On November 11 is Veterans day. It signifies the end of WW1. Around the world and until 1953 in America its known as Armistice day. In 1953 Al King of Emporia, KS chose to expand it honor all Veterans. In 1954 President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill to change the day to Veterans Day. Its a day to say thank you to all who have served this county. To me it is a very special day. But usually a home team will honor the Veterans on a home game closest to this day. Sometimes the game falls on Veterans day its self.On of the most recognized NFL players to play in the NFL is Pat Tilman. There was also Rocky Bleier who was injured in Vietnam and came back to get 4 rings with the Steelers and a Purple Heart recipient. The only NFL(AFL) player who was killed in Vietnam was 1LT Bob Kalsu. Kalsu was a starting guard in 1968. He played the entire season and was the Bills' team rookie-of-the-year. Following the 1968 season, to satisfy his Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) obligation, he entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant and arrived in Vietnam in November 1969. He was killed in action on July 21, 1970 at FSB Ripcord near the A Shau Valley. FOB Kalsu in Iraq is named in his honor. Today I thought we could remember some of our Veterans. This is my way off honoring those who came before and served our country and were professional football players

www.chargers.com/news/headlines/rivera-promoted-to.htm Well the Chargers did it, the fired Ted Cottrell. Replaced him with Ron Rivera. That could be a reactionary move or could be a sign of things to come in the offseason here in SD. I still dont think it will change anything. The Chargers are not getting to the QB, and their secodnary is suspect this year. I wonder how much this has to do with losing Merriman to the injury

MNF is upon tonight and its the Broncos against an old AFL rival the New England Patriots. It got me thinking of some of the best MNF games the Broncos have ever played in. Now I will only mention the wins. Because I feel only wins are a good game. They have been in some memorable losses but I will leave that for another day. The Broncos first ever MNF game was October 22, 1973 against the hated Oakland Raiders. Yes it will be almost 35 years to the day. The NFL was going into the 4th season of the merger, and the Broncos had yet to be on MNF. Well when the schedule came out it was going to be an electric night for the Bronco faithful. The mayor of Denver Bill McNichol deemed to be Orange Monday. It was loud and exciting.The Broncos were out for respect. They were coming in a game behind Oakland at 2-3. Things started out good for the Broncos, as the Raiders marched down the field there was a fumble and Billy Thompson returned one of his record 4 career fumbles for an 80 yard TD! Just like that the Broncos are up 7-0. In the 2nd qurater Blanda had kicked a 35 yard FG and then on the next Raider possesion Ken Stabler hits Mike Siani for a 80 yard TD bomb. The Raiders were dominating the Broncos but Denver held firm. Oakland kicked a 13 yard FG to lead a the half 13-7. But the Broncos were not done, in the 3rd qurater the faithfull were given something to cheer about as long time running back icon Floyd Little scores on a 1 yard TD run then Jim Turner kicks a 43 yd FG to give Denver a 17-13 lead. Oakland then comes back and take the lead on a Cliff branch TD catch to overtake Denver 20-17. Well later in the 4th Jim Turner ties it with a 37 yarder. But with time running down Blanda kicks a 49 yard FG to give what looks like a Raider win 23-20. But longtime NFL QB, new Bronco leader Charley Johnson isnt done, as he leads Denver to the Raider 35. With a few ticks left on the clock, here comes ol reliable Jim Turner. A straight on kicker. WHo boots a 35 yard FG as time expires. To give Denver a 23-23 tie. It may seem like a loss, but for Denver it put them on the map. Denver would end that season 7-5-2. First winning season in team history. They would be in the running for the Division title until the end of the season when a narrow 21-17 loss at Oakland would finish the season. There has been other great MNF games fore the Broncos. Like the streak from 1998-2001 opening the season on MNF. The famous snowball game in 1985 against the 49ers. Or even the blizzrd game against the Packers in 1984. To me this one stands out because Denver graduated onto the national scene. Denver would start to be on MNF regularly. Denver has been on MNF every season since 1984.

Poll

What is the Best Denver Bronco Monday Night Football game?

11%

10/22/73 Denver 23 Raiders 23

2 votes

5%

11/16/98 Denver 30 KC Chiefs 7

1 votes

23%

11/4/96 Denver 22 Raiders 21

4 votes

52%

10/16/95 Denver 27 Raiders 0

9 votes

5%

Other (list below)

1 votes

17 votes | Poll has closed

www.rockymountainews.com/news/2008/oct/07/CU-buffs-hawkins-gets-contract-extesnion Dan Hawkins just signed an extension according to the RMN. This is good news, considering the past two coaches have tarnished this school, in my humble opinion. Now all I hope for is more great recruits and a QB to come to this school. Its time to gte CU back into the elite of the Big Twelve. He must do it, especially while Nebraska is blowing chunks. Maybe this news will help CU into an upset over the Jayhawks.

A Colorado Buffalo coaching legend has passed away today. Coach Crowder roamed the sidelines from 1963-1973. He had a 67-49-2. With a high point in 1971 when the Buffs finished 10-2 and a #3 ranking just behind Nebraska and Oklahoma who were 1 and 2 respectively. Coach Crowder was also the AD from 1965 until 1986. He was responsible for the hiring of Bill McCartney. He was a great coach, AD and person. I for one am saddened as a member of the Buffalo family has passed on.

I was perusing a wonderful website, coldhardfootballfacts.com. I cam across an article that was for the most underrated player in the NFL. I guess they had some poll. Well the poll takers got it wrong. CHFF crew went over the rosters of all 32 teams and came with a top 5. 5. London Fletcher, LB, Washington 4. Derrick Brooks, LB, Tampa Bay 3. Tra Thomas, T, Philadelphia 2. Aaron Smith, DE, Pittsburgh 1. Tom Nalen, C, DENVER Its nice when a site like CHFF recognizes a great player that lets his playing do the talking. My question is this, is Tom Nalen then best Offensive lineman in the history of the Broncos?

Poll

Is Tom Nalen the best offensive lineman in Bronco history

70%

Yes

28 votes

30%

No, see below

12 votes

40 votes | Poll has closed

Well the news from cloudy San diego today is that Merriman has a torn PCL. He went to see Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday and got the results last night. This is a big blow to the Chargers. Merriman then went to NY for an opinion and is headed to Miami for yet another opinion. He has 3 options a scope which really wont do anything more than delay his season, play, or get a recontruct. Also to add he is a free agent after the 2009 season. Now if that isnt bad enough the local fishwrap here had an article today stating that the marrige here in San Diego between Merriman and AJ Smith is not all that rosy. Merriman this season will tape a football show on Fox Sports net on Thursday. No active player has ever done that. The speculation around here is that he is probably going to get a recontruct miss the season so he will be healthy for his contract season. I think this affects the Chargers in profound ways, one it loses the best player at sacking the QB since 2005. He has 39.5 sacks in that time. It also will affect how teams attack the chargers. Plus it now will give Denver even a better chance at winning the AFC West, IMO. How big of a story is this, me I think its HUGE

Poll

With Merriman likely out will Denver win the AFC West?

63%

YES

31 votes

24%

NO

12 votes

12%

Who care Denver was Super Bowl bound anyway

6 votes

49 votes | Poll has closed

Looks like our buddy Javon walker had to be talked into returning to the faders. I may be going out on a limb here but I think he is d-o-n-e. His off the field troubles I think are a result of that he has not grieved for his good friend D-will. I think everyone grieves in thier own way, but from what i have heard and read Javon has not. Right after the tragic loss of Darent he went to Vegas. I think Walker has issues he needs to get on top of. As a person who believes in compassion, I give it to the man, Walker. As to the player Walker after his crap he pulled at the end of last season I hope he catches less to 10 passes.

www.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?id=3516068

As a one time "Broncos writer" Bill Williamson had an article on the best owners in the NFL. In a survery of Head coaches was cinducted and Mr. Bowlen received 4.5 votes. 2nd to Dan Rooney of the Steelers. I think he is the best. www.sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=williamson_bill&id=3424282 I find it amusing that Denver gets no love from the media but is seemingly well respected where it counts. Plsu how are those zero votes tasting Alice?

I was perusing Fox Sports. I usually dont but it is Friday and I enjoy Jason Witlocks column. Well there was a poll on the best QB's in the NFL. Well they listed Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger,Tony Romo, and David Garrard. It may be that I am a huge homer when it comes to my team and the players on it. But is there any doubt that Cutler is better than Garrard? Plus I honestly have to say I dont think Romo is one of the best either. Am I wrong in thinking that Cutler should be considered one of the best? I mean the kid is losing weight and doesnt know why and still puts up great numbers. John Elway did not have those kind of numbers in his 2nd season as a starter. (I know Elway played under a different type of system). I think he is but, I also think it goes to the larger bias against the Broncos