Tuesday morning QB: Excuses hollow when it's Raiders
The Rocky
Published November 24, 2008 at 11:25 p.m.
Photo by Chris Schneider / The Rocky
Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler throws up his hands after a third-quarter miscommunication against the Raiders at Invesco Field and Mile High.
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When the scoreboard tells the kind of story the scoreboard told Sunday for the Broncos, the list gets made.
Take away that one big play.
Give them credit.
They get paid, too.
Beat ourselves.
Shot ourselves in the foot.
And on and on it goes. Those are just a few of the theories offered by the Broncos for their 31-10 loss Sunday to the Oakland Raiders. Outside the bubble of their Dove Valley complex, though, all those theories are ringing pretty hollow at the moment.
First, it was the Raiders who shoved the Broncos around Sunday. Locally, a few people likely have put their children through college on the proceeds from Raider Hater stuff.
These are the same Raiders, now 3-8, who were last in most of the offensive categories that count, the same Raiders who hadn't scored an offensive touchdown in more than two games before wheeling into Invesco.
The same Raiders who still are a mess and won't be favored in any game they have remaining this season.
Second, the Broncos, as youthful and battered as they might be this season, are perilously close to losing their last life preserver.
You know the one.
"At the end of the day, we look at our division and we're still at the top," Broncos cornerback Dre Bly said. "And in the end, that's all that matters. . . . We have a great chance to do great things."
Perhaps it is all that matters. The Broncos are indeed 6-5 and they do lead the AFC West, as they have from the first week of the season.
And with every fumble, interception, lost opportunity and painful loss this season, the Broncos have clung to the idea that they still lead the division - a division that nobody else seems all that interested in winning, especially San Diego.
That means the Broncos, sitting two games ahead of the 4-7 Chargers with a head-to-head win in hand as well, are still on track for a division title and . . . wait for it . . . a home playoff game.
Of course, it's a home playoff game in a place the Dolphins, Jaguars and Raiders already have visited this season with great success.
What does it all mean?
It means these Broncos, who have waved the still-leading-the-division flag all season, are working toward a January game against an opponent that likely will come from a wild-card list that now includes Indianapolis, Baltimore and New England.
The Colts have the No. 6 passing offense in the league and more than a little recent postseason history with the Broncos. The Ravens have the No. 2 defense and the No. 4 rushing attack in the NFL, certainly a profile that has spelled doom for the Broncos this season.
And the Patriots already have shown what they can do to the Broncos, and that was before Matt Cassel starting chucking around 400-yard games like pennies.
"We need some consistency," wide receiver Brandon Stokley said. "We have to be consistent, a lot more consistent, or we're not going to beat too many good teams."
And with this team, that might have been the only sure thing so far.
GET IT DONE
Here is the scenario: The Titans were undefeated heading into Sunday's game against the New York Jets.
The Tennessee defense was ranked No. 6 overall - No. 10 against the run, No. 6 against the pass.
The Jets then rushed for 192 yards, on 4.9 yards per carry, to go with two Leon Washington touchdowns in a 21-point win. Washington's total included a 61-yard run for a score.
Toss in the fact that Brett Favre threw for two more touchdowns, and the Broncos are staring squarely at a balanced offense this weekend in the Meadowlands.
Also, remember that when Favre was last seen against the Broncos (Oct. 29, 2007), he was tossing a rocket shot to Greg Jennings to end overtime in just one play.
While Favre is the toast of the big city at the moment and Washington gives the Jets some big-play pop, it is Thomas Jones who makes the offense go on this 8-3 team.
And if the Broncos let Jones control the tempo Sunday - as he did against the Titans - they also will be looking squarely at a 6-6 record.
MATCH GAME: Broncos C Casey Wiegmann vs. Jets NT Kris Jenkins
Not that the veteran Wiegmann isn't used to it at this point in his career, but he'll be giving away at least 70 pounds to Jenkins.
The Jets traded for Jenkins this past offseason, giving up two draft picks to get him. Some believed New York was getting a disgruntled veteran who consistently battled weight issues.
But the Jets have gotten a big-time presence in the middle of their defense - albeit with several team-mandated weigh-ins during the season - that has freed up Calvin Pace and Shaun Ellis on the outside.
Jenkins commands double teams, and the Broncos likely will have to help Wiegmann from time to time.
Wiegmann is savvy. He understands leverage and how to use it. He also likely has been, with less fanfare than most of the Broncos' offseason additions, the team's best foray into free agency.
BREAK IT DOWN
When things go well for the Broncos, they play clean.
They don't get penalized much, they play with awareness and they don't have to waste timeouts to get themselves in order.
On Sunday, they met the enemy, and at times it was them.
In the second quarter, the Broncos had to use a timeout because they had middle linebacker Spencer Larsen and nickel cornerback Karl Paymah on the field at the same time.
Also in the second quarter, the Broncos offense called a timeout - their third and final one in the first half - after an incomplete pass, which already had stopped the clock.
Late in the game, the Broncos offense also took an illegal-motion penalty when they had 10 men on the field for a play and rookie receiver Eddie Royal tried to run in late and line up wide.
But the snap came as Royal was trying to get lined up.
The Broncos play, especially on offense, with a lot of clubs in the bag. They use plenty of formations, plenty of motion and, in this season of sometimes daily roster turnover, they have used plenty of substitutions.
But on Sunday, they were out of sorts almost from the opening kick. And on a day when Jay Cutler had a difficult time finding the target, when Matt Prater missed two field goals, when receivers dropped passes and the defense didn't stop the Raiders on third down in the second half until JaMarcus Russell took a knee, the little things didn't just mean a lot, they meant everything.
HOT SPOT
The Broncos hope to have Champ Bailey, who has practiced on a limited basis the past two weeks, back in the secondary Sunday. But no matter who lines up at cornerback, Favre certainly is not afraid to challenge any of them.
If Bailey doesn't play, Brett Favre certainly will look to rookie Josh Bell, who has played in Bailey's left cornerback spot the past two games.
Favre and Dre Bly have gone at it for years, including twice a season in Bly's time in Detroit, and it was Bly who was on Greg Jennings when Favre went for the win in overtime.
Or Favre might go after Bailey. If he plays, he will have missed four games with a groin injury that usually keeps players out longer. If he's on the field, Favre won't shy away as some might. He'll see how the eight-time Pro Bowl selection feels right from the start.
Numbers game
Brett Favre, in his first season with the Jets after a short retirement, is 4-2 against the Broncos in his career - all with Green Bay.
| Date | Com. | Att. | Yds. | TD | Int | Result |
| Oct. 10, 1993 | 20 | 32 | 235 | 1 | 3 | Packers 30-27 |
| Dec. 8, 1996 | 20 | 38 | 280 | 4 | 2 | Packers 41-6 |
| Jan. 25, 1998 | 25 | 42 | 256 | 3 | 1 | Broncos 31-24* |
| Oct. 17, 1999 | 7 | 23 | 120 | 0 | 3 | Broncos 31-10 |
| Dec. 28, 2003 | 12 | 21 | 116 | 1 | 1 | Packers 31-3 |
| Oct. 29, 2007 | 21 | 27 | 331 | 2 | 0 | Packers 19-13, OT |
* Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego
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November 25, 2008
12:03 a.m.
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LarryB writes:
I worried when so many of the Broncos said this was "just another game." The Raiders showed them this is NOT "just another game." The Raiders came gunning for them, as I knew they would. I have watched them do it for 48 years now.
These Broncos had better take note of how much special delight the Raiders took in cleaning their collective clocks. You had better understand how much they hate you so you can return that hate.
I'm eager to see how the Broncos will react next year. Will they kick the Raiders' teeth down their throats, or will they once again play the paper pony and cry about a fumble and a couple missed field goals? All that will depend on whether they have grown up to be men . . .
November 25, 2008
4:22 a.m.
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ColoradoSportsFaninTexas writes:
LarryB....You may be correct in your assessment...The Broncos will totally deny it, but I think the young players on the team just dont understand the depth of the rivalry between these two teams, and just how they flat out hate each other....I think there may have been a let-down by the Broncos after their two big road wins....Consequently, the Raiders kicked their tail ends...
Hopefully, the Broncos youngsters learned an important lesson, and that is that they cant take any team lightly, especially the Raiders....
The Raider loss hurts, but the team has to get ready for Favre and company....This game may determine their season...If they can win at the Meadowlands, it may give them renewed confidence....But if they lose, they may not recover enough to salvage their season....
November 25, 2008
6:53 a.m.
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Rutabaga writes:
I closed my eyes, put my fingers in my ears and screamed real loud most of the game against the Raiders. I guess Ralph, he's my dog, got kinda scared by my screaming. He threw up in my shoe, with my foot still inside. What a mess... Ralph is not a Bronco fan, I don't think, but he even got sick during the game.
I don't know what I'm going to do when the Broncos play the Jets? Maybe I'll just watch the game on radio that way I can't see what happens. I'm not going to have Ralph with me, that's for sure. My shoes still stink like the Broncos did on Sunday...
November 25, 2008
7:28 a.m.
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GeeTee writes:
The Broncos HAVE been consistent -- consistently mediocre all season. Just like the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
November 25, 2008
8:23 a.m.
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jersey writes:
Rutabaga: Wayyyyyyy too much info: Jets...45
Overrated:14
November 25, 2008
8:42 a.m.
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Broncody writes:
Rutabaga I enjoyed your post. I found it very amusing. I was very disappointed in Jay against the Raiders. He is still young and still learning but he isn't a leader yet. The leadership left with Lynch, Wilson and the forever great Rod Smith. We need to find somebody to fill in those great shoes. Until then it will be a roller coaster ride every sunday. Good luck Broncos I'll be cheering every game. Go get a W and somebody will step up I have faith.
November 25, 2008
9:13 a.m.
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markregan writes:
The leadership on offense left with Jake Plummer, notwithstanding Shanahan...
November 25, 2008
10:24 a.m.
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DallasKing94 writes:
Being top of the AFC West is not what matters, winning the Super Bowl is.
November 25, 2008
10:28 a.m.
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milloy36 writes:
I wish that stronger arm (than Elway's) of Cutler's could hold on to the ball instead of fumbling all the time.
Maybe he could carry it in his mouth.
November 25, 2008
10:35 a.m.
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Uno_Cinco writes:
Is it time for Shanny to give up control? Past time if you ask me, bullsh!t play calling...oh ya BMarsh needs to get some stickem in order to catch some balls....
November 25, 2008
10:41 a.m.
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CGreen writes:
Jets will consider this coming week a "bye" after playing Tennessee...Bronco's could pull off a big one here....
November 25, 2008
10:47 a.m.
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Squatch writes:
At the end of the day, we look at our division and we're still at the top," Broncos cornerback Dre Bly said. "And in the end, that's all that matters. . . . We have a great chance to do great things."
This is what is wrong with the Broncos and what’s wrong with Dre Bly they are all too fine with doing what they are doing. This team is leading the West because the Raiders & Chiefs S*ck and the Chargers cant find a way to finish a game. This Broncos team has no desire to be the best or dominate anyone they are content with being average and riding out this season. You cant have this kind of attitude to win a Super Bowl. Dre Bly is living off what he has done in the past and if the Broncos had any sense they will let him go at the end of the season he is a 3rd string at best CB.
Since Cutler made those stupid comments about his arm he has struggled I like Cutler a lot and think he will be great but he needs to lose his tunnel vision and start throwing it to the open guy. Elway’s best years were throwing short passes that would get 1st downs and going deep when the opportunity showed itself but this team has the Al Davis Mentality of deep passes when you need 3 yards. There is no doubt Cutler has a strong arm but quit being stupid and throwing into double, triple & Quadruple coverage. This team at times looks a lot like the struggling 49ers who send 4 guys out deep and keep one of the future stars Vernon Davis in to block.
November 25, 2008
11:32 a.m.
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JCut6JElway7 writes:
I still don't understand why people are dumping on Jay. He's still learning and we have to cut him a break. He's only in his 3rd year and he's still a top 5 QB. Would you rather have Donovan or Jason Campbell or Kerry Collins??? Would you want Jamarcus Russell who only threw 11 passes all game??? Seriously Cutler is the BEST young QB in the league. As far as his leadership skills go... he has a fire and drive to win. And sometimes he does have certain facial expressions on the sidelines but who gives a crap about facial expressions. Also take into account the amount of HARD hits he's taken and never has not come back into the game. Sunday he took a very hard shot in the 1st quarter and he was off on some of his passes after that hit. This is still the NFL and everyone in this league is good at what they do... so cut him some slack. Find another 3rd year QB who basically has to take the team on his shoulders and get wins. Jake took us to a Championship game and then threw some INT's in that game and everyone wanted him OUT!!! That was after he had 8 seasons under his belt... Just have some patience.
November 25, 2008
noon
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markregan writes:
Jake was a leader and a winner - from his college days at ASU to the Cardinals (their only playoff win in 60 YEARS before they fell apart all around him), to Denver where the Broncos NEVER FAILED TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS when he was at the helm.
He WAS the best Denver QB since Elway and Shanahan is a twerp for throwing the whole team into disarray by staking everything on his "boy-toy" with the big arm and placing all the blame on EVERYONE ELSE rather than himself, where the blame really belongs.
November 25, 2008
1 p.m.
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GCKansas writes:
Elways best years was when he threw short for first downs and went deep when it was there. Elway's best years were also 6 or 7 years into his career. Have you forgot that when Elway first came into the league he threw it so hard on those short passes he was dangerous. Elway had no touch pass when he first came into the league. Cutler on the other hand has shown he can drop it into a receivers. True he tries to often to force it where he shouldn't but that is confidence. I have seen a lot of great plays this year with Cutler thowing it where no one would think you would have a chance. As said Cutler has stats that put him up in the top 5 QBs in the NFL, (in his third year, 32 games as a starting QB). What more do you people want? I can't wait to see how good Cutler will be in his 6th or 7th season. I just hope all you doom sayers don't run him off before it gets here.
November 25, 2008
2:08 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Broncody, I concur. I'll always support our boys, rain or shine, thick and thin.
Rutabaga, have faith. We are the underdogs and favored to lose to the Jets. That's why we'll win. It will be a close game.
JCut6JElway7, people who dog Jay are the whiners of the world. I read where they call Jay a 'bust", etc.. They obviously do not know a thing about talent or football. He has actually only played played 32 games, so he actually only has 2 years under his belt. When the whiners bash Cutler, take it with a grain of salt and consider the source.
DallasKing94, yeah, but being in the lead, gets you to the playoffs. Getting to the playoffs gives you a shot at getting to the SB. So I'm not sure where you're going with that one?
CGreen, that's what I'm talking about. Yeah, let the Jets "overlook" us. I agree 100%.
hillbillygoth, awww, your negatism is always such a humorous sight to our eyes.
November 25, 2008
2:09 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
GCKansas, amen.
November 25, 2008
2:20 p.m.
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MargofromFargo writes:
Shanny was outcoached again
Dennison is a car wreck, where was the "O"...Didn't he plat defense...and he wasn't that good either
Larsen and Hillis are having great seasons, but it's just got uglier for them.
I hope Prater didn't put a down payment on a house in Denver
The Special ED teams, make me want to hurl, remember 1/3 of the game?
Dre Bly is laughing all the way to the bank
Glad I got all that off my chest!!!!!
November 25, 2008
2:29 p.m.
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jersey writes:
CGREEN: Broncos could pull off a big one? (Too easy). Anyway......Pre Farve: MAYBE. Farve in the house: FORGET IT!
November 25, 2008
2:40 p.m.
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MATTP1 writes:
When Cutler and the offense were hot you were all on the bandwagon,this is the way bronco fans have always been.In Elways later years if he had a bad game everyone was saying hes lost it.A true fan backs his team good or bad.I believe they will play well against the Bretts. Limit the drops and turnovers and the Broncos will come home with a W.Go Broncs
November 25, 2008
2:53 p.m.
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sign_floyd writes:
One problem is that defences don't respect Bronco play action any more. Shanahan's offensive success was due to good running game, passing yards were the direct result. I'm actually suprised at how good Hillis is. They should concentrate more on running Hillis. He hits holes much better than any of the other backs, and doesn't go down on first hit.
Bronco D is hopeless this year, too young, too many coaching and personel changes year to year, no pass rush, Players wear out in second half. Best thing to do is keep them off the field with long drives. I don't think it will work against the Jets but get the run game going for Carolina, Buffalo, and SD.
And fans, stop pissing and moaning, this is a rebuilding year. In 3-4 years, bet the AFC west is the toughest div in AFC.
November 25, 2008
7:02 p.m.
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Soonerhorse writes:
You guys are comical. Why do you bother following the Broncos if it makes you this miserable? Pretty much anywhere but Denver the fans are grateful when an injury ravaged team is 6-5. Any where but Denver, and the fans are estatic that a third year QB is playing at the level of Jay Cutler and doing so with the original stable of running backs sitting on IR. Cutler has an off day after a brilliant performance in Atlanta, and you guess want to run him out of town and engage in revisionist history with Jake Plummer. Meanwhile, Mike Shannahan is milking wins out of nothing and he needs to go, too. I pray to the football god's that you all don't get what you wish for. Then you'll really have something to complain about.
November 25, 2008
7:43 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Soonerhorse, right on. Truth hurts, huh guys?
November 25, 2008
8:36 p.m.
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Jubei writes:
The same people that shriek about the 'good old days' of the Plummer era always like to throw out the number of wins during that period.
But these are also the same people who say that the winning record over the years isn't the important thing, it's the performance in the playoffs and Super Bowl wins.
Well, Jay did great during the regular season, but aside from the NE game, he basically crapped the bed in the playoffs. To say that he single-handedly lost the AFC championship game would be a gross understatement.
You can't have it both ways. And what I do know is that at the beginning of The Snake's last season, he wasn't playing any better than Jay is playing now by a long shot. Keep in mind as well that he also had a decent defense and running game.
I said back then that if our veteran QB is going to play like a scared rookie, then we might as well throw in the real rookie and give him some experience. The same goes for this years defense. Anyone who thinks that Webster and Boss Bailey are an upgrade over Woodyard and Larsen are delusional.
Be realistic, ride it out, give the kids some stick time, and hope that they learn from it.
P.S. Here's hoping Bates stops calling plays like it's the pre-season and we don't want to tip our hand. I understand there has been a lot of turnover, but that was as stale as I've seen it in a while.
November 25, 2008
9:20 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Jubei, yeah, until they fumbled on the 1st drive, they were moving. After the fumble, they seemed to lose focus and played with no heart. They are young and they will learn to be more poised as time goes on. They just need to go in like they did at Atlanta. Don't play scared.
November 26, 2008
2:04 a.m.
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SilverShark writes:
I hear a lot about the injuries. The offense lost most of the R-backs. When healthy the running game was poor. Denver has not lost any starting lineman Wr's or QB! Should not be an excuse at all. Your defense lost a trail of starters yes. But with the starters your defense was horrible. #31 with champ, and Williams. The defense that is playing now is strangely much better. So with the injuries it has helped your defense not hurt them. The real problem is bad offensive play calling, coaching in general, and a horrible special teams unit. Elam is missed terribly. The fact He gave his soul to Denver, not to mention another Hall of fame player to be inducted. He should have been given His due. Instead He was given His walking papers. Shanny made a big mistake with that. Prater can kick them from 50 + but is horrible in normal range where most games are won and lost. Cutler needs to lead with his arm and not his Finger and mouth. it is clear most players don't respond to Him. Shanny and Him do not get along, even a blind man can see that. I think Cutler is really bothered with His diabetes. He has type 1 which is far more serious. It is taken a toll on Him mentally. I see Him always irritated. watch Him, even the 1st play of the game He is talking to himself in frustration. He needs help. I feel bad for the kid. Diabetes is a horrible disease and playing a pro sport on top of that must be really trying on a person. Shanny must find a way to take some pressure off Him. Shanny could do that very simply: First get a Rback who can take 20 carries a game. Portis should still be a Bronco. The bailey trade seemed to benefit the Broncos at first, but really Portis would have been better to stay in Denver. Bailey has been in Denver and the defense has been horrid despite Him. Secondly let Cutler call His own plays or get a new O-coordinator who has a clue. Remember Kubiac was a King at calling plays and game management. 3rd Shanny must strip himself of the GM duties. He has too much control. So what he says must go. You need more input than one person who has an ego bigger than Texas. 4th and real important Denver must sign a real D coordinator! This is a good year to get a good one. Mike Nolan is out there. He coached the Ravens defense for 4 years and was top 5 all 4 years. Marvin Lewis I suspect will be available at seasons end. There will be at least 5 excellent D coaches this year available. Denver needs to grab one. Denver has a lot of talent on defense, just needs the right Coordinator to bring them together. And finally Dennison must go. The special teams is a horrible unit that can be fixed easier than anything else. Lock up Hillis and Larsen! Those 2 guys are real football players. These guys are throwbacks and worth their weight in gold! In My opinion if these things are done, the Broncos will be SB bound.
I just wish I could fix My Raiders as easily!
November 26, 2008
1:04 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
SilverShark, some of what you say is true, but some is waaaay off base. Shanahan and Cutler get along just fine. I don't know what article you read but I follow the Broncos, I'm quite certain, much closer then you. His Diabetes is not affecting him, either. That is completely an unfounded comment. Do you seriously think that Shanahan and the NFL would jeopardize his life if they thought he was having a problem? Bailey had 1 injury. Portis played for Washington and was always hurt. This is his 1st year that he really has done anything productive. As for the D coach, I say when Dallas cans Wade ( Jones is notorious for it), bring him back. He is a solid D coach.As for Elam, he was offered a very decent contract but he chose to go to Atlanta, where he has family. The choice was his, not Denver's. Prater will be fine. He said it mental, I think it's mechanics and mental. He'll be ok, though. We need to spend some draft picks on our D line and safeties. Bly, unfortunately is locked in to some big money, so they won't get rid of him anytime too soon. I say let Cutler call his own plays, next year. he's not ready yet. He calls audibles and singles out Marshall in double coverage. He needs to work on that. Check off ALL his receivers. Denver is going to make the playoffs. How far they will go, I don't know? But to get there with the youths they have, is a remarkable feat in it's own.