super Bowl wins. (Hard to believe that was 10 years ago.)
December 31, 2006
7:54 PM
Lesrok writes:
Congratulations to Frank Gore, who is the first Niner in history to lead the NFC in rushing yards from scrimmage. Kudos, too, to the entire Niner team, for knocking the hated Broncos out of the playoffs. I consider this to be sweet payback for the infamous snowball game in Denver on MNF in 1985. Revenge is best served cold, and man oh man, it sure tastes good!!!
December 31, 2006
7:55 PM
scott writes:
Denver has the defensive and offensive skill position pieces set (with Mike, not Tatum Bell). We just need an offensive and defensive line, which can be found cheaply in free agency and the draft. Today was unfortunate, but saves us from a 50 point debacle next week (see KC at Indy). And, we get the Redskins top 10 draft pick!
December 31, 2006
7:58 PM
Manny Montanez writes:
To all Die Hard Bronco fans, please step back and realize that you can't be expected to win the division and make the playoffs every year when there were major personnel changes that took place. Even had you made the playoffs, with a rookie QB at the helm, it would have been a short lived playoff experience. Sit back and have a few cold Coors and enjoy the playoffs, Go Chargers!
December 31, 2006
7:59 PM
Jeff writes:
This one falls directly on the coaches. Not just Shanahan, but all of them. Terrible play calling, no intensity, not having your team ready to play, all of that is coaching.
Also, this team has too many holes, Tatum Bell is weak, George Foster is the worst tackle in the NFL and the entire D-Line couldn't put pressure on my Grandma. I'm glad they didn't make the playoffs, I'm tired of hearing that we are 1-2 players away from winning the super bowl. The fact is we may have 1 or 2 players to build this team around. I hope and expect a ton of changes for next year.
And Chief fans, you may have made the playoffs but as you know deep down the Chiefs are just as bad as the Broncos, your team has no shot, and your next playoff win this century will be your first. It's pretty sad when you have to rely on other teams to get in the playoffs.
December 31, 2006
8:00 PM
V.J. writes:
This is the most disheartened I have felt after a bronco loss since the Jacksonville loss in 1996. This team had several possesions inside the 49er 40 and came away with six points.I have loved Shanahan over the years for his intelligence and unpredictability, but his playcalling was terrible in this game. With denver up three and the defense tired, instead of playing a short passing game and mixing in runs to take time off the clock, they throw a playaction bomb. With 3rd and 11 at the 49er 16, they run. With 1st and 10 at midfield in overtime they go for 3 straight runs. This team needs to be rebuilt at the OLINE, DLINE, Safety and Special teams area. Cutler will be special, if they can protect him. A disgraceful effort by a proud franchise today, a dark day for this team.
December 31, 2006
8:10 PM
VD writes:
Broncos showing several weaknesses this year.
l. No probowl trevor pryce.
2. Bad OL cant punch it in in short yardage situations. , have to settle for FGs
3. Can't protect QB. Ol protection is miserable.
4. No dominant RB. Look at LT and Larry Johnson. Those teams have these RBs and they are playoff teams.
Definite needs are Probowl Olinemen, Dlinemen, Dominant TE and Dominant RB.
This team has gotten worse from last year. It shows. Line coaching is terrible.
Have Broncos become a Budget team? If so, rooting for them is like rooting for Rockies, Nuggets,etc.
the games are not worth watching anymore
December 31, 2006
8:11 PM
Jeff writes:
Thank you 49ers for saving us an embarassing loss next week in New England. It's painfully obvious this Bronco team lacks the heart and passion of a Superbowl contender. Kudos to Champ and Lynch for having a good year. Nothing but good things ahead for the Law Practice of Cutler, Schefler, & Walker. Once again our lousy Def. Coordinator failed to call defensese that would apply pressure on the opposing team late in the game. It's time to hire a new Def. Coordinator. We need a better (preferably taller) corner to match up with receivers on the opposite side of Champ. Darent Williams will make a better dime and nickel back. Thank you Rod (Smith) for the memories, but it's time to hang up the cleats. I say Denver draft a quality running back. Hopefully, the draft will also provide us a back-up OT and OG (Lepsis was sorely missed this year). Free agency might provide us a quality DT or DE. Reunite Lynch and Sapp? This team has some glaring problems that will hopefully be addressed this off-season.
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!
December 31, 2006
8:13 PM
scott writes:
AI is the answer...Go Nuggets!
December 31, 2006
8:30 PM
DanfromDen writes:
For most of the writers, this is an opportunity made in heaven. The chance to write an editorial about the Broncs that makes you sound like an absolute fool. With fans like some of these writers, Pat B and Mike S needs no enemies. Thanks for a lot of entertainment this year I look forward to next year Broncs.
December 31, 2006
8:33 PM
al lopez writes:
Fire Shanahan,we already get rid of Plummer,send them to Oakland
December 31, 2006
8:33 PM
the party's over writes:
Cutler showed some guts there at the end of the game. Too bad the play calling took him out of it during the OT. Who are we kidding though? The season ended when Plummer was benched. Go back to that Indy game after M. Bell's 48 yard run had Indy on their heals and instead of having Plummer go for J. Walker in the endzone, 2 straight running plays leaves him w/3rd and 9 and no momentum. Suspect play calling at times, no doubt. Oh well, I think this shows that Plummer wasn't the real problem. The team did no better with Cutler at QB. Both lines need an overhaul, we have no dominant running back and is just me, or does it seem that Coyer is unable to adjust his defensive schemes as the game goes on? But hey, look at the bright side, the Nuggets should be exciting to watch. GO NUGGETS!
December 31, 2006
8:35 PM
al lopez writes:
Fire Shanahan,we already get rid of Plummer,send them to Oakland
December 31, 2006
8:46 PM
D Kent writes:
Weird!!! From the play calling, to the lack of effort (especailly the defensive line) to the officating, lousy tackling, lousy blocking. Did the Broncos have a game plan or were they just trying to use up some plays they hadn't called this year? Clearly a team that wasn't interested in being in the playoffs, and obviously doesn't deserve to be there. Shanahan will most likely be handing out a dozen or so pink slips in the morning, the cap should be a sinch next year! One of the worst games in Mike's reign--Mike! Do these guys ever get an earful for a pathetic tackling effort? This is the NFL! How do some of these guys get this far!! I'm done........
December 31, 2006
8:49 PM
Iggy writes:
It is what it is (sorry to quote Bertuzzi the thug)... this team wasn't going anywhere anyway, so why not be happy we were put out of our misery now, rather than keeping false hope alive for another week.
It's a week we can spend watching AI and the exciting Nuggets.
I recall a time earlier this season where fools on the talk shows and the talking heads that host them were trying to come up with a nickname for the defense... like the second coming of the Orange Crush. Someday the myopic Bronco fans (I'm a fan, but not myopic) will realize that things like nicknames and legends work themselves out in time, they don't need help from a bunch of fans.
The 2006 Broncos? They are what they are. 9-7 and going home.
That being said, I look forward to 07 with Cutler, Javon, Scheffler, Champ, Lynch (hopefully) and maybe some new additions to replace our current "spare parts" to enjoy another season. The thing I won't enjoy is the claims and boasts of those in Denver who think the sun rises and sets with this football team. If your sense of self-worth relies on the fortunes of a football team, you should probably seek counseling.
Good luck in 07, Broncos. Thanks for a semi-entertaining 06. And that's basically it. When does baseball start?
December 31, 2006
9:10 PM
Roy George writes:
Good bye Tatum, may you never play football for the broncos again.
December 31, 2006
9:28 PM
Chris writes:
I've been a Bronco fan since I was in the 3rd grade in 1976 and I've stuck with them through the good times and the bad. I've defended Mike Shanahan a million times and I still think he's a great coach, but, the Broncos didn't miss out on the playoffs because of today's loss. They lost out on the playoffs 5 weeks ago when they benched Plummer for A ROOKIE QB! Shanahan ruined Griese and now he's ruined Plummer. It'll only be a matter of time before he'll ruin Cutler. Just wait. In two years Cutler will be benched for Shanahan's next flavor! And while I'm on Shanahan's stupid moves, is there anyone who doesn't think that the Bronco's would have been better off with Mike Anderson still in the fold? Or Rueben Droughns? Tatum Bell is a disaster! On the defensive side of the ball, our biggest problem has been a pass rush. Maybe they should have kept Trevor Pryce and that other guy they shipped to Arizona a couple of years ago. Stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 31, 2006
9:29 PM
Randy Westfahl writes:
Hey Denver, welcome to reality. True the Chiefs are pretty mediocre but so is most of the NFL. Can't tell you how happy people are around here today (KC). I don't know if it is so much the Chiefs getting in as it is that making it in eliminated the Broncs. Man thats too bad about you guys..... well not really bad. Tell you one thing though, you are better off right now than we are. You have your QB for the next ten years already in place, and you are going to be better in the long run because of it. The short view is we are in and you are snowed in, the long view is we are going to have a hard time with Cutler for a long long time. I don't know which is worse....or better.
December 31, 2006
9:35 PM
Joe Francis writes:
We were out coached and play calling horrible...Plummer for a 6 yard run...You kidding.....Tatum back in game after fumble.....Shanahan sure loves this guy...Three runs up the middle in overtime.......Forget it....We need a new offence coordinator.....We are predictable.....Bell diving over the middle....for the hundredth time Hellooooooo.......Bad play calling
December 31, 2006
9:37 PM
Joe Francis writes:
We were out coached and play calling horrible...Plummer for a 6 yard run...You kidding.....Tatum back in game after fumble.....Shanahan sure loves this guy...Three runs up the middle in overtime.......Forget it....We need a new offence coordinator.....We are predictable.....Bell diving over the middle....for the hundredth time Hellooooooo.......Bad play calling
December 31, 2006
9:40 PM
j.loc writes:
shagan should turn over the play calling to someone that doesen't call six or seven runs up the middle that was for no gain of losses. when shagan let cuttler pass, they scored...shagan lost the game, but he had help from totem bell and others...
December 31, 2006
9:41 PM
Robert writes:
I did not think the donkeys were worthy of a playoff spot. They did not play with alot of heart. Shanny needs to either find a defense that has alot of stamina, or revise his playbook to get his offense back to the glory days. As for the playoffs, we can all enjoy watching San Diego fail because Marty chokes in the big game.
December 31, 2006
9:43 PM
Randy Westfahl writes:
Ohh you guys have to be careful about that choking in the big games lines. This was a big game that Denver just played in. Got to watch those choking labels. lol
December 31, 2006
9:58 PM
Randy Westfahl writes:
Hey for all those Chiefs appologists out there. The Chiefs are in the playoffs and they deserve it as much as anyone else out there. Denver was lucky to beat us the first time out there anyway. Granted it is sweeter that Denver handed it to us that way, but you know it all adds up in the end. For all of you laughing about next week, good luck to Indy stopping larry johnson with that cute little rush defense of theirs. Don't be surprised it the season goes on a little longer for the Chiefs. Have a nice off season Broncos, you have earned it.
December 31, 2006
10:00 PM
Brett writes:
The key to the Broncos collapse is an umimaginative defensive game plan. When you give the quarterback ALL day to throw, he's going to find receivers. But for some reason, we blitz so infrequently. It's really the defense, not the offense, that let us down
December 31, 2006
10:01 PM
sue writes:
well, here we go again with the Arrowhead mystique!!! it rocks at lamar hunt's house! i've never been so pleased with a regular season ending! no matter what happens next, it was a true joy to see the donkeys get that last minute loss. thanks niners!
December 31, 2006
10:17 PM
Matt writes:
The Broncos are pathetic, losing at home to the 49ers, c'mon! It is time for a new Defensive Coordinator, Shanahan get Jim Mora Jr , after he gets fired this week. Special Teams coach also wanted, this is the worse unit in the NFL. Shanahan swallow your pride and do whats right for the Broncos.
December 31, 2006
10:32 PM
mac911 writes:
The facts are these are Shanahans players, coaches and his system and It isn't working.. What is the answer? I don't know but if I were Mr. Bolen I would make every effort to find out after he is paying for this team.
December 31, 2006
10:35 PM
mac911 writes:
The facts are these are Shanahans players, coaches and his system and It isn't working.. What is the answer? I don't know but if I were Mr. Bolen I would make every effort to find out after all he is paying for this team.
December 31, 2006
11:04 PM
Walter Devore writes:
Light and fast gets manhandled. Always men against boys. Who can't tell Shanny is Bush in donkey garb. Total idiot. Gardener was on the mark with his "little man". Matches his little brain. Poor Tatum, bye grease for hands. Why don't donks have crossing pass routes? X too much for master fool? This team a perfect reflection of that little man. Thank god it's over. The new year is already proving to be merciful.
December 31, 2006
11:29 PM
Jonathan Peress writes:
Dear LJK:
The things we should be proud about is the Broncos having the fewest penalties and not allowing any of their opponents to score a touchdown on their initial drive with the football.
The Denver Broncos only have to do two things for next year. They need to Upgrade their defensive line and their offensive line. We need defensive linemen players who can pressure the quarterback a lot to sack him or force him to throw an interception. We also, need offensive lineman that will many times give a wide open lane for the running backs.
December 31, 2006
11:33 PM
Bob writes:
All the injuries this season have played a major part in the Broncos missing the playoffs. Also, I think Shanahan has to take the blame for his poor offensive play calling during the season has a lot to do with the lack of consistent offense especially in the red-zone. Why would you put Tatum Bell in the game when Mike Bell was doing so well and as usual Tatum fumbled the ball at a critical time in the game. I can remember when Shanahan cut or waived players for fumbling. Tatum has had way too many chances and now we are paying the price. He's a great offensive threat but just simply fumbles too much to play in the NFL. The Broncos are simply not very consistent and that starts from the top and works its way down to the players. E.G, when Lang had a chance to recover the fumble by pouncing on the ball rather than trying to pick it up and advancing it for a possible score. But he muffed it and didn't recover it. What was disturbing to me was how Lang was chewed out by Shanahan on the sidelines on national T.V. You could see what negative effect it had on Lang and the players around the bench - not a very good motivation for a consistent player-coach relationship. Lang was attempting to recover the ball only to get chewed out. But with the offense not even able to score from inside the 5-yard line and had to settle for 3-FG's had a lot to do with why Lang deciding to pick up the ball. Its those inconsistency that hurt the team. The fact the offense can't score from inside the 5-yard line causing other players to try to do more and then regretting it later. Maybe Shanahan should look in the mirror and evaluate his performance, could be he called the wrong play twice from the one-yard line. I think Mike has way too many hats he's trying to fill, not to mention being the head coach, offensive coordinator and has simply lost the imagination and creativity he once had. Mike Holgrem in Seattle has performed much better since giving up additional responsibilities and concentrating only on coaching. In my opinion you can see how much better Kubiak was at play calling and the results speak for themselves it’s a full time job. The relationship Kubiak had with the players, which Shanahan once enjoyed when he was the QB coach under Dan Reeves. Now Shanahan needs to let the offensive coordinator do his job on his own, he’s Shanahan’s puppet right now. Just my opinion well we have next year to look forward to with the QB of the future in Cutler.
Bob
December 31, 2006
11:33 PM
Bob writes:
All the injuries this season have played a major part in the Broncos missing the playoffs. Also, I think Shanahan has to take the blame for his poor offensive play calling during the season has a lot to do with the lack of consistent offense especially in the red-zone. Why would you put Tatum Bell in the game when Mike Bell was doing so well and as usual Tatum fumbled the ball at a critical time in the game. I can remember when Shanahan cut or waived players for fumbling. Tatum has had way too many chances and now we are paying the price. He's a great offensive threat but just simply fumbles too much to play in the NFL. The Broncos are simply not very consistent and that starts from the top and works its way down to the players. E.G, when Lang had a chance to recover the fumble by pouncing on the ball rather than trying to pick it up and advancing it for a possible score. But he muffed it and didn't recover it. What was disturbing to me was how Lang was chewed out by Shanahan on the sidelines on national T.V. You could see what negative effect it had on Lang and the players around the bench - not a very good motivation for a consistent player-coach relationship. Lang was attempting to recover the ball only to get chewed out. But with the offense not even able to score from inside the 5-yard line and had to settle for 3-FG's had a lot to do with why Lang deciding to pick up the ball. Its those inconsistency that hurt the team. The fact the offense can't score from inside the 5-yard line causing other players to try to do more and then regretting it later. Maybe Shanahan should look in the mirror and evaluate his performance, could be he called the wrong play twice from the one-yard line. I think Mike has way too many hats he's trying to fill, not to mention being the head coach, offensive coordinator and has simply lost the imagination and creativity he once had. Mike Holgrem in Seattle has performed much better since giving up additional responsibilities and concentrating only on coaching. In my opinion you can see how much better Kubiak was at play calling and the results speak for themselves it’s a full time job. The relationship Kubiak had with the players, which Shanahan once enjoyed when he was the QB coach under Dan Reeves. Now Shanahan needs to let the offensive coordinator do his job on his own, he’s Shanahan’s puppet right now. Just my opinion well we have next year to look forward to with the QB of the future in Cutler.
Bob
December 31, 2006
11:36 PM
scott voooster writes:
I've been a broncos fan for 25 years now. Every year I begged for a better pass rush Defense and sure enough my grandfather can pass against this defense. Champ can only do so much. Swallow your pride Shanahan adapt to the changes in the NFL.
Here is my list of things that bother me about my beloved pathetic team.
1. A true pass rush Defense.
2. Design more play for the WRs. Same old routes all the time.
3. The entire Defense need to tackle better.
4. Al Wilson is way overrated.
5. Try to kickoff to the endzone more.
6. Shanny is too conservative and predictale.
I'm so hurt and distraught by this loss to the Whiners.
Thanks for making my new year EVE a drag.
Scott
December 31, 2006
11:42 PM
Jonathan Peress writes:
Dear LJK:
I forgot say something. Other than the things you mentioned and I mentioned about that the Broncos should be proud about. You said the least amount of penalties committed and I said the Broncos defense not allowing their opponents to score a touchdwon on their first drive with the football. It is tragic that the Broncos defense could not keep that type of performance up throughout a whole game just like they did during their first six games of the season.
December 31, 2006
11:46 PM
Bob writes:
I feel like an Atlanta Falcons fan must feel. It seems our seasons parallel each other...start out hot, and fade into oblivion the second half. How do you start out 7-2 and finish 9-7?
I am not sure if it is Shannahan or Coyer, but all season long we got NO defensive pressure from our front four, especially at crucial times in games, A couple of recent examples: Last week it was fourth and 9, this week, third and long. Knowing that we would not get pressure from these four alone, we still sent no additional pressure. Result....1st and 10 opposition. This was the story of our defenses demise. Today, Alex Smith threw poorly every time we brought pressure, but we failed to do it during crunch time...Or all year for that matter. Getting no pressure exposed another glaring weakness...Darrent Williams.
Offensively..We failed to use our TE's effectively, as we have in the past. Letting every good runner we see in our backfield go each year finally came back to haunt us. Mike Bell has potential, but he must get stronger. Tatum Bell seems to be as fragile as a porcelain doll, with slippery hands. Mr Clutch in the past, Rod Smith, is unfortunately aging. I think it is very unfair that Jake take the blame for all of the offensive misery we saw this season. Shannahans play-calling was very suspect all season long.
Shannahan's pride really killed this team this season. Plummer would have beat the Seahawks with his eyes closed. Cutler was very rookie looking during the entire game, but instead of putting Plummer in to win that game, Shannahan stood on the sideline and watched us lose. I honestly think that he owes his team, and the fans an apology for his performance this season.
Denver is in for a very critical off-season, with a lot of needs. Shannahan has not hit very well in his drafts...especially WR's. How about we start with some experienced players on the O side of the ball that act like they care whether they win or not!
I was very upset by todays loss initially, but will be thankful next week when I do not have to sit and watch Denver get another lopsided thumping handed to them.
I look for much better next season!
January 1, 2007
12:46 AM
John writes:
Tatem Bell blows. Can't hang on to the ball and can't break a tackle or juke somebody to save his life. I have no idea why he was a starter in this game. Also, football is won and lost at the line of scrimmage. The Broncos offensive line can't pass block, and the defensive line can't pressure anybody. Oh yeah, and Coyer is a tackling coach, not a coordinator. His defense sucks when it matters most, at the end of games.
January 1, 2007
5:38 AM
Broncoholic in Indiana writes:
Chest pain in Indiana!! Coyer is an idiot! How 'bout a blitz once in a while. Remember last year when we blitzed with much success ?(other than the Pit game when Big Ben tore us up.) The lack of pressure on the quarterback and lack of creative schemes killed us this year. Let's played scared ladies....and allow the opposing offense to shred us on underneath passes. Also, heimerdinger isn't far behind....bring back Kubiak!
A very disgusted Broncoholic in Indiana
January 1, 2007
6:06 AM
Todd Skoglund writes:
Suddenly the game is irrelevant. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Darrent Williams and to the entire Broncos organization. What a tragic terrible waste. God bless you guys.
January 1, 2007
6:16 AM
Chris B. writes:
You know your football team is pretty sad when you have to rely on the loss of another team to actually make it to the playoffs...ooohh, look at our accomplishments for the year..
January 1, 2007
6:19 AM
Chris B. writes:
You know your football team is pretty sad when you have to rely on the loss of another team to actually make it to the playoffs...
Our prayers do go out to Darrent Williams' family. What a sad and tragic loss.
January 1, 2007
6:49 AM
Kevin Richards writes:
Very sorry to hear about Darrent this morning when I got up . He was picked on all year by QB's and did pretty well for a rookie. I was hoping the Patriots had drafted him last year. Terrible loss last night is overshadowed by another sports figure in a shooting incident.
January 1, 2007
6:58 AM
Ed Miller writes:
A typical Bronco game: A defensive that couldn't stop the run, pressure the quarterback or defend the pass. An offensive line that couldn't protect the quarterback or open holes for the running game. A coaching staff that didn't have a clue. The Broncos put a new twist on the defeatist strategy of bend but don't break, by instuting the bend and then break. Wake up Denver, the problem wasn't Plummer. Maybe Shanahan wasn't the offensive genius many thought. Perhaps Kubiak should have gotten more credit. This team has a lot of work to do in the off season. Denver not only needs to retool their player personnel, but their coaching staff as well. Good coaching doesn't necessarily guarantee success, but a poor staff certainly spells disaster.
January 1, 2007
6:58 AM
Shockedfan writes:
And just like that, the game is irrelevant. Our prayers go out to Darrent Williams' friends, family, teammates, and fans, and to the entire Broncos organization. What a senseless tragedy and waste. God bless you guys.
January 1, 2007
7:38 AM
Bill Dub writes:
I was always taught to jump on a fumble, not pick it up and run with it,and try to be a hero. A Bronco had that chance, but ended up being a zero.
January 1, 2007
7:52 AM
David (R) writes:
Just my opinion here folks, but everyone please put your ropes, knives, guns, and barbiturates away - it's not the end of the world. There has been enough death in the past 8 or 9 hours.
We have a new QB who now has valuable playing experience under his belt. We have an off-season to evaluate free agents and coaches. I would guess that there are going to be changes at coaching positions. Many posters have made the point that we need some ingenuity on offense. I think everyone is tired of seeing a running back pound up the midde 3 times in row and then we settle for a field goal. Where is a mis-direction play, or a play-action pass? We also need help on defense to get pressure on the QB. Oddly enough, our special teams look like they're starting to come on a bit with good run backs and pretty good coverage on our own kicks.
With all the injuries, this team wasn't going deep in the playoffs this year anyway. The 49'ers played possessed on defense, and their new QB appears pretty savvy - and we could have done more to rattle him, but didn't. Throw in that we got ripped off on the fumble call, and most could see how the game was headed.
And now for the truly important part - our thoughts and prayers go out to Darrent Williams family, friends, and teammates. I hope there is something that will help make sense of all this, but there probably won't be.
January 1, 2007
8:11 AM
Bronco Billy writes:
Maybe we could now convice our guys to stop using drugs, especially on the nights before big games. Or maybe it is not a big game when you have to win to get into the playoffs. Drug usage is killing our sports, nowhere more than here in Denver.
January 1, 2007
8:32 AM
billy bean writes:
Actually, it turns out our Broncos needed a team to lose to get into the playoffs. They did not lose. dang
January 1, 2007
8:34 AM
Tom Williams writes:
To Mike, who rips into Jake, how you represent the masses. What about the Lord our Savior Javon sprawling like a new born colt and falling on the pass? Hmmmm....If that happens to Jay, there's an excuse like his wondeful floater with the game on the line. It's not like Cutler got the ball in the end zone as well you idiot.
January 1, 2007
9:01 AM
Anonymous writes:
In all fairness Tom, who's the 10 year pro and who's the rookie? Even an idiot, which you call Mike, but do a good job of looking like yourself, knows that leniency is granted to rookies and none is given to anyone with more than 3 or 4 years. The bottom line is that Jake just couldn't help but be who Jake is - the take chances, make something happen, make many piss-poor decisions, kind of QB that he is, and has been since his rookie year in the desert. And as for Javon, he makes one bad play or mistake, and you're ready to discard him? You want to take a few shots at Darrent Williams now too? Now, go wash your mouth out with soap and try acting civil.
January 1, 2007
11:24 AM
Anonymous writes:
Hey, all you Chiefs fans that are posting about the gift the Broncos gave you, you're welcome. We're sure your mighty Squaws, led by all-world QB Trent Green, is going to roll into Indy and kick the crap out of Manning and company - ROFLMFAO!!!
Don't worry though, that sick, nauseous feeling that feels like pending regurgitation will pass after next weekend. Geeeez - if you chumps hadn't backed in, you would at least have the right to be crowing about making it. Shows just how low Chefs fans have set the bar .... once again ...... LOL
January 1, 2007
1:14 PM
Anonymous writes:
Man, it's just a game. I love golf but don't talk about Tiger every damn Monday.
Worse, the evening ended with the loss of a life. It's seems football is a sport gone crazy.
With the brutal pay-per-view fights and the brutal sports we seem to love I can only think of Rome
My god, we have out-lawed dog fighting yet we scream at TV's because some drug-soaked nut-case did not break the QB's leg on the blind-hit.
So what now? We KILL the losers?
My prayers to the family, my prayers to this Country
January 1, 2007
2:20 PM
Anonymous writes:
'I love golf but don't talk about Tiger every damn Monday. '
I hear what you're saying, but you must also know that there are a lot of guys who do, to the point that even I want to tell them to shut up, and I love golf too .... not very good at it, but I love trying to get better.
You know, you may be on to something .... if we terminate the players of the losing superbowl team, it would sure give everyonoe a lot more to play for...... just kidding. This whole thing about Darrent really sucks .... he was a good kid .... probably some anger-laden nutjob that killed him. I hope they find him soon.
January 2, 2007
8:28 AM
ML writes:
I said 7 weeks ago that the donkeys were the most over-rated 7-2 team in the league. Guess I was right.
January 2, 2007
8:50 AM
Anonymous writes:
When is Shanahan getting the Denver Boot?