I seem to ruminate each year on why. Apparently, without big John we just can’t do it. I don’t really believe that, but my frustration is that I believe each year we have really good talent. That is especially so this year. Orton is a surprisingly good quarterback; we have the best corners in the NFL; we have a terrific receiver corps—and we have Dumerville (at least for today)..
You know what? I have concluded this is all about coaching. I know a sports writer from one of the local papers pegs it on the offensive line. Okay, maybe so. But, that’s the same line that played the first six games, isn’t it? So, I say: point the finger at the coaching staff and assume (not just hope) McDaniels will mature a lot by next July.
Lots of teams experience a good start and then hit a slump or a couple of games where they seem to lack focus and intensity (read, which team is gonna show Sunday?). But when the slump lasts the rest of the season and the team looks really bad more often than just having an off day, and the personnel are the same (no big injuries, etc)…
Remember the game Orton was hurt and Sims had to come in? Remember the Texas Alabama game when Colt was hurt and a true freshman had to come in? Played nearly as badly as Sims at first, but managed to pull himself out of it and darned near won the game for Texas. What was wrong with Sims? Likely nothing that a little of coaching and preparation couldn’t have repaired. How could McDaniels let Sims be that unprepared?
It’s easy to say that on any given Sunday, any team can beat any other. That’s not the case here. On any given Sunday, the worst the NFL has to offer will in fact beat the Broncos.
Apologies to Lisa Bianco. I do love this team, Lisa. Hope I was kind enough in my choice of words.
Ford Keeler writes:
ReplyDeleteagree with your Bronco thoughts Steve, for the most part. Being a New York Giants fan and having agonized over a similar season to the Broncos, (5-0 start, only to wind up 8-8) I think the coaches as a whole have to take on a good part of the blame. However, the coaches don’t make the blocks, tackles, and plays to win football games. These NFL players are paid a lot of money to execute fundamentals that I just didn’t see both our beloved teams do the second half of the season. Distractions such as Brandon Marshall, etc. don’t help either. Unlike the college game where they are playing “for the true love of the sport”, unfortunately professional sports teams despite being more talented than their foes, show up and perform If and when they want to which can result sometimes in losing to the inferior team. I think a good coach can get this attitude adjusted sometimes, but only to a certain extent. Case in point- Tom Coughlin, New York Giants, Super Bowl Champ 2008… Has his coaching changed that much over two years?
Thanks for sending me your blogs. I enjoy them.
Ford
My only thought is: My 49ers finished with the same record as the Broncos. Who's on the way up and who's on the way down? Hmmmmmmm.
ReplyDeleteMany seem to have answers, but it all is cummulative and the buck has to stop with the 33-year-old coach. Another hmmmmmmmm.
Michael