Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Gaffney plugs holes in McDaniels' offense

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November 7

Denver Post

"Jabar Gaffney didn't catch any balls in the Broncos' preseason opener. Omen or aberration? It's hard to tell with Gaffney. He may be the ultimate mystery man on one of the NFL's pre-eminent mystery teams. He could be a man for all seasons, or he could be rendered an afterthought in the Broncos' offense. At the moment, all we know is this - Josh McDaniels is glad to have him on the roster. "He's got a role," McDaniels said. "He knows what his role is. He's going to go out there and play wherever we need him to play in certain situations. You know you're going to face injuries in this league. If somebody goes down, it's easy to say, 'Hey, Jab, go play that slot,' and he won't even blink. ..."

Broncos adding Law

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November 6

Denver Post

"The Broncos moved to shore up their secondary Friday coming to terms with veteran cornerback Ty Law. Law, 35, has been named to five Pro Bowls. He has not played this season. Law did not return a message Friday, but is expected to formally sign a contract Saturday and join the team for meetings if he passes a physical. The Broncos had no comment and did not turn in a transaction to the league. It is unknown when the Broncos would be ready to put Law on the field. The Broncos play at home Monday night against Pittsburgh, then Nov. 15 in Washington. Law played seven games, starting six, for the Jets last season. He was with the New England Patriots for four of Broncos' coach Josh McDaniels' ..."

Broncos will be running up hill against Steelers

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November 6

Denver Post

"Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels often will say an offense can't force the ball to specific spots or players, that it has to go where the openings are against any defense. That said, McDaniels also believes the Broncos are going to have to find a way to run the ball some against the league's No. 1 run defense Monday night. The Steelers lead the NFL, having allowed only 76.6 yards a game rushing. They also have faced the fewest rushing attempts from opposing offenses - 140, or 20 attempts per game - well below the league average of 198.2 attempts and 20 fewer than the next team in line. The Bengals' defense has faced only 160 rushing attempts from opposing offenses this season and the ..."

In a down economy, NFL viewership is up

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November 6

Washington Post

"When this NFL season began with some franchises struggling to sell tickets, there were concerns about the impact that the uncertain U.S. economy would have on the nation's most prosperous sport. While those concerns have turned out to be justified in a few NFL cities and unfounded in others, there has been an unforeseen development: The NFL's television ratings are soaring this season, and some analysts say it appears to be the result of consumers cutting back on other, more costly leisure activities in favor of watching pro football on TV. "I think there's only one answer and that is the NFL and television are actually getting the so-called 'benefit' of the recession," said Neal Pilson, ..."

Orton expects Broncos to rebound against Steelers

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November 5

Denver Post

"Quarterback Kyle Orton expects the Broncos offense to bounce back nicely from last week's disappointing performance at Baltimore. He said the platform to do so - hosting the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers on "Monday Night Football" - is a perfect scenario. "Guys like to play on primetime," Orton said during his weekly news conference today. "There is extra emotion on Monday night games. We'll be excited and we'll be ready to go." Orton said Denver's primary objective is to execute while playing its most physical game of the season. "We're going to have to play physical. We're going to have to play smart. We're going to have to play our best game," Orton said. "We feel ..."

Orton expects Broncos to rebound against Steelers

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November 4

Denver Post

"Quarterback Kyle Orton expects the Broncos offense to bounce back nicely from last week's disappointing performance at Baltimore. He said the platform to do so — hosting the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers on "Monday Night Football" — is a perfect scenario. "Guys like to play on primetime," Orton said during his weekly news conference today. "There is extra emotion on Monday night games. We'll be excited and we'll be ready to go." Orton said Denver's primary objective is to execute while playing its most physical game of the season."

Broncos' loss is chance to find, fix flaws

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November 3

Longmont Times-Call

"So much for the Broncos becoming the first 19-0 team in NFL history. In Sunday's 30-7 loss in Baltimore, the Broncos proved they are vulnerable. But while it was a bad performance for the Broncos, it's hardly time to push the panic button. The Broncos exceeded expectations in starting 6-0 this season, but that 6-0 start didn't come without flaws. Every team in the NFL has flaws, and those are always highlighted in the losses. "We always learn things that we need to do better, no matter if we win or lose," Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said Monday. "Obviously, losing a game really makes the mistakes that much more glaring and the need to fix those things more urgent. It will be easy for ..."

Orton thrives with Broncos, rookie coach

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November 3

Longmont Times-Call

"Through the first few months of his rookie season, Tom Brandstater has learned plenty from Kyle Orton about the art of playing quarterback in the National Football League. Brandstater is not, however, likely to seek automobile advice from the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback. A well-known environmentalist, Orton has ditched the high-priced vehicles and drives a Honda Insight hybrid. "It always gives me a laugh every time I see him get out of a meeting and hop in his little fake car, as I call it," said Brandstater, the Broncos' third-string quarterback. That "fake" car may not be the typical vehicle for an NFL quarterback, but it's typical for Orton. "He's definitely interesting," ..."

Broncos' Stuckey dies at 73

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November 3

Baltimore Sun

"Gail Stuckey, who held a decades-long tenure as the Broncos' ticket manager and as director of stadium operations, passed away last week at age 73. There will be a gathering to celebrate Stuckey's life Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. at the South End Hospitality Room at Invesco Field at Mile High. He is survived by his wife, Pat, and daughters Lynnette and Rene."

Ravens show Steelers how to beat Broncos

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November 3

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

columnist Ron Cook

"Kyle Orton might not be John Elway, but he's playing great football and doesn't make huge mistakes. That's what Steelers coach Mike Tomlin will have you believe when he does his weekly sit-down with the media today and looks ahead to the next opponent, the Denver Broncos Monday night at Invesco Field at Mile High. The stage isn't too big for rookie running back Knowshon Moreno. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall can take the rock to the house on any play. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's unit is rock-solid. Linebacker Elvis Dumervil's motor never stops and he has an AFC-best 10 sacks to prove it. Eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey might be the best football player on the planet. ..."

Broncos' Polumbus tasked with big challenge in Steelers' Harrison

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November 2

Denver Post

"For his first NFL start, Tyler Polumbus gets to take on James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons and the mighty 3-4 Pittsburgh Steelers defense. Then again, Polumbus just did a good job holding off Terrell Suggs and the Baltimore Ravens so there's evidence he's ready for his next challenge. In Harrison, Polumbus will see the NFL's defending defensive player of the year. Polumbus, a former standout from Cherry Creek High School and the University of Colorado, is the Broncos' new right tackle after Ryan Harris suffered two dislocated toes on his right foot Sunday. Harris could be out three weeks, although the Broncos are hopeful he can return earlier."

Baltimore offers blueprint for beating Broncos

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November 2

Baltimore Sun

"It took the Broncos six games to earn the NFL's respect, and one snap to be exposed. From the first snap of this lopsided 30-7 loss to Baltimore, quarterback Kyle Orton ate turf, while the conservative game plan of coach Josh McDaniels got fed to the shredder. Perfection was gone in less than 60 seconds. "Who said we'd go 16-0?" linebacker Andra Davis asked after the Broncos came undone Sunday. Answer: Nobody. The league has been handed a formula to beat Denver, which had won six straight times with sound fundamentals unencumbered by anything resembling pizzazz. The big question now: Are the Broncos and McDaniels bold enough to do anything about it? "It would be naïve think, 'Hey, we'll be ..."

Orton, Broncos offense have an off day

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November 2

Baltimore Sun

"Kyle Orton should have known Sunday would be his worst day so far as a Bronco after only one play. Orton took the opening snap at Denver's 31-yard line and prepared to toss a short screen pass to running back Knowshon Moreno. Problem was, no one was left to block Ravens outside linebacker Jarret Johnson. Johnson rushed into the backfield and threw Orton on to the wet grass at M"

Broncos punter Berger has rusty start

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November 2

Baltimore Sun

"Players are like machines. Especially when not used. Ignition a car that hasn't been started in a while, and it will cough, sputter and whir before catching. New Broncos punter Mitch Berger initially kicked Sunday as if stiff from inactivity this season. Which was the case until the Broncos released Brett Kern last week and signed Berger, a 16-year veteran who is with his 12th NFL team. "I was a little rusty, especially in the first half," said Berger, who long ago punted for the University of Colorado. "I was trying to get the ball up nice and high and get some fair catches, but I caught them a little bit short. I want the fair catches but I don't want them that short." In the first half ..."

Kicker Hauschka is 3-for-3 against Broncos

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November 2

Baltimore Sun

"The irony was not lost on Steve Hauschka. Two weeks after narrowly missing a game-winning 44-yard field goal in the waning seconds of the Ravens' 33-31 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 18, the second-year kicker found himself staring at a 43-yard attempt with 56 seconds left in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. "It was almost the exact same 44-yarder," Hauschka said. "I learned my lesson, and I stayed down on that one and kicked it straight." The successful kick set the tone for Hauschka, who made all three field-goal attempts in the Ravens' 30-7 victory over Denver. Hauschka's performance was -- in a small way -- his attempt to atone for the kick against ..."

Ravens played like Ravens of old

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November 2

Baltimore Sun

"Oh, did the Ravens need this one. For their playoff chances. For their self-esteem. To get the media off their backs. To get their nervous fans back onto the bandwagon. Here's all you need to know about Sunday's 30-7 knockout of the previously undefeated Denver Broncos at M"

RavensBroncos 30-7

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November 2

Denver Post

"Perhaps it was the bye-week blues. Or maybe it was nothing more than odds catching up to an undefeated team in a long NFL season. As Broncos safety Brian Dawkins, the last man out of the losing team's locker room, pointed out on his way to the team bus Sunday, only the 1972 Miami Dolphins won them all. The Broncos also suffered a game-ending toe injury to offensive tackle Ryan Harris early in the second quarter. That hurt. A two-hour time difference forward on a day when the nation fell an hour back had to have confused the human condition."

Ravens hand Broncos first loss

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November 2

Washington Times

"Before they were even halfway through their schedule, the Baltimore Ravens already had experienced the highs and lows of an NFL season. An impressive first three weeks of the season had the Ravens in the company of the NFL's elite. But a three-game skid in October - by a combined 11 points - left the Ravens searching for answers. And in overwhelming the previously undefeated Denver Broncos 30-7 at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday, the Ravens made a critical step in righting their season. "What you got to understand about this league is that everything isn't always going to go the way you want it to go," receiver Derrick Mason said. "And even when it does go your way, it might be hard. We were ..."

Ravens halt Broncos' surprising streak

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November 2

Washington Post

"This was more like the way it was supposed to go for the Denver Broncos this season, with a first-year coach and a new quarterback and a team coming off an offseason of change and conflict. The Broncos were perhaps the NFL's most surprising success story of the season's early weeks when they won their first six games. But they fell from the ranks of the unbeaten Sunday and they did so with a major thud, being overwhelmed by the Baltimore Ravens in a 30-7 defeat at M&T Bank Stadium. It was the first loss for the Broncos' Josh McDaniels as an NFL head coach, and it left the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints as the league's only undefeated teams. "It's hard to go through the season ..."

Defenseless Ravens in unfamiliar territory

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November 1

Washington Times

"These are not your father's Baltimore Ravens, at least if your father was a Ravens fan for the past 10 years or so. The club is on a record-setting pace for points. But the defense, the organization's true identity going back beyond the 2000 championship season, is barely keeping up. The result so far is three straight losses (by a total of 11 points) after three straight wins going into Sunday's game at M&T Bank Stadium against 6-0 Denver. "It's painful because there's so much pride in the locker room and this city in the defense, and we haven't lived up to it," said cornerback Domonique Foxworth, who joined the Ravens from the Broncos via free agency before the season. "We've played ..."

Ravens vs. Broncos: 3 things that could go wrong

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October 31

Baltimore Sun

"1. Brandon Marshall rips the secondary. The Ravens have struggled to contain big receivers downfield (remember Vincent Jackson, Chad Ochocinco and Sidney Rice?). And Marshall, 6 feet 4 and 230 pounds, might be better than those wide-outs. 2. Denver's pass rush closes the pocket on Joe Flacco. The Broncos are tied for second in the NFL with 21 sacks. Flacco was sacked a season-high three times last game."

Ravens vs. Broncos: 3 things that need to go right

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October 31

Baltimore Sun

"1. Stop the big plays. The Ravens have given up 22 pass plays of 20 yards or more. They can't afford to have that trend continue against Denver quarterback Kyle Orton, who is 25 of 56 (44.6 percent) on throws over 10 yards. 2. Win field-position battle on punt returns. This needs to be the game in which Chris Carr or Ed Reed repeatedly puts the offense in good starting position. The Broncos rank next-to-last in punt coverage (an average of 14.9 yards)."

Broncos practice moves outdoors

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October 31

Denver Post

"With piles of snow surrounding their rarely-used artificial turf field, the Broncos returned outside to practice Friday after preparing most of the week down the road at an indoor facility. The Broncos will play Sunday against the Ravens in Baltimore, where the forecast calls for 58 degrees and a 60 percent chance of rain. "We want to work some on the kicking game in some bad conditions," said Broncos coach Josh McDaniels. "I know it may be windy and there's a possibility of rain in Baltimore. So we wanted to make sure we get out there and work in the cooler temperatures and just handle the ball and do the things that are going to be important on Sunday." The Broncos are confident, having ..."

Broncos' QB Orton to get a second chance against Ravens fleet defense

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October 28

Denver Post

"When it comes to a stroll down memory lane, Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton isn't in a hurry to look back at the last time he faced the Baltimore Ravens defense. Orton has only faced the Ravens once in his career — with the Bears in 2005 — and will get his second chance Sunday in Baltimore. "I've only been able to play these guys one time... and that was as a rookie," Orton said Wednesday morning. "That's pretty much unfair if you're a rookie quarterback. "That isn't one of the moments I look back on with pleasure my rookie year. They're fast, they get to the ball, they're intimidating, everything you want in a defense." While players like linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed remain from ..."

Titans claim punter Kern off waivers

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October 28

Nashville City Paper

"The Tennessee Titans claimed punter Brett Kern off waivers from the Denver Broncos and waived punter Reggie Hodges. Kern, a second-year player, ranks fifth in the NFL in gross average last year at 46.7 yards per punt and is averaging 46.1 yards in gross average this year."

Broncos' once-daunting schedule now a welcome challenge for team

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October 27

Longmont Times-Call

"Just how good are the Denver Broncos this season? We're going to find out. At the beginning of the season, the Broncos' schedule looked to be torture for a rebuilding team. That schedule may end up being what prepared the Broncos for a long playoff run. By Week 13, the Broncos will have played every other major AFC championship contender — New England, Indianapolis, Baltimore, San Diego, defending Super Bowl-champion Pittsburgh and even Cincinnati, which is a surprising 5-2. So far, the Broncos are 3-0 against that group. They'll travel to Baltimore this Sunday, then face Pittsburgh at home on Nov. 9. San Diego comes to town on Nov. 22, and the Broncos visit Indy on Dec. 13. Should the ..."

Bold Broncos return from bye week intent on keeping winning formula in place

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October 27

Longmont Times-Call

"There were times during the offseason when first-year Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels appeared to be out of his mind. The general public perceived the Broncos' major problems to be on defense — in particular, the defensive line. There was also a perception that the Broncos' running game was in good hands with second-year back Peyton Hillis, who shined in his limited role last season. As McDaniels and the Broncos built their roster for 2009, however, they spent a lot of their free agent money on running backs and defensive backs. Then, they selected a running back in the first round of the NFL Draft. They didn't use a single draft pick on a defensive tackle. Insane? At the time, ..."

Long trip to Broncos puts punter Berger back in Colorado

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October 27

Denver Post

"For most people, the trip from Boulder to Denver is relatively short and direct, if filled with traffic frustrations. For Mitch Berger, the trip was so long and circuitous, it took him 16 seasons to get back to punting at altitude. The former University of Colorado punter was signed Monday by the Broncos after the team waived Brett Kern. It appears the Broncos were unhappy with Kern's inconsistency in directional kicking, plus his tendency to boot long, low-trajectory punts that were ideal for returning. While Kern was 10th in the NFL with a 46.1-yard gross average, he was 27th with a 34.5-yard net after San Diego's Darren Sproles returned a punt for a touchdown last Monday night. Kern ..."

Broncos replace Kern with Berger

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October 26

Denver Post

"The Broncos have signed NFL veteran and former University of Colorado punter Mitch Berger, who will replace Brett Kern. The Broncos formally announced the move Monday afternoon. In the morning, Berger's name plate was above the locker that until recently belonged to Kern."

Former Bronco Sharpe going into D-II hall

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October 24

Denver Post

"Shannon Sharpe, who was part of the Broncos' two Super Bowl wins in the 1990s, will be the lone inductee this December to the Division II Football Hall of Fame, it was announced Thursday. Sharpe played at Savannah State and was taken in the seventh round (192nd overall) by the Broncos in 1990 NFL draft. The tight end played 14 seasons in the NFL. The induction is Dec. 11 in Florence, Ala., and is part of the ceremony for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which goes to the top Division II player each season."

Broncos great Elway named Camp's "Man of Year"

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October 23

Denver Post

"Former Broncos quarterback John Elway has been selected "Man of Year" by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. The award is given annually to someone who has been successful as a player or a coach and is active in their community. Previous winners of the award include Roger Staubach, Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus and Morten Andersen. "In addition to being the greatest Denver Bronco of all time, John is one of the few who is among the greatest players of all time in both college and pro football," Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said in a statement released by the team. "His receiving this accolade from the Walter Camp Football Foundation is an honor well deserved by John for public service and ..."

On Football: Win-win situation

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October 23

Washington Times

"The Chicago Bears got Jay Cutler and are so thrilled by his play that they needed only five games to sign him to a contract extension through 2013. The Denver Broncos got Kyle Orton and are the NFL's surprise team, starting 6-0 with Orton throwing nine touchdowns and one interception. It almost never happens. Two teams make a huge trade - this one was gigantic - and both teams benefit. This isn't Miami fleecing the Washington Redskins for Jason Taylor (two draft picks) or Dallas overpaying for receiver Roy Williams and getting 30 catches and one touchdown in return. Orton and three picks went to Denver. Cutler and one pick went to Chicago. It was a risky deal for both teams. Denver gave up ..."

Undefeated Broncos still not satisfied

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October 22

Longmont Times-Call

"With each victory this season, the Denver Broncos have gained admiration and respect around the league. Yet, even at 6-0, head coach Josh McDaniels is hardly satisfied. "That's all we are is 6-0," he said. "It's just a good start. We don't have any accomplishments yet." It's an impressive 6-0, especially considering that most so-called experts figured the Broncos wouldn't win more than four or five games this season. Somehow, the Broncos have proven everyone wrong and now stand as one of just four unbeaten teams in the NFL. Heading into their bye week, the Broncos have now put themselves on the short list of Super Bowl contenders. Not that there's any pressure on them. "The only pressure ..."

Special teamers take Bronco's kick returns personally

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October 22

San Diego Union-Tribune

"The Chargers special teams players call punt coverage "15 seconds to hell." In that span, they sprint headlong down the field, engaging in high-speed boxing matches before hurling their bodies at a ball carrier racing at them. The collisions are frequently violent. "You have to be a little bit extra crazy to run down full-speed on a return and run into a 340-pound man when you're only 240," said fullback Mike Tolbert, a special teams veteran. "There has to be a screw loose up there.""

Broncos' McDaniels wants team to begin games more effectively

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October 22

Denver Post

"Complete domination in the second half is one way to look at it. Starting slowly is another. Part of Broncos coach Josh McDaniels' job is to look for ways to make his team better. Even a team that is 6-0 entering its bye week. McDaniels won't be spending his extra time trying to fix his team's second-half play - the Broncos have outscored their opponents 76-10. The first quarter, however, is another matter. One reason the Broncos have picked up their performance in the second half is because they've had to overcome getting outscored 36-24 in the first quarter. "One of our goals in the bye week is to start faster," McDaniels said. "I'd much rather play like that in the first half and feel ..."

Broncos deal with prosperity

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October 22

Denver Post

"It isn't three up with three games to play as things were before the Broncos collapsed in 2008, but a look at the AFC West standings this year shows the Broncos have certainly done about all they can in the first six weeks of a season: Denver 6-0 San Diego 2-3 Oakland 2-4 Kansas City 1-5 That isn't just sprinting out of the gate, that's jet-propelled, especially because the Broncos already have wins over the Raiders and Chargers - both on the road - in hand as they work through the bye week. The only team in the AFC with anything remotely resembling that cushion thus far is Indianapolis in the AFC South, where the Colts (5-0) are already 2-1/2 games in front of the Texans and Jaguars (both ..."

Broncos' Orton not concerned about Cutler's new deal

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October 22

Denver Post

"Don't get any ideas. Just because the Chicago Bears gave Jay Cutler a two-year contract extension worth $30 million doesn't mean the Broncos will initiate in-season discussions on a new deal with quarterback Kyle Orton. Yes, Orton has outperformed Cutler, the man he was traded for (along with draft picks) during the offseason. And yes, Orton is in the final year of a contract that is paying him a mere $995,000 this year. And sure, Orton would eventually like a long-term deal that would keep him the Broncos' quarterback until the end of his career. But Orton said the only time he thinks about his contract situation is when people ask him about it. "Those discussions are for the Broncos or ..."

McDaniels gives Broncos big break

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October 21

Denver Post

"As if a 3-1/2-game lead in the AFC West and a perfect 6-0 record weren't good enough, the Broncos players got more good news: almost five full days off. Players came to Dove Valley this morning for some meetings and to watch film from Monday's 34-23 win at San Diego but were released by lunch time, free to go wherever they please over the bye week. They will return to team headquarters Monday to start preparing for their Nov. 1 game at Baltimore. "We made some corrections on the film, but we didn't feel like it was in our best interest to go out there and do a lot of practicing this week so we didn't," coach Josh McDaniels said today. "We want to give them a few days to get their minds off ..."

Karl a fan of McDaniels' work

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October 21

Denver Post

columnist Benjamin Hochman

"The coach was raised in the Rust Belt and later groomed by his sport's resident genius. The coach was considered too young when he got his first big-time gig, and he coached his first season at age 33, doing so with fervor. Come to think of it, the coach also sounds like Josh McDaniels. Ol' George Karl, a Dean Smith disciple from Pittsburgh, is a McDaniels fan, and Monday night, Karl nostalgically watched the Bill Belichick disciple outmaneuver the Chargers. "From what I know about football, the Broncos are for real; they're legit," said Karl, whose Nuggets open the regular season next week. "I liked (his team's) energy, intensity, physicality. I've always felt that with most players in ..."

NFL continues challenging Broncos secondary

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October 21

Denver Post

"After looking at how the Chargers tried to attack the Broncos defense in the passing game, it's clear a pattern is developing. Like Tony Romo and Tom Brady, San Diego's Philip Rivers tried his luck against Champ Bailey early on Monday night. Some of that because Vincent Jackson lined up much of the time on the offensive right, which put him with Bailey and some because Bailey was also the single coverage, which is where a quarterback is trained to go."

This team has staying power

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October 20

Longmont Times-Call

"Through every step of the Denver Broncos' 5-0 start, there were reasons to discount what they had done. They won their season opener in Cincinnati — yeah, but they needed a miracle to do it. They started 3-0 — yeah, but they beat three of the worst teams in the league. They passed their first "true" test by beating Dallas in Week 4 — yeah, but it turns out Dallas may not be that good. Then they beat New England — yeah, but Patriots quarterback Tom Brady isn't his old self after last year's knee injury. Now, the Broncos are 6-0 — yeah, but ... uh, well, maybe these guys are actually good. If beating Dallas and New England didn't prove anything, surely Monday's 34-23 win in San Diego did. ..."

Broncos defuse Chargers 34-23

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October 20

Denver Post

"Perception could be different from reality. It's possible the Broncos don't become stronger, faster and better in the second half. Maybe what happens is as the Broncos pound, blitz and attack the game of football like a pack of dogs who missed dinner, their opponents eventually get weaker and slower. Those big, bad, lippy San Diego Chargers don't seem so tough anymore. Not around the new brand of rugged, aggressive, contact-loving Broncos, they don't. Realizing Eddie Royal couldn't return every kick or punt for a touchdown, the Broncos beat and beat down the Chargers in an AFC West showdown 34-23 on Monday night by once again dominating the second half."

Broncos, Chargers rumble before game

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October 20

Denver Post

"Fight! Fight! Well, not really a fight. It was more like: Oh, yeah! Yeah! As the Broncos' linemen came out on the Qualcomm Stadium field for their pregame warmups, they entered on the side of the field where the Chargers were already going through drills. The Broncos gathered for their motivational huddle on the sideline, still in Chargers' territory. Chargers linebacker Tim Dobbins, otherwise known as the player who wasn't credited with a fumble recovery on the Ed Hochuli blunder last season, was among those who took offense. A shouting match between 15 to 20 Broncos and 15 to 20 Chargers ensued, with some minor pushing and shoving. Kenny Peterson was in the middle of the Broncos' army. ..."

Broncos bucking established NFL trends

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October 19

San Diego Union-Tribune

columnist Nick Canepa

"The Denver Broncos cannot be. Not in the stodgy, ol' boy NFL, where the best football teams are put together methodically, meticulously, and laid down so time ages them into a powerful cabernet. The Denver Broncos, vintage 2009, are not supposed to be drinkable now. This is not the BCS. Professional teams do not dump a 14-year head coach who had won two Super Bowls, hire a kid replacement, unceremoniously trade a young, Pro Bowl, franchise quarterback, go through enough offseason unrest to make Jon and Kate look like Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor, give their offense and defense a total remodel, bomb their roster with 30 new players and start a season 5-0. It just doesn't happen. ..."

Chargers charged with turning it around vs. Broncos

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October 19

Denver Post

columnist Dave Krieger

"The undefeated Broncos against the underachieving Chargers. Pretty good stuff for an early-season game, right? Apparently, somebody forgot to tell Chargers fans. The club announced Friday with some relief that it had sold enough tickets to avoid a local television blackout of tonight's game, which would have been a bit of an embarrassment, even in laid- back San Diego. Excitement here over the Chargers is restrained. Their 2-2 record has something to do with it. Their flimsy defense does too. Their own general manager called them "soft and bewildered" this month, neither of which was considered a compliment in the locker room. Shawne Merriman, their once- fearsome linebacker, took ..."

Despite bench time, wins please Stokley

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October 18

Denver Post

"Even the receivers with little ego have to occasionally check their pride. Veteran slot receiver Brandon Stokley is healthy. And he hasn't been playing. Not much anyway. The hero of the Broncos' first victory at Cincinnati hasn't had a catch since the second game against Cleveland. And so it goes with the Broncos' team-before-individual-stars offensive system devised by coach Josh McDaniels. "We've got five really good receivers, and (Brandon) Lloyd hasn't even played yet," Stokley said. "There's times when you're not going to see a lot of action. That's just part of it." Stokley had six catches for a team-leading 157 receiving yards - 87 coming on his dramatic, game-winning grab off a ..."

A.J.'s blast rips Chargers

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October 18

Denver Post

columnist Mike Klis

"Whether it's balloon boy hiding in the garage attic, Rush Limbaugh getting dumped as a potential minority investor in the St. Louis Rams or Javon Walker desiring a trade, there is always news and reaction to the news. News: Already, the Broncos have their foot on the San Diego Chargers' throat. Will the Broncos deliver a forceful crunch Monday night? The 2-2 Chargers are not only 2 1/2 games behind the Broncos entering their enormous AFC West matchup Monday night at Qualcomm Stadium, their general manager A.J. Smith publicly criticized his team last week. "I'm not the least bit happy in a lot of areas," Smith told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "I've seen us be tough and physical to soft and ..."

Vonnie Holliday faces Tomlinson once more, this time as a Bronco

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October 18

Denver Post

"In 12 NFL seasons, Vonnie Holliday has played against LaDainian Tomlinson more times than he can count. In intraconference play with the Green Bay Packers; in interdivisional play twice a year as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. All the while, the San Diego Chargers running back has been a focal point for Holliday and the teams he has been a part of. So, despite circumstantial evidence to the contrary, the Broncos' defensive end is taking the same approach into Monday night's game at Qualcomm Stadium. "I haven't watched L.T. yet this year," Holliday said. "You hear stuff through the media, just like I heard that the Broncos weren't any good this year. That's the same kind of stuff I'm ..."

Orton says he's thrilled with Broncos

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October 17

San Diego Union-Tribune

"Quarterback Jay Cutler's demand to be traded out of Denver was the NFL's greatest offseason soap opera that didn't involve Brett Favre or a court room. Cutler had been the heir apparent to John Elway, but his distaste for a new coaching regime doomed his future with the Broncos. So Denver jettisoned him in a trade with Chicago, and all of the chatter was about Cutler getting a fresh start. Nobody seemed to care much about what it meant to Kyle Orton, the Bears quarterback who was the other major piece of the deal. Orton, it turns out, was as thrilled as Cutler to be moving on. "I was extremely excited when I got the call," Orton recalled this week. "I thought this was a great chance, ..."

Broncos' bridge too far is 3rd- and 4th-and one

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October 17

Denver Post

"Back the Broncos up against their own end zone and ask them to drive 98 yards for a game-tying touchdown? No problem. Line them up with inches to go to pick up a first down? Not so easy. Through their 5-0 start, plenty has gone right for the Broncos. Perhaps the biggest blemish for Denver's offense is its repeated troubles in short yardage, third- and fourth-down situations, in the past three games. The Broncos are 0-for-3 on running attempts from at or inside their opponent's 3-yard line in that span, and have converted only half (6-of-12) of their running plays on third down with three or fewer yards to go for the first down. "We should be able to pick it up running the ball. No ..."

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