Happy Friday, Broncos fans! Denver's backups shellacked the Bears' understudies 31-3 (box score, BTV highlights, NFLN highlights, John Fox, Peyton Manning, others) in Chicago last night.
Manning wasn't quite all there - several of his throws fluttered a bit - and his only possession ended with what appeared a poorly-placed throw at the goal line to Brandon Stokley which was tipped and intercepted. FWIW, Stokes claims he ran a poor route on the play, but we'll never know for sure.
But Peyton's legendary footwork, decision-making, and quick release were on full display, and from his postgame comments, it's clear he wasn't so sure a year ago that he'd ever be back in the NFL. Last night was obviously a big deal to Peyton, who we're guessing had as much nervous anticipation for a preseason game as he did for his very first one in 1998.
We don't know what we'll see from Peyton this year in terms of arm strength (although his 19-yard completion to Eric Decker on 3rd and 17 portends good things), but it's still a huge relief to know the Broncos are back to the future - meaning, of course, that they will be a pass-first team rather than the 1950s-style curiosity of 2011.
But as far as the future QB and arm strength go, Brock Osweiler sure did show himself to have a cannon, and perhaps more importantly, a lightning release to go with it. The 3/4 delivery he displayed may be less than ideal, but at his height (6-8), and with the ball coming out as quickly as it is, who really cares?
Those two factors should mitigate any concerns of frequent batted balls (he's got three inches of height on Philip Rivers and his 3/4 look). And considering that nobody at Dove Valley wants Brock to see much action over the next two or three years, we can all be quite pleased with what he showed last night.
It sure was nice to see Knowshon Moreno already healthy enough to carry the ball five times and catch a pass too; pressure from the defense (six sacks) was also a welcome sight, as was a beautiful tackle of Bears RB Michael Bush by the much smaller Tracy Porter.
A late hit on Jason Campbell could co$t Elvis Dumervil; there were thankfully no major injuries, with Danny Trevathan (ankle), Chris Gronkowski and Chris Clark (groin) getting a bit banged up.
Broncos
Now that Tim Tebow is out of town, IAOFM Patron Saint Tom Jackson opened up to Dave Krieger about what went on at Dove Valley last season, and John Elway's feelings about the situation. TJ says John was stunned and hurt by the despicable vitriol sent his way by the Zombies, and that without Peyton Manning having become available, we might have been stuck with Teebs for multiple years. He says the entire organization has breathed a "collective sigh of relief" since Timmy's departure, to go along with a "sense of joy" for having acquired Peyton.
No offense to Eli Manning, who deserves all the praise he's been getting from people not named Jason Cole, but the idea he's better than Peyton is one of the dumbest things ever written.
Christmas Ape offers his thoughts on the Broncos, but is upstaged by majestic kommentary by Moose. No realli!
Trimmings
The Steelers, who will come to Denver to open the regular season, lost fullback David Johnson for the season with a torn ACL. Rookie LT Mike Adams, already in for a nightmare against Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, gave up two strip sacks last night before hurting his knee.
San Diego RB Ryan Mathews suffered a broken clavicle last night, will have surgery on it today, and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Meanwhile, tackle Marcus McNeill, whom the Chargers released in March, is retiring at 28 due to recurring spinal issues.
Eagles QB Michael Vick hurt his thumb when he hit a lineman's helmet on a followthrough; Pats LB Dane Fletcher tore an ACL last night; Houston lost LB Keyaron Fox for the season and signed Omar Gaither in his place; Tampa Bay cut the AWOL Jayme Mitchell; Dallas is interested in WR Plaxico Burress.
RG3 apparently had a sparkling debut for Washington last night.
Unsurprisingly, the NFL is trying to keep teams from being publicly critical of the replacement referees, who were terrible last night. Their suckitude is also not a surprise, given the lack of diligence displayed by the league while hiring them.
Scrapple
Chase Stuart examines the tough situation facing Maurice Jones-Drew as he tries to get one more big contract while he still can.
Chris Brown describes the new hybrid defender as one who needs to combine the skills of a corner, safety, and linebacker.
Mike Tanier can't believe the Seahawks actually signed Terrell Owens; Drew Magary on the Bucs; Ape on the Browns.
Now that Heath Evans is going to be a game analyst for FOX, expect more stupidity from him like such.
