Broncos asking Fans for Support in Season Finale

The 2010 NFL season hasn't gone the way the Broncos--or their fans--have wanted it to, that is certain. But the team is aiming to finish the season 2-0 and get some good momentum heading into the 2011 season.

"To have back-to-back wins — and both at home, as well — would be great for us, just as far as our momentum and trying to carry that into the weight room and our training in the offseason," said Broncos starting Quarterback Tim Tebow." Also, I think it would be a great thing for the fans too — to show them that we were able to bounce back a little bit at the end and try to finish the season on a good note and try to get ready to hopefully have a good season next year."

To help them finish off the season on a positive note, the Broncos know they'll need the help of the fans.

"We are going to need everybody on this to finish the season, including the fans at INVESCO (Field at Mile High) who really helped us through the Houston game," said Broncos Interim Head Coach Eric Studesville on Wednesday. "We are going to need them back out again too, because we are going to need everybody to finish this thing the right way and in a positive way."

So if you weren't planning on going to the game Sunday, you'd better make a change of plans! The Broncos don't want to close out the 2010 season playing in front of a half-empty stadium; display your Bronco pride and Be There on Sunday!

Don't have tickets to the game, or can you simply not afford them? We've got a solution! Our Broncos Game Tickets TiqIQ Widget (TiqIQ is a ticket data company that tracks ticket prices and availability for all major sporting events and aggregate and compare listings from sites like StubHub, eBay, Ticketsnow and TicketNetwork, doing all the work for you -- finding the best seat for the best price), has 5,828 tickets to the Broncos game against San Diego still available -- with some selling for as cheep as $20 dollars!

They have 334 unsold tickets for sections 104, 105, and 106 (right behind the Broncos bench), some priced as low as $107! There's plenty of other great deals to be found as well.

The Broncos Need you to be at the game on Sunday, and it's your choice whether or not you'll be there. To see more game tickets and their prices, go check out our widget on our sidebar or simply click here.

Around the Web: Lots of Love for Tebow and Lloyd

What's the moral of the above image? "Teams have to know the character of who they are dealing with," as says Mr. Lloyd himself.

Wide Receiver Brandon Lloyd is coming off a fantastic Pro Bowl season, and he has a special message for the teams that gave up on him earlier in his career.

Meanwhile, following his first NFL home start in which he threw for over 300 yards and scored twice, Broncos rookie quarterback Tim Tebow has been nominated for two NFL weekly awards.

It just so happens that Tebow was mic'd up for that comeback win, you can watch highlights of him wired for sound by clicking here. If you're hungry for more, you can go here for some other field and lockeroom video highlights of the game.

Rounding out our Tebow/Lloyd mania for the day, enjoy theses highlights of Lloyd's 2010 season:

Harris and Kuper Snubbed From the Pro Bowl

On Tuesday, the NFL announced the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl rosters for the AFC and NFC teams. The lone Bronco to have made the cut was wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, who's been having a fantastic season and is well deserving of the honor. However, after looking over the stats, at least two more Broncos were also deserving.

Left Tackle Ryan Harris has started 10 games this season, being penalised only twice and allowing 3.25 sacks. Miami's Right Tackle Jake Long started 15 games, being penalized 8 times and allowing 5.0 sacks. Of course one might say you can't draw comparisons of stats of two players that haven't started the same amount of games, and that's a logical conclusion seeing as Harris started five less games due to injury. Mathematically though, if Harris had started all 15 games, he would have allowed 4.88 sacks and that's still less than Long's total of 5.0 (if he had kept the same pace he's had this season). He's also hasn't been called for a holding penalty all season (a penalty that plagues offensive linemen), whereas Long has been penalised for holding 4 times in 2010. From those statistics, I'd conclude that Harris had just as good of a season of Long, and was at least worthy of being considered for a Pro Bowl induction.

Another comparison of offensive linemen, consider this; Bronco offensive guard Chris Kuper has started 14 games this season, being penalised 4 times while allowing 4.o sacks. Compare those numbers to those of New England's guard Logan Mankins who's started 8 games this season has allowed 3.5o sacks and has been penalised 3 times. At that pace, Mankins would have allowed 7 sacks this year had he played through the whole season. Clearly, this is a case of the name-player being chosen over the one who is truly deserving. Kuper was snubbed from making his first Pro Bowl appearance.

In my humble opinion, both Kuper and Harris (along with Champ--the best run supporting cornerback in the NFL--Bailey) deserved at least a lot of consideration for the Pro Bowl, and all three were snubbed.

Tim Tebow is re-writing the record books

On Sunday, the Denver Broncos found themselves down 0-17 at halftime, trailing the Houston Texans at home. It looked as if the Broncos were en route to losing a 6th straight game; rookie quarterback Tim Tebow would have none of that, however.

Re-energized by the play of the Tebow-led offense, the defense stepped up in the second half, holding the Texans offense to just 6 points (off two field goals) in the last 30 minutes, giving Tebow a chance to win the game.

Down by 17, the Broncos battled back until the score was 23-17 in the fourth quarter. With just over seven minutes left in the game, Tebow led the offense down the field and ran for a six yard touchdown, exhilarating the crowd. The extra point gave the Broncos a one point, 24-23 lead with a few minutes left in the game.

On the Texans following possession, Houston was driving before Brian Dawkins tipped a pass into the air, and rookie cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson intercepted it, giving the Broncos a victory following three QB-kneels by Tebow.

In the process of it all, Tebow broke several quarterback, rookie, and Bronco records. Including:

• The most passing yards in a game (308) by any Bronco quarterback making his first home start.

• The first rookie quarterback since the NFL merger to lead a 17 point comeback in his first home start.

• The most passing yards in a game by a rookie quarterback since John Elway in 1983.
  

• Tebow also averaged 19.3 yards per completion, which is the 2nd best yards-per-completion average in Bronco history for one game.

• Tebow has thrown for and rushed for a touchdown three times this season, tying him for third among all NFL quarterbacks in that regard, and Tebow is the only one of the three to have just two starts.

• Tebow also owns the 10th best yards-per-carry average (4.4) among all NFL rookies this season (minimum 24 carries), leads all rookie quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns (5) and yards (133), and is tied for second among all rookies this season for rushing touchdowns.
  

Merry Christmas, Broncos Country!

All of us here at Broncos Zone would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a wonderful new year!

The Broncos held a regular practice yesterday but will start practice later today so the players and coaches will get to spend some time with their families, as we hope you are getting a chance to do this Christmas season.

Please join us in taking this time to be grateful for friends, family, the brave service men and woman who serve our country, and the One that Christmas is all about.

Once more, have a very Merry Christmas! GB²

Video: Vic Lombardi on Tim Tebow

Larsen to Injured Reserve, Tebow to get More Opportunities

On Wednesday, the Broncos will return to the practice field in preparation for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans.

Running back Knowshon Moreno (ribs), and kicker Matt Prater (groin) were the only two players who did not participate in practice. Meanwhile, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (ankle), safety Brian Dawkins (knee), and quarterback Kyle Orton (ribs) all returned to practice, on a limited baisis however.

Before the players and coaches took to the practice field though, Interim Head Coach Eric Studesville and starting Quarterback Tim Tebow met with the media for Wednesday's press conference.

Coach Studesville first announced that starting fullback Spencer Larsen has been placed on the injured reserve for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury, and that offensive lineman Stanley Daniels had been added to the 53-man roster to fill the roster.

Larsen is in his third year with the team and has played in eleven games (started five) for the Broncos at fullback. Paving the way for Moreno and the other backs in the running game, Larsen has also contributed on the ground and through the air, rushing 3 times for 18 yards while catching 5 passes for 51 yards and one touchdown.

Since there are no other fullbacks on the Broncos roster, Tight End Daniel Coats will most likely play the position on Sunday.

Offensive guard Stanley Daniels, though 26 years old, has never been on an active roster prior to joining the Broncos this season. Earlier in the year Daniels started in four games, being penalized only once while allowing just 1.50 sacks. When the offensive line was healthy again, the Broncos needed some roster space and cut Daniels, signing him to the practice squad just three days later. He'll now provide the Broncos with some more depth to the offensive line.

To replace Daniels on the practice squad, reportedly, the Broncos singed linebacker Dominic Douglas, who played in four games with the Rams last season.

Quarterback Tim Tebow noted that after watching the film from Sunday's he's concluded he thinks he has improved in some areas while others, most notably footwork, still could use some work.

"I think some things have definitely improved," Tebow said. "[And] I think other things I still have to work on. There were times in the pocket, where my (footwork) could have been a lot better. Sometimes my footwork in the running game could have been a lot better. My fakes … I could be a lot more polished. So, there are a lot of things I have to work on to improve and that is starting now."

(Photos courtesy of Gabe Hiatt/DenverBroncos.com)

Prior to Tebow's press conference, coach Studesville hinted that after watching the film from the game in Oakland last week, there'll be less restrictions for Tebow on Sunday, and that they're going to let him "do more" (of everything, including throwing) this week at home.

"We are going to let Tim do more," said coach Studesville. "Just because of what we know from him from this past week and the ability that we saw in him this past week in what he did. We are going to try and do whatever we can to win the football game. It is not a matter of how much of the playbook he can get or how much he can handle. We are going to try and do the things that we feel like give us the best chance to win the football game."

Sunday’s game starts at 2:05 (MTD) and will be broadcasted on CBS.

Broncos Name Tebow Starter, Make two Roster Transactions

The Denver Broncos on Monday announced that they had claimed cornerback Chevis Jackson off waivers from New England, waiving linebacker Kevin Alexander to make room on the 53-man roster.

Interestingly, the Patriots waived Jackson after promoting fellow cornerback Tony Carter from the practice squad. New England acquired Carter on September 7th after Denver waived him. So in essence, the Broncos and Patriots basically straight up traded Carter for Jackson, without doing so.

A graduate of LSU, Jackson is in his 3rd year in the NFL, now with his 5th team. From 2008-2009, Chevis played in 31 games for the Falcons (starting three) recording 60 tackles and an interception. This season he's been on the rosters of both the Jaguars and Patriots, while not recording any statistics.

In other news, today during a press conference, Broncos Interim Head Coach Eric Studesville announced that rookie quarterback Tim Tebow will start against the Texans this week. He noted that the decision was partly made due to the severity of Kyle Orton's rib injury and that he talked with Owner Pat Bowlen and COO Joe Ellis this morning and suggested that starting Tebow was the best move for the team and that both Bowlen and Ellis agreed.It is speculated that Tebow will also start in week 17 against the Chargers. Both this week and next are home games.

You can find the best game tickets at unbeatable prices for the Broncos two remaining matches on our TiqIQ widget which is located on the right sidebar. Alternately, you can simply click here.

Photos in this post were used courtesy of the Associated Press.

Four Observations: Oakland 39, Denver 23

Today in Oakland California, the Denver Broncos fell to the Raiders 39-23. Here are four observations on the game:

1. The Broncos' run defense is atrocious and the whole defense itself was playing with no heart whatsoever. The Raiders' Jacoby Ford took a handoff 71-yards for a score on their first play of the game, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Denver finished the game allowing over 250 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.


2. The Broncos' run game is atrocious without Knowshon Moreno who went down with a side injury early in the game. Quarterback Tim Tebow ended up leading the team in rushing yards (rushing 8 times for 78 yards), while running backs Lance Ball and Correll Buckhalter combined for 23 yards off 21 carries. The offensive line's blocking certainly didn't aid the backs much, nor did Denver's playcalling.


3. The conservative playcalling of Mike McCoy/Eric Studesville was atrocious and ultimately probably cost the Broncos the game. With 8:21 left in the fourth quarter the Raiders had a 7-point lead and pinned the Broncos down on their own 6 yard line. Earlier in the game Tebow had showed poise and made some nice throws, the Broncos however instead of giving Tebow the chance to lead the team down to tie the score, chose to call two running plays back-to-back, when the running game had been failing all game long (as mentioned above). Vic Lombardi noted; This game was supposed to be all about developing and cultivating a young quarterback. And yet, the Broncos shielded him with run calls with the game on the line. It was an unacceptable decision by Studesville and has placed him on Bronco fans bad sides.


4. There were positives among them, Tim Tebow. The rookie quarterback was solid in his starting debut, going 8-of-16 for 138 yards and a score while rushing for 78 yards and a score. What's more, he took care of the ball and made good decisions in the passing game. Another positive, receiver Brandon Lloyd proved he can get it done even without Kyle Orton under center. Lloyd caught 4 passes for 79 yards and a 33-yard touchdown pass. A last minute fill-in for Matt Prater who went down with a groin injury last week, kicker Steve Haushka started last week against the Cardinals and again this week against Oakland. The 25-year old scored 11 points for the Broncos while making a 46-yard long field goal.

Although the Broncos lost the game in a heart-breaking fashion, Tebow and the Broncos did give fans something to cheer about, and that's something that they haven't been able to do for much of this season. Denver will face the Houston Texans at home next Sunday at 2:05 pm (MDT).

A Tale of Three Quarterbacks

In an unnamed NFL Draft not too long ago, there was a quarterback prospect who put up incredible numbers during his collegiate career. For now, we'll call him QB1. Despite his outstanding college run, NFL Scouts and NFL General Managers questioned his lack of arm strength and his unorthodox side-arm throwing motion. He ended up being drafted in the first round, but started no games as a rookie (while throwing a few passes including one that went for a score). Sitting on the bench and down the depth chart behind a veteran putting up Pro Bowl numbers, there were a lot of questions and rumors going around about the fate of QB1.

Before we continue the story of QB1, let us first move on to QB2. Said quarterback entered a different NFL Draft, often acclaimed to be the most Pro-Ready quarterback of his draft class, with many mocks having him going in the top 10 selections. Alas, he fell into the second round before being drafted by an unnamed team. He didn't start the season as his team's starter, but after the team's starter suffered a concussion, he got his first chance to play, and two weeks later, was named the starting quarterback. Over the next three weeks, QB2 completed only 47% of his throws, threw three interceptions and one touchdown while fumbling seven times, earning him a 52.2 passer rating. This quarterback, who had so much hype of becoming a great NFL quarterback, was thrust into the starting role for a struggling team with a dismal defense and with a lot of pressure on him to succeed. He was benched after three starts, only to be promoted to starter again three weeks later. Over his next four starts, he was sacked 14 times and threw three interceptions while throwing no touchdown passes. As a result of all this, his confidence is all but lost and NFL scouts who have seen him play say he has regressed from the experience. His footwork is off because he's constantly facing a pass rush that's in his face and his decision-making gets worse as the pressure, and losses, mount.

That's all we'll note on QB2, now we move on to our final quarterback -- QB3, who very closely resembles QB1 in a variety of ways. This quarterback entered an unnamed NFL Draft with a lot of talent and unimagineable college numbers. Despite his performance at the collegiate football level, scouts questioned his quarterback intangibles (such as footwork and throwing motion), and many believed he wouldn't be drafted before the 3rd round of the draft. He ended up going in the first however, and like QB1, he sat on the bench behind a quarterback who was putting up nice numbers in all but a few games of the season. To many fans' dismay, QB3 may not get to start one game as a rookie -- something QB1 didn't do until his 3rd year in the NFL.

If you haven't figured it out by now, QB1 is none other than San Diego's Phillip Rivers, QB2 is Carolina's Jimmy Clausen and QB3 is the one and only Tim Tebow. To summarize it all, in 2004 the Chargers drafted Rivers (looking over his unconventional throwing motion knowing he could be groomed into a good quarterback with time), the Denver Broncos drafted Tim Tebow in 2010 with the same mindset, and the Panthers drafted Jimmy Clausen the same year.

The moral of the story of this; starting a rookie quarterback who isn't ready (or in some cases, like Clausen's case, thought to be ready but really isn't), is not always the best solution. Starting Tebow now could prove to be detrimental to his career, and though many will argue with this, Kyle Orton is not the problem. Yes, he is not the solution, but having one of the worst defenses and rushing attacks in the NFL certainly aren't helping him, and definitely wouldn't help Tebow out at all.

So before you join the ranks of Bronco fans who have boycotted the Broncos until Tebow starts, consider first that Aaron Rogers, Phillip Rivers and Tom Brady all sat out their rookie seasons under veteran quarterbacks, watching and learning.

Don't expect Urban Meyer to join the Broncos

On Wednesday, University of Florida Head Coach Urban Meyer, who some considered a potential candidate in the Broncos search for a new head coach, stepped down from his current coaching position at UF, presumably for good.

Last year about this time, Meyer quit coaching due to health concerns (and was later diagnosed with having esophageal spasms), but decided to come back a day later. This time, it doesn't look like he'll be returning to Florida.

"I have been a Division I football coach for the last 25 years and during that time, my primary focus has been making a difference in the lives of the young men I have been so fortunate to have coached and building championship programs," Meyer said in a statement. "At this time in my life, however, I fully grasp the sacrifices my 24/7 profession has demanded of me, and I know it is time to put my focus on my family and life away from the field. The decision to step down was a difficult one. But, after spending more than two decades motivating and celebrating the young men I've been so proud to coach, I relish the opportunity to cheer for my three terrific kids as they compete in their own respective sports."

Given his health issues and desire to spend more time with his family, its unlikely he'll be coaching again any time soon. His statement hasn't stopped the rumors and suspicions from piling up however, as many speculate the Broncos will pursue him (or already have), and that he'll rejoin Tebow in Denver and lead the Broncos to countless Super Bowl winning seasons.

Right.

Backing up my realist view is Adam Schefter, who tweeted:

An ESPN Insider, Schefter is known for being in the know, and is not often proved to be wrong. One exception however, was when he stated that Pat Bowlen would never pay three Head Coaches at one time and that Josh McDaniels was safe through 2011. That doesn't cancel out all the times he's been right however, and its safe to trust him on this one.

Two hours prior to Schefter tweeting about Meyer to Denver rumors, Senior ESPN Analyst Chris Mortensen also tweeted that Meyer "will not be coaching Denver next season."

Following in the mindset of Mortensen and Schefter, ESPN AFC West Blogger Bill Williamson noted, "There is more to the Denver Broncos than Tebow, although the team has plenty of interest in him and it will want to hire a coach who is interested in continuing his development. But Denver wouldn’t fire McDaniels just for the chance to secure Meyer.

"Meyer is walking away from Florida to take a breather, not to increase the pressure in his life. So, the whole the timing is interesting, connecting the dots on this one is off base."

So while leaving Florida would give him an opportunity to pursue coaching in the Pro's, it's unpractical to think (or hope) that he will in 2011.

Photos used in this post were used courtesy of Getty Images.

Broncos Fire McDaniels, Promote Eric Studesville

Earlier today, Denver Broncos President and CEO Pat Bowlen announced he has relieved Josh McDaniels of his head coaching duties.

Through 28 rocky games, McDaniels led the Broncos to a 11-17 record, tarnished the teams image in SpyGate II, and made many personnel transactions that angered fans and perhaps contributed to Denver's recent demise.

That said however, he had his positives. In his second year, with the Broncos and McDaniels, Kyle Orton has been putting up career numbers, Receiver Brandon Lloyd has had a stellar year, and McDaniels draftees Knowshon Moreno, Tim Tebow, Zane Beadles, J.D. Walton, Perrish Cox, Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas show great promise and could contribute greatly to the Broncos for years to come.

After fans continued to vocalize their displeasure in McDaniels, however, Mr. Bowlen finally made the move. "My decision to relieve Josh McDaniels as head coach was not taken lightly," Bowlen said in a statement. "I will always be appreciative of his passion, enthusiasm and hard work, and I thank him for his efforts. In the end, I was not satisfied with the results and the derection this team was headed. The decision to make a change was extremly difficult but one that had to be made for this organization and our fans."

To fill-in for the Broncos as Head Coach for the last four games of the 2010 season, the Broncos have named running backs coach Eric Studerville as the interim coach.

Running back Lance Ball, pleased by perhaps McDaniels firing, or Studerville's promotion (or maybe both), had this to say (via twitter): "Aye this [is] the closest thing to [President Barack] Obama being elected president !!!! #nfl Let's Gooo !!!" He went on to add, "Don't get me wrong guys.. I think Josh is great !! But I guess u don't really understand how I feel. #thatsall"

Rookie Quarterback Tim Tebow took a different approach, tweeting: "Thank you for everything you did for me Coach McDaniels, including drafting me into this great organization. I wish you nothing but the best." He then added, "We fully support Coach Studesville ... He will do a great job in his new position and will make Broncos fans proud of this team! GB2"

Wanting to finish the season on a high note, Studesville hasn't taking the promotion lightly. "I am very appreciative of the trust that Mr. Bowlen and the entire Denver Broncos organization have shown in me," Studesville said in a statement.

"Although the circumstances that this opportunity resulted from are unfortunate, I am excited to lead this football team. We have a great group of players and coaches who are committed to finishing the season on a promising note and making our fans proud of this team."

(Photo Courtesy of Eric Lars Bakke / DenverBroncos.com)

Knowing McDaniels is not the only one deserving blame, Bowlen has taken it upon himself to apologise to the fans for the Broncos poor performance of late, and to assure fans that the Broncos will get back to their winning ways. "Everyone, myself included, is accountable for our disappointing season and is now responsible for restoring the culture of winning that has been established by this franchise," Bowlen said. "Our entire organization is completely focused on returning to the level of prosperity that our fans expect and deserve from the Denver Broncos."

The teams official site noted that Coach Studesville will be available to the media on Tuesday at 11 a.m. MST, and it will be streamed live on DenverBroncos.com.

Time for Broncos, Fans to Show True Colors

When you're 3-8, it's easy to make excuses and play the blame game. The Denver Broncos however have chosen not to do so. It's about time the fans joined them.

What kind of fans are we? Most fans commenting on the facebook page seem to be fair weather fans, that is to say, they're supportive when everything is going well, but turn on the coaches and players ever so quickly as soon as things go wrong. And that's somewhat understandable, but unacceptable when you don't know everything that is factoring into the Broncos having a rough (very rough), stretch, and claim to be a die-hard Bronco fan.

Doesn't our Orange and Blue blood run deeper than the skin? Is it all for show when the team is doing well and becomes known as just an act when the Broncos lose?

Taking the "Fire Josh McDaniels" and "get rid of Kyle Orton" routes are the easy ways to go; perhaps they do need to go, but at least have some class when making your opinion in the matter known. Be respectful of the organization, coaches and players, please! Seriously, is this the way Bronco fans really are?

Becky McKernan--probably better know as 'Mrs. Barrel Man'--had this to say, "Whatever happened to [the] die hard fans that are Bronco fans through and through? No one can be a winner all the time and believe me, my late husband Tim [and I] sat through our number of disappointing games, but the true Bronco fan supports them bad times and good."

It is hard to be supportive of the players and coaches when it seems like, in our point of view, that they are doing everything in their power to destroy the franchise, but those who still are supportive (or, at the very least respectful of the organization), show their true Orange and Blue colors.

To all those who have stuck it out and not taken every opportunity to bad mouth the team, I salute you. To those who have been on a negative rampage of late, I ask, what is being a Bronco fan all about? Sticking with the team no matter the circumstances is pretty high up on my list of what being a Bronco fan is all about. Where is it on yours?

Photos used in this post were used courtesy of Getty Images.

Happy Thanksgiving, Bronco Nation!

The above cartoon is courtesy of DrewLitton.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

On behalf us all of us here at Broncos Zone, we would like to wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving season!

Take today to forget about the Broncos woes and indulge yourself with turkey, potatoes and pumpkin pie before vomiting it all up during the backyard football game of the year.

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Someday, We'll Miss the Blue Jerseys

Orange Mania is sweeping across Bronco Nation. Fans everywhere are calling for the Broncos to switch back to the Orange Jerseys.

One ambitious Bronco fan even started a petition at www.BringBackBroncosOrange.com, hoping to acquire enough signatures for the Broncos' Pat Bowlen to take notice. The fans are not alone, Head Coach Josh McDaniels has also endorsed the idea of switching back to Orange. McDaniels however can't make that decision, Owner Pat Bowlen would have too.

It is starting to look more and more like a real possibility though, as Andrew Mason of MaxDenver.com writes, "From working in two NFL organizations, I can tell you — what fans say when they come together as a collective DOES make a difference. The teams do hear you."

Earlier this year the NFL announced that, as of April 2012, Nike will be the manufacturer of NFL uniforms. Chances are, if Denver hasn't changed it's uniform by then, they probably will. Shortly after the NFL's switch from Reebok to Nike was announced, Nike's Brand Design President Charlie Denson had this to say in an interview, "We plan on changing the NFL jersey dramatically just like we've done with the college programs, using new thinking and the greatest technology available. The NFL program hasn't had the same type of advancement in recent years." From the sound of that, the Broncos new uniforms could end up looking something like this.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for it, I would love for the Broncos to switch to the Alternate Orange Jerseys (or create a whole new Orange design). Just consider yourself warned. If the Broncos do make the switch, someday we'll miss the Blue.

Human nature is to always want what you don't have, which, at the moment, is the Orange jerseys. There's a lot of historical moments in Bronco history that involves Orange, and that's part of the reason so many fans are pushing so hard for the Broncos to return to Orange. Another reason however, simply is we've gotten used to (and bored of) the blue jerseys. We've seen the Blue week-in and week-out (every home game anyway). So when the Broncos switch it up and wear alternate jerseys, it's exciting.

In the same way, try to picture seeing the Broncos in Orange each and every week, then to switch things up, they wear alternate blue for a home game. Perhaps I'm only speaking for myself, but I believe that'd be almost as exciting as when the team brings out the Orange Alternates -- simply because it's a change from the norm. After a few seasons, we could be in the exact opposite situation we are right now -- bored of the Orange and looking for something different and historical, like say, maybe a jersey we won two Super Bowls in.

I could be wrong, but I bet you anything I'm not.

Broncos Knock Down Division-Leading Chiefs, 49-29

On his 28th Birthday, Broncos Quarterback Kyle Orton's first three Touchdown passes helped Denver jump out to a 21-0 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter. From there, the Broncos proceeded to pile up the points - and stats.

Orton would finish the game completing 22 of 34 attempts, throwing for 296 yards and a career high four Touchdowns. Feeding off the impressive aerial attack, the Broncos rushing attack finally came to life against the Chiefs. Second year Running Back Knowshon Moreno rushed for 106 yards off 22 carries, his first 100 yard rushing performance of his career. Wide Receiver Eddie Royal and Fullback Spencer Larsen also got in on the Broncos best rushing performance of the season, each getting the ball twice out of the backfield gaining 20 and 17 yards respectively. Even Lance Ball, who was just pulled up from the practice squad, chipped in, rushing twice for nine yards.

The player who will be talked the most about however, only gained two yards off two runs - Rookie Quarterback Tim Tebow. The former Gator came in several times in goal line situations, scoring his 3rd, and 4th touchdowns of his NFL career -- including his first ever NFL pass, a reception from Fullback Spencer Larsen that went for a three yard score.

Not to be outdone by the rushing attack, the receiving core all had a nice day. Veteran receiver Brandon Lloyd--who's had an outstanding season--caught 6 passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Fellow receivers Jabar Gaffney and rookie Demaryius Thomas both hauled in 3 catches that went for over 50 yards, and Eddie Royal added 5 receptions for 39 yards. Joining the video game-like statistics is Moreno, who added to his career rushing effort by adding 3 catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. Denver's defense was nearly as impressive as the offense. The Broncos held the Chiefs number one ranked rushing attack to 51 rushing yards, and until the 4th quarter, held Kansas City's high powered offense to just 17 points. The team finished with 3 forced fumbles and 4 sacks. Linebackers Mario Haggan and Jason Hunter led the charge, combing for 7 tackles, 4 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble returned for a touchdown.Coming off their bye week, the Broncos were rolling on all cylinders today. If they keep playing this way, they'll have a shot at the playoffs.
Photos used in this article were used courtesy of Getty Images, Reuters Pictures, and the Associated Press.

Injury Report: Broncos vs. Chiefs

The following is the official injury report for Sunday's game, per both teams:

DENVER BRONCOS

OUT: LB Robert Ayers - Foot; CB Andre' Goodman - Hip
QUESTIONABLE: S Darcel McBath - Ankle; DL Kevin Vickerson - Groin; LB Wesley Woodyard - Hamstring

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

QUESTIONABLE: S Kendrick Lewis - Hamstring; WR Dexter McCluster - Ankle; S Jon McGraw - Knee; G Brian Waters - Shoulder

The game, with kickoff scheduled for 2:05 p.m. MST will be broadcast on CBS4 (KCNC-TV) and locally on the radio on 850 KOA.

The Bing National Tailgating Championship is coming to Denver!

Calling all tailgaters! The Bing National Tailgating Championship will be touching down at Denver’s Invesco Mile High Stadium, Sunday November 14th.

Starting at 11:30 a.m. you can swing by Lot C to watch the region’s best tailgate teams compete for a shot at the national title. The visitors will receive prizes and a chance to see four tailgating teams compete in four categories including:

1) Cooking: Originality, presentation, regional flair and taste

2) Tailgate Spirit and Environment: Includes tailgating set-up and team flair

3) Parking Lot Agility: bean bag and football toss

4) Team/Sport Knowledge: Trivia challenge

Local judges will be on hand to determine the winning team including football legend Karl Mecklenberg. And of course, Joe Cahn, the Commissioner of Tailgating will be on hand to officiate the competition.

For tailgating teams that would like to throw their BBQ tongs in the ring for a chance to be crowned the nation’s best, please visit: www.tailgatinginstitute.com/bing

So come on out to see the best of Denver tailgating and how Bing can help you make your game day decisions.

-- The Bing Team

Chiefs Return 350 Tickets, Great Seats, Prices Available

Denver --- The Denver Broncos announced Wednesday that the Kansas City Chiefs have returned 350 tickets for Sunday's 2:05 (MDT) p.m. game at INVESCO Field at Mile High, and those tickets are now on sale to the general public.

• This means there's some great deals on tickets out there! Prices for the game are down 35%, per TiqIQ. I also just learned that there's 34 tickets available for less than $60 - sixty-six dollars less than the game's average ticket price!

• Also available are 1600 instant delivery eTickets, 41 of which are going for less than $65!

• And many more great deals you won't be able to find at the Broncos ticket office.

Don't miss out on this great opportunity to get some great seats at a great price to the Broncos big rivalry game against Kansas City! Check out our widget on the sidebar or simply click here to see the tickets available for purchase from TiqIQ.

The Broncos Lack of Running Game a Result of Poor Decision Making

Following his solid rookie campaign last season, there was plenty of optimism in Bronco Nation that Knowshon Moreno would have a huge year in 2010. Halfway through the season however, fans, and the Broncos, are still waiting for Knowshon--and the rushing attack as a whole--to break out.

Denver is averaging 67.2 rushing yards a game - which has ranked them dead last in the NFL. Knowshon leads the team in rushing yards with 252, earning him an ugly 3.3 yards-per carry average. Following Moreno is Correll Buckhalter with 82 rushing yards (2.2 avg.), Laurence Marouney's 74 (2.1 avg.) and Kyle Orton with 90 yards on 18 carries, a 5.0 yards per-attempt average that is second only to Eddie Royal's 13 YPA average, and Royal has only rushed once.

Those disgusting numbers have been discussed and dissected all season long, while playing a large part in the Broncos 2-6 start. One of the reasons for the Broncos lack of running game is the inexperienced/injury prone offensive line. Another is the Broncos pass-first offense that uses running backs more for screens than rushing attempts. So while there are a few legitimate reasons why the Broncos rushing statistics aren't impressive, there's also many areas that could use improvement, and other areas that never should have been fiddled with, as I'll explain below.

The Broncos changed their Running Back coaches, schemes in 2009

As does every new Head Coach when he arrives, Josh McDaniels brought in new coaches with him, and let several of the old coaches leave. Among those who came and went were former Offensive line coach/Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison (now with the Texans) and former running backs coach Bobby Turner (now in Washington). To replace Turner, the Broncos signed the Bills former Running backs coach Eric Studesville. With the Broncos consent, Studesville employed Buffaloes' power blocking scheme, abandoning Turner's proven zone scheme.

Since that time, Turner's Redskins have averaged nearly 100 yards rushing a game and newly found starter Ryan Torain has pounded 391 rushing yards in his four starts. Down in Houston, the Texans, and new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, boast of one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL. The teams starting running back, Arain Foster, leads the NFL in rushing yards (with 864), and has scored 10 touchdowns this season, while gaining an average of 5.5 yards a carry.

The saying "You don't know what you've got until it's gone" rings through loud and clear in this case. The Broncos rushing attack may be a little different today if Turner and Dennison were still in Denver.

Denver let brilliant Backs slip through their hands in 2009, and again in 2010

The Broncos let more than just assistant coaches move on over the past two years. Meet Ryan Torain. Drafted by former Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL Draft, he was another dark horse coming out of Shanahan's secret running back factory. Unfortunately, Torain fractured his elbow in Training Camp that year and was not able to go until November. By that time, the Broncos backfield had been so depleted due to injuries, Torain got the start in week 9 against the Cleveland Browns. Not even halfway through the game, Torain had rushed for 68 yards and a score on 12 carries. Then disaster struck. As he was tackled on a play in the 2nd quarter, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. The next season he was waived/injured by McDaniels. The Broncos eventually released him with an injury settlement. He sat out the 2009 season and recovered from his serious injury that kept the Broncos, and every other team in the NFL, from giving him another shot. When Mike Shanahan became the Redskins new Head Coach, he signed Torain, only to release him a few weeks later, then sign him again - this time to the practice squad. After the Redskins went through multiple running backs, Torain was activated to the 53-man roster and thrust into the starting role. Rushing in Bobby Turner's zone scheme, Torain has averaged 4.3 yards a carry and rushed for 391 yards and 3 touchdowns in four starts.

The Denver Broncos could really use Torain right about now. They wouldn't have even needed him though if they had kept Peyton Hillis. After being drafted by Shanahan in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL draft, Hillis was the replacement to Torain after he torn his ACL in week nine. Taking advantage of his opportunity, Hillis went on to rush for 343 yards off 68 carries (5 yards a pop) and scored five touchdowns while leading the Broncos in rushing yards that year. The next season, McDaniels only gave Hillis 13 rushing attempts (which he turned into 54 yards and a touchdown), and only started him twice - each start as a fullback. The Cleveland Browns then traded for Hillis earlier this year in exchange for quarterback Brady Quinn. You probably know how the rest of the stories goes. Quinn looks like he'll forever be a backup in this league and Hillis looks like he is on his way to the Pro Bowl. Starting in all but one game for the Browns this season, Hillis has rushed for 644 yards off 133 carries (a 4.8 YPA avg.), caught thirty passes for 229 yards and scored 8 touchdowns.

So what does all this mean? Don't try to fix what's not broken.

The Broncos have literally self-destructed their rushing attack by dismantling the coaching staff and giving up on young running backs. They now have one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL, and it doesn't look like there's much hope of that turning around this season. Hopefully McDaniels and the Broncos learned from their mistakes and can make better decisions in the future. If they don't, the Broncos ground game could end up eternally grounded.

Broncos in London, set to take on 49ers

Earlier this morning the Broncos arrived in London. The team flew over last night to prepare for their week 8 match against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL's fourth annual regular-season International game at Wembley Stadium.

The team made the flight with no set backs, and McDaniels said the team should be ready to go on Sunday. "We think that everyone who is here should be ready to go and capable of playing, so we look forward to having a full-strength team, or at least the team that's in London," McDaniels said.

There will be lots of events, press conferences and tweets leading up the to Broncos 1pm(ET) kickoff Sunday, you can catch all the action on our facebook and twitter pages!

The blog's in a predicament

The past few days, weeks and even months I've had little time and desire to keep the site updated, for many reasons - which I'll get to. As a result, interest in this blog has dropped drastically, along with the hits. So I'm considering (at least temporarily) terminating the blog (or at least updating it).

Most of the time I've had for blogging I've spent writing for BroncoTalk.net - another great Bronco Blog that embraced me into their staff earlier this year. I've been extremely busy as well, and with so many other great sites and blogs out there (like BroncoTalk, MHR, BroncosStable, and MaxDenver), that do a great job of keeping fans up-to-date on everything Broncos, I frankly haven't felt the need to re-report Bronco news to you all.

I will however keep updating our Facebook page, which has been growing stronger since the day it was started. There's a great little community on the page and I'd love to keep it going. And of course if there's a huge uproar over the idea of this blog taking a bow (or perhaps nap) then I'll certainly reconsider - but the chances of that are unlikely.

So in conclusion, thank you all very much who have followed the blog, commented, and read my 'coverage' of our beloved Broncos! You can be sure to still find me blogging my heart over at BroncoTalk! A Mile High Salute to you all, Go Broncos!

Broncos make several roster transactions

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.< — The Denver Broncos on Tuesday signed linebacker Diyral Briggs to the team’s active roster, it was announced. Also on Tuesday, the team placed wide receiver Matthew Willis on injured reserve and signed wide receiver Eron Riley to its practice squad.

Briggs (6-foot-4, 230 pounds), who was originally signed to Denver’s practice squad on Sept. 22, is a second-year player who spent parts of the 2009 and ’10 seasons on San Francisco’s active roster. He played in four games with the 49ers last year and totaled four special-teams tackles. He also played in the club’s opener against Seattle this season.

Briggs originally signed with San Francisco as a college free agent on April 30, 2009, from Bowling Green State University, where he was a two-time All-Mid-American Conference selection and the 2006 MAC Player of the Year.

A two-time all-league choice at Mt. Healthy High School in Cincinnati, he was born on Oct. 31, 1985. His first name is pronounced DIE-rell.

Riley (6-foot-3, 205 pounds), is a first-year player who spent time on Carolina’s practice squad this season. He spent the entire 2009 season on Baltimore’s practice squad after signing with the club as a college free agent from Duke University.

The Denver Broncos on Wednesday signed tight end John Nalbone and defensive lineman Mitch Unrein to their practice squad, it was announced.

Nalbone (6-foot-4, 255 pounds) is a second-year player who played two games for Miami this season and also spent time on Minnesota’s practice squad. He entered the NFL with the Dolphins as a fifth-round draft choice (161st overall) in the 2009 NFL Draft from Monmouth University and spent a portion of last season on the club’s active roster and practice squad.

He totaled 101 receptions for 1,079 yards (10.7 avg.) with nine touchdowns as a three-year starter for Monmouth, earning All-Northeast Conference honors following his senior season.

A four-year letterman at Lawrence High School in Lawrenceville, N.J., he was born on May 14, 1986.

Unrein (6-foot-4, 300 pounds) is rookie defensive lineman who spent the 2010 preseason with Houston after being signed by the Texans as a college free agent from the University of Wyoming.

--- Official Press Release Per the Denver Broncos

Broncos fall to 2-4 after 24-20 loss to Jets

Missed opportunities.

That's what lost the Broncos the game. After recovering an onside kick, the offense failed to produce any points and punted the ball away. A Matt Prater missed field goal added to the pain of a previous bad snap earlier in the game that took away what would have been a chip-shot field goal for Prater. The four three-and-outs didn't help either. With 1:13 left in the game and three timeouts left the Broncos got one last chance. Kyle Orton--who has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season when it comes to two minute offenses--led the Broncos down to the Jets 44 yard line with 42 seconds and one timeout left. A bad snap by rookie J.D. Walton that was recovered by the Jets put the final touches to a killed opportunities afternoon for the Broncos.

The Broncos defense was solid in the first half, forcing Mark Sanchez to throw two interceptions -his first, and second, interceptions of the season. The Broncos also out-rushed the Jets in the first half, with Tim Tebow contributing with 23 rushing yards on 6 carries and one score. The Broncos rushing game as a whole looked much better, with Moreno averaging 4.0 yards a carry (which is much better than his former 2.8 season average), but as the game went on, the Jets run game got better, and the Broncos offense didn't take advantage of opportunities.

For nine years, LaDainian Tomlinson embarrassed the Broncos defense, then he moved on to New York. Late in the game, Tomlinson was back to his old ways, rushing 16 times for 55 yards and two scores, including a one yard TD run that put the Jets up 24-20 with less than two minuets left in the game.

The Broncos will return home next week to face the 2-4 Oakland Raiders.

Photos used in this post were used courtesy of Getty Images.

Kyle McCarthy activated, two others released

The Broncos have signed Safety Kyle McCarthy (seen to the left), and Outside Linebacker Kevin Alexander to the active roster off the practice squad, reports Lindsay Jones.

After both Brian Dawkins and Darcel McBath went down with injuries last week, the Broncos secondary was in need of some more depth, and had it on the practice squad. Twenty-four years old McCarthy was scouted out of Notre Dame as a great run-supporting safety that lacked big play ability and size and went undrafted. The Broncos brought the undrafted free agent to Training Camp, and he now will get his first opportunity in the NFL, as it is speculated he could see some time on defense as well as special teams against the Jets.

To make room for the two players, the team cut running back Andre Brown in a transaction intended to be a short-term roster move, according to The National Football Post. The club also released offensive lineman D'Anthony Batiste.

The full injury report for Sunday's can been seen below, courtesy of the Broncos:

OUT: LB Robert Ayers - Foot; S Brian Dawkins - Knee; CB Andre' Goodman - Quadricep; S Darcel McBath - Ankle; LB Wesley Woodyard - Hamstring
QUESTIONABLE: FB Spencer Larsen - Ankle; RB Knowshon Moreno - Hamstring; WR Demaryius Thomas - Concussion PROBABLE: LB Mario Haggan - Neck

Game Center: New York Jets at Denver Broncos

Photos used in this post were used courtesy of Getty Images.