SB Nation User Blog: Mike Clark

My 50th Year Team

Mike Clark — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 01:48:02 -0000

Like most of you I immediately went to cast my wants for who should be on my team. Some of the choices were obvious, but I'll tell you, I had some real problems looking at (and re-living through their Bios) players I love and basically telling them, "I don't want you on my team." Did anyone else have a problem with this? Did any of you have a hard time telling a player you love you don't like them anymore or am I the only emotional mush stuck in La La Land where everything is supposed to be easy.?

Man! This would have been much easier if the Broncos, after locking in your first team vote, had then asked you for your second team vote. I would probably still have some problems--but it would have been easier.

Anyway, here I go, probably not the best team (there are far greater football statitions at this site than myself) but it is my team....and I love them.

Special Teams:

I start here because because there is only one tough choice and that is Punter.

My Punter is Mike Horan.

I had a real problem with this because of Tom Rouen. Not only was Tom very good, not only did he help us during our SB run, he was a great Bronco that loved kicking in the 'Mile High' air...for us 'Mile High' fans.

Neither had the strongest leg in the league, yet, but both could punt it out of the park on occasion. Mike wins because nobody (and Rouen was close) nobody could could drop a punt inside the ten like Horan. I'm doing this from memory so some of you stat experts may want correct me on this.....but my Punter remains Horan.

My Kicker is Jason Elam. I hope you understand this...there is no contest.

I gave a somewhat thought for Rich Karlis. Its funny, from the cameras angle, that barefooted kick that complimented 'THE DRIVE'and sent us (with Elway) to our second Super Bowl, looked like it missed by ten feet. Did anyone else think that? I was shocked when the Ref raised his hands. I thought the kick was left...funny me.

My Return Specialist is Rck Upchurch.

No contest here. For you younger MHR members, I feel sorry for you... Rick Upchurchcould watch a punt, with great hang time (google Ray Guy), come towards him at a slower speed than 'The Bad Guys' and suddenly be on the 'Good Side' of those 'Bad Guys' and on his way to a touchdown. Billy 'Whiteshoes' Johnson was good ........ Upchurch was better. Hester scored two TD's against us when we where bad. Upchurch took down The Steelersone game (during the Steelers' Glory Years) with three returns for TDs.

Defense:

Here is where I'm sure many of us will seperate. I hope we remain friends, and I will not (most of the time) go into as much detail, but we should remain friends. This kinda scares me as I am an 'emotional fan'that understands facts and stats, but never lets reality get in the way of my love for this team. That being said I start (this time) with the easiest picks......... Corners.

My Corners are Louis Wright and Champ Bailey.

All of us know Champ, yet, from what I remember, few players could cover an entire, 'What Was Happening" as well as Louis. It was a different time back then. Zone coverage was becoming popular. Defensiveswere morphing. Offensives were flirting with 'Ideas'.....things were changing. Louis (I suppose) didn't have the soft hands that GOD blessed Champ with--but he did what was needed--and he did it always.

I'll tell you...this is really scary...before I leave defense (after touching on Safety) I have to tackle, DE (defensive end) Tackle and Line Backer. Where do I go with this? I come from so way before the 'Orange Crush Era' that I don't know what to do. It will be so much eaisier after I get to offense...or so it seems. I hope some of you 'Old Timers' feel my pain that I've had to tell players I love that, "I don't want you on my team" ........this is really tough.

My Defensive Ends are Simon Fletcher and Rich 'Tombstone' Jackson.

Simon Fletcher was my easy choice. I personally think he was the best DE Denver's had (he was the 'Sack-Master' afterall), in fact I'm a little suprised he is not in the Ring of Fame.

Rich Jackson was almost as easy but I did wrestle with Alzado (serious punn here) but said, "Nope! No Way!" Having been born in Utah, Rulon also got some serious concideration, but he was just too weak against the run. Barney Chavous was much more difficult to pass. He is really an 'Ouch of Emotion' as I tell him 'I don't want you on my team', forgive me Barney...you are first pick second team. Rich 'Tombstone' Jackson just has to be on the 'Fifty Year Team'. He was not near as good at sacks as Fletcher--maybe not as good (in sacks) as Chavous--but he was difinitely a "Tombstone.' It didn't take long for other teams to realize that you could not run against this man--neither sweeps, or inside. Once Rich realized it was a run--you could not block him--period--he by golly was going to take that runner down. I personally feel it was 'Tombstone' that made the Denver organization realize that a dominant defensive line might be the way to build a winning team. Rich Jackson was not part of 'Orange Crush' but he was a proto-type of a half-dozen years down the road.

My Defensive Tackles are Trevor Pryce...Rubin Carter....and (sorry but I need to bend the rules) Greg Kragen.

I had to break the rules here because there was a transition here from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. The picks I submited were Trevor and Rubin. Trevor was by far the best 'pure'Tackle to play on our team--skilled in both stopping the run and getting to the QB from the inside. Rubin was such a staple at Nose Tackle during our 'Orange Crush' glory years that I had to make him my second pick... I just couldn't couldn't look undersized, over-achieving, Greg Kragen in the face and say, "I don't want you on my team," so at least (for this post) I won't.

My Line-Backers are Randy Gradishar (should be in the Hall), Tom Jackson(watch Wesley Woodyard the next few years) and Karl Mecklenburg (STUD.......period).

Gradishar (should be in the Hall) may have been the best Inside Linebacker to ever play the game. Definitely the best to play in a 3-4 scheme. Totally dominant! ...It was probably a good long-term decision to leave, after just 9 or 10 years, thus no injuries or long-term problems, but it may keep him out of the Hall. A shame...Randy is a HOL must...yet may never get there. Tom is one of my favorite Broncos ever. He was the over-achieving, undersized, shouldn't be able to do this, perfect example of what us 'underachievers' wish we had tried. He was everywhere, vocal, and everywhere...on every play...I love Tom. For you younger MHR members, you would have to have experienced 'The Albino Rhino" to really appreciate how special this man is..........to us old-timers anyway. There was never a more confusing defensive, 'Whatdo we do with HIM?' than Karl Mecklenburg. He was officially a Linebacker (and a very good one) but he was DE (and very good at that) and a DT(and pretty good with that). He was (using Chess as an example) a very large pawn, that you just can't get to, before it moves that one space forward, and re-instates the Queen.

I do need (because we've had so many great linebackers) give special mention to: Al Wilson (the neck injury is trajic), John Mobley (knocked down Favre's pass that led to our first SB), Bob Swenson (an undrafted 'overachiever' that was very steady), and Jim Ryan (a staple for many years).

My Safeties are Steve Atwater and Austin 'Goose' Gonsoulin .

As I near the end of 'Defense' (thinking offense will be easier) I'm already feeling some hard picks for offense. It is already the 12th of June, 2009 and I should have finished this a week ago. Anyway....I push forward...

Steve Atwater (should be in the Hall) is a no-brainer. He was every bit the hitter of Dennis Smith or Ronnie Lott, great in coverage, great against the run, and maybe the best 'Short-Yardage' stopper to ever play the game. My other pick, 'Goose,' is going to require some history...without a history lesson...let's see how I do.

Back in the early 60's there were two 'Pro-Football' leagues: AFL and NFL. Most of you know that, but do you know...

The two leagues were quite different, they even used different balls. The NFL used the same ball they had used for years, the AFL introduced a ball that was a bit thinner in the 'belly' and a little friendlier in air travel. In the early years the NFL remained mostly 'smash-mouth' while the AFL began nicknaming players 'Bambi.'

The NFL was like early UPS (mostly ground with some air) and the AFLwas like early FedX (mostly air with some ground). As the leagues competed (without competing against each other) UPS began to understand the 'Air" game ( Tom Landry was the first NFL coach to see the future of the 'air-game')....and FedX reluctantley began to understand the importance of 'Ground Deliveries'.

With that said, let'sget back to Goose (SHOULD BE IN THE HALL) and what he did. I was too young to remember if Goose was a strong or free safety...to tell you the truth...I don't think 'strong' or 'free' concerning 'Safety' had been invented yet. If 'strong' or 'free' had been invented...us fans had no idea what they were. Then comes Goose. I guess I would call him the 'Ultimate' ...and I'm going to say 'Free Safety' ..........that was Goose. In a new league trying to find its purpose, here was this guy catching as many passes, from the 'Bad Guys' QB than many of the receivers on the 'Bad Guys' team. That is what I remember as a child. As far as I'm concerned Goose Gonsolin invented and perfected what we now call the 'Free Safety' position. If you guys knew how many times I heard, "And the player that made the first INT in the AFL keeps piling them on" you would know why Goose should be in the Hall....He invented (just because of the way he was) a current NFL position. Not only that he was my hero as a kid...if any of you haven't voted--show Goose some love when you do.

We've really had some great Safeties on this team, (makes what we had last year kinda peeuuke). Special mention needs to go to Billy Thompson--next on my list, Steve Foley not far behind, and Dennis Smith..................................bambam.

WOW!!! I made it through Defense!! Offense should be easier...I hope.

Offense:

My QB is #7, it belongs to Elway, and is retired.

Special mentions go to Craig Morton who brought stability to an offense that was complimented by an 'Orange Crush' defense. Thanks Craig for our first Super Bowl. I also want to thank Frank Tripucka for getting things started, and Marlin Briscoe for giving us one exciting year and a lot of media attention.

My running backs are Floyd Little (should be in the Hall) and Terrell Davis (should be in the Hall).

Everyone remembers Terrell and his exploits...so let me talk about Floyd. Man! ... I kid you not...I am getting choked-remembering just how much Floyd Little meant to this franchise at a time when this Franchise could've failed. At a time when we were near or at the annual 'doormat'in the AFC West, while KC and the faiders were knocking down doors for respect, Floyd Little stood out as one of the best all-a-round offensive players to ever play the game. You 'youngsters' have no idea how elusive and special, on some very bad teams, Floyd really was. In total offense he led--or was near the lead--every year he played.

I need to give special mention to Sammy Winder. Sammy--you may not make this team--but I want you're on my team--and I love ya man! Also need to mention Otis Armstrong, if not for the 'spine problem' may have been the best back we ever had.

I was going to do Receivers next, both tight end and wide--but they are too easy. It is now the 13th of June and I started this thing the day after the voting started--distractions, family visits, and (can we say) procrastination have really hindered my progress. Not to mention the fact that there are some really tough choices here. I need to attack the offensive Line. This is very difficult. Few people watch (and I gues I'm one) the Offensive Line during a play. To make matters worse, I don't care if you've loved the Broncos for ten months or 48 years like me. You've heard as much 'Speak...so to say' from the offensive line as I have. I'm not a stat guy--I rely on this site for that kinda nonsense--so forgive me if I make choices based on emotion.

My Offensive Tackles are Gary Zimmerman (In the Hall as a Bronco) and Ken Lanier.

What can I say. Gary guarded #7's (retired and belongs to Elway) blindside and helped us lead us to the.........release of frustrations from so many failed attempts. I was torn between Ken and (believe it or not) Matt Lepsis. Lepsis almost got my vote...too small...too something underachiever. I've always been a sucker for that. Had to go with Lanier however because he may have been evry bit as good as Zimm without the fire-power behind him. Just don't know. Its kinda fun to have a 'Silent Giant' like Clady...that because of new rules...may have to speak.

My Offensive Guards are Mark Schelereth and Ben Hamilton.

I have no reason for this. Ben proved he was a part of a special line last year and I wanted Keith Bishop as my second guard. Can anyone explain what I have just done?

WOW!! .. It is still the 13th and I have made it through this post. I know I still have three positions left--but they are no-brainers. I may not finish it today.....but once again....I trod forward.

My Center is Tom Nalen.

For you younger fans your center should be Tom Nalen. For you older fans your center should be Tom Nalen. What a staple for our line for so many years. In a few years I will add Tom to the, 'Should be in the Hall list' in my signature. No other choice--Nalen should make the Hall.

My wide receivers are Lionel Taylor and Rod Smith.

Rod Smith is a recent memory and the essence of what a football player (you really want to love) to be. Rod Smith is the example of hard work and humility that you hope your children will become. Rod Smith should be in the Hall (when the time comes) and I just pray that he gets there. No other could be the example he's been these last troubling years. Showing first, how to try to come back, and then showing us how to retire with grace....and a few tears. I will forever love Shanny forever for giving him an unlimited shot.

Lionel Taylor was the 'Floyd Little' in the very early years of this franchise. How Taylor is not in the Hall--I just don't understand. Is 'Bambi' in the 'Hall' ...oh my goodness yes! Was Taylor better than him the first few years they have in common? .......... Oh my!!! I didn't realize that there was a better receiver, back then, than Bambi !!" Why yes!!! Lionel Taylor should be in the Hall.!!!

Special mentions for Steve Watson (Steve Largent type and best 'Slow White Receiver' I've seen). Haven Moses and the M&M connection. Mark Jackson for ending 'The Drive'. and EddieMc for being there when we needed you. We love you Eddie!!

My tight end is (and I'll tell you. As an an old-timer, I really thought about Riley Odoms.) Odoms was maybe the best 'all-around-tight-end' to ever play the game but he was not Shannon Sharpe. Most of you know about Shannon's mouth...I love that part of him also. Many of you may not know that (when he was trying to make the team, as a quite low draft pick) that he walked into Dan's office and told him, "You will never see me come here out of shape...and you will never have any issues with me outside this office." Whatever that 'open and volgarious personality' Shannon had...he kept it inside the stadium. You have to love Shannon---you just have too--and love him some more. Somewhere in this post I think I said that Tom Jackson was my favorit player. I need to correct that. Austin Goose Gonsolin (because of my childhood) will always hold that. Shannon somehow moved up the charts of my heart and now sits there with Tom. Hmmm, I hope this country lives long enough for me to watch Woodyard for a few years. A Tom Jackson, Shannon Sharpe type of player.

My tight end is Shannon Sharpe.

Well, I think through all the distraction I have covered all positions. Its funny when you do something like this--trying to be objective while mushing (and sometimes tearing) through memory lane is a funny thing.

I will make this statement as fact:

I have no regrets being a Denver Bronco Fan over these near Fifty Years.

I love all you fellow fans, I hope this post makes sense.

La La Lands forecast of 2009

Mike Clark — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:02:23 -0000

Now that the schedule has been released we can all give our forecast of what is soon to happen. Normally I don't get too involved until after the draft but Zappa's regress into an 8-8 guy has me concerned that 'hope' and whats really happening is somehow getting mixed up. I find it a must that I share how La La Land expects this season to play out.

1 Sun. Sept. 13 at Cincinnati.....W.....

Cincy will end up with a pretty good season but they are unable to handle Royal and unprepared for Hillis in the HB position.
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2 Sun. Sept. 20 CLEVELAND....W.....

Carlton Powell shows signs of being a great nose tackle. He completely shuts down runs anywhere near the middle taking Browns out of their game plan. Brandon is a force--not wanting Eddie to overtake him as #1.
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3 Sun. Sept. 27 at Oakland .......W....

'Nuff Said'
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4 Sun. Oct. 4 DALLAS..................W....

Rumors of Romo's affairs with multiple models has really affected his game. Steam, coming out Jerry Jone's ears, is caught on film. YouTubes most hit video for five days.
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5 Sun. Oct. 11 NEW ENGLAND..W....

Bill's 'hoodie' is uglier than McDaniel's and really upsets Josh. Josh decides to burn all his Hoodies and become a pure Denver Bronco. This is the turning point for years to come.
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6 Mon. Oct. 19 at San Diego......L....

phyllis crushes us. We are ashamed. The ghost-monkey that was on Shanny's back is seen perched on Josh's shoulder. Horvil Tiki is pissed, blames an albino crab, and writes a very funny article
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8 Sun. Nov. 1 at Baltimore...........W..

Our Defense is really beginning to meld. Hillis and ??whoever?? shove their own game in their face. Hillis is very popular in Denver but is booed in Baltimore when he does his "Mile High Salute" (with a bit of a smiling sneer) for the fourth time.

via cdn0.sbnation.com

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9 Mon. Nov. 9 PITTSBURGH.......W..

The Steelers are very confident coming into their 9th game undefeated, however, McDaniels really pulls out the stops on defense with constant creative blitzes. Rothlesburger goes down in the 3rd quarter with a tremendous hit by Wesley Woodyard. Brandon and Eddie each have two touchdown receptions. Eddie also throws his first touchdown pass--all Denver loves Eddie!!
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10 Sun. Nov. 15 at Washington...W...

Washington is forever dreaming of becoming a SB contender--but being surrounded by politicians that want to turn this Great Nation into a Socialist Hell-Hole has cursed them
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11 Sun. Nov. 22 SAN DIEGO........W...

Horvil Tiki prepares Ribs for a special ritual as well as dinner. Panff captures a White Albino Crab and prepares it as a sacrifice. They use the ribs and scraps from the crab to create an image of the Ghost Monkey perched on McDaniels' shoulder. They throw it on plenty hot coals and watch it burn. It works! The Ghost Monkey sweats stinky gue, falls of Josh's shoulder, and we win.
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12 Thu. Nov. 26 N.Y. GIANTS ......L..

The Giants seem to be the best team in footbal again. Eli is having a great year and everyone is talking (again) about an all Manning Super Bowl.
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13 Sun. Dec. 6 at Kansas City ......W....Revenge from last year.
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14 Sun. Dec. 13 at Indianapolis.... L.. This hurt. The Steelers now have a clear trail to home field advantage and the Colts can now be the #2 seed. We in La La Land are not worried. Looks like a perfect, "Revenge Tour" to me.

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15 Sun. Dec. 20 OAKLAND..........W..

via cdn1.sbnation.com

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16 Sun. Dec. 27 at Philadelphia...W..

Philly, for some reason, never gets it together this year. Rumors of needing a re-build are rampant.
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17 Sun. Jan. 3 KANSAS CITY.......W......................

Playoffs...Here we come!!!!

Remember the rules of La-la-Land:

1. Anything that is not good concerning the Broncos, shall not be discussed.

2. All predictions of the future must be approved by Mike Clark or Zappa.

3. Feelings such as; despair, sadness, anger, frustration, pessimism, or any other negative feeling is forbidden while in La La Land.

4. The Broncos rule all.

5. Raiders, Chargers, and Chiefs have foul odor.

These rules, amendments, guidelines or whatever you want to call them are to be followed diligently at all times while visiting or residing in La La Land. Anyone found to be in violation of these rules shall be deported immediately to the Real World of misery and despair. Repeat offenders will be dealt with by Chuck Norris.

La La Land national motto: 13-3 Baby!

La La Land national mascot: Orange and Blue Kool Aid Man, Oh Yeaahhhh!

La La Land national anthem: Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Hey you guys...........Keep it kind............Keep it positive.....Remember............

This is La La Land!!

via cdn0.sbnation.com

As a Denver Fan Since 1962...

Mike Clark — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:58:40 -0000

Thought I would stop by and let you guys what you just got.

Last year we knew we had a good offense, the question was defense. We found out quickly about both--Great offense (at time unbelievable) terrible defense--at times laughable. One little stat you guys are going to love is when our defense held a team to under 30 points Cutler (over the last 2 years) is 13-1, with the one loss being an OT loss to Green Bay.

What we didn't expect last year was putting 7 running backs on injured reserve. There were a couple games last year where we ran out of tail-backs.

What I'm trying to say is Cutler literally carried our entire team last year. Everyone we played knew we were a pass only team with no defense. Only one game, when Peyton Hillis moved from Full-back to Tail back, giving a dominant performance against the Jets, did we have a well rounded offense. Peyton went on injured- reserve the next week.....go figure.....our entire team was on Jay's shoulders again.

Without Cutler we could have easily gone 3-13.

Don't worry about Jay having a character problem or a bad attitude. Jay comes from a small town and has the inhierant small town, very straight forward, very honest (what-you-see-is-what-you-got) personality. The fact is McDaniels lied to Jay which pissed Jay off--then lied to him again which sealed the deal.

This has been a rough time for our great franchise--with Cutler we were only one good defensive draft away from being a Super Bowl contender--now (with jaws dropped) we just shake our heads and wonder.

I started writing a poem of what I think of the Belichek clone McDaniels and it went like this:

I hate to start my story with “Once upon a Time”

But how else can I tell a tale of an all-consuming slime.

I have no evidence to prove my tale is really true

So I give to you a bed-time rhyme—to believe is up to you.

It started late one stormy night two days ‘fore Halloween

And lasted well past New Years twice, and almost into spring.

It crosses vast dark voids of space to worlds that have no time

And tells of evil incarnate where good is turned to slime.

But I had to stop, the thought of McDaniels was forcing steam out my ears, and I am supposed to be the keep-it-positive leader over at Mile High Report.

Anyway--congradulation you guys. You are now Super Bowl contenders.

Meanwhile in La La Land

Mike Clark — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:25:43 -0000

As you know, posts from La La Land are a little different. They are not for the purpose of starting an intellegent debate, being MHR's village idiot I don't understand 'intellegent debate'........nor want to. I really hadn't planned a post 'till after the draft--but somethings bugging me (which is not allowed in the land) --so I need to write something so I'm no longer bugged. The McJaygate situation has to be resolved. Not that Josh or Jay get resolved--we as fans get resolved. For this post I pulled some 'stuff' from John Henderson's article at the Denver Post (here) so we could resolve (no matter what happens) Jay is a good guy.........and because he is our QB...........We love him.

Remember after reading this post if you decide to enter La La Land with comments there are certain rules you have to follow:

1. Anything that is not good concerning the Broncos, shall not be discussed.

2. All predictions of the future must be approved by Mike Clark or Zappa.

3. Feelings such as; despair, sadness, anger, frustration, pessimism, or any other negative feeling is forbidden while in La La Land.

4. The Broncos rule all.

5. Raiders, Chargers, and Chiefs have foul odor.

These rules, amendments, guidelines or whatever you want to call them are to be followed diligently at all times while visiting or residing in La La Land. Anyone found to be in violation of these rules shall be deported immediately to the Real World of misery and despair. Repeat offenders will be dealt with by Chuck Norris.

La La Land national motto: 13-3 Baby!

La La Land national mascot: Orange and Blue Kool Aid Man, Oh Yeaahhhh!

La La Land national anthem: Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Here is some of the things Jay does when he's not on the field. Doesn't sound like a spoiled cry-baby some writers have tried to paint him. Looks like a caring person that we could love. I personally love and am happy he is our QB.....you should also.

On the other hand, this is a quarterback who dips into his own pocket to fly a Broncos public relations employee to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl. He meets diabetes patients in Honolulu and Tampa, Fla. He shows up on his day off after victories to analyze film and urges teammates to join him. He has the toughness and down-to-earth qualities that make him "one of the guys" in the locker room.

"I've seen the word 'surly' used to describe him a few times, and I disagree with that," said Trey Holloway, his center at Vanderbilt. "The biggest misconception about Jay is that people call him an arrogant punk, and that's not true at all. At the end of the day, he's competitive."

And loyal.

Here it sounds like Jay is very loyal to his team........something you can love.

Cutler's high school coach in Indiana, Bob Clayton, said his former star's perception of a lack of loyalty by the Broncos led to an outburst by Cutler when he learned the team entertained trading him for the New England Patriots' Matt Cassel last weekend.

"Jay's fiercely loyal to whatever organization he's with, whether it was Heritage Hills, or Vanderbilt, or the Denver Broncos," Clayton said. "The thing about these athletes, a lot of them come from a high school and college system where loyalty is reciprocated. You don't get that in the NFL."

"You have to know Jay," Clayton said. "Jay is not a blabbermouth, not a chatty guy, but if you ask him a point-blank question, if he feels strongly about it, he's going to give you an answer. He gave an honest answer and it becomes a nationwide media issue."

If you were to ask me at this point I think Jay got pissed and is no politician When you consider the mess politician's have made of this country you have to love that also.

He opens his house to friends--you have to love that.

At Vanderbilt, he often invited players to his home in Santa Claus, Ind., during holiday breaks so they wouldn't spend them alone. He made a point to hang out with the offensive linemen and earned his props by running over Southeastern Conference defensive backs.

I have been a Bronco fan since 1962 and have seen (and thought) a lot of funny things. I remember when we traded I believe Criss Hinton for John Elway and was upset. "Why would we trade for a cry-baby dictating his own terms," I thought to myself. Funny me..........

Then again, if old-time Broncos fans remember, another quarterback went through the same thing. After three years, John Elway was 27-10 but hadn't won a playoff game and was clashing with Dan Reeves, his coach.

"People were saying, 'He's a loser. Keep Reeves. Trade Elway,' " Clough said.

The bottom line is I hope Jay Cutler reads this. He needs to know that we love him and stand behind him reguardless what happens. I personally have to believe that Josh and Jay ten years from now will be best friends with five Super Bowl rings with their name.

Remember that all comments in this land have to be positive, we will make the playoffs this year, and we are going to the Super Bowl until we don't.

13-3 Baby!!!!

La La Land of Pre-Season Feel Goods

Mike Clark — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:17:11 -0000

Well here we are again just a handfull-of-weeks from the draft and the official opening of the "La La Land of Pre-Season Feel Goods! "

I apologize for my long absence but Shanny getting fired kinda threw me into a weird dizzy that causes a village idiot like myself to crawl into my 'I don't get it box' and hide. To my dismay I come back to find Cutler trade talks started by ???? by either Cutler or the Team..........who cares........I think Cutler will be on our team for a long time. The important point in this post is the opening of La La Land to all the fine members of MHR.

Being MHR's official 'Village Idiot' and guardian of the gate I thought it best that I remind you the laws of visiting La La Land. Many moons ago Zappa helped me set out a set of rules--kind of a constitution................

We have all heard about La La Land, but here is your official guide to La La Land. A Constitution of sorts. Or perhaps a guide to true happiness.

1. Anything that is not good concerning the Broncos, shall not be discussed.

2. All predictions of the future must be approved by Mike Clark or Zappa.

3. Feelings such as; despair, sadness, anger, frustration, pessimism, or any other negative feeling is forbidden while in La La Land.

4. The Broncos rule all.

5. Raiders, Chargers, and Chiefs have foul odor.

These rules, amendments, guidelines or whatever you want to call them are to be followed diligently at all times while visiting or residing in La La Land. Anyone found to be in violation of these rules shall be deported immediately to the Real World of misery and despair. Repeat offenders will be dealt with by Chuck Norris.

La La Land national motto: 13-3 Baby!

La La Land national mascot: Orange and Blue Kool Aid Man, Oh Yeaahhhh!

La La Land national anthem: Ain't No Mountain High Enough

I hope you have found this guide to be helpful and informative. May the Broncos be with you.

Remember that from the draft to the start of season absolutely no negative thoughts are allowed. Everything that happens, no matter what happens, will result in us going at least 13-3 and marching to the Super Bowl.

We will love our free agent pick-ups.

We will love and find good in every person we draft.

We will love Josh McDaniels.

We know that any conflict between Josh and Jay will simply help them grow.

We WILL make the play-offfs.

We ARE going to the Super Bowl until we don't.

And remeber our motto "13-3 Baby!!!"

Go Broncos!!!

P.S. I would like to thank Jon Tollerud for stepping in for me...it shocked me back to activity.

Enigma

Mike Clark — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 02:05:16 -0000

ENIGMA

An enigma (from Greek αἴνιγμα) is a puzzle, something mysterious or inexplicable, or a riddle or difficult problem.

If we win tonight does anyone know how that affects our position in the draft? I've been trying to research it and found this:

Rules for determining draft order

The draft order is determined by first generating the order for the first round. That order is based generally on each team's regular season record, except as noted below:

The winners of the Super Bowl are given the last selection, and the losers the second to last selection.[2]
Remaining teams are sorted by regular season record, with worse records picking first, regardless of playoff status; teams that make the playoffs can't pick before teams that do not.

Does anyone know where our pick would be if we win tonight and if we lose tonight?

I think we will win tonight--but if we don't--what change if any would that make in our draft order?

The Upcoming Shoot-out

Mike Clark — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:29:19 -0000

WARNING:

Do not assume there is any logic in this post.

I will try not to exude too much irrational exuberance on this upcoming shoot-out. Most of you know that I try to keep a positive outlook for both upcoming and games in progress, but I am human, and shaken by what happened last Sunday. The way we dominated Buffalo the first half we should have started the second half 21-3 not 13-10. We should have started the second half with the Bills just wanting to go home, but we didn't--and this is old news--well covered by many of the great contributors at this site. Old news is just that--old news. What happened Sunday must be forgotten. Therefore I move forward and have come to this conclusion:

We Will Beat San Diego!

Period!

This is what we will see this next week. Ridicule of us getting into this situation, endless number of Jekyll and Hyde stories, and adulation of San Diego staying the course. There will be stories of all our injuries, Jay's inconsistancey, how good we will be next year, and why San Diego will whip us. The unlearned bloggers at D-Post and RMN will begin their regular chants for Shanny's head, Slowik's head, and any other head they can decapitate to vent their unlearned frustration. None of this will matter, none of these stories will be relevant after the shoot-out--the reason being:

We Will Beat San Diego!

Period!

This is going to be a shoot-out, an 'OK Coral' caliber shoot out, and when you have a shoot-out like like this anything can happen. Few teams have had trouble scoring on the Chargers. Few teams have had problems scoring on us. This is going to be a really fun game--I don't blame NFL execs for moving it to 8:15.....

In a shoot-out like this you have to look at the chips--not where chips fall-- chips on shoulders. San Diego has a pretty big chip, they feel that the 'fumble/incomplete pass/blown dead/sack/bad call' is the only reason we won our first meeting. Pretty big chip--and they are right--but oh well. Great catch Eddie--by the way--on that two point conversion!

Before we look at others chips, let's look at gunslingers, all good shoot-outs need gunslingers. When it comes to gun slingers--they know they are good. Most will mouth they are good--that is why they are gunslingers. The big difference in gunslingers is that some have class...and some don't.

Back to chips, not where chips fall, chips on shoulders. San Diego has a big chip, bad call...but on who's shoulder? No-one and everyone at the same time....thus nobody! This is why we will win! A young gunslinger, hired by a group called the Broncos a few years ago, knowing he wasn't feeling well, went into a house last year, got slapped down, embarrassed and then ridiculed by the house's resident gunslinger.

This Gunslinger has a lot of class, in know way would ever think vengence--but he still sees the chip on his shoulder.

We Will Beat San Diego!

Period!

Roller Coasters

Mike Clark — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:49:19 -0000

Although I was born in Utah, now live in Washington...I am from Idaho. Can't explain why this is--it is simply true. Years ago (well not THAT many years ago) I had twenty acres, a house, great dog (named jake), a couple horses, a family, and a great summer garden. I was up against a mountain about 30 miles north of Coeur d'Alene and about six miles east of what was back then called Henley Aerodome.

Shortly after moving to Spokane, Henley was purchased by someone who had made millions in the silicon high tech revolution, and had dreams of building a theme park. Silverwood was born and many years later is now a world class theme park. What does this have to do with football? Nothing--but I continue--because I must.

The first year it was fun to have something like Silverwood as a novelty out in the no-where of North Idaho. Somewhere around the second or third year, however, they put up this (so they advertised) "The Worlds Largest All Wood Roller Coaster." Imagine that! Out in 'no-where' North Idaho. A couple years later they would put up a thing called, "Tremblers" (I think after the movie) because this even taller coaster went underground like three times. We, that lived in this area, had to learn a new courage--forcing your arms in the air the entire ride. Only, because my two daughters finally shamed me, did I learn this new-found courage. Now, I don't care what roller coaster I ride--I hold my arms and hands in the air and have fun. Is this about football? No, but I'm getting closer....in fact I'm there.

This is not a post for the, 'Hot Headed' or the, 'Stat Freak' fan. This is a post for the young and new fan. Techknology has given young fans, and many of us old fans, access to information that we shouldn't even care about--but do.

I've been a Bronco fan since 1962 and spent most of the early years hiding up in the coming hole with my hands and arms down. It was hidious! In the 60's and even the early 70's to be known as a Bronco fan was not right. Funny the world, despite my love for the Broncos, the world loved KC Oakland and the jets.

This year reminds me of something, not sure what it is--some of it good--some of it bad...and some of it dread. If we hold our arms up entering the tunnel will we lose our arms? No. Is the season over? No, we have a really good team.

To you young fans, on the roller coaster the NFL has created, this is a good team.

This is a funny year, we've lost all our starting HB's and LB's,...How often does that happen? We win in other's house, that have not lost in their house, and lose to the faiders in ours. We have a young, passionate defense that we know nothing about--except their passion. Let's hope their hands and arms are in the air as they enter the tunnel. We have an offense that can score on any team--and the stars are all baby's. Funny us!

All you young Bronco fans out there--love this team! All you young Bronco fans fans out there this may be a very rough roller coaster ride.

Remember, when you ride a roller coaster, keep your arms and hands high in the air the entire ride.

and have fun.

Twelve-Four Maybe Baby!

Mike Clark — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:06:39 -0000

We can thank Rig for this battle-cry.

OK Friends--It is Time Again!

I know this is getting old but I do not have it in me to imagine another loss It is time to think how we can win, and not think how we can lose. Let's get some possitive vibes going that maybe change the universe. Well, maybe that's a bit extreme, maybe keep the good things of Thursday ooze into next week.

This week we face Atlanta...if we do not beat Atlanta the 'Twelve-Four Maybe Baby' is dead--we must not think there is a chance of this. Three weeks into this season I don't think anyone, including all the NFL, thought any team could stuff this offense into nothing...and evereyone was and is right. The only thing that can stuff our offense is us--and we did it quite well--by the way. Four losses followed--bad Broncos.....

Now we are in for the fight for our lives to make the playoffs--we need to win this game--we will win this game. We need to believe this. We cannot get into the 'Wild Card Race'! We just can't! With four AFC loses and three of our loses 'AFC Wild Card' prospects we have no chance--we must win our division. We must win this game--dwell upon this truth--we must win this game.

As much as I want Atlanta to lose (when we play) I would still like to congradulate them on there turnaround this season, overcoming all the turmoil of last year, getting a great QB with your draft pick, and the wins none of us expected.

That being said--Atlanta will lose when we play. I have to believe this!

Again back to us! We had some funny 'bright-lights' show up in the youngsters when many of our starters went down the last two weeks.

Hillis was obvious, what a great two yard 'must' effort, Winborn, top tackler, Woodyard (second top tackler)--so full of the passion of, "Oh yea!! Just try it!! I gotta love Woodyard.

Funny our defense seemed to get better after all the starters went down--is there meaning in this?

Well here we go again....we will win this game!

Blue Collar Back

Mike Clark — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:28:55 -0000

Considering our current half-back situation I wonder if Mike Anderson needs a job. Mike is not the fastest, nor the best, but he is a blue-collar runner that knows nothing but 'one-cut-downhill'. We could use that right now.

Funny, before pre-season games I thought we were thoroughly covered at running back--funny how things can change.

Does anyone know if Mike Anderson is available?

Also, I would like to thank Cutler for stepping up and pulling an "Elway" on Cleveland last night.