Hey guys! Enjoyed the pod today! Wanted to share some thoughts and questions as I’ve cooled down a little from the frustrating, emotional, rollercoaster loss while rooting for the Rockies in our wild card playoff!
Firstly, I, personally, am still confident in Keenum. His 4th and 11 conversion was clutch, he had us in a position to win and did show a ton of…grit; I know that was a non-flattering characteristic on today’s pod, but we haven’t had a QB with that characteristic since Peyton. Siemian, Brock, and the one that shall not be named, showed much more to be roll-over artists as opposed to a fighter showing any grit. Despite Mahomes god-like, or even Rodgers-like (oh no…), performance, we still had a chance to win and were with in striking distance, despite our defense not coming through in the last minutes. So, do you guys think that Keenum is will be “the-guy” for at least the next two seasons (Kelley development or draft pick next year)? Or do you think the jury is still on Keenum to be a multi-year stop gap with the “chance” of doing some damage in the post season?
And…last question, has our defense turned into a “bend but not break” defense, as opposed to the elite, shutdown defense we’ve been accustomed to since 2015?

When I think of your definition of ‘grit’, the guy that overcomes a lack of talent to make it in the pros, I think of Tim Tebow. The guy won games, and I loved Tebow, but he was not a great passer. Now that I’ve calmed down a bit, I understand that coaches shouldn’t be fired, but how many times can we make the same mistake of going conservative with a lead and it costing us the game before something is done? That’s the frustrating part, the game was ours, done. The whole thing is frustrating, but I still haven’t given up on this team. Broncos forever!!

I’m still struggling with this loss and I’m guessing that I am not alone. Maybe you can help me sort out the issues I have with it.

First, I don’t believe Case needs to be replaced. Yet. He needs to get a hell of a lot better fast though. This loss was not totally on him, but he had a part to play in it.

My issue is with the coaching and Vance specifically. His post game presser was infuriating. It’s not just a matter of him stating that “passing the ball is how you score.” It’s one of the ways you can score. The underlying issue with the statement is this. Getting the ball into the end zone is how you score. His statement ignores the basic fundamentals of the game. You are up 10 in the 4th quarter. Scoring at that point, up by 2 scores, is secondary to protecting that lead which means running the ball, and grinding down the clock. Sure, scoring helps, but they could have won had they just maintained the lead they already had.

The fact that he doesn’t seem to understand that basic concept should be alarming to anyone following the team.

Then, he follows it up by stating that the game plan isn’t going to change.

That gameplan is what cost Denver this game. It is what leads to Denver giving the ball back to KC after a 3 and out when they should have been running and bleeding the clock. Vance Joseph made the wrong call and not only does he refuse to accept the mistake that he made. He is stating that he will repeat it in the future. I have been an apologist for Vance Joseph. I defended him last season as a rookie head coach when he lead the team to a 5-11 record. I am done making excuses for him.

This loss was on him. He cost Denver this game. The fact that he doesn’t understand that, cannot see why, and is willing to repeat the mistakes he’s making tells me he is not fit to lead this team anymore. I just cannot get past it. I have followed this team for over 40 years. I have seen them at their best and at their worst. Never have I seen a coach of this team so fundamentally lacking in the basic principles of the game as I am seeing with this coach.

If this was the first lapse in judgment from VJ it wouldn’t be a topic of discussion here. This is not the first. It’s just another in a history of questionable decisions and poor calls from this coach.
Elway won’t move on from VJ right now. We will have to live with this for a while longer. I don’t see Vance finishing the season the way things are right now.

I’ve been giving the offense some thought after some strong performances in some areas, and struggles in others, and I think I’ve found the solution. Picture this: twins right with Sanders and Sutton, Lindsay at QB in shotgun, flanked by Royce and Jano, with Keenum at left WR. At snap, Phil can either hand off to Royce, with Jano blasting open lanes (run), keep it himself (run), keep it and hit Sanders on a quick slant (pass), or pitch it to Keenum who is coming behind him on a jet sweep, who then throws a bomb to Sutton on a deep go route (pass). Defenses would constantly be confused, and Ryan could finally see his legendary RRPPO actualized.

Hey Zac and Ryan! Joseph from Rockhampton, Australia here. However, I am currently in Denver and was privileged to attend the Broncos game last night at Mile High. Also went to a Rockies game and am typing this as they have edged out the Cubs in the 13th inning of the Wild Card game.

I must say, I never fully understood the effect of home field advantage until last night. The atmosphere was absolutely electric. Whether it was stomping the floor and yelling your voice hoarse on every Kansas City offensive play, howling like a Wolf(e) or tantalising the Chiefs with a united “IN-COM-PLETE”, I experienced how great Broncos Country and the city of Denver is. It doesn’t even feel like the Broncos lost this week to me. Maybe it’s because I saw a great game and witnessed some amazing athletic talent. Maybe it’s because of the lack of oxygen reaching my brain in this altitude. Who knows.

Now for a quick question.
Coming from Australia, rugby is very popular, and an essential component of the game is the lateral pass. During the Broncos game, I saw a few instances in which a lateral pass to a nearby receiver had potential to create a big play. So my question is: Why are lateral passes used almost only in desperate situations or the rare trick play? There must be something I am missing.

After this game, I am more confident in this Broncos team, seeing them go head to head with arguably the league’s best and most dynamic offense, and remain optimistic for this season.
Thank you to the BSN team for providing such in-depth news around the Broncos and Denver sports teams. You guys have been my go to source for the Broncos since the tail end of the 2015 season, and it’s great to have such a strong, international community.
Peace.

P.S.
Ryan, we’re in the same boat. Not pleased with my BSNIFFL team, ‘Can’t Stop Chad Kanoff’, at the moment. An inconsistent David Johnson, a lackluster Vikings defense, and my anti-Patriot and frantic decision to grab Ryan Tannehill off of waivers, due to the Panthers bye week, only for him to post an all mighty 1 fantasy point. This altitude must really be getting to me.

So my question comes in at the Rb position. Why was Booker in the game at the end? He hadn’t played through pretty much the first 3 quarters and then all of a sudden comes in like Royce or Phill had done something wrong. His swing pass he almost dropped and I would have much rather seen Lindsey in space then him. I know the only major thing I saw was a sack given up by Lindsey but that was more on Keenum not getting rid of it quick. Why bring in Booker?

I have been a big Bolles supporter, but his holds are just terrible. You would think going against our stable of pass rush would truly help him become a better player. I find it hard to say that he should be our Left tackle of the future with his tackling of linebackers. Thoughts on if Garrett can still improve or have we seen what we are going to have to accept with him?

Mahommes sounds like a Muppet.

Just wanted to try to find something wrong with him.

Respect you both, but Zac, the referees admitted they missed the call…it is on them. Appreciate you trying to be balanced and the play calling and poor QB play was more of an issue, but it did change the game for the worse. Sadly happening around the league: Vikings/Packers changed because of poor call as did Browns/Raiders. NFL need to get control of their own officials or just pay whatever it takes to get all the retired ones back on the pitch!