NFL Update: Steelers

NFL.com Wire Reports:

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will miss Sunday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens because of a concussion he suffered last week, a league source told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora. The development will force Dennis Dixon -- who has thrown only one pass in two NFL seasons -- to make his first NFL start in a game the Steelers might need to win to make the playoffs.

This is good news for Bronco fans, if Denver wants to make the playoffs the more the Steelers and Jaguars loose the better. The Baltimore Ravens lick their chops while preparing for the second year quarterback.

Sharpe, TD HOF Finalist

Via DenverBroncos.com:

On Saturday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 25 players, coaches and contributors who make up the modern-era semifinalist nominees for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2010.Former Broncos Terrell Davis and Shannon Sharpe are among the names on the list.The remaining 23 candidates are Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, Andre Reed, Cris Carter, Cliff Branch, Ray Guy, Dermontti Dawson, Russ Grimm, Roger Craig, Richard Dent, Chris Doleman, Charles Haley, Cortez Kennedy, John Randle, Kevin Greene, Rickey Jackson, Lester Hayes, Aeneas Williams, Steve Tasker, Art Modell, Paul Tagliabue and Don Coryell.Floyd Little was selected this past August by the Hall of Fame's Senior Selection Committee as an automatic finalist for next year's class of Hall of Famers.Former Broncos Steve Atwater, Karl Mecklenburg, Michael Dean Perry, Dan Reeves and Louis Wright were part of the initial list of nominees, though they did not make the list of semifinalists.For a full story on the former Broncos that make up the modern-era semifinalist nominees for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2010, click here.

Celebrating 50 Years Of Bronco Football, Fact #25

As we continue to celebrate 5o years of Denver Broncos football, here is today's Bronco fun fact:

The Broncos won seven consecutive postseason games in 1997 and 1998. That equals the third-longest string in NFL history.

Broncos Have A Happy Thanksgiving

The Broncos were at home on Thanksgiving, and have much to be thankful for. One thing they could be thankful for: A Brian Dawkins forced fumble, a Elvis Dumervil forced fumble, a Mario Haggan forced fumble, a Andre Goodman interception, and 2 sacks by Mr. Doom. On offense, Knowshon Moreno had a score, Orton hit a wide open Stokley for a score, and Matt Pratter was 4-for-4 on field goals. Denver dominated the whole game. It was very fun to watch. Denver allowed less than 60 rushing yards, and Eli was never able to score, and the Giants offense was shut down. It was a game that made Bronco fans proud to say "I bleed orange and blue!" The Broncos will have to finish the season strong to get into the playoffs. Enjoy the long weekend folks, Happy Thanksgiving. View more photos from the game on our facebook page!

Noteworthy:
Knowshon Moreno would have had 100 rushing yards, but left the game late with a hand injury. Denver fans have been wondering why the Broncos have not used Peyton Hillis more this year after his great rookie year last year. Tonight, Moreno was out and Buckhalter was shaken up, Hillis got a carry, but lost a yard. The defense had forced fumbles, sacks, and an interception. Elvis Dumervil has 14 sacks on the year. Eddie Royal left the game, and did not play in the second half, with a thigh injury. In the first half the Broncos were driving but 3 false start penalties forced them to settle for a field goal, this upset Josh McDaniels. NFL Network had a few glitches throughout the night (with wrong camera shots, and messed up audio) and they showed McDaniels on the sideline yelling at the offense quote: "We need to win the f*****game!" After a commercial, NFL Networks announcer said that NFL Network was extremely sorry, for playing that audio. The Broncos are back in the playoff race!

Orange Thursday

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Bronco fans! Enjoy your family, food, and football on the long weekend. As you sit back and watch the game tomorrow night, and when you are stuffing your face with food, be sure to wear orange. Because tomorrow is Orange Thursday. If you'd like you can even dye your hair orange. Whatever you do be sure you have orange on, and have a Happy Thanksgiving! Go Broncos!!!

Déjà vu?

In the Broncos most meaningful game this season they were a complete train wreck. And some say the Broncos are out of the race for the playoffs. You can vote if they still have a chance at the playoffs at DrewLitton.com. They fell to San Diego 32-3, in a game that looked much like our match with the Chargers at the end of last year.

Via DenverBroncos.com:

In their first divisional home game of the 2009 season, the Broncos had a chance to maintain their AFC West lead and sweep the season series with the Chargers. Hampered by three turnovers and nine penalties, Denver fell to San Diego, 32-3, at INVESCO Field at Mile High.The Broncos had little trouble finding their offensive rhythm on the opening drive of the game. Denver ran the ball on each of its first seven plays, picking up 57 yards on carries split between Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter. Facing 2nd and 8 from the San Diego 17-yard line, Shaun Phillips forced a fumble on Chris Simms, which was recovered by the Chargers. San Diego's offense then engineered a nine-play drive of its own, capped by a two-yard touchdown catch from Legedu Naanee. The Broncos defense kept the Chargers out of the end zone for the rest of the half, holding them to a pair of Nate Kaeding field goals.Trailing 13-0 at halftime, Denver again saw success on its opening drive of the half, thanks to the ground game. Moreno's career-high 36-yard run put the Broncos in business at the Chargers' 19-yard line. Denver pushed ahead to the five-yard line, but got no closer, settling for a 23-yard field goal by Matt Prater. Attempting to maintain the momentum, Prater tried an on-side kick on the ensuing play, but the Chargers recovered at the Denver 41-yard line. Five plays later, LaDainian Tomlinson had a 1-yard rushing touchdown to put San Diego ahead by three scores.

Broncos Chargers Preview

Orton, Simms, OR Branstater?

I know all Bronco fans would like to see Orton start Sunday, but it looks like that may not happen. And after last week nobody wants to see Chris Simms. The Broncos do have another guy, Branstater. The former Fresno State Bulldog had a 129.43 QB rating, to go with his 6,857 yards 47 career touchdowns in college. While Simms in 2005 with Tampa had 10 touchdowns (in 10 starts) against 7 interceptions, and he had 2,035 yards. I think everyone whould like to see Orton play, and I know if he can't McDaniels would put Simms in,but just for fun, if you were the coach, who would you put under center?
Go ahead and watch some film before you vote:

Practice Photos

Broncos_Chargers Injury Report

INJURY REPORT Denver Broncos vs. Chargers -- Nov. 22, 2009

Denver Broncos: Out: T Ryan Harris (Toe); RB LaMont Jordan (Back) Questionable: S Josh Barrett (Hamstring); QB Kyle Orton (Ankle) Probable: WR Brandon Marshall (Neck); RB Correll Buckhalter (Knee); WR Brandon Lloyd (Foot)

San Diego Chargers Out: C Nick Hardwick (Ankle) Questionable: T Jeromey Clary (Ankle); DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo (Ankle) Probable: TE Antonio Gates (Foot); DE Travis Johnson (Groin); OLB Shawne Merriman (Foot); OLB Shaun Phillips (Ankle); P Mike Scifres (Bilateral Groin); ILB Tim Dobbins (Knee)

Practice Photos

Orton Did Not Practice Again, Simms Is Ready

Kyle Orton again missed practice, while Josh McDaniels has said "We’ll continue working with him [Orton] and hopefully we’ll be ready to go on Sunday,” he also has this to say of Simms:
“Chris [Simms] had a good day (on Wednesday), I feel very good about the way he practiced. Mentally, he’s on top of the game plan, as is Kyle. I think any quarterback is going to benefit from the reps. I think he certainly did. As practice went on, you could see there’s a little juice to him and (he) got more confident. It was good to see that. We know he can do that. I think everybody has great confidence in him.”

Meanwhile in Buffalo, Scott Pitoniak of Two Bills Drive, reports the Bills are looking for a "high-profile coach" and Mike Shanahan of course fills that role. He also says the Bills should hire soon, not wait till the end of the year. While Shanahan has said he would like to coach in 2010, but not necessarily in 2009.

Practice Photos

Bronco Team Update

Kyle Orton did not practice today, as you can imagine, Chris Simms has been the quarterback. Here is the full injury report: Kyle Orton (ankle) Josh Barrett (hamstring), Ryan Harris (toe), LaMont Jordan (back) and Brandon Marshall did not practice. Correll Buckhalter (knee) and Brandon Lloyd (foot) had limited participation in the session.

In statistics, The Elias Sports Bureau has reviewed Dumervil's sacks from Sunday, and credited him with another half sack in the game, giving him 1.5 in the Redskins game, and 12 on the year. In other news, the Bills have contacted Mike Shanahan and would like to meat with him to possibly become the new head coach.

Bringing a Backfield Presence >> DenverBroncos.com

The Morning After

Monday is already (in my mind) the worst day of the week. It is the start of having to start up a whole new week, school starts up again, and you have to get up in the morning after a lazy weekend. If your team happens to go into the week after a loss, Mondays are even worse. This Monday morning I feel like I did after the Broncos last game in 2008. What could be worse than starting 6-0, then going 0-3. The Broncos face the Chargers next week, and the winner of the game will be in the lead for the AFC West race. The Chargers have won 4 straight, the Broncos have lost 3. Sound familiar? To make things worse, LaDainian Tomlinson is on fire, Klye Orton has a sprained ankle, and our run defense is awful. My dog can make me feel a little better, but the Broncos need to beat the Chargers Sunday, or I might die.

More On The Game:

The Broncos started out the game with the offense on fire. Two key things helped the Broncos create a balanced attack early. (1 Kyle Orton was throwing deep! (Yes, our dink-and-dunk Orton!) Kyle Orton had a 75-yard touchdown pass! Brandon Marshall and Kyle were going all out, with a great passing attack. (2 The Broncos used a fullback in the offense for the first time since Mike Shanahan was Head Coach. It sounds like a small thing, but the Broncos had 118 rush yards after having just 1 rushing yard in the whole second half last week. With the rushing game working and Orton playing smart the Broncos were playing balanced football.

Then, late in the 2nd quarter Orton hurt his ankle on a 3-yard scramble. The Broncos kicked a field goal to go up 17-14 at halftime, but it would be the last time they would score. In the second half the Broncos sent in Chris Simms, who played very poor. Simms was sacked, picked, and he only managed 13 passing yards. The team could not move the ball through the air, meanwhile the Redskins' Ladell Betts ran over our defense for 114 yards and a score. The Redskins pulled out all the tricks, and beat the Broncos 27-17. It was a sad day for Bronco fans, but now there will be no more Simms talk, Woody Paige you fail. The Broncos are now tied for the lead in the AFC West, and face the Chargers next week, the winner will be on top of the 'West. That's it from here, I am still bleeding Orange and Blue. View more photos from the game on our facebook page.

Going To Washington

Me and the fam are driving down to Washington from Pennsylvania, to watch the game! I'll try to get some photos and videos. Here in the Injury Report:

INJURY REPORT Denver Broncos at Washington Redskins -- Nov. 15, 2009

Denver Broncos Out: T Ryan Harris (Toe)Doubtful: S Josh Barrett (Hamstring)

Questionable: DL Ryan McBean (Knee)Probable: WR Brandon Marshall (Back)Washington

Redskins Out: TE Chris Cooley (Ankle); RB Clinton Portis (Concussion); T Mike Williams (Ankle)Questionable: RB Ladell Betts (Ankle); P Hunter Smith (Right Groin); CB Byron Westbrook (Knee); T Stephon Heyer (Knee)

Celebrating 50 Years Of Bronco Football Fact #24

As we continue to celebrate 5o years of Denver Broncos football, here is today's Bronco fun fact:

The Broncos' Simon Fletcher posted a sack in an NFL-record 10 consecutive games in a stretch of the 1992 and 1993 seasons.

Plan 'B'

Kyle stole my thoughts, scratch that, Kyle pointed out, this; Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno have not been producing the past couple of weeks (neither has Kyle Orton) and the Broncos rushing attack (and whole offensive attack) has been pathetic. So Bronco fans, I give you plan B:

It is the second year fullback (beast back) Peyton Hillis. He is one of the Broncos most amazing offensive players, yet he hardly ever is in the backfield. I have been saying all season just give the rock to Hillis. I don't know why the Broncos haven't. Hillis missed last week (rumored because he was at a funeral) but he is practicing this week, and will be ready to go Sunday. The kid even brought back the Mile High Salute! It's a sign, just give the ball to Hillis.

Transactions, And Practice Photos

In a press conference today, Josh McDaniels said Russ Hochstein will be replacing Ben Hamilton as the starting guard on the offensive line. In other news, the Broncos have been working on the run game (which has been very poor) and Woody Paige thinks Simms should start Sunday. In injury news, Brandon Marshall did not participate in practice, along with starters Ryan Harris, and Ryan McBean. Also, Clinton Portis will not be able to play Sunday. Enjoy your week Bronco fans, bring on the Redskins!

More To Brett Kern

The Broncos [former] punter Brett Kern started the year as the Broncos starting punter. And the Broncos started 6-0, then the Broncos let Kern go, and brought in Mitch Berger. Kern was quickly added to the roster of the 0-6 Titans. Since then, Broncos have gone 0-2, and the Titans are 2-0. Perhaps the Broncos never knew what they had.

Celebrating 50 Years Of Bronco Football, Fact #23

As we continue to celebrate 5o years of Denver Broncos football, here is today's Bronco fun fact:

Of the eight original founding AFL teams, only the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills have never moved from their original city.

Flightless Bird

The pre-season Eagle singing of Michael Vick sparked a hot topic in the NFL and sport world. Writers, fans and even Madden10 got into the Vick saga. Would the Eagles get protesters? Would Vick push McNabb for the starting job? Could Vick stay out of trouble? Many questions, and now half way into the season Vick has been all but forgotten. He is the Eagles 'Cat' in their own version of the 'Wild Cat' but Vick has been quite. He goes in about 1-to-5 times a game, and has 27 rush yards, and 6 pass yards. Some say the Eagles are not using Vick right, and many say that Philadelphia is not a Wild Cat team, and won't ever be. I think the Eagles could be hurting Vick's future career. From the drift that Vick gave NBC, it sounds like Vick does not like being an Eagle, and he does not like being Phillie's "Wild Cat". The Eagles did not hurt themselves or really gain anything from Vick, but Vick is not gaining anything while playing for the Eagles. If Vick's role doesn't change, his second stint in the NFL could be very short.

Broncos Fall To Steelers 28-10

For the second week in a row the Broncos were trampled on.Tyler Polumbus played poor, and was taken out of the game, and our offense line played horrific. Our offense did not have ANY kind of run game, and they did not score one touchdown, and the Steelers ran all over our defense. To make things worse, Kyle Orton is now hated in Denver, as he threw 3 interceptions (resulting in two Steeler touchdowns) and he missed many wide open receivers, and forced balls. It was ugly, and sad to watch, I'm moving on to the Redskins game.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

The Steelers are in town, and the AFC Clash is on prime time television. Here is the Injury Report:
INJURY REPORT Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Nov. 9, 2009
Denver Broncos Out: T Ryan Harris (Toe); DL Ryan McBean (Knee) Probable: S Josh Barrett (Hamstring); S David Bruton (Groin)
Pittsburgh Steelers Doubtful: DE Travis Kirschke (Calf); LB Lawrence Timmons (Ankle)Questionable: S Ryan Clark (Illness) And, Ty Law is expected to get some playing time.
It will be a great game. Kick off is in about 3 and one half hours away, so head over to ESPN and enjoy the game! If you don't get the game on tv, you can watch here. For more on the game, head over to DenverBroncos.com. Go Broncos!!!

Welcome To Denver Ty Law

The Broncos signed vet Cornerback Ty Law, to make room the team let Jack Williams go.