Bills game like playoff game for Broncos' young players
The Rocky
Published December 17, 2008 at 2:45 p.m.
Updated December 17, 2008 at 3:23 p.m.
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This week will present the biggest game ever in the careers of many of the Denver Broncos’ young players.
A playoff spot will be on the line Sunday when the Broncos host the Buffalo Bills in their final home game of the regular season. While the Broncos fate may already be decided by kickoff, pending the result of San Diego’s earlier game at Tampa Bay, the youthful Broncos are preparing as if this matchup will be their first playoff experience.
The Broncos were out of playoff contention at this point last season, and when Denver competed for a playoff spot in the final game of the 2006 regular season, many of the team’s current contributors either were not on the team or were serving in reserve roles.
“It’s just a great opportunity for a lot of these guys that have never been in the playoffs, never had a chance to fight for a playoff spot,” Shanahan said. “It’s what you look forward to. Especially with some young guys, probably half the team, that has never been in a playoff situation, or fighting for a playoff situation. It’s a great opportunity for us, so hopefully we will take advantage of the opportunity.”
Click here to read more from Jay Cutler's and Mike Shanahan's news conferences.
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December 17, 2008
3:03 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Duh! You think? Well, that was a waste of time for an article. We already know what's at stake, as we are sure, the Broncos know also.
December 17, 2008
3:52 p.m.
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jersey writes:
Dynamic: A good one. Just where the "Hey" do they find these astute writers, Journalism 101? The other "beaut" yesterday was you guys needing to get the running game going. Talk about their propensity for stating the obvious? I think the other Pulitz Award candidates have nothing to fear with these turkeys!
December 17, 2008
4:09 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Jersey, no doubt. I recall stating, "Put me in coach. I haven't played, yet?" The way I see Denvers running game, what, with all the injuries, is just to keep plugging them in, till they find the right combo. I'm willing to bet that this weekend, we see Pope and Pinnock? I want to see what the 250 lb. kid can do. Can he drag them the way Hillis did? I hope so. I read his bio and it states he was suspended in 2004 for 4 games with SD? Don't know for what, though? He played behind LT and Lorenzo Neal. Hard to get playing time if you have to play in those 2 shadows, especially LT's.
December 17, 2008
7:39 p.m.
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johnb writes:
It's time to beat someone soundly or forget the playoffs. Broncos must stomp the bills or they'll have no confidence going in. Also they need to beat the chargers. I don't see why they can't.
December 17, 2008
7:44 p.m.
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Battlehoss writes:
The last game of the year will be for the division!
December 17, 2008
7:46 p.m.
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RockyMts69 writes:
I would like to Denver stomp ALL of thier opponents all the way to Tampa Bay!!! I think it's time to start expanding the trophy case...
Could the SD/Denver game be part of the 'flex' scheduling and be a prime time game?
December 17, 2008
8:45 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
RockyMts69, why not? On any given Sunday. I have faith that the Broncos can play with any other team and be competitive when they "click". Start with Buffalo to get it back.
December 17, 2008
8:47 p.m.
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Playtoh writes:
Don't knock reporting on the blatently obvious. John Madden has made a career out of it. So keep it up, you've got some big, jowly shoes to fill!
December 17, 2008
8:54 p.m.
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jeremmegack writes:
Guys, let's be honest, Denver isn't going to be stomping anyone. We should win, and we can hang with anyone on a given day where a few calls and fortunate plays go our way, but to expect a stomping of the Bills is too much. We should win below 7 points, same as every other game we've won at home this year, and 6 of the 8 overall. Let's hope the game doesn't get flexed; the only reason that happens is if the Chargers win, we lose, and we're playing for the West on the last game of the season, because if they lose or we win, that last game means Jay Cutler is on the sideline a series or two in, and no network wants that. I want the playoffs as bad as anyone, and we'll get in, but honestly, we're going to get dismantled by the Colts in the first round, unless the mountains can provide a foot of snow on gameday to slow down Manning, cause our defense isn't going to do it. We still need this experiences though, because we start becoming a team to be reckoned with starting next year.
December 17, 2008
9:04 p.m.
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johnb writes:
stomp!
December 17, 2008
9:23 p.m.
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baylinorcrush writes:
jeremmegack, you obviously don't remember a few years back when Manning came into town and handled the Broncos in a heavy snow game. We were thinking the same then as you are now. It did not work. Let's think of another x-factor for this time, if it ever gets to that match up. The only thing that rattles Manning is pressure and mixed coverages. He could care less, as he demonstrated, about the snow.
December 17, 2008
9:33 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
jeremmegack, I see, another prophet with a crystal ball. You guys come out of the woodwork when it suits your purpose. So, you want to be honest? Ok, let's be honest. You have only a theory, just as we do. Don't ask us to buy into your negatism. If I truly thought they would lose, I wouldn't waste my time watching. So maybe you should just not bother watching, yourself? Save yourself the embarrassment of showing that you have an opinion, not a crystal ball.
December 17, 2008
9:58 p.m.
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RockyMts69 writes:
My Magic 8-Ball says the Bills are getting STOMPED!!!
December 17, 2008
10:04 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
My intuition says it will snow in Las Vegas, tonight. Oh, wait, it's been snowing since this afternoon. Man, I must be better then I thought? To predict snow in Vegas? Speaking of, Cutler looked good in the rain, throwing the ball. Wonder how he is in snow?
December 17, 2008
10:07 p.m.
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Andynonymous writes:
We can hang with Indianapolis if our offense is clicking. I just want the opportunity to put them out of the playoffs. We won't beat 'em 40something to notmuch, but I would rather beat them than about any of the other possibilities and it wouldn't be much easier with New England or Baltimore.
Pressure? THat's when our defense guys get in the vicinity of their quarterback, right? I remember that....
I hope we win this week, or San Diego loses, but there would be something poetic about playing the last game of the year against the underperforming darlings of the football talk world, robbed of their rightful season by one call in the second game of the year, ready to wreak vengeance on the unjust....and then we beat them again!
December 17, 2008
10:46 p.m.
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FTR writes:
Jeremmegack,
I can understand your point but must disagree with your result. The Bronco Nation won our first Title as a wild card.
WildCard Sat December 27 box W 13-4 Jacksonville Jaguars 42 17
Division Sun January 4 box W 14-4 @ Kansas City Chiefs 14 10
ConfChamp Sun January 11 box W 15-4 @ Pittsburgh Steelers 24 21
SuperBowl Sun January 25 box W 16-4 N Green Bay Packers 31 24
Magic Huh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BRONOS 24 BILLS 17
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!
FTR
December 18, 2008
5:49 a.m.
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jeremmegack writes:
Dave, I'm not really sure who annointed you the expert of this post, I see you on here all the time, and I appreciate your love of the Broncos, which I can tell you I match, and I don't understand why you go on the attack at me. I'm not being negative; I'm being realistic, and what I get from you is that you are the guy that has posted the most. Whoopee! This is not going to be an easy game. I said we'd win. We have tons of talent on this team, but this team is way different than that wildcard team led by Elway that went to the Super Bowl. We're getting there, but we're not there. We're lucky San Diego has had a bad season. There losses have been by mere points. We've still been outscored by our opponents on the season. If I thought the Broncos were going to lose, I'd still watch, and have watched many games that I recorded that they did lose. That's a true fan Dave. If you wouldn't watch your team because you thought they'd lose, that would show the lack of committment to the Broncos. I'm not blinded by the fact that I'm a Broncos fan. Could we beat the Colts? Yes, like the Raiders beat us when so many people talked of how we wouldn't need Champ in that game it was so easy. It's not impossible, just not likely. Honestly, I'm with all of you guys in my love for the Broncos and would rather hear comments like FTR and Baylinocrush. You don't have to agree but use football facts not woodwork, crystal ball stuff. Makes you look bad for sharing your opinion. It's what you say, not how much you say.
December 18, 2008
6:40 a.m.
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RockyMts69 writes:
Would'nt it be cool to see Clady run the ball this weekend! Call a tackle eligible play...throw him in the wild cat!
December 18, 2008
7:15 a.m.
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Broncofan_in_Boston writes:
The Colts are not the same team they were the past 5 years. They have struggled most of the season, and have won a bunch of close games, even some games they pulled out of their @$$. They are banged up too. We can play with them.
Gotta get there first.
Look, I think we all have to admit that Denver is not a great team. They certainly have benefitted from the Charger's collapse. Most predicted superbowl for SD and at least figured they would be an 11-5, 12-4 team. But hey, we don't have to apologize because SD isn't winning. That's their problem. We've won enough games to be in position to win the division on Sunday.
Once in, everyone is 0-0. Anything can happen.
Are we one of the favorites? Nope. Should this team be compared to the '97 team that won as a wild card? No. That was a great team. From '96-'98, they went 39-9, 7-1 in the playoffs.
But you can compare this team to the past few champions, Pitt, Indy and NYG. Those teams had flaws, but put it together for a 4 game hot streak. If Cutler goes off and the defense gets a few turnovers, it can happen.
You just gotta get in and who knows.
This year is a bonus. Logically, you say, get in, get experience, maybe win a game... that would make us happy... but we're fans, we watch because sometimes the unexpected happens.
WHY NOT US?
December 18, 2008
10:30 a.m.
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jersey writes:
Dynamic: Re:Jeremmegack's 5:49am post. Geez bud! It looks more and more like you could meet with all of your "FANS" in a phone booth and there would be plenty of room to spare! To quote the old Bard "Shakes":...."Uneasy is the head that wears the crown"!
December 18, 2008
11:50 a.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
jeremmegack, please reread your post. You told us to "be honest", that "Denver is 1 and done". I don't hold to that. I don't have a crystal ball. I don't believe that Denver will lose. I don't guarantee a win, either. I watch the game and keep the faith. It's not that I "attack" anybody for pleasure. Only when I see people write in and start talking, "Oh, Denver shouldn't even bother. They are going to lose the 1st game in the playoffs, anyways." Maybe they will, maybe they won't, but when you predict the future with negative certainty, as you did, it doesn't make any sense and shows you as not being a faithful fan? Don't make it sound like your insight is the only one available? Maybe they will win, maybe they won't. I say Denver should be able to take it to Buffalo and if they stay focused, can beat SD. Notice the "ifs" and "should"? Not they will do this and they won't do that. That's the difference with my posts from those who have it all figured out. As a fan, I have faith in the Broncos. I stay positive. I don't guarantee a win. I don't guarantee a loss. I guarantee that I'll be watching and rooting them on.
Jersey, ha, ha, yeah, I'll be sure to share that with the 40-60 other phone booth fans at the bar. We have a tight knit group there. We are all on the same page and to us, that's all that is important. Oh, and good beer, pizza and wings.
December 18, 2008
1:47 p.m.
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IABronc writes:
This is my first post, so go easy on me. I've watched and rooted for the Broncos since they wore the vertically-striped socks. Here are my questions re: the Bills game:
Will we have a fullback active? Even if Cory Lichtensteiger has to back up Pinnock, wouldn't it be better than the wide receiver screens on short yardage?
Regardless of your opinion of Cutler, he does have a strong arm and the O-line is giving him time. Why don't we see more plays to take advantage of these things? Skinny posts, deep crossing routes, routes with double moves or seam routes to Scheffler (or to Putzier).
Our defense is undeniably horrible, so why not max out our talent on offense?
PS- We need more posts from Tiki and less name calling on this site.
PPS- Remember, be kind.
December 18, 2008
2:53 p.m.
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jersey writes:
Dynamic: Dare a Giants fan such as myself set foot in your watering hole without the fear of losing life or limb? I pride myself on looking before I leap!
December 18, 2008
2:57 p.m.
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jersey writes:
IABRONC: Fear not I can handle Dynamic "Mouth". His bark is worst than his bite!
December 18, 2008
3:19 p.m.
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jeremmegack writes:
Yeah, Dave, read my post, I said let', meaning "us" be honest when it came to stomping the Bills, meaning everyone, also saying that we should win. I said, honestly, we're going to lose in the first round to the Colts. I didn't ask you to agree with that. I stated an opionion. The only thing I asked everyone to be honest about as a group was the score of the Bills game, and I hope I am wrong about both. Don't put words in my mouth. Yeah, I think we'll make the playoffs, play the Colts, and lose by double digits. That's not negative. As far as having it all "figured out," I don't claim that. I mean, I don't even drink, and can't imagine needing a beer to consider football in a bar a good time. As you put it all that counts is beer, pizza, and wings. I'm glad you have your little section of people in your little bar that have figured it all out. I do respect that you keep the beer in the bar and let the diehards enjoy the football in the stadium. Later, Davey!
December 18, 2008
3:59 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
jeremmegack, I live in Vegas, so we don't have the luxury of going to the game. Best way to meet new friends and new people is go to a Denver Broncos bar, with specials and such, to eat and drink. To cheer with the rest of the crowd for the Broncos and have the camaraderie. It's fun and we have a great time. You don't drink, that's good for you. I go out on Sundays and drink some pitchers with my friends (I even met one who blogs the RMN Broncos section), enjoy the free food, win prizes in the raffles, watch the game on a large flat screen in stereo and have a great time. It's the way of Vegas. And since when did they stop serving beer at the football stadium? As far as I know they still drink? You make it sound like the ones who go to the game are all God fearing Christians who never drink beer at a game? I will be at the SD/Denver game. I think we will go to the playoffs, also. I also feel we can win. Everyone goes in 0-0. Denver will be at home and has a good chance. I don't predict they will lose by "double digits" just as I don't predict they will win by it, either. I think it will be a good game and I'll be happy to see them there, win or lose.
Jersey, what's up with the dig? And my "bite is much worse then my bark".
IABronc, I believe they will play Pope and (hopefully) Pinnock. I don't know how much Tatum will play? Probably alternate with Pope. D needs to make a solid contribution.
December 18, 2008
4:08 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Jersey, we have plenty of fans from other teams go there (there are some Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys fans, who are regulars). We aren't a Raiders bar, after all. Nobody will stab anyone in the back. I have a friend who is an Atlanta fan who goes there and sits at my table for the games (his uncle is a Broncos fan and brought him). He has a good time there, and comes back. We might heckle them some, but we don't get violent. What's the purpose of that? We would, yes, even welcome a "Giants" fan.
December 18, 2008
4:45 p.m.
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Bronco1lovesDADOF5 writes:
I was on a SD site and really gave it to em for us! I really like our team and wanted to say thanks guys! I said that I like to watch the Price is right! And really gave it to em! Can I hang here with you guys huh! Dynamicdave can I be your friend Pleeeeeze!
December 18, 2008
5:01 p.m.
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Bronco1lovesDADOF5 writes:
I cant stand the non attention here can someone post something Please whats up Im a lost Bronco fan!@!!!
December 18, 2008
5:08 p.m.
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Bronco1lovesDADOF5 writes:
Now I really want to know whats up Bronco fans can we really believe in Cutler and does he really belong in the Probowl I think that Rivers is a little better I know Cutler doesnt like him though so whatcha think?
December 18, 2008
6:25 p.m.
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RockyMts69 writes:
Everybody needs to take it easy...it's Christmas...I think sometimes we ALL get a little TOO wrapped up in these posts. Everybody has an opinion, and we should all be respectful towards one another. I love Denver just as much as the next guy, until the SB, my wife is a football widow.
I like coming to this site, one because I used to live in CO. I miss it with all my heart, and two this is a great site for a Broncos fan. For me, I come here to escape from the rest of the world, just for a little bit. And because I have an obsession for my team. (Just like ALL of you...)
Some of the posts people leave are amusing, I get a kick out of other people getting so worked up over really nothing! Some I can do with out, and others are hilarious, (like Rutabaga).
It's Christmas time folks...let's enjoy the spirit of the holiday and be good to one another.
And come Sunday...I'm gonna watch the BRONCOS STOMP THE HELL OUT OF BUFFALO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 18, 2008
7:23 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Bronco1lovesDADOF5, sorry, just got back. Had to leave the house for a couple of hours to teach class. I don't know if there is a clear answer about the whole Cutler/Rivers comparisons? Both are good QB's. Rivers, I feel, has a lot of good stats, because he normally has a running game with LT and Lorenzo Neal. The running game has struggled because LT had an injury and so his stats suffered as well as the teams record. Cutler also had a tough time with his running game because of injuries but seemed to overcome it, more then Rivers did and get more "W's". Rivers also seems to whine about bad calls, every time one occurs. His attitude "might" have had something to do with his getting snubbed for the Pro Bowl? Don't know for sure. Probably we'll never find out. I like it that Cutler made it. Oh, and welcome to the Broncos blog.
RockyMts69, Yeah, I'm always relaxed. I just think that people read to much into an insult then they should. I talk with my friends face to face all the time, who aren't Broncos fans and we talk some serious smack to each other. We call each other idiots, morons, hopeless losers, etc, but we do it all in fun. When it's put in writing, it just seems more harsher then it was meant because a person can't hear the inflections that would be in your voice. You know, the "sarcasm", etc.. To me it's typical football, "smack-talking". If someone takes offense, that's on them. I like the posts from Rutabaga and Horvil Tiki. I also enjoy posts from you, Spider, Nuggets217, Myerda00, and others. When the bashers come in, they do it to get a response, so I give it to them. Then they get offended because somebody bashed them back? Funny people. As I said, we speak worse face to face, but understand the humor in it. In print, they only get the insult, not the sarcasm or bantering behind it. So, that being said, "All I want for Christmas is a Broncos win, a Broncos win, a Broncos win. All I want for Christmas is a Broncos win, and a loss by San Diego too.
Merry Christmas Bronco1lovesDADOF5 and RockyMts69. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 18, 2008
8:32 p.m.
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johnb writes:
stomp!
December 18, 2008
10:12 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
johnb, no, it must be typed with "authority".... "STOMP!" Merry Christmas.
December 19, 2008
8:48 a.m.
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jersey writes:
Dynamic: Sounds like a lively "Fun Bunch" (Redskin WR's ref: from back in the day) and I would love to join you. Maybe some day I will. I don't know about sitting at your table though. I'm a lot of things but masochistic isn't one of them! It's my turn to deal with those Panthers come Sunday night. It will be tough but I'm expecting different results than those dealt to your boys. Should be two great games. Your guys trying to get in and mine trying to secure home field and a bye. As you know your situation is more dire than mine so you had better step up because the most dangerous team can be a team like the Bills in having nothing to play for willing to let it all hangout. Are you ready for some FOOOOTBALLLLL?
December 19, 2008
9 a.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Jersey, ha, ha,. Masochistic? Naw, I behave at the bar. I know the staff and the owner and I help keep the peace. I'm the one who will "high 5" everyone after a Denver TD. I'm the one who will pound the table and yell "Here we go Broncos, here we go". Then everyone joins in. I keep the crowd loud. If I can't be at the game, I can at least let Denver hear our bar from Vegas, ha, ha. You'd be welcome at our table. Oh, you might get heckled some, but all in good fun and nothing personal said about families, etc. We are not Raiders fans, for Gods sake (or Cleveland fans, from what I've been told). Anyways, yeah, I pick the Giants to win. They will have their hands full, though. I pick the Steelers over the Titans, as well. Merry Christmas and enjoy the games.
December 19, 2008
10:54 a.m.
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johnb writes:
Merry Christmas
December 19, 2008
11:22 a.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
johnb, Merry Christmas and don't forget, "STOMP!"