Final Fan: Broncos have to ‘BOlieve’ and play ‘not scared’

9 lengthy years, however right here we’re…within the playoffs for the primary time since successful the Tremendous Bowl.

It doesn’t matter what your expectations had been earlier than the season, they’ve probably at the least been met or exceeded. And regardless of what number of methods the Broncos are underdogs on this matchup with the Payments, they’re additionally “young and hungry” as Sean Payton says, “and that is dangerous.”

So despite the fact that this sport is on the Payments, in opposition to a playoff-experienced group with a veteran quarterback having an MVP season, the Broncos will not be with out their weapons or their probabilities.

And you realize what they are saying about probabilities…

PLAYOFFS, BABY!!! Broncos at Payments

MHR – WE DID IT!!! BRONCOS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS! YES I’M USING ALL CAPS BECAUSE I’M YELLING! BUT IN A GOOD WAY! OK, performed yelling. However critically, how thrilling was that win over KC even when it was in opposition to backups?JasonAult16: I as soon as labored for a coach who informed his group that even when the competitors was inferior, you continue to need to play in opposition to “the game.” It was clear that the Broncos had been executing their plan at a excessive stage. The offense operated effectively and cleanly. The protection performed sound soccer. Sure, it helped that a number of key gamers for the Chiefs weren’t taking part in, however you’ll be able to solely play the sport that’s in entrance of you. Luckily, the Broncos did sufficient work over the course of the season that they could possibly be answerable for their future and never reliant upon different groups to assist them.

MHR – So Broncos made it to the postseason – first time in 9 years as we’ve been listening to nonstop – and now all of Broncos Nation’s expectations are in all probability out of whack 😉 Will it matter how the playoff sport goes for followers to be completely satisfied in regards to the season or will “just being here” be ok for this 12 months?JasonAult16: If you happen to would have informed me on the primary day of coaching camp that the Broncos would end the season with a 10-7 file, earn the 7-seed, and journey to Buffalo for the primary spherical of the playoffs, I might have taken it with no questions requested. All season, I’ve reminded myself that the Broncos in all probability will not be true Lombardi contenders simply but, so I simply needed to see incremental enchancment to the place a playoff berth could possibly be attainable. Something after that might be gravy. Now, having stated that, now that the Broncos are right here, I hope that they aren’t glad and might profit from this expertise. Don’t play scared. Don’t be content material. If they’ll play their backsides off and compete, I can reside with the outcomes as a result of I do know that that is only the start and that even higher days are forward.

MHR – Bo Nix dropped an Instagram hype video earlier this week and it’s FIRE! With out speaking about his soccer expertise simply but, what do you consider his character – his cahones to face as much as Sean Payton, his “crazy eyes” towards the Raiders defender earlier this season, his victory lap round Mile Excessive final week – is he Elway within the making?JasonAult16: I don’t need Bo Nix to be John Elway. I need Bo Nix to be Bo Nix. However the demeanor comparability is on level. What I really like about Bo is that whereas he’s extraordinarily aggressive and assured on the sector, he has a really business-like and humble perspective off the sector. Bo positively has a fantastic aura about him that makes his teammates “BO-lieve” in him. I’m excited to see the place his profession goes.

MHR – Now about his soccer…what do you want greatest about his “game” and what sort of play/video games do you hope to see from him (and Sean Payton) this Sunday?JasonAult16: In my pregame analysis, I’m discovering that Buffalo’s defensive weak point is the brief passing sport. The Payments attempt not to surrender explosive performs and power groups to show persistence in taking the ball down the sector. That truly works to the Broncos benefit as a result of the Broncos are completely content material to try this. Take the photographs if obtainable in fact, however 15-play drives that take up 6-7 minutes are cool too. Goes with out saying, however it is usually necessary to remain on schedule with down-and-distance conditions. Don’t take sacks and don’t commit penalties.

MHR – Yet one more Bo Nix query (properly, in all probability not)…Nix made NFL historical past as the primary QB with 3+ TD passes and 75% completion score in 4 video games as a rookie. He additionally matched the franchise file for such video games in a season (Peyton Manning had 4 in each 2012 and 2013). Do you assume he deserves OROTY, at the least amongst QBs?JasonAult16: I’ve not adopted Jayden Daniels sufficient to competently speak in regards to the distinction between him and Bo, however as a biased Broncos fan, I’ve positively been impressed with Bo’s play. He usually has improved every week. There was just one sport that the Broncos had been clearly outclassed (the Ravens video games), and Bo adopted that up with an effort that would/would/ought to have resulted in a street win at Arrowhead. Whether or not it interprets into Bo successful this award stays to be seen, however once more, the longer term is brilliant with him.

MHR – The Broncos’ operating sport continues to be iffy however has had its moments. Which operating again do you want greatest for Sunday’s matchup – or is a rotation a good suggestion? How a lot would you like Payton to depend on the run sport in opposition to the Payments protection?JasonAult16: I just like the operating again by committee strategy since none of them have the bellcow-back capacity in them. Jaleel McLaughlin has the velocity that may trigger issues if he will get out in house. Javonte Williams and Audric Estime each have bulldozer talents that may earn the robust yards in short-yardage conditions. The offensive line will clearly want to dam properly, but when the backs can run properly, it is going to enable the offense to remain balanced and hold the Buffalo protection guessing.

MHR – Marvin Mims has had an impressive 12 months and has actually come round as not only a receiver however a little bit little bit of a gadget participant. How a lot would you like Payton and Nix to include him into the sport plan?JasonAult16: Marvin’s athleticism permits for some creativity. In preparation for the Colts sport, I used to be informed a couple of particular formation that was being ready for Marvin. It in the end by no means got here to fruition to make use of it, however I’ve to assume that Sean Payton will use each nugget of his huge experience to give you some concepts for some big-play potentialities.

MHR – However then there’s Courtland Sutton, who bought one other 1,000-yard season and has simply been phenomenal in clutch conditions. Plus he had that spectacular TD final 12 months in opposition to the Payments. Are you anticipating the identical fireworks?JasonAult16: I’ve been more than happy with Courtland Sutton’s season. He has been one other chief inside this offense and a great safety blanket for Bo Nix. Once more, Sean Payton will hopefully have a great plan to get some huge performs arrange for Courtland. I might like to see one other huge landing in Buffalo for Courtland. Hopefully, the diploma of problem gained’t need to be as excessive.

MHR – Von Miller was my favourite Bronco when he was in Denver and stays considered one of my all-time faves. He gave nothing however like to Denver earlier this week in his press convention. Is it attainable he gained’t sack Bo Nix out of respect? Lol, simply kidding. However how does it really feel to observe him on the opposite group this weekend? What number of sacks do you assume he’ll get Sunday?JasonAult16: I gained’t love seeing Von taking part in in a Broncos sport whereas not carrying a Broncos uniform, however I’m glad that he performs for a group that I don’t despise. If he performed for a division foe, it could be tough, however I’m good with him being in Buffalo. As for his efficiency, he solely had 6 sacks on the season, so I’m hopeful that the Broncos could make him a non-factor on this one. He’s actually within the final leg of his profession, so I don’t anticipate a efficiency like he had in every of the Broncos’ final two postseason video games the place he destroyed Tom Brady and Cam Newton.

MHR – The largest X-factor for the Payments offense is undoubtedly Josh Allen. And whereas our protection led the league in sacks with 63, Allen is among the few QBs who improves his QBR below stress. If he escapes a blitz, he could possibly be harmful. How would you wish to see Vance Joseph assault Allen?JasonAult16: Simpler stated than performed, however the protection simply can’t let Josh Allen escape the pocket. Preserve him contained and see for those who can power some errors. I believe Josh has performed cleaner this season, however that was his knock final season, particularly when the Broncos gained in Buffalo final 12 months. He had been mistake-prone for those who could possibly be affected person, hold him within the pocket, and never hand over explosive performs.

MHR – Sufficient can’t be stated in regards to the 12 months Nik Bonitto is having. How stunned have you ever been along with his manufacturing and what does he want to do that weekend to be a game-changer? JasonAult16: Nik Bonitto has been a game-wrecker in so many various methods this 12 months. I used to be on the Colts sport and might say that his “fumble return” landing was one of the vital thrilling defensive performs I’ve seen on this post-Manning period. When he has alternatives to interrupt via and hit Josh Allen, it will likely be necessary to convey him down (once more, simpler stated than performed). However Nik simply must sustain the great work and do what he has been doing.

MHR – After which there’s Pat Surtain who simply performs elite each sport, each season. Bear in mind when followers had been mad we took Surtain as an alternative of Justin Fields? How’s that opinion figuring out now, eh? 😉 However critically, how huge of an impression has he had for this group on and off the sector? The place do you need to see him on Sunday – Amari Cooper? Khalil Shakir?JasonAult16: I’m so pleased with Pat Surtain’s success. His Choose-6 in opposition to the Raiders in all probability is the defensive play of the 12 months. I believe that’s nice to remind those who some idiots on the market needed Justin Fields as an alternative. I all the time say that a very powerful factor is to get the decide proper. The PS2 decide has been confirmed to be proper after which even moreso. It will likely be necessary for the opposite defensive backs to do their jobs, however identical to Champ Bailey, it’s good to know {that a} sure portion of the sector might be unusable for the opposing offense when PS2 is taking part in.

MHR – We are able to’t speak about this protection with out speaking about Zach Allen. That man is sort of a quiet large. Off the sector, his face makes him look 12, however on the sector he’s a menace. How a lot of an addition to the protection has he been and the way nice was it to get Roach and JFM on the road this season?JasonAult16: That line of defense is stout. If you happen to can have success within the trenches (on both facet of the ball), you’ll have an opportunity for fulfillment. The line of defense makes it attainable for the protection to have success with out essentially needing to depend on jailbreak blitzes that may presumably depart move protection weak.

MHR – Kickers are individuals too, and ours have been excellent this 12 months. What do you consider the job Ben Kotwica has performed on Particular Groups total – kicking, returning, protecting…all of it?JasonAult16: Particular groups is like offensive line play. In case you are speaking about it, it’s in all probability as a result of one thing horrible has occurred. Save for that epic fail within the closing play at Arrowhead, the particular groups play has been fairly good. Wil Lutz appears to make his kicks. Riley Dixon has had good kicks that both bought the required distance to flip the sector or had been positioned properly sufficient to pin the opposing protection again. I’m pleased with it.

MHR – Common season is over so give us some grades for the next (can grade as a gaggle or simply particular people throughout the group). Add as a lot or as little rationalization as you’d like!

Bo Nix: A- With out his exemplary play (for a rookie), the Broncos are sitting at residence this weekend. Nonetheless some room to develop although,

Offensive line: A. The most effective offensive strains within the NFL. Humorous how the sacks have lowered a lot from final season with principally the identical guys on the road. I ponder what the distinction has been. (Maybe I might give you the reply throughout a session of “unlimited cooking.”)

Operating backs: C. Not a complete lot of electrical play from this group, however they’ve had some first rate moments.

WRs: B-. Fairly good play. I believe this group might use an elite playmaker this offseason.

TEs/FB: C. Succesful group however not spectacular. Once more, an addition can be welcomed this offseason. Maybe Tyler Warren from Penn State, who I’m informed that the Broncos LOVE.

Secondary: B+. A pair video games these days have been fairly a problem for this unit, so I needed to knock the grade down a little bit bit. A lot room to develop however potential is there.

D-line: A. Very good play from this group.

Edge rushers: A. Together with d-line, this crew has helped create essentially the most sacks within the NFL this season

Linebackers: C. First rate, respectable play right here, however a lot room to develop. Shedding Alex Singleton early was crushing.

Particular Groups: A-. As talked about earlier, total actually good, however one main miscue value the Broncos at Arrowhead, so I’ve to grade down a bit for that one.

Will Lutz: A. Has been a dependable kicker, so I’ll give him the A.

Riley Dixon: Can’t bear in mind speaking about him this season, in order that’s a great signal.

MHR – How would you grade Sean Payton? Do you see a Shanny/Elway sort relationship growing right here?JasonAult16: Excessive marks for Sean Payton. Once more, the outsiders thought that the Broncos would have the worst roster within the NFL and can be fortunate to win 5-6 video games. For the Broncos to be 10-7 and aggressive in all however one sport is proof that HCSP deserves some consideration for Coach of the 12 months honors. I believe the Shanahan-Elway comparability is an efficient one. When the Broncos drafted Bo Nix, I harkened again to 2017 when the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes. Some individuals panned it, however a number of individuals raved about the way it was an ideal marriage between head coach and QB. Mahomes can be good below anybody, however his pairing with Andy Reid has been deadly. I hated to make this comparability early on as a result of it appeared like I used to be predicting Chiefs-like outcomes, however I informed anybody who would hear that Bo Nix can be an ideal QB for Sean Payton. Time will inform if Chiefs-like success will occur, nevertheless it has been off to a great begin.

MHR – Which gamers are your MVPs on offense? Protection? ST?JasonAult16: Bo Nix needs to be the man on offense. Barring an other-worldy efficiency like Saquon Barkley this season, present me a group whose QB isn’t the MVP on offense, and I’ll present you a struggling soccer group. Pat Surtain is the dude on protection. Not a lot debate there. I’ll give the nod on Particular Groups to Marvin Mims who had a number of huge punt returns, incomes him the All-Professional award for Punt Returner.

MHR – The Broncos dropped this video right this moment and this one with Emmanuel Sanders earlier within the week. How nice is it that we will have these sorts of movies once more? Do you BOlieve the Broncos can beat the Payments?JasonAult16: It’s so enjoyable to have hope once more and watch the Broncos play properly. If these movies don’t cease, I’m going to finances for main residence renovations by changing all of the partitions I need to run via. Do I consider the Broncos can win this sport? Completely. That is the NFL. Anybody can beat anybody. This isn’t Georgia taking part in Tennessee Tech the place the ‘Dogs will undoubtedly name the score. Granted, it will be a very difficult task to leave Buffalo with a win, but the Broncos have a shot if they can hang around and withstand any explosive plays from the Bills.I wrote the UFG article last year before the Chiefs home game, and I got crushed in the comments when I said that the Broncos talent level wasn’t actually that far behind Kansas Metropolis. “The Chiefs can win this game with their arms tied behind their backs” was the final sentiment from sure yahoos. Yeah properly, since then, the one touchdowns the Chiefs have had in Denver had been on the airport, so I do certainly often know what I’m speaking about.

Predictions

Stats for Bo Nix? 21-30, 200 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

Stats for every Broncos RB? Williams 40 yards, Estime 30 yards, McLaughlin 30 yards, Mims 10 yards

Variety of yards receiving/TDs for the receivers? Sutton 70 yards and TD, Mims 40 yards and TD, Vele 20 yards, Others 70 yards

Longest FG for Lutz? 40 yards

Variety of sacks to Josh Allen? 3 sacks

Broncos participant with essentially the most tackles? Brandon Jones

Who will get the primary sack of the sport for the Broncos? Nik Bonitto

What number of sacks by Von Miller? Zero.

What number of occasions will we see that rattling “12 QBs since Manning” graphic? Too many

What number of occasions will we hear “9 years since the Broncos made it to the playoffs?” Additionally too many

What number of INTs/FF/FR for the Payments’ D? In all probability one in there someplace

What number of INTs/FF/FR for the Broncos’ D? I’ll say 2.

Closing Rating? I gained’t make a rating prediction as a result of I don’t need to select between a coronary heart decide and a head decide. I’ll predict that considered one of two issues occur. Both the Payments leap out early and take management for a lot of the sport (just like the Broncos loss at Baltimore) or the Broncos dangle round for the period and make it sphincter-tightening time for Payments Mafia.

The Favorites (altering this up for the playoffs)

Second Favourite John Elway playoffs win (as a result of The Drive needs to be the primary, proper?) I’m the improper individual to ask about The Drive as a result of it predates me just a bit bit. I used to be sufficiently old to begin following soccer in 1988 once I was 5, so The Drive and The Fumble are items of historical past to me. As a scholar of Broncos historical past, I actually admire them, however not having really skilled them as they occurred, it’s not fairly as particular for me. My favourite John Elway win was the playoff win in Kansas Metropolis in January 1998. There’s a lengthy story describing how my household watched that sport. Plus, residing in central Kansas on the time proper in the midst of the Chiefs fanbase, that win was further candy. I’ve described that one as my favourite win that wasn’t both a Tremendous Bowl or a sport I attended.

Favourite Bo Nix win ever? I used to be on the Browns sport this 12 months, which was actually enjoyable. I stated that I skilled nearly each emotion that one can expertise throughout that one. Loopy, loopy win. Being on primetime Monday Evening Soccer added extra juice to the atmosphere.

Second Favourite Peyton Manning win? I presume you’re placing SB50 up prime, so I’ll decide the sport that happened proper earlier than that: the AFC Championship win versus New England. I used to be at that one. That may have been the very best total sporting occasion I ever attended (Tebow-Thomas being greatest single play). That Broncos-Patriots sport was such a grown-man’s rock struggle. I used to be within the higher deck within the northeast nook of the stadium and had an ideal view of Von Miller’s untouched sack on Tom Brady. Freaking stunning! Such an intense atmosphere. Exhausting to consider that it has been that lengthy for the reason that Broncos have hosted a playoff sport. I miss that. We’d like that again pronto…subsequent 12 months being most well-liked.

Staff you like to beat essentially the most within the AFC West? I now reside in Wellington, KS, simply south of Wichita, so once more, I’m proper in the midst of the Chiefs fanbase. I get further pleasure out of being these guys. It simply had not occurred there for awhile, so it has been robust to be me throughout latest NFL seasons. It’s dangerous sufficient when my favourite group is terrible, however my most hated group being actually good is further painful.

Staff you hate to lose to essentially the most in the remainder of the AFC? It has tamed now, however I hated dropping to the Patriots throughout the 2010s. Baltimore and Pittsburgh additionally put a little bit of a foul style in my mouth.

NFC group you could possibly cheer for within the Tremendous Bowl? In most years, I might in all probability root for any NFC group aside from Dallas, and even then, I might root for them if I hated the AFC group. For a lot of the final decade, if the Broncos weren’t within the Tremendous Bowl, it was both Kansas Metropolis or New England. Since I despise each, I needed to root for the NFC. It was kinda refreshing to see Cincinnati make the Tremendous Bowl a number of years again. I might take pleasure in watching that sport with none bitterness or hatred.

AFC group you could possibly cheer for within the Tremendous Bowl (if it may’t be the Broncos)? I might have zero difficulty rooting for Buffalo within the Tremendous Bowl. Payments Mafia has suffered lengthy sufficient, so they’re deserving of a Lombardi Trophy. I’ve a former co-worker who lives within the Buffalo space. I texted him earlier within the week. I wanted him luck on this sport and stated that I need our winner to go to the Tremendous Bowl. I clearly need the Broncos to win all of it, but when that can’t occur, then my subsequent hope is that Buffalo can accomplish that.

NFC group you need to face greater than another within the Tremendous Bowl? I promised myself that I’ll discover a technique to attend a Broncos Tremendous Bowl sometime. When that occurs, I kinda hope for an NFC opponent that’s not a marquee identify and wouldn’t essentially journey as properly in order that I can have a bit extra ease in getting tickets. A part of that will depend on the place the Tremendous Bowl can be performed, however I might guess that possibly a few of the NFC South groups or possibly Arizona would match that invoice as a group that wouldn’t journey properly.

Favourite Broncos participant on the present roster? Since my reply will present up once more in an upcoming query, I’ll go for a special angle. I’m informed that there are such a lot of good dudes on this group. One man who I gravitate in the direction of is Mike McGlinchey. He appears to be very well-spoken and considerate along with his feedback within the media. He’s a type of nice locker room guys that each group must have. I might not be stunned to see him earn the Broncos’ nomination for the Walter Payton Man of the 12 months. To me, that’s simply as necessary as something that occurs on the sector.

Favourite Broncos participant of all time not named John Elway? Sheesh, it actually will depend on what day you ask me this. I’ve an expensive pal who loves this man, so I’ll say Shannon Sharpe. Unc Shay performed with a lot swagger and aptitude, however he backed it up. The Nationwide Guard cellphone name won’t ever not be humorous.

Favourite new man/rookie on the group? I GO WITH BO. I like his demeanor. He looks like a fantastic younger man who performs the sport the fitting approach. I perceive his significance to the group. I’m excited to have him on the Broncos, hopefully for the following decade-plus.

Rituals on sport day? I take pleasure in that my children are beginning to get sufficiently old to have the ability to watch the video games with me and considerably perceive what is going on. My son Denver (sure, I really named my son after my favourite group’s metropolis) has gone to a few video games with me, so he will get excited to see his metropolis/stadium on tv.

I additionally textual content my Broncos Textual content Chain buddies throughout video games if we can’t really get collectively. If any of us are on the sport however others aren’t, those watching at residence know to ship any data associated to what’s being stated about replays, challenges, and many others. I really like these guys a lot not only for being Broncos followers however being the brothers I by no means had. We run the gamut and speak about the whole lot from praises/prayer issues occurring in our lives to different matters which may or positively is likely to be inappropriate to debate in well mannered firm.

Favourite sport analyst/commentator? Exhibiting my Broncos bias, I take pleasure in listening to Mark Schlereth. He clearly loves the Broncos however just isn’t hesitant about calling them out after they have been dangerous lately. He appears to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about his takes.

As for different common Broncos media members, I take pleasure in studying Andrew Mason’s articles and watching his postgame video. He’s so analytical, which jives with my nerdy Broncos mind. I like Bruce Haertl with KDVR Fox 31 in Denver. I grew up watching him within the Wichita market after which bought to know him rather well once I labored for Wichita State Athletics and he was nonetheless protecting the Shockers. I’ve saved in contact with him as he moved to Denver years in the past. Bruce is so gracious along with his time, assembly up with me at video games when he can and texting me again when I’ve questions or ask about inside info. And, final however not least, to not suck as much as my article co-author (not an excessive amount of anyway), however I really like Laurie. Her snark is impeccable and hilarious. She too has been gracious together with her time, exchanging texts with me in regards to the Broncos and different elements of life. Laurie as soon as informed me that I might assist her by carrying her laptop computer bag round at a future Broncos Tremendous Bowl, so I’m holding her to that.

Who’s in your Broncos’ Mount Rushmore? Oh wow. That is going to be a problem. I’ll select John Elway, Floyd Little, Terrell Davis, and Randy Gradishar. First three appear fairly apparent. I felt just like the Orange Crush protection deserved illustration on a Broncos Rushmore, so Randy bought the nod. I might take heed to different arguments although. A number of nice choices.

How excited is Denver about watching his first playoff sport?

Denver Dude continues to be younger sufficient that he doesn’t fairly grasp the importance of the playoffs but. He will get excited for video games however hasn’t fairly taken on my ridiculously-rabid Broncos fandom (although, in equity, that’s a excessive bar). However as I stated earlier, Denver likes going to video games in what he calls “My City.” The 2 of us went to the Carolina sport with my greatest bud Travis. The climate was great, in contrast to that snowy Chiefs sport final season. We had enjoyable tailgating with another mates who met up with us. Extra necessary than sport outcomes, it’s superior to have the ability to spend time with my son, sharing a beloved interest with him like my dad did with me. Subsequent season, my daughter Dakota might be sufficiently old to go to her first sport, so my spouse and I are already plotting an enormous household outing.