December 28, 2008 9:35 PM
Zapped: Broncos electrocuted by Chargers
The San Diego Chargers went ahead 38-13 in the third quarter when I felt the need to flip the channel . . . to
Basically, from one criminal case to another.
In a winner-take-all game with the AFC West championship on the line, the San Diego Chargers assaulted the Broncos 52-21 on Sunday.
The game reflected Denver's storyline throughout the season: Pathetic defense coupled with a one-dimensional offense.
In the end, an 8-8 record sounded just about right for the Broncos.
Somehow the Broncos managed a three-game lead in the AFC West. And then they blew it. They tapped out in Carolina. They were choked out at home against Buffalo. Then came the pummeling from the Chargers on national television to complete the folding act.
Make that disappearing act. The Broncos will miss the postseason for a third consecutive season -- a first since the 1980-81-82 seasons.
For the first time since 1964, the Broncos allowed 30 or more points nine times in a season. They've allowed 30 or more points 16 times in the past 32 games.
Denver's defenders are pretty good at chest-thumping and celebrating tackles. If they had made more of them to prevent touchdowns, maybe the fans wouldn't be staring at the second-highest point total allowed (448) in the team's 49-year history.
A nobody named
In four words, Denver's defense is pathetic.
The Broncos running game -- not
Cutler threw four interceptions and two touchdowns in Denver's final three games, and the Broncos were outscored 112-54. San Diego's pass defense ranked 31st in the league, but Cutler struggled to solve it.
It didn't help that Cutler's receivers,
Denver could have been the seventh team this season to reach the playoffs after finishing .500 or worse in 2007. Instead they're at home, with the noisy Dallas Cowboys . . . and winless Detroit Lions.
Now they're known as that team that blew a three-game division lead and is done for the season. Still hard to believe.
Wonder how long it will take for the Broncos to repair and recover from this unprecedented collapse.
December 28, 2008
9:54 PM
Eric Jackson writes:
What's left to be said? The Broncos are a joke. They have the only defensive coordinator in the League that can make Champ Bailey look bad! When your first string defense is as bad or worse than your third string defense you have a problem. Shanahan wanted to be the man with all the power. Well its time to take the responsibility. Shanahan, step down, you are through. Two good draft years clearly can't make up for 5 years of blown draft pickes, horrible free agent moves (i.e. Jason Elam, dump Trevor Price and bring in the Cleveland Browns defensive line, etc, etc, etc.), horrible coaching moves (running off Gibbs and hiring\firing last years moron only to replace him with a subordinate on the moron's staff, etc., etc., etc.), and a complete lack of ability to inspire players.
Bowlen, if Shanahan doesn't step down please fire him and hire a credible coach. I hear Elway wanted to be a GM and Cower is still out there.
December 28, 2008
9:55 PM
Ted writes:
Its time for Shanahan to go. Its simply he thinks just like Don Coryell for the Chargers years ago. Its all offense and no defense. When Champ Bailey was getting burnt on several plays in a row the game was over. The Broncos can't be like the Nuggets of the 80's and try and out score every opponent. Hey Pat are you still awake. I hope that you have nightmares during the off-season. There are way to many things that need fixing to keep Shanahan.
December 28, 2008
9:55 PM
nuggets217 writes:
Sam,
On the bright side this was a rebuilding year for Denver and our offense is going to be great in the coming years. We will fill the holes on defense in the next year or so. I think the Broncos will be Superbowl contenders the year after next year. The 2010 season we will be the team to beat.
Cutler has some growing up to do, his body language is always negative, he looks stoic out there. We will also be in position to get a really good first round pick this year.
December 28, 2008
9:55 PM
Ted writes:
Its time for Shanahan to go. Its simply he thinks just like Don Coryell for the Chargers years ago. Its all offense and no defense. When Champ Bailey was getting burnt on several plays in a row the game was over. The Broncos can't be like the Nuggets of the 80's and try and out score every opponent. Hey Pat are you still awake. I hope that you have nightmares during the off-season. There are way to many things that need fixing to keep Shanahan.
December 28, 2008
10:13 PM
Rich writes:
ahhhh, the sweet taste of victory.
did you denver fans actually think you had a shot at the division??
what a joke.
December 28, 2008
10:25 PM
Adam writes:
"A nobody named Jacob Hester ran over the Broncos defense."
A "nobody" doesn't normally start at tailback for a national championship team. He's been a fine contributor down the stretch in his rookie year.
December 28, 2008
11:19 PM
Kevin D writes:
Eric Jackson has it right............other than the guys like Romo and McCaffrey and Neil Smith who wanted to come here to win a championship, Shanny has no clue when it comes to personnel........he got lucky with Clady and Royal this year, but overall, the last 8 years have been a personnel joke. Remember Dale Carter in the old days??? How about Jarvis Moss, Niko Koutivides in the past year??? Dre Bly? He didnt cost us much with the trade, but how much does he count against our cap??? No way is DJ Williams better than Woodyard......Webster sucks as well..........and lets not even talk about the revolving door slop they are throwing out at safety........
December 28, 2008
11:32 PM
Kevin D writes:
Only the 0-16 Lions and the pathetic Rams gave up more points this year than the Donkeys..............we cannot keep living with this sh$#...........someone tell Mr. Bowlen that we have had enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 29, 2008
6:37 AM
nuggets217 writes:
Wow look at all the crybaby bloggers crying about the Broncos, like we were supposed to be better than 8-8 this year.
December 29, 2008
9:01 AM
Winthrop writes:
Write it off to another "REBUILDING YEAR"; how many years in a row does this one make?
Bronco Sheep, don't fall for that excuse again!
December 29, 2008
9:07 AM
Tim writes:
I hear Bill Cowher is looking for a job. Just imagine having a coach that actually played the game and did so on the defensive side of the ball. Shanahan is a joke and should be let go, but he has his head so far up Bowlen's sphincter muscles he will be coach until Bowlen sells the team. Al Davis was right, Shanahan ain't no coach.
December 29, 2008
10:01 AM
Martin J. Juarez writes:
It would have been a successful season if ONLY the Broncos would have BEATEN them Chargers. I would have been the happiest guy living in Phoenix, Arizona. Now I am among the saddest.... Oh but wait, there's another season coming in 2009! If there are NOT new additions in the coaching staff to improve a troubled Defence and all around team spirit. It will be the same sad ending we all saw. I am very tired of saying "wait until next year".
Go Broncos!
December 29, 2008
11:16 AM
Lrf868 writes:
Dear Mr. Bowlen,
I hope that the last three weeks have woken you up. To have the division essentially locked up and throw it away is inexcusable. Good teams find ways to win when they must. Bad teams make excuses.
I used to find the Broncos to be exciting to watch even when they were losing. Elway and Shanahan were magic together. I was there every Sunday to watch the fireworks. Now, I find it almost unbearable to watch. The fire and the magic are long gone. Shanahan has simply had his better days.
He is completely unable to raise any passion or desire in his players anymore. The games seem like hard work rather than fun. Shanahan was never interested in defense but for most of his tenure he had great defensive coordinators so he did not need to be. Now, he has a horrible defense, no idea how to fix it, and no one in the defensive area who can.
So, you have a tough decison to make. Do you move this team forward into the future with a new head coach who can fix the defense, bring to frution the gifts of the talented young players we have, and restore the passion and excitement? Or do you stay loyal to Shanahan and leave the team mired in the past?
December 29, 2008
2:54 PM
Marc writes:
The biggest concern I had was the defense..but holy smoke, nothing prepared me for the completely
inept display we saw last night. A total embarrassment.
December 29, 2008
4:02 PM
BleedOrange writes:
Sam,
I get so tired of hearing all the trash talk that comes out of San Diego. With all the confidence they bring you would think they have won back to back Super Bowls. I looked it up San Diego, you have only made it to the Dance one time and lost. The San Diego Chargers are the Cleveland Browns of the 90's, good enough to win the division but not good enough to win a Super Bowl ring. LT is getting old and there Defense is not good enough to win them a Super Bowl. So have heart Denver, at least we have the Rings!
December 29, 2008
4:12 PM
ANTONY54 writes:
BOUT WHAT I EXPECTED.. I JUST WANT TO HEAR DDAVE'S TAKE ON THE LAST MONTH OF BRONCOS FOOTBALL OR LACC THERE OF..
December 29, 2008
4:19 PM
Spider writes:
I wouldn't worry too much about what the dolt fans say. They are in the best 3 year stretch in the history of their team. They've never been here before and just don't know how to act as if they have. Their window of opportunity is coming to a close. The other 3 teams in the division have a brighter future with younger promising players on the horizon. Faiders just need the owner to get his nose out of the business, the Chiefs might be able to win dispite weak coaching. And the Broncos just need to revamp the D and special teams. I still think the Denver O is going to be the shiniest star of all.
December 29, 2008
4:49 PM
jayrockstone writes:
Wow! I knew the defense was...um...challenged, but, wow! I didn't expect much from the D, but I expected more than a matador's cape. Ole!
I hope they hit it right with every defensive draft pick. There's a long shopping list.
Would it be better to be conservative and use every pick where it stands; or is there enough of a benefit to move up and get a potential game changer?
Things that make you go Hmm.......
December 30, 2008
12:33 AM
lomax writes:
The "genius" blew it when he dumped Plummer when they were 7 and 4. They have now proceeded to miss the play-offs 3 straight years. Cutler has a great arm and nice stats, but he also "sucks" when it counts. The Broncos need a new direction. Shottenheimer, Billick, Fassel or bring a good college guy (aka-Pete Carroll)
December 30, 2008
8:41 AM
gofastgo writes:
If Shamasty doesn't go, expect plenty more of the same. I'm embarrassed.
Here's one that is directly attributed to Big Mike's abilities. Darren Sproles (the kick returner-receiver-running back for the Chargers) was available when the Bronco's picked some years back (2?) who did Shamasty pick??? MAURICE CLARETT !!
December 30, 2008
8:51 AM
Gwats writes:
And when is that press conference announcing the firing of the whole Coaching staff supposed to begin?
December 30, 2008
9:52 AM
CHGRBILL writes:
As a longtime SD Chargers fan, I take exception to the comment about Jacob Hester. "A Nobody"? Hardly. A rookie player, yes. But, this "Nobody" abused the bronko defense pretty much by himself. Excellent showing for a 1st year player, I must say. I could go into detail about much I'm enjoying reading & hearing you bronko clowns whine about the game, lack of coaching, lack of this, that, etc... Myself & ChargerFans the world over are still laughing our collective butts off. Your donkos got used & abused on national TV. SERVES YOU MORONS RIGHT!!!!!!!! Happy New Year, enjoy the off-season & Remember, the NFL Draft is right around the corner. Let's see, I think you guys have the 12th pick. Use it wisely. AHAAHHAHAHEEHAAAHA
GO CHARGERS!!!!
SUPERBOWL BOUND, BABY!!!!!
December 30, 2008
2:24 PM
Chaz writes:
I agree with many of the comments that Shanahan needs to step down and bring in fresh coaching. He's had alot of success in Denver, but we need new ideas, along with new personnel. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm tired of spending $200-300 per game to see such poor performance, especially out of our defense. I wish there was some way to tie performance on the field with players' pay. Play poorly and you don't get paid. Let's hope for changes and for a much improved defense in 2009. We still love ya Broncos. Whooo-wheee!
December 30, 2008
2:25 PM
Chaz writes:
I agree with many of the comments that Shanahan needs to step down and bring in fresh coaching. He's had alot of success in Denver, but we need new ideas, along with new personnel. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm tired of spending $200-300 per game to see such poor performance, especially out of our defense. I wish there was some way to tie performance on the field with players' pay. Play poorly and you don't get paid. Let's hope for changes and for a much improved defense in 2009. We still love ya Broncos. Whooo-wheee!
December 30, 2008
3:04 PM
aldavis writes:
shanahan has to go.................
December 30, 2008
4:20 PM
nuggets217 writes:
Well to all the losers on this thread who asked for Shanahan to get fired, you got your wish. Have fun watching the Broncos go 4-12 next year, you guys deserve it.
December 31, 2008
12:53 PM
chargertom writes:
Well, congrats broncs...have a nice 3 year re-building plan...lol.
Hope you all realize only SD can represent the west...5-1 in the division and the ponies didn't even have a winning record against ALL AFC teams.
Take those two SB trophies and stick them...on the couch next to you as you watch the Chargers this weekend..lol.
December 31, 2008
12:58 PM
chargertom writes:
No...Chargers have plenty of younger guys...like Sproles and Hester...who will only get better.
If Malcolm Floyd had played last Sunday, we might have put up 60.
Cutlers Last Stand...indeed.
January 16, 2009
7:25 PM
tomk writes:
Why all this bleeding heart stuff. We go into next season with an 8-8 record with potentiallly a fit running back and an improved defense.If you don't like change try Detroit!
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