Horsehead History: Super Bowl XXII- Washington 42, Denver 10

Timmy F'n Smith rushed for a Super Bowl Record (which shockingly, still exists) 204 yards rushing and Game MVP Doug Williams tied the Super Bowl Record for touchdown passes with four. The worst quarter in Broncos history yielded 35 points to turn a game that looked good after one quarter into a blowout. Denver went out to a 10 point lead after a 56 yard Ricky Nattiel (another of the "Three Amigos") touchdown reception and Rich Karlis field goal.



Horsehead’s Thoughts: I have to admit, I cried after this one. I really wondered why God would punish me and my team like this. This game was like a mob hit, up 10-0 after one quarter to be down 35-10 at halftime. The whole Second Quarter is one big blur. While the 1997 loss to Jacksonville is the worst I ever felt after a Broncos loss, this was my second worst feeling. All the expectations were there. Denver was a 3 point favorite going into the game, Washington was without their starting Running Back George Rogers. Elway was a better quarterback than Williams. Denver was still out of the much inferior conference and if Jeremiah Castille goes with his man on his route, Ernest Byner never fumbles and the Broncos aren’t even in this game. This Super Bowl also followed a strike year, which of course now no one remembers, but it would have tempered my immediate excitement had the Broncos won. Still, this is the game of Timmy F’n Smith and is always remembered as a landmark moment in Black History (because Williams was the first black quarterback to win a Super Bowl) but it is better-off forgotten in Orange and Blue history.

SuperBowl.com Recap

Box Score

Horsehead History: Super Bowl XXI- New York Giants 39, Denver 20

John Elway's first Super Bowl and the Broncos first in nine years was not pleasant. Phil Simms completed a ridiculous 22 out of 25 passes for 268 yards to lead the Giants who had dominated the NFL all season long to their rightful place as Super Bowl Champions. The Broncos only rushed for 52 yards and were blown out in the second half 39-20. The star of the game for the Broncos was actually Wide Receiver Vance Johnson, who caught five passes for 121 yards and a Touchdown, reminding us that the time has come for another Wide Receiver named "Vance".

This game was played in front over 101,000 people in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, a record at the time and every drenched victorious Head Coach has the 86 Giants to blame for their fate...They invented the "Gatorade Shower".

Horsehead's Memories- Age 9, Ain't I cute?? I think everyone had these Sears bought stitched replica, looks nothing like a uniform jerseys. They were long sleeved said "Broncos" (or whatever team) along the front with a 7 (or whatever number) on the front (not the back). I tied orange and blue balloons to my entire body and went to my neighbors with my Nana to watch the game, knowing the Broncos really had no shot. The Giants were that good that year.

A couple things I don't remember 1) Lawrence Taylor had a terrible game, only 4 tackles I believe. He actually never played a really good Super Bowl in his career but he has two rings 2) Denver was actually ahead 10-9 at Halftime.

I do remember Phil McConkey celebrating his touchdown in a manner that would have made TO blush and three months after Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, realizing that following sports is a pain-staking and possibly thankless lifestyle.

SuperBowl.com Recap

SuperBowl.com Box Score

Horsehead History: Super Bowl XII- Dallas 27, Denver 10

In a game that was over by the end of the First Quarter, Dallas lead 13-0 at Halftime and the closest Denver got was 10 points as the Cowboys beat the Broncos 27-10. Quarterback Craig Morton went just 4 for 15, for 39 yards and four interceptions. Other than this being the highest rated television event in history at the time, the first Super Bowl in a domed stadium, and the only Super Bowl with Co-MVPs (Harvey Martin and Randy White), this Super Bowl is seen as one of the more uneventful games in Super Bowl history.

Horsehead's Memories: I could not sleep at all the following night. I woke up crying several times and no good meal or burp would keep me from the emotions I could not control that night...I was four months old.



SuperBowl.com Recap

Box Score

All this week...Horsehead History: Super Bowl Edition

In the week leading up to Super Bowl XL, The Horsehead will recap the six Super Bowls the Broncos have played in with memoirs as to The Horsehead's feelings about each game. Enjoy this trip down memory lane rather than watching the Steelers and wondering what might have been...

Breaking News: Heimerdinger to be Hired Monday

As you can see in the top right corner on the RSS Feed. The Rocky Mountain News is reporting that former Jets Offensive Coordinator Mike Heimerdinger will be hired to be the Broncos Offensive Coordinator on Monday.

The Broncos' Offense is a "if it ain't broke...don't fix it" case and Heimerdinger, who is already familiar with Rod Smith and some of the veteran Broncos should work as well with Mike Shanahan (as mentioned earlier, they were college roommates) as his predecessor Gary Kubiak. Heimerdinger is likely to fail in Denver, only if injuries do to the Denver offense as they did the Jets Offense this past season (kow).

Heimerdinger Free to Join Broncos Staff

New York Jets Offensive Coordinator Mike Heimerdinger was released from his contract yesterday, making him the leading candidate to take over for Gary Kubiak as the Offensive Coordinator of the Broncos. Heimerdinger and Mike Shanahan were roommates at Eastern Illinois and Heimerdinger was a Receivers Coach with the Broncos before leaving to be the Offensive Coordinator of the Tennessee Titans. As successful as he was with the Titans, he had a nightmare season last season with the woeful Jets. While some Jets fans are happy to see him go, the Broncos and Lions see the injury-riddled Jets offensive 2005 season as a Mulligan and look ready to pursue him.

Denver Post Article

Derek's Bummer

I had the pleasure (or displeasure depending on how you look at it) of watching Sunday's game in Royersford, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, not Pittsburgh, at my friend Vabilla's place. I watched the game with five Steelers fans who donned Steelers apparel to try to combat the power of The Horsehead.

While I had the backing of my friend Paul, who wore his Redskins 24 jersey for now Bronco Champ Bailey, the Broncos were as dominated on the field as I was at Vabilla's. Of course you know, the Broncos lost 34-17.

My friends were classy throughout saying how their excitement was tempered only by my sadness. That makes it easier to root for Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XL. Good Luck Steelers!

Jake's Doubters Get their Day, Will Jake get His?

Sunday was a day for the doubters. Two interceptions, two fumbles leading to twenty four points. Jake Plummer was the primary benefactor to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ AFC Championship, making a genius out of Bill Cowher, a euphoria out of the City of Pittsburgh, and a fan favorite out of Jerome Bettis. As happy as the Steelers and their fans were to see Jake “The Snake” turn back into Jake “The Mistake” for a day Sunday, so were a nation of radio talk show callers, broadcasters, and other laymen who simply don’t see Jake Plummer as a quarterback capable of winning a game with his arm, no matter what this season said up to this point.

Plummer joined his critics and more objective observers alike in blaming himself for the Broncos loss on Sunday. "If we lose, I'm taking the blame. That's my job." he said. That is all he said. He did not say the Broncos got “outcoached”, he did not cite “protection issues”, and he did not call out his Offensive Coordinator or Head Coach for not putting the game more in his hands or try to put either in a headlock. He took responsibility for the loss, answered questions and went home. In fact, when it comes to being a football player at least, Plummer does little else but go out on the field and try to do everything he can to help his team win football games.

So why do so many people in Denver and across the country wish to see him fail?

In Denver, it’s simple. While some fans in Denver are starting to come around after three seasons with 70 touchdown passes and 34 interceptions and three straight playoff appearances, many see Jake as the Arizona castaway who is trying to redefine himself at the expense of their Super Bowl hopes. He is not the first round pick spurning the East Coast delighted to be coming to Denver. He is not the blonde haired golden boy leading the Broncos back from fourth quarter deficits week in and week out. He is not the weathered veteran pinwheeling for a first down in San Diego against the Packers. Simply put, he is not John Elway. In the seven years since Elway’s retirement, romanticism has allowed Broncos fans and media to forget that Elway was once the media piñata that Jake is now for not being able to “win the big one”. And he didn’t come close until he was joined by the greatest Running Back in Broncos history in the backfield. While they won’t tell you to your face, most Broncos fans had a hard time picturing Pat Bowlen on a stage in Detroit holding up the Lombardi Trophy shouting “This one’s for Jake!”

But nationally, the treatment is less understandable. Did Jake take Boomer Esiason’s parking spot? Every week? Did Kollette Klassen turn down Sean Salisbury’s advances at Baja’s? Why does every national and opposing market sports writer and talk-show host expect Jake “The Flake” with the 70’s porn-star moustache turned “Hillbilly Jim” beard and Johnny Damon hair to break down and piss his pants under pressure if the running game wasn’t gaining five yards a carry and he wasn’t up by three touchdowns.

Yes it happened. I saw it, you saw it, and Jake Plummer saw it. But credit Dick Lebeau and the Pittsburgh defense for taking away the run and play action, two thirds of the Broncos offense. Credit Ben Roethlisberger for forcing the Broncos to answer every drive down the field. Credit Larry Foote for making a play on the second interception that most linebackers don’t make. To simply say that Sunday was Jake Plummer reverting to his “old self” is to save you a lot of time studying film and researching the statistics of Jake Plummer’s tenure as a Denver Bronco.

Some dismiss Jake’s 2005 season as Denver’s running game taking the pressure off him and the passing game. More likely Plummer’s success in his third year under Mike Shanahan reflects a better understanding of his role in the Denver West Coast Offense allowing him to finally emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.

If 2005 is an indicator and the rest of this Broncos team isn’t gutted. There should be a Super Bowl trophy in Jake Plummer’s future.

And then what would the doubters say?

Will Jake Plummer win a Super Bowl with the Broncos?
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	No
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Jake's Bummer

The Denver Broncos are not going to Detroit for Super Bowl XL. Jake Plummer fumbled twice and was intercepted twice as the Broncos lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-17 in a game, that they were honestly never in. While Plummer's mistakes were the story (more on this tomorrow) the entire effort was not Super Bowl-caliber and the fears of those like myself who just couldn't see the Broncos taking home Vince's trophy this season came to fruition. The Horsehead congratulates the Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans (more on this tomorrow as well) and wishes them luck in representing the AFC in Super Bowl XL.


Denver Post Coverage

IHJ's Steelers Pass O vs. Broncos Pass D Analysis

Pittsburgh passing offense versus Denver’s pass defense….

With two of the best run defenses on the field on Sunday, the winner of the AFC title game will be the team who is able to efficiently move the ball down the field via the pass.

Pittsburgh featured the passing game exclusively during the first quarter of the Indy game with Big Ben going for 128 yards on 10-12 passing. This game plan allowed Pittsburgh to get out to an early lead, then lean on the running game to preserve it.

Roethlisberger has played much better in his second playoffs, throwing for five touchdowns to only one interception. Cowher has controlled his young quarterback by using short passes and utilizing the tight end more in the passing game, then stretching the field at opportune times. The Steeler QB will need to greatly improve on his three INT performance against New England a year ago if the Steelers want to advance.

Denver is last the league in sacks this season and did not bring Brady to the ground in last week’s game. The Pittsburgh offensive line should be able to give Ben a great deal of time to throw. This will be important as Roethlisberger will need to go through his progressions as Champ Bailey will be locked down on Hines Ward, his favorite target. Unfortunately for Bailey, even the best cornerbacks get lost when the receiver has time to make two, three or even four moves. I can see Ward using the man-to-man coverage to his advantage and beating the shut-down corner for two or three long gaines. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt will move Ward around the field and bring him under the linebackers on crossing routes in order to keep space between Ward and Bailey.

By keeping Bettis driving up the middle, Pittsburgh should be able to get Heath Miller behind the speedy linebackers for a couple of catches. The rookie tight end has been spectacular this season, finishing second on the team with 39 receptions during the regular season. The second and third wideouts for Pittsburgh, Antwaan Randle El and Cedrick Wilson will be counted on to beat their defenders, rookie cornerbacks Darrent Williams and Nick Ferguson. Neither have played like rookies this year and have really solidified Denver’s pass defense. But on a stage as big as the AFC title game, the experience of the Pittsburgh wide-outs could prove invaluable.

As long as Roethlisberger has time to throw, he should find it easy to find an open receiver on the field. The passing game, which usually consists of short passes, will need to push the ball down the field with long passes to keep safety John Lynch out of the box on running plays and keep the speedy linebackers a few yards off the line of scrimmage. This will open up the running game for the Steelers and keep the Denver offense on the sideline and keep the crowd sitting on their hands.

Ironhead Josh Rides the Bus

Sunday’s AFC Championship games boasts two of the leagues most prolific run games and also two of the fiercest run defenses. If the war is won in the trenches, this game is going to be brutal.

These two squads have similarities when comes to run defense. Both feature excellent tackling and the safeties are basically extra linebackers when it comes to stuffing the run. But, while Denver has an advantage with its super-fast linebacking corps, the Steelers feature one of the strongest and most physical defensive lines in the AFC.

Denver only gave up 100 yards to two rushers, Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson. A similarity is both Kansas City and Washington stayed in the game the entire time and didn’t abandon the run once they fell behind. This is the same approach that Pittsburgh will apply to this weekend’s game. The Steelers have shown the ability to force the running game on an opponent as they ran up over 170 yards on the Chicago Bears in week 14.

Denver’s linebackers are among the fastest in the game and will be able to shut down Willie Parker each time he tries to bounce a carry to the outside. The speed running game will not be effective for the Steelers on Sunday. With Jerome Bettis ready to bounce back following last week’s disaster, Pittsburgh will be ready to attack with the power ground game anyway.

The most unfortunate event for Denver’s run defense was Bettis’ fumble at the one-yard line against Indy. The thought of his career ending on a play like that will give Jerome extra motivation against the Broncos. Plus, he will be reunited with some old friends with each carry. Bettis had 134 yards and 3 tds in 2004 against the Cleveland front four that Denver currently employs. You’ll hear “old tires” and “broken down” to describe The Bus, but Jerome knows he has just two more games in his career, so you bet he’ll be ready to die on that field.

On the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh has given up 100 yards only once this season, as Edgerrin James posted 124 yards on 29 carries (4.27 yards per carry). In the rematch, Edge could only muster 56 yards as Indy was forced to scrap the run in the second half.

The Broncos will look to gash the Steelers with the running game when Pittsburgh brings the blitz. The Steeler defensive front with von Oelhoffen, Hampton, and Smith are very physical and will look to outmuscle the smaller, quicker Denver offensive line similar to the way the Patriots did last week. Plus, the Steelers have Troy Palamalu lurking in the defensive backfield to stop any long Denver runs.

Despite playing most of the game with the lead, Denver only managed 96 yards on 32 attempts. In fact, Mike Anderson has rushed for 301 total yards in his last six games, an average of 50 yards per game. His counterpart Tatum Bell has 300 yards in the same time frame. It seems Denver’s vaunted rushing attack has fallen back over the last third of the season. Denver will need to get Tatum Bell outside on sweeps and stretch plays and on delays and draws to stay away from Pitt’s physical lineman.

The run game for both teams will be major part in protecting the lead and milking the clock during the second half, but the run mostly will be used in keeping the defenses honest while the passing games will be counted on to move the ball up and down the field.

Stillers.com Fans Give their Analysis and Predictions

While Stillers.com contributor "Steel Smitters" echos the "we'll stop the run, then stop Jake Plummer" garbage I was hearing on Boston radio all last week in his Conference Championship Picks and picks his Steelers by two touchdowns, "Still Mill" gives a detailed analysis and picks The Broncos.

Ironhead Josh doesn't Care Where the Game is Played

Like you, maybe I have friends who are fans of other teams in the National Football League. Most of my co-workers (who I don't want knowing about this blog) are Patriots fans, several of my friends are Jets fans, the Eagles, Bears, Giants, Cowboys, Packers and Redskins are also represented in my circle of friends.

Meet Ironhead Josh. Josh is a huuuuge Steelers fan (when the Packers and Redskins are eliminated). I will be watching Sunday's AFC Championship Game with him and a couple Steelers fans he is bringing in Royersford, Pennsylvania (outside of Philadelphia, not Pittsburgh, thank God). He has decided to take me on and give his take on the matchup and why Pittsburgh will win.

His first plan of argument is to refute the myth of home-field advantage in the playoffs, namely the AFC Championship Game. He writes...

As the week rolls on, NFL analysts will continue to point out Invesco Field as a major factor in making Denver the favorite. After ending New England's dynasty, Denver advanced to be the favorite in the AFC. Ironically, it was Pittsburgh's complete dismantling of Indianapolis that propelled Denver into the top spot. Unfortunately for Denver, home teams are 7-9 in Conference round since 1997.

Denver was 8-0 in the regular season at Invesco, but with a 21-19 victory over Washington in which a safety wasn't called on Plummer and a 12-10 victory over Baltimore in December, as well as victories over struggling New England, Philadelphia, and Kansas City all prior to Halloween; that 8-0 record isn't as impressive as it first seems.

But as strong as Denver was at home, Pittsburgh has proved to be equally strong on the road. With victories at San Diego, two at Cincinnati, ending Minnesota's six-game win streak with an 18-3 victory in the Metrodome, and last week's victory at Indianapolis, Pittsburgh has shown the ability to handle crowd noise and post victories in a hostile environment.

As important as home field advantage is, the easiest way to overcome the "12th man" is to jump out to an early lead. Pittsburgh showed this by posting 14 unanswered points to open the game in Indy. Also, if the visiting team gets down, they have to show the resolve to come back and not quit as Pittsburgh did against Cincinnati in the opening round and at San Diego earlier in the season.

So as home field is continually used as an advantage for the Broncos throughout this week, just ask Philadelphia, Green Bay, and even Pittsburgh for how hard it is to defend the home turf.

"Miss Steelers Fan" Crowned

Talent scouts searched all over the country looking for the prettiest young female Pittsburgh Steelers fan in the world. It looks like they found her. The one in the middle.

Here she is.....


Miss Steelers Fan 2006

For Denver Defense, Game Plan is Obvious

For Denver the key is stopping the run. It will be more difficult than it was this past Saturday because Pittsburgh's running game is like Denver's in that it is a two-headed monster. Willie Parker is very fast and will be a challenge, but as much as Jerome Bettis is motivated to play in a Super Bowl in his hometown in perhaps his last season. He is breaking down if not broken down and the elements in Denver will not be of help to him.

Steelers just Starting to Look Ahead

Whilethe Steelers may still be fuming over their almost screwjob in Indianapolis. Steelers fans are disecting their teams performance. It is Tuesday and you've heard very little from the Steelers players or Pittsburgh media about this Sunday's AFC Championship against the Broncos. Their history in Denver isn't that good but they feel good about the run they're on and hope it doesn't come to an end in Denver.

The Horsehead's AFC Championship Coverage

While I won’t have the same first-hand account coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers as I did the New England Patriots. The Horsehead will continue to provide Pittsburgh coverage of AFC Championship Game during the week up until kickoff. Click on the RSS feed on the right for Rocky Mountain News and AP coverage. If the Post breaks anything that will be up as well. Pittsburgh’s major newspaper The Post-Gazette will have comprehensive Steelers coverage.



In addition I found a decent Steelers Fan Site Stillers.com. They call Denver’s team the “Doncos” for some reason. Not sure why.



My early thoughts:



-Joey Porter is an Idiot claiming conspiracy theories about yesterday’s game AND New England’s win over them in 2002. Unfortunately he’s a good pass-rushing idiot and needs to be watched at all times. And blocked better than Indy did Sunday afternoon.



-Has any thought been given to the possibility of Jerome Bettis dropping dead in the Fourth Quarter of this game? Fat guy with asthma goes to Denver and carries 15-20 times in a football game while wearing pads and getting hit. Is this safe? Would any doctor recommend this?

It's Pittsburgh!

In one of the biggest upsets in NFL history. Which was almost one of the biggest chokes in NFL history and one of the biggest screwjobs in NFL history. The Pittsburgh Steelers advanced to play the Broncos with a 21-18 win over Indianapolis.

Pittsburgh through a game plan of throwing on Indy's secondary and blitzing the hell out of Peyton Manning had control of this game throughout carrying in a 21-3 lead into the Fourth Quarter. The Steelers appeared to have the game wrapped up after stopping Peyton and the Colts Offense on a 4th down play with a little over a minute to go at Indy's 2. But Jerome Bettis who was fatigued fumbled the insuing carry and Nick Harper returned the fumble into Pittsburgh territory. Mike Vanderjagt missed a 40 yard Field Goal and Pittsburgh escaped.

This could not be better for the Broncos for several reasons.

1) First and foremost instead of traveling to Indianapolis, the Broncos will HOST the AFC Championship Game Sunday at 3 o'clock.

2) Pittsburgh, offensively is a better matchup for the Denver defense. Manning, Harrison and Wayne were going to pick apart the Broncos rookie cornerbacks, in a manner similar to how he torched Roc Alexander in the Wild Card round a year ago. Denver's large defensive line and speedy linebackers should be able to get stops on Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker.

3) Pittsburgh is banged up. Roethlisberger took a helmet shot to his elbow in this game and afterwards Pittsburgh almost exclusively ran the ball. This played a role in allowing Indy back in the game. This will also be Big Ben's first trip to Mile High.

I am guessing Vegas will have Denver as a 5-6 point favorite over Pittsburgh, if not more. While I expect this matchup to still be a tough one. It will be nice to host an AFC Championship again!

Dynasty... Dead!

The Broncos Saturday Night made "Save Until I Delete" Status on my TiVo with a 27-13 win over the Two-Time Defending Champion New England Patriots. Five New England turnovers were the story as Tom Brady and the Patriots made errors, forced and unforced all night long.

My Observations:

-Like I thought, Denver's talking up of the Patriots was more lip-service than deep-seeded belief. Phil Simms revealed this in his reporting of the comments during his production meeting with the players. I had started to suspect so when Tom Brady was being compared to Cognac.

-Denver's crowd in a home playoff game is unlike any other, they rattled the team that had "been there before" little did they know there was no "there" like Mile High. Good job locals!

-As for the two iffy calls during the game. The Pass Interference on Assante Samuel may not have been PI and was called by the wrong referee but there was Illegal Contact all over that play and the hand to the back of Lelie may have done more to disrupt him than the cameras tell.

The out-of-bounds out of the endzone touchback rule is one of the worst in football. All I've seen it ever do is bail out teams that would have given up touchdowns by turnovers or near turnovers. Why wouldn't the result be at least a Safety? I'm glad the replay came up inconclusive (and it did). To give New England the ball back on the 20 with Bailey unable to reenter the game for two plays would have been an unjust momentum changer. I credit Ben Watson for the effort but the "Pats" shouldn't have gotten the right to be bailed out. And yes, Champ was showboating. MOVE THE BALL TO THE OTHER ARM ASSHOLE!

-Some Patriots fans don't agree with me on the two calls and some others.

-The Dynasty didn't just get beat. It became unglued. And by some of its most valuable members. Brady's picks. Vinatieri's miss. Troy Brown's fumble. McGinest and Larry Izzo in a shoving match (of which McGinest got the much better of).

-The mood back here was that of a funeral. I watched Patriots 5th Quarter on the CBS affiliate here straight through for the first time ever (never been this much fun to watch), they tried to play the PI call on Samuel as the turning point of the game. Belichick seemed on the verge of breaking down and was rather short with the media during his press conference. Brady while upset wore a suit worth more than me so even Saturday Night, it ain't bad being Tom Brady.

-WEEI, was pelted with Denver callers all week (they stream on the Internet), and the hosts were pretty annoyed by week's end. Former Nose Guard Fred Smerlas (who played his final two years with the Patriots, played for that other local bastion of evil Boston College, and grew up in Waltham) was incredulous in his post-game comments

Regardles of the reaction. The New England Patriot dynasty is no more, unless they win next year and they try to make up a 4 in 6 years dynasty and our Denver Broncos move on to the AFC Championship Game.

Good Morning News!

Nobody was in a fight at a night club, or caught with a hooker. So only football should be on the mind for both teams.

ESPN's NFL Countdown Crew (Steve Young, Michael Irvin, and Tom Jackson) all picked the Broncos, which isn't exactly encouraging news.

Prediction: Painful

It's prediction time. The X's and O's of this game rely on the intangibles, namely Denver's home field advantage vs. the Patriots playoff prowess. And for Denver Saturday Night will have to be a night of firsts.

First Quarter and First Down. If Denver can use the home-field advantage in the First Quarter to get out to at least a touchdown lead by quarter's end, they should be in position to win this game. If Denver can get more than five yards on First Down, they should be able to control the clock, keep Brady off the field and make New England play their game and be in position to win this game.

If they do not do both, they put New England in position to rely on its playoff experience to know that they can win this game in the Fourth Quarter. Or even worese they can jump out to a lead and take the crowd out of the game, if not turning it against its team. This could cause Jake Plummer into desperate situations which while he may do absolutely fine in this role, it is not something Bronco fans want to depend on.

What do I see happening? I've played every scenario in my head, but unfortunately this is the one that keeps me up at night. Denver is somewhat successful at both running and passing the ball but Brady keeps answering, leading to a seven point Denver lead heading into the Fourth Quarter. Brady answers in the fourth again and Denver fails to execute on a drive giving New England the ball back with a little over a minute to play. One of the rookie corners gets beat by Branch or Givens setting up Adam Vinatier from 40+ yards. Field Goal Good! Good Night Broncos Super Bowl hopes. I can't believe I just said that.

Until I see otherwise, I can't expect anything else.

New England 31, Denver 28

Weighing the Intangibles

Coaching: I think this is an even coaching matchup because each coach's creative genius lies on opposite ends of the ball. Mike Shanahan is an offensive mastermind, Bill Belichick is an defensive genius. It will be interesting to see how these two units do against each other from a scheming standpoint. Denver Defensive Coordinator Larry Coyer's gameplan against Tom Brady will be closely watched as well.

Week Approach: The Broncos did the right thing and said nothing but nice things about Tom Brady and the Patriots. The appearance of, if not genuine, respect is there from both teams actually. While it makes sense as both are veteran teams, it was refreshing to listen to nothing stupid said each week. I said previously, I think the Broncos will have a quiet confidence and know what needs to be done to push New England around in somewhat similar fashion to their Week 6 matchup. Whether they have the plan in place to deal with an improved Patriot team, We will see, but I am confident the Broncos will not be sleeping on New England.

Home Field: Historically, its huge. Both in Denver and in the playoffs. The first home playoff game in seven years the atmosphere at kickoff will be almost riotous. It is the up to the Broncos to take advantage of this early and keep the crowd into the game. It is up to the Patriots to just plain deal with it.

Playoff Experience: The Patriots have a ton of it, and its all good. There will be no point in which Tom Brady and Bill Belichick will be convinced they are out of this game, they have too much to go on especially in a close game late. The Broncos have some and lately it hasn't been good. If the Patriots jump on Denver, they may start to doubt themselves and not be able to respond.

The Horsehead Game Preview: Divisional Playoff Broncos vs. New England

Well, I think this game has been talked about as much as any Divisional Playoff Game can be. I was ready for the ball to be kicked off Tuesday. Now it's time. Here are my thoughts on the X's and O's of Saturday's matchup.

When Denver Has the Ball

Denver Running the Ball: This is the strength vs. strength matchup everyone will be watching, New England's improved run defense vs. Denver's vaunted running game. The sentiment is that New England's run defense has improved so much that they are ready to stop Mike Anderson, Tatum Bell, and the Broncos Offensive Line. That is a leap of faith when they've played the Jets twice, Buffalo, Rutgers, Syracuse, Tampa Bay, Miami, and Jacksonville. Okay I made up Rutgers and Syracuse but you see my point. What they will face against Denver is a step up from those teams not just because of the talent in the running game but the uniqueness of it. The constant change of pace between Bell and Anderson, the zone blocking, and add this. Patriot Nose Tackle Vince Wilfork will have to magically find a way to improve his performance against Denver Center Tom Nalen and Tedy Bruschi is not 100% with a calf injury. The Patriots are still vulnerable up the middle.

.Denver Passing the Ball: Bronco fans have to be honest, we still don't know what kind of game we're going to get out of Jake Plummer. Is his deal with the devil going to end and we will get a multi-interception game out him or will we get the poised West Coast Offense, Stretch Bootleg passer we've grown to like. New England's game plan will be to increase the possibility of Jake becoming Old Jake again by forcing him to play in obvious passing situations and playing from behind. I'm sure Jake knows the jury is still out on him and how he responds will be imperative to the Broncos chances.

Denver Kicking/Punting the Ball: Jason Elam's days of making 50+ yard Field Goals are over so the Broncos better get inside the Red Zone often. Todd Sauerbrun is an underrated factor in this game. Making Brady go over 80 yards is easier than making him go 70.

When New England Has the Ball

New England Running the Ball: I just don't see the Patriots doing this with any success regularly. Denver's linebackers are too fast and Corey Dillion and Kevin Faulk are beat up and not the players they used to be. That's not to say they won't get important yards and that's what you need to be fearful of when playing the run, hopefully they'll be doing this on 3rd down when Denver can send Gold, Wilson, and Williams attack the run.


New England Throwing the Ball: What Brady brings to the table in intangibles is the one thing Denver does not have an answer for. His numbers on the road this year have not been impressive, but I've seen this kid own the playoffs for three seasons now. It is his stage and the Broncos need to beat HIM on HIS stage. In the Week 6 game they never sacked him but hit him on almost every play and then rattled him when they didn't blitz. I would try to do the opposite this time. Drop back the linebackers into coverage, especially when Ben Watson lines up at Tight End and blitz intermittenly. Still, no one should be counting on shutting down Tom Brady as the Denver key to victory.


New England Kicking/Punting the Ball: Let's just hope New England doesn't have the ball down 2 in the final minute.

Respect Goes a Little Too Far

"If he was a drink, he'd be some fine cognac because that's how smooth he is. The way he drops back and reads, the way he passes the ball. He plays very poised. Doesn't seem to let anything rattle him even if you pressure him." - Broncos Safety Nick Ferguson on Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady

Wednesday Lull

Wednesday is the worst news day of the football week. Last week isn't fresh anymore and next week is still three days away. I promised posts everyday however so here goes.

First of all, thank you to The Horsehead contributor Brian for the RSS feed you find in the right corner. It basically saves me a lot of time doing what I was doing which was looking up websites of the four papers in the two major markets playing this game and posting links to those articles. I know anybody can do that, and now thanks to Brian it is being done for me.

Thursday, I will start breaking down the nuts and bolts of this game. I will start with the Broncos having the ball, meaning I will be analyzing the Broncos offense against the Patriots defense. Then we will punt (this game features two of the best punters and kickers in football, there is little advantage to be had for either team) and I will break down the Patriots offense against the Broncos defense.

As far as the sentiment from both sides, it can be paraphrased in one word: respect. The Broncos have gone out of their way to compliment the Patriots and their accomplishments of both the past few seasons and their resurgence over the past few weeks. It almost seems like an edict from Mike Shanahan rather than a reflection of the Broncos true feelings. Broncos fans should have no problem with this. To not put that quote up on the bulletin board is key, its been the spark that has lit the Patriots fire in almost every playoff game they've played up to this point. However to take Rod Smith, Mike Anderson, Mike Shanahan and others at their word is to think the Broncos feelings for the Patriots border on fear. The Broncos must believe they can impose their offensive and defensive will on New England in order to make it happen and advance. Observers following the Broncos this week have described them as "business-like" and while they recognize the difficulty of the job, they believe they know what to do to get the job done. This feeling is imperative against a two-time defending Super Bowl Champion. I put great faith in the veteran leadership of this team to approach this game exactly as it needs to be approached.

Some have a reason to feel disrespected (Jake Plummer) some have a reason to perhaps be overconfident (New England's front seven) but we will analyze what will happen when they set foot on the field on tomorrow's blog. For now just enjoy a picture of Jake's girlfriend and Denver Broncos cheerleader Kollette Klassen.

Other Tidbits and Features Pulled from the Papers

Al Wilson is Pumped!

Fluff Piece on Ebenezer Ekuban

Darrent Williams will be limited

Expect Broncos to Run Often

Broncos will see new Patriots defense

The Disrespect Game

As mentioned yesterday, WEEI Morning Host Gerry Callahan is one of the few in the Boston media who sees this game as an uphill challenge for the Patriots. I mentioned yesterday from my experience following Patriots playoff runs in the past that the team needs a reason to feel disrespected to get motivated. Callahan in his Boston Herald Column echoes this point and gives all the reasons why New England shouldn’t be expected to win this game.

In the past idiots like Freddie Mitchell and Mike Vanderjagt have provided such motivation with idiotic quotes about being able to beat the Patriots or diminishing their accomplishments. The good news for Broncos fans is that does not appear to be happening here. Rod Smith and Al Wilson give the Patriots their just desserts and Mike Anderson and Mike Shanahan provide their compliments for the NFL’s reigning royalty.

Ah Here's what I was looking For...

Eric Wilbur of boston.com writes to comfort fans that Saturday's game against Denver is just delaying the inevitable. Yet another Brady-Manning matchup in the AFC Championship Game. Wilbur sites the Denver media's preference of playing Cincinnati as the reasoning behind his optimism. Its the sentiment of New England's "ballwashing" element which you can hear on WEEI weekdays from 2-6 and from most Globe and Herald columnists.

Eric Wilbur (Boston.com) blog

Monday Lunch Thoughts

Midday Monday and I am ready for this game to start already! I have only two fears. 1) That one of the Broncos will say something stupid for the Patriots to use as as bulletin board material. God knows it doesn't take much. Hopefully Mike is aware of this and keeps John Lynch and others from saying the equivalent of "their receivers are soft" this year.

2) That the anticipation of this game might kill me before week's end.

The underlying theme in both markets is that even though they are 3 point favorite and beat New England by 8 at home. It is the Broncos that have something to prove. Even I would have to agree.

David Krieger (Rocky Mountain News) Column


Karen Guregian (Boston Herald) Column

The Esteemed Callership of WEEI Chimes In

"We're gonna stop the run with Bruski and Seymoah, force Plummah to throw and make erras. Pats 38-3!" - A couple guys who may or may not be named "Lenny from Dorchester" on WEEI's Dennis and Callahan Morning Show.

To Gerry Callahan's credit he is playing the role of objective observer saying winning in Denver against this Bronco team is the toughest task in the Patriots current run but the yahooism in Boston has already started. Why these people never get this blind for the Red Sox is uncertain at least to me. But by Friday I don't know if I'll be enjoying this or wanting to throw my car radio out the window.

The Belichick Factor

"The Great Equalizer", New England always seems to have in any matchup where they may or may not have the most talent on the field is Bill Belichick. "In Bill We Trust" is the phrase given to the phenomenon that no matter what the Patriots put on the field for players, Belichick will devise an offensive and defensive scheme to make sure the Patriots come out on top.

However, against Denver Belichick has not fared well. He is a career 1-6 vs. the Broncos, 1-2 vs. Jake Plummer, the supposedly "shaky" quarterback he'll be rattling all day long. While other less experience coaches and teams can fear the Belichick Factor. The Broncos should not.

Bring on New England!!

Wild Card Weekend is over! The Patriots beat Jacksonville and Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati. No game was really a surprise. Neither game was really that good. The good news is that we now know who the Broncos will be facing...the two-time defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. While Brady and Belichick in the playoffs should scare most Bronco fans, this is a rematch of a game Denver dominated much more than the 28-20 score. Physically and in terms of big plays. But a game this big requires The Horsehead come out of its stable. So all this week, I will be giving the New England perspective, listening to radio juggernaut WEEI, picking up both Boston papers and providing analysis on this matchup between two AFC powerhouses. Enjoy the stupid pictures and keep checking in on The Horsehead...