Broncos beat Jets 34-17

Lead in AFC West grows to 3 games with Chargers loss

Rocky Mountain News

Published November 30, 2008 at 5:46 p.m.

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Photo by Barry Gutierrez © The Rocky

Broncos safety Vernon Fox returns a fumble by Jets receiver Jerricho Cotchery for a touchdown during the first quarter of the teams' game.

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Kris Jenkins is a big reason the Jets have been so difficult to run against.

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The weather conditions were perfect, as far as Jay Cutler was concerned.

Appearing hardly bothered by the steady rain and wind that whipped through the Meadowlands, Cutler threw for 357 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Denver Broncos to a 34-17 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.

“He embraced throwing in the rain,” Denver coach Mike Shanahan said. “He likes it. There is nothing that seems to bother him. Some guys it bothers, others it doesn’t. With Cutler, he likes throwing the wet ball.”

Cutler finished 27-of-43 passing, mixing in short, accurate throws with a few long ones while picking on the Jets’ suspect secondary.

“I don’t know if ’likes’ is the right word,” Cutler said. “I think it has a lot to do with mind-set. We knew last night what the conditions would be like. I’ve had some success in the past in inclement weather, being able to throw it. I just feel comfortable back there throwing it.”

And it certainly showed. Cutler helped the Broncos (7-5) wash away the sting of a 31-10 loss to Oakland at home last weekend by stopping the Jets’ five-game winning streak. Rookie Peyton Hillis rushed for a career-high 129 yards and a score, becoming the first to gain 100 or more yards against New York’s third-ranked run defense.

“The thing that really got me going was the ESPN analysis and they were all saying we shouldn’t get off the plane,” Hillis said. “That really got me fired up.”

It was a disappointing loss for New York (8-4), which was coming off emotional victories at New England and Tennessee and was making a claim as the conference’s top team.

“We just didn’t show up like we were supposed to today,” Jets running back Thomas Jones said.

Added running back Leon Washington: “We realize we’re not as good as we thought we were.”

Brandon Stokley and Eddie Royal each had touchdown catches, and tight ends Tony Scheffler and Daniel Graham combined for 13 catches and 149 yards as the Broncos took a commanding three-game lead in the AFC West with four games left.

“We took this as a challenge,” receiver Brandon Marshall said. “We came out today and showed what we can do when we play consistent.”

Jones had 138 yards rushing and two touchdowns for New York, which maintained its one-game lead in the AFC East over New England and Miami despite the loss.

“I was really disappointed with the way that we played today,” said a clearly irritated coach Eric Mangini. “We’ve established a certain way to play football around here. We’ve established a certain identity and this wasn’t even close to that.”

Brett Favre struggled in the sloppy conditions, finishing 23-of-43 for 247 yards and an interception.

“We got outplayed,” Favre said. “We had plenty of opportunities. It wasn’t like we played our best football and we just lost. I thought Denver played outstanding.”

Broncos safety Vernon Fox gave the Broncos an early lead when he returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown on a controversial play midway through the opening period.

Wide receiver Brad Smith took a direct snap and tried to hand off to Jerricho Cotchery, but the ball squirted away. Cotchery jumped on top of it and was immediately hit, the ball coming loose. Fox picked it up and returned it for a touchdown.

Mangini wanted to challenge the call, but the officials ruled Cotchery had never gained possession so it was still a fumble, and not a reviewable play.

“I felt like Jerricho had possession,” Mangini said. “They felt he didn’t.”

Jones got the Jets right back in it with a 59-yard touchdown run on the opening play of New York’s next possession. But Denver came right back four plays later when Royal, showing no signs of the toe injury that limited him in practice, scored on a 59-yard touchdown pass with 6:44 left.

Jones scored his second touchdown early in the second quarter on an athletic, heads-up play to put the Jets within three at 17-14. He took the handoff and went down, but his body rolled over the Broncos’ Kenny Peterson without touching the ground. Jones bounced up and zipped into the end zone for a 29-yard touchdown.

“I felt when he had tried to spin me around, I landed on top of him and I didn’t feel the ground, so when I rolled back over, I just tried to stay on my feet,” Jones said.

The Broncos had players injured — Spencer Larson, Ebenezer Ekuban and Dre Bly — on consecutive catch-and-runs by Leon Washington on one scoring drive, and a few others also went down during other drives. The fans booed, apparently thinking Denver was purposely trying to stop New York’s momentum.

“We took it personal,” Marshall said. “If not for the fans, the outcome might have been different. We thank the Jets fans for booing when our guys were down.”

ETC.: Royal set Broncos rookie records with his fifth touchdown reception and yards receiving for a single season. ... Jones’ 11 rushing TDs are a career high.

OVERVIEW

Perhaps the Broncos should consider moving their final two home games to another location.

Denver recorded its third consecutive road win against a quality opponent, downing Brett Favre and the New York Jets with a 34-17 win at the Meadowlands.

Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler executed a sound game plan to perfection, mixing screens to Eddie Royal with passes to his tight ends before finishing with 27 completions in 43 attempts for 357 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Peyton Hillis continued to impress, turning in the first 100-yard game of his career by gaining 129 yards on 22 carries.

The Broncos’ defense took more hits on the injury front but frustrated Favre all day, making three fourth-down stops in the second half and forcing two turnovers that led to 14 points.

QUARTER-BY-QUARTER SUMMARY

FIRST QUARTER

The game begins humbly enough as the teams trade punts. Then the fireworks begin.

New York commits the game’s first big mistake, badly misplaying an attempted reverse in a fumble that Broncos safety Vernon Fox returns 23 yards for a touchdown that gives Denver a 7-0 lead.

The Jets waste absolutely no time answering, getting a 59-yard touchdown run from Thomas Jones on the next play to tie the game 7-7. The Broncos get their own big play moments later, as Jay Cutler hits rookie receiver Eddie Royal along the sideline for a 59-yard touchdown pass.

After a holding penalty helps to stall the Jets, Cutler responds by leading Denver’s first sustained drive, hitting Chad Jackson with a 19-yard reception that sets up a 25-yard field goal by Matt Prater, giving the Broncos a 17-7 lead as the quarter ends.

SECOND QUARTER

The Broncos’ defense continues to struggle corralling Jones, who bounces off a pile to complete a 29-yard touchdown run as Denver stands around stunned.

After a Denver punt, though, the Broncos’ defense gets another big play as cornerback Dre Bly, burned by Jets quarterback Brett Favre in overtime last year at Invesco Field, intercepts a deep ball by Favre. The Broncos take advantage of the turnover with a seven-play drive that ends with a one-yard touchdown run by Peyton Hillis, giving the Broncos a 24-14 lead.

Favre continues to misfire and, after a Jets punt, Cutler engineers a well-executed late drive. Cutler completes five passes, including a 20-yard throw to Brandon Marshall, that sets up a 35-yard field goal by Prater with three seconds remaining, giving the Broncos a 27-14 lead at the break.

THIRD QUARTER

The first possession end with a Broncos punt that Karl Paymah saves from going into the end zone, forcing the Jets to start at their own two-yard line. Two Denver penalties get the Jets out of the hole, but the Broncos’ defense makes a big play on fourth-down near midfield, dropping Favre for a loss.

Cutler takes advantage of the field position, hitting Scheffler and Daniel Graham with passes that move the Broncos into scoring position. But a holding penalty against center Casey Wiegmann wipes out an apparent touchdown by Hillis, and Cutler makes an ill-advised attempt at throwing back across the field and is intercepted in the end zone by Jets cornerback Dwight Lowery.

Favre completes a couple of screen passes to Leon Washington on a drive that sees three Broncos defenders—Spencer Larsen, Ebenezer Ekuban, and Bly—leave the game with injuries. New York kicker Jay Feely boots a 30-yard field goal to trim the Broncos’ lead to 27-17 going into the fourth.

FOURTH QUARTER

Ekuban and Bly return to the action and, after the Jets move past midfield, the defense turns in another huge fourth-down stop.

After the Broncos take over, Cutler hits Scheffler for nine yards and pounds the ball with Hillis before finding veteran Brandon Stokley for a 36-yard touchdown pass that increases Denver’s lead to 34-17.

Favre attempts to rally the Jets, but his next possession ends with a three-and-out, and his final desperation drive ends when Broncos cornerback Josh Bell knocks away a fourth-down pass in the end zone. After Hillis caps his career day with one more first down, Cutler starts taking a knee and the Broncos start celebrating.

DRIVE-BY-DRIVE SUMMARY

FIRST QUARTER

JETS, 15:00, three plays, four yards. New York quarterback Brett Favre begins the day 0-for-2, forcing the Jets to punt.

BRONCOS, 13:52, five plays, 29 yards. Peyton Hillis rips off a 19-yard run, but the drive stalls after two incomplete passes from Jay Cutler

JETS, 11:47, five plays, 39 yards. The drive is prolonged when the Broncos commit an offsides penalty on third down, but a botched reverse by the Jets results in a 23-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Vernon Fox. Broncos 7, Jets 0.

JETS, 8:41, one play, 59 yards. New York running back Thomas Jones wastes little time answering, bursting cleanly through the Broncos’ defensive front for a 59-yard touchdown run. Broncos 7, Jets 7.

BRONCOS, 8:21, four plays, 72 yards. The fireworks continue, with Cutler hitting Eddie Royal for a 59-yard yard touchdown pass that puts Denver back in the lead. Broncos 14, Jets 7.

JETS, 6:37, three plays, minus-5 yards. A holding penalty against New York stalls the drive and forces a punt.

BRONCOS, 5:20, nine plays, 52 yards. Hillis records a 19-yard run and Chad Jackson makes a 19-yard reception, but a holding penalty against Ryan Harris forces the Broncos to settle for a 25-yard field goal by Matt Prater. Broncos 17, Jets 7.

JETS, 1:41, seven plays, 76 yards. Favre gets on track with three consecutive completions, and Jones continues the scoreboard explosion with a 29-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. Broncos 17, Jets 14.

SECOND QUARTER

BRONCOS, 12:37, five plays, 13 yards. Cutler completes three short passes but Hillis is stopped for no gain on third down, forcing a Brett Kern punt.

JETS, 9:11, three plays, 12 yards. Favre hits Jerricho Cotchery for 10 yards but is then intercepted by Broncos cornerback Dre' Bly.

BRONCOS, 7:46, seven plays, 68 yards. Hillis records another 19-yard run and Cutler hits tight end Tony Scheffler for 22 yards, setting up a one-yard touchdown plunge by Hillis. Broncos 24, Jets 14.

JETS, 4:20, three plays, two yards. Favre continues to misfire, throwing two incomplete passes before the Jets punt.

BRONCOS, 3:18, 11 plays, 67 yards. Cutler completes five passes on a well-executed drive, including a 20-yarder to Brandon Marshall that sets up a 35-yard field goal by Prater with three seconds remaining in the half. Broncos 27, Jets 14.

THIRD QUARTER

BRONCOS, 15:00, five plays, 21 yards. Denver gains one first down but fails to convert another near midfield, forcing a Kern punt.

JETS, 12:43, six plays, 51 yards. Two Broncos penalties help the Jets get out of a field-position hole, but the defense comes up strong with a fourth-down stop near midfield.

BRONCOS, 10:27, seven plays, 38 yards. Passes to Scheffler and Daniel Graham move the Broncos into scoring position, but Cutler attempts to throw back across the field and is intercepted in the end zone by Jets cornerback Dwight Lowery.

JETS, 7:03, 10 plays, 68 yards. Favre completes two screen passes to Leon Washington, setting up a 30-yard field goal by Jets kicker Jay Feely. Denver loses defensive starters Spencer Larsen, Ebenezer Ekuban, and Bly to injuries on three consecutive plays. Broncos 27, Jets 17.

BRONCOS, 2:45, four plays, 23 yards. Cutler finds Scheffler for 24 yards before two a short loss and two incomplete passes force a Kern punt.

JETS, 1:16, nine plays, 60 yards. Jones carries the Jets past midfield, but the Broncos get the ball back after making another crucial fourth-down stop early in the fourth quarter.

FOURTH QUARTER

BRONCOS, 12:10, five plays, 61 yards. The Broncos pad their lead with a 36-yard touchdown pass from Cutler to Brandon Stokley. Broncos 34, Jets 17.

JETS, 9:19, three plays, six yards. The Jets punt after veteran receiver Laveranues Coles drops a third-down pass.

BRONCOS, 8:30, three plays, eight yards. Denver attempts to start milking the clock, running Hillis twice before another Kern punt.

JETS, 6:43, 15 plays, 62 yards. Favre leads a desperation drive deep into Broncos territory, but Josh Bell knocks down a fourth-down pass in the end zone to keep the Jets from scoring.

BRONCOS, 2:43, five plays, nine yards. Hillis gets a first down on two carries, and Cutler starts taking a knee to secure the win. Final, Broncos 34, Jets 17.

BAILEY, WILLIAMS AMONG BRONCOS INACTIVES

The Broncos had hoped to face Brett Favre with a few more of the defensive regulars in the lineup.

But it was not to be Sunday as cornerback Champ Bailey (groin), linebackers D.J. Williams (knee) and Nate Webster (knee) as well as safety Marlon McCree (ankle) were all among the Broncos game-day inactives.

Williams had been listed as doubtful while the other three had been listed as questionable.

It meant rookie Josh Bell, who has started the last three games in Bailey's left cornerback spot, will find himself across from Favre. The Broncos also started rookie Spencer Larsen at middle linebacker once again to go with rookie Wesley Woodyard at the weak-side linebacker spot.

Running back Selvin Young (groin) was also among the injured players who were inactive.

Defensive tackle Nic Clemons, defensive end Tim Crowder and fullback Andrew Pinnock, who was signed this past week were the Broncos other inactives.

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME

No. 1: He's back. Brett Favre is playing with flair and confidence. In fact, those who have watched for a long time, including Broncos defensive coordinator Bob Slowik, say over the past month he may be playing as well as he ever has in his storied career. If the Broncos can't pressure him into some mistakes, it could be a long afternoon.

No. 2: Moving men. The Jets are one of the league's best teams against the run and the key for any team trying to pound the ball is to deal with nose tackle Kris Jenkins. Broncos center Casey Wiegmann will be giving away at least 70 pounds to the massive Jenkins, so even if it takes double teams the Broncos have to get Jenkins out of the way.

No. 3: Protect the investment.The Jets are third in the league in sacks - with 35, behind only Pittsburgh and Philadelphia - and variety is the spice of their rush. Out of their 3-4 front, they have 12 different players with at least one sack, 15 different players with at least half a sack. The Broncos have to keep Jay Cutler clean.

No. 4: Hang on. The Jets also have forced more fumbles than any team in the league so far this season. In their five losses, the Broncos have been mired in turnovers. That would be the quickest way to a rout in this one.

No. 5: Buckle up. With five wins in a row, the Jets have the longest current winning streak in the AFC. And it's no stretch to say this will be the most difficult crowd the Broncos have dealt with this year. This team has played fragile at times and this game can't be one of those times.

MATCHUPS

When the Broncos run the ball: ADVANTAGE JETS

The skinny: The Jets play a 3-4 defense rooted in Patriots coach Bill Belichick's scheme - Jets coach Eric Mangini was Belichick's defensive coordinator for one season and Belichick's defensive backs coach for five other seasons, including on two Super Bowl winners. The Jets have dominated the line of scrimmage for much of season with it. They're physical up front and have speed on the edge. To run, the Broncos are going to have to move nose tackle Kris Jenkins and keep linebacker Eric Barton from running free behind him.

It's a fact: The Jets have held five opponents to less than 50 yards rushing this season and have held seven opponents to 80 yards or less.

When the Broncos pass the ball: ADVANTAGE BRONCOS

The skinny: Teams have moved the ball in the air at times against the Jets, largely by necessity. The Jets simply force people to throw because they can't run it. Only Chicago - at 441 - has faced more pass attempts this season than the 395 times opposing offenses have thrown the ball against the Jets. Many offenses have tried to avoid cornerback Darrelle Revis, yet he still leads the Jets with four interceptions and is their only player with more than one. They have moved 34-year-old Ty Law into the lineup and they can get to the quarterback, with 35 sacks this season.

It's a fact: The Jets have had at least five sacks in a game three times this season and have had at least four sacks in a game six times.

When the Jets run the ball: ADVANTAGE JETS

The skinny: Offensive coaches love having the threat of a legitimate change of pace in the run game, and the Jets certainly have that. Thomas Jones is a tough, hard-nosed runner who can finish well enough to lead the AFC in rushing with 950 yards this season. The Jets can send in Leon Washington when they see an opportunity to turn a crease into a touchdown. Washington leads the NFL in combined yardage - return yards and yards from scrimmage. When they need a play they tend to run it over center Nick Mangold and right guard Brandon Moore; they are averaging more than 5 yards a carry in those spots.

It's a fact: Since the start of the 2005 season, only LaDainian Tomlinson and Larry Johnson have rushed for more yards than Jones' 4,614 over that span.

When the Jets pass the ball: ADVANTAGE JETS

The skinny: It's Brett Favre, just start there. After a couple of tentative steps early in the season, Favre is clearly comfortable in the Jets offense these days. He's had a six-touchdown game this year against Arizona and is coming off back-to-back road wins over New England and Tennessee. The Jets have playmakers on the outside in Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, but the matchup that might be most difficult for the Broncos on Sunday is New York rookie tight end Dustin Keller. He has had at least six catches in each of the past three games. Keller is a former high jumper who once cleared 6-feet-10, and the Broncos have had their troubles this season with opposing tight ends.

It's a fact: Favre has thrown 10 interceptions, compared with eight touchdown passes, in his six career games against the Broncos.

Special teams: ADVANTAGE JETS

The skinny: Washington's presence in the return game gives the Jets a decided advantage here, especially when the Broncos allowed another return for a touchdown Sunday against the Raiders. Washington returned a kickoff 92 yards for a score against New England this season. Jay Feely has filled in nicely for the injured Mike Nugent in the kicking game for the Jets, hitting 20-of-24 field-goal attempts. The Broncos' Matt Prater has missed at least one kick in each of the past four games and Giants Stadium can be a difficult place to try to get your mojo back because of the wind conditions.

It's a fact: The Jets have a kickoff return for a touchdown, have blocked a field-goal attempt, forced a fumble and recovered an onside kick on special teams this season.

Intangibles: ADVANTAGE BRONCOS

The skinny: The percentages are certainly on the Jets side. They are confident, in a fierce playoff hunt and they are playing at home. They also are one of the highest-scoring teams in the league and have the No. 8 run game. Still, the Broncos will have their shot if they can force a mistake or two from Favre and arrive to find a Jets team already buying into the all-New York Super Bowl frenzy surrounding the Jets and Giants right now.

LEGWOLD'S PREDICTION: Jets 28, Broncos 20

• November 30, 2008

  7:41 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  stinkfist2 writes:

  The Broncos need this one in a bad way, I think we will rise to the occassion, and ground the Jets. This year we seem to play to the level of our competition, and this should be a good. We are going to win it, maybe not by much but I think we will pull it out!!

• November 30, 2008

  11:37 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  stinkfist2, agreed. We need to play for the Division title, so every win is important. I also think it will be a close game. Everybody is dogging the Broncos for losing to the Faiders but they don't recall that so did the Jets. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• November 30, 2008

  4:53 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Jonjonmon writes:

  most likely we'll loose and blow a good lead.

• November 30, 2008

  5:02 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  pete10000ft writes:

  go "Cuter"

• November 30, 2008

  5:40 p.m.

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  coskibum writes:

  Holy Cow We Won! Who would'a thunk it! I just hope all the injuries don't take their toll in the coming weeks. Go Cutler... I'm impressed!

• November 30, 2008

  5:44 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  avsfan71085 writes:

  wth? we beat cleveland and atlanta on the road, lose to Oakland at home and than Beat the Jets on the road? If that's not consistently inconsistent I dunna what is

• November 30, 2008

  6:07 p.m.

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  fastnloose writes:

  Love them or hate them,this was a gutzy performance!

• November 30, 2008

  6:07 p.m.

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  MATTP1 writes:

  Way to go guys.Shanny Haters bite it Go Broncs

• November 30, 2008

  6:20 p.m.

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  nmbronco1 writes:

  A well called, well executed game plan that again shows the Shanny-haters that OURS is one of the best coached and prepared teams in the league. 3 up on the Chargers with 4 to go - gotta like the Broncos chances to be AFC West champs! All this with a team full of rookies and much of the first string defense injured and down to the 5th string RB.

• November 30, 2008

  6:22 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Jonjonmon, do us all a favor and take your bandwagon negatism and join the Raider Nation.
  coskibum, "who would have thunk it?" Me, for starters. I said it all week. Just have to have a little faith.
  MATTP1, agreed. Nothing better then making the Shanahan haters eat crow. But I'm sure they will find something to complain about. They whine worse then 5 year old spoiled children.

• November 30, 2008

  6:25 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Michelle26 writes:

  I would like to see denver challenge themselves to win 10 games. I would like to see Mike Shanahan challenge his offense to put up 35 points a game.

• November 30, 2008

  7 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Michelle26, never satisfied, eh? 34 points was enough to win the game? It was horrible weather conditions with a lot of rain and Cutler threw for 357 yards, yet you want more???? Unbelievable.

• November 30, 2008

  7:03 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  PhoenixStorm writes:

  What can we say we have a good chance at it this year. Should the Broncos keep to the right path instead of shooting themselves in the foot. 7-5 who am I to argue? GO BRONCOS!

• November 30, 2008

  7:06 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  SteveC writes:

  Jonjonmom (and several others), your pants are loose, you lose your car keys. Learn how to spell.
  That being said, I stated after the Miami game that maybe it was time for Shanahan to go. After the Raider game I was so disgusted that I just stayed away. Then they come out and beat the Jets in NY. I don't know what to make of this team. Lose to the teams with losing records (KC and Oakland) and beat teams that should walk all over them. I just don't get it.
  I think this year is going to go down as one of disappointment and injuries. Next year however I expect great things. We have lots of rookies, second and third year players that, if they can stay healthy, are going to be really good.
  It's a win, that's all that matters!

• November 30, 2008

  7:16 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  RockyMts69 writes:

  The way I see it Denver is definately play-off bound and hopefully they can keep the momentum going. KC will be another challenge for them.

  More than likely they'll be the number four seed, well host a wild card game, (hopefully the Colts), and with a win Denver could potentially face the number one seed which would be the Titans, which I believe would be a good match up for Denver.

• November 30, 2008

  7:25 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Swick writes:

  If Denver can win just one at home in the playoffs they have a good chance since every other game, including the SB, will be on the road. Stoked about this one. Payback for that heartbreaker last year against Green Bay. I like Favre(which started after we beat him in 97), but not when he's lining up against Denver.

• November 30, 2008

  7:46 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  angryman1n writes:

  "Perhaps the Broncos should consider moving their final two home games to another location."

  Ha! That's funny. Is Cutsoon still taking his regular constitutionals to Tramp-edes? I hear he's a fan ladies' night.

• November 30, 2008

  8:07 p.m.

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  slamnsam569 writes:

  thanks broncos!!!!

• November 30, 2008

  8:20 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Swick writes:

  Are you a Bronco fan Angryman? If you are you know nothing about football if you seriously doubt Cutler's ability. He's a top 5 NFL QB with the tools to be the best playing if he were to learn the game as in depth as Manning.

• November 30, 2008

  8:31 p.m.

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  Spider writes:

  Well, so much for all the Charger/fader fans talk about running the table and winning the AFC West.

• November 30, 2008

  8:41 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  deezBroncs1127 writes:

  In total agreement with you Swick. Just tune angryman1 out...dude is bum and will always be a bum when he blogs on the broncos website.

  We just gotta keep looking at the positive things Cutler does, because once he gets down all the little secrets that the NFL QB needs, he is gonna be one of the greats that the NFL has to offer. Yeah he threw another interception tonight that he should've thrown into the 10th row of the stands, but he'll go back to the film and learn from his mistakes.

  The broncos just have to take it one game at a time and not look past K.C. like they did earlier in the year. Win 3 of the last 4 and things look bright.

• November 30, 2008

  8:58 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Swick, Spider, deezBroncs1127, yeah we have the trolls that make their regular pit stops. People like angryman, Winthorp (Windork), etc., but I just attribute it the fact that when God was giving out brains, they thought He said "train" and said "no thanks, this is where I get off". Their world is so filled with negatism and obnoxiousness that they try to take it out on others from the safety of a computer. Nobody likes them online, imagine what people think of them in everyday life? Nobody enjoys a killjoy. Especially when they're wrong, more then they're right.

  Now, as far as the Broncos, they are in a great position to go 11-5. I truly believe that SD will be our toughest game. I am a bit concerned with the Panther game. They are tough at home. We need to establish ourselves at home, as well, though, against KC and Buffalo. We need the edge for the playoffs. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• November 30, 2008

  9:02 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Swick writes:

  Right there with you Deez. You could tell Cutler was the real deal from his first preseason game. I love his fade-away jumpshot passes, except the ones across his body into coverage. Even those turn out sometimes. I remember watching Elway and thinking what are you doing John, then the play ends up positively. I have a tape of a Denver game from around 92 with Elway making every kind of pass in Buffalo. You almost forget how good he was until you watch one of those. That game had lots of drops and the throws couldn't have been better. Imagine if Elway played for SF or Buffalo. He'd have every record. Cutler has some of the same magic. I'd like to see fewer dropped passes, but you can't complain after a win.

• November 30, 2008

  9:34 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Swick writes:

  Right about that Dave. I'd hate to meet them in person. That's one of the things I hate about being online sometimes is when people hide behind their anonymity and decide to act like a jerk. It doesn't work face to face and it sure doesn't work in print when your words are captured as proof of what an idiot you can be. How can you be down when we're on the way to the playoffs and totally capable of taking down any team. I'd love to see Denver sweep SD this year. It'd build some serious playoff momentum.

• November 30, 2008

  9:50 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Squatch writes:

  I finally got to see the Broncos have been waiting all season to see a Power Running Game, a Better than average Defense and a Jay Cutler who was throwing short to open guys. If this team can show up next week and dominate then they might be on the right track. The Chargers are horrible and have no reason to to blame only the Bronco loss.

  Hillis is a stud and should be looked at as their new running back of the Future.

• November 30, 2008

  10:16 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Swick, yep, the SD game is a must win, if only just for 2 reasons. 1, it's San Diego. 2, it is important to go into the playoffs on a positive note. If we clinch the Division too early, Shanahan might rest the starters (which he is known to do). Only time will tell.
  Squatch, yeah, but keep in mind, we ARE talking about Chargers fans? They whine for the sake of whining. I do agree with your take on the game. It was the most complete we've played. Not bad for adverse playing conditions (fans, weather). Cutler outgunned the Brettster, as well. Hillis was "off the hook". Our D got banged up. I'm not looking forward to seeing the injury list tomorrow. Hopefully nothing too severe. So how about them Chargers? HAH! 3 games back and looking all but home for the playoffs. Next week is revenge on KC (which reminds me, "How about them Raiders! HAH!"). Then a tough one against Carolina. The Carolina game was moved to an afternoon game. I'm glad. Let our boys sleep in. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• November 30, 2008

  11:32 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  angryman1n writes:

  Swick... If Cutsoon is truly so great, then why is he so inconsistent? He's hot against weak teams, and cold against the strong.

  He's just lucky to be playing in the AFC West. (Oh wait, he can't even beat them w/ any certainty.)

• November 30, 2008

  11:37 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  angryman1n writes:

  Swick... I'm sorry. I just reread my initial post. Ya, that had nothing to do w/ football. Just a thought that maybe he isn't as dedicated as he should be. A diabetic going out on a Wednesday during the regular season. That probably takes a toll.

• December 1, 2008

  9:47 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  JMH writes:

  Dont get all excited Bronco fans, I'm a big Jets fan and that was hands down the worst game they played all season... It also helps when it seems the refs always make the calls go the Broncos way... I mean come on, how long does a player have to lay on the ball before he is called down? That first TD was just a horrible call...

  But the Jets were horrible in their own right and it isn't all on the refs by any means... they deserved to lose that game. The Jets were running the ball at will, but then went to the air for some reason...The defensive play calling also was just terrible. No pass rush at all... they never even brought more than 4 guys all game but twice. One time Cutler threw an INT and the other he threw into traffic... The whole NFL knows if you knock Cutler around, he makes mistake after mistake... but for some stupid reason, the Jets keep putting in 6 defensive backs... Grrr...

  Congrats on the win, but don't get over-excited thinking Cutler is the "new" Brett Favre due to this one game and that the Broncos are now some team going to the Super Bowl. Any QB can look good basically playing against a prevent defense all game...They will win the division by default (they will finish 9-7), but it will then be one and done for them...

• December 1, 2008

  10:05 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  KarlCheney writes:

  JMH, The Jets got more favorable calls than the Broncos. 2 TD's called back, one is a phantom holding call. No pass interference calls when Brandon Marshall is getting mugged in the end zone. The only reason it was this close was because the officials called so many bad penalties against the Broncos. The Jets won't fair any better in the playoffs than the Broncos. I don't think either will go far in the playoffs. Besides, after the Titans win everybody is talking about a New York superbowl. The only reason Favre owns all the records is because he's played 2 years longer than any other QB.

• December 1, 2008

  10:21 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  JMH writes:

  "2 TD's called back, one is a phantom holding call" - Karl ...

  LOL

  The Broncos have been getting away with holding and chop blocks for a decade now... Ya, the Marshall call could have been pass interferance, but come on... Enjoy being one of the little darlings of the NFL along with the Patriots and the Cowboys...

  You guys been getting the calls for years now... it's gotten stupid. Just about anyone who isn't a Bronco fan can see it, but I realize you guys live with orange and blue glasses on... How else do you think the Broncos can plug any JAG into thier backfield and he runs for 1,000 yards?

  Are you really trying to say that Cotchery wasn't down on that first TD? Really?

  P.S.
  The only reason the Jets lost is they began to believe their hype and didn't show up. Wont happen again... Count on it!

• December 1, 2008

  10:44 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  KarlCheney writes:

  JMH, Farve is a great QB but when he is off he is off, and I'll bet he has a couple more off games. I'll bet they don't even win the division. Check out the stats and you will see that the Broncos always have more panalty yards against them than the other teams. The reason we have 1000 yard rushers almost every year is the system, light athletic mobile O line. Who is going to be the QB for the Jets next year? I'll bet Farve retires and then who will be the QB?

• December 1, 2008

  10:47 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  KarlCheney writes:

  And yes Crotchery wasn't down. I didn't hear a whistle did you? Crotchery can't wrap up the ball LOL.... You are just upset because the Broncos won despite the ref's helping out the Jets at every turn.....

• December 1, 2008

  10:57 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  JMH, God I dislike people who whine about bad calls. I don't do it when Denver loses and it shows a sign of ranting and making excuses. Take your lumps and except the loss. Stop trying to take away Denvers win and outplaying of your vaunted Jets, by blaming it on the refs. Sounds like San Diego fodder, to me.

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