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Published on 10/25/2010 at Mon Oct 25 03:50.
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Josh McDaniels: The only question worth asking

Posted Mon Oct 25th by

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels watches the action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, in Denver. (AP Photo/ Ed Andrieski)

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels watches the action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, in Denver. (AP Photo/ Ed Andrieski)

There’s a perfectly-worded poll currently running on the Denver Post’s website. It asks, “Do you believe Broncos coach Josh McDaniels can keep his team from quitting on him this season?”

The choices: “No. The loss to the Raiders shows they’ve already quit,” and, “Yes. I think the Broncos will rebound and at least keep trying.”

This is the question McDaniels is undoubtedly asking himself after his players spit in the face of everything he claims to stand for Sunday in Denver.

If actions speak louder than words, the vast majority of the 45 players who dressed in Broncos blue gave their coach, and their fans, the virtual middle finger on October 24th. McDaniels lost his players in humiliating totality in Week 7. Has he lost them for the season?

“It’s not good enough – it’s not even close to good enough,” McDaniels said. “I apologize to (Owner) Pat (Bowlen) and the organization, all the fans and everyone else. It was awful.”

Like his apology to the fans, McDaniels’ message to his players has fallen on deaf ears. You can count the number of players who “did their job” on one hand. There was no essence of “smart football” or “playing tough,” physically or mentally.

The defense, physically outmatched and mentally ill-prepared, quit on Wink Martindale when the scoreboard still read 0-0, when quarterback Jason Campbell scrambled past defensive back Nate Jones for a long first down. There was not an iota of fire or spark from the defense for the 57 minutes of football that followed. The Broncos allowed a franchise-record 59 points to the rival Raiders, along with 328 rushing yards, the second highest number posted in 25 years.

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels leaves the field after his team's 59-14 loss to the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels leaves the field after his team's 59-14 loss to the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

The offense, physically outmatched and mentally ill-prepared, quit on Josh McDaniels after Kyle Orton‘s first snap. Orton made a dreadful, terrible throw, and McDaniels got cute with a Tim Tebow/Demaryius Thomas end around on the next play.

Even had Thomas not fumbled, the move was so finesse even the Broncos cheerleaders were rolling their eyes.

After a loss like this, don’t ask if the Broncos should start Tim Tebow. They shouldn’t. Not in Week 8. Kyle Orton is still their best chance to win.

Don’t ask if McDaniels should be fired midseason — he won’t be. The only realistic interim coach would be a coordinator, and the Broncos only have one of those. The Broncos are likely thinking about firing Wink Martindale before promoting him.

Don’t ask if the Broncos players have quit on their coach — they have.

Ask if McDaniels can get them to un-quit. Because that’s the only way this season can be salvaged, if one considers a 6-10 finish “salvaged.”

The repeated theme of post-game quotes by the coach and players was of “soul searching.”

If one isn’t found, the Broncos will be coach-searching.

Do you believe Broncos coach Josh McDaniels can keep his team from quitting on him this season?

View Results

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  • Sptrfn

    Well, if Orton struggles this week against SF, and if they lose again, Tebow may be in there against KC on Nov. 14th. Denver will have an extra week to get him ready, because their bye week is coming up. Don't rule that out!!!

  • Mhhurricanes

    BOTTOM LINE: This was not about Orton. Orton has played well. If we had Elway in the game it would not have mattered. Orton should have been pulled simply to save him from getting hurt. The Raiders pulled their quarterback and we should have done the same. This team EVEN with 5-6 players out on defense QUIT. The offense was not ready for what came at them. Get ready to see Shanahan changes. We will fire the defensive coach (WINK) to show Denver is making changes just like Shanahan did each year the defense bombed under him. We will be stuck with McDaniels at least until seasons end. Bowlen got a coach cheap while he was paying off Shanahans 7 million per year to sit home and tan.
    Just maybe Bowlen will now get a coach that the players respect and yes fear a little. Gruden, Cowher, someone. Hey I woud like to see PARCELLS come in and act as a consultant as he did in Miami,New England and Jets. Come in get this team straighten out then move on. Just do something to fix this ship.

  • Mhhurricanes

    We can also just stick with facts: in last 17 games we have won 4!!!!! We then get destroyed at home by the Raiders. We were not injured all the games during this 17 game stretch. We pretty much had the same players last week against the Jets and played much better. This team was not prepared for the Raiders and or they took the lightly. Either way it showed by getting beat down at home. I have to guess and hope Bowlen does not allow this to go on at seasons end and gets us a coach that has experience. ONE MORE THING PLEASE DEAR GOD PLEASE HIRE US A DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR THAT CAN ACTUALLY COACH THE DEFENSE. HOW MANY YEARS DOES THIS DEFENSE HAVE TO BE PATHETIC?

  • anthony33

    The only question worth asking is really two questions.

    1) Who will be the Broncos next head coach?

    2) Will Bowlen officially start the search today by contacting Cowher and Gruden.

    With the year AZ is having Cowher may reunite with Wisenhut and Grisham. That would be sweet.

    This team needs a tough hard nosed coach that knows what he's doing.

  • http://twitter.com/dxmanning Joshua Manning

    This loss won't change me from watching the Denver Broncos each Sunday. Being a Broncos fan is a PRIVILEGE not a RIGHT!!!! NO BANDWANGON FAN HERE!!!!!!!

  • KING54

    To play Tim Tebow would be a mistake, both for Tebow and the team. The problem is not the players on the team, the problem is the coaching staff. When a team losses by this margin, its is a coaches loss, not a team loss. I believe Denver is the only team to have 50 or more points scored against it in probably the last twenty-years. A 55 point rout in the a super bowl and now a 50+ point rout against a division rival. With this type of loss, it's obvious the team players are not responding very well to the coaches. Josh McDaniels is not a bad coach, it's obvious that right now is heart is not in his job, it's not in coaching this team right now. So where does Denver go from here? Wherever it is, it won't be with Tim Tebow, it will be decided as a team. It's not about winning or loosing…..it's about the journey. As a fan, I can stand to watch my favorite team loose, what I can't stand to watch is when the coaches quite on the players.

    KING54

  • Tparada13

    @joshua manning whatever

  • Betty

    How much are these players being paid to “not play”?

  • http://twitter.com/amcfarla Aaron McFarland

    Hey Britton Colquitt didn't quit, 7 punts 52.0 yard average with a 45.3 net….sad that is all I can say good about yesterday.

  • virginiabronco

    It isn't that I disagree with your choices. I think either would coach would make a fine choice but there is no way, repeat no way, any of those high profile, successful coaches are going to begin their “comebacks” with a team that needs so much in so many areas. They have too much at stake than to risk their reputation by taking on such a challenge with a team that is in complete disaray. About the only thing this team has that is working right now is a punter, field goal kicker and sometimes Kyle Orton (if you are a fan of the 4 yard pass play 26 times a game). What are we 4-13 since our 6 -0 start last year? I do agree that someone like Parcells who thrives on the challenge of rebuilding an orgainization is needed though Parcells is getting long in the tooth and I doubt is available. Neither of the coaches you mentioned are up for that challenge despite their TV persona.

    I don't have any realistic choices at this point. It is probably going to be someone with experience but not at the head coaching level. I think one thing is very clear now, we need a coaching change! For all those comments about the team quiting on Sunday, I actually believe they quit last year shortly after the 6-0 start.

    It seems to me we are in for another 4 -5 years of “rebuilding”. Very depressing!

  • areferee

    Yep.

    (Cowher wants to coach somewhere near Carolina. He doesn't know where Colorado is. If not Gruden, then another proven winner.)

  • Knowledge

    Wink Martindale? lol What kind of research is that? You just hear what Fouts says and assume he knows the name of your coaches? Classic.

  • areferee

    I would submit that the reality is…

    McDaniels has quit on HIS team, not the other way around.

    Apologizing for the team's performance is not enough. McDaniels needs to take ownership of the fact that it is HIS RESPONSIBILITY.

    Jack Del Rio and the Jags lost convincingly yesterday to the Chiefs by 22 points. He stated to the media that he was totally responsible. McDaniels needs to man-up and do the same thing.

    He IS responsible!

  • Awhite48

    Give Tebow a chance .The team needs a lift.I own a company and Morale counts for at least 1/2 of my success.What are they afraid of.Can they get any worse?

  • DB

    That's his nickname you tool!

  • ms_c

    The one thing I am sick to death of hearing is “Put Tebow in”…really??? the ONLY thing Tebow could possibly do better than Orton right now is Coach! Of course Daffy Duck could coach better than McDaniels too. Maybe Tebow could be our running back…or our defensive coach…whatever…Tebow is NOT the answer and is not the 2nd coming of Elway….McDaniels is 1st and foremost the one single person that has ruined the Broncos…the game against the Raiders not only showed that but PROVED it as well…He embarrassed the entire franchise with his poor coaching ability…he deserved every single boo he got yesterday…Orton is NOT the only player that played poorly yesterday…don't think that there was any one Bronco player that played well yesterday..

  • Awhite48

    How do we know until we give Tebow a try.Orton can't run, we know that and the other teams know it . He,s a Target. What is it with the anti Tebow crowd? How many more loses will it take before we try something else.We have nothing left to lose.

  • ms_c

    Orton (until yesterday's game) has done a stellar job as QB for the Broncos this season…Why should Tebow be put in…McDaniels and every other coach is the blame for this seasons bust…not Orton.

  • Mo

    Tebow is a ROOKIE and he is not an elite NFL QB to just come out and start winning!! Tebow is not the answer and never will be. Tebow is AWFUL!! Yes Orton didn't play well at all but he was not the only one and in fact Orton played better than most of his offense. The offense just gave up and let Raiders went right threw them and tookOrton out for some sacks. There was one play that one of the Raiders defense guy was not even covered not even close and the defensive guy had full rain and did sack Orton.

    Everyone think ohhh Tebow is the answer he is so good he will immediately start winning. Nope!!! Tebow is going to suck. I seriously think McDaniels need's to be fired today or this week and our Coordinator as interm coach might be our best hope to save some of our season. McDaniel's is definitely fired at end of season but I would say just pull the plug now and fire McDaniel's right now.

  • herc_rock

    You sir, are a fucking dumbass.

  • virginiabronco

    Yes Tebow is not the answer BUT if McD considers KO the leader and QB for the forseeable future, then what did it accomplish to leave him in after the third quarter to face increased risks of injury? WHy not put Tebow in and take some snaps under center and let him throw a pass or two? Or if that is not a viable option, then put Quinn in. At some point this year one or the other is likely to have to play QB and throw a pass. If ever there was a game to put them in, if for no other reason than to work with the “first team”, yesterday was the day. Sure, they weren't going to get us a win, but we signed KO to a new contract. Isn't it logical to assume they don't want to get him injured? WHy leave him in for that game? What was there to prove by leaving him in? I am not a huge KO fan but if this team is saying that no one is going under center except KO, why even put Tebow on the field to run “wild horses” or other stupid gadget plays. It makes no sense to me!

  • herc_rock

    Even if Denver loses out, McD will get another year. Bowlen is loyal to a fault.

    Drafting Tebowner may have been more savvy of a move than I thought

  • Awhite48

    I still don't understand the Hatred it seems some people have for Tebow.The Guy was one of the all time greats in College Football .Stats don't lie. His records might never be be beaten .Why do all the so called Recliner know it alls think he can't make it as a Pro without even giving him a chance.Quarterbacks are Leaders as much as coachs. If he sucks your right and we were wrong and we will shut up. If he turns things around and they start winning I and others will be right and you will become silent. You might be content with a more of the same. I and others are not.

  • AKfan

    Drafting Tebow and parting ways with Nolan were both savvy career preserving moves by McD. Impossible to fire McD with a bunch of young coaches learning on the job and not a former head coach like Nolan on the staff. If McD is smart he begins the Tebow era sooner than later to buy some time for himself.

  • Geekatlrg

    Defensive coordinator Don 'Wink' Martindale

  • Geekatlrg

    Defensive coordinator Don 'Wink' Martindale

  • ms_c

    McDaniels is the problem and needs fired! He is the only one that needs to be under the microscope..He is the ultimate reason we continually see our Broncos lose… all the “why's” and “what if'” questions should be directed to him..Like you, I hate seeing those stupid plays…None of this season makes any sense…we have no running game whatsoever…and our defense is gone due to so many injuries…our offense is falling due to injuries as well..we have won 2 games…only 2! This is a sad day for all of us Bronco fans to be humiliated in a loss of that magnitude to the Raiders…on Bronco ground…

  • ms_c

    McDaniels is the problem and needs fired! He is the only one that needs to be under the microscope..He is the ultimate reason we continually see our Broncos lose… all the “why's” and “what if'” questions should be directed to him..Like you, I hate seeing those stupid plays…None of this season makes any sense…we have no running game whatsoever…and our defense is gone due to so many injuries…our offense is falling due to injuries as well..we have won 2 games…only 2! This is a sad day for all of us Bronco fans to be humiliated in a loss of that magnitude to the Raiders…on Bronco ground…

  • +C

    We never got a chance to see whether McD's scheme would be viable or not. Due to a lapse on defense, a rare Orton INT and a fumble. Then I saw guys dropping kickoffs, more fumbles, etc. What do you do as a coach with execution (or lack thereof) like that? It was a perfect storm of crappy mistakes.
    I think this coach's worth worth will be determined this week as the players either bounce back vs. SF or prove they've given up.
    I'd say McD's scheme is fine (proof == game vs. Jets). Player motivation is what's in question and always has been the question with McD.

  • +C

    We never got a chance to see whether McD's scheme would be viable or not. Due to a lapse on defense, a rare Orton INT and a fumble. Then I saw guys dropping kickoffs, more fumbles, etc. What do you do as a coach with execution (or lack thereof) like that? It was a perfect storm of crappy mistakes.
    I think this coach's worth worth will be determined this week as the players either bounce back vs. SF or prove they've given up.
    I'd say McD's scheme is fine (proof == game vs. Jets). Player motivation is what's in question and always has been the question with McD.

  • ms_c

    Bowlen may be loyal to a fault..but this is HIS team and I can't see him keeping McDaniels…I really can't…that would be more stupid than the day he hired him.

  • ms_c

    Bowlen may be loyal to a fault..but this is HIS team and I can't see him keeping McDaniels…I really can't…that would be more stupid than the day he hired him.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    If his job preservation beyond this year were motivating factors at all in all those decisions, fire him now.

  • adrenaline27

    Ya know, I see way to many McD haters. The players lost the game plain and simple. They are paid very well to show up evey game and play there there best. They didnt. You cannot put blame on McDaniels for them fumbling and throwing stupid INT's. Maybe McDaniels should bench half of them.. WTH is Moreno celebrating after his first TD after being down to many. Go into the endzone give the ref the ball and walk back to the sidelines. Coach can take all the blame he wants for this but to me this was entirely on the players. The only thing I would have like to see was Tebow in the game after the Raiders responded to Denver's two TD comeback. Give the guy some reps…

    Lets not forget, this same team went to Tenn and beat the Titans. The players need to look at them self in the mirror. I don't care who your coach is. anytime the players perform that way… is unacceptable.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    That's the only reason I can get behind Tebow. Orton doesn't deserve to be benched, and Tebow won't be (nearly) as good, but Tebow's attitude could light a fire behind everyone else.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    Knowshon, D.J. (mostly), Champ (mostly), Colquitt (whatever), Prater. That's about it.

  • adrenaline27

    Heres how I really feel. The Players should be ashamed for there performance and take full and total responsibility. That is what you get paid all the big bucks for right? Really? on your home field … Really? They should donate their paychecks to charity for that crap.

  • JoeBronco

    I continue to be amazed by the number of people saying McDaniels can't coach. Believe me, his game plan didn't account for the number of mistakes his players would make. You don't go into a game assuming you might be down 3 touchdowns after 5 minutes. When that happens, your entire plan disappears. His team didn't react well, but this is the same coach that showed us a brilliant game plan last week when we should have defeated the team Vegas says will likely win the Super Bowl.

    Tebow isn't the answer. A new coach certainly isn't the answer. This is a talented team that has played the most difficult schedule in the league. Give them a chance to bounce back before we crucify any of them.

  • Onlytruefan

    ALL YOU GUYS ARE RETARDED…. McD is fine, Orton is fine, are defense has been and will be the problem till we get healthy not to mention Doom is still gone and will be this whole season. Everybody on here is a joke one week y'all say we are headed in the right direction then the next you say we are going through a four five year change? Get real… we lost big time yesterday and young talent from the bottom to the top are going to do that. The thing to know is every time this happens they learn and will continue to learn and get better. I am forever a bronco fan and guess I am the only lonely bronco fan saying keep McD, keep Orton work out the problems and shine in the end… and when that does all you retards that go week to week flip-flopping your dumb remarks and judgments on MY team can go burn your bronco jerseys, give up your tickets, and become a raider fan, charger fan, or chief fan. Cause guess what… McD is not getting fired, Orton will prove to everybody like he has been, the D is young but will get better, and in two years we will be holding a trophy again. Say what you want but just get off this site… all y'all are just some fans that know nothing… A loss is a loss and thats it… a win is a win and thats it, doesn't matter what the score is. Peace haters

  • Kbryant3019

    it's crazy that (die hard bronco fans) are sticking up for mcdummy i mean mcdaniels.this cat has been done before he got started.i don't care what you say get rid of top notch players because you have a ego trip.bring in players to fill there rolls because no one is bigger then the system.change d coach.(ego again).put trust in knowshon on running i don't think so. i don't think he was a good running back when they could run some what.i mean lets keep it real we bronco fans can speak a lil bit on rb's.champ's out of here most likely after taking his deal off the table.still cant stop the run.can't run.threw the o line under the bus last year.for a line where a r.t.d bus would get negative yards.man it goes on & on with this coach.i have never seen one coach tear down a team so quick.all he had to do is work on the defense when he got here everything else was in place.how do you go from one of the most talented teams in the n.f.l to rebuilding a team that didn't need it.maybe bowlen will get tired when he can't fell mile high anymore.yaaah that won't happen so i guess where stuck with a below avg.team. don't forget they really should have lost the titans game & yesterday they called back 14 point's on top of the 59.keep it real, keep your head up i hope it gets better. i miss seeing my broncos in the playoffs!.this is not new england.this is bronco's country.

  • Debtbefree

    Wrong the players do not respect Josh just like the players did not respect Wade, time for Josh to go 59-14 was the last straw

  • Nolongerafan

    This team has some “Deep Issues” that I am not sure can be corrected this season. I feel that there are players on this team that are not Pros!
    Josh maybe a good assistant coach, but not a good head coach! How can you not run the ball in this league? Oakland just waited for Denver to just throw those cheap short passes and teed off on them! Josh needs to quit trying to be a coach like his mentor and be his own Man!

    We are be laughed at by the entire NFL as predicted before the season, that the Broncos would go 4-12! Yes we need a defensive coach that knows how to coach, and a new head coach, and most of all we need someone that knows how to draft and knows talent!

    My guess is that if we beat the 49ers, it will be just barely! Mr. Bowlen needs to put up some cash and get an experienced coach!

    We will be lucky to go 4-12 this year and 8-8 next year with this class of clowns!!! They stink!

  • Yeahright

    With Tebow in the defense will have to honor that threat and that gives us a chance to score because then they wont always expect THE PASS!! lol…

  • Rey

    Give me a freaking break! The Broncos suck! The privilege is all yours homey.

  • BigDave

    Tenn lost to NE last year 59-0.

  • Snnyjcbs

    Denver was out played and out coached by the Raiders. The Raiders players looked to be just to big and to fast for many of the Denver players and were out physicalled man per man.

    That does not mean that Denver gave up or were not trying. On this Sunday they ran into what looked to be a far superior team and could not compete in any area with the Oakland Raiders.

  • BENJAMIN_HAFNER

    THIS LOSE STARTED W/ JOSH MCD COMING IN AND GETTING RID OF PRO BOWL PLAYERS OBVIOUSLY CUTLER AND MARSHALL. THEN DRAFTING, WE NEEDED DEFENSE BUT SINCE WE GOD RID OF OFFENSE WE REPLACED THEM. THEN THE DOOM CONTRACT INCIDENT. YES DENVER GAVE UP OR WEREN'T READY FOR THE GAME. SOMEHOW EVEN IF YOU WEREN'T READY FOR A GAME YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE BY 45 TO THE RAIDERS, THEY GAVE UP. I THINK MCD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND STOP SCREWING W/ THIS TEAM.

  • Guest

    McD is nothing but a New England Patriot that succeeded in destroying the Broncos. When Shanny was coaching, I didnt see that much wrong with the Offense….it was the defensive that sucked hind tit! Bowlen should have kept Shanny and restructured the defense…

  • Parwiz

    I dissagree, I don't think McDaniels was the right choice for Denver. He's a cocky little schmuck. The very first thing he did after being hired was alienate the franchise quarterback. His play calling is unimaginative and he lacks the people skills to get the team behind him. I've been a Bronco Fan since the early 80s and this bunch is lacking direction and leadership.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_EI3N5H6GBGCAGNHRPXPYGTCZTU Ben W

    What a horrific display! I mostly feel bad for all the loyal fans that actually paid money to see that hot mess! I want to blame someone but will pretty much place that blame on the entire organization. As for Mcdaniels I am optomistic that he can crack some skulls and get everyone back on board. I stand behind Kyle Orton I think he has done extremely well over the past year and wont jump off his bandwagon when he has one bad game. One bright side was Knowshon Moreno was hungry to compete, maybe if the rest of the team can take some of his enthusiasm we can get back on track! GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    -Sincerly,

    Dissapointed!

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