Enjoy the games, and Go Broncos - Beat the Chefs!!!!!
Doug is IAOFM’s resident newsman and spelling czar. Follow him on Twitter @IAOFM
@Underdog: Yes, Haley and McD did shake hands… they even embraced.
I will say I don’t blame the Chiefs coaching staff for yanking Richardson when they did. I don’t know what was said between Richardson and the O-line coach, but Richardson lost his cool and deserved to be benched for it, IMO.
I cant wait to see us gel and WIN. Man, the D was solid today. Every time they NEEDED to show up, they did. Major stops.
BTW, I think DT could have helped us today - size and speed.
It’s amazing the string of bad luck we keep finding. What is DT’s injury again?
Absolutely not. Knee jerk reactions are what get peoeple into trouble. The team is making progress and the signs are on the field. These things happen; had Orton played just average for him today, we would have won against the first place team (with so many stars!!! if you listen to the announcers). With another draft and FA, the team will be just fine.
- The defense played one helluva good game.- That was the worst game I’ve seen Orton play.- The refs may have cost them the game with that “in the grasp” whistle.- Going for touchdowns instead of first downs eliminated two good fourth quarter drives.- The team is closer to a top draft pick.- A top draft pick would be better if a rookie salary cap was already in place.- The Denver post writers are closer to their wish.- The Denver post is not worthy of a capital P.- I will enjoy rooting against Todd Haley for a long time. I want it to rain every time he steps outdoors.- Games like this can drive a man to drink.- I’d better stop posting if I’m to continue drinking.- I think I’ll stop posting.
I need a fresh perspective. Orton couldn’t get anything done…. and we stopped running when it was really working. So does that mean McD and Orton should be fired? Just asking for the sake of some other blogs I’ve been on today….
I will say this about Haley. After watching him on the sideline today, it is pretty clear that he isn’t the nicest guy in the world. Even Cassel looked irritated with him when they were conversing. People have suggested that the “no handshake” thing was because of something that McD did. It is pretty clear that Haley is the issue, not McD.
I missed the very end since I was too upset. Did McD and Haley make nice and shake?
The Broncos won’t have a shot at Luck and even tho I like him I’m okay with that; other teams (like Carolina especially) need more help in the QB dept than Denver. In fact, I hope, other than 1-2 picks on offense they spend all their draft picks on defense including the first one. (Though another OL and another RB would be good, too.) Hopefully there will be a next season for the Broncos to prove themselves better.
@Bob
I would be annoyed if Tebow were screwing up he should be held accountable for them as well. But I will take a rookie learning vs a veteran who hasn’t proven to be a winner in almost 2 years
That was just a bunch of meaningless rambling, just things I wonder.
@Bob: Yea I agree with you and it may take him more time than McDaniels even expected to really understand the NFL game. But we are now 3-9, and none of us really no the situation from the inside (certainly McD may think it would be detrimental to his progress to play him), but I always felt that it was better for a rookie to learn the speed of the game by playing and experiencing it. If we don’t start him this year, next year will be the same problem and the excuse will be that we pretty much have a rookie QB. I don’t know what’s at play for McDaniels this season and if his hot seat is as hot as the assholes at Denver Post say it is, but if Orton got hurt, we’d likely have to start him anyways. If Orton got hurt in the first quarter, Tebow would have to play until at least the fourth quarter (not sure if it’s the whole game), so why risk that if it would be detrimental. If he actually produced, it would be a great chance for McDaniels to gain some support. Who knows though?All I know is if we have the chance to select Andrew Luck( (but that’s likely Carolina’s pick), I will be terribly upset if we pass on it. Even giving up 3 picks last year wouldn’t matter because he will set a team up for the next 15 years.
On the other hand, I am encouraged by the play of the defense today. Shows you how much Robert Ayers helps out. Bruton must of played well given how difficult it was for Cassel to pass the ball. I also love the way the running game came together today. Definite improvements overall. It is clear the team is still fighting hard.
@SS: Your replay came in as I typed my response… I understand what you are saying there. I would add this question, though: Is Tebow at the point that he understands when it’s time to run instead of throwing or when it’s better to buy time in the pocket? I think Vick is doing a better job of reading the defense and deciding when he should run and when he should instead buy time to make a throw.
If Orton gives this team the best chance to win, then we might as well settle into that Top 5 draft pick and pick a new Quarterback
haha, DCJ. I agree 100%. I think Haley has topped any Raider and Rivers for most annoying AFC West thing.
@Cowboy: So you are saying that you would excuse Tebow for making bad throws because he is a rookie? I really don’t get that mentality… while I understand rookies will make mistakes, they need to be held accountable for them as much as a veteran does. You still have to execute on plays and, right now, I just don’t see that replacing Orton with Tebow is the answer to every problem there is on offense, especially when the opponent is doing its part on pass defense.
@O&B: Interesting point, but I think you could have done the same with Orton in the game. With all due respect to those who don’t want to just see “run the ball” on first down, Moreno was playing very well and we could have handed off to him on a few more plays, particularly on first and 10. There were certainly some situations in which Denver didn’t have a choice but to throw the ball, but as I said earlier, I believe when something is working well, you go with that as much as you can.
Anyway… as far as the game goes, we had our chances but couldn’t finish offensive drives. I know we lost the time of possession pretty badly. Hopefully we can build on the good things the defense did today and get a win next week against Arizona.
I’m not advocating for starting Tebow over Orton but I disagree with that question Bob. Tebow is obviously a different QB than Orton and the plays he will direct will be different. The question, in my opinion is, while not turning the ball over, can Tebow convert on 3rd downs and consistently keep drives going better than Orton?
That doesn’t mean that we should judge the decision on this game alone. In my opinion again, what we saw from Michael Vick last year shows you that he needed to be in the game consistently to make plays the way he always has. I’m not saying he would have been just as good last year. Just that when a playmaker is judged by a play here and there, his true abilities aren’t properly demonstrated. Tebow, while nowhere near Vick, is a playmaker and has been so good because of his ability to continue plays when they look like they might break down. His will power in college was enough to keep that team moving along (obviously accompanied by other great playmakers). That isn’t enough in the NFL but even in practice, it would be hard to truly gauge his impact on the field.
Ever make a mistake? HAve a bad day? Happened to me. Man…. why not stick with the run that was working?
Well, that sucked. Too many miscues, and Haley beating his chest after the game. You know, about this point I’m wondering if SD and Rivers will be less annoying winning the division than KC.
**fear the ending of the script for McD…”**
Bob, Orton played badly (for many reasons incl things not his doing). Orton gives Denver the best chance to win in most games. However, based on the play during today’s game, the Tebow playbook may have been better to compliment Moreno. It would have actually forced more running form Moreno (but thats an aside).
The near safety just happened. I fear the script for McD is being written.
UGH.
You have to laugh. Almost.
I’m sure Orton and McDaniels will be blamed for that miscue, too. I blame stupidity.
Bob,Tebow could perform as badly as Orton did today.
Can Kyle be clutch after such a horrible game? Or will KC fake and burn us?
It’s just one of those seasons where nothing goes right. Bad calls against. A day when the defense and running game is working, the passing game does not. It goes on and on.
Oh well. Still not pissed off at the world, so that is good.
I think the question people need to ask if they believe starting Tebow now is this: Can Tebow make the throws that Orton isn’t making? That’s the question people need to answer, rather than believing that Tebow can make up for it by just making plays with his feet.
I know some of the throws that weren’t completed today are on Orton, but in order for Tebow to be a good replacement, he needs to be able to make the throws himself. Do people believe he can do that?
WOW. We are jinxed this yr. Great play by Orton. Refs blew that one.
Dont agree with the punt…I think.
Damn the officials. Total BS on the in the grasp rule.
Bad call by the officials. Orton got the ball to Moreno prior to him hitting the turf.
This is about it kids. I’m not sure they’ll get another chance this game.
I have been saying no for weeks, but Orton is supposedly not the problem.
When your QB is having a bad game and you are out of the playoff picture…do you keep going the same way? just wondering out loud.
Orton’s had a bad game. KC’s coverage has also been good. None of this = Kyle Orton isn’t any good. A lot of Denver QBs have come to this place and stunk. Don’t know why he’s been so off today though it’s true a couple of his low throws were that way on purpose. Again, coverage is good. Orton is good. Orton is bad today. Not rocket science here. <img alt="grin" height="19" src="http://www.singernet.com/images/smileys/grin.gif" style="border:0;" width="19">
Still frustrating though. I don’t really dig the play calling mixes either today, frankly.
The weather has to be a factor. How about bringing in Tebow for one down? People say it ruins Orton’s rhythm…may be just what he needs:)
Wow, Orton just doesn’t have it today. Totally inaccurate. Coverage is very good, but that isn’t the whole issue.
Thankfully KC penalties have made them completely fall apart on offense.
Now, offense (Orton) please take care of the ball.
OK, I understand that the Broncos had to throw on second down after the delay of game penalty, but I would prefer we stick with Moreno as much as possible on offense. KC has pretty much taken away our passing game and I’d rather us go with Moreno on most plays. Sometimes you just have to stick with what is working, IMO.
Damn the iPad autocorrect. That was was woot Moreno.
Soot more no!
Moreno is awesome.
If Orton throws into double coverage one more time, my remote will not survive.
Agreed that KC’s pass defense has been good today. That’s why I’m fine with the Broncos sticking with Moreno more, as he’s been very effective today.
Orton has made a few bad throws, but the coverage has been impressive. However, please don’t listen to Gannon’s opinion on what Orton is doing. The throw to Lloyd Against Carr was under thrown, but the pass to Lloyd against Flowers would have been an INT if thrown in bound—Lloyd wasn’t really open, it was more of a prayer than anything else.
There should be a rule against explayers calling for their old team. Or maybe just a rule against Gannon.
@OrangeandBlue27
But Orton has been so efficient at converting 3rd downs.
Jerk remark, but I am tired of it. Orton hasn’t done anything today to convince me of anything good.
I know we just got 3 points, but I am going to bitch. Orton needs to one quit locking in on Lloyd and two try to convert the 1st down and take what the D is giving you. I am growing tired of him trying to force the ball to a covered Lloyd.
KC has been blanketing our WRs. very frustrating.
Need more Decker.
If Orton doesn’t start looking away from Lloyd, smoke is going to start emitting from my ears. Good Lord.
Third time Orton dodged the bullet.
That time, it didn’t look like Orton put as good a ball up as he should have.
I’d like to see something other than handoff to Moreno on firs down
we’re 49/143 on 3rd down conversions going into this game. And some are by penalty.
Defense showing up strong today! Great play Bannan.
Now please run a screen.
Great play by Bannan!
And the Bronco D forces a fumble!
Now is the time for the offense to step it up. The D is doing everything it can to keep us in the game. Now we need the offense to execute.
Finally a turnover! The D has played great. Maybe they need the defense to score a TD for us to tie. <img alt="wink" height="19" src="http://www.singernet.com/images/smileys/wink.gif" style="border:0;" width="19">
I don’t think you can challenge a play where a flag was thrown
Gaff just dropped that. Poor blocking for Moreno, then pass INT not called on the next pass play. Lousy punt. Very sloppy play, and Orton looked good on the series. It’s a lot more than the QB.
What should matter is whose “fault” it is when the offense struggles. Orton can be erratic but generally this season and last when given time he is one of the most accurate QBs in the NFL. He looks off today, but I’ve also seen dropped passes and some porous blocking from the OL. He’s also not very mobile so when there is pressure he’s not going to run for a bunch of yards. But I can hardly blame these struggles solely at his feet, as it were.
Chiefs will have great field position this next drive. We’ll see if the defense can hold them, but it’s not good to put them in this position.
Gaffney continues to have trouble hanging on to balls, alas.
And yes, I thought it was a fumble but close call. Grounding is not a bad backup call.
Doc,If a player’s stats are a huge deal, then we shouldn’t have traded the cry baby.
Orton puts up huge stats and we lose, why should it matter how many yards he has thrown for?
Did anyone here think that Cassel actually fumble the ball instead of attempting a pass? I couldn’t tell from looking at each of the replays. Or is it not a call that can be challenged because the referees flagged Cassel for intentional grounding?
Pleasantly surprised by the defense so far! (Unpleasantly surprised by the offense…) Total score surprising, too. Still in this game, but be nice to see the offense pick it up. Neither QB too impressive today, and yeah partially due to good coverage and pressure.. But I still have faith in Orton.
You’re not, CB.
Lloyd just didn’t get open - the pass was where the play called for. Look - I’d love to see better play too, but you’ve got to also watch the game. Orton was under too much pressure on third and long. KC is doing an excellent job on D - Denver’s receivers aren’t getting open, and that’s also on them.
Letting in pressure and not getting open are contributing to the lack of the passing game. Orton isn’t without responsibility and I’m not giving him a pas - I’ve already said that he’s not at his best today, but you have to look at the rest of it too.
By the way - if Orton is so inconsistent, why is he in the top 5 of the league? Sometimes, the other team plays good D. Denver’s D has been too inconsistent - they’re motivated, but KC is playing better. They’ve always been tough as heck at home, and they’ve got two 1000 yard rushers to set up the pass. Give them credit.
I guarantee Tebow can do just as badly as Orton has done today.
My problem with our pocket passing scheme against the more creative blitzing teams is Orton’s inability to extend the “clock”. This scheme can withstand games where the offense struggles if the defense is good, but we dont have that luxury at this point.
So I would suggest when we face a team like this is move him around some.
Good defensive stop after a stupid call by Haley. Looks a bit like KC learned about Denver’s offense scheme. Orton is a little off, and the windows are much smaller today—good KC defense.
And oh how I hate Gannon and Eagle.
What a terrible effort on offense there. The Chiefs have eaten up 9 min of the clock and they go 3 and out. This is another reason why our defense looks so bad. They just aren’t getting any help and rest from the offense.
I really hope the D can get a three-and-out this next series.
Again, there’s just something missing with Orton today.
TOPDenver 14:51Chiefs 23:26
JT—you said the team looks “unmotivated” because it was inconsistent. I pointed out that other, better teams are also inconsistent, and that I suspect they are motivated. What am I misinterpreting?
Denver got the ball at the 20 - that’s basically a touchback, courtesy of Mario Haggan
Now that was what this defense needed! Nice job to deny the Chiefs the touchdown.
Let’s see if the offense can capitalize on the momentum Denver just got.
Now THAT’S a goal line stand!
By the way, i think Viekune is playing on ST.
BEAUTIFUL Defense! Nice stop.
Excuse me, defenseless, not defensive
The NFL really has to look into this defensive receiver business. I’m for player protection, but what is happening now is that there will be unlimited crossing routes because of the threat of the flag.
The NFL needs to balance these calls out with more offensive pass interference calls. ANY PICKS WHATSOEVER need to be called. Otherwise, you might as well put all of your money and draft picks into offense, because there is no point in building a defense.
What the heck? Is this flag football???
ChiBronx, the team isn’t inconsistent. It consistently STINKS, but once in awhile the players are able to show they’re capable. That’s the difference between the Broncos and the teams you name. 3-8.
The definition is fine. Your interpretation and understanding is flawed.
Another personal foul ruins the team’s momentum. That really hurt.
Might as well draft 5𔃽” WRs, since they get hit in their head by the taller D’s shoulder pads. Automatic flag.
They really need to do a better job of defining these “unsafe hits.” I really don’t get the flag on DJ Williams.
And that comes just after a nice defensive play call by the Broncos to send Bailey on a blitz.
On one hand, Mays should have made that tackle on Thomas Jones.
On the other hand, nice stop by Perrish Cox. I think he’s got a good future with this team.
JT—if the argument is that inconsistent teams are unmotivated, then the Ravens, Saints and Steelers need to be on the list. I think there’s a problem with the definition.
Not that I’m feeling good about this game or liking what I see, of course. Yuck.
Is viekune active and playing?
Yeah we just can’t get pressure today. Even when we bring an extra rusher, it doesn’t seem to help. Really need to improve that and get better play with our LBs and DBs on RBs and especially TEs.
Chibronx, it looks like pretty much these same players that decimated the Chiefs 3 weeks ago by halftime, then the can barely put up 3 points.
The players have PROVEN they can do it. The staff doesn’t seem to know how to manage them to do it consistently. And that shows in motivation of the players.
Wow, double post…sorry bout that, thought my post got deleted
A few notes from the half:
David Bruton had a couple of mistakes, but he’s also had a couple of very nice plays. He’s the replacement for Dawk right now, with McBath injured, but I’ve always liked Bruton for Dawk’s replacement and McBath, eventually, for Hill’s. , and we’ll need him to step up - I think that he can, and he will
Syd - good ST tackle, great coverage on the final drive of the half. Perrish Cox is still getting toasted - welcome the the NFL, young man. Heâll do fine, but speed is a problem for him, and that concerns me for the long term. He may end up at nickel for a while if Denver can get Goodman back (or replace him). Granted, nickel is a specific position that not every player can handle, but at this point in the NFL, you need a very good nickel to deal with the TEâs - Moeliki (sp) is one of them. Excellent play for a young guy.
Richard Quinn has had some good plays today in his blocking. Graham too. Gronkowski is developing rapidly - sad about the ankle. Ouch. Good thing that Quinn is also coming along.
Orton is off so far today - throwing high. If he comes back to his usual form in the second half, Denver still has a good shot.
Moreno looks sensational. If Denver can start with better field position, they might be able to pull this one out. 85 yard drives are tough to finish for any team.
Still got a half to go on a one touchdown game. Denver is still in this one.
Let’s check in on the alums:
Marshall: Inactive or not on the balance sheet.Hillis: 10-for-32, no fumbles. Do you think the post will mention that Moreno is having a better day? Hmmm.
Bears down to the Lions. No interceptions for Cutler, no footage of Phonz.
Redskins down 21-0 to the Giants.
Bonus: The Bills, who some people wanted to change for this team, are down 31-7 to the Vikings. But I’m sure they’re playing with grit and gumption.
Titans are on their way to 5-8. I honestly wonder how their fans feel about Jeff Fisher’s unflagging job security.
That is classic Orton, inconsistent. He has the skills as a pocket passer, but when he comes out flat, the whole damn passing game fails. I want the other guy….but am done arguing that point.
Moreno wants a win more than anyone else on the field.
This is what frustrates me so much about Orton, he is so damn inconsistent. He has the skills, but he isn’t consistent. And when he is flat, the entire passing game is flat. I want the other guy in there, but I am done arguing that point
Moreno wants it more than anyone else on the field currently.
JT—just curious, what does “unmotivated” look like, and how does it differ from “not as good at football as the other team right now?” It’s an honest question.
Agreed about the offense… I like our game plan. We aren’t executing on passing downs, though.
Not sure what it is with Orton. He’s had a couple of good throws, but seems to be thinking too much when he drops back and has time to throw.
Defense has been good, but the lack of a pass rush hasn’t helped. We may need to find some creative ways to put pressure on Cassel, because he’s had a lot of time to throw.
That drive showed flashes, but it is clear the offense just isn’t quite there with the game plan. I realty hope that the DP and the rest of the vigilantes don’t win and run McDaniels out of town quite yet. The strategy is good, the execution has been lacking.
Jeezus. Orton’s off. 85/15=5.7 yards per rush. That’s a fantastic average. Orton’s completing 50% and almost had two picks.
Why doesn’t this coaching staff see this?
agree with jt. Orton not throwing a consistent ball. one good, two bad.
Keep in mind that Orton’s not out there to run, much as it might be nice. It’s a pocket passing offense, and he’s not that fast. Best to stay with what he’s called to do by the playcall.
Love what Moreno is doing today. Who says he’s not a top RB? With blocking and good health, he’s a dangerous runner.
I hope that Gronkowski is OK.
Great drive so far, I will be focusing on R Quinn to see how he’s faring (with Gronk out now) now that we are in the red zone.
Key point of the game so far.
Dan Gronkowski out with an ankle injury. Let’s see if Graham and Quinn can step it up.
Best run by Moreno yet. Orton’s off. Fake the pass and run it. lol
Gorgeous throw and catch to Decker
