Why Broncos Are Better … Wednesday Cup O’Chiefs
That the Chiefs are one of four teams in the NFL without a victory does not come as surprise considering the team’s 2-14 record from last season.
That the Denver Broncos are one of five teams in the league without a defeat qualifies as a shock, a major shock.
But the standings do not lie. The Broncos lead the AFC West with their 5-0 record. The Chiefs are on the bottom of the division at 0-5.
Both teams changed general managers, head coaches, defensive coordinators and starting quarterbacks in the off-season. Each had controversial moves, with the Chiefs dealing away their 11-time Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez and the Broncos sent their starting quarterback Jay Cutler to Chicago. Both head coaches reportedly had verbal run-ins with players they inherited from the previous regime.
So why are the Broncos unbeaten under Josh McDaniels and new QB Kyle Orton (left) and the Chiefs winless under Todd Haley and new QB Matt Cassel? There’s no single answer, but here a few to consider:
BRONCOS DIDN’T CHANGE OFFENSES IN THE PRE-SEASON: From the first day in the off-season program, the Broncos were learning and practicing with the same offense they currently are using. McDaniels runs the offense and while it hasn’t been explosive it has complimented the team’s defense by gaining a time of possession advantage and Orton has thrown just one interception. Haley had Chan Gailey run the offense until the last week of the pre-season schedule when he was fired. The head coach took over and completely re-did the offensive playbook.
DENVER WENT FOR MORE VETERAN FREE AGENTS IN REBUILDING THE ROSTER: Nobody in the league was more active in signing unrestricted free agents during the off-season than the Broncos. The Chiefs signed a few UFAs, but were not nearly as active. Right now, Denver has 12 UFAs signed in ‘09 on the roster and six are in the starting lineup. The Chiefs have five on their roster, with three who are starters.
CHIEFS HAVE GOTTEN NOTHING FROM THEIR DRAFT CLASS: One would think that if any team got help from their rookies this year, it would be the Chiefs. Yet, beyond K Ryan Succop, the Chiefs have gotten next to nothing from their draft picks. Combined, DEs Tyson Jackson and Alex Magee, along with CB Donald Washington have 10 total tackles in five games. They have no sacks, no fumbles recovered and no interceptions. WR Quinten Lawrence has one running play for 16 yards, one kick return for 17 yards and a special teams tackles. The Chiefs ‘09 draft picks have appeared in 24 games, with seven starts.
Denver meanwhile, has gotten far more from their ‘09 draft class. First-round pick Knowshon Moreno is the team’s leading rusher with 337 yards on 81 carries and eight catches for 69 yards. He has two touchdowns. Defensive choices LB Robert Ayers (1st), CB Alphonso Smith (2nd) and S Darcel McBath (2nd) have combined for 13 total tackles, one interception. Overall, Denver picks have contributed nine tackles on special teams and WR Kenny McKinley (5th) has returned three kicks for a 24.7-yard average.
DENVER HAS GOTTEN BETTER PLAY FROM THEIR QUARTERBACK: The trade of Cutler to Chicago that brought Kyle Orton to the Broncos seemed like a downgrade for Denver. But Orton has responded to the new offense and the pressure by completing 63 percent of his passes, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt with seven TD passes and one interception. His passer rating is 97.4. Matt Cassel has played one less game because of his knee injury. He’s completing 58.5 percent of his passes for 5.47 yards per attempt. Cassel has thrown seven TD passes and two interceptions and his passer rating is 85.1.
THE BRONCOS HAVE GOTTEN MUCH BETTER PLAY FROM THEIR OFFENSIVE LINE: The Broncos brought back their offensive line from last year, while the Chiefs have a new right side. It shows on the field. Denver running backs are averaging 4.6 yards per carry and 139 yards rushing per game, while giving up eight sacks, or one every 21.6 passing plays. KC averages 3.5 yards per carry and 95.6 yards rushing per game. Chiefs QBs have been sacked 17 times, or one every 10.1 passing plays.
DENVER’S DEFENSE HAS BEEN DOMINATING; NOT SO WITH CHIEFS: The Broncos are the No. 2 defense when it comes to yards allowed, trailing only the New York Giants. Denver gives up 252.8 yards per game. The Chiefs are No. 32 or last in the league, giving up an average of 402.8 yards per game. Now, there’s a factor of the offenses both defenses have faced and no question the Chiefs have had a tougher road. They have faced four offenses in the top 10 right now: Dallas (1), New York Giants (2), Baltimore (5) and Philadelphia (8). Denver has faced only two offenses from the top 10: Dallas and New England (9). The Broncos have also faced the 31st and 32nd offenses (Cleveland and Oakland.)
McDaniels says the Broncos are not going to live off their fast start. They will back to work Wednesday morning.
“Believe me, I don’t know if I have enough time in the squad meeting on Wednesday to show them how many things we can do better the next time we go out,” McDaniels told the Denver media on Tuesday. “We can coach better, we can play better, and they’ll see that on the film. I don’t have to create that, and no coach on our staff will have to create that because you just watch the film and that’s the proof.”
Here’s a lengthy head-to-head statistical look at these two teams. The numbers are not pretty and they provide some vivid explanation as to the five-game difference between these two teams this early in the season.
| Category | Broncos | Chiefs | Edge |
| Record |
5-0 |
0-5 |
B |
| Opp. Rec. |
12-13 |
15-9 |
C |
| Points |
99 |
84 |
B |
| Points Allowed |
43 |
138 |
B |
| Offensive Rank |
6 |
30 |
B |
| Defensive Rank |
2 |
32 |
B |
| Yards Per Game |
376.8 |
258 |
B |
| Rush Yards Per |
139 |
95.6 |
B |
| Pass Yards Per |
237.8 |
162.4 |
B |
| Completion % |
63.0 |
60.0 |
B |
| Avg. Per Attempt |
7.5 |
5.9 |
B |
| Offensive TDs |
10 |
9 |
B |
| Sacks |
8 |
17 |
B |
| Giveaways |
5 |
4 |
C |
| Yards Allowed Per |
252.8 |
402.8 |
B |
| Rush Allowed Per |
81 |
132.8 |
B |
| Pass Yards Per |
171.8 |
270 |
B |
| TDs Allowed |
4 |
16 |
B |
| Sacks |
16 |
6 |
B |
| Takeaways |
11 |
6 |
B |
| Gross Punting Avg. |
46.3 |
45.1 |
B |
| Net Punting Avg. |
37.8 |
43.7 |
C |
| Punt Returns |
7.4 |
7.3 |
B |
| Kick Returns |
18.7 |
22.4 |
C |
| Punt Coverage |
9.8 |
2.1 |
C |
| Kick Coverage |
22.8 |
22.7 |
C |
| FGs |
10/13 |
5/6 |
C |
SIGNINGS, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
- NFC – named Cowboys WR Miles Austin offensive player of the week.
- BENGALS – released long snapper Brad St. Louis; signed long snapper Clark Harris.
- BILLS – signed LB Chris Draft and DB Todd Johnson.
- BUCCANEERS – signed WR Yamon Figurs.
- COLTS – released DT Ed Johnson.
- COWBOYS – signed returner Allen Rossum.
- DOLPHINS – signed RB Kory Sheets; RB Patrick Cobbs suffered a torn ACL Monday night and his season is over.
- LIONS – released DL Chuck Darby; signed S Demarcus Faggins.
- PATRIOTS – signed LB Junior Seau.
- RAIDERS – released DB Rashad Baker from the injured-reserve list.
- RAMS – signed WR Tim Carter: placed DT Gary Gibson on the injured-reserve list
- RAVENS – signed WR David Tyree.
- SAINTS – released QB Chase Daniel; K Garrett Hartley reinstated to roster from suspended list.
- SEAHAWKS – signed OT Damion McIntosh.
- STEELERS – DE Aaron Smith slated for surgery on a rotator cuff and will miss the rest of the season.
- TEXANS – released LB Buster Davis.
FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY
On October 14, 1973, the Chiefs tied the Packers 10-10 at Milwaukee County Stadium. This defensive struggle saw the Chiefs manage just 149 yards of total offense. The only KC score was an 8-yard TD pass from QB Len Dawson to TE Morris Stroud. For the Packers, the offense was led by RB John Brockington, who finished the game with 106 yards on 15 carries. Both CB Nate Allen and LB Bobby Bell had interceptions for the Chiefs.
On October 14, 1979, the Chiefs lost to the Denver Broncos 24-10 in front of 74,292 fans at Arrowhead Stadium. The Denver defense kept the Chiefs offense under wraps throughout the afternoon, allowing just 166 total yards and only one fourth-quarter TD. The Chiefs only points were a 44-yard FG and a one-yard run by RB Arnold Morgado. Both Steve Fuller and Mike Livingston struggled in this game at quarterback, going a combined 13 of 29 with one interception. Denver QB Craig Morton hit 17 of 30 passes for 218 yards and TD throws of 16 yards to WR Haven Moses and seven yards to WR Rick Upchurch.
On October 14, 1984, the Chiefs beat the San Diego Chargers 31-13 in front of a crowd of 67,465 at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs scored 21 consecutive points to grab this victory, as QB Bill Kenney threw two scoring passes to WR Stephone Paige for 18 yards and TE Ed Beckman for five yards. RB Herman Heard scored on a 69-yard run. In the first quarter, RB Ken Lacy had a 24-yard TD run. The KC defense did not allow a TD, as San Diego’s only score came on a 99-yard interception return by CB Gill Byrd. The Chargers had just 77 rushing yards and the Chiefs had three sacks and forced five turnovers. Interceptions came from CB Albert Lewis and S Deron Cherry. WR Carlos Carson caught seven passes for 165 yards. QBs Todd Blackledge and Bill Kenney combined to complete 23 of 41 passes for 360 yards.
On October 14, 1990, the Chiefs beat the Detroit Lions 43-24 at Arrowhead Stadium. While Nick Lowery scored the first points with a 21-yard FG, the Lions had the first touchdowns, both coming from RB Barry Sanders. Making his only regular season appearance in Arrowhead, Sanders caught a 47-yard TD pass from QB Bob Gagliano, a former Chiefs draft choice. Sanders then scored on a 13-yard run. But from that point the Chiefs caught fire as RBs Christian Okoye and Barry Word both had a pair of TD runs. TE Jonathan Hayes caught a 1-yard TD pass from QB Steve DeBerg. Word finished the game with 200 yards rushing on 18 carries, while Okoye had 23 carries for 91 yards. Sanders finished with 16 runs for 90 yards and five catches for 135 yards.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on October 14, 1964 in Bethesda, Maryland was RB Paul Palmer (right). He was selected in the first-round of the 1987 NFL Draft out of Temple. Palmer played two seasons with the teams (1987-88), appearing in 27 games, with 12 starts. He ended up carrying the ball 158 times for 607 yards and two TDs, catching 57 passes for 638 yards and four TDs and he returned 61 kickoffs for an average of 21.1 yards and a pair of TD returns, including one for 95 yards. Palmer’s career with the Chiefs ended in controversy when he was heard saying he would purposely fumble a kickoff during a late November game in Pittsburgh. He played in 14 games during the ‘89 season with the Cowboys and Lions.
Born on October 14, 1949 in Lyons, New York was G Roger Bernhardt. He joined the Chiefs in 1975 after playing the previous season with the Jets. Bernhardt appeared in four games and started three times for the Chiefs during the ‘75 season. Those were the last games in his NFL career.
Born on October 14, 1944 in Shreveport, Louisiana was K/P Wayne Walker. He joined the Chiefs in 1967 and played four games as the team’s punter, averaging 38.7 yards per boot. Walker served as a kicker in ‘68 for the Oilers, making eight of 16 FG attempts.
Born on October 14, 1957 in New Kensington, Pennsylvania was FB/TE Mike Williams. He was an eighth-round selection in the 1979 NFL Draft out of New Mexico. Williams spent three seasons with the Chiefs (1979-81), appearing in 33 games, with 14 starts. He played both fullback and tight end, and finished his career with 71 carries for 261 yards and a TD run, along with 19 catches for 141 yards and three TDs.
What Kent Babb wrote about the only thing that work’s is not a question of weather to go there .
It’s clear that Matt is possibilty being held back from his level of ability ?
Shift into a hiher gear and open up those back jet’s .
Sure your going to waste some fuel , But they have to get in the passing lane and hit it , or they are NOT going anywhere !
It’s like 4th and inches ( you gotta do it ) .
Right now 30 running play’s agame is like , a for sure bet on the outcome–the big “L”
You may have three QB’s that are like firework’s wating for someone to light the fuse .
Gotta a match ?
Yeah Bob…I think all those things you mentioned are a factor….but I think the main things are the O’line and the Defense. If we had an O’line that could stop anybody then we would have a more successful QB and a better running game. I think the key to Denver’s success is their Defense. They have not allowed very many points. Of course the Chiefs Defense (which has been poor) maybe would be better if they didn’t have to spend so much time on the field on average.
I am very disappointed that the Broncos were able to turn themselves around so quickly and the Chiefs seem to be stuck in the mud. Yeah yeah….we could look at the bright spots….or little improvements here or there….we could try not to be negative and try to cheer ourselves up with thoughts of better things to come…….but we have done that for years and still no Championship….or even a playoff win. Who’s to say this is any different? I’m just sick of it because I continually see our rivals get better and we continue to be losers. It has to change soon.
Ditto Harold!!
I feel exactly the same.
The underlying looming question based on this story is one of shining the heat lamp on the 800lb gorilla in the room, which is:
Do Pioli and Haley really know what the hell they’re doing?
To be fair, the Chiefs were in a worse condition than the Broncos were and our opponents have been tougher than the Broncos overall…..but somehow that does not make me feel any better. It feels like empty excuses. This has the feel right now of going back to the 70’s. They better stop the bleeding soon. Whatever it takes. Maybe they can turn this thing around and win a few games this year. I hope so. But it don’t look good right now. I think there are too many problems with the O’line/running game to fix during this season. We need players…or coaches….or SOMETHING….something different. What we have is worthless….it has been worthless….it is worthless….it will be worthless. Do something different Chiefs.
Ok……To be fair, the Chiefs were in a worse condition than the Broncos were and our opponents have been tougher than the Broncos overall…..but somehow that does not make me feel any better. It feels like empty excuses. This has the feel right now of going back to the 70’s. They better stop the bleeding soon. Whatever it takes. Maybe they can turn this thing around and win a few games this year. I hope so. But it don’t look good right now. I think there are too many problems with the O’line/running game to fix during this season. We need players…or coaches….or SOMETHING….something different. What we have is worthless….it has been worthless….it is worthless….it will be worthless. Do something different Chiefs.
Denver was turned over because the OWNER was fed up with a highly successful HC who had not delivered a superbowl for a few years. Many pieces were in place and the new management made few changes and built on what was there. We had Carl/Herm, a combo who were rock bottom in most phases of management. Then the Hunts brought in Pioli who chose a HC who frankly does not seem so bright. Add a poor (not understandable) first draft, no real interest (or success?) in free agency period. Unusual coaching choices, Chan, Pendergast, and Krumrie, why to any of them. It is no wonder the bye words are “Patience and Process” because not much has worked out for the Chiefs so far in 09.
Good list Bob, but it only needs one item: the Broncos have an elite offensive line and we have the hot wall of garbage. I remember throwing a fit on draft day in 2008 when the Chiefs took Dorsey over Clady. Everyone praised that pick but now, who would you rather have? I’ll take the kid who has yet to allow a sack in his entire freaking career. This year, they had a shot to remedy their O line in the draft and what did they do? Take Eugene Monroe? Nope, they super-reached on Tyson Jackson, a player that I NEVER saw being slated higher than pick 12 to (guess who) Denver! I don’t have the info in front of me on how Monroe is holding up in Jacksonville, but at this point, who would you rather have?
Let’s hope that the organization FINALLY develops some sense in 2010 and puts a stop to the spending of premium picks on LSU D-Linemen who can’t rush the passer!
O-LINE – if you build it, wins will come.
I know the ship is being turned around and is already pointing in the right direction. We were just THAT far off course. I like the way the coaches are coaching. It will pay off, hopefully sooner than later but pay off none the less. We just gotta hang in there and wait for that first victory. I believe everything will fall into place after that.
But seriously, you can’t win any games if you can’t put up a fight in the trenches. Plain and simple.
JB
The Broncos didn’t have nearly as far to go to “turn around” than the Chiefs do. They were a much better team than the Chiefs the past couple of years.
COWBOYS – signed returner Allen Rossum.
RAVENS – signed WR David Tyree.
There’s two signings that I wish the Chiefs had been pursuing. I said as soon as the 49ers released Rossum that the Chiefs should go after him. Would have been a HUGE upgrade in our pathetic return game. Oh well.
Still…………to be fair, the Chiefs were in a worse condition than the Broncos were and our opponents have been tougher than the Broncos overall…..but somehow that does not make me feel any better. It feels like empty excuses. This has the feel right now of going back to the 70’s. They better stop the bleeding soon. Whatever it takes. Maybe they can turn this thing around and win a few games this year. I hope so. But it don’t look good right now. I think there are too many problems with the O’line/running game to fix during this season. We need players…or coaches….or SOMETHING….something different. What we have is worthless….it has been worthless….it is worthless….it will be worthless. Do something different Chiefs.
colby says:
“Everyone praised that pick but now, who would you rather have?”
Unfortunatley, the draft doesn’t work that way. Hindsight is 20/20. Dorsey was supposed to be a “beast”. We haven’t seen any of that, though. And I’m beginning to wonder if we ever will.
el cid says:
“…no real interest (or success?) in free agency period.”
I’d sure like to know who Pioli might have tried to get. Because you know he would never tell if he tried unsuccessfully to bring someone in. Sad fact is, not too many good players would want to come play for a really bad team.
Mad Chief said:
“The Broncos didn’t have nearly as far to go to “turn around” than the Chiefs do. They were a much better team than the Chiefs the past couple of years.”
There ya go, Mad Chief.
Broncos were 7-9 in 2007, 8-8 last season (vs. 4-12, 2-14 for the Chiefs). They beat the Falcons and Jets on the road with a decimated RB corps. Yet they were still so disappointing to the owner that he fired his Super Bowl-winning HC, even though it meant paying him $20 million to play golf this season.
There’s little to compare between the two teams, except the fact that the Broncos have done a much better job turning their defense around so far than the Chiefs have.
As pointed out by the last few posters, it boils down to talent. Carl/Herm left the shelves bare. The Broncos had a decent core of players to build around.
Much of the Broncos success can also be attributed to DC Mike Nolan. While the Chiefs got fired Cardinal Nancy Pendergast, the Broncos went with a former head coach and let him go unencumbered with the 3-4 transition.
You are NOT going to get an O-LINE off the street,the one thing that is clear , the team is not complete enough without an O-LINE ,being graded 1 to 10 , they are not in that 8 to 10 range that is needed .
These are young , big , fast , smart , guy’s that only come from the draft .
If I knew how to spell –perception ? and obivious ? I would make another remark !
But I don’t .
Wait , maybe you could find someone from ______________ , I need a little help here ,also ?
I think it all boils down to the fact that most of us Chiefs fans can’t stand the Broncos. We thoroughly enjoyed watching what we perceived as their “implosion” this offseason…and we thought we could be better than they were this season. But, it didn’t happen. And that hurts.
Mad Chief said: “I think it all boils down to the fact that most of us Chiefs fans can’t stand the Broncos. We thoroughly enjoyed watching what we perceived as their “implosion” this offseason…and we thought we could be better than they were this season. But, it didn’t happen. And that hurts.”
Exactly MC….that is exactly it. I’m sick of always being behind those guys.
Josh, it took 3 years to replace Roaf, Shields has never been replaced, and when was the last time we had a RT. Almost forgot Albert is having a year the a rookie HS player does not have. What makes you think the Chiefs organization is capable of rebuilding a O line? We have Pioli now but what has he done since coming to KC? Maybe is life in the NFL is different in NE, or the water. So far he has done nothing so far (I know he has had less than 1 year) but nothing has worked so far. Has he shown one success so far? Maybe Cassel but most move are not just questioned but make the team seem weaker. Sorry but I do not buy into “Patience” or “the Process” because they are the managements way of saying we flopped this year but will get it right next year.
Harold C. says:
“Exactly MC….that is exactly it. I’m sick of always being behind those guys.”
I have to say, though, that I have been impressed with the job McDaniels is doing. The crap he went through with Cutler and Marshall could have destroyed his coaching career before it really got started. But, he pushed on through it and has his team playing very well. Much better than anyone expected. I have to give credit where credit is due…and he deserves some.
I also have to say that I enjoyed watching them beat the Patriots (I HATE the Patriots). McDaniels beats his old boss Belichick…and then snubbed him on the post-game handshake. Now THAT was cool.
The Rossum signing would have been a psitive for our return game for sure, but he never played for the Patriots or Cardinals… So there is no way we would have had any interest in him…
No amount of Patriots winnings will ever make me want to see the Broncos beat them…unless it helps the Chiefs somehow.
Harold C. says:
“No amount of Patriots winnings will ever make me want to see the Broncos beat them…unless it helps the Chiefs somehow.”
There are two teams that I can never, ever root for to win, no matter who they are playing – New England and Dallas.
Why is Bob hitting us why we are down. And by us I mean the fans
Mad Chief said: “There are two teams that I can never, ever root for to win, no matter who they are playing – New England and Dallas.”
Even if the Chiefs making the playoffs was at stake?
So far the only thing that worries me is the 09 draft. Pioli was/has been consider 1 of the best in that regard ….its not showing on the field yet.Coaching has been suspect as well ….its early….by the season end we should know a lot more.I feel there well be coaching changes in the off season as well. PnS
If Todd started and finished a game with the same no huddel long throw drill , all he need’s is a defence to back it up .
Also if they had only one thing to do and that is get the ball back, no matter what !
Like on return’s and run’s , try and hold the ball carrier up till help can pull the ball , UP and out .
On passing , take penatlies , instead TD’s ,then just go for the ball .
These could produce high end result’s for KC .
Right now the opition’s are what ?
Harold C. says:
“Even if the Chiefs making the playoffs was at stake?”
Well now, that might be a different story. I don’t think I’ll have to worry about that, though. At least not this year.
Bottom line is we won’t get appreciably better until we have a better O-line that will balance out the time of possession & score more points. I didn’t like the Dorsey over Clady either. They shoulda traded Dorsey during the draft to Atl. for their first rounder. They took a DT in the 20s (P. Jerry from MS). Dorsey was much higher rated, under contract & a year of NFL experience. Dorsey doesn’t fit our scheme. I do like Albert. He’ll be fine. The main problem is the middle 3 (G,C,G). That’s what made things go even when we were seemingly always searching for a RT. Our C & RG are not good. When Allman was in there we were better. I still think EK should be moved inside to his natural position.
We MUST get a Rb too. The lack of foot quickness & burst is gone fromn LJ. Its glaring. He may have run hard, but that’s not the same thing.
Denver has a real coach who is being himself. We have a golfer for a coach that wants be Bill Parcells.
Bob, you leave out what probably was the biggest reason: Denver already had a better team in place. This is a team that was 8-5 at one point last year and looked like a lock for the division and the playoffs. Having that talent level vs the talent level of this 2-14 team is a big deal. At that point rookies can come in and contribute in set roles and vets can fill in defined holes. The Chiefs, holes are everywhere and there are very few core players in place, so it leads to a lot more instability than what is in Denver, which is an established team that was enhanced…
hey bob your welcome for me giving you some material people wanted to read didnt know i was supposed to copyright my stuff before i type it lol, its cool though im glad your reading my stuff i got more ideas to, heres my top 5 things id like to talk aboutr and id like you to consider them all
1.which dolphins cheerleader we would wanna do it with first.
2. who we should draft in april
3. what we should do with dj
4. oh yeah what about another one of thos things where we ask you questions and you answer them tatd be cool that was fun the last time its not really a subject but itd be cool.
5. and also what people think of the ufl
Mind if I answer mr awsome?
1. Does it even matter? Take your pick!
2. OL!!!!! Top three picks if necessary!
3. Trade him before the deadline or start freaking USING him.
4. I agree. The Q&A was great and I didn’t get to partake last time! Fun to read though.
5. The UFL lost its audience when Vick opted to sign with the Eagles. Are they even playing now?
I would like to throw out IMHO, I believe something that has helped Denver is confidence because of their easy starting schedule. Had we had the schedule that Denver had and gotten a 2 or 3 wins maybe just maybe we would of had the confidence to win some of these tough games. Also IMHO I believe the biggest problem with our d-line is Krumrie and I sure as hell hope they can him at the end of the season (if not before).
The Broncos were not bad last year and started from a much better position of strength relative to the Chiefs.
Their O-line was better and although their Defense sucked that has changed, largely due to Brian Dawkins.
A lot of us snickered at their earlier SNAFUs but for now it seems Josh McDaniels is an able successor to Mike Shanahan.
Part of this might be due to his calmer manner of addressing his players but whatever the reason it appears that team will pose formidable problems to its adversaries in the AFC West.
Denvers defense is the biggest reason for thier turn around, they already have 16 sacks this season, that’s just not B-dawkins, Elvis Dumervil is playing pretty good this year… The chiefs didn’t go out and get a guy that could set an example, sorry Vrabel is not the guy he was in NE, I wonder if he was even that guy in NE along with Pioli who i dont believe had much to do with drafting players, he wasn’t GM their…
Something to think about here is that Scott Pioli came in here late and didn’t get to put his people in place. I believe he has all of his people in place now so I am going to be interested in this next draft. Last year Scott drafted with Herm and Carl’s scouts, and we all know how those drafts turned out. There will be no excuses this next time around.
As far as free agents are concerned, who would all of you rather play for if you had no bias, Denver (a playoff team) or the Chiefs (a bottom Feeder). Just like with Tony G. wanting to leave last year, not to many players want to come to Kansas City anymore, and thats too bad for us fans.
Bottom line people its not fair to for Bob or anybody to compare the Broncos and Chiefs sitation. The Broncos were coming off a season where they blew winning the division. 8 and 8. While the Chiefs were 2 and 14. Bob you only needed one word to describe the two organizations and that word is talent. Fact is Broncos have two very talented receivers, a great offensive line, and an elite secondary. The two question coming into the season about this team was will the get over the Marshall and Cutler drama and will the front seven improve compared to last yr.
The only reason people picked the Broncos to be bottom feeders this year was because of all the drama created with those two guys. Their really wasn’t any question about talent because you talking about an organization who has experienced a double digit lost season in almost a decade. Second if anybody knew football knew Orton wasn’t Jay Cutler but he’s a solid quarterback. Is he the best no. Because in the NFL you don’t have to be Peyton Mannning or Brady to win a Super Bowl. You just have to be solid qb that manages the game and make plays when you have to.
Last but not least its not a fair comparison Bob to compare Cassell to Orton because Orton is playing with far better talent. No one on here can argue that Marshall is better receiver than Bowe. And Royal is better than anyone outside of Bowe on this team at receiver or tight end. Cassell has already proven what he can do when given talented receving core and a good o-line. Pioli just needs another off season to give him that.
•SEAHAWKS – signed OT Damion McIntosh.
Mentioning as per usual the balanced side – another Herm-refugee signed with another team.
Is there any truth to the idea that the Chiefs media/blogsters have used the offseason soap opera highlights of the Broncos in order to mask the serious issues and shortcomings in the current leadership’s decision-making?
I challenge everyone here to not bury your heads in the sand with regard to where this team is really at.