Denver’s Season Lost- Chargers 52 Denver 21

really depressing game for a lot of people!

What a lousy week for teams named “Broncos” who played in San Diego. I must confess I quit watching after the 2nd interception. The script for this game was following several others too closely. We score easily at first, then the offense inexplicably stalls, then we start turning it over. But, props to Tatum Bell for a good game. We knew we had no defense but the offense had issues as well. With several open receivers, Jay tried to force one to Marshall, again. Then that quick hitter to the wide-outs hadn’t been working for a few games, but we kept going to it until it was a pick too. I guess if there is a bright side, we will get a better draft pick now. Maybe we can draft a defense. Also, the team is young, we should have a promising future.

We need to keep in mind that Denver was a playoff afterthought at the beginning of this season. I’m glad that they came as far as they did with as many young players as they had to use. I can only hope that these young guys will be even better next season and will bring the AFC West championship back to Denver where it belongs.

MikeY55, I’ve been struggling with that lately. I was certainly one of the people jumping up and down to get rid of Coyer, and think that was well deserved. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t Croyer the d coordinator when Indy kept absolutely torching us in the playoffs. He wasn’t the answer, but I never imagined it would get this bad. Slowik isn’t the answer either. We need new, young blood. The kind of guy who will stay up 24-7 breaking down opponents and designing new scheme’s and blitzes. Not somebody who couldn’t cut it for the packers (slowik, and bates) and not someone getting a promotion from within the organization. I want to believe in the defense again. It really is all we need to turn this thing around. The offense is more or less set. Until then we are officially the “orange mush”.

I have started to believe our Head Coach may be too confident. In fact I saw him in Vegas the weekend of their bye. Maybe they (coaches) should have been trying to improve the defense that weekend. How about a proven defensive coordinator. Wonder if Shottenheimer wants work.

How long is it going to take for this defense to improve? That was possibly the worst defensive performance I’ve ever seen. We just flat gave up. And when is Slowik going to realized you can’t have your corners 15 yards off the reciever? We saw it all year. Soft zone. Prevent. More zone. Can we man up for once on some recievers and disrupt the timing? I didn’t see the Chargers corners that far off Marshall or Royal. I’d be willing to bet that 80 percent of passing first downs against our defense this year were on one route. Deep comeback. I saw Bly and Bell get beaten so much on the same play I could almost call it.

And that’s what’s so frustrating about this defense. It’s not as though we can’t see what’s wrong. EVERY single week we say the same thing. “Too far off.” “Not covering running lanes.” “No pass rush.”

If it’s so obivous to even the most casual observer, then why doesn’t Slowik change something? It’s ridiculous!!! Even John Madden (who I think knows what he’s talking about even if he is infected with media bias like everyone else) said it about 4 or 5 times tonight. What the h*** are our corners doing so far back?

EVERY SINGLE WEEK, FOLKS.

Bottom line is Slowik needs to go. Can anyone say Romeo Crennel? Just throwing it out there. Because I think this year proves that even if you have one of the best offenses in the league, it don’t mean squat if you have no defense. And though our offense has been frustrating (I don’t know how many times Jay tried to force it to Marshall this year while a wide open Stokley was running with his hand in the air), I think we can all agree the blame for this season’s dismal end can rest with the defense.

Just disgusting. We didn’t even have fight as Madden was so kind to point out.

So like I said, if Slowik stays we’re gonna have some problems next year, Nation. The only way this team goes anywhere is with a good defense.

Now, as I stated earlier, the offense wasn’t perfect. I don’t know for sure, but I believe every game we’ve lost we’ve also lost the turnover battle and every game we’ve won we’ve won the turnover battle. Turnovers killed us this year, leaving a lot of points on the field and certainly not helping an already struggling defense.

I’ll save specifics for another post, but the bottom line is that this defense needs a massive overhaul. There are some bright young stars for sure, but a lot of ugly weaknesses too. As far as offense goes, I feel like we have a lot, A LOT, of talent. If we can get a solid RB, this offense is gonna do some great things. And please, Cutler, look over the WHOLE field, not just Marshall.

This was ugly all around Bronco Nation. We had so many opportunities to settle this thing a long time ago, but didn’t take advantage. This is on us. As far as I’m concerned, the Chargers deserve it more than us. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth to say that, but it’s the truth. I can’t wait till next year to see that team again, but for now, they deserve it.

As my friend Shannon Sharpe said so nicely, “If that confetti isn’t falling on your head, if they aren’t playing ‘We are the Champions’ in the background, then your season is a failure. If anyone thinks otherwise they are sadly mistaken.”

And this was a failure, a meltdown, a choke of epic proportions. We certainly have a great young team and I look forward to the future. But this was a tough one to swallow. All we can do is pick up the pieces and try to get ourselves a defense this offseason, preferably without Slowik.

Sorry for the length my fellow fans, but I had to rant. Maybe tomorrow this will all be a dream….

all week i tried to reason with bronco fans as to who was the better team, and all week bronco put heart in front reason. so instead of gloating i just want to make a couple of observations.

bolts are the better team. the broncos have a few star player players;but the bolts have just as many. bolts key players like the broncos are young(mid 20’s) so you probably shouldnt expect drop off for at least another 4/5 yrs.
bolts with rivers are 5-1 against broncos:35-27;48-20;41-3,23-3;38-39;52-21. since the chargers have rolled broncos by 20+ a game the past 3yrs..its a fair assessment to say they own your team.

dont expect next yr. to be any better. broncos have patriots/brady,colts,giants,cowboys,steelers,ravens,eagles on your schedule good look with that. i would be suprised if you win 8 next yr.

Here’s some idea’s for this defense. By the way, pwsbronco gives me a little hopeful thought. You’re right, this defense couldn’t be any worse, and the offense got us an 8-8 record. I don’t think it’s too much to expect at least 10 wins next season. If Shanny doesn’t get 10, then the party is over. Time to move on. Here are some thoughts;
1. John Lynch showed that an older presence on defense helps, escpecially with his mindset. When he left TB everyone thought he didn’t have it anymore, but just having his leadership made a huge difference. This defense as it stands now has absolutely no heart, and no leadership. Both problems can be solved with RAY LEWIS. He will be 34, a free agent, and has at least two years left at middle linebacker. Can you imagine a Ray Lewis led defense acting like this defense has this season. He’s lost a step with his age, but with the speed of DJ and Boss or Woodyard on either side of him all he will have to do is anchor the middle. We should do what it takes to sign him, just like Lynch.

2. With Lewis in place we wouldn’t have to spend a high draft choice on a mike linebacker, but with the number of picks we have we could take one in the middle rounds and spend two years letting him learn behind Lewis. I coudn’t think of a better mentor.

3. I think Robertson and Thomas are OK in the middle. Not great, but solid. Having said that I think there is no reason to make Haynesworth the top paid defender in the league. That’s what it would take to get him, and it’s not worth the risk. If there is a quality guy for cheaper, maybe. But we should use our extra draft picks on interior d linemen in the later rounds. Which leads to…

4. The biggest problem on the d line, defensive end. We all saw it week in and week out. NO PRESSURE ON THE QB. That’s the biggest reason quarterbacks that usually suck, like JaMarcus, have such efficient days against us. It’s so bad that it’s impossible to accurately judge our secondary because with no pressure it doesn’t matter how good the secondary is, NFL quarterbacks will beat them. If there is a big money d end on the market sign him, or trade for one, or use our second round pick on one and hope he makes an impact. I’m scared of using another first round pick after Jarvis.

5. Use our first round pick on a safety. In fact, go ahead and do what we did when we needed CB help and ended up taking Williams, Paymah and Foxforth 123. Do that with the secondary again for all I care. A young hard-hitting safety is something this team sorely needs. I mean I don’t think Lowry or Fox could even make any other team this year, they were that bad. McCree is ok for depth, and the jury is still out on Barrett.

OK, what do you guys think? Let’s get into this offseason with full force.

I forgot;
and Bob Slowik has got to go. If the secondary bitches and moans about how they like the guy, then tell them they should have played harder.

that was the worst denver broncos defense i have ever seen. just plain pathetic. the chargers could run whatever goddamn play they wanted for 10+ yards every time.

this offseason better bring HUGE changes. i agree with what everyones saying; slowik should be gone tomorrow. i liked that someone mentioned crennel, he knows defense.

We need to rebuild our entire defensive personnel. Webster, Barrett, Engleberger, Mcree, see ya. i know barrett is still young and people hope he gets good, but i just dont see it. Josh Bell gets his ankles broken every game i feel like. he should be gone. The only players who should have guaranteed starting positions next year are DJ, Champ, Dre, and Dumervil. And Woodyard. He’s gonna be good. Everyone else is expendable.

As far as the draft. I strongly believe we need a safety in round 1. Taylor mays is the best. Im a usc fan, and watching him play is a joy. However, Malaleuga or Laurinitis (both are middle linebackers) wouldnt be bad first picks either. Someone mentioned spikes out of UF, and he would work too, but not in round 1.

Honestly, and i know this wont happen, but i wish the broncos would use every draft pick but a few on defense, with the exceptions being at center and kicker. I like what limited action i saw from both Torain and Hillis this year, and with so many backs seeing playing time this year, we will have plenty of options come training camp.

Could we please make a run through free agency or trades for a dominant pass rusher. Im talking Peppers, Freeney, Kampman, etc. Imagine if we could pressure the qb just a little bit, how much that would help our secondary. Look at Minnesota. They got jared allen last offseason. Instant impact. Now they’re in the playoffs.

In my opinion, there is only one good thing that came out of todays game. i hope that, since we got straight up slaughtered, this organization will be forced into some of these big changes im talking about, especially on defense.

This is the worst defense in the NFL by far. Fire the entire defensive coaching staff and start over. Need 6-10 new players on defense next year, preferably one’s that tackle and have some fricken heart. Webster sucks. the entire secondary stinks and the defensive line is non-exsistent. There is no toughness, no head hunters like Romanowski, Atwater or Al Wilson type players to build around. Bailey and Willams are decent, but not the type of players you build around.

Sign Sproles or Ward (Giants) and the offense O will be set (need a center for the future as well.

Use Bailey, Williams and Marshall as potential trade bait if the right player or two is available.

Special teams suck too. O’brien has to go. Prater has gotten progressively worse and now he can’t kick a simple extra point or get the ball to the end zone on kick-offs (supposedly) his strength.

I still believe Shannahan as he is a great coach. Offense is always very good. He needs to get outside help, advice or better scouts to fix the defense. If no improvement next year then you have to rethink the whole situation. I’ve said it before, and I know it’s much easier said than done, but you need coaches that can coach up. Take less than average talent and get them to play to at least middle of the pack, and take average talent to play top third, and good talent to be top 10. there HAS to be somebody out there.

Pathetic… horrible defense all season and they saved their absolute rock bottom worst for last! I have seen several entries regarding Dre Bly. Personally, I think he’s waaaaay over rated. QB’s have been carving him up like a Thanksgiving turkey ever since he joined Denver. He only got burnt three or four times Sunday which, after what I’ve seen all season, ain’t that bad but I still think he sucks. I agree Slowik must go but I also think the secondary needs an overhaul as well. Champ isn’t getting any younger (or healthier for that matter) and there doesn’t seem to be any young “shut down” blood currently on the roster.

The Denver D is a maligned group and it’s going to be difficult to find a starting point on the much needed house cleaning. If significant changes aren’t made in the next couple of off seasons, we Bronco fans are going to be suffering for many years to come….

I don’t think I would keep any players on this defense except Champ, Robertson, and Thomas. I would trade D.J. who I never notice is on the field and insert Woodyard immediately. The D-Ends can’t pass rush and cannot play the run. We have Carlton Powell returning next year at DT but another player from the draft is needed. Woodyard at weakside and draft that crazy kid out of USC for the mike position. Sign a proven safety in free agency and draft a young sure tackling machine in the draft. Get a DC that likes to man up and blitz the hell out of the opposing team (see Jim Johnson in Philly and Dick L in Pittsburg). We also need a durable running back in the mix and some interior line help on offense. I agree with most people here that we need to sign a difference maker at the end position that has proven they can get to the QB. If make these changes and finish as a top fifeteen defense that can create turnovers and actually inspire confidence to the offense we will be in the playoffs next year. This year went by fast but my heart can take no more and some time off is exactly what this team and it’s fans need.

BOSTON

And it makes me happy that the Colts will end yours!!!
P.S. this is the bronco page get on your Dolt page and make your predictions there d.a.

It is such a sick feeling to know that your defense cannot stop anything. That anytime the other team is getting the ball is going to score! 52 points? All year long you are asking the offense to outscore the other team. Hell if we played ourselves we will score 150 points. You are frustrating some of the best young talent in the league on the offensive side by asking them to score everytime to cover the defense. What a season the offense had with 7 running backs in the IR and it is considered a waste because the defense allowed 5,000 points! We are getting rid of all the guys with pride, character and fire. I guess know we see that the defense was not better off with character guys like John Lynch gone. Shanahan has to take the blame. It is HIS team. We made EVERY opposing QB look like the best in the league. Shanahan has to be fired as the guy who has control of everything and forced to coach only.

I’m not sold on getting rid of Slowick. He did what he could with the s**t he inherited and some consistency and change of players might be better. He inherited players that Bates wanted and they just are not going to work in his scheme. Same thing went for Bates and I think he should have gotten a second year to make things work. When Bates came in we dumped some good player becuause they did not work in his scheme. We talk about giving time to rebuild with college coaches but in the NFL we want results now (especially us Bronco fans). This years schemes revolved around not getting beat deep because the d-line and safetys sucked (and probably would have regardless of the scheme). That is why the CBs played off so much. If we had a line that could get a little pressure on the qb and safetys that could tackle and at least cover my grandmother we would be a much better team. I think we should fire the entire D-Line and safetys. Doom is about the only player that is not panty waste. We also need to find some players that can fire up the team (like Al Wilson) and be emotional leaders. I’ve always thought one of Shanahans weakness was that he is too business like. A good coach should, among other things, inspire his players to play better and I’m not sold he does that. Every team is tallented in the league and the good teams play with attitude and confidence that bad teams seem to lack. I just don’t see that coming from either the coaches or players. I also think Bates (offense) should spend the entire off season watching film over and over again and hopefully learn from his mistakes. He was very inconsistent calling plays and I am a little surprised Mike did not take back the play calling from him.

On the positive side, how about the O-line. Hats off to them. They are the reason for the 8 wins. Cutler, Marshall, and Royal would have not had a thing if they had not played well. And how about the rookies. If we can find a way to have another draft like this years and use it to find some tallented defensive players, we will be better.

Go CHARGERS!!!!!! Denver didn’t even deserve to make it this far. If it wasn’t for Ed’s blown call this game wouldn’t even have made a difference. Broncos SUCK!!!! How could you just lose it at the very end like that? shows that this team didn’t really want the win.

Chargers!!!!
And how could you lose everytime your in the playoffs you will be out next week….
Again your on the wrong page along with Mr. Boston
Go celebrate your win on your own page d.a.

Kerry
So who would you rather see coaching our team??

oh my god. how many times do i have to answer the question of “who do you think should be coaching our team”??? Rob Ryan. D-coordinator of the Ravens. but my prime candidate would be Jim Schwartz, the D-coodinator for the Titans. and let me tell you why. he is a defensive minded coach, which this team needs. and with the arrival if Schwartz comes an added bonus, the inside track on signing Albert Haynesworth. if Schwartz came here, Haynesworth would follow.

ill go even further. Scott Pioli, the GM for the pats needs to be brought in as the GM. hs contract is up and we need a REAL GM. last time i checked, Scott Pioli has three SB rings as a GM and knows both offensive and defensive talent. stop asking me who should take over. ive answered that a thousand times!!!

I just have one thing to say. Shanny not playing woodyard was one of the worst decisions I have seen a head football coach make yet. Even worse than the lions 0-16 season. What a playmaker.

THANK YOU BILLS!!!

Bronco fans. You can take heart in knowing that you have supplanted the Raiders as the most hated team in Chargerland.