Veteran's Day: Broncos Need Experienced Help as Orton heals

I will finally admit it. The Denver Broncos need to sign another quarterback. Now.

I say that not for the reasons many Broncos fans have been crowing about since Week One. I do not think Kyle Orton is a bad quarterback. Orton is not holding back the Broncos offense. He is not the problem. Every single Bronco fan should now realize this.

Orton is actually the solution. With him out of the lineup during the second half of today's game against the Redskins, the Broncos offense was putrid. A lot of Broncos fans got their wish when backup quarterback Chris Simms finally got his chance to lead the Broncos' attack.

It's likely a wish they want back. With Orton out with an ankle injury, Simms played poorly. 3 of 13 for 13 yards and an interception. His quarterback rating: 7.5. That's barely lower than the IQ of the owner of the opposition. (I kid, I kid.....or do I?)

People who have continued to doubt Orton's value to the Broncos offense have officially run out of excuses. The scoreboard doesn't lie. At the half, Denver led 17-14. The Broncos were then shut out in the second half and were outscored by a pathetic Redskins offense 13-0, leading to a final score of 27-17 in favor of the 'Skins.

Now, this doesn't throw 100% of the blame on Simms. The fact that the Redskins converted a fake field goal AFTER a timeout is beyond me. There is no excuse for that to happen and I am sure Josh McDaniels will let special teams coach Mike Priefer know that this week.

If Orton can't go this week, McDaniels and GM Brian Xanders need to give strong consideration to bringing in a veteran. Jeff Garcia immediately comes to mind. I think Simms still has potential but you don't throw someone under center that hasn't played a meaningful football game in years when you are in the middle of a battle for the division. With the Chargers coming in this week, you need to put your best foot forward and right now Simms is understandably rusty.

I understand Garcia would be rusty as well and would have to learn a new offense, but this is where experience serves him best. He is a smart quarterback and could pick up the Broncos offense in a heartbeat. Same goes for any veteran the Broncos would bring in. McDaniels offense has been described by the coach himself as very "quarterback friendly" and learning it should not be much trouble for a seasoned veteran.

Now, Orton could be cleared to play this week and this could all be moot. That said, Orton likely will not be 100%. I think the Broncos would be better off with a more seasoned backup than Simms. Simms had a chance to prove his worth today and he didn't do it. Some of that could be chalked up to rust, but he looked lost out there.

If the Broncos lived up to preseason expectations and were below-.500, I would be all for letting Simms play, develop and get his legs back under him after missing so much playing time. He in theory would then be ready to challenge Orton for the starting spot in 2010.

Fortunately, the Broncos are in a much better position than predicted. Nine games into the season, they are tied for first with the Chargers at 6-3. While the Broncos' recent skid allowed the Chargers to close the gap from two games back to a tie, the Broncos still are in better shape than most had thought they would be.

If the Broncos want to get back on the winning track and keep this magical season from completely falling apart, they need to bring in a veteran quarterback. If Simms truly has bought into the culture McDaniels has brought to Denver, he will understand that it is best for the team that a more experienced signal caller be brought in until Orton is ready again.

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery for Orton, otherwise Denver better be ready for "plan B," and that "B" does NOT stand for Brandstater

Get the Cables! After Loss to Steelers, Broncos Need a Jump Start

Originally published November 10, 2009

16 games. The season is a marathon, not a sprint.

Coaches preach these two phrases to their players privately and publicly every week of the NFL season. They expect their players to maintain a high level of energy all season and not exhaust themselves during a stretch of five or six games.

Apparently, the Denver Broncos never got the memo.

After an absolutely scintillating start to the season, a season in which the Broncos were expected to compete for a top ten draft pick, the Broncos have come crashing down to Earth. Hard.

During their magical 6-0 run to begin the 2009 campaign, the Broncos showed the poise and energy of a team bound to be one the great Cinderella stories in NFL history. After the most tumultuous offseason in team history, the Broncos were winning games in all sorts of different ways from a miraculous catch to beat the Bengals to bruising victories over the Cowboys and Patriots.

Now, after back to back losses against the Ravens and Steelers, the Broncos have fallen flat. Like a car left running with its lights on and stereo booming, it seems like the Broncos are out of juice and require a jump start.

If you want evidence of this look at the tape of the Broncos' win over the Chargers before the bye and then last week's loss to the Ravens and this week's loss to the Steelers. It seems like there were two entirely different football teams on the field. The offense was making plays all over and the defense was constantly swarming around the ball.

Not anymore.

During last week's 30-7 loss at Baltimore, the Broncos were constantly outplayed by the Ravens and the Broncos never were able to match the energy level of their opponent. The Ravens were a desperate team and desperate teams are dangerous. The Broncos just could not keep pace with them.

Same for this week's game, especially the second half. The Broncos were once again outhustled and noticeably lacked the fire and passion that they had showed in the first half, despite trailing 7-3 going into the break. As the second half wore on, the Broncos did something previous thought inconceivable of this group of players:

They quit.

Now, I don't mean that they quit as in "Oh we're screwed, let's go home." I meant that they quit because they were exhausted. it seems like they put so much effort into getting off to such a strong start in the first six games that they emotionally exhausted themselves. The team was so gung ho about proving all the doubters wrong that they forgot the season was a marathon and not a sprint.

Most fans will be pointing fingers at Kyle Orton and Josh McDaniels. They will criticize Orton for going back into shell, making boneheaded turnovers, and afraid to throw the deep ball. They will crow that McDaniels didn't vary the playbook enough during the Steeler game and that the Steelers defense was able to figure out the Broncos in the second half. Both are valid criticisms, but that isn't what's important.

What's important is how to fix it going forward. It is no longer important who did or did not do what that could have swung some key situations into the Broncos favor. The Broncos need to find out what is wrong and get better. Each player needs to look at himself and ask "what can I do better to help the team?"

As McDaniels is so fond of saying, DO YOUR JOB. As long as everyone does their job and not worry about everyone else's job, the Broncos should be able to shake out of this funk.

They don't have much of a choice. After all, the suddenly dangerous Chargers are now only one game back.

Broncos fans are beginning to feel like they have seen this before. They can only hope for a better outcome.

Looking Ahead

If there is such a thing as a perfect opportunity for a "bounce back game," the Broncos have it this weekend.

This Sunday, the Broncos travel to our nation's capital to take on the Washington Redskins, believed by many to be the worst team in the NFL. With a almost certain lame duck head coach and an inept quarterback, the Broncos should be in prime position to get back on a winning track.

However, as the Green Bay Packers showed us this past week in losing to the previously winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, games like this are easy to overlook.

For the Broncos' sake, they had better not. Otherwise, this surprising and happy season could turn tragic real quick

Cool It! Three Reasons Why Broncos Fans Should Not Panic

Originally published November 1, 2009

We knew it was coming, it was just a matter of time.

Like when the main theme from Jaws starts playing, you could feel the attack and disaster coming.

The Denver Broncos were never going to run the table and finish the regular season a perfect 16-0. It's only happened twice in the past 37 years, so you knew it was a long shot to happen. The Broncos were eventually going to lose a game.

So why are so many fans panicking and reacting like they had just gotten knocked out of the playoffs in the first round? Well, because that's what fans do. They cheer and bang their chests when their team is winning, and they scream "fire!" and "abandon ship!" when the team loses. It's just how a lot of fans are.

While the first loss of a season is always a disappointment to a team and its' fans, it also provides a chance for the Broncos to see where they can improve and how to do it. It also brings the fan base back to the reality that this is not a perfect team. It's a wake up call for all parties involved.

That said, there are a multitude of reasons why Broncos fans should not panic over this defeat to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Here are three:

1. There Are Still Nine Games to Play

The good news here is this rather flat performance by the Broncos didn't come in the week or weeks immediately preceding the postseason. Teams that start fast and fade late in the season (see the 2008 Tennessee Titans) often see early exits in the playoffs.

With this loss coming just before the halfway point in the regular season, the Broncos have plenty of time to adjust and improve in the areas where they fell short against the Ravens. The team still holds a two-game lead over the Chargers in the AFC West, and with two games against Kansas City and one with Oakland remaining in their final nine games, the Broncos should be able to right the ship in time for the playoffs.

Yes, the Broncos face another tough test at home against the Steelers next Monday, but after that they face a much softer three-game stretch on the road against the Redskins, at home against the on again, off again Chargers (who had a tougher time than they should have against the Raiders today), and then a Thanksgiving Day battle with the suddenly beatable Giants.

2. The Important Line for Kyle Orton Today: Zero Turnovers

Usually in games as lopsided as these, the quarterback has a turnover or two to his credit. An interception thrown during desperation time or a fumble often plays a role in a defeat like this.

Not so today for Kyle Orton.

While Orton didn't do the team any favors by averaging a mediocre 6.6 yards per completion today and being sacked twice, he didn't turn the ball over when the Broncos were trying to play catchup and put this game even further out of reach than it already was. Orton was under fire all day and didn't make the boneheaded play many quarterbacks do.

What hurt the Broncos much more today was its inept ability to run the ball against a suddenly revitalized Ravens defense led by linebacker Ray Lewis.

Again, Orton will face another brutal defense against the Steelers next week, but the aforementioned three-game stretch afterward should allow Orton to get his groove back.

3. The Chargers Are Much Weaker than They Were Last Year

Many Broncos fans have been worrying, especially after today's loss, that history will repeat itself and the Broncos will yet again blow a big lead in the division and the Chargers will sneak away with the AFC West crown.

As I mentioned in a previous column, don't bet on it. The Chargers' performance today against the Raiders proved my claim that they are in much worse shape than they were last season.

The Chargers hung on by four in Week One and then squeaked by with an eight point victory in what was a much closer game this week in Week Eight. Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell has been playing the position about as bad as it can be played, yet the Raiders have managed to hang with the Chargers in both games this season.

With the exception of last week's blowout of the Chiefs, every one of the Chargers games has been within reach for the opponent in the second half. To me, that sounds a little bit like a team relying on luck more than talent, and that is no way to win a division title.

Conclusion

Take a deep, cleansing breath Broncos fans. The world is not ending, so please stop crying wolf or acting like Chicken Little. It was only one game. This team has overcome too much and achieved too much together to let it all come apart at the seams.

Coach Josh McDaniels will see to it that this team learns from its mistakes and gets back on the winning track. He will continue to preach the "United We Stand, Divided We Fall," method that has worked so well for the New England Patriots this decade.

It's a method I suggest some panicked Broncos fans take to heart this week and beyond.

Breaking Down the Broncos Final Ten Games

Originally published on October 30, 2009

Even with the extra week off to let it sink in, it's still hard to believe that we're actually where we are.

The Denver Broncos are 6-0 and hold a three-game lead over the Chargers in the AFC West.

The Broncos and their fans have been on cloud nine all season long, but as head coach Josh McDaniels reminds the media every week, a 6-0 record doesn't mean squat. It doesn't give the Broncos the AFC West, a conference championship, or the Super Bowl ring all coaches and players are after.

All it means to McDaniels and the team is that they had a solid start to the season and they need to be playing their best football in the final weeks. Plenty of teams have started fast throughout NFL history only to crash and burn at the end of the regular season and/or the postseason.

That said, the Broncos are in prime position to make the postseason for the first time since the 2005 season. However, they still face a tough slate of games ahead that will test their mettle and make sure they are playing the best football each and every week, regardless of the "significance" a game holds.

Here's how the Denver Broncos remaining 10 games should shape up as the Broncos make a push for a division title and a postseason berth:

Nov. 1, at Baltimore Ravens

Many outside observers look at the Ravens as a team in a bit of trouble after their sizzling 3-0 start to the season. The Ravens defense has been anything but fierce and the suddenly explosive offense, led by second year quarterback Joe Flacco, has gone back into its shell.

However, if there is one thing any coach in the NFL should know is that you never underestimate a defense that has Ray Lewis on it. Lewis is one of the all-time great leaders in NFL history and he will have his unit ready to play against the undefeated Broncos.

Still, I like the Broncos No. 1 defense better here as the Broncos remain undefeated for at least one more week.

Prediction: Broncos win

Nov. 9 vs Pittsburgh Steelers

The Broncos' second appearance on Monday Night Football in four weeks is a home affair against the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers. The Steelers got off to a bit of a sluggish start in 2009 after All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu went down with an injury, but they have since come roaring back with Polamalu back in the lineup.

If there is one defense in the NFL right now that more dangerous than the Broncos, it's the Steelers. One only needs to look at the drubbing they put on the previously unbeaten Vikings in Week Seven. Dick LeBeau's unit swarms from all over the place and will be giving Kyle Orton fits all day.

All in all, I think the Broncos unbeaten streak stops at seven.

Prediction: Broncos lose

Nov. 15 at Washington Redskins

Ever since the Broncos started their magical run, fans have been openly wondering how this team would handle adversity. What would the team do once it lost its first game?

While there is no shame in losing to a solid team like Pittsburgh, Denver gets a chance at what should be an easy bounce back game against the Washington Redskins. I'm not going to re-hash all the Redskins' problems because every other sportswriter has been writing about them ad nauseum.

That said, this still has the potential to be a trap game for the Broncos. I don't see that happening, however, as the attitude McDaniels has instilled in this team shouldn't allow such a thing to happen.

Prediction: Broncos win

Nov. 22 vs San Diego Chargers

The last time the Broncos met the Chargers it was the Eddie Royal Show on Monday Night Football. Royal returned a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown in the Broncos' 34-23 win. The Broncos were behind at the half, but behind Royal and some great halftime adjustments made by the coaching staff, the Broncos were able to come from behind for the win.

This time the Broncos have the home field advantage and the Chargers could be a very desperate team at this point facing a potential huge deficit in the division. It's likely Norv Turner could be coaching for his life coming into this game.

I like the Broncos here to do yet another "impossible" task that no one gave them a chance to do at the start of the season: Sweep the series against the Chargers.

Prediction: Broncos Win

Nov. 26 vs New York Giants

The Broncos return to the slate of Thanksgiving Day games—this year playing in the nightcap against the Giants. The Giants got off to yet another strong start this season by winning their first five games. They fell back to Earth the past two games though, getting blown out by the Saints in New Orleans and losing a squeaker at home against the Cardinals.

The Giants' defense is still their strong suit even with new defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan. Eli Manning has struggled a bit as of late and it is taking time for him to gel with his new receivers.

I look for the Broncos to give Eli fits, but Kyle Orton might need to have a career day against the Giants to win. I think Denver loses its second game of the year here.

Prediction: Broncos lose

Dec. 6 at Kansas City Chiefs

Once again after a potential loss to a solid team, the Broncos face what should be an easy game to bounce back against an inferior opponent. The Chiefs are in a rebuilding process under first-year head coach Todd Haley with former Tom Brady backup Matt Cassel under center.

They also have a potential major headache in running back Larry Johnson, whose Twitter escapades earned him a suspension by the team this week. With no solid backup, the Chiefs offense is one of the weakest in the NFL.

In another potential trap game, Denver should win this one no problem. The defense should have no trouble containing the Chiefs' offense, and the Broncos' offense should run all over the Chiefs.

Prediction: Broncos win

Dec. 13 at Indianapolis Colts

In what could be a preview of either an AFC divisional playoff game or even the AFC Championship, the Broncos undoubtedly face their toughest task of the 2009 season: Stopping Peyton Manning. No one has been able to do so thus far, and frankly I am not sure if anyone can.

What has been remarkable about the Colts this season is that Manning is working with all new wide receivers, especially with Reggie Wayne out with injury. Manning has his young wideouts looking like seasoned vets. That's the mark of a truly great quarterback.

With home field advantage throughout the playoffs possibly on the line, Denver will keep this closer than many think it will be. I don't think it will be enough.

Prediction: Broncos lose

Dec. 20 vs Oakland Raiders

Unbelievably, the Raiders showed signs of life two weeks ago, upsetting the Eagles 13-9.

Then the following week they were promptly shutout by rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez and the Jets, 38-0.

Such are the Oakland Raiders. Who knows who will be under center for the Raiders. Should JaMarcus Russell continue his putrid play? I say who cares? Denver should win this one, too.

Prediction: Broncos win

Dec. 27 at Philadelphia Eagles

In this game, the Broncos face their their last true tuneup before the playoffs start. The Eagles could still be in the midst of a three-way battle for the NFC East at this point, so the Broncos should expect to see an intense Eagles squad.

The Broncos likely would have the AFC West sewn up at this point, but it seems like that won't keep McDaniels from getting maximum effort out of his team. Teams that go flat towards the end of the regular season are usually one-and-done once the postseason begins.

I think this game will be a real toss-up, but I like the Eagles here just because they will have more on the line than Denver. It will be a close game throughout.

Prediction: Broncos lose

Jan. 3 vs Kansas City Chiefs

In the regular season finale, the Broncos likely will be resting many starters for the playoffs. That said, I still think the Broncos second-teamers are better than most of the Chiefs' starters, so I look for the Broncos to win this game.

Prediction: Broncos win

If you tally it all up, I have the Broncos going 12-4 although that could easily be 13-3 depending on the outcome of the game against the Eagles. In a season in which the Broncos were expected to not win more than five games or so, a 12 win season will be cause for celebration in Denver.

The team won't be celebrating though unless they are able to win the ultimate prize, Super Bowl XLIV in Miami. Could this team be one of the greatest Cinderella stories in league history and bring home the Lombardi Trophy?

With the AFC being ultra-competitive—an 11-5 record did not warrant a playoff trip in 2008—I think the Broncos stand a good chance of getting a first-round bye. They own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Patriots because of the win earlier this season.

I think the Colts get home field, and the No. 2 seed will come down to Denver and whomever wins the AFC North, which I think will be Pittsburgh. If that's the case and they beat the Broncos during the regular season, they get the No. 2 seed and Denver faces a wild card team in the first round.

This is how I see the Broncos finishing the 2009 season, but if there is one thing this team has taught us it is to expect the unexpected and to believe. This team could still go 16-0 at this time. t's still a possibility and as long as it still is, the Broncos will continue to pursue that goal.

Buckle up Broncos fans, the fun has just begun

Top Five Plays for the 2009 Broncos (Weeks 1-6)

Originally published October 26, 2009

Click here to see my top five for the Broncos in their first six games:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/279051-top-five-plays-from-the-2009-denver-broncos-so-far

Jay Cutler sends letter to Josh McDaniels

Originally published October 24, 2009

(Writer's Note: This is a humor column. Jay did NOT actually send this letter to Josh McDaniels. I know B/R readers are smart enough to figure this out, but I can't speak for the whole Internet)

Dear Josh,

As much as I don't want to say "I told you so..."

Oh what the hell, I'll say it anyway: I TOLD YOU SO!!!! NYAH NYAH NYAH NYAH, NYAH, NYAH!!!

How does it feel, dummy? You ran me out of town and look what happened! Look at how bad you are! Don't you miss me? I could have easily gotten you two or three more wins. I have a much better arm than John Elway, let alone that limp noodle Kyle Orton you got in place of me!

Wait a second. Ron Turner just came in told me your record. You're 6-0? Really? Oh well, it's all luck anyway and you haven't really played anyone! I'm better than Tom Brady, Tony Romo, and Philip Rivers all put together anyway! I'm the best there is!

Oh, hold on there. Kyle Orton? He has a 100.1 quarterback rating and I only have an 86.9? That's an error as we all know NFL quarterbacks can't get extra credit therefore he can not be over 100 percent! Are you that desperate, Josh? You're fudging numbers to spite me. Didn't you learn anything from Belichick? That's the kind of thing that will get you in trouble with the league. Enjoy your $25,000 fine dummy! Ha ha.

On top of that, you already ticked off Brandon. If B-Marsh knows what's good for him, he'll sit out the rest of the season since he wasn't traded by the deadline because you're too dumb. What makes this so great is that once Brandon is gone, I will be proven right. I knew what was best for that franchise. No one believes in you, and they all believed in me. Too bad the Denver franchise is being set back 10 years.

Before you ask, yes I realize we are trailing the Vikings by 2.5 games right now. I'm not worried at all. I'm better than Brett Favre ever was and we have the best running back in the NFL named Adrian Peterson. That other one in Minnesota has nothing on ours.

My offensive line is better than yours, too. I heard Clady just gave up his first sack. What a bum! Can't even make it two full seasons before getting owned and letting Orton get hit! I don't have to worry about that as mine gives me all the time in the world to throw and read my receivers multiple times. The interceptions are never my fault as my receivers sometimes run the wrong route. I yell at them and make them know to never make the same mistake again or I'll make sure management replaces them.

Finally, I am very happy to be playing on a team that has a real defense for a change. Look at you, you still have the same guys and take it from me, they suck. That was OK last year that we collapsed down the stretch, at least I got to put some really nice numbers and even made the Pro Bowl! Now, with the great defense we have in Chicago, maybe I can add a Super Bowl ring but that's not that important. All that matters is that I can hang personal accolades on my mantle.

Oh, hang on. Lovie Smith just showed me some stats. Wow, you allowed 66 points this year and we have allowed 99. See, we're better in that category too. We are just so much better than you.

Anyway, I need to get back to practice. Oh, and if you happen to bump into Uncle Mikey, the guy you replaced you jerk face, please have him mail me my binky, my blankie, and some cookies. I think he should still have them. I want them and I want them NOW!

I look forward to laughing at you when I volunteer at a soup kitchen sometime. Have fun on the unemployment line, sucker!

Jay Cutler

(P.S. Did you ever notice I have the same initials as Jesus Christ? Coincidence? I think not.)

(Another writer's note: Again this was a humor column. The views expressed in this column are indeed the views of the writer.)

Believe It: Three things the Broncos can do to make a "Super Run"

Originally published October 22, 2009

Crazy, off your rocker, cracked, and insane.

Those are the words I would use if you had told me in August that the Broncos would be 6-0 going into their bye and talk of a Super Bowl run, let alone a playoff berth, would be discussed with a straight face.

But here we are.

Most fans almost always hold out hope at the start of every season that this could be "the year" for their team, but it was especially hard for Broncos fans to even give consideration to such thought this year. Their stalwart head coach was gone, as was their young Pro Bowl franchise quarterback, and their star wide receiver was throwing a temper tantrum that would make Terrell Owens proud. The defense was rebuilding in a new scheme under yet another defensive coordinator. Broncos fans were bracing for the worst year the team had in recent memory.

But here we are.

The team is 6-0 going into their bye. The rookie head coach, Josh McDaniels, looks like a genius and the new quarterback, Kyle Orton, is having a career year playing practically mistake-free football. Brandon Marshall, the angry receiver, has overall bought into the team's philosophy and is back playing in Pro Bowl form. Perhaps most surprisingly, the defense has been playing lights-out football, pressuring the quarterback and generating turnovers.

Thanks to their 34-23 win over the San Diego Chargers Monday night, the Broncos hold a three and a half game lead in the AFC West. The team is healthy overall, and the confidence of McDaniels and his team is at an all-time high. Barring an even more monumental collapse than last season, the Broncos are likely to make the postseason for the first time since the 2005-2006 season.

But why stop there?

If the Broncos are going to make a serious run at the Lombardi trophy, there are areas they definitely have to improve in. Here are the three most important areas of improvement:

1. Start games faster

During the first half of games this year the Broncos are barely outscoring their opponents, 57-56. During the second half, however, the Broncos are walloping the other team by a combined score of 76-10.

The Broncos have been fortunate so far, but if they are to make a deep playoff run, they need to get off to a better start. If they face Indianapolis in playoffs, which they very likely could (and the teams do meet during the regular season as well), the Broncos will need to at least keep pace as the Colts can put up points early and often as long as Peyton Manning is under center. Same goes for the Patriots as we all saw what Tom Brady is capable of during their 59-0 demolition of the Tennessee Titans.

In order to fix this, Orton needs to get in a rhythm much sooner than he has. He usually starts games out 0 for 2 or so and it's key that he be accurate early. While it's only two passes, you never know if those could turn out to be big plays.

The two-headed rushing attack of Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno must also be sharp early. While they don't need to get a first down every carry, pounding outs runs of four, five or six yards go a long way towards forcing the opposing defense into respecting the run game and allowing Orton to make more plays down the field.

2. Stop committing so many penalties

Looking at this past game against the Chargers, the Broncos were penalized four times for 44 yards. While the numbers don't look that bad, they don't show the entire picture. Two of them were absolutely inexcusable and could have cost the Broncos the game.

One was on Marshall for unsportsmanlike conduct in the second quarter that, had the Chargers not also committed a pass interference penalty, would have made an easy field goal for Matt Prater that much harder to make by backing the team up 15 yards. Three points could have come off the board there.

The second was on Moreno for spiking the ball after not getting a first down on 3rd and 1. It was a five yard delay of game penalty that, had it occurred further down field, the Broncos could have lost points there as well.

Correcting this issue lies with both the players and the coaches. The players need to maintain focus and mental discipline while the coaches need to inform the players that continually committing penalties could cause them to be removed from the field.

While the Broncos don't have as severe an issue with penalties as say the Green Bay Packers do, committing penalties in key game situations will bring any potential postseason run to a grinding halt.

3. Handle adversity properly

I'm going to stop short of saying there's no way the Broncos run the table and go 16-0. If there is one thing I have learned about the NFL, it is to expect the unexpected. However, since the New England Patriots in 2007 were the only team since 1972 to complete a perfect regular season, it seems relatively safe to say the Broncos will lose at least one game along the way this year.

This is just about the only thing we have not seen from the team at this point: how they bounce back. At 6-0, they haven't dealt with a loss yet. They have faced close games, but each one has turned out in their favor.

They can likely bounce back from one, but what happens if the team loses two or three games in a row? Will they begin to see themselves as overachievers that played too hard at the beginning of the season and that they aren't as good as they thought they were? Will the confidence of the team begin to dwindle?

My guess right now would be no. McDaniels has been saying all season that he and the team haven't accomplished anything yet and it is key to be playing their best football at the end of the season. He is trying to keep the team humble by saying that many mistakes were made and need to be corrected.

McDaniels is saying all the right things, but we won't know for sure until some adversity occurs. Here's hoping it doesn't, but it likely will.

They can do it

Based on what we have seen through six games, it's possible for the Broncos to make a deep playoff push. That said, this team is far from perfect and they need to correct the above issues amongst others if they want to make a run for glory.

It would be the ultimate Cinderella story, and these first six chapters have been a lot of fun to watch. Here's hoping the next ten are just as exciting.

Exorcism: Broncos Busts Ghosts of 2008 in 34-23 Win

Originally published October 20, 2009

The last time the Denver Broncos visited Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, they were on the receiving end of a 52-21 beatdown by the Chargers that cost them the division title and coach Mike Shanahan his job. It was a defeat that would haunt the Broncos into the 2009 campaign.

Not anymore.

Fittingly, the specter of the Broncos' epic 2008 collapse disappeared permanently on October 19, a little less than two weeks before Halloween. If this Broncos team decided to dress up for their last game before October 31, they had to have all dressed as the Ghostbusters after exorcising their demons in their 34-23 dismantling of the San Diego Chargers to move to 6-0 and take a three and half game lead in the AFC West.

This win is even bigger than the win over the Patriots for many reasons, but the fact that this win formally shuts the book on 2008 is huge for this team and its fans. While many of the players on this Broncos team weren't with the organization last year, they still felt the sting of the collapse when they arrived into town from the people who were there.

The Broncos needed this game to move forward and say that what happened last season will not happen again. They needed to make a statement. So who were they going to call?

Eddie Royal.

From the moment Royal returned the ensuing kickoff after San Diego scored the first points, notice was served to the Chargers and the rest of the NFL that the Broncos have moved on and refuse to look back. They were going forward, and they are determined that what happened in 2008 never happens again.

The Broncos also busted the ghost of their former starting quarterback who threw two interceptions to one touchdown in the blowout at San Diego last season. This season, his successor who has thrown one interception (and on a desperation heave to boot) in six games threw two touchdowns to zero interceptions.

While the specter of John Elway will always hover above Kyle Orton and future Broncos quarterbacks, Orton has done his share to put skeptical Broncos fans at ease after the trade of Jay Cutler created a division amongst the fan base.

If there was any remaining doubt after the first five games, there can be no more now. The Broncos are well positioned to make the playoffs for the first time sine the 2005 season. The multiple critics and skeptics that wondered if Josh McDaniels would hang on to his job for for more than one season have been silenced.

The Denver Broncos, picked by many to win five games this season, have eclipsed that mark by one and show no signs of stopping now.

After all, this Broncos team ain't afraid of no ghosts.

A Tamed Stallion: Marshall no longer a bucking Bronco

Originally published October 14, 2009

Let's turn the clock back a little less than fifty days to August 29.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall had just been suspended for conduct detrimental to the team, adding more salt to a still fresh wound for the Broncos. The team a few months earlier had traded their disgruntled franchise quarterback to the Chicago Bears and now were dealing with their number one receiver demanding a trip out of Denver.

Now fast froward to the present day.

The Broncos are the surprise of the NFL standing atop the AFC West with a perfect 5-0 record. Even more surprising is the fact that Marshall of all people has been the key player in the past two Broncos victories. Marshall made a spectacular run and catch for the go ahead touchdown against the Cowboys and just last Sunday scored the game-tying touchdown against the Patriots.

In other words, Marshall has gone from zero to hero amongst Broncos fans in less than sixty days. So what has changed?

First off, everyone and their mother knew that Marshall had the skills to be an elite receiver in the NFL. His past two seasons both saw him with over 1,200 yards and more than 100 catches. His talent was never in question.

What was in question was his ability to stay out of trouble off the field. A "freak" accident last season involving him putting his arm though a television was one thing, but him serving a one game suspension (it was reduced from three games) at the start of last season served notice that he could be problem child. His latest arrest this past March for disorderly conduct didn't help matters, though the charges in that case were dismissed.

The creme de la creme, however, came this past offseason after Jay Cutler was traded. Marshall, allegedly upset over his contract, demanded a trade from Denver. He had "trust issues" with the organization, and wanted out.

His antics during training camp that were caught by TV cameras were the straws that broke the camel's back and coach Josh McDaniels had no choice but to suspend Marshall for the remainder of the preseason. People figured it was a matter of "when" Marshall would be out of Denver, not "if."

Thankfully for the Broncos and their fans, McDaniels didn't give up that easily.

What has occurred since has been one of the most remarkable in-season turnarounds by a player in league history. Yes, the Broncos are winning and winning supposedly cures all, but what happens if the Broncos lose a couple games? Will Marshall revert to previous form and act like a petulant brat?

My money is on "NO."

My reasoning for this? Two images from the win over the Cowboys. First is the emotional embrace Marshall shared with McDaniels after he scored the winning touchdown and second is another embrace that Marshall and McDaniels shared during the coach's post-game press conference.

They a say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in this case two pictures are worth a million.

No one knows what words were exchanged between Marshall and McDaniels during their embraces, but what everyone should see is that a player can't fake emotions like that. Not even receivers like Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco could create something like that and have it just be a show.

What Marshall and McDaniels shared was real, and the Broncos and their fans have every reason to believe Marshall has turned the corner and won't be looking back.

That is not to say he is completely out of the woods. Marshall's challenge from this point forward is maintaining focus, especially if the Broncos make the Super Bowl. Success breeds attention and Marshall could easily become distracted and the off field issues could rear their ugly head again if Marshall loses concentration on the big picture.

That is where McDaniels comes in. While he cannot and should not be Marshall's personal babysitter, what McDaniels can do here is make sure Marshall is reminded of how miserable he once was and how happy he is right now. Marshall needs to keep growing as a player and a person and all should be well.

One of the biggest surprises this season has been that no "star wideout" like a Marshall, Owens, Moss, or Ochocinco has erupted into a display of public humiliation. It's still early in the season and I bet one will happen.

But it won't come from the guy named Marshall.

One Upped: Orton "Out-Bradys" Tom Brady

Originally published October 12, 2009

So you say Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton is a "game manager," eh?

Take a look at these statistics from Sundays 20-17 overtime win over the New England Patriots: 35-of-48, 330 yards and two touchdowns. I don't hold his one interception against him because it was a desperation heave at the end of the first half.

If Orton is a "game manager," then so is Brett Favre, Drew Brees, John Elway and, oh yeah, Tom Brady.

For one game at least, Orton played Brady-style football better than Brady himself. Orton led a remarkable 98-yard drive late in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 17 after the Broncos trailed 17-7 at halftime.

New England got the ball back with two minutes remaining in regulation. Many thought it was going to be another Brady comeback because he has become so masterful at bringing his team back late when the game is on the line.

Not this time.

First, the Broncos defense stopped the Patriots on crucial third downs late in the game.

Second, and more surprising, Brady was off target.

Late in the fourth quarter, he bounced what would have been a sure touchdown pass off the hip of receiver Wes Welker. It was the kind of pass Brady never misses.

Today, he did. And Orton didn't.

After winning the coin toss at the start of overtime, Orton led the Broncos on a steady drive, resulting in Matt Prater's game-winning 41-yard field goal.

Orton did it. He pulled a "Tom Brady" against the Patriots in a game not many people expected the Broncos to win. This time, Orton was the superstar and Brady looked like the sixth-round draft pick that he was back in 2000.

I am not saying Orton is better than Brady. Brady has three rings to Orton's zero and, in the big picture, this game will do little to nothing to tarnish Brady's image as a master of the fourth quarter comeback. What it does show is that he is beatable if you game-plan properly.

However, it does do a lot for Orton.

People now see what the man can do with quality receivers and a head coach that believes in him. Josh McDaniels took the leash off Orton and let him run wild, attempting an astonishing 48 passes.

People have been saying since his arrival that the Broncos would win in spite of Orton, not because of him. Well, Orton proved them wrong and, in turn, has added a whole other dimension to the Broncos' offense.

Expected to be a dink-and-dunk team under McDaniels, Orton's solid play along with the re-emergence of Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal and complementary play of Jabbar Gaffney and Brandon Stokely have made the Broncos a suddenly potent passing squad.

Combine that with a continually impressive defense, a 5-0 start and a head coach that helped gel the most explosive offense in NFL history in 2007, and the Broncos are now one of the teams no one in the NFL wants to face.

Heck, this team has even made the most hardcore McDaniels opponents forget about ol' "what's his name," you know, the dude that was traded to Chicago?

Broncos vs Patriots: Who is David and Who is Goliath?

Originally published October 9, 2009

There comes a time in every NFL head coach's career that he gets a shot to face off against the man who taught him the ropes. A win against the teacher gives the student the first crown jewel of his head coaching career.

For Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, that opportunity comes in the fifth game of his head-coaching career, and he faces a considerable challenge in beating his teacher: a three-time Super Bowl winner by the name of Bill Belichick.

When the NFL released its schedule this past spring, the matchup between the Broncos and the Patriots seemed like the ultimate David vs. Goliath game. That phrase could still be used to define the game that is now two days away, but it is highly debatable who is David and who is Goliath.

The Broncos are one of the NFL's most surprising teams, starting 4-0 after one of the most chaotic offseasons in recent memory. Led by a surprisingly stingy defense that has allowed only 26 points through four games—and with smart and thus far interception-free play by new starting quarterback Kyle Orton—the Broncos enter this game with a much better shot than many thought they had even one month ago.

Still, many people doubt whether or not this Broncos team is a contender or a pretender. Critics point to a soft early schedule and a fluke win over the Bengals as evidence that the Broncos are not ready for prime time and a brutal mid-season schedule will bring them back to reality quickly. That said, even the harshest critics are saying the Broncos are looking better than previously thought.

The Patriots, on the other hand, were expected to come out swinging following the return of quarterback Tom Brady to their lineup after missing most of the 2008 season with an ACL injury. While Brady has made his presence known—as shown by the Week One comeback victory over the Bills—the Patriots are struggling in other areas. Losing three key defensive starters this past offseason, the normally stout Patriot defense has had trouble getting on its feet.

Even with a struggling defense, teams around the NFL have learned never to count out or overlook the New England Patriots. Just when you think they're dead and buried, they fire off a long winning streak and blow by the competition. People thought they were through when Brady went down in Week One last year, but the Patriots—with a quarterback that had not started a game since high school—finished 11-5 and lost the AFC East crown on a tiebreaker.

Another thing that has added a level of intrigue to this game is the aforementioned chess match between the sidelines with McDaniels facing off against Belichick. Both men know each other really well, with McDaniels serving on Belichick's staff from 2001-2008, most recently as offensive coordinator.

Belichick will know the Broncos' offense and McDaniels will know the Patriots' defense. The wild card will be the Broncos defense, as defensive coordinator Mike Nolan could be the difference maker in this game.

When the final whistle blows on Sunday, either the student or the teacher will be victorious (unless the ever-so-rare tie occurs), and David will once again have slayed Goliath.

Unless you are a fan of the team that loses.

Broncos Report Card: Week 4

Originally published October 6, 2009

Second verse, same as the first.

That would be how the outside world views the Denver Broncos after yet another win, propelling them to 4-0 on the season, a season in which not many people expected the Broncos to win more than five games.

The Broncos are 80 percent of the way there with 12 games yet to be played. But at the rate head coach Josh McDaniels has his team playing, they won't be stopping at five or maybe even eight. Now on to the grades for Week Four.

Passing offense:

Kyle Orton got off to a horrendous start, but he didn't turn the ball over. He was under siege by the Dallas defense the first portion of the game, but in typical Orton fashion he picked himself up and won the game without making a careless mistake.

Major kudos go to Ryan Clady for setting a record by not allowing a sack in 20 straight games and the fact that those are the first 20 starts in his career is even more remarkable. The Broncos have a keeper here.

Last but certainly not least is the play of Brandon Marshall. That was pure talent in that touchdown run in the final two minutes and that embrace he had with McDaniels after the touchdown (as well as during McDaniels' postgame press conference) show that this young man has turned the corner and he's returning to 2008 form. Look out NFL.

Overall grade: B

Rushing Offense:

Bronco fans held their breath after Corell Buckhalter went down with a knee injury, but not soon after they were (or should have been) able to breathe a sigh of relief as rookie halfback Knowshown Moreno has proven the Broncos made the right choice drafting him in the first round at this year's draft.

While he finished with 14 carries for 65 yards, Moreno again displayed that not only can he be a solid runner between the tackles, but he also showed he can be a good screen option by catching a touchdown pass out of the backfield.

Overall Grade: B minus

Passing Defense:

The reports on the demise of cornerback Champ Bailey have been greatly exaggerated.

Bailey made three outstanding plays. First was the interception of Tony Romo with Dallas inside the Denver red zone. Bailey showed incredible athleticism there and that he still has plenty left in the tank. Not only was that not enough, but Bailey made the two deflections in the end zone during the final seconds to sea a Broncos victory.

Overall, the Denver secondary rocked and rattled Romo all day. The only big negative against this unit was that big catch and run by Sam Hurd that allowed the Cowboys to get deep in Broncos territory in the waining moments of the game.

Oh, and Elvis Dumervil keeps on trucking. Put him on the Pro Bowl roster now.

Overall Grade: B plus

Rushing Defense:

The unit looked shaky early on as a wounded Marion Barber was running all over the Broncos, only to give way to Tashard Choice later in the game. The Broncos only gave up 74 yards on the ground to the talented Cowboys rushing attack, with most of it coming early.

Solid day overall, though.

Overall grade: A minus

Special Teams:

Matt Prater had an easy day, one PAT and one 28-yard field goal. No sweat.

Punter Brett Kern played solid as well. He had six punts on the day, averaging almost 42 yards a punt and Dallas return man Patrick Crayton had only two punt returns for an average of seven yards per return.

Overall grade: A minus

Coaching:

McDaniels had not yet ceased to amaze me this season. The team keeps pushing and pushing and is finding ways to win the game. What McDaniels should be the most proud of is that each win has been a team effort and everyone has done their job.

I can't say enough about Mike Nolan's defense. Twenty-six points allowed through four games and the number one overall defense in the NFL? What a turnaround from the dismal performance by the Broncos defense in 2008.

McDaniels has to be the early front runner for coach of the year. With an assist to Mike Nolan.

Overall grade: A

This coming week provides a huge test for the Broncos as Bill Belichick, McDaniels' boss and mentor from last season, comes to town with Tom Brady and the rest of the New England Patriots.

Not many people will pick the Broncos to win this one, even though they are playing at home. Then again, who expected the Broncos to be 4-0 at this point.

That's why they play the games.

Broncos Fans and McDaniels: They're Lovin' It!

Originally published September 28, 2009

If the 2009 Denver Broncos were fast food, I would call them a "Happy Meal" thus far into the campaign. Pleasant. Satisfying. Fun. Making their fans, you know, happy.

Oh, and yes I did mean those Denver Broncos.

Six months ago the Broncos were a franchise in turmoil. The team had fired its stalwart head coach, Mike Shanahan, who led to the franchise to its two Super Bowl titles. Then Denver replaced him with a 33-year-old offensive whiz kid, Josh McDaniels, who had never been a head coach at any level.

To make matters worse, franchise quarterback Jay Cutler was trying force his way out of town after hearing McDaniels and the team listened to offers for another quarterback, presumably sending Cutler to another team.

Once Cutler was traded to the Chicago Bears, wide receiver Brandon Marshall suddenly demanded a trade, saying he didn't trust the Broncos. McDaniels had no choice but to suspend Marshall for a good chunk of the preseason for conduct detrimental to the team.

What a way for McDaniels to start his NFL head coaching career.

He had more pressure on him than anyone, and he had not even coached a single game. People were calling for his head before the season started and others thought he'd be one (year) and done.

It's amazing what a 3-0 start can do for your image, isn't it?

During all this drama, McDaniels kept saying his players were ignoring the potential distractions and focusing on doing their jobs and making sure everyone was putting forth a "team first" attitude. The suspension of Marshall proved McDaniels meant that.

However, many fans and media types blew that off as McDaniels saying what any coach would say—regardless of what was really going on in the background. Thanks to these distractions, said the critics, the Broncos would be lucky to win five games.

Well, we're not even a quarter of the way through the season and the Broncos are already past the halfway point to five wins and many people are in shock.

Why?

Because the players actually are buying into McDaniels' system. Everyone is focusing on doing their jobs and trusting their teammates to do theirs. McDaniels' a system that has paid off in the form of three Super Bowl rings for the Patriots and it's one that has the Broncos starting fast out of the gate.

The players believe. They're smiling on the sidelines, and McDaniels even got a Gatorade shower after Denver's victory over the Browns last week.

See, the players notice the little things. McDaniels let the top participants in offseason workouts to create a playlist on an iPod to be played during practices in training camp. Instead of simulating crowd noise, the players heard all kind of music from country to the late Michael Jackson. It was a touch the players definitely appreciated.

Now, what about the fans?

Those who were calling for McDaniels' job from the onset of the Cutler situation have been mysteriously silent as Cutler leads the NFL in interceptions and Orton has yet to throw a pick after three solid games. Fans are jumping on the Broncos bandwagon by the bunches.

That saying that "winning cures everything"? True, in this case. Very true.

Now, we shouldn't get too far ahead of ourselves. The Broncos face a killer schedule the next few weeks, starting this weekend with a battered but potent Cowboys team coming to Invesco.

However, if the Broncos remain as tight knit as they seem to be right now, they will weather this storm. They enter this tough stretch as a team, and they will emerge from it as a team.

Buckle up, Broncos fans. It's going to be a fun ride.

Five Things to Watch for with the 2009 Denver Broncos

Originally published September 2, 2009

Do you smell it? That scent of uncontainable hope that springs eternal amongst all 32 NFL teams as the preseason draws to a close? Yet, within about four weeks, a fair amount of those teams will have those hopes of glory dashed as first quarter of the regular season draws to a close.

Will the Denver Broncos be one of them?

If you took a poll of sports writers around the country, the resounding consensus would be a definite 'yes.' Offseason drama aside, their No. 1 draft pick just returned to practice after missing significant time due to injury, their starting quarterback dislocated a knuckle, and theri second string quarterback is still nursing an ankle injury.

However, not much is known about this Broncos team. Thanks to a new head coach, new starting quarterback, and a new defensive scheme, this version of the Broncos could be the hardest to gauge in the franchise's history. Here are a few things to look for as 2009 formally gets underway.

1. Josh McDaniels' temperament

You have to give the 33 year old head coach some credit. Despite all the offseason and training camp drama involving Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, McDaniels never once publicly lost his cool. It seems he has learned how to handle such drama from his mentor, Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

However, once the games start, it's an entirely different deal. If his team gets off to a slow start, and QB Kyle Orton struggles, will the youthful McDaniels keep his cool and show maturity beyond his years that will require him to succeed as an NFL head coach?

2. Kyle Orton's performance

If there is one person on the Broncos who will be scrutinized as much or more than McDaniels, it will be new starting quarterback Orton. When the Broncos acquired him in the Cutler trade, the expectations of his 2009 season skyrocketed.

Assuming he is ready to go in Week One against the Bengals, Orton will need to get out the gate fast in order to avoid the Jake Plummer treatment by Broncos fans.

While he has never put up gaudy statistics, McDaniels' offense doesn't require him to. Orton will likely be a dink and dunk passer with the support of a power running game. Another thing to keep in mind is Orton has much better weapons in Denver than he did in Chicago (even without Brandon Marshall) so Orton could develop much more confidence in his deep ball.

The big question mark comes when Orton will need to pull out games in the final minutes. He doesn't have the support of a strong defense like he had in Chicago, so this will be key.

3. The defense's transition to the 3-4

One of McDaniels' first moves after being hired was to bring in former 49ers head coach Mike Nolan as defensive coordinator. Despite a lack of success as a head coach, Nolan has a very solid record as a coordinator. He lead the highly vaunted Baltimore Ravens defense from 2002-2004 before becoming coach of the 49ers.

The Broncos also used their second first round pick to draft Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers to help shore up a line that produced very little pressure on the quarterback in 2008. The team also gained a tremendous locker room leader in safety Brian Dawkins who signed as a free agent from the Eagles.

How fast this unit gels could be key to how far the Broncos go in 2009.

4. Brandon Marshall

Who knows what his mindset will be when his suspension ends on Sept. 6? While rumors persist that the Broncos are quietly shopping the disgruntled wideout, the team and its fans must be prepared for the fact that no team may want him and that Marshall could be with the Broncos for all of 2009.

Here is where McDaniels can earn some points back with the Bronco faithful. If he can somehow whip Marshall into shape and get him pulling with the rest of the team, he should get a medal. While this likely has little chance of succeeding, the Broncos certainly would welcome him back if he was in the right state of mind.

If not, the team will go forward without distraction, as McDaniels has said in the past.

5. Eddie Royal's potential breakout year

Royal showed flashes of brilliance during the start of the season last year before an injury hobbled him for the remainder of 2008. With Marshall out for an undetermined amount of time, perhaps permanently, Royal has a golden opportunity as the new No. 1 wideout to further develop the skills he showed during the beginning of last year's campaign.

Despite being smaller and lighter than Marshall, Royal has shown very soft hands and good speed. With former Broncos great Rod Smith working with the wide receivers, Royal could have a breakout year (while staying out of trouble), making him Orton's favorite target, something the quarterback never really had in Chicago.

Without a doubt 2009 will be an interesting season for Broncos fans. Despite the gloom and doom of all the offseason moves, there is reason for optimism in the Mile High City. Whether or not that optimism becomes something more tangible remains to be seen.

That's why they play the games.

Team First: 09 Broncos similar to 03 Patriots

Originally published September 1, 2009

If the late John Denver were still alive to write a song about the 2009 Denver Broncos season thus far, it would have to be called “Rocky Mountain Low.”

After one of the wackiest offseason's any franchise in NFL history has had to deal with, it would appear to all observers the Broncos are reeling. In the past year, the team fired the head coach that led the team to its two Super Bowl titles, traded their Pro Bowl quarterback, and suspended their No. 1 receiver after his request for a trade was not met.

To even the most casual of football fans, this seems like a train wreck waiting to happen. Rookie Head Coach Josh McDaniels has had to deal with more in his first year than other coaches face in their careers. Broncos fans all over the country are preparing for a four-win season and what they consider to be an “inevitable” top-five pick in the 2010 draft.

Pardon the pun, but hold your horses Broncos fans.

Yes, the Broncos haven’t shown much in their 0-3 start to the preseason. Yes, Jay Cutler got the last laugh this past Sunday. Yes, Kyle Orton’s hurt and so is backup Chris Simms. Yet, I do not worry, and that is because of the new head coach that has become the scorn of many in Denver.

Let’s look back at the 2003 version of the New England Patriots, the team which McDaniels worked for from 2001-2008. While Tom Brady was able to start all 16 games, other parts of the team were decimated by injuries.

How remarkable was it to see Troy Brown, a wide receiver, playing on both sides of the ball when he had to play in the secondary after injuries wiped out their defensive backfield. All in all, the Patriots started 42 different players during that season. McDaniels was part of that team.

The injury situation isn’t the only similarity between the two teams. Days before the regular season began that year, the Patriots cut Pro Bowl safety Lawyer Mulloy, prompting many fans to second guess head coach Bill Belichick (yes, that Bill Belichick).

Mulloy went on to sign with division rival Buffalo, whom the Patriots faced in their season opener, and were promptly shutout by the Bills in a 31-0 shutout. Sound familiar? (For posterity, the Patriots reversed the score and shut the Bills out 31-0 in the regular season finale).

Now, I am not saying the 2009 Broncos are going to light the NFL on fire and win the Super Bowl like the 2003 Patriots. Far from it. What I am suggesting though is to give McDaniels a chance. You don’t work in one place for eight seasons and not have a significant part of that employer’s culture rub off on you. The New England system worked there, and it just might work in Denver.

I also realize the two teams were not on the same level talent-wise either, but consider this: At the start of the 2003 season, Brady was not yet the Tom Brady. He led the miracle run to the Super Bowl in 2001, but followed that up with a 9-7 no playoffs season in 2002. While I am not necessarily predicting Brady-like greatness for Orton, give him some time. He did have a better record than Cutler did after 32 starts.

Even though his title was “defensive assistant” for the Patriots in 2003, a year before he became the quarterbacks coach who turned Tom Brady into THE Tom Brady, McDaniels saw what the "team first" concept he is now bringing to Denver can do.

As part of the 2003 staff, McDaniels witnessed arguably one of Bill Belichick’s best coaching performances of his career. He was only 27 at the time, but an impression had to have been made on the young man.

So Broncos fans, give McDaniels some time to work his magic. Let him weed out the egos and put team players in place. With some luck, maybe this season will end on a “Rocky Mountain High.”