New Poll

At the begging of the season when we were like 3-0 I made this poll:
What will the Broncos 2008 record be?
10-6 (28%)
11-5 (36%)
12-4 (12%)
14-2 (4%)
More than 11 Wins (4%)
Less than 11 Wins (16%)
And so I guess most of us thought we'd end up about 10-6 or like 11-5. And now that's season is over I've made a new poll. Be sure to vote!

No more Hawaii Pro Bowl?

"Dolphins Stadium will play host to the 2010 Pro Bowl, one week before it plays host to Super Bowl XLIV.

The 2010 Pro Bowl will be played one week before the Super Bowl on Sunday, Jan. 31 and both games will be staged in Dolphin Stadium, the NFL announced Tuesday.
"We are looking at alternatives to strengthen the Pro Bowl," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "We will continue to work with the players to make it a great event and will evaluate this concept after the 2010 Pro Bowl." -nfl.com

What next?

As if the season was not bad enough, the Denver Broncos have just fired Mike Shanahan! I am shocked, disappointed, mad, furious, and crazy. I just don't believe it. We'll have photos from Shanahan's great career here on BZ shortly.

With only two loosing seasons, two Super Bowl victories, and countless future stars, as well as past starts, and numerous Pro Bowl starters. I didn't see this coming at all.

"After giving this careful consideration, I have concluded that a change in our football operations is in the best interests of the Denver Broncos," -- Pat Bowlen

“I’m disappointed, I’m shocked, I’m not happy about it, I’m not pleased with it at all, We had zero inkling this was going to happen. I didn’t have a clue...I think with the offensive staff we had, we were moving ahead, I had just met with Mike to go over everything, talk about the things we wanted to do, make sure we were going the right way on offense...I hope it all works out. But I know I’m disappointed, I’m not happy, and it’s a lot to think about. I just want to continue the things were able to do this year on offense and get better all the time.” -- Jay Cutler

Updates

Our 2009 schedule is out, and we'll have the 12th pick in the draft. This week we're not doing 'More on the game' but he's some pics along with who we will play next year:

Home: Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.

Away: Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins.

It's Hard To Not Fall In love W/ 'Em

It's so hard to not fall in love with, and get so attached to the Broncos tailbacks. For instance:

Michael Pittman, our goaling back, at the start of the season he packed out 4 rushing TD's -- as a 3rd string running back. Everybody was crazy over him. Then he went down and is on IR, I really missed him, and am wondering what will end up happening with him.

Andre Hall, I know you're thinking Andre Hall! He fumbles, bla, bla, bla. But, there was a time when we loved even him. Think back to last year, Selvin was out, and some other back was down too. Against the Titans the Broncos were forced to put in Hall, and his first carry he smashed for 60 yards and a huge TD. We went bonkers, we loved him. Now's a different story, but we did like him.

Ryan Torain, the Broncos coaches fell in love with in camp. And because of an injury we never got a chancen to till late into the season. Against the Browns his first start, he had 15 carries, 69 hard-earned-yards, and a TD. The game was about half way over, and we all thought he was awesome! But then he was hurt and now is on IR. I think he'll get another shot next year, and alot of fans hope so.

Selvin Young, he had some great break free ability, and we all like(d) him, then he went to IR.

Then came Peyton Hillis! In just six starts with the team he touched the ball 82 times, got 522 yards, and scored 6 touchdowns! We ALL fell in love with him! And we've been begging and pleading that he'd be the starter next year when he get's off IR. I think with him as starter, Torain as FB, and Pittman as 3rd down/goaling we'd be set to take on the world. I love Hillis and hope he has a great LONG career with Denver.

With all them going to IR the Broncos were left with Tatum Bell. And we even fell in love with him against the chargers last Sunday. He had 117 yard from scrimmage, and 2 TD's. And he looked like the old Tatum Bell. It brought back good memories. And now I'm even a little attached to Bell.

I'll hate when cut day comes. I've become so attached to nearly all of our 12 backs, It'll be so sad to see over half of them have to go. Oh well, this is life in the NFL.

8-8

Well lot's to talk about, but go'n to bed. Tatum Bell had 117 total yards with two scores.
Go Colts, overall go Dolphins!

Football Sunday

Ben Roethlisberger got hurt -- concussion I think, they had his helmet off and everything. The Cowboys are playing the Eagles now, I'm gonna go watch that, can't wait till 7 ET for Football Night In America, then SNF! Go Broncos!!

Broncos_Chargers Injury report:

Denver Broncos-Probable: T Ryan Clady (Ankle); TE Daniel Graham (Ankle); CB Josh Bell (Knee); LB Niko Koutouvides (Back); G Chris Kuper (Hand); FB/LB Spencer Larsen (Groin); S Marquand Manuel (Ankle/Leg); TE Chad Mustard (Knee); WR Brandon Stokley (Foot); CB Champ Bailey (Groin); T Ryan Harris (Back); WR Brandon Marshall (Hip); S Marlon McCree (Ankle); CB Karl Paymah (Groin); WR Eddie Royal (Thumb); LB D.J. Williams (Knee/Shoulder)

San Diego Chargers-Doubful: DT LB Brandon Siler (Foot); WR Malcom Floyd (Lung)-Probable:DT Jamal Williams (Foot); LB Anthony Waters (Hamstring)

Practice

'Wud you get?'

Had a great Christmas this morn'n, and among other things, here's what I got:
A sleeveless Bronco gym shirt...
A Denver Broncos 2009 Calendar...

A mini Broncos calendar with stats, and stuff...

Seen below is my dresser, the Jay Cutler bobble, the Champ Bailey card behind, and the Ryan Torain rookie card to the left of Champ are all new...

A John Lynch card....

Seen below the 'Hot Rookie' card is Eddie Roayl, seen in his #3 jersey which he had at that rookie photo shoot.

Salt and Pepper shaker's (for the fam)...

Above his the Warner Brothers Denver Broncos DVD, which includes a awesome John Lynch interview...

And, lastly, my fav, an incredible SIGNED TD football card! My cam ain't so great so it's hard to see, because of the glare, but here it is...

Singed in blue seen on the left.

So, wud you get?

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas, and happy holiday's. From both of us here at BZ. Hope'n you have a wonderful day and you get all the Broncos goodies that you wanted!

Steve and Matt join the squad

Head Coach Mike Shanahan has announced the (practice squad) signing of Running back Steve Baylark and wide receiver Matt Willis.In less serious news, congrats to BZ, this month has been the busiest month on Broncos Zone seen it was created.

Two more backs

The Broncos signed running backs Cory Boyd and Alex Haynes to the active roster Tuesday.

(Haynes seen above)

Has it been done?

I've been asked has a 9-7 NFL team ever made it to the Super Bowl?

Well, yes, the Rams (Los Angeles Rams then) were 9-7, back in '79. And, they also won the NFC West Division. They made it to Super Bowl XIV (14), but lost to the Steelers 31-19.

So yes, what the Broncos are trying to do has happened. (Besides the fact that the Rams lost, and the Broncos goal is to win). But, we really should not be worrying about this kind of stuff, we should just worry about getting into the playoffs.

Here is some of Los Angeles's stats, compared to some of Denver's stats:

Week 1 - Rams - Loosed to the Raiders

Week 1 - Broncos - Beat the Raiders

Passing Stats - Rams - TD 19 INT 29

Passing Stats - Broncos - TD 24 INT 16

Rushing Stats - Rams - TD 16

Rushing Stats - Broncos - 13

Two more backs to IR

"Head Coach Mike Shanahan announced in his Monday press conference that running backs P.J. Pope and Selvin Young will be placed on injured reserve. The team will be signing Cory Boyd back onto the active roster from the practice squad along with re-signing Alex Haynes, who was on the roster earlier in the season." -denverbroncos.comThis is our 7th RB('s) to go to Injured Reserve

BM Draft Blog

Over at Bronco Madness we will have a great LIVE blog going from 7-8pm (ET).

So be sure to check it out!

LIVE 2009 NFL Draft Blog

Flexed

Well as if this was not expected:
"NEW YORK -- The Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers will play for the AFC West title in prime time. Next Sunday's game between the rivals in San Diego has been moved from 4:15 p.m. ET to 8:15 p.m. and will be televised by NBC as part of the NFL's flexible scheduling." -nfl.com
This is cool, but our NBC does not come in as good as our CBS, so I'll have to fix some stuff.

Why, Why, WHYYYY?

Noooooo. Brandon WHY? What happened? Marsh needs to hold onto the ball. And Sto, I don't know, just why?

I actually feel good about going to San Diego. What a season. If we'd end it with a win against the Bolts IN San Diego to make the playoffs! We will be hyped - but of course the chargers will be too.

To win this next Sunday, we need Jay to play smart, and not get to emotional (if you know what I mean). And of course our WR's need to not fumble (and catch). And Tatum gotta prove he deserved the second chance Shanny gave him. And on 'D' --- OOOOOOOOH, I don't even wanna think about it. First off we need to pressure phillis and get him very 'off' if Elvis can smash him up and we get at him with some blitzes it will be easier for our secondary (which now has Champ Bailey back). And our LB's! Nate and D.J. are healthy so NO excuses, Jamie Winborn and Wesley are both good, so we have to stop the run. Against the Bills we really did not do all to bad, our 'D' line can't be leaving it up to the backers and corners to make plays (our safeties don't do anything). Man don't miss it! It'll be on every CBS - for sure. I'm hoping Dumervil we get at least 2 sacks, Champ has a pick (or 2) and our LB's shut down the run. While our offense gets the job done and finds a good 100+ rusher, and Jay controls himself.

I really don't know what to say. Just why? Let's just smash the chargers, I just wanna DESTROY them.

Eddie Royal has class

When asked if he wished he had made it to the Pro Bowl with Jay and Brandon he stated:

“Nah, it really is a team game, you know? If we get to the playoffs, I’ll be happy. Individual goals are great, but in the end you play to win championships.”

Marshall

Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler took 45 middle schoolers on a Wal-Mart shopping spree on the 18th.

Practice

After many reports from other sites that Clady and Kuper would maybe not be able to play Sunady, it looks like they will be. They both had a full practice today.

More on the game:

Though I hate to do this, I promised so, here's a game recap:

Cutler had 172 yards a TD, and a pick, Steve Smith played great and we got killed. Happy? I would go though the whole thing but, it's a waste of time. Because you would not get it, plus the point is we lost.

Here's from nfl.com gamecenter:
"It was over when ... Broncos kicker Matt Prater narrowly missed a 47-yard field goal try late in the third quarter. Denver never got back into scoring position as the Panthers used a lethal combination of running and defense to get the win and close in on the NFC South title. The Broncos lost a chance to win the AFC West."

Hawaii

Like I said before, more on the game, Pro Bowl and everything else is coming. Here's my thoughts on the Pro Bowl:

Of course y'all know Jay Culter and Marsh are going to the Pro Bowl. Every body's having a fit about Ryan Clady not making it. It because of the dumb fan voting, though we all like to vote, I think the Pro Bowl would be best without fan voting. Just let the Coaches, GM's [and maybe the players too] do all the voting for the Pro Bowl.

I wanted Jay, Champ, and Ryan to make it, I did not even think about Brandon. I'm actually surprised he made it. Bailey did not really have the best year, but injury has alot to do with that. And Jay really deserved to go. The thing I most happy about is PHILLIS did not make it!! I so glad we won't be seeing Philip Rivers in the Pro Bowl. Though I better not jinx us, a AFC QB could get hurt...

But anyway, Hawaii is not the place we wanna get - Tampa is, we really need a win this week.

USA Today update:

Sports Xchange, wire reports

I found out that Denver thought KC had beat SD last week, and then they figured they were in the playoffs, when really they were not. So that explains a little why they played they way they did. Shanahan stated '[I] did a bad job''.

"So, this week, USA Today Sports Xchange reported:
'The Broncos will try to keep the score of Sunday's Tampa Bay-San Diego game [a] secret. Denver clinches the AFC West with a win or a Chargers loss. The Chargers play an early game, and Denver has a late game. Coach Mike Shanahan said he doesn't want the score to appear on the stadium. 'Try to tale care of business and play our best game, not worry about something we can't control,' Shanahan said."

USATODAY.com

Update

The post have been a little scarce lately, especially for all that's going on, I've been very busy this week (and will be the whole week) so sorry for that. But, more on the Pro Bowl, Panthers Game, and everything else WILL be coming hopefully before the week...

Broncos quaterback Jay Cutler and wide receiver Brandon Marshall have been named to the American Football Conference roster for the annual AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, the National Football League announced Tuesday.Cutler, who leads the AFC and ranks third in the league with 3,851 passing yards, was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his three-year career. He is the third Broncos quarterback to be named to the Pro Bowl, joining John Elway, nine selections, and Brian Griese, one selection, and is the first Denver passer to receive the honor since Griese in 2000.Marshall, who is tied for fifth in the NFL with 88 receptions, was voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his three-year career and was named a starter for the game. He is the seventh Broncos wide receiver to be named to the Pro Bowl and the first since Rod Smith in 2005.

-denverbroncos.com

Broncos Fall

More coming...

Via denverbroncos.com...

The Broncos fell to the Carolina Panthers 30-10 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on Sunday. Denver struck first with a 7-0 lead, but the Panthers answered back. The teams exchanged blows but it was Carolina that kept its offensive momentum moving.
The Carolina offense received contributions across the board. Quarterback Jake Delhomme had 253 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Wide receiver Steve Smith had 165 yards and a touchdown. Running backs Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams each had a rushing touchdown. Kicker John Kasay had three field goals on the day.
The Broncos P.J. Pope had his first career touchdown reception on the team's only TD of the game, a 7-yard strike from Jay Cutler The Broncos have a two-game lead in the AFC West.
The loss moves Denver to 8-6 on the season. The team hosts the Buffalo Bills next week at INVESCO Field at Mile High. -Denver Broncos Offical Site

Broncos Youth Movement Is Very Successful

By Garrett Barnes

To think that only a year ago the Broncos were well known for their older team and big time free agency acquisitions. It had worked very well too until we got to the 2007 season where most of our big time free agents ended up being busts. It brought this feeling of urgency to the team. We could needed to start building from the draft.

The 2006 Draft had indeed brought some good players but we almost sort of gave up in the 2007 Draft due to the fact that we had great Free Agents. (The term great I use very loosely.) We did get Ryan Harris out of it but everyone else ended up being busts. The Broncos needed to bring some trust back to Denver.

That was why we needed the 2008 Draft to be a big hit. We knew we couldn't have a "dreamy" draft like 2006 where we exciting players that electrified the organization. That involved positions like QB, WR, DE, etc... That said looking back on the 2008 Draft. It seems a lot better than it did at the time. It was a B+ or a B in most eyes but now it is an A+!

By getting players like Ryan Clady and Eddie Royal we were able to give Cutler the tools he needed to become a star. It worked out alright and we are one of the top teams in the NFL due to that draft. This brings me back to the title and subject of this post. The Broncos are in the midst of a youth movement and it is the perfect example of how one should work.

Having a young 1st Round QB is the key in my opinion to a youth movement because you do need some excitement and I think that a youth movement should always be based around the QB. A QB can always bring out the best in a team. Also we got some young, hot Offensive Line players.

They are the cornerstone to be able to build up with the QB. With Ryan Clady, and Ryan Harris we did just that. When you mix that with a young pass rusher in Elvis Dumervil, and you put two amazing Wide Receivers (Marshall and Royal) on the same team not only do you have a better team but you have a bigger window to win a Super Bowl.

The Broncos are 8-5 and are doing very well. This is much thanks to the youth movement in Denver that has worked out so well. I do not think we will win a Super Bowl or maybe even a playoff game this year, but we do have the makings to have a Super Bowl winning team for next year or maybe later.

The following Broncos are 25 or younger. (I only put players who get noticeable playing time)Ryan Clady, Chris Kuper, Matt Prater, Tony Scheffler, Eddie Royal, Elvis Dumervil, Jay Cutler, Ryan Harris, Brett Kern, Spencer Larsen, Brandon Marshall, Selvin Young, Tim Crowder, Jarvis Moss, Marcus Thomas, Wesley Woodyard, Kory Lichtensteiger, Jack Williams, Cory Boyd, Chad Jackson, Josh Barrett, and Josh Bell.


Garret Barnes is the Co-Blogger for BZ, he is also the Editor, Administrator, and lead Bronco Madness blogger.