Every so often I try to cheer us up after a loss. Through my many sources within the Broncos organization and the NFL, I was able to find out what some of the players, coaches and personalities are getting each other for Christmas.  Here is a snapshot. 

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A number of weeks ago I posted an article debunking some common myths, mostly about the Broncos but the NFL in general as well.  For example, debunking the myth that Kyle Orton is noodle armed or that Josh McDaniels is a Belichek clone.  I feel it is now time for a second installment of common myths that you might hear that simply aren't true. 

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I've been doing a lot of studying of the Broncos and Colts and I have come up with a few specific tactical strategies that the Broncos can use on offense and defense as they take on the Colts.  This is the game of the year, and if you want to be the best you've got to beat the best.  Here is how I see the Broncos attacking the Colts. 

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Here is a rapid reaction from the Broncos/KC game.  I think the game provided several interesting nuggets or insights. 

• It looks like we have gone predominantly to a zone blocking team the past two weeks which is good for several reasons.  One it shows McD is willing to change his philosophy if something isn't working.  Two it really fits our o-line, TE's and most of all running backs better.  Plus Dennison and Turner have great familiarity with coaching it. 
• Did Dick Enberg really say that Kuper has not allowed a sack in two years.  How is this slipped by us?  Kuper and Clady for the Pro Bowl.
• Ryan Clady seems to be hobbled by some sort of injury because he isn't moving with the same swiftness earlier in the year and getting beat.  Still one of the best in the game though. 
• Dick Enberg is one of my favorite announcers.  I know he isn't everyone's cup of tea but he always has information that adds to the enjoyment of the game.  He is very good at using pre-game interviews and interjecting them at key moments in the game.  We've seen so many bad broadcasters this year that I think Enberg deserves his props.  Too bad he's announcing for the Padres. 
• Speaking of Kuper, not only did he do well in the passing game, but he looked dominant in the run game as well.  Sign Him!!!
• Matt Prater is kicking lights out right now.  Let's hope it continues, but really whatever he's doing he needs to bottle it. 
• Mitch Berger has really started to boom his kicks but still isn't getting returned.  Also made a sublte move to not have his punt blocked.  One of the best.  I don't think Prater has missed a kick since Mitch became the holder, knock on wood. 
• I don't know what to make of Jay Cutler now.  He seems all of sudden to be playing not to throw interceptions, instead of his usual play to win attitude. 
• I was down on Peyton Hillis because he made too many critical errors early in the season but hopefully his showing yesterday will re earn the coaches trust.  McDaniels is smart and I will trust he will find a way to utilize Peyton a little more. 
• However, finding time for Peyton might be hard because Spenser Larsen is playing awesome these last two weeks at full back.  He is quick to the point of attack, makes good reads and just blows people up. Plus he's made a bunch of special teams tackles recently. 
• Alphonso Smith-Just get it together man.  Listen to Champ and B-dawk, do what they say. 
• Robert Ayers is so close to getting a sack.  It's going to happen and he flashed his first round ability yesterday. 
• Todd Haley looked like a desperate coach.  He was really creative with some of the things they were doing, which shows he has a good offensive mind, but when you resort to that many gadget plays it means you think you don't have the players to go head to head. 
• We need to find a package that works when teams go no huddle.  We will see a lot of this vs. Peyton. 
• What the Colts and Saints have done at 12-0 is spectacular,  But both have some major flaws.  Doesn't mean they'll lose but they certainly have weaknesses.  I don't think either team can stop the run very well and the Saints pass defense makes big plays but also gives up big plays.  I hope we pound the ground game at the colts.  Gives us best chance to win. 
• Brady Quinn through for almost 300 yards vs. San Diego: Good.  Anyone get the feeling that if we are a wild card our first game will either be at SD or at NE.  Not exactly what one would hope for but hey, it's the playoffs. 
• Ndamokong Suh won't be around for the Broncos selection but Terrance Cody might be.  I think he'd be worth the investment.  Guy can control the entire middle of the field. 

Have a great week everyone.  Look forward to your thoughts!

The economy sucks, people are losing their jobs or if you are a state employee, have to take mandatory furloughs.  And you know what the worst part of it all is, I never learned to read.  No actually, the Broncos lost.  But cheer up my friends, here is something to cheer you up about the economy and the Denver Broncos. 

After scouring the internet I was able to find a ton of NFL related job openings posted by NFL teams and players. So boom, helping the economy and our doom and gloom.  Enjoy!

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As I read articles online and in newspapers, there are so many half-truths, mistatements, and right out lies that I feel compelled to write an article debunking some of the myths that you may read about it in the paper.  Now while most of what I'm about to say is opinion, I'll try to back it up with facts as much as possible. 

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Now that we are at the bye week, this is as good a time to give some plaudits on a few Broncos who have stood out but may not be getting the credit or press that is due.  Of course in many instances the astute talent of the MHR will have already made mention of these unsung heroes.  Still I think it would be fun to examine the great Broncos who have made this 6-0 start possible.  I have chosen one defensive player, one offensive player, and one special teams impact player. 

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Through the first three games, the Denver Broncos have done their part, now it's time for us fans attending Sunday's game to do our part.  We need to bring Mile High to a level we haven't seen since the glory days.  On every play make sure you are screaming and yelling when the Cowboys have the ball.  Flozell Adams, left tackle for Dallas already has three false start penalties this year.  Imagine on Sunday how many he might have if we ramp up the noise and he has Elvis Dumervil to worry about. 

Stomp your feet.  The metal of Invesco needs to shake from our Thunder.  I implore you, we can play a role in our teams victory on Sunday we just need to bring it. 

I have been a Broncos fan my entire life, and I am proud to say I have always been one of the loudest people in my section.  But lately it seems I am the only one making noise.  I remember in the Old Mile HIgh I could barely hear my scream.  By the end of most games I have very little voice left but it is more than worth it. 

I know MIle HIgh can be the best home environment.  We already have the altitude, now we just need a little attitude.  For those of you who will be watching on t.v. check for the camera shake and still cheer as loud as you can.   

See you at the game!

There has been a lot said over the past few months regarding the mainstream media and their opinions about our favorite team.  Some people are sick of talking about the MSM, while others continue to be interested in various opinions and critique said opinions based on our own intimate knowledge of the team.  I am not here to discourage discussion of the MSM.  I actually find it quite interesting to compare opinions and realize what Chris Berman often says "We think we know, but we don't know"

However, to better serve the Mile High Report which I dearly love, I decided there should be some ground rules to any critique of the MSM.  Some of them are personal pet peeves, so please, bare with me.  I think of us as a very classy community and I want to stay that way. 

1. Let's shy away from personal attacks- Most notably, lets not refer to Bill Williamson as "Pork Chop" Some of us MHR's are a little rotund

2. Utilize the intelligent observation this blog has become known for Instead of saying that Jamie Dukes is an idiot.  Let's delve deeper.  Let's examine exactly where he is analyzing this team wrong.  Let's point out what so many have missed. 

3. Give Praise where it is warranted Like praise recently for Bill Simmons, Adam Schefter and TJ (PS, I think TJ is by far the best ESPN analyst.  He has a positive way at looking at things but also can give honest reflective opinion.)

4. Have Fun If the Broncos keep winning we get to have the last laugh.  So lets enjoy getting to prove the MSM wrong, just do it without the personal attacks. 

I know for some this post will be offensive because many people have stated before that they don't want to be told how to post on a blog.  However, I just feel that we have a standard at MHR and we should keep it that way. 

Take Care!

Many have looked at our 2008 team with Cutler and Company and made comparisons to the Super Bowl years.  I watched tape last night of the Broncos Super Bowl XXXIII victory over Atlanta and made some notes when looking at this years Broncos team.  Here are some thoughts:

1. The Running Game- Of course with Terrell Davis the running game is going to be a lot more effective for the 98 team.  But I also noticed there was for more complexity and movement in the zone blocking for the 98 teams.  This is mostly because the 98 offensive lineman were very veteran players (Tom Nalen and Dan Neil were the youngest).  I think this squad can get to that complexity but it will be a while.  The biggest difference I noticed was how quickly some of our lineman would get in on linebackers and attack a more specific spot on the defense.  Where as in the Chiefs game the Broncos looked like they were running basic stretch left, stretch right plays. 

2. Defensive Blitzing-The 98 Broncos didn't have near the talent that the 08 Broncos have in the secondary. (Dre and Champ vs. Ray Crockett and Darien Gordon, come on...). They made up for this with creative blitzing. It was usually a linebacker with a nickel back.  They would bring Atwater from time to time to mix it up, especially since Atwater was a great blitzer.  

3. Eddie Royal as Rod Smith-In his heyday Rod Smith had speed and ran excellent routes.  Eddie Royal looks just as good.  Both guys were amazing finds.  If Royal has half the career Rod had we will be in good shape. 

4. Brandon Marshall as Ed McCaffrey-I love Eddie, but this isn't even fair.  For Marshall there is no comparison.  He is a freak of nature.  Both have good size and are devestating blockers.  Eddie had better hands but Marshall is stronger, faster and more of a playmaker after the catch. 

I think we have the offensive ingredients to be great.  It will take time to develop more complexity in the run game and star tailback like Torain could make that happen. Our receivers our awesome.  There is talent on that defense, it's time to ring up the Greg Robinson blitzes. I know he isn't doing very well on Syracuse, but the man could bring the heat and I thought he worked well with Shanahan.