The 2-4 Broncos head to Arizona to take on the 1-5 Cardinals. Not exactly the thriller that FOX had for this week's Thursday Night Football game. The Broncos need to win to keep their season somewhat meaningful. A loss tonight could put the nail in the coffin of Vance Joseph. Of course I want to see the Broncos win, but even if they win, they are doing anything this season. They head to KC next week, so they will be 3-5 after eight games. They aren't going on a run the second half of the season-especially with two games against the Chargers, one against Pitt, and one against Cincy. If they lose tonight, then maybe John Elway admits the mistake of hiring VJ, and puts him out of his misery. We'll see, but I can't trust the Broncos to win a road game since they are 1-9 under Vance Joseph and haven't won a road game since December of 2016.
Prediction: ARIZONA (+1) over Denver
Final Score: Cardinals-24 Broncos-17
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Broncos Can't Get Past Rams, Lose Fourth in a Row
The Broncos didn't get blown out on Sunday, and they were able to mount a comeback against the Rams but ultimately they fell 23-20 after they couldn't recover the onside kick in the waning moments. It was the fourth loss in a row for the Broncos and they now stand at 2-4, and the hot seat under head coach Vance Joseph just got engulfed in flames. It is starting to look like 2017 all over again, and if it doesn't get fixed soon, there are going to be heads that will roll in Denver. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game...
1) This sequence just about sums up everything that is wrong with this Broncos team. Trailing 6-0, Case Keenum hits Emmanuel Sanders for a deep ball that appears to be a touchdown. Sanders scores, then points his finger at the cornerback of the Rams, and then draws a taunting penalty. The play is reviewed and it shows that Sanders was actually down by contact at the one, but the penalty stands and now the Bronocos don't get the touchdown, and have to start from the 16 instead of having the ball at the one. Of course, Denver settles for a field goal and makes it 6-3 instead of taking a 7-6 lead.
2) The Broncos were down 13-3 with 39 seconds left in the half and they faced a 4th and 3 from the Rams 39 yard line. VJ elected to go for it, and Case Keenum got sacked. Now, the Broncos defense bailed them out by forcing a punt, but it was a risky move by VJ. I don't have that much of an issue going for it but the playcall was awful. They needed three yards, and the receivers all ran downfield routes. What an awful call and execution as Devontae Booker missed the blitzer. Just bad football all around.
3) The Broncos offensive line is pretty bad. Garrett Bolles holds every game, they can't give Keenum time, and its a bad mix. Keenum holds the ball too long and the team is terrible in the red zone. They ran a fade to Jeff Heuerman in the endzone in the 4th quarter when they were attempting to comeback. It's a bad line, with a below average QB, and spotty playcalling. That's why they are struggling on offense.
4) The Broncos run defense got gashed once again-this time by Todd Gurley. Gurley ran for 208 yards, and the Broncos simply couldn't stop him. They did a nice job on Jared Goff and the passing attack, but got overrun by Gurley, and that proved to be the difference. I can't believe how bad their run defense has been the last two weeks.
5) On a positive note, Bradley Chubb had three sacks and played well throughout. Von Miller also added a sack and the Broncos had six on the day. An interception by Darian Stewart off a deflection got the Broncos back in the game after a Keenum pick in the 3rd quarter. The defense certainly isn't where it needs to be but they did a pretty good job at times on the Rams offense.
6) I never thought the Broncos were going to win this game, but they did make it close in the 4th quarter, and they had chances throughout the game to take the lead and take the game over, but they couldn't do it. It is a fourth straight loss and at 2-4, it looks like another lost season. They head to Arizona to take on the 1-5 Cardinals this Thursday night. If they lose, I think Vance Joseph is gone, but even if they win to get to 3-4, they still have a trip to Arrowhead to take on the Chiefs next week. Do you really think this team and this coaching staff are going to turn this thing around this year? Part of me wants them to lose to see it get blown up now, but a part of me wants them to win to keep this season competitive. The sad part is the losing is becoming the norm now for Broncos fans, and that is something that hasn't ever lasted in my lifetime as a fan.
1) This sequence just about sums up everything that is wrong with this Broncos team. Trailing 6-0, Case Keenum hits Emmanuel Sanders for a deep ball that appears to be a touchdown. Sanders scores, then points his finger at the cornerback of the Rams, and then draws a taunting penalty. The play is reviewed and it shows that Sanders was actually down by contact at the one, but the penalty stands and now the Bronocos don't get the touchdown, and have to start from the 16 instead of having the ball at the one. Of course, Denver settles for a field goal and makes it 6-3 instead of taking a 7-6 lead.
2) The Broncos were down 13-3 with 39 seconds left in the half and they faced a 4th and 3 from the Rams 39 yard line. VJ elected to go for it, and Case Keenum got sacked. Now, the Broncos defense bailed them out by forcing a punt, but it was a risky move by VJ. I don't have that much of an issue going for it but the playcall was awful. They needed three yards, and the receivers all ran downfield routes. What an awful call and execution as Devontae Booker missed the blitzer. Just bad football all around.
3) The Broncos offensive line is pretty bad. Garrett Bolles holds every game, they can't give Keenum time, and its a bad mix. Keenum holds the ball too long and the team is terrible in the red zone. They ran a fade to Jeff Heuerman in the endzone in the 4th quarter when they were attempting to comeback. It's a bad line, with a below average QB, and spotty playcalling. That's why they are struggling on offense.
4) The Broncos run defense got gashed once again-this time by Todd Gurley. Gurley ran for 208 yards, and the Broncos simply couldn't stop him. They did a nice job on Jared Goff and the passing attack, but got overrun by Gurley, and that proved to be the difference. I can't believe how bad their run defense has been the last two weeks.
5) On a positive note, Bradley Chubb had three sacks and played well throughout. Von Miller also added a sack and the Broncos had six on the day. An interception by Darian Stewart off a deflection got the Broncos back in the game after a Keenum pick in the 3rd quarter. The defense certainly isn't where it needs to be but they did a pretty good job at times on the Rams offense.
6) I never thought the Broncos were going to win this game, but they did make it close in the 4th quarter, and they had chances throughout the game to take the lead and take the game over, but they couldn't do it. It is a fourth straight loss and at 2-4, it looks like another lost season. They head to Arizona to take on the 1-5 Cardinals this Thursday night. If they lose, I think Vance Joseph is gone, but even if they win to get to 3-4, they still have a trip to Arrowhead to take on the Chiefs next week. Do you really think this team and this coaching staff are going to turn this thing around this year? Part of me wants them to lose to see it get blown up now, but a part of me wants them to win to keep this season competitive. The sad part is the losing is becoming the norm now for Broncos fans, and that is something that hasn't ever lasted in my lifetime as a fan.
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Broncos-Rams and Week 6 Picks!
The Broncos come home to Mile High after a terrible loss at the Jets last week and on a three game losing streak at 2-3. The Rams come into town 5-0 and the best team in the NFC. The Broncos are big underdogs at home and the weather is calling for snow and 30 degree temps. I think the only advantage the Broncos have in this game is the weather and the homefield. How the hell is Vance Joseph and Joe Woods going to find a way to outcoach Sean McVay and the Rams offense? I can't see it happening. The Broncos are in for a rough one, and I think the Rams will pull away in the second half and send the Broncos to their fourth straight loss.
LA Rams (-7) over DENVER
Final Score: Rams-30 Broncos-20
Now onto the picks for Week 6...
Last Week's Record: 9-5-1
Overall Record: 36-34-6
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
MINNESOTA (-9) over Arizona: The Vikings are 2-2-1 and coming off a big win over the Eagles last week. They blew a bad one at home to the Bills earlier in the season, and I don't see it happening to the 1-4 Cards this week.
LA Rams (-7) over DENVER
Final Score: Rams-30 Broncos-20
Now onto the picks for Week 6...
Last Week's Record: 9-5-1
Overall Record: 36-34-6
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
MINNESOTA (-9) over Arizona: The Vikings are 2-2-1 and coming off a big win over the Eagles last week. They blew a bad one at home to the Bills earlier in the season, and I don't see it happening to the 1-4 Cards this week.
CLEVELAND (+1) over LA Chargers: Interesting game in the AFC this week. The Browns are 2-2-1 after a big win over the Ravens last week, and the Chargers are 3-2 but have to come all the way to Cleveland in the early window. I think the Browns will find a way to beat the Chargers and get to three wins.
MIAMI (+4) over Chicago: Everything points to a Bears win here, but I have a feeling that the Dolphins will pull the upset at home.
WASHINGTON (-1) over Carolina: I think the Redskins will rebound after getting blown out against the Saints last week. I think the Panthers aren't a great road team, and the Skins win a close one.
Indy (+3) over NY JETS: Andrew Luck finds a way to keep the Colts in the game and wins it late on a last minute drive.
CINCY (-2) over Pittsburgh: I think the Bengals are the best team in the AFC North and I think they prove it once again with a big home win over the Steelers.
ATLANTA (-3) over Tampa Bay: Atlanta is more desperate at 1-4 and they need the win badly. I can't see them losing three in a row at home.
Seattle (-3) over Oakland (London): The first London game of the year and the Seahawks will take care of business and send the Raiders to 1-5.
Buffalo (+10) over HOUSTON: No way this Texans team should be favored by 10 points over anyone-even the Bills.
Jacksonville (-3) over DALLAS: Jacksonville's defense will be too much for the Cowboys offense. Look for the Jags to get back on track and get to 4-2.
TENNESSEE (+3) over Baltimore: This is a pretty big game in the AFC. I like the Titans at home as a home underdog in this spot. I still don't trust the Ravens on the road.
Kansas City (+4) over NEW ENGLAND: It is hard to bet against Belichick and Brady at home on a Sunday night, but I think the Chiefs will do enough to find a way to win the game.
GREEN BAY (-9) over San Francisco: The 49ers look done at 1-4 and are probably headed for a top five pick in the draft. The Packers are shaky and Aaron Rodgers is still banged up, but they should find a way to win the game easily at home on MNF.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Broncos Get Embarrased by Jets 34-16, Fall to 2-3
The Broncos got buried in the Meadowlands on Sunday by the Jets 34-16. It was about as an embarrassing of a performance I have seen from them since......last year! They got gashed on the ground and they gave up big play after big play. It was another terrible road performance for this team, and it leaves them at 2-3 with the Rams coming to town on Sunday. It was a bad loss that makes me think we are headed for a repeat of 2017. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....
1) The Jets ran the ball all over the Broncos defense. They had over 500 yards in total offense, and ran for 323 yards! That is just crazy. Isaiah Crowell had 219 yards rushing and Bilal Powell had 99 yards. It was an ass-kicking up front that I haven't seen on the Broncos run defense in a long time.
2) The game turned on this sequence. After Denver recovered a Jets fumble and Case Keenum found Courtland Sutton for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead, Crowell broke a 77 yard run for a TD to tie it at 7. Then, the next series Sam Darnold hit Robbie Anderson for a 76 yard TD to take a 14-7 lead. You can't give up or even recover from giving up TD plays over 70 yards.
3) The Jets pretty much put the game away when Darnold hit Anderson with a 35 yard TD with only 1:13 left in the half. That gave the Jets a 21-10 and that was pretty much it for the Broncos.
4) The only glimpse of hope after that was when Sutton took a short pass from Keenum and raced down the sideline deep into Jets territory down 24-10 in the 3rd quarter, but the play was called back due to a ticky-tack pass interference call on Sutton.
5) This game was an embarrassment and it leaves the doubt that the Broncos are just not a good team. They are now 1-9 under Vance Joseph on the road. They have lost their road games by an average of 16 points, and they have the most double-digit losses of any NFL team in the year and a half since VJ took over. The Broncos are in a bad way right now and they are looking at a second straight awful season.
6) There is no confidence in Vance Joseph, the defensive staff, and Case Keenum right now. The Broncos defense gets outcoached every week, VJ is lost as a HC, Joe Woods is not a good fit as DC, the defensive players are openly questioning the coaching staff, and the team is a mess. Case Keenum is a backup and playing like it. He is just not the answer, and we are headed for another brutal year offensively. I know that a season can turn on a dime, but do you have any confidence in the Broncos this week-even at home-with the 5-0 Rams coming to town? Although the Rams are banged up, I can't see Sean McVay being outcoached by VJ and Joe Woods. The Broncos are in trouble once again by mid-October-just like last year.
1) The Jets ran the ball all over the Broncos defense. They had over 500 yards in total offense, and ran for 323 yards! That is just crazy. Isaiah Crowell had 219 yards rushing and Bilal Powell had 99 yards. It was an ass-kicking up front that I haven't seen on the Broncos run defense in a long time.
2) The game turned on this sequence. After Denver recovered a Jets fumble and Case Keenum found Courtland Sutton for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead, Crowell broke a 77 yard run for a TD to tie it at 7. Then, the next series Sam Darnold hit Robbie Anderson for a 76 yard TD to take a 14-7 lead. You can't give up or even recover from giving up TD plays over 70 yards.
3) The Jets pretty much put the game away when Darnold hit Anderson with a 35 yard TD with only 1:13 left in the half. That gave the Jets a 21-10 and that was pretty much it for the Broncos.
4) The only glimpse of hope after that was when Sutton took a short pass from Keenum and raced down the sideline deep into Jets territory down 24-10 in the 3rd quarter, but the play was called back due to a ticky-tack pass interference call on Sutton.
5) This game was an embarrassment and it leaves the doubt that the Broncos are just not a good team. They are now 1-9 under Vance Joseph on the road. They have lost their road games by an average of 16 points, and they have the most double-digit losses of any NFL team in the year and a half since VJ took over. The Broncos are in a bad way right now and they are looking at a second straight awful season.
6) There is no confidence in Vance Joseph, the defensive staff, and Case Keenum right now. The Broncos defense gets outcoached every week, VJ is lost as a HC, Joe Woods is not a good fit as DC, the defensive players are openly questioning the coaching staff, and the team is a mess. Case Keenum is a backup and playing like it. He is just not the answer, and we are headed for another brutal year offensively. I know that a season can turn on a dime, but do you have any confidence in the Broncos this week-even at home-with the 5-0 Rams coming to town? Although the Rams are banged up, I can't see Sean McVay being outcoached by VJ and Joe Woods. The Broncos are in trouble once again by mid-October-just like last year.
Friday, October 5, 2018
Broncos-Jets and Week 5 Picks!
Every game in the NFL is big, but some games feel more important than others. The Broncos have one this week. They are 2-2 and coming off a tough loss on Monday Night Football to the Chiefs. Now, they have to go all the way East to take on the Jets in the Meadowlands in the early window on Sunday. Should the Broncos win this game? Yes, they should but it will be tough because the Broncos have not played well on the road in a few years. With that said, they simply can't lose to the Jets this week. With the Rams in two weeks and a trip to KC at the end of the month, the Broncos can't lose this game and fall to 2-3. They can't come out flat, they can't lose to a rookie QB, and they have to get out of there with a win on Sunday. I'm not so sure Vance Joseph and this crew can be counted on at any point.
Prediction: NY JETS (-2) over Denver
Final Score: Jets-23 Broncos-17
Now, onto the picks for Week 5................
Last Week's Record: 7-5-3
Overall Record: 27-29-5
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
CLEVELAND (+3) over Baltimore: The Browns are 1-2-1 and could be 4-0. I think the home crowd will be pumped up, and I'm always worried about the Ravens and Joe Flacco on the road.
KANSAS CITY (-3) over Jacksonville: Very interesting game in the AFC in Arrowhead. I think this game will be close, but I'll take the Chiefs at home to outlast the Jags.
Tennessee (-3) over BUFFALO: I still don't know how the Bills beat the Vikings a couple of weeks ago. At 1-3, they host the 3-1 Titans. I've been impressed by the Titans so far this year, and I think they keep it rolling with a road win.
CAROLINA (-5) over NY Giants: Nothing makes me think the 1-3 Giants are going to go into Carolina and beat the Panthers. I think the Panthers will have a field day with the Giants and take care of business at home.
PITTSBURGH (-3) over Atlanta: Huge game for both teams on Sunday. The Steelers come in at 1-2-1 and the Falcons come in at 1-3. I don't have a great feel for this game, but I just can't see the Steelers losing their third straight home game to start the year.
DETROIT (+2) over Green Bay: At 2-1-1, I don't really love what the Packers have done so far this year. The Lions are 1-3 but have looked better since their Week 1 debacle. I have a feeling the Lions will play well this week at home and get the win.
CINCY (-5) over Miami: Miami is 3-1 after getting killed by the Pats last week. Now, they head to Cincy to take on the 3-1 Bengals after Cincy beat the Falcons late on the road last week. I think the Bengals are just too much for the Dolphins in this game.
Oakland (+7) over LA CHARGERS: Don't trust the Chargers with a significant point spread as a favorite. They are just too unreliable. Look at last week in their win over the Niners. The Raiders are 1-3, but I think they will keep this game close in LA.
PHILLY (-3) over Minnesota: Good game in the NFC in the late Sunday afternoon slot. I think the Eagles will get back on track. At 2-2, everyone is worried about them, but I think they will be fine. This should be a good test, but I think they will outlast the Vikings.
Arizona (+4) over SAN FRANCISCO: I have a feeling the 0-4 Cardinals get off the hook and go into SF and beat the Niners. I think Josh Rosen gets his first win as a NFL QB, and I think the 1-3 Niners are feeling the effects of losing Jimmy G to a torn ACL. I don't see them recovering.
SEATTLE (+7) over LA RAMS: Interesting game in the NFC West. I think the Rams win the game, but I could see Seattle giving them everything they can handle.
HOUSTON (-3) over Dallas: The Battle of Texas is on Sunday Night Football this week. The Texans are 1-3 after a crazy OT win over the Colts last week. The Cowboys are 2-2 after a late win over the Lions. I think the Texans get to 2-3 with a win over their in-state rival.
NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Washington: The Saints are 3-1 and look like they are rolling on offense. I think they will be too much for the Redskins to handle on Monday Night Football in the SuperDome.
Prediction: NY JETS (-2) over Denver
Final Score: Jets-23 Broncos-17
Now, onto the picks for Week 5................
Last Week's Record: 7-5-3
Overall Record: 27-29-5
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
CLEVELAND (+3) over Baltimore: The Browns are 1-2-1 and could be 4-0. I think the home crowd will be pumped up, and I'm always worried about the Ravens and Joe Flacco on the road.
KANSAS CITY (-3) over Jacksonville: Very interesting game in the AFC in Arrowhead. I think this game will be close, but I'll take the Chiefs at home to outlast the Jags.
Tennessee (-3) over BUFFALO: I still don't know how the Bills beat the Vikings a couple of weeks ago. At 1-3, they host the 3-1 Titans. I've been impressed by the Titans so far this year, and I think they keep it rolling with a road win.
CAROLINA (-5) over NY Giants: Nothing makes me think the 1-3 Giants are going to go into Carolina and beat the Panthers. I think the Panthers will have a field day with the Giants and take care of business at home.
PITTSBURGH (-3) over Atlanta: Huge game for both teams on Sunday. The Steelers come in at 1-2-1 and the Falcons come in at 1-3. I don't have a great feel for this game, but I just can't see the Steelers losing their third straight home game to start the year.
DETROIT (+2) over Green Bay: At 2-1-1, I don't really love what the Packers have done so far this year. The Lions are 1-3 but have looked better since their Week 1 debacle. I have a feeling the Lions will play well this week at home and get the win.
CINCY (-5) over Miami: Miami is 3-1 after getting killed by the Pats last week. Now, they head to Cincy to take on the 3-1 Bengals after Cincy beat the Falcons late on the road last week. I think the Bengals are just too much for the Dolphins in this game.
Oakland (+7) over LA CHARGERS: Don't trust the Chargers with a significant point spread as a favorite. They are just too unreliable. Look at last week in their win over the Niners. The Raiders are 1-3, but I think they will keep this game close in LA.
PHILLY (-3) over Minnesota: Good game in the NFC in the late Sunday afternoon slot. I think the Eagles will get back on track. At 2-2, everyone is worried about them, but I think they will be fine. This should be a good test, but I think they will outlast the Vikings.
Arizona (+4) over SAN FRANCISCO: I have a feeling the 0-4 Cardinals get off the hook and go into SF and beat the Niners. I think Josh Rosen gets his first win as a NFL QB, and I think the 1-3 Niners are feeling the effects of losing Jimmy G to a torn ACL. I don't see them recovering.
SEATTLE (+7) over LA RAMS: Interesting game in the NFC West. I think the Rams win the game, but I could see Seattle giving them everything they can handle.
HOUSTON (-3) over Dallas: The Battle of Texas is on Sunday Night Football this week. The Texans are 1-3 after a crazy OT win over the Colts last week. The Cowboys are 2-2 after a late win over the Lions. I think the Texans get to 2-3 with a win over their in-state rival.
NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Washington: The Saints are 3-1 and look like they are rolling on offense. I think they will be too much for the Redskins to handle on Monday Night Football in the SuperDome.
Thursday, October 4, 2018
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