Okay, so I decided to empty the mailbox one time before I go on hiatus for the summer! Let's take a look at some questions before I head off for the summertime.....
What do you think about NY/NJ getting the 2014 Super Bowl?
I don't understand why people are getting bent out of shape about the Super Bowl coming to the new Meadowlands Stadium in New York/New Jersey. First, NYC will be able to be a very gracious host to the Super Bowl that week. If there is any city that can handle the Super Bowl festivities, then New York City is that city. Secondly, the weather really will not be a big factor for the game. I know it will be cold and windy, but in the NFL cold and wind do not play factors that much in the outcome of a game. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady will still play very well in the cold no matter what the conditions are like. There have been plenty of great games played recently in the cold (Packers-Giants '07 NFC Title Game), so the weather does not bother me from a fan perspective. If they get snow for the game, then the NFL will be doing cartwheels because everyone loves to watch football in the snow. As far as the fans go, I hope that the cold weather drives away most of the corporate fans and more and more real NFL fans go the game instead. I like the idea and love that New York is gonna host the Super Bowl.
What do you think of the possibility of an 18 game season?
I've said this before on the blog, and I will say it again: I HATE the 18 game season! Just leave it the way it is. Too many games will dilute the product. The NFL always leaves the fans wanting more. 18 games screws that up. It messes up the scheduling, injuries could become more of a factor, and it just extends the season too long. Just leave it the way it is please!
Do you think the Broncos will sign Elvis Dumervil to a long term deal?
If I had to guess at odds, I would think that there is an 90% chance that Dumervil signs with Denver. Josh McDaniels has publicy stated that Dumervil should be a Bronco for a long time, and Dumervil did everything right this offseason. He reported to minicamps and mandatory sessions and has said the right thing each time. I think both sides get it done, and the Broncos need to have him apart of their defense.
As of right now, where do you see the Denver Broncos in 2010?
I really need to spend all summer thinking about what the Broncos will accomplish in 2010. It is too early to figure that out now, but everyone seems to think Denver will be a bad team in 2010. I bought two magazines so far, and each one (Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly) predicted that Denver would finish last in the AFC West with records of 4-12 and 6-10. At this point, I look at Denver as an 8-8 team. I really need to look at them in training camp and the preseason to get a real idea of where this team is headed. I do think that the future is bright for McDaniels and company.
Heading into the summer, which teams are overrated and which are underrated?
The three teams that are overrated and could disappoint are the following in reverse order:
3-Baltimore Ravens- Everyone thinks that getting Anquan Boldin will make them a Super Bowl team, but I am still not sold on Joe Flacco. Plus, that defense is getting older.
2-Minnesota Vikins- I know Brett Favre will probably come back, but the expectations will be Suepr Bowl or bust. Every week will be like a playoff game for this team, and I don't know if they can handle the pressure every week.
1-New York Jets- They have the most primetime games, Hard Knocks features them, all of those shady character issues equals a big letdown for Jet fans in 2010.
Three teams that are underrated going into 2010:
3-The Kansas City Chiefs- Three straight horrible years have led to them adding Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel to their staff. Plus, they got the 2 biggest gamebreakers in the Draft: Dexter McCluster and Eric Berry.
2-Chicago Bears- The Cutler-Martz combination could be deadly, and they added some solid moves with Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor.
1-Miami Dolphins- All they needed was a gamebreaker at receiver and they got one with the trade for Brandon Marshall. The Fins are one of the most well-coached teams in the NFL, and no one is paying attention to them in the AFC East.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Summer Blog Update
Father's Day has just passed and the NFL really will go on hiatus for the next month and a half. With the NFL taking some downtime, the Bronco Blog will be taking some downtime as well. My big NFL Preview Column will probably go up sometime in the middle of August. I like to see the training camps open, and I like watching a few preseason games before I make my predicitions for 2010. As far as this summer goes, I won't be blogging unless there are any major developments, especially with the Broncos. For now, it is time to unwind and relax and enjoy the summer because once August hits, then NFL is back in the news and there will be plenty to talk about as the season approaches.
Friday, June 4, 2010
2010 Sunday Night Football Analysis
Since NBC grabbed the SNF package back in 2006, the peacock network has tried to make SNF the marquee primetime game of the week. With too many options available at everyone's disposal, Monday Night Football was not garnering the buzz and ratings like it used to. Thanks to flex scheduling, NBC has succeeded in making the Sunday night package a must see event for all NFL fans. The only discretion with NBC is that it has become so predictable in the matchups and teams that they want to feature. On SNF, you know you are going to get the NFC East (Eagles, Giants, Cowboys, and Redskins), the marquee teams in the NFC North (Bears, Packers, and Vikings), a random "hot" team from the NFC South or West (Saints, Falcons, Niners, or even Cardinals), the Pats, the Colts, the Steelers and a random "hot" team from another AFC group (Jets, Dolphins, Ravens, Chargers, or Broncos). There really isn't much diversity for the NFL fan on SNF. Let's take a look at this year's SNF sked and break it down.
Week 1
Dallas at Washington
My take: I like this opener because you have a marquee team going against their rival, and you get the first glimpse of the McNabb/Shanahan Era. Good choice by NBC.
Week 2
New York Giants at Indianapolis
My take: You knew NBC was going to fight for Manning Bowl II. Everyone wants to see Peyton vs. Eli, and you get the New York market involved early in the year. A win-win for every NFL fan.
Week 3
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
My take: I thought this should have been the MNF opener, but I'll take it in Week 3. Another solid rivalry, and the Jets are a hot team heading into 2010. Throw in Brandon Marshall and Rex Ryan and you've got a good matchup. Also, don't forget that New York audience.
Week 4
Chicago at New York Giants
My take: Do we need to see the Giants on SNF for the second time in three weeks? NBC must've really wanted to get the Chicago and New York markets because there is no need for the G-Men to be twice in three weeks. This could have been saved for later in the year.
Week 5
Philadelphia at San Francisco
My take: It might not be the greatest matchup on paper, but I like this selection. It is nice to see NBC get the Niners involved. San Fran has a good chance to make the playoffs this year, so this game is a refreshing choice. Plus, it will be Kevin Kolb's first SNF appearance as the Eagles starting QB.
Week 6
Indianapolis at Washington
My take: I know it is Peyton Manning and the Colts, but do we need to see them again this early in the year. Colts-Skins just doesn't have that certain appeal because it isn't a rivalry and traditional matchup. This isn't the best choice.
Week 7
Minnesota at Green Bay
My take: If Brett Favre comes back for 2010, then this selection is a homerun. NBC got shutout of the Favre-Packers matchups in 2009. One game went to ESPN, and the other game went to FOX. NBC will be doing backflips if Favre comes back for this one.
Week 8
Pittsburgh at New Orleans
My take: This should have been the Thursday Night opener, but we'll take it in Week 8. Big Ben will be back from suspension by this point in the season, and the game will feature the last two Super Bowl winners. Good selection by NBC.
Week 9
Dallas at Green Bay
My take: NBC is going to Lambeau for the second time in three weeks. This drives me nuts. FOX must have been screaming about losing this matchup. It is a good game, but we don't need to see GB again so soon. This could have been later on in the year.
Week 10
New England at Pittsburgh
My take: Two perennial AFC powers going at it from Heinz Field. Great setting and a great matchup.
Week 11
New York Giants at Philadelphia
My take: When NBC is in doubt, they go with a NFC East matchup. It is the same thing every year. They should give other teams a shot instead of these two.
Week 12
San Diego at Indy
My take: Finally, NBC gives the AFC West some love. Great matchup between the two best teams in the AFC last year. This is a solid choice by NBC, and it should be a great one.
Week 13
Pittsburgh at Baltimore
My take: It seems like every year Steelers-Ravens have at least one primetime game. There is good reasoning behind this decision because these teams always have great games against each other. Good selection by the peacock.
Week 14
Philly at Dallas
My take: Here we go with another NFC East matchup. NBC should spread the wealth around a little bit more. There is no need for another NFC East game on SNF.
Week 15
Green Bay at New England
My take: A great choice by NBC. You get Tom Brady and the Pats against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Two highly-touted teams in a big game late in the year. Nice work by NBC snagging this game away from FOX.
Week 16
San Diego at Cincinnati
My take: This game gets my vote for "Game Definitely Flexed Out in 2010." I would bet my mortgage that this game will be a victim of flex scheduling. If it doesn't get flexed, then it will be a snoozefest.
Week 17
TBD
My take: Here is the perfect scenario for NBC's Week 17 SNF game: San Diego at Denver. The Chargers and Broncos are both 10-5, and the winner takes the AFC West. The loser doesn't even get a wild card berth. Tim Tebow leads Denver to a blowout victory, and the Broncos get revenge for the 2008 SNF finale.
Week 1
Dallas at Washington
My take: I like this opener because you have a marquee team going against their rival, and you get the first glimpse of the McNabb/Shanahan Era. Good choice by NBC.
Week 2
New York Giants at Indianapolis
My take: You knew NBC was going to fight for Manning Bowl II. Everyone wants to see Peyton vs. Eli, and you get the New York market involved early in the year. A win-win for every NFL fan.
Week 3
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
My take: I thought this should have been the MNF opener, but I'll take it in Week 3. Another solid rivalry, and the Jets are a hot team heading into 2010. Throw in Brandon Marshall and Rex Ryan and you've got a good matchup. Also, don't forget that New York audience.
Week 4
Chicago at New York Giants
My take: Do we need to see the Giants on SNF for the second time in three weeks? NBC must've really wanted to get the Chicago and New York markets because there is no need for the G-Men to be twice in three weeks. This could have been saved for later in the year.
Week 5
Philadelphia at San Francisco
My take: It might not be the greatest matchup on paper, but I like this selection. It is nice to see NBC get the Niners involved. San Fran has a good chance to make the playoffs this year, so this game is a refreshing choice. Plus, it will be Kevin Kolb's first SNF appearance as the Eagles starting QB.
Week 6
Indianapolis at Washington
My take: I know it is Peyton Manning and the Colts, but do we need to see them again this early in the year. Colts-Skins just doesn't have that certain appeal because it isn't a rivalry and traditional matchup. This isn't the best choice.
Week 7
Minnesota at Green Bay
My take: If Brett Favre comes back for 2010, then this selection is a homerun. NBC got shutout of the Favre-Packers matchups in 2009. One game went to ESPN, and the other game went to FOX. NBC will be doing backflips if Favre comes back for this one.
Week 8
Pittsburgh at New Orleans
My take: This should have been the Thursday Night opener, but we'll take it in Week 8. Big Ben will be back from suspension by this point in the season, and the game will feature the last two Super Bowl winners. Good selection by NBC.
Week 9
Dallas at Green Bay
My take: NBC is going to Lambeau for the second time in three weeks. This drives me nuts. FOX must have been screaming about losing this matchup. It is a good game, but we don't need to see GB again so soon. This could have been later on in the year.
Week 10
New England at Pittsburgh
My take: Two perennial AFC powers going at it from Heinz Field. Great setting and a great matchup.
Week 11
New York Giants at Philadelphia
My take: When NBC is in doubt, they go with a NFC East matchup. It is the same thing every year. They should give other teams a shot instead of these two.
Week 12
San Diego at Indy
My take: Finally, NBC gives the AFC West some love. Great matchup between the two best teams in the AFC last year. This is a solid choice by NBC, and it should be a great one.
Week 13
Pittsburgh at Baltimore
My take: It seems like every year Steelers-Ravens have at least one primetime game. There is good reasoning behind this decision because these teams always have great games against each other. Good selection by the peacock.
Week 14
Philly at Dallas
My take: Here we go with another NFC East matchup. NBC should spread the wealth around a little bit more. There is no need for another NFC East game on SNF.
Week 15
Green Bay at New England
My take: A great choice by NBC. You get Tom Brady and the Pats against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Two highly-touted teams in a big game late in the year. Nice work by NBC snagging this game away from FOX.
Week 16
San Diego at Cincinnati
My take: This game gets my vote for "Game Definitely Flexed Out in 2010." I would bet my mortgage that this game will be a victim of flex scheduling. If it doesn't get flexed, then it will be a snoozefest.
Week 17
TBD
My take: Here is the perfect scenario for NBC's Week 17 SNF game: San Diego at Denver. The Chargers and Broncos are both 10-5, and the winner takes the AFC West. The loser doesn't even get a wild card berth. Tim Tebow leads Denver to a blowout victory, and the Broncos get revenge for the 2008 SNF finale.
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