Broncos vs. Chiefs: Fox
Head Coach John Fox talks about Sunday's 7-3 loss to the Chiefs and winning the AFC West.
Sounds from the Locker Room
Players react after Sunday's 7-3 loss to the Chiefs; talk about winning the AFC West and making the playoffs.
Broncos vs. Chiefs: BTV Highlights
Field level highlights and 850 KOA broadcast audio from Sunday's 7-3 loss to Kansas City.
Perloff: Broncos' division title doesn't mean much - Video - SI.com
Perloff: Broncos' division title doesn't mean much.
NFL Videos: Chiefs muff catch
00:36 – Chiefs DB Javier Arenas loses the ball on a punt catch and it's recovered by Broncos WR Matthew Willis to set up a Broncos FG.
NFL Videos: Has Tebow's magic run out?
05:45 – Tim Tebow has followed six consecutive wins with two ugly losses down the stretch, but which Tim Tebow will show up against Kyle Orton and the Chiefs on Sunday?
NFL Game Center: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos - 2011 Week 17
Tim Tebow still can't beat Kyle Orton on the football field.
Broncos, Texans Host NFL First-Round Playoff Games After Losing Streaks - Bloomberg
The Denver Broncos and Houston Texans will host first-round playoff games even though they both ended the National Football League’s regular season with three-game losing skids.
NFL.com news: For playoff success, Tebow needs to own final quarter again
The chants ignited precisely on point. They swept through the stadium as the buzz began to grow and spines started to straighten.
Notebook: Broncos Rush into Record Books
The Broncos, led by Willis McGahee, set a single-season record for rushing yards; The defense steps up; Injuries cast a shadow.
A Fresh Start
The Broncos closed the season with three straight losses, but the team knows it has an opportunity to right the ship and make some noise now that the postseason has arrived.
Loss Hurts, But Playoffs Loom
Despite a 7-3 loss to the Chiefs in the regular season finale, the Broncos are headed back to the postseason for the first time since 2005.
Chris Kuper of Denver Broncos breaks leg against Kansas City Chiefs - ESPN
The Denver Broncos lost two offensive starters in the first half of their 7-3 loss to Kansas City when right guard Chris Kuper broke his left leg and fullback Spencer Larsen hurt his knee.
Source -- Pittsburgh Steelers fear Rashard Mendenhall tore right ACL - ESPN
The Pittsburgh Steelers fear starting running back Rashard Mendenhall tore the ACL in his right knee during Sunday's 13-9 win over the Cleveland Browns, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos - Recap - January 01, 2012 - ESPN
Even in defeat, Tim Tebow came out a winner. Tebow fell short in his latest comeback bid, yet his Denver Broncos still made it the playoffs Sunday.
Chiefs 7, Broncos 3: Three Observations
Three observations from the Broncos’ 7-3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High here Sunday:
Chiefs 7, Broncos 3: By the Numbers
Notable numbers and notes in the wake of the Broncos’ 7-3 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs
Broncos vs. Steelers in NFL AFC playoffs, here the ticket info | First-and-Orange
By virtue of the San Diego Chargers beating the Oakland Raiders, the Broncos backed into the playoffs Sunday despite their loss to the Chiefs.
Tebow’s turnover troubles continue | First-and-Orange
Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow lost a fumble in the second quarter today against the Chiefs, his sixth lost fumble of the season.
LeGrand a popular guy in Broncos locker room | First-and-Orange
Eric LeGrand was just a child when he found his football idol: Denver running back Terrell Davis.
Kiszla: Even after ugly loss, Broncos can't shake the mystique - The Denver Post
Maybe this is the miracle of Tim Tebow: The Broncos win, even when they lose, lose, lose.
Denver Broncos fans leave stadium with mixed emotions - The Denver Post
As Sports Authority Field at Mile High emptied Sunday, the mood was somewhere between victory and defeat, or perhaps satisfaction and disappointment.
Woody Paige: Broncos picked the wrong way to win the AFC West - The Denver Post
For six years, the Broncos wanted to return to the playoffs in the worst way.
Kyle Orton enjoys defeating the Broncos - The Denver Post
The look on Kyle Orton's face as he ran down the ramp from the field to the Kansas City Chiefs' locker room at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday said it all.
Denver Broncos lose to Kansas City Chiefs, still slide into playoffs - Boulder Daily Camera
Tim Tebow has always done things the unorthodox way. Making the playoffs was no different.
Tim Tebow, Broncos moving backward at absolute worst time; more Snaps - Don Banks - SI.com
Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos are going to the playoffs as the AFC West champions, but this clearly isn't the same fairy tale we thought we were witnessing a few weeks back.
Chiefs Avoid Tebow Time And Beat Broncos, 7-3 - Arrowhead Pride
Like the 2009 season the Kansas City Chiefs have ended the season on a high note by beating the Denver Broncos and potentially knocking them out of the playoffs. KC completed the game, 7-3. Low scoring, ugly, defensive, whatever you want to call it. They got it done.
Broncos live: Tim Tebow vs. Kyle Orton, with NFL playoffs on the line - The Denver Post
Way back on Sept. 12 when this season began, Broncos fans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High clamored for Tim Tebow at quarterback instead of Kyle Orton.
Tebow tracker: Broncos QB goes against K.C.'s Orton in Denver - The Denver Post
Behind Tim Tebow, the Denver Broncos on Sunday had a chance to clinch the AFC West title and an NFL playoff berth. But Kyle Orton and the Kansas City Chiefs were looking to win their season finale.
Brees, Brady, Stafford Join 5,000-Yard-Club | Pro Player Insiders
In the history of the NFL, only Dan Marino in 1984 and Drew Brees in 2008 had passed for more than 5,000 yards in a season.
Chargers keep Raiders out of NFL playoffs - The Denver Post
Oakland was rallying, the Broncos were losing and the Raiders had the San Diego Chargers backed up inside the 1 midway through the fourth quarter.
Real Hope for the New Year | Pro Player Insiders
In the NFL, the last week of the season brings a couple different scenarios: Your team is either looking to finish on a high note with a win or they’re battling for their playoff lives.
Jared Allen notches 22 sacks, franchise record | National Football Post
Minnesota Vikings defensive end ends the season just .5 sack short of Michael Strahan’s single season record with 22 sacks.
Steelers RB hurts knee | National Football Post
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall left Sunday’s game early against the Cleveland Browns with a knee injury.
NFL Week 17 Rewind | National Football Post
2. Tebow, Broncos back into the playoffs:
1 recs | 79 comments
I think Champ said it best.
azdenfan - January 2, 2012
OH...
wouldn’t mediocre be nice. I think Champ, being the classy guy he is, was far to generous.
Mee - January 2, 2012
Jerimiah Johnson
needs more touches than lance ball.
Sneaky_Sean - January 2, 2012
THIS
I think Jeremiah Johnson can give the Squealers problems
the new Bradfather - January 2, 2012
also
he seems to do better when he gets the ball in space.
Sneaky_Sean - January 2, 2012
Thanks for the tracks Kapt
Our D was awesome yesterday. I actually saw some good play out of our safeties! Havent seen that from them in a while. Now to go spot me a sasquatch. I hear they like Jack Links
Calikula - January 2, 2012
Lol
KaptainKirk - January 2, 2012
the D was the only bright spot.
How many times did KO get sacked?
Boiler etc - January 2, 2012
I just recall the once
When Robert Ayers got to him.
PearlJamBroncoGFunk - January 2, 2012
David Bruton was a bully
nice!
the new Bradfather - January 2, 2012
Happy to be in the playoffs. Some very average Dolt and KC teams have beaten us on tie breakers over the last decade so I won’t apologize for getting in the same way. Should be fun.
That Kuper injury took all the wind out of my sails yesterday. Was a great reminder that football isn’t just a game, but a profession for these guys and it’s so damn dangerous. Reminds you why the lockout was important. These guys do need to protect themselves financially. Kuper is one tough dude not even crying or yelling. That injury was a gross as the Eddie Mac broken leg.
I expect another low scoring game next week and I really hope the Tebow vs NE or Minnesota shows back up. That guy wearing 15 yesterday wasn’t an NFL QB. The guy that played over the winning streak was. Where is he and where is Von Miller while I’m asking. He was AWOL again yesterday. The D stepped up anyway, but Von hurt his hand, not his legs. Not a great excuse Von. Dude needs to play better than he has lately.
Our D-line was studly yesterday. They owned Weigman and Co.
McGeorge - January 2, 2012
Yeah, my sails were hugely deflated by that as well
I was disappointed in the first place, when I saw it was Kuper that was down. Then I saw…..
He took that injury as stoically as possible… I hope his career ain’t over, he’s one of the most reliable lineman I’ve seen in a while. I was really hoping the rest of the team would pull out a win on Kupe’s account, but hey, that’s why We’re going to win next week. Hopefully and then some!
PearlJamBroncoGFunk - January 2, 2012
We won't know more until later this week.
All we know now is that Chris has a broken fibula and a dislocated tibia.
firstfan - January 2, 2012
I feel for him, however did anyone else notice the offenses prayer during the time they were loading him up
the entire offense said a prayer. I don’t recall a time where an entire offense kneeled down in that fashion together during a game. That tells you something, they are a close knit group. There is no drama in that locker room.
Broncs55 - January 2, 2012
Uhmmmm....
They do that after every play, its called a huddle. :) j/k I saw it LOL Just couldn’t resist hehehehehe.
Disturbed70 - January 2, 2012
lol
nice one!
Broncs55 - January 2, 2012
I feel for Kupe too
He has been such a rock for us. I hope he can come back next year, but it looked so horrible that I’m just not sure….
BroncoMarc - January 2, 2012
Yes
the lockout was important, but it still sucked and I still hope there never is one again, GO BRONCOS!!! Our D-line owned those Quiefs pansies up front, special teams was consistently excellent, all that was missing was stellar QB play, Step yo game up Tebow!
the new Bradfather - January 2, 2012
as far as Von goes
A lot of rookies do worse at the end of their rookie seasons b/c their body is tuned for a shorter season up to this point. Expect more production from him later in the year in the next seasons.
Sneaky_Sean - January 2, 2012
Thanks Kirk
I sure hope We got all that losing out of Our system!!! Time for some Denver Broncos playoff football! Without Kupe, we really need all the help We can get now.
PearlJamBroncoGFunk - January 2, 2012
And would the NFL please give us some real officials. I can’t take any more of this one sided BS. How many bad calls are we going to be on the wrong side of in one season.
It’s like our turnover ratio. We are suffering from several too many BS calls and non-calls. The clear PIs last week, the face masks this week, the horrible spots. Enough is enough.
McGeorge - January 2, 2012
How many block in the back penalties
have we had on kick offs? Seems like every week we get at least one called on us!!
Sean in Pa. - January 2, 2012
I'm basically just used to it.
I more or less expect a horribly officiated game anymore, and continue to be surprised when calls are actually made/not made fairly nowadays.
I was happy to find out though, that the officials get graded after every week, and the ones who are ‘better’ get to officiate playoffs, then SB.
PearlJamBroncoGFunk - January 2, 2012
They are fairly harshly judged as well
If I understand it right. Maybe we get all the low rated ones ?:/
Sean in Pa. - January 2, 2012
The facemask thing was up lose and blatent.
Not only the mask part, the guy tried to take off the whole helmet. Everyone saw it. This isn’t the first hemet job Tebow has taken; just like the refs are quick to call it for even breathing on Manning or Brady, they perhaps think a bloody lip for a scrambling QB is acceptable.
Boiler etc - January 2, 2012
up close
Boiler etc - January 2, 2012
I’m glad you pointed out the spots McG.
Occasionally I wondered if I was watching the same play as the officials.
firstfan - January 2, 2012
And that "late hit" by Carter was a joke.
bonaire - January 2, 2012
I watched the replay
really early Monday morning, that was NOT a late it NO WAY
the new Bradfather - January 2, 2012
the Lions-Packers refs sucked too
Detroit was screwed lots of times, I don’t think GB is as good as everyone says they are, they could be upset
the new Bradfather - January 2, 2012
Are the Rams
Going to name McD HC????
Sean in Pa. - January 2, 2012
LOL!!!!!
No. the fans hate him. just like denver
McGeorge - January 2, 2012
I wouldn't wish that on the Rams
I have nothing against that franchise. But if the Chiefs would hire McD… that would be just fine with me. :)
BroncoMarc - January 2, 2012
Don't think so.
I read he’s very likely going to Kansas City in the same position currently held in St Louis (as the article put it), and that Brandon Lloyd would be following him there.
CompUser - January 2, 2012
and he can reunite with his boyfriend Cassel
broncosfan1129 - January 2, 2012
What if
Orton, Cassel and McScumbag are all together, that would be a little awkward!
the new Bradfather - January 2, 2012
Rams are classy
they don’t like cheating weasels being the head coach, just crybabies, like Dick Vermeil
the new Bradfather - January 2, 2012
I was by far not the only one saying this yesterday and I'll continue to do so.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Tim-Tebow-Denver-Broncos-John-Fox-must-have-faith-in-quarterback-010112
Boiler etc - January 2, 2012
It looked like they were trying to run out the clock.
The play calling was like we had a 14 point lead.
Kronis - January 2, 2012
the play calling was horrible all game and has been mediocre at best all season
IMO, McCoy has only called 1 good game this year, he needs replaced IMO at season’s end.
Broncs55 - January 2, 2012
In McCoy's Defense
Timmy missed picking up reads on some open receivers and seemed to be forcing the issue at times. The run game was working well enough. It goes back to what we have seen since they have been trying to ween the offense off the read option. We are seeing too many low percentage passes called. Tebow seems to be uneasy in the pocket and confused about whether or not to take off. He’ll get better with time, I am sure. I hope he can get some of his confidence back this week because we definitely need it.
CH74 - January 2, 2012
Oh I won't disagree with that - Timmy did miss some reads
but there were times he was being flushed when someone was opened, which made it difficult to throw the opposite direction at the moment.
There were some reads he should have made tho!
I agree, he will get better with time. I think Decker and Thomas make some fine receivers, although I was very leary of Thomas earlier in the season. They need to get a couple more receiving threats who can get open on a more consistent basis to allow Decker and Thomas some more time.
I think receiver will be more of a priority in this draft. as well as corner, possibly safety and O-line.
Broncs55 - January 2, 2012
I'm not so sure McCoy deserves all this venom
In some ways he’s done well. He devised a system that has come up with a series of wins (admittedly, many of those wins were highly improbable) despite being burdened with a quarterback who, what every his other talents may be, simply can not throw the ball at a NFL level. This is no mean feat.
BroncoMarc - January 2, 2012
But that's what we're going to be blasted with until a Pro style offense is fielded, so get ready for it or don't read it.
I’m with you though in believing McCoy doesn’t deserve a lot of the flack he’s getting. But thats just me, and now we have something to work from, a core of freshman, sophmore and veteran players to build around.
bfree2bronc - January 2, 2012
Oh, make no mistake
there’s more blame to go around, from execution to coaching. But I think Tebow had a big input on the option style since McCoy was not familiar with it.
Fox also deserves credit in going to the option style, he was the one pulling the strings in the regard with he had to say “Let’s go this route” in order to do it.
Tebow is still developing and has come a long way since his first game starting, he’s getting better, more comfortable and can read defenses well, he just needs to learn to read them better and faster and make quicker decisions. He will, I am sure of it.
Broncs55 - January 2, 2012
It will be interesting to see what happens
It’s all speculation of course, but my guess is Tebow’s deficiencies in the passing game are so vast even if he is able to overcome them, (and that’s a big if) it will take years of work. Most NFL team, and the Broncos are no exception, simply aren’t willing to wait years on an iffy proposition.
But hey, I could be wrong. It sure wouldn’t be the first time. :)
BroncoMarc - January 2, 2012
Considering Fox doesn't take chances
I’m sure Tebow doesn’t try to throw to anyone who ISN’T open. His receivers rarely get open. Although they are young and also need to develop. They’d get open a lot more often however if they had 1 more receiving threat.
Broncs55 - January 2, 2012
+1
grampa16 - January 3, 2012
A banged up big ben will help us, we need to lay the wood on him non stop
where has Miller and Doom been the last few weeks? They kind of fell off the radar.
Anywho – is it just me, or did Bruton play well in Dawkins absence?
Broncs55 - January 2, 2012
Hochstein played well in Koops absence too
I’d be suprised if Koop returned at all this season – any word on his injury? I didn’t hear.
Broncs55 - January 2, 2012
nevermind, broken leg - I missed the article somehow
Broncs55 - January 2, 2012
I was impressed with Bruton's play
Von Miller not being 100% is hurting the defense though. McCluster’s touchdown run should not have been as easy as it looked. It looked like Von lost contain.
CH74 - January 2, 2012
agreed, Von missed his assignment on that play
It shouldn’t have happened.
Broncs55 - January 2, 2012
The Phonz
got abused yesterday…he even got in the face of his D co-ordinator. He’s so bad. I took great pleasure watching his meltdown.
T.Dot_Bronco - January 2, 2012
Ug.... don't bring him up....
Every time his name is mentioned I get angry all over again that we pissed away a damn first round pick on that guy. Makes me want to puke.
BroncoMarc - January 2, 2012
me too.
I hate that guy and it’s all McJedi’s fault
McGeorge - January 2, 2012
Making the playoffs is way more than I could ask for or have dreamed of, so I'll take it...
I remember a team (Arizona Cardinals) that came from a weak division and made it all the way to the Superbowl. Their challenge was an uphill one and very improbable of doing, yet they were one play with 15 seconds left in the half (Harrison INT- TD of Warner) and a miraculous catch in the endzone at the end of the game from being World Champs.
bfree2bronc - January 2, 2012
agreed
Making the playoffs is GINORMOUS and wasn’t even an expectation this year by fans, coaches or executives.
They are now forced to stay with Tebow for next season. I’m 110% happy with this. I think Tebow is the QB of the future, and would really hate if they didn’t give him time to develop.
At the rate he has progressed, they would really retard this team’s growth with their young QB to bench him or send him packing.
Broncs55 - January 2, 2012
at least we don't have a losing record
/s/ the 7-9 Seahawks
the new Bradfather - January 2, 2012
I'm still on the play calling.
Weeks 1 thru 4 the running backs had 26 rec’s.
But only 27 rec’s thru weeks 7 to 17.
Why?
Kronis - January 2, 2012
Why?
Wks 1-4 QB can throw quick outs and excels in the play action pass
Wks 7-17 QB hesitates to throw the quick pass, scrambles and throws deep balls.
Sean in Pa. - January 2, 2012
So you really believe it's the QB always going deep.
I don’t see many plays called for screens, and short check offs.
Kronis - January 2, 2012
I believe all pass plays have check downs
I don’t see Tebow throwing the quick check down pass.
Sean in Pa. - January 2, 2012
me neither, he's looking for the bigger play which would be like a slug in the stomach
he needs to get quicker with his reads. He will. Next year I’m sure we all expect to see huge improvements from him!
Broncs55 - January 2, 2012
Are we not always have the backs and TE's staying in to block?
Who are is check downs?
Kronis - January 2, 2012
Fells and Larsen are the players I am referring to
At least on some of the plays. Decker has run short posts, as has Royal.
Sean in Pa. - January 2, 2012
I’ll have to watch game rewind and have a look. It would be nice to see Tebow check down or throw some short passes.
Kronis - January 2, 2012
Should Tebow be practicing against Champ?
Does he? It seems that would be a help in him making those tight throws. This is the thing I don’t understand. Why doesn’t he ever seem to pull the trigger on a three step drop? Interception, drop, to low, whatever…. I don’t think I have seen him make a three or five step drop and pass to a spot. Does he practice this? Am I blind or just stupid? I am not being a smartalec either. We may as well call this the offseason if our team plays the same way next week. So, let’s diagnose what is happening. Tebow will be our QB next year. What will make him a better QB?
Sean in Pa. - January 2, 2012
Agree Sean.
I just don’t see any three step drop pass plays. I would love to know why? Nicely put.
Kronis - January 2, 2012
it's asinine if he doesn't already
if you have a Hall of Fame cornerback on your team who always goes all out in practice, use the resource.
the new Bradfather - January 2, 2012
The screens won't work
As has been pointed out. Defenses are sitting back and watching for Tebow to run. That leaves defenders in the screen areas. But the quick outs and check downs have been there on several occasions. Why they are missed i don’t know but I have seen plenty of open players and Tebow does not seem to. As a reality check, I would not want to try and find them with NFL defenders chasing me!!
Sean in Pa. - January 2, 2012
Quick outs and check downs are usually based on precise timing.
And for whatever reason Tebow really struggles with timing routs. I think it’s because his very slow delivery makes those quick timing passes especially difficult for him. But then that’s just a guess on my part since I don’t really know enough about the intricacies of quarterback play to say definitively. So perhaps his trouble in that area comes from a very different source.
BroncoMarc - January 2, 2012
I am starting to loose faith in Tebow as our future. sorry I wanted him to have a chance but he is looking Horrible.
CenCalBronco - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Quick Pit Stop
Hi Guys – just stopped by from the Browns site to say:
1. Congrats on reaching the playoffs.
2. We have played Pittsburgh 2 of the last 4 weeks. They are really banged up. Ben – no mobility at all. Their backup running back fumbled twice in the second half alone.
3. Dial up the pressure and beat the Steelers!
realmccoy - January 2, 2012
thanks my Brownie buddy!
the new Bradfather - January 2, 2012
what are the odds you guys swing a trade for Luck?
Zac Man - January 2, 2012
I love Tim Tebow.
I will keep believing. I feel that Tebow is trying to do too much. He has no weapons and he can’t do everything. When you have a group of D+ WRs, any kind of passing game will be hard.
Let’s not forget, KC made Aaron Rodgers look awful too. The Chiefs beat the Packers. For what it’s worth, last week was a total anomaly.
Looking at Pittsburgh, I say the Broncos win 24- 17. Denver wins on a 40 yard dash by Tebow.
Lost Winter - January 2, 2012
I agree with the lack of Wepons.
But man some of throws or lack there of are awful. I love the kid and man am I pulling for him!
CenCalBronco - January 2, 2012 via mobile
GO BRONCOS!!!
grampa16 - January 3, 2012
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