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What a satisfying victory.
The first playoff win in over 5 years couldn't have come soon enough. In fact, it came at the expense of the franchise that boasts the most well traveled fanbase. Fortunately, for me, this means a number of co-workers in Cincinnati are Steelers fans. One guy, specifically, had been giving me grief for a long time. Now, I could get my revenge.
Unfortunately, I went to work on Monday and he happened to be out for the day - something about "being sick". What impeccable timing to call in sick, right? It must have been really difficult to watch the game with your head all stopped up and what not....
What a shame.
So, I came into work Tuesday morning, expecting to be rewarded with some quality redemption. No dice. He was out for the second day in a row. He must be really nervous to face me. I'll be in this position for 5 months, so he can't possibly avoid facing me forever. I'll keep you updated as this story develops.
I've seen a lot of people complaining about the means by which Eric Decker became injured. As Tim Tebow threw the ball on the first play of the second quarter, the human sledgehammer named James Harrison met the left knee of Eric Decker. Was this play "dirty"? Let's put it this way... there wasn't a flag thrown and rightly so.
This was a statement hit by James Harrison. After handing a few checks to Roger Goodell, James Harrison has become infamous for hitting players in the head, most recently knocking out Colt McCoy. In my opinion, his play on Eric Decker was pretty smart, considering Harrison's history with shots to the head.
If you won't let James Harrison hit high, he'll hit low. That's the nature of the beast. See how much wide receivers like having their knees targeted by a defender coming at full speed? Not very much. Presumably, Roger Goodell has to be scratching his head, thinking "how many more body parts can I make immune from devastating hits"?
The answer: none.
Football is a violent game. I don't think it's a dirty play. I think it was a smart play. By saying a certain area of the anatomy is off limits, defenders will (or should) adjust and hit another area. To me, this appears to be a middle finger from James Harrison to Roger Goodell. He's stretching the rules to the fullest extent of the law. You don't like me hitting players in the head? I'll break some kneecaps.
It would be a waste of breath to urge James Harrison to form tackle people to the ground. This is just how he does business. He leads with his head and shoulders. His brain will be mushy a few years down the road, but that's his own fault.
Here's some food for thought. If Roger Goodell is reading this, instead of docking players money for helmet to helmet hits, why not dock the players a percentage of their health insurance benefits in retirement? Before the union comes crashing down my door, please consider the following. By James Harrison lowering his head and increasing the risk for his own mental demise, he is costing the NFL future expense. In addition, he's increasing the risk of injury to the opposing player, as well. That's double damage to the NFL pocket book. To me, it's a no brainer (no pun intended). James Harrison may not be affected by a monetary deduction or even suspensions, right now, but he's putting at risk his future health and the future health of other players. It has to stop. A "defenseless receiver" rule change, increasing fine amounts, and even suspensions haven't deterred James Harrison from injuring players, so a new approach is necessary.
There's not a chance the Players Union would go for it, though, but it's a thought, nonetheless.
With all that said, I feel terrible for Eric Decker. I hope he's comfortable and I wish him the best of luck in his recovery.
What an awesome player and awesome person. He's the antithesis of everything we've come to know about NFL wide receivers. What strikes me most about Demaryius Thomas is his mouthpiece. Every time I see him on the field, his mouthpiece is in. This may seem mundane to most people (and it is), but with a mouthpiece in your mouth it becomes increasingly difficult to mouth off. This "mouthiness" is a disease that has inflicted some of the NFL's most talented wide receivers, notably Terrell Owens, Brandon Marshall and Chad Ochocinco.
Demaryius isn't like that, though. That giant white mouthpiece brings a smile to my face, whenever I see it. We've got a guy that we'll never have hesitation rooting for. He's a class act and a talented one, at that. I can proudly say that I've backed this guy since before the Broncos drafted him. I didn't have the same premonition for other Broncos players (I'm glad to have been wrong about Tim Tebow and Von Miller), but I have truly enjoyed backing Demaryius Thomas throughout the past two years.
I hope to have more reasons to praise Demaryius Thomas for a long time to come.
If I win the Eddie Royal New England Ticket, Airfare, Hotel contest, I promise to tweet, blog and video the whole experience for MHR. Let the campaigning begin. #SendKBtoNE
How many first down passing plays (passes that occurred on first down) did the Broncos call in Sunday's game against the Steelers?
How many first down rushing plays (rushes that occurred on first down) did the Broncos call in Sunday's game against the Steelers?
4 recs | 88 comments
I believe I saw that
We had 21 1st down runs and one lonely first down pass. Boy did we make that count
COROXFAN - January 10, 2012 via mobile
One first down passing? Uh No...
Demaryius had two and Ball had at least one along with Royal. I believe we only had one rushing first down with McGahee but I didn’t count…
bfree2bronc - January 10, 2012
i think he means one pass on first down and 21 runs on 1st down
march20 - January 10, 2012
According to the guys on ESPN (take it for what's it worth)....
…during regulation we threw once on 1st down (and had 2 more throws on 1st down but both plays had penalties, so didn’t count).
bonaire - January 10, 2012
Nice read
I read an article on Harrison a while back, I think I was sitting in a dr.‘s office. Anyway, I don’t think he plans on changing the way he plays at all, as you stated. The only thing that will work in my opinion is to get rid of highlight reels. Possibly Payroll deductions for every replay of a nasty hit/penalty play.
If I tweeted, I would help you….. In my world the only tweeting going on is still done by the “real” birds.
Sean in Pa. - January 10, 2012
I respect your deeply seeded beliefs about twitter and won't interject my own in efforts to convert you to twitterism, despite the possible lifestyle change that could benefit me this weekend....
:)
Troy Hufford - January 10, 2012
While I don't think it was a dirty hit
I did notice alot of guys on the Steelers were going for the knees, one play that I noted was Polomulu going down on McGhee where he normally would of taken him high. I am all for hard hits, but seems like alot of the Steelers were going low on alot of plays, while not illegal, it is somewhat like the chop block, it’s a dangerous play where there is a higher probability of injury if your form is off. I much rather deal with a concusion than a knee injury, but that is just me.
Broncoman - January 10, 2012
Now that you mention it, I do recall Willis McGahee being upended on back to back plays.
I even called out “Man… Willis sure does get flipped quite a bit.”
Troy Hufford - January 10, 2012
....Polamalu always tackles like that. Dont make this something more than it is.
ShyandObese - January 10, 2012
Beat me to it
Part of Polamalu’s “awesome” play has always involved diving at people’s knees. Pretty fearless, that. But it’s worked for him for a long time…
ncm42 - January 10, 2012
takes your legs out from under you. Stops defenders dead in their catch with no extra yards
It works well and both parties are generally injury free. Our own Chris Harris tackles like that.
ShyandObese - January 10, 2012
Agree.
Nine times out of ten, going low on a ball carrier results in a flip. The play ends and no one is injured. The only time there is a problem is when a foot happens to be firmly planted into the ground when the hit occurs. With ball carriers who are running and cutting, the amount of time that a foot is planted is minimal so going low on ball carriers is generally safe. The reason linemen get pissed about it is because their feet are almost always planted in an attempt to gain leverage. Going low on a lineman is always dangerous. When a QB is throwing, his feet are planted as well and going low on them is also very dangerous and hence the new rule. But when guys are running and cutting, this kind of tackle is generally harmless. I was taught to aim from the knees to the chest when tackling and there was never any talk about the lower part of that range being dirty.
AttwaterForHOF - January 11, 2012
Thigh pad to the knee
There’s the difference in my mind. It’s interesting you mention being taught to go rom knee to chest. I was taught thigh pad to chest. It’s a couple inches of difference — and a huge anatomical separation in terms of the potential for injury.
broncomack - January 11, 2012
as was I, shoulder hits
and from knees to the chest, if any of us in high school went helmet-to-helmet in practice, we were punished by not playing for a quarter in the upcoming game, our coaches had integrity and we were better for it
the new Bradfather - January 11, 2012
I remember the play
I even commented during the game “That must be the tripod form tackle”! Polomalu looked ridiculous making that tackle, definitely not the menacing tackler I expected there.
CH74 - January 11, 2012
I respectively disagree with you on the Harrison hit
Your quote:
You say it wasn’t dirty and at the same time say it was a statement hit by Harrison to tell Goodell if you won’t let me hit him in the head then I’ll make a statement and take a guy’s knee out? It seems like your providing evidence that it is a dirty hit. BTW, there are more places to hit a guy than just the head and knees. If defenders aimed for knees on every crossing route, there would be no receivers left. Harrison just doesn’t have any respect for other player’s careers…which is why he is considered the dirtiest player in the league by his peers.
bonaire - January 10, 2012
It's not against the rules.
The statement you reference is essentially saying that James Harrison has developed a reputation as being a dirty player. But it’s not against the rules to take the legs out of a wide receiver. It’s a crafty way of avoiding the defenseless receiver rules.
Troy Hufford - January 10, 2012
I don't think it has to be against the rules to be dirty.
bonaire - January 10, 2012
Its not illegal, but he doesnt have to hit him there.
I have read multiple times that the game is “too fast” and players cant “shift fast enough at full speed” to avoid a nasty hit. That is true quite often. But in a case of a receiver who isnt even looking, is technically defenseless, you dont have to lower your shoulder into their legs. Harrison easily could have made a very solid tackle towards Decker’s torso.
Teboner - January 10, 2012
He could have. But he didn't. He never does.
Harrison doesn’t form tackle. If he does form tackle… I haven’t seen it.
Troy Hufford - January 10, 2012
You seem to be agreeing that it was dirty....
….just not illegal. But your question was whether it was a dirty hit.
bonaire - January 10, 2012
I guess I didn't understand my question. :)
Troy Hufford - January 10, 2012
I'd just like to point out that Harrison destroying Decker's knees probably caused Decker to lose the ball when he went to the ground,
so in that sense it was better for his team for Harrison to make a “dirty” but legal hit rather than consider Decker’s future health
Jasper Burget - January 10, 2012
You could use that logic to justify every dirty hit...
…after all, it gets a player out of the game.
bonaire - January 10, 2012
Nice Takes--Especially on D. Thomas
It hasn’t been a decade, however, since the Broncos won a playoff game. The Broncos last won an AFC Divisional playoff game in Jan. 2006 against the New England Patriots, 27-13 during the 2005 season.
RSH089 - January 10, 2012
Thomas reminds me alot of Megatron off and on the field
Both are big physical receivers who can burn. Sure Calvin is a little bigger and a better WR. But the comparison is their personality.
Both are quiet on and off the field and let their play speak for it’s self. Why i root for Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson and Thomas. Good to see non-diva WR’s.
Deckers hit wasnt dirty, it’s a part of football. Honestly i have nothing wrong with “Dirty” football. He’s a defensive player, that’s his job. Inflict pain on the offense, and get in their mind. James Harrison is playing 10-20 years to late i think
Troy i hope to win that too! haha
Scotty Payne - January 10, 2012
So, I won't be receiving your #SendKBtoNE hashtag shoutout, I assume...
Troy Hufford - January 10, 2012
Of course you will
Help out any way i can!
Scotty Payne - January 10, 2012
Right on!!!
Troy Hufford - January 10, 2012
I dont think its a coincidence that DT was a freshman WR at Ga.Tech whe Megatron was in his last year...
Both class acts and talented beyond belief IMHO
broncofaninIL - January 10, 2012
Good stuff
But Megatron in his first two years was not the Megatron he is now. Fingers crossed for our very own Optimus Prime to overtake Megatron. After all, DT’s career playoff high in receiving yards almost equaled Calvin’s, and DT did it in about a third the number of catches!
;-)
ncm42 - January 10, 2012
I find myself wanting to dislike Calvin Johnson because he has the body and speed of a diva WR, but the guy really doesn’t do anything to make an ass of himself. I find myself surprised by this every time he’s on TV. My subconscious begins trying to dig up the hate file on him, but comes back completely empty-handed and I find myself just cheering his indefensible play.
I don’t see Andre Johnson as often for some reason, but he’s the same way. Good guy receivers don’t come along that often these days, and when they do, they kind of bring you back to Eddie and Rod.
BroncosBassist - January 11, 2012
Afterat least one of his touchdowns against the Saints
Johnson simply dropped the ball and ran back toward the sidelines. No dance, no mouthing off, no “look at me.” That alone was enough to make me cheer for the man.
Broncs Cheer - January 11, 2012
History forgotten is history repeated
If you forgot how Champ schooled our next opponent, Brady, in 2006, I guess he will have to repeat
si_ice - January 10, 2012
Should read "half a decade".
I shall change it. Thanks.
Troy Hufford - January 10, 2012
EDDIE ROYAL CONTEST!?!?!?!
WHERE DO I SIGN UP!??!?!
Nelliott34 - January 10, 2012
Here.
https://twitter.com/#!/eddieroyal19/status/156526243888644098
Good luck… but not more luck than me. I’ll send y’all some pics of me and Eddie Royal. :)
Troy Hufford - January 10, 2012
Good to see another Bronco fan in Cincy!
I don’t think my die-hard Steelers-fans-in-laws will talk to me for a while.
jakldawg - January 10, 2012
That's okay. You don't need to talk to them, anyways.
Troy Hufford - January 10, 2012
Exactly.
It was like two victories in one!
jakldawg - January 10, 2012
Thomas is looking like he is coming out of the mold of Rod Smith .
He just makes plays . No fancy dances no dumb celebrations . So far all I see from him is pure professionalism . On his big game winning TD he runs into the endzone and just drops the ball then runs into the tunnel at the end of the stadium .
broncosfaninphilly - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Yup.
And I’m not insinuating that he should be an emotionless robot. A mile high salute works fine.
Troy Hufford - January 10, 2012
And judging by body language
He sure seems to love the game.
And another underrated, yet CRUCIAL, aspect of DT’s game: He seems to have the best rapport by far of knowing what to do when TT starts running around outside the pocket. Against Minnesota, DT started coming back toward TT and found a spot to ‘sit down’ in the soft part of the zone. Against Pitt, he knew on the first yard gain to turn his out route upfield, leading to the 58 yard gain. Maybe part of it is coaching, but watching the all-22 film when TT scrambles, DT seems to have a knack for knowing what to do and when to do it. These two seem to be developing a special rapport. Not to jump the gun, but it could be the start of a very special QB/WR combo, for them to develop this rapport so quickly…
ncm42 - January 10, 2012
*the first BIG* gain
Dunno what happened there. Sorry all.
ncm42 - January 10, 2012
That's one of the main advantages of him coming out of the Georgia Tech triple option offense
he’s used to having to block and knows how to play with a mobile QB.
AlbertaBronc - January 10, 2012
absolutely
Chris Chambers, who played at a run-heavy system at Wisconsin-Madison, was comparable. Of course Bay Bay is better!
the new Bradfather - January 11, 2012
I thought we had 2 first down throws. No?
azbroncomaniac - January 10, 2012
me too
1 in regular and the DT pass.
trumanj - January 10, 2012
We did...
They wrong
Trapped in O.C. - January 11, 2012 via Android app
Two officially, if you include OT
I think there might have been one or two more that were negated due to penalties.
BroncosBassist - January 11, 2012
I only remember two pass plays on first down. And the last one, was a great call……Go Broncos!
Kronis - January 11, 2012
The hit was dirty. There is approximately 4.5FT between the knees and head...
available for Harrison to hit.
For some reason Harrision can only hit the very bottom or very top of his target? GET REAL. Anybody who played football knows that you have to INTENTIONALLY dive at a players knee to get that low, OR, stand up straight during a tackle to hit their head. It is NOT natural for a player to tackle the way Harrison does – it’s intentional and I hope that someone chop blocks that dirty Bad-word to see how he likes it.
Watch the replay again, the guy dives at his knee intentionally. There’s no reason, other than to injure the oposition, for him to do so. He was giving the finger to Goddell and in the process was once again being dirty on a TRULY defenseless player. We’re not talking about hitting a running back who’s coming full force down field. This is a CROSSING route in which Harrison comes from a blind side right into the guy’s knee.
DIRTY AS A PIECE OF POO!!!!
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 10, 2012
Oh - and just because it doesn't break a rule doesn't mean it isn't dirty!
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 10, 2012
If it's any consolation, thanks to the Broncos, James Harrison can't hit anyone (dirty or clean) for the rest of the season.
We did the NFL a favor.
Troy Hufford - January 10, 2012
Tell that to the poor soul whose career is ended by that moron
Trapped in O.C. - January 11, 2012 via Android app
I don't think Decker's career is over
Troy Hufford - January 11, 2012
"hope someone chop blocks..."
This talk about Harrison is kind of making me realize how other teams felt having to play against our O-line in the glory days.
Them: The chop blocking is dirty!
Us: It’s legal…and effective. We’ll keep doing it.
ncm42 - January 10, 2012
I always get an ear full from my dad about that.
tiderfootball09 - January 11, 2012
Chop blocking is a bit dirty on the line... I can admit that..
Mark Shlereth said he used to tell the opposing players BEFOREHAND that was going to do it because he was coached to do so…
I guess maybe if Harrison announces to the league that he’s going to be going for the knees because the NFL won’t let him hit up high…. nah… nevermind, he’s still dirty! lol
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 11, 2012
Big difference between a chop block at the line and
running full speed for 20 yards and targeting a guys knees. As an O-lineman you can safely crab block into a guys knees to get his hands down and tie him up. It is only when you get down and then roll into the guys knees that you can hurt him.
Keyworthpunch - January 11, 2012
Know what the difference is?
Who’s team the receiving player is. If you think it’s “cleaner” to chop block, I don’t know what to tell you. How is diving for a players knees while he is being held up by an offensive lineman cleaner?
I already answered that actually.
FrankWyt - January 12, 2012
Great analysis Troy and agree, the dirty shot was legal...
The shot was deliberately designed to eliminate the player from action, as I see it it was the intent. In doing so there is too the possibility of ending a players career, in this case Decker was the victim. That’s all fine and good, but if ever a Tight End or OT chop blocks this punk and sends his ass to IR I will rejoice, I will clap, I will scream and holler, “That’s what you get punk”! Yes I will…
bfree2bronc - January 10, 2012
Me too!
I was hoping “someone” would pay him back during the game, but it did not happen…
Broncos15 - January 11, 2012
You don’t think people are trying to “pay him back” on every play?
FrankWyt - January 12, 2012
Nice stuff, Troy
At the moment of the hit on Decker I was pissed, but you’re right… Harrison didn’t hit against the rules or in a dirty way.
Fabio Broncos - January 10, 2012
Harrison will meet Karma some day
and he will not like it
yibberat - January 10, 2012
My Dad is a Steelers Fan
when they aren’t playing the Broncos (and I give him crap for it belive me), but he hates Harrison. He tells me all the time that it is just a matter of time before Harrison does what he did to Colt McCoy one too many times. An O-Lineman will lose his mind and take a dive into Harrison’s knee to avange his QB. I don’t know if that will happen, and I never wish injuries on anyone, so I guess we’ll just have to see.
DominantDenverDefense - January 10, 2012
It's kind of amazing that he's made it this long with no incidents.
BroncosBassist - January 11, 2012
Hit was legit
If we had a hard hitting, somewhat dirty LB like Harrison on the Denver Broncos squad would we even debate the hit he put on Decker? I don’t think I would man. If he was on my team and taking out say someone like Wes Welker in a play off game I would cheer him on! It was a clean hit within the scope of the rules. You can’t ask more than that from a guy. NFL is hard hitting. WR is one of the most dangerous positions. Gys like Decker sign up for that. The hit was legit!
timmaybronco - January 10, 2012
Romanowski
<cough!>
ncm42 - January 10, 2012
exactly ncm!
timmaybronco - January 11, 2012
I do not even like
to see our guys chop block other players. Sucks to see anyone get hurt… But paybacks are a different story.
Broncos15 - January 11, 2012
can't see this one
I teach my kids two wrongs don’t make a right.
Sean in Pa. - January 11, 2012
I'm winning the contest
I doubt I will I have no luck but I can dream
TommyTSlice - January 10, 2012 via iPhone app
KB
living in Appalachia, as you are well aware of by now, definitely sucks worse from all the oblivious, bandwagon Steeler fans…. ay? Next time you are confronted by one, ask them who their favorite players are. I’d be shocked if they made it past Big Ben and Polamalu.
PaleHorse78 - January 10, 2012
it's true
there’s a smart aleck kid in my neighborhood who says he loves the Steelers. I say Dylan, name 10 players on their team, he couldn’t name 5, obviously he got Keisel because his family lives about 30 miles up U.S. Highway 89 from me in south central Utah. I’m glad to know they were disappointed when they went to the game
the new Bradfather - January 11, 2012
It was a physical game no doubt.
Yet I will say there is a fine line between being aggressive and playiing dirty. The steelers flirt with that every single game. Harrison’s hit on Decker was clean though he’s still a dirty player. Everytime a play was about to end, here would come Harrison diving, wait no, submarines, into the pile head first. He wasn’t the only guy, I saw Hayward do that a few times. Also I saw a few plays where they did that to Tebow. Not to mention everytime a bronco player got close to the sidelines, he was sent flying an extra 5 yards. There was one play where McGahee got a boarderline shot before he got out of bounds causing him to go all the way to the steeler bench. It’s crap like that doesn’t belong in the game.
I like how the broncos don’t do that kind of crap. The broncos defense plays aggressive. I hardly ever see anyone take a cheap shot at anyone. The hard hits are legal and I never see anyone submarine down into a pile leading with their head. I’m glad the broncos got rid of that soft label and didn’t have to restort to cheap shots like the steelers have to. It was a good game though. However my views on Harrison have not changed one bit.
tiderfootball09 - January 11, 2012
Love that about your coworker....lol
Troy, I would love to hear when he actually shows up. I live down here in SD, so most of my Charger coworkers have been pretty quiet around my lately and I love it. I can work in peace..lol
weazel - January 11, 2012
I've been working in peace too
my horse’s south end coworker has nothing to tease me about now and even if the Patriots beat us, which they won’t, we have a solid foundation for the future, we will only get better!
the new Bradfather - January 11, 2012
Nothing today, either. Maybe again Thursday?....
Troy Hufford - January 11, 2012
ahem. I will only whisper
But when Ayers is laying on top of BigBen after his first sack, he fiercly twists BigBen’s knee. “cough, dirty, cough cough” I know these things happen, but the Broncos can’t be crying foul for a legetim hit on Decker.
Anders Teig - January 11, 2012 via iPhone app
He was just trying to take his mind off the pain in his ankle...
Broncs Cheer - January 11, 2012
Ayers is a certified chiropractor who makes house calls
yibberat - January 11, 2012
Rob Ayers
shows up for us when it matters most, I didn’t see the alleged action in question, but what I did see, I highly approve of, he was instrumental in getting that game into overtime!
the new Bradfather - January 11, 2012
I love how DT came clean about not knowing the game was over.
I love the way he was initially worried about the Broncos getting a penalty for excessive celebration, shows the right attitude of team first. Even if he did not think the game was over, it was still the biggest touchdown catch and play in his life. To maintain the focus on the team and its welfare rather than being a diva in the limelight shows real professionalism. The honesty about not knowing the game was over is also compelling to me. If you look at DT’s history he is a smart guy who performed well academically and had a great score on the wonderlic test. Admitting he did not know the game was over, might cause some to question his mental capabilities. Some might view him as a jock meathead. I love the fact he was not so worried about his image that he with held that information.
Keyworthpunch - January 11, 2012
Well, it was the first ever game under the new OT rules and the spirit of the new rules was to give both teams a chance at a possession so not knowing the game was over at that point is totally understandable.
AttwaterForHOF - January 11, 2012
This is not a Donovan McNabb
type of situation, the rules for overtime have been tweaked, he is a brilliant guy, I don’t think many stupid people get into GT, except for Reggie Ball
the new Bradfather - January 11, 2012
Coworker
Troy your coworker could be seriously ill. He could have been kidnapped and being held for ransom by a drug cartel. He could have bet alot of money on the game thinking it was a sure thing and has to hide out now from the Mob.
Baghdad - January 11, 2012
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