Thursday, November 15, 2018
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Week 10 Picks!
Here are my quick picks for Week 10.............
Last Week's Record: 9-4
Overall Record: 68-56-7
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
Last Week's Record: 9-4
Overall Record: 68-56-7
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
Detroit (+7) over CHICAGO:
CINCY (+5) over New Orleans:
Atlanta (-4) over CLEVELAND:
TENNESSEE (+7) over New England:
Jacksonville (+3) over INDY:
KANSAS CITY (-15) over Arizona:
NY JETS (-7) over Buffalo:
TAMPA BAY (-3) over Washington:
OAKLAND (+9) over LA Chargers:
GREEN BAY (-8) over Miami:
Seattle (+10) over LA RAMS:
PHILLY (-6) over Dallas:
SAN FRANCISCO (-3) over NY Giants:
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Broncos Suffer Brutal Loss to Texans, Fall to 3-6
Sunday's 19-17 loss at the hands of the Houston Texans in Denver felt like the end of the road for the 2018 Broncos and most likely their head coach. The Broncos blew a game that they should have won and fell to 3-6, which means they are not making the playoffs this year unless they embark on an amazing run. There were different parts of the game that contributed to the loss, but here are my thoughts and observations on the loss....
1) Demaryius Thomas returned to Denver a week after being traded to the Texans and he had 3 catches for 61 yards right off the bat. It was kind of symbolic that he was able to do that right away, and it was fitting that he got involved early in the game against the Broncos.
2) This game was lost in two sequences. The first one came near the end of the first half. The Broncos had the ball and faced a 4th and 9 from the Houston 44 with 18 seconds left and instead of punting, Vance Joseph had Brandon McManus attempt a 62 yard field goal. Naturally, McManus missed it, and the Texans completed two passes down to the Denver 28 which set up a 44 yard field goal right before the half ended. VJ decided to ice the kicker, who missed the first attempt, but then made the second one, and the Texans led 16-10 going into halftime. VJ should have never went for the long field goal there-especially with 18 seconds left. If there was 3 seconds left, then fine, give it a shot, but not with enough time to give the Texans the ball bake and chance to score. That was a terrible job by Joseph and it would play a factor later on.
3) Vance Joseph then officially cost the Broncos the game with his decision making at the end. The Broncos converted two 4th down plays, one on a great throw by Case Keenun to Emmanuel Sanders on a 4th and 8, and now they had the ball at the Houston 37 with 43 seconds left. After a 5 yard pass to Jeff Heuerman, the Broncos still had a timeout or the option to spike the ball. Instead they huddled up, and decided to run the ball up the middle with Philip Lindsay and he actually lost a yard. They then called a timeout with a few seconds left and settled for a 51 yard field goal by McManus. Naturally, McManus missed the kicked wide right, and the Broncos lost 19-17. Why not try to get closer? Why not take a deep shot on the sideline? Why just settle for a 51 yarder? Once again, it was just a horrific display of coaching and game management by VJ.
4) It is obvious that Vance Joseph is in over his head as a NFL head coach, and he is not intellectual enough to handle this position. His decisions blew this game on Sunday and it cost the Broncos this season. He doesn't deserve to be back next year, and he should be fired at the end of the season. This was the final nail in the coffin for VJ.
5) For the second straight year, the Broncos are 3-6 and their season is over by early November. This team is not going anywhere this year, and there is no need to fire VJ now, just do it at the end of the year. It is not like a coaching change is going to spark the team and get them on a run. That never works in the NFL. The Broncos need to continue to play some young guys the rest of the year, and start to look at drafting a QB early in the draft next year and groom that guy behind Case Keenum for one year. The VJ era will thankfully be over after Week 17, and now is the time to start thinking about 2019.
1) Demaryius Thomas returned to Denver a week after being traded to the Texans and he had 3 catches for 61 yards right off the bat. It was kind of symbolic that he was able to do that right away, and it was fitting that he got involved early in the game against the Broncos.
2) This game was lost in two sequences. The first one came near the end of the first half. The Broncos had the ball and faced a 4th and 9 from the Houston 44 with 18 seconds left and instead of punting, Vance Joseph had Brandon McManus attempt a 62 yard field goal. Naturally, McManus missed it, and the Texans completed two passes down to the Denver 28 which set up a 44 yard field goal right before the half ended. VJ decided to ice the kicker, who missed the first attempt, but then made the second one, and the Texans led 16-10 going into halftime. VJ should have never went for the long field goal there-especially with 18 seconds left. If there was 3 seconds left, then fine, give it a shot, but not with enough time to give the Texans the ball bake and chance to score. That was a terrible job by Joseph and it would play a factor later on.
3) Vance Joseph then officially cost the Broncos the game with his decision making at the end. The Broncos converted two 4th down plays, one on a great throw by Case Keenun to Emmanuel Sanders on a 4th and 8, and now they had the ball at the Houston 37 with 43 seconds left. After a 5 yard pass to Jeff Heuerman, the Broncos still had a timeout or the option to spike the ball. Instead they huddled up, and decided to run the ball up the middle with Philip Lindsay and he actually lost a yard. They then called a timeout with a few seconds left and settled for a 51 yard field goal by McManus. Naturally, McManus missed the kicked wide right, and the Broncos lost 19-17. Why not try to get closer? Why not take a deep shot on the sideline? Why just settle for a 51 yarder? Once again, it was just a horrific display of coaching and game management by VJ.
4) It is obvious that Vance Joseph is in over his head as a NFL head coach, and he is not intellectual enough to handle this position. His decisions blew this game on Sunday and it cost the Broncos this season. He doesn't deserve to be back next year, and he should be fired at the end of the season. This was the final nail in the coffin for VJ.
5) For the second straight year, the Broncos are 3-6 and their season is over by early November. This team is not going anywhere this year, and there is no need to fire VJ now, just do it at the end of the year. It is not like a coaching change is going to spark the team and get them on a run. That never works in the NFL. The Broncos need to continue to play some young guys the rest of the year, and start to look at drafting a QB early in the draft next year and groom that guy behind Case Keenum for one year. The VJ era will thankfully be over after Week 17, and now is the time to start thinking about 2019.
Friday, November 2, 2018
Demaryius Thomas Traded, Broncos-Texans Preview, and Week 9 Picks!
Before I delve into the Broncos-Texans game this coming week, I want to take time to address the Demaryius Thomas trade to Houston. Thomas was traded to Houston for a 4th round pick at the trade deadline on Tuesday. The teams also trade 7th round picks as well. Thomas is obviously a great Bronco, and he will one day be in the Broncos Ring of Fame. He is declining a bit as a player, and the Broncos were looking to get Courtland Sutton into the lineup more. Also, it was hard to think that the Broncos were going to bring Thomas back next year on a salary that owed him $14 million. I'm old enough to understand that it is a business and I know players are going to go to other teams, but it still sucks to see him go. DT will always be one of my favorite Broncos and I will never forget how dominant he was when Peyton Manning arrived in Denver from 2012-2015. I will also never forget the touchdown pass he caught from Tim Tebow on the first play of overtime in the 2011 Wild Card game against Pittsburgh. I've watched that play like a million times on YouTube over the years. It's sad to see him go, and it will be tough to see him in another uniform, but the NFL is a harsh business and this was a business decision.
This week's game against Houston features Thomas coming back to Denver as a Texan. It will be weird to say the least, and I think he will be able to give some intel on the Broncos, but how much that makes a difference is unknown. I think the Texans are playing better with Deshaun Watson getting healthier, and I have a feeling they will come into Denver and play well. I still can't trust the Broncos or Vance Joseph to win a must win game, which this game clearly is.
Prediction: Houston (Pick) over DENVER:
Final Score: Texans-26 Broncos-18
Now, onto the picks for Week 9......
Last Week's Record: 8-6-0
Overall Record: 59-52-7This week's game against Houston features Thomas coming back to Denver as a Texan. It will be weird to say the least, and I think he will be able to give some intel on the Broncos, but how much that makes a difference is unknown. I think the Texans are playing better with Deshaun Watson getting healthier, and I have a feeling they will come into Denver and play well. I still can't trust the Broncos or Vance Joseph to win a must win game, which this game clearly is.
Prediction: Houston (Pick) over DENVER:
Final Score: Texans-26 Broncos-18
Now, onto the picks for Week 9......
Last Week's Record: 8-6-0
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
Chicago (-9) over BUFFALO: The Bears can go to 5-3 with a win over the hapless Bills, who are 2-6 and have to turn to Nathan Peterman at QB again with Josh Allen and Derek Anderson both injured. Look for the Bears to get it done in Buffalo.
Kansas City (-8) over CLEVELAND: The Browns fired Hue Jackson after a 2-5-1 start to the season. With Baker Mayfield struggling right now, I can't see the 7-1 Chiefs stubbing their toe on road this week.
MIAMI (-3) over NY Jets: The Dolphins might be the crappiest 4-4 team in NFL history and they host the 3-5 Jets this week. I think Miami will win the game and get to 5-4, but you can't take them seriously as far as playoff contenders go.
MINNESOTA (-5) over Detroit: The Vikings come in a 4-3-1 after getting buried at home to the Saints last Sunday night. The Lions are 3-4, so this is a big game in the NFC North. I like the Vikings to get back on track with a big win on Sunday.
Atlanta (+3) over WASHINGTON: The 5-2 Redskins lead the NFC East, but I kind of like this matchup for the Falcons. I could see Atlanta giving the Skins some problems on defense, and I think this is a shootout. I'll take the Falcons to get to 4-4.
CAROLINA (-5) over Tampa Bay: The Bucs are 3-4 and now go back to Ryan Fitzpatrick after benching Jameis Winston. Look for a solid victory by the Panthers at home as they improve to 6-2.
BALTIMORE (-3) over Pittsburgh: The Ravens have fallen to 4-4 while the Steelers are 4-2-1. I have a feeling that Baltimore finds their way in this one at home and takes down their rival for the second time this year.
SEATTLE (-3) over LA Chargers: Seattle is 4-3 and host the 5-2 Chargers. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out, but I like the Seahawks at home in front of their fans to get to 5-3.
NEW ORLEANS (+3) over LA Rams: The marquee game of the week in the NFC features the 6-1 Saints hosting the 8-0 Rams. I think this could be a shootout, and it should be, and I like the Saints to outlast the Rams in what could be a NFC Title Game preview.
Green Bay (+7) over NEW ENGLAND: Great game on Sunday Night Football as the 6-2 Pats host the 3-3-1 Packers. Aaron Rodgers vs. Tom Brady. It will be fun to watch and I'm picking the Packers because I think they will cover and will win it outright.
Tennessee (+4) over DALLAS: Both teams come in at 3-4, so the loser is going to be 3-5. I think the Titans will win it late. I still don't trust the Cowboys and their offense. Look for a low scoring affair either way.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Broncos Fight Hard But Fall to Chiefs 30-23
The Broncos entered Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday against the Chiefs as big underdogs. Although the game went back and forth and the Broncos kept it close, ultimately the Chiefs were too much and they defeated Denver 30-23. The loss drops the Broncos to 3-5 at the halfway point, and it will be an uphill climb the rest of the way to make the playoffs. The Broncos had the lead early, 7-0, and they had the game at 16-14 going into the half. The Chiefs offense was too much for Denver in the early third quarter, and another round of sloppy mistakes and penalties was too much for the Broncos to overcome. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....
1) The Broncos played hard, but couldn't overcome bad penalties and sloppy play once again. These penalties kill this team each week. Two big runs by Philip Lindsay for over 20 yards were called back. There were the key holding penalties on the offensive line once again, and the usual undisciplined penalties on the defense. It is the same story every week-especially on the road. It is so frustrating because the Broncos actually could have pulled this game out.
2) One key sequence was getting a TD right before the half to make it 16-14, but three possesions later it was 30-14 in the third quarter. Case Keenum hit Tim Patrick for the touchdown pass right before the half, and then you thinking to yourself that the Broncos are back in it and have a shot. The next thing you know it is 30-14 after two KC possessions. That is how deadly that offense has become.
3) Another key sequence was the section of the game where Denver scored to make it 30-20 late in the third quarter. After Keenum hit Jeff Heuerman on a 4th and goal touchdown, the Broncos missed the two-point conversion and the game was 30-20. After forcing a KC punt, Denver then turned it over on two straight possession. First, Keenum fumbled on a drive that they were moving the ball. Then, Keenum got picked off after Justin Simmons picked off Pat Mahomes. That was their shot to pull the upset. Keenum showed why is simply Kyle Orton 2.0 in that sequence. He has to protect the ball at all costs and get points, and the Broncos couldn't do it.
4) Close doesn't count in the NFL. No one cares about moral victories either. Yes, the Broncos went into Arrowhead and played the Chiefs tough for the entire game. Yes, they showed some fight and didn't quit, and proved they were a tough out, but the bottom line is that they still lost and that is all that matters. There are no style points in the NFL.
5) The Broncos now at 3-5 must win next week at home against Houston to keep their very slim playoff hopes alive. I don't think anyone is expecting this team to get on a run in the second half of the season and go something like 10-6, but if they want to keep something alive for this year, then they have to win Sunday and get to 4-5.
1) The Broncos played hard, but couldn't overcome bad penalties and sloppy play once again. These penalties kill this team each week. Two big runs by Philip Lindsay for over 20 yards were called back. There were the key holding penalties on the offensive line once again, and the usual undisciplined penalties on the defense. It is the same story every week-especially on the road. It is so frustrating because the Broncos actually could have pulled this game out.
2) One key sequence was getting a TD right before the half to make it 16-14, but three possesions later it was 30-14 in the third quarter. Case Keenum hit Tim Patrick for the touchdown pass right before the half, and then you thinking to yourself that the Broncos are back in it and have a shot. The next thing you know it is 30-14 after two KC possessions. That is how deadly that offense has become.
3) Another key sequence was the section of the game where Denver scored to make it 30-20 late in the third quarter. After Keenum hit Jeff Heuerman on a 4th and goal touchdown, the Broncos missed the two-point conversion and the game was 30-20. After forcing a KC punt, Denver then turned it over on two straight possession. First, Keenum fumbled on a drive that they were moving the ball. Then, Keenum got picked off after Justin Simmons picked off Pat Mahomes. That was their shot to pull the upset. Keenum showed why is simply Kyle Orton 2.0 in that sequence. He has to protect the ball at all costs and get points, and the Broncos couldn't do it.
4) Close doesn't count in the NFL. No one cares about moral victories either. Yes, the Broncos went into Arrowhead and played the Chiefs tough for the entire game. Yes, they showed some fight and didn't quit, and proved they were a tough out, but the bottom line is that they still lost and that is all that matters. There are no style points in the NFL.
5) The Broncos now at 3-5 must win next week at home against Houston to keep their very slim playoff hopes alive. I don't think anyone is expecting this team to get on a run in the second half of the season and go something like 10-6, but if they want to keep something alive for this year, then they have to win Sunday and get to 4-5.
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