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.

Introducing Broncos Zone Tickets, powered by TiqIQ!

Broncos Zone Tickets is now on Facebook. By 'liking' the BZT Tickets page, you'll get the best deals on Denver Bronco game tickets sent directly to your Facebook stream. Be sure to pay close attention to this feed in the 24 hours before a game, as there are always last-minute deals to be had. Together with TiqIQ, our new page will keep you up on the best deals out there, including 'make an offer' eBay tickets as well as all the best from StubHub, Ticketsnow and Others. Most deals posted on BZT Tickets Facebook will have eDelivery or local-pickup capabilities, which makes getting the tickets in hand as simple as ever.

In addition to ticket deals, BZT Facebook is also a place where you can post pictures from your days and nights at Mile High, and even connect with friends who are going to the game and might want to meet up between periods, or move into those empties a row over from where you’re sitting!

So don't put it off any longer -- 'like' our new Broncos Zone Tickets page on Facebook!

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.