Mile High Report

Nope

wasnt why Orton sucked. Playcalling for KC was absolutely horrible.

andrew33 - January 1, 2012 reply

watching the game that could also be very true

The play calling was perfect for Orton

KC used their run game very effectively to keep Orton out of long down and distances. This limited the broncos ability to pressure Orton. It allowed Orton to do what he does best. When Orton can drop back, set his feet and step into the throw he throws a great ball. The other Orton was also on display, when he is pressured he makes inaccruate throws and pics. The broncos could have had a couple of pics, but they did not take advantage of it.

Keyworthpunch - January 1, 2012 reply

Yeah

run mccluster up the middle and TJ to the sidelines for two yards. A college team could easily stop those plays for very minimal gains.

They didnt let Orton throw the ball. When the Chiefs had momentum, they just ran mccluster on delayed draws which they ran at least five times. They also ran Thomas Jones who shouldnt even be getting any carries in the first place.

andrew33 - January 2, 2012 reply

+1 Great point re/ Bowe

The reason every play is a long developing play is very very simple

Tebow struggles terribly when it comes to timing routs and slant passes. The play calling is not so much terrible, as being constrained by the very severe limitations of our starting quarterback.

There were guys open yesterday.

Tim was afraid to throw the ball. I saw several replays were Decker had a yard+ on his guy. That is open in the NFL.

AttwaterForHOF - January 2, 2012 reply

It would also open things up a bit.

I mean anything to get Tebow in some kind of rhythm early.

Oh, and I am ready for a playoff edition of MHR Radio.

weazel - January 1, 2012 reply

Why do we play call like we have a 14 point lead and trying to run out the clock?

Kronis - January 1, 2012 reply

Because the HC plays not to lose as opposes to the other.

Boiler etc - January 1, 2012 reply

or use the TE's

if we don’t need them why have them (sarcasm). makes no sense how we have been playing the past couple of games….maybe it is a ploy to get the steelers believing we won’t run every play up the middle and we will come out and smash them to the ground with our great passing play calls…(more sarcasm)

don't know why it just posted twice and omitted the rest of the post

See my post above

TE routs are usually short timing routs and they are usually over the middle. Tebow does throw well in either case.

Who care how it ends, we get at least one extra week of Broncos Football!

This bunch of young guys barely out of college got into the NFL playoffs when 20 more experienced, and more talented teams did not.

broncorat - January 1, 2012 reply

Calikula, the reason we don't throw more screens is very simple

I’ve addressed this elsewhere, but I’ll address it here too. The inside screen assumes the the opposing defensive linemen will attempt to penetrate the O-line. Our offensive linemen are supposed to allow the D linemen to shed their block, and run towards the quarterback. This leave a wall of now free offensive linemen who now form the wedge of blockers for the running back. Starting with the Chicago game, opposing D-lines have stopped trying to penetrate the line and have instead just focused on pushing the line back while staying in their lanes. This keeps them engaged with our linemen, preventing them from breaking free to from the screens blocking wedge.

Defenses do this in order to keep Tebow from running, and force him to throw. It has the happy (for them) added benefit of also being a great defense against the screen pass.

The other reason we don’t see screens much is that frankly, Tebow does not throw the screen very well.

Thanks for clearing that up.

Im still miffed about last night.

Calikula - January 2, 2012 reply

Agree with everything

except the part about Tebow throwing screens. I think he throws them very well.

But the the points on taking advantage of a penetrating DL is spot on.

Jeremy Bolander - January 3, 2012 reply

Tebow looks tentative and losing confidence.

We need to open up some early passes like screens, roll outs and simple outs.

homymac - January 1, 2012 reply

looked like he did when he played the lions

doesn’t look like he is being used to his strengths anymore…like he is on a leash….

Fantastic now we'll have to listen to Simms and Nantz once again.

Automatik41 - January 1, 2012 reply

I generally would agree, but...

Simms made some good points today. For example, why don’t we get some short passes early to get a rhythm going?

This year has already been a step forward…..I hope the coaches step back and realize how we got here.

We’re in bonus time now :)

Broncotodd - January 1, 2012 reply

i agree brothert

brother* if it was that hard to figure

When Simms is calling better plays for your team than your OC...

You know you have issues.

Teboner - January 2, 2012 reply

I’m not the slightest bit excited about this game right now. If they play like they have the last 3 weeks, they’ll get destroyed. Just the thought of this offense against Pittsburgh’s D makes me cringe. I’d be more than happy to eat plenty of crow if I’m wrong next weekend.

jbbroncosfan27 - January 1, 2012 via mobile reply

Get your plate ready jb....

I like our defense against their offense too. 1st playoff game in 6 years! It’s time to get excited!

Go BRONCOS!!!!

yess sirrrr play offs been to long... anything can happen

AlwaysRightSometimes - January 1, 2012 reply

Well, the D had a great game yesterday.

I was pretty upset because every phase of the game went well with the exception of our passing game. The D held them to one score, the running game put up 200+ yards, special teams did a great job (even giving us a deep turnover). McCoy and Tebow were both gun shy yesterday. When McCoy finally did call passing plays, Tebow held the ball too log.

I agree about the game though. I am absolutely sick of the friggen steelers wining in our house and there is little chance we can stop them if we cant pass the ball.

AttwaterForHOF - January 2, 2012 reply

Steelers .... The titanic ........

Broncos ……. The ice berg……….

broncosfaninphilly - January 1, 2012 via mobile reply

Big Ben = Leo Dicap...

? Maybe?

Overheard last week at Italian Deli on 45th Street

J. Edgar Hoover played by that kid in the Titanic? Get the F outta here!

NYCBronx - January 1, 2012 reply

Nice analogy philly

Hahaha.

Teboner - January 2, 2012 reply

I like that... Be an ice burg... just like my X-Wife was/is...

SSinSD - January 2, 2012 reply

Why do we run the same running plays over and over?

If we’re going to run most of the time. Why don’t we run the read option and other sets that they don’t know where we are running to?

Kronis - January 1, 2012 reply

Even Woody spanks the Broncos in his post-game column

He criticizes everybody: Fox, Tebow, the play-calling, the fans, the effort. For once, he speaks the truth — except the nonsense about no life on Mars. We don’t actually know yet, do we?

I know we were 4-12 last year....

Broncotodd - January 1, 2012 reply

Woody's dead wrong about the fans

The stadium was rocking and was responsible for 2 false starts by the Chiefs. I take offense to that. Everything else I agreed with

Calikula - January 1, 2012 reply

I'm really worried Steeler fans are going to try and take the place over. Is that possible?

On the other hand I can’t believe that Denver fans are going to want to miss our first playoff game at home in 6 years.

British Bronco - January 2, 2012 reply

Very possible

See the MNF game from 09 at home vs. Steelers. Half the damn crowd had those stupid yellow towels

Calikula - January 2, 2012 reply

It certanly could happen.

I know the Chicago Bears took over the place for that game, and I think too many Bronco fans don’t care. They buy season tickets because there are a few games they want to attend, with the intent to sell the others, and they just want the money for their unused tickets. (I work with two people who do this every year.) I wish they wouldn’t buy them in the first place – let them go to someone on the waiting list who actually plans to attend all eight games.. And now that it’s the playoffs, season ticket holders get first rights, so a lot of people will buy them for the sole purpose of reselling them on the internet for a profit. Anyway, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the place is full of yellow and black come Sunday.

CompUser - January 2, 2012 reply

My co-worker

from Pittsburgh will not get any tickets from me if I buy any, she is nice, but she’ll bring her Terrible Towel :(

Steelers "beat" Browns by 4 points.....13-9 Helloooooooo? They are going to "crush"us. I don't think so.

McManJoe - January 1, 2012 reply

divisional games are always different

you know that

T.Dot_Bronco - January 1, 2012 reply

+ 1

We owe them, too.

The Brownies always play the Squealers tough

Steelers favored by 7 1/2 pts

I would not be surprised if it reaches double digits, even if Pittsburgh goes without Mendenhal and Clarke. Losing Kuper is BIG. Tebow losing it all (his touch, his vision, and his confidence) is even bigger. Willis is walking wounded. I don’t know how he made all those yards today. That was the most amazing performance of the day. The D-line was really good too. D-backs did fairly well considering Dawkins was not in AGAIN. I hope we are not embarrassed Sunday. I can take a loss, but not a whooping.

Broncos have ALWAYS played better as underdogs.

Too true. I hate when we are favored to win.

SSinSD - January 2, 2012 reply

I don't think it's so much a case of Tebow losing his confidence or skill

It’s more the there is now a book out on Tebow. Opposing teams have started playing single man on man coverage on the outside receivers, and focusing entirely on gap control. Their linemen have been focusing not on penetrating the line, but pushing the line back while staying in their lanes and keeping their blockers tied up. This has the added benefit of being a great defense against screen passes. Those of you wondering why they haven’t been throwing inside screens, now you know why. Of course, this gives Tebow all kinds of time to throw, but (get ready to flame me everyone: I’m going to be hard on Tebow here) no one is REMOTELY afraid of Tebow beating them with a consistent passing game. This style of defense would be a disaster against any competent passer, but it is very effective against Tebow.

that's what Dungy said on Sunday Night Football

let’s show him lots of film of Peyton Manning during the week and this offseason, learn to be a pocket passer, oh and let’s have a good draft!

If Tebow runs for 150 yards Sunday we'll beat the Steelers!

McCoy needs to let Tebow do his thing in this one that won’t matter if we lose but will be huge if we win…No more sissy-boy playcalling!!!

bfree2bronc - January 1, 2012 reply

Bah, we ran the ball down KC's throat!

Nothing sissy about that. Ask Willis, his trainer and his massage therapist. But Tim needs to make good decisions and make the throws and the WRs need to get open and catch the ball. McCoy needs to call a balanced attack with passes Tim can make for positive yardage.

it's true

Tebow needs to make better decisions but I think McCoy and Fox need to assure him it’s OK to throw the ball down the field if someone is open, I think there is a little problem in that regard, more communication people!

I agree. The play calling was way off. Let Tim play his type of game.

It’d would certainly speak volumes if he just played all out Tebow style. I think everyone would be surprised.

SSinSD - January 2, 2012 reply

6 for 22 for 60 yards and two turnovers. QBR of 20.6.

Man, that was like watching the emergency backup QB.
Has any Bronco QB ever had a worse game?
Is Quinn really worse than this?

Alaskan - January 1, 2012 reply

Quinn is damaged goods. He's done.

Soon to be a Free Agent. I doubt he ever plays another down in the NFL ~~- unless Tebow gets injured. Can you spell B-U-S-T~~? Gotta draft a quarterback, either as a backup or an alternative to Tebow. Competition at every position.

Wow

you’re so matter of fact on that. You sold me….not.

Digger24 - January 1, 2012 reply

The problem with drafting a QB to challenge Tebow is....

That the new quarterback, through utterly no fault of his own, will be faced with an avalanche of venom and hatred from the Tebow fanatics. That’s a lot to put on a rookie right off the bat.

AlwaysRightSometimes - January 1, 2012 reply

If you were at the game, you'd have seen that Tebow wasn't as bad as the numbers are...

Not good for sure, but the numbers don’t tell the truth.

Give Tebow a MEGATRON type WR and we’ll see a different offense. Right now we’ve got less than average WRs to throw to.

Yeah those are real easy to find

boanst - January 1, 2012 reply

i wish they could have played on Saturday.....

Nantz and Simms for the 5th time. I’m sick of seeing Denver stink it up in their presence.

mdierk - January 1, 2012 reply

Here the Giants have this rookie kid Cruz who can get open and we have 2 year veterans that struggle all game to get open once...

Hmm…

bfree2bronc - January 1, 2012 reply

But it was against another one of those vaunted Ryan defenses lol

How about those Jets and Cowboys??

But you're right bfree...Cruz is the real deal

Gronk is also another rookie beast

Boiler etc - January 1, 2012 reply

Looking forward to this like I look forward to a root canal

Horsepower - January 1, 2012 reply

quit being negative and we win

preach!!!

Lost Winter - January 2, 2012 via iPhone app reply

All I know is it's a new season

This is a very winnable game (IMO), again it comes down to execution. If we execute, we will win, if we don’t we lose, simple as that.

Broncoman - January 1, 2012 reply

+1 Simple and well said.

AlwaysRightSometimes - January 1, 2012 reply

not sure how they can execute when the QB is on the ground or running for his life or wiping blood off his lip

McGahee surely did execute however.

Boiler etc - January 1, 2012 reply

It seems like we can't get the home-field advantage back.....

Almost wish it was in PA.

It is a winnable game, but can’t wuss out on offense. Don’t shy away from what got us here, and we’ll be competitive!

Broncotodd - January 1, 2012 reply

Broncos CAN beat the Steelers...

We need all cylinders clicking though. Defense, Offense, Special Teams and Coaching.

Coaching can mask a lot of deficiencies on the Defense and Offense. If Fox, McCoy and Allen bring their A-Game against the Steelers, I think our team will win. And as long as Timmy doesn’t fumble anymore!

Defense and special teams

were really good against the Chiefs, offense needs to join the great throng, if so, I predict we move on!

charlesnelsonreilly - January 1, 2012 reply

OT

but did you guys see the GB wr’s sodomizing Alphonso Smith today? It was awesome. He’s so horrible.

T.Dot_Bronco - January 1, 2012 reply

Rashard Medenhall

Was real nervous about the prospect of stopping this guy, especially after making McCluster look like an All-Pro for much of the game. Good/Bad news though, it is being reported he may have tore a ligament in his knee. Never would wish for an injury, but this helps our chances quite a bit!

NotPinkFloyd - January 1, 2012 reply

A hobbled Roethlisberger doesn't hurt either....

But that defense…..oh boy. We can keep them from scoring, but we have to put up more than 3.

Yes, the Steelers are coming in to Denver VERY beat up.

All in all, I think it’s still a long shot for us to win, but a lot of things are falling our way. I wouldn’t be shocked if we pull this one out.

Is Von going to be able to get that wretched cast of his thumb by next week?

Up till then he was playing lights out.

A healthy Von Miller gives us the best chance to win.

British Bronco - January 2, 2012 reply

If BDAWK is ready to go it would be huge!!!

Also, with Mendenhall being out, maybe Mario Hagan should start in place of Von Miller. It could tilt the field in our direction defensively. Already this games currents are starting to flow.

turnerstoe - January 2, 2012 reply

We're still on a journey... it ain't finished yet

Part of the magic that has been this season is that the Bronco’s have achieved where logic dicates they shouldn’t. The run of wins that was just enough and falling into the finals. My gut tells me we are in the middle of something amazing despite my head telling me that there is no way we can get out of the wildcard game.

One team at a time, all with only one chance. All the other teams don’t want to lose to us because out of all the teams in the playoffs, we have nothing to lose. We fell in thanks to the division system.

Yes, Tebow played poorly but the spectre of getting into the playoffs is now gone. Tebow hasn’t played well recently and I have a feeling (and hoping madly) that they, as a team – players and coaching staff – will set him free. I hope they clear his mind and give him two clear instructions (1) do what it takes to move the team forward agressively and relentlessly according to what he sees in front of him and not what they think in a book and (2) give Broncos fans a reason to believe in the Team.

I hope (1) sees the development of Captain Chaos running a no-huddle read pass option from the shotgun playing with whatever is available to him whilst simultaneously working on wearing down the defence. Plan all you want but there’s only so much you can do when you are tired and sore. It may be as crazy as drawing the corners in and run at them a la Revis (not used to collisions huh – Ole!) to help the WR later in the game.

Before you all slam me for my crazy ideas (and apparent lack of deep tactical knowledge of your wonderful game) I will qualify by saying that I’m still learning the game (Australian) and it may not work but what do we have to lose and it would be pretty fun to watch.

I believe. I don’t know why. But I believe that something special is about to happen which will hopefully be the beginning of an amazing journey. I believe.

Go Broncos! Beat Steelers!

Red_Crusader - January 2, 2012 reply

May it be according to your word!

This entire scenario playing out would be most epically acceptable.Keep believing!

turnerstoe - January 2, 2012 reply

Let's just hope history repeats itself...

In the Broncos first ever playoff game in 1977, we beat the Pittsburg Steelers 34-21 at Mile High….we can do it again….!

Brazenwood - January 2, 2012 reply

This is not a funeral people!

This is perfection…as everybody sees us as the faltering one-and-done team..

We’ve got the playoffs right where we want ‘em. Just wish we hadn’t lost Kuper…

We need our coaches to get together and watch film and learn how to counter the defensive strategies that have completely dismantled our offense. Get strategic and shake things up…don’t continue with the madness that is losing….try something innovative!

Brazenwood - January 2, 2012 reply

Tony Dungy

says Tebow needs to learn to be a pocket passer, it makes sense, if defenses won’t allow him to get to the edge…

PearlJamBroncoGFunk - January 2, 2012 reply

In my this is a classic good vs evil type game.

Big ben vs Tim Tebow, James Harrison vs Brian Dawkins..

I know it is over simplifying things, and typecasting of the highest degree, but something tells me we win this game.

And I definitely didn’t have that feeling about our last two!

We are as good as our record 8-8, basically average, but any given Sunday right? The chiefs we played yesterday beat the Packers?!?!

Go Broncos!

HorseStance - January 2, 2012 via Android app reply

I won't be sad if we lose

it’s been so long since we’ve been able to watch a Bronco playoff game. After a 4-12 season and a 1-4 start I still can’t wipe the division champ smile off my face and “backing in to the playoffs” means they took care of business earlier in the season so they could lose 3 straight and still win the division.
Win or lose next weekend, I am more optimistic headed into next season than I have been for several years.
Go Broncos!

sc31089 - January 2, 2012 via Android app reply

Tebow has regressed

Look, as much as I like Tebow he simply is not a very good nfl quarterback yet. He had wide open receivers yesterday yet failed to even attempt to throw the ball. He does not hit his receivers after they break away even a little from their defenders. Until he perfects this part of his game both he and the Broncos are one dimensional and very easy to stop.

Bookem - January 2, 2012 reply

OMG, am I the last optimist left?

I believe.

There’s still magic left in this season.

To the people who love to whine and complain about EVERYTHING, “why so serious?” Have some fun!! Who thought we would make the playoffs back in September.

Steelers Suck!!!! Go Broncos!

Lost Winter - January 2, 2012 via iPhone app reply

After reading all of the blogs, news articles, and watching ESPN, I think for all parties involved, the only right thing for the Broncos would be to forfeit Sundays game.

artistnyc - January 2, 2012 reply

Very well thought out

Just like you should forfeit all the money you ever make and every free second you have to any viable charity…. Cancer research, homeless shelters, pet shelters, legalizing marijuana…. Lot better things than reading all that bull, and stating that kinda bull.

Seriously, with a comment like that, you’d be way better off donating. Definitely all your free time, and as much money as you can. There’s some real logic for ya. /rant

I sure hope you were being sarcastic. But in case you weren’t, I stand by the above. xD

I'm never forfeiting money I make

remember when the Seahawks upset the Saints, lightning can strike twice!

PearlJamBroncoGFunk - January 2, 2012 reply

Whew

I read some of your other comments, and based on those, I see this was total sarcasm because of how the media is acting like We don’t stand a chance.

Please take my rant below and apply it toward those who don’t have the capabilities that open mindedness allows. =)

~~My rant below~~

My rant above, rather…. LoL. Wheeee!

PearlJamBroncoGFunk - January 2, 2012 reply

AFC WEST - Strongest Division in the NFL

We might be in the most competitive division of all divisions!

http://www.milehighreport.com/2012/1/2/2676820/with-all-this-talk-of-backing-into-the-playoffs-i-had-a-look-at-the

Brazenwood - January 2, 2012 reply

Regardless of what happens

the Broncos are in the playoffs and have a shot, that’s all you can ask for, come what may, this is valuable experience for Tebow, let’s just progress the best we can and see what happens, GO BRONCOS!!!