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Broncos' replacement parts find more ways to win

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published November 16, 2008 at 11:34 p.m.

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Broncos tight end Daniel Graham celebrates after scoring the game-winning touchdown as Falcons defender Lawyer Milloy, left, and Curtis Lofton look on in the fourth quarter.

Kevin C. Cox © Getty

Broncos tight end Daniel Graham celebrates after scoring the game-winning touchdown as Falcons defender Lawyer Milloy, left, and Curtis Lofton look on in the fourth quarter.

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ATLANTA — Can't run. Fumble too much. Can't stop the run. Can't win on the road. Throw too many interceptions.

Can't, can't, can't. Won't, won't, won't.

The Broncos have heard it all, that for so much of the swirl around them this season has been about what's wrong with them or what's going to be wrong with them.

And when pressed, even they will admit at times there has been plenty to choose from as they plodded along.

"But you know, the last couple weeks have been do or die, you know, and there is a point when you have to decide that whatever happens, happens," defensive tackle Ebenezer Ekuban said. "Win or lose or whatever, you have to decide if you're going to fight or not. And we don't know what's going to happen, but I think these guys in this room showed they're going to fight.

"We made that decision. And it's clear we made that decision."

The Broncos still might not have all they need to have the coveted January pedigree of a dangerous playoff team, but as Thanksgiving closes in, they are 6-4 after Sunday.

And they continue to lead the AFC West after a 24-20 victory against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome.

They continue to march players through the training room, continue to march youngsters into the starting lineup and suddenly continue to win, on the road, no less.

"Nobody's making excuses, nobody's complaining," Broncos cornerback Dré Bly said. "We got guys who are injured, and we wish they could play and we want them back, but we have to play the games and the guys out there have to play like they see it as an opportunity."

An opportunity for the Broncos, who have leaned so hard on the services of free-agent veteran players for so long, to let their homegrown youth step forward and be served.

With five defensive starters out, four running backs on injured reserve, a comeback win in Cleveland and now a comeback win in Atlanta, consider it done.

"Overall ... they gave it to us," Falcons receiver Brian Finneran said. "This game was tough to swallow."

Ekuban, whose eyes have seen the glory as well as plenty of tough spots in a 10-year career, said he saw all he needed to see about these Broncos in the fourth quarter, in the moments after Michael Turner ran 28 yards, past him, for a touchdown as the Falcons took a 20-17 lead with 10:41 to play.

"I messed up, I messed up," Ekuban said. "I had the cutback, that was all me, all my fault. But you know, this is a young team, and the hardest thing to do as a young player is when you make a mistake, you let it affect you the rest of the game. And we've been telling the younger guys they can't dwell on things that are done.

"We can fix it later, but in a game, you play the next play. And look what happened there. The offense takes the next drive to score, picks up for my mistake, and the defense, we hung in there. That's who we have to be."

So here they are, the bandaged-up Broncos, still looking at road games against two

division leaders in the Jets (7-3) and Panthers (8-2) during the coming weeks, still hoping players who weren't with them to start the season can play like they were.

Still dressed up in a smile or two after their effort Sunday, hoping there will be someplace to go.

YOUTHFUL ENTHUSIASM

The Broncos team that arrived in Atlanta consisted of 10 rookies,

11 second-year players and seven third-year players.

That's 52.8 percent of the roster.

Much of the 2006 draft class, led by quarterback Jay Cutler, is the hub of the offense, while the 2007 draft class might be, if good fortune smiles on the Broncos a few more times in what remains of the calendar year, remembered for saving this season.

"These guys are hungry," Broncos linebacker Jamie Winborn said. "Hungry. That's all you can say, very hungry."

The Broncos started rookies Spencer Larsen and Wesley Woodyard at linebacker, started rookie Josh Bell — he wasn't even with the Broncos until the they put him on the practice squad at the end of September and wasn't signed to the active roster until the end of October — in the secondary.

"It's energy, lots of energy," Bell said. "You want to go out there with some enthusiasm, play with some energy, just try to help where you can."

On offense, left tackle Ryan Clady started his 10th game this season and should be in the discussion for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Eddie Royal started his eighth and Peyton Hillis started his first.

Proof, if anything, the past three draft seasons the Broncos knew what they wanted and were committed to seeing what they had.

"It's just a blessing," Hillis said. "To come in here, with all those other guys and be able to add something to this team. That's what we all want to do, add something to this team."

KEEP THEM CLEAN

Coaches eventually will adjust the numbers after looking at the video, but the preliminary statistics showed Broncos starting linebackers Winborn (10), Woodyard (nine) and Larsen (seven) led the team in tackles.

The numbers also showed Falcons running back Turner, who entered the game as the league's third-leading rusher, finished with 81 yards on 25 carries.

And while Turner did score twice, the Falcons are 1-4 when he doesn't top 85 yards. The Broncos turned the trick by keeping the offensive linemen off their linebackers.

"We wanted to keep those guys clean," Broncos defensive tackle Marcus Thomas said. "That was the top priority, keep those guys free, let them run to the ball. And we did that."

Larsen started his first game as a middle linebacker — Niko Koutouvides started in Cleveland for injured Nate Webster — and against a diverse Falcons run game, he was able to keep himself in the middle of the action.

"Most teams will have like three or four runs," Larsen said. "Atlanta had like 15, 20 runs in the offense; that's a whole lot. I just wanted to make my read and be in the right spot."

Turner's longest run was his 28-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter, but the Broncos also held Turner to 14 carries of 2 yards or fewer, including two for negative yardage.

"Rally to the ball," Ekuban said. "And you can't rally to the ball if you have linemen up on you. We had to keep those 'backers free."

Added Winborn: "Those young guys, they want to play. We got lined up and we just tried to get to the ball."

5-0 record for the Broncos when they have one or no turnovers. They had none Sunday, the second time that has happened this season. They are 1-4 when they have two turnovers or more, with the win coming in September against the Saints.

Comments

  • November 17, 2008

    12:08 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    Darn, but I called that game fairly accurately. The boys keep on rolling but I'm sure to hear from the "bowl half empty" crowd? More the reason to tell them to shut up and eat some crow. Soooo, where you at, whiners? What's your NEXT reason for Denver to lose?

  • November 17, 2008

    2:55 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    angryman1n writes:

    I only got to see the first few possessions. The game was way past my bed time (working on 4 hours sleep), but the Broncos looked borderline impressive. Hillis and Larsen had big games.

    I don't know about that trip. I thought that stuff was illegal due to chance of injury. But, hey, it worked, and he didn't get flagged. So nice effort.

    **** Now if only the Broncos could win the T.O.P. battle. Atlanta had the ball for 7:24 more. ****

  • November 17, 2008

    2:56 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    angryman1n writes:

    How is that for a reason to lose??? You gotta have the ball to score points.

  • November 17, 2008

    3:34 a.m.

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    rhsalas writes:

    Great win, let these backups continue to play. maybe when the
    starters are ready, let them backup the backups? they seem
    to play with more heart (except champ). the linebackers now,
    seem to make fewer mistakes as a whole and are really getting
    after it. that is a tribute to them. Lowery, well hes another story.
    that boy stinks , and ought to be sent packing!!!

    go broncos!

  • November 17, 2008

    5:18 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    ColoradoSportsFaninTexas writes:

    Strange....Not a peep from Shanahan bashers, or Broncos bashers....I imagine that is because they dont have the "onions" to step up and take flak when the Broncos win...I agree with Dynamicdave....where are you whiners???

    Its easy to knock a team when they are struggling...but thats what negative people do...knock a team when it loses but remain quiet when the same team wins....For all you negative people out there....BUZZ OFF!!! The team doesnt need to hear it...True Broncos fans dont want you...Why waste space on this forum when you can put it to better use elsewhere...like in a San Diego forum....

    Another big win for the Broncos...Kudos to the entire team...Big plays by lots of people...Defense absolutely STUFFED the leagues 2nd best rushing attack...Outstanding linebacking play...Royal AVERAGING 32 yards per return....Hillis making plays....Cutler leading the offense....The Broncos may be turning things around at just the right time....

    Keep it up Broncos...Dont relax now....Next up...Da Raiduhs.....

  • November 17, 2008

    5:31 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    deepwater805 writes:

    When all these high priced starters get back from their respective injuries, what's gonna happen to the guys now filling these spots? I mean the Broncos have won two in a row held together with duck tape, heart, and rookie spirit. Low round draftee rookies by the way, who were never really given serious consideration for the jobs that they are now doing. And frankly, doing far better then some of the afore-mentioned high priced starters. These young guys are kick'n tail, and tak'n names. And some of those names are on the backs of other Broncos jerseys. Food for thought.

  • November 17, 2008

    5:41 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    gahoaglund writes:

    Boy some people are hard to please!! Give them a gem of a game and they want a 3-karat diamond!! I thought the whole team responded especially after halftime (Great halftime adjustments the last 2 weeks, guess Shanahan hasn't lost it you coach-bashers out there!) Time of posession is a good stat....but not turning the ball over and scoring (Quickly OR slowly) is what matters. I saw Calvin Lowry make a lot of plays, he took a bad angle on the long TD run, but other than that I can't see his play being any worse than Marlon McCree's (whom he replaced due to injury) The other team gets paid too! All in all I was IMPRESSED by what I saw from the Broncos in 2 must-win road games, and think we REALLY have some great up and coming players!
    Our bright future is blinding me reflecting off that gem.....to bad its not a diamond though! LOL

  • November 17, 2008

    7:38 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    LingLingfor_prez writes:

    Go Chargers! I just wrote out a comment and it said "please correct the following errors" what is that supposed to mean? In any case, I did not get to watch football at all yesterday which was really lousy. Not much of a wild card race in the division and unless the Broncos lose the rest of the way, not much San Diego can do to get out of this one. On a positive note, Raiders continue to race to the bottom lol.

  • November 17, 2008

    7:59 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    myerda00 writes:

    GFE fans, how are those Chargers doing?
    GHF fans, how about taking Atlanta, WOW
    Much better run defense because Bob Slowik changed to a containment mentality with LB being the focus. Boy did Wesly Woodyard play great. Total run yardage for Atlanta 117. Now take away two runs (28 and 17), the run defense was GREAT.
    Offense got too tricky for me.
    Brandon Marshall, too be a BIG time player, you can not drop those four easy (realitively) balls.
    Notice the double coverage on Eddie Royal. Respect.
    And Danial Graham. What is this, 5 games now with a TD?

  • November 17, 2008

    8:11 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    opusuno writes:

    Mike Shannahan just might be a genius of a football coach..??

    Who else would think to keep players that actually really want to play on the sidelines and make us all watch in frustration as the so-called "starters" miss tackles, celebrate on first down, and basically lose games they should win? But when these same starters eventually got hurt, the "Mastermind" was forced to use the special teams guys and third stringers, who given a chance went out and won on the road! It was plain to see that if not for the efforts of the "fill-ins" and 2 rookies, they would have lost.

    Way to go Mike, way to motivate them! Too bad you had to lose 4 games in the process of figuring out you actually do have a few players. So I'm still left wondering.. Why don't these guys start to begin with?? Because they all have desire and a feel for the game??

    Anyway, Larsen really reminded me of Mecklenberg at middle linebacker .. guy was in on almost every single tackle. Not only did he start at the mike, he played special teams and started at fullback! Got love that, a real football player.

  • November 17, 2008

    8:17 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Rutabaga writes:

    I have onions...

  • November 17, 2008

    8:36 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Andynonymous writes:

    It's time to start putting Eddie Royal into the short list for Rookie of the Year. He's the top rookie in yards and touchdowns, 18th overall, and he missed a couple of games! He's also got the best kickoff return average in NFL with 6 games left.

    And with the Raiders coming up, who knows how much he'll catch next week?

    Clady has been great and should get consideration (what a draft!), but I don't know why Royal is being left out of that conversation. If the rookie quarterbacks stumble, I don't see why either of our guys shouldn't get it. Both? Co-ROY....

  • November 17, 2008

    8:47 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    kmeissner writes:

    Larsen was impressive yesterday, along with Woodyard and Winborn. The only thing that gets me is the fact that we don't capitalize on those long kick returns by Royal. He gets across midfield and the offense can't score, but when he's tackled at the 10 they march right down for a TD? haha

    2 game lead on the Chargers! That game was a gift yesterday. Now we need to take it to the Raiders this week and hope SD loses again.

    GO BRONCOS!

  • November 17, 2008

    8:49 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    MTBroncofan writes:

    I thoroughly enjoyed watching yesterdays game. I was extremely impressed with the play on defense and the running game. Spencer Larsen is a stud! Peyton Hillis is a rock star! I thought the entire defense played great... didn't see nearly as many missed tackles. They were swarming to the ball and making plays.

    The only complaint I have is for Brandon Marshall... stop dropping those easy catches!!!

  • November 17, 2008

    8:53 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    dehag24 writes:

    Way to go BRONCOS...keep up the good work

    I guess the "starters" might be put on notice, we have a pretty good bunch of back ups that have the heart that seems to be lacking from our over paid defensive free agents with exemption of DJ and Champ, and for the most part Boss.

    its nice to see the Chargers loss and the Broncos take a 2 game lead in the West, now stay focused and beat the Raiders and have Indy beat up the Chargers and we're up 3

    GO BRONCOS!!!!!

  • November 17, 2008

    9:09 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    ShowMe writes:

    Didn't they make a movie about this?..."The Replacements"

    Anybody just get out of prison that we can sign? Great game!

  • November 17, 2008

    9:18 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Jubei writes:

    Bernie, I mean, AngryMan:

    So...

    What if:

    - Denver played the Giants in the Super Bowl and the score was 84-0, Denver.
    - TOP: Broncos, 55. Giants, 5.
    - The Broncos don't convert any second or third downs because they get a first down on every first down.
    - The Giants offense never gets to second down because the Denver defense either forces a fumble or gets a pick on every one of their first downs.
    - The Broncos special teams coverage forces fumble returns for TDs on every kickoff.
    - The Broncos accumulate 1000 total yards (300 rushing, 600 passing, and 100 yards on a KO return TD to open the second half).
    - The Giants get a total of 40 yards (30 passing, 10 rushing,).

    I guess that would still be a poor performance, right?

    I mean, the shutout is cool, but 40 yards and 5 min TOP is just unacceptable.

  • November 17, 2008

    9:46 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    willysfish writes:

    Anybody notice what Peyton Hillis did after his touchdown? That's right - he held the ball and trotted off to the sideline. No displays or dancing aroun d or spiking. First Class. He acted like he had been there numerous times before.

    Others who score touchdowns should take note!

  • November 17, 2008

    9:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    esarem writes:

    I have done my share, or more, of the pissin' & moanin' for the last few weeks. Yesterday's game was a great game, by a patched together team, against a respectable opponent. My hat's off to the Broncos for a job well done. That was fun to watch!

  • November 17, 2008

    9:57 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    dannakao writes:

    The Broncos are lucky that Phillip Rivers is playing like Joan Rivers; otherwise they'd be just another mediocre 2nd place team on the brink of dropping out of playoff contention. This win was nice, ugly as it was, but it's sad that Orange Crush is now light years in the past.

  • November 17, 2008

    10:12 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    leatherneck writes:

    dannakao: your Faders are next........
    Eddie Royal, Peyton Hillis and the rest of the Rookies played a great game...They are all playing team ball.....When the starters get better, they better play well or they will be out of a job.
    Go Broncos!!

  • November 17, 2008

    10:17 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    GBBarry writes:

    Jubei

    Funny response to angryman, but...

    If special teams coverage forced a fumble returned for touchdown on every kickoff neither offense would ever have the ball - don't know how that would show up in time of posession, but the score would be about 420 - 0. lol :)

  • November 17, 2008

    10:23 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    chill134 writes:

    Fantastic effort yesterday by the Broncos. I think there is something to be said for no-name players giving thier all to make a name for themselves. They showed more heart than i've seen all year. The 4th Q comeback was great to see.

    I'm still whining about Shannahan though. And i'm also sticking to my prediction of one and done in the playoffs. A couple good games does not erase the fact that we will not go deep in the playoffs with Shannahan. Just my opinion, but i'm about 95% sure it will be fact in the near future. I'm ready for a Super Bowl in 2012 when Shanny is gone.

  • November 17, 2008

    10:35 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dunc1067 writes:

    More on Broncos win:
    http://www.examiner.com/x-1618-Denver...
    "John who? This is Cutler town."

  • November 17, 2008

    10:38 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Ted_in_Vegas writes:

    If the Broncos make the playoffs and win at least one playoff game, this will have been Shanahan's best season yet.

    To overcome that depth of injury; that would be just incredible.

  • November 17, 2008

    10:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Woodrow writes:

    Somebody explain to me how the defense played so much better yesterday with all of these backups in the game?

    Atlanta is a good football team. I haven't seen Denver's defense play this good in a very long while. I know they didn't have to deal with 3+ turnovers, but still, very impressive.

    Let's hope the regulars step it up when they return to the lineup.

  • November 17, 2008

    10:55 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Jubei writes:

    GBBarry:

    Yeah, I was short on time, but you got the point!

    Some "fans" seem to expect absolute perfection all of the time. If not, then the team stinks, we should fire the coach, lynch the owner, burn the stadium, etc.

    It just gets tedious listening to people cry about winning...

  • November 17, 2008

    10:59 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    MrWright writes:

    Woodrow, great question, it is a matter of discipline, these young guys for the most part stayed in their gaps, a kind of controlled aggression, then made the tackles!! It is ironic how they played smarter than our starters....I love it.....Boss and Webster should be the backups because they do not play smart. Also the D-line has in the last three weeks really picked up their game, clogging hole, putting some pressure on the passer and so on, no excellent yet but they are developing which is a wonderful thing to see. The secondary is hurting though the young players are showing more zest.....It was a very pleasant game to watch!!! GO BRONCOS!!!

  • November 17, 2008

    11:08 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    philvysor writes:

    Not being a Bronco fan I've got to say that was one of the best games Denver has played this year. Although they have a ways to go on Defense they finally pulled through as a team. It was nice to see some no names in there playing with some heart and pride. If Denvers starters could come together like these replacements it would be a better team.

  • November 17, 2008

    12:53 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Rutabaga writes:

    I think that the replacement parts guys have really big onions.

  • November 17, 2008

    1:09 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Spider writes:

    LingLingfor_prez, it sounds like you're not quite as Charged Up! as you once were?

  • November 17, 2008

    1:16 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Winthrop writes:

    Rutabaga, if you were dwelling in Texas, wouldn't you consider it punishment?
    Trying to be "Cheerleader" number one, takes one away from the reality of the desolation, one is encircled by.
    Onions and Deer steak for me again tonight!

  • November 17, 2008

    1:26 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    RockyMts69 writes:

    If this team plays like they did yesterday with out question they're going to futher than the first round of the play-offs. We saw a lot of young, eager, energetic talent with out big contracts and signing bonus go out and play some REAL FOOTBALL!!!

    Peyton Hillis reminds me of a Merrill Hodge or Rathman. Clady proved himself once again in the trenches, and Spencer Larsen...Atlanta did'nt know what too think about that guy. Awesome!!! The whole team played BRONCOS FOOTBALL!!!

    Between Hillis, Pope and even Bell Denver can finally get back to the bread and butter of the running game and the play actions.

    Even Jamie Winborn had an exceptional day! Good job!!!

  • November 17, 2008

    1:36 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    RockyMts69 writes:

    And by the way, Broncosmania is alive and well in Fresno, CA! I found a Broncos bar there...great turn out, and great fans!

  • November 17, 2008

    1:44 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    sbhchawk writes:

    one thing

    This wasn't Denvers only good D effort.
    Raiders first week? Great D, granted it was the Raiders, but they do have two wins and averaged like 20 points till Kiff was fired. Also Bucs. good team our D (and Cutler showed patience) held there good running game in check also.

  • November 17, 2008

    3:18 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    LingLingfor_prez writes:

    Spider,
    Just being realistic. When things aren't going well that means they aren't going well. Go Chargers!

  • November 17, 2008

    3:47 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    SteveC writes:

    What a weird team. All I can think of is that the starters knew they were the starters and were going to play regardless of the situation. The guys that are making the big plays now are playing to win, playing to prove they belong on the field. Peyton Hillis? Never heard of him till a few weeks ago, now I want his jersey! What a stud! Eddie Royal, what a stud returner and receiver, too bad they couldn't score after his big time returns. Clady is a monster in the making, sure hope the Broncs sign him to a long term contract. If they can continue to play with this intensity and desire they may just make the playoffs. I'm still not sure about this years chances but next year they have a shot at being elite.

  • November 17, 2008

    8:51 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    chill134, 95% sure, eh? Fact, eh? Do you have a crystal ball? I said it numerous times before, Shanahan isn't going anywhere and for those who don't like him, then go watch another team. We wouldn't want you to get all excited over him staying and maybe give you a heart attack or, God forbid, a bleeding ulcer. He's staying, so you might as well get used to it. Argueing about it or complaining is just making your opinion of Mike look weaker and weaker with each new win that Denver gets.
    philvysor, agreed. The thing I'm seeing, is a group of hungry players, who, now that they are getting more familiar with the plays on D, are coming together and having fun. I have a feeling that some starters will be staying on the bench (Nate Webster, Niko, McCree, etc.) If it's working, why try to go back to players that weren't playing up to their expectations? Let the rookies get the time in.
    dannakao, I truly hope that the Broncos "punish" your LA Raid... er, Oakland Trait... er, Oakland Haters. Rivers is overrated, by the way. Without LT to make him look good, he'd be a lost puppy.
    opusuno, many of the new blood in the lineup, just hadn't caught on to the system, yet. As the season progressed, they were more familiar, by then. When the oppurtunity knocked, they came in excited, hungry and a chip on their shoulder. They are "fired up"

  • November 18, 2008

    11:38 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    angryman1n writes:

    Jubei... Way to fake an arguement. Yes, if it is a blow out TOP doesn't much matter. But this game was hardly a blow out. The Broncos would have lost to a better team. It only needed one more drive, and 7 minutes is a ton of time in the NFL.