The Broncos Optimists Club

Re-energized Optimists

2009-01-13T08:34:00.003-07:00

Ok, so just when I was feeling like all of the Optimist had been slowly drained from me, the Broncos go and kick start a new era. Thanks, Bowlen! Really!

Josh McDaniels is the fresh (YOUNG!) face of this new era. The 12th head coach of the Denver Broncos. I don't know a lot about McDaniels, but you gotta admire his ambition and tenacity to the game and to his career. And I watched him talk on the news last night. My first impression was, "hmm ... he sounds like Eric Taylor on FNL." Which is a good thing. A VERY good thing, at least in my little unimportant corner of the world. My second impression was that he's going to try very hard to enjoy some success, and that's also a very good thing - but in a larger corner of the world.

The Broncos have been sapping my energy and my money. I was never one to call for the firing of Shanahan, but now that it has happened, I can see that it was the right thing to do. We need a new start. And we've got one. Should be interesting!

Bring it On! Training Camp Opens

2008-07-25T11:30:00.005-06:00

My dad used to get so hyped up for the start of football season that he would actually begin a countdown weeks prior to training camp. In those days, conversations with dad would go something like this:

Dad: Peggy?
Me: Yeah, Dad?
Dad: 12 days, 8 hours and 20 minutes.
Me: Huh?
Dad: 12 days, 8 hours and .... 19 minutes.
Me: (with quizzical look) 12 days, 8 hours and 19 minutes what?
Dad: Until Broncos training camp. (SMILES)
Me: (rolls eyes) SIGH!

After all these years, I owe dad an apology. For the eye rolling, for the sighing, for just not getting it.

Daddy, I get it now. Football season is upon us. Football season! Screw the Christmas song - Football Season is the Most! Wonderful! Time of the Year!

Maybe I'm looking more forward to this season because I was otherwise occupied last season (i.e. - either pregnant or nursing a newborn). Maybe I'm excited because the Broncos have made some unpredictable changes during this offseason. Maybe my excitement stems from our gradually maturing and talented young team. But more than likely, I think I've just finally caught on to the excitement my dad had back in the day.

Football season means fun, and competition, and excitement, and busy Sundays, and parties, and good food, and tailgating, and Mile Hi stadium, and cheering, and jeering, and flyovers, and laughter, and white knuckles, and slow motion replays, and timeclocks, and jerseys, and clapping so hard your hands hurt, and hating some football announcers and loving others, and football pools, and family contests, and just GOOD TIMES. Some of the best times I've ever had with my friends and family have been around football. Why not get excited!?

Season '08. Go!

2007 Season - A Rebuilding Year ...

2008-02-14T09:23:00.002-07:00

Well - it's only a week post-season, but I'm already suffering from football withdrawal. Although we didn't post much this year (guess even the optimists didn't have much to say about our losing season!), we're definitely still big fans!

This year WAS a rebuilding year for the team, and for the Broncos Optimists Club. We added a new optimist to our club (see picture above). She was born smack-dab in the middle of the season. We knew she was going to be a big Broncos fan when we found out her due date was right around the bye week. Thanks baby! Mommy and Daddy didn't even miss one game!

We're all looking forward to next year. The team is building and maturing. I think we will see the re-emergence of the AFC West as a competitive division. Well, that is if the Oakland Raiders actually can accomplish something with the talent they've accumulated and if the Kansas City Chiefs can pull it together. San Diego has to deal with their heartbreak in the playoffs again, but that gives them drive. The Broncos show promise, especially in some of our younger players. And change in the O-line and defense are all good things.

Already looking forward to training camp -

The Optimist.

2007 Season Schedule Announced

2007-04-11T13:27:00.000-06:00

Whoo Hoo!

Click here to see the schedule.

Don't Look Now ... The Future's Calling

2006-12-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

Last night (Saturday), Scott and I went to his company party. It was a festive affair, held at the new Adams Family Mystery Dinner theater in north Denver. We watched and were part of a fun mystery show, that had us guessing who the "murderer" was in a staged event set up specifically for the folks who worked for Scott's company. It was cute. It was fun.

At some point in the evening, the company's actors asked different individuals to stand up and read the clues that they found around the place. The clues were set-ups; they were simple notes found around tables at the party that gave the guests additional information about the mystery we were supposed to be unravelling.

The show was part mystery theater, and part improvisational roast for the owner of the company. Scott's boss is in retail and is VERY well known to people in Denver, (especially those who know where one-half mile east of I-25 on Emporia Street is), and those in SF, and ATL, and Minneapolis, and Portland, and Louisville, and Salt Lake and, well, anyway ... The improv roast bit included much chiding and kidding and making fun of co-workers. It was part of the bit, ya' know?

Oh, I forgot to mention that Scott's boss brought his 7-year old daughter to the show ...

Anyway, the company's actors at some point in the evening asked Scott's boss' daughter to read the clue found by the folks at her table. I think I already mentioned she is 7-years old. Did I also mention that her dad is a multi-millionaire and that she attends the BEST schools available to her on the Front Range? Did I mention that she's a bright and wonderful child?

The mystery company's actors asked this wonderful 7-year old girl to stand up in front of her father's ENTIRE corporate body of employees and read the clue found by everyone at her table. She read it. She read in an absolutely stellar 7-year old kind of way. She worked her way through the words she didn't know. She sounded them out, in that phonics, school-yard kind of way. She squinted with concentration, then very cutely giggled after she worked through a particularly hard part. In other words, she did a STELLAR job for a newbie reader. She got to identify the suspect she thought was guilty. She was wrong. Most of us knew it. But, she got a huge ovation, in spite of stumbling over a few words and guessing the obvious, and obviously wrong, suspect. Everyone at the party knew that that we were watching a little girl who would Wow! people one day. She is a bright, apt, and capable young person. She has the capabilities, the inherited privledge, and the optimistic desire to do well. And she will do well.

Why do I mention this on a Denver Broncos NFL Blog? Umm ... well, I don't think I have to say it, but I will ...

Tonight's game against San Diego ... it was tough. It is obvious that San Diego is THE team with their ducks in a row. It seems to be "their" year. They've been planning this. They are ready. They know exactly what they are doing at this point in the season. Their game plan is superior, their roster is incredible, they are ready in ways that the Broncos are NOT yet ready.

But watching some of Cutler's passes tonight, especially in the third quarter, reminded me of young Miss Scott's Boss' daughter. Like that little girl, Cutler shows so much promise.

The game? Disappointing. But this year, disappointing doesn't feel quite as bad as a fan, because this year, I think that the team is investing in a future that will be rewarding.

Just like watching a 7-year old girl read a difficult paragraph in front of a room full of adults ... Or watching a rookie NFL quarterback pass a football to a receiver like a thread through a needle and pull a lost team from zero to something, even if for a short while ...

Not every syllable is exactly correct, but in reaching for that which is the most challenging, the young Miss, and the young Rookie, gave us all something to smile about - for a Saturday evening, or a Sunday afternoon, or HECK - maybe even an entire off-season.

I'm not writing the Broncos off, but I guess that part of me is trying to say that NOT making the playoffs this year is OK. It's OK because we are building something to be proud of.

A future worth cheering for ...

The Cult of Cutler

2006-12-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

Geebuz people! Can you believe the kind of pressure young master Jay Cutler is under today? Can you imagine what it would be like to be a young rookie facing your first start in a regular season NFL game? (You know, the kind that counts!?) Can you imagine what it would be like if the city and the fans of that NFL team expected you to be the second-coming of Elway? <---- you should hear a chorus of angels singing at this point of the blog, and maybe even a gold aura around the name ...

I'll admit, I'm excited too. I even will admit that about 60 seconds after I was aware that I was awake this morning, I thought, "Wow. I wonder what Jay Cutler is feeling/thinking right now ..." And then of course I caught myself and thought, "Ok, Peg! On to real life, please?!"

But then, I turn on the morning news, and every aspect of the local broadcast is about tonight's game. Commercials in between the broadcast pump us up with expectations. It is kind of electric, really. It's the spark WE needed ... as fans.

Let's just hope he's the spark that the team needs tonight on the field.

Let the Cutler era begin ...

Psst!

2006-11-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have a secret to tell you. Come closer. Over here, where no one else can hear us. Are you ready for this? Brace yourself ...

I don't think that I am a very optimistic person.

There. I said it. I almost feel better.

You see, I had the opportunity to watch Thursday night's game against KC with the ONE true optimist the Broncos have left ... my sister, Boston Beans. Her optimism borders on, well, you know I love ya, Beans, but your optimism can be classified somewhere between entertaining and manic and crazy-annoying. (Not crazy-delicious like Red Vines, though.) Anyway, the bottom line here is that Bonnie's optimism drove home a pt that I've been meaning to make for, well - over a year now. That point is ... I don't think I'm an optimist. (There - I said it AGAIN. I really am starting to feel better.)

After the game (the depressing, pathetic, leaves-a-nasty-taste-in-your-mouth game), I thought long and hard about what it means to be a Broncos Optimist. It was a struggle, but in the end, a good exercise. Here's what I labored up:

There isn't really a definable profile of the Optimist. We range from Beans, to Reenie, to me, and to Scott, and Mitchell, who I am sure were muttering quite a few discouraging words on Thursday Night. The one trait that binds us together is our desire to see the Broncos play well - and the enjoyment we get out of being fans.
It's ok to despair. Despair doesn't equal Discard. Who better to fret about the team than the Optimists!? What fans have better intentions than the Optimists? We can curse a player, a call, a quarter, a game - because we know that we'll be the ones rooting the team on next game, next season ...
Sometimes the only optimistic thing a fan can say about a particularly bad game is, "It was a beautiful, sunshiney day." And that's OK. (Thanks Maureen ... I'll never forget that one.)
It isn't mean-spirited to wish the bench on Jake Plummer ... (or Jake on the bench, actually - heh). He's not having a good year. Last year may have been the pinnacle of his career. He's given us some great games, and some tough losses. Plummer has been a decent QB. And now it's time for him to step aside and allow the future to step up.

And that future looks to be Jay Cutler. I'm anxiously anticipating the "Breaking News" email I'm sure to get at some point today that will announce Cutler in the starting position. It's what the team needs. Cutler will bring a level of excitement to the team.

(Heh heh - it just ocurred to me that Cutler will bring Optimism back to the Broncos. I don't think we could ask for much more at this point in time.)

I am excited to be at next Sunday night's game. Just for kicks, I just now looked up the definition of the word optimism. Optimism defined: An inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome.

Hmmm... Maybe I am an optimist, because when I think about Cutler taking the field, I anticipate a very favorable outcome, but can also anticipate that he won't always have great days/games/seasons. The team needs a spark. And right now, Cutler is that spark. Bring it on.

(Oh, and thanks for the comment, MP! It's good to know you're still in the fold.)

Offense ... ive?

2006-10-16T15:41:00.000-06:00

Maybe only true Broncos fans get this way ... or maybe this proves that I'm not the Optimist I purport myself to be ... I dunno.

Anyway, after last night's win, C and I walked down the ramps at Mile High to chants of "Raiders suck! Raiders suck!" (As an aside, I have to admit I find that to be a pathetic cheer, - but one I apparently can't change ... see Red Wings and Avalanche, for instance.) Anyway - everyone around us was THRILLED with the Broncos win. Except me. Oh, sure, I enjoyed watching the Broncos defense shut down the Raiders running game, and of course I got giddy when the crowd was so loud that poor Raiders QB Walter had to call timeout instead of an audible. But deep down, my stomach was in knots and my brow furrowed with a plaintive "Why?"

At the end of every home game, the stadium folks put up a message on the big scoreboard about the next home game - and maybe those words, more than any further exposition from me, will better explain my trepidation:

"Next Broncos home game - October 29 vs. Indianapolis."

Uhh, folks? How does this Broncos offense think they can outperform Indy's offense? How long can we expect the powerhouse defense to save the team every week? How long until it's too long and some key defensive player gets hurt from so much game time? When will the offense stop depending so much on this season's #1 scorer, Jason Elam? What will it take to get the machine to gear into a good rev?

Not very optimistic? Maybe not. Ok - how's this then? At least the Broncos get to test some offense out on the Cleveland Browns this Sunday.

Browns = Guinea Pigs? I certainly hope so.

And now back to our regularly scheduled blog ...

2006-10-10T09:49:00.000-06:00

Apparently the BOC was on hiatus, a "break" of sorts. However, unlike Ross on the television show Friends - I'm pretty certain that no one in the club took that "break" to mean they could start rooting for another team for the last 5-weeks ...

Sometimes Broncos fanaticism takes a back seat to LIFE, although that definitely doesn't mean that we aren't still fanatics, right!?

Anyway - here's what the optimist in me has to say about the season so far:

Week 1 - Denver Broncos at St. Louis Rams

Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. As Ughly as last year's playoff loss to Pittsburgh, only to a much inferior team. The only optimistic thing I had to say about this game was that at least the Broncos loss was to an NFC team and not an AFC team ... I was very, VERY close to turning in my BOC membership after this game.

Week 2 - Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

Should have been a better game than it was. Offense still struggled. No touchdowns. But that D!? They really came alive during this game. Oh, and thanks to Mr. Reliable, Jason Elam, we won our home opener in OT.

(Oh, and incidentally ... the "customized" song that the Stadium Management folks came up with was a real disappointment - almost as much of a disappointment as the lack of touchdowns in this game. The song sounded like Big Voodoo Daddy or something. It didn't scream football, Colorado, Mile High, or anything of the sort.)

Week 3 - Denver Broncos at New England Patriots

Sigh. Happiness. This is the game where the Broncos justified my love. Sigh (again).

About half way through this game, the announcers started mentioning how historic the Broncos defense was - that they were the first D since the 1940's to go that many quarters (11) into a season without allowing a SINGLE touchdown. As we all know, the Patriots ended that streak with one touchdown toward the end of this game - but it's still the ONLY TD this defense has allowed yet this year!

Week 4 - BYE Week

Week 5 - Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos

It was cold. It was wet. It had more commercial breaks than an infomercial (really - think about it - they actually do break up the infomercial for commercials about the same stupid product the informercial is about). Scott and I ended up sitting in front of two of the most obnoxious opposing team fans we have EVER encountered. Thankfully, by the 4th quarter, they had little to be obnoxious about and they finally shut up. In the meantime, we enjoyed the first home TD of the season (yay! Rod Smith!), and relished in watching the Defense hold the Ravens to a meager 3 pts.

So, what's next? Those yellow-bellied, skirt-wearin', hapless, Davis-owned, LOSERS - the Raiders ... that's what. Then on to bigger and better opponents ... Cleveland (wouldn't it ROCK to have a modern-day version of the Drive this year in Cleveland!?), and of course, the game everyone's eyeing right now ... Indy. I'll go so far as to say that if Peyton's Colts come into Denver undefeated, they won't be leaving that way.

THAT, my friends, is OPTIMISM.

All That Glitters is Not Gold

2006-08-31T15:24:00.000-06:00

Well folks, I received an answer today from the Broncos organization about why the Gary Glitter song, Rock and Roll Part II (the "Hey!" song) is not being played after the Broncos score at Mile High. This is what the nice woman (in charge of cheerleaders and sumptin else) had to say:

“Your e-mail was forwarded to me. The NFL has asked all the teams to stop playing the “Hey” Song because Gary Glitter was recently convicted of molesting young girls in Thailand. Every time his song is played, he receives royalties. I am sure that you can appreciate the reasoning behind this decision.
It does feel strange not to hear the song in our stadium, but we will find something else that our fans can cheer to and will soon become tradition. We are having a song custom made for our team that we will play at opening game on September 17th. We hope you enjoy it!”

There you have it. (Although, Glitter was actually convicted in Vietnam, and is currently serving a three-year sentence - if you want to get nit-picky about it.)
Who can argue against that reasoning? Well, this guy gives us a little fodder in

his sports law blog. Thanks, Dude. It's fruitless in our current PC climate, but thanks anyway.

Here's hoping that the "custom-made" Broncos victory song is a good one ... I hope it's at least as good as this song.

Preseason Noiiiizzze!

2006-08-28T12:49:00.001-06:00

In 'da house!

Last night C and I went to the Broncos game vs the Texans. We were impressed with:

The relative rowdiness of the fans at Mile High! The fans were into the game and cheering for the defense (almost) like it was a regular season game.
Javon Walker! Great speed, good hands. He and Rod Smith will be a dynamic duo.
The 1st team defense! I just read that they have yet to give up a touchdown to a 1st team offense. I'm hoping we are looking forward to a strong defensive year.
Tony Scheffler! Nice hands.
Jay Cutler! Ok, he wasn't as spectacular as last week vs. Tennessee, but he has THIS Optimist thinking good thoughts about years ahead ...
Texan's coach, and former Broncos quarterback and offensive coordinator, Gary Kubiak. He made sure we all knew which team he was on by throwing in the red flag in the first quarter, questioning whether the Broncos completed a first down or not ... He showed us all that he's not on our side anymore. Thought that was an assertive move, although maybe over-zealous. Anyway, good for him (even if he was wrong). And that's the last nice thing I'm gonna say about him.

Things we weren't so impressed with:

The red zone defense. C'mon guys! To quote the Black Eyed Peas ... "Where is the Love?"
Jason Elam. I'm hoping he's just phoning it because he's a seasoned veteran and this is the preseason. I'm REALLY hoping he hasn't passed his prime.
Rain. For the second week in a row, I have sat in the rain with one of my children. It wasn't all that bad, but gimme a break! I mean, I can pretty much count on sitting in adverse weather in November and December ... but August!??
They don't play that Gary Glitter song, "HEY!" after scoring. What's up with that? I'm hoping it's just a preseason thing - that they only play the "HEY!" song for real scores??? We will find out, since I've called the Broncos ticket office and asked them (they're checking with the stadium team). I'll post their answer once I get it.
Denver Broncos Cheerleaders. Dang cookie cutter cuties. They even look cute with their hair wet, unlike ME.

Countdown ... 7 days, 16 hours

2006-07-20T16:31:00.000-06:00

Yes, that's right Broncos Optimists, there are just 7 days and approximately 16 hours until the Denver Broncos' 2006-07 Season starts off with training camp! It promises to be an interesting camp, everyone will be twisting their necks to get a glimpse of the unfolding drama surrounding Plummer, Van Pelt, and Cutler. We have a nice balance of veterans coming back, new (to the Broncos) vets from around the league, younger players vying for starting positions, and rookies aiming to please. Plus, a new Offensive Coordinator. I'm excited.

Here's a preview of this year's team, courtesy of our friends at Sports Illustrated.

Is there anyone out there willing to share their predictions for the year? Is it too early? Awww, maybe ... but personally, I don't think it is ever to early to anticipate all that we love about Denver Broncos football.

I'm [cautiously] Optimistic

2006-04-07T10:04:00.000-06:00

The Broncos announced their 2006 season yesterday. Here is a printable version. Print it, pin it up next to your computer monitor. Learn it. Love it. You are now free to obsess.

My two comments on the upcoming season, from the schedule:

It's hard. Is there an AFC team that was in the playoffs last year that ISN'T on our schedule? I think the early season defining game will be the Patriots game. Yes, the week prior they will play the Chiefs, but one thing I've learned about our intradivisional rivalry games is that they are pure passion play, and could go any which way. But Boston? We SCREWED them last year. At least that is what they think. I think we won a hard fought game. But, we will have to go out to Mass and tell the league that we mean business, and no, it was not some fluky fumble recovery that wins games for us. Osh. I am already nervous.
The Broncos are hell bent on causing familial strife here in Denver. Every major holiday has a Bronco game (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve). Start talking to your inlaws today.

NOW We're Talkin' Turkey!

2006-03-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

The Broncos and the NFL released a tidbit of scheduling information for the 2006 season today ...

Apparently, the Broncos will be playing on Thanksgiving again this season. But get this - in an interesting twist, the NFL has decided to have 3 games on Thanksgiving day. Detroit and Dallas as usual, of course ... but this year, expect an evening game that lands Denver in the pit of Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City ... The game is to be broadcast by the NFL Network (another first).

Why do I tell you this now? Thank me later, Broncos Optimists and fanatics, but I'd say you need to do some expectation leveling with assorted family members, and I'd say you need to do it sometime soon ... So, tell mom, or grandma, or mom-in-law, or cousin Myrtle or whomever it is in your family who doesn't quite grasp your obsession with Denver Broncos football, that Thanksgiving is once again spoken for. We have our priorities, right? Right.

A Fond Farewell

2006-03-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

... to Mike Anderson, Jeb Putzier, and Trevor Price, who was each put on waivers yesterday and encouraged to find work "elsewhere" ...

What is the league coming to? Teams sign players, and write contracts that reward them for good play. Then when they actually play to that level, the team has to let them go because of the danged salary caps. I think Trevor Price deserved better - although yes, he has been really injury prone the past few years. Anderson and Putzier will find success on other teams, but it's always hard watching a former Bronco in another uniform.

Please, Please, PLEASE tell me this isn't being done so the Broncos can afford Terrell Owens ...

Boston Bean Chimes In!

2006-01-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

Miami is a much better spot for a superbowl than Detroit!
Let's hear it for 2006-7

My Optimistic Comment

2006-01-24T22:28:00.000-07:00

Next year will be THE year. Go Broncos!

The Broncos Optimists Club

2006-01-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Broncos Optimists Club

OUCH is right-
It hurts, it hurts so bad!
At least we had good friends and fellow BOC members to commiserate with on Sunday after the game.
We could all be sad together.
I had decided to cheer on the Steelers to the Superbowl as they are AFC, but now I am not-I have changed my mind.
After feeling the agony of defeat, I am mad at the Steelers for taking us down.
I am cheering for the Seahawks now to knock them off.
It's only fair.
Besides, Julie reminded me today of how rude and obnoxious the Steelers players were on the field-trying to do the Mile High Salute in OUR house???
Not to mention their annoying fans, many of whom were escorted out by security.
So, bring the Steelers down Seahawks, feel the pain that we do here in Mile High.

My optimistic comment for season:
We had an admirable record: 14-4 and we are division champs.
Now, on with my next obsession-(or hobby as Molly calls it)-THE OSCARS!

Ouch.

2006-01-22T22:35:00.000-07:00

The Calm Before the Storm

2006-01-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

So, I was busy composing this post when I noticed that Molly posted too, so be sure to read her post below ...

Anyway, I'm sure that all members of the Broncos Optimist Club are obsessed with the Championship game, as I am. Scott and I have been eating, drinking and sleeping Broncos football. So maybe with all that obsessing ... we just haven't had time to blog much? Doesn't matter, I suppose. This morning I'm finding that I need to do something with my energy - so now seems like the BEST time to blog.

I have had cause to think about the day we all cooked up the BOC, which was the lowest day of the season - the loss to the Miami Dolphins on opening day. Sure seemed like we were gonna need to be optimists, eh? And how funny that everyone was talking about how Miami looked like contenders again. (ahem ... what happened to them?) Thinking back to that day, it is absolutely rewarding to think that we're playing today in the AFC Championship. I don't think that even the most optimistic of us that day would have been able to imagine this scenario. ((happy sigh))

So, we're ready for today's game. We have already hung our Broncos flag outside of our home in a lovely ceremony (accompanied by drumrolls courtesy of our son Connor). The Broncos shrine is ready for kickoff. Our shrine consists of 5 Broncos bobbleheads, Champ Bailey, Jake Plummer and two Elways and an Ed McCaffrey; a Broncos pennant and a Steelers pennant, and a Broncos candle given to us by my Aunt Kathy. We have hung our large Broncos pennant on the wall, just under an Ed McCaffrey plaque that celebrates his accomplishments for the team. We have our vase on the table filled with orange pom pons from various games, as well as the Broncos wineholder from my sis and bro-in-law, and various orange and blue tableware given to me by my mom over the years. The kids are decked out in orange and blue and so are mom and dad. I'm even wearing my 14 karat gold Broncos head pendant and earrings. Like I said, we're ready ...

And we've endured a week of naysaying talking football heads. I thought I was gonna blow a gasket in my head listening to Chris Collinsworth and Dan Marino on Inside the NFL on HBO on Wednesday. Collinsworth was complaining about the bad pass interference call on the Patriots in last Saturday's game. He said it turned the momentum of the game in favor of the Broncos ... I could go on and on about it, but I'll just say three things:
#1) It was a BAD call and I'm as torqued at the refs as any Patriot fan because it calls into question the legitimacy of the Broncos win (even though we beat the Pats beyond the 7 pts of that ensuing touchdown).
#2) I would say that the true momentum switch happened later in the game - when Champ intercepted the ball in the endzone and ran the length of the field to the Patriots 1 yard line.
#3) The bad call didn't lose the game for the Patriots ... they lost the game for themselves by turning the ball over 5 times.
To quote Forrest Gump, "And that's all I have to say about that."

And we watched the Pittsburgh vs Indianapolis game intensely. Pittsburgh played so well in that game. The last two minutes were as exciting as football gets. But it seems to me that all the talking heads think that Pittsburgh can come in to Denver and play the same game they played in Indy. They haven't really been paying attention, have they? Denver is more like Pittsburgh than Indinapolis. I'm sure the Steelers' coaching staff is aware of it - and I'm sure the game plan will be different. But the stupid talking heads (most, if not all, outside of Denver) keep talking like Pittsburgh will do the exact same thing to the Broncos this week. Ugh. Well, it benefits us to be thought of like that, I suppose. It gives our guys fuel for the fire. So, I'm predicting a win, a great game, and an XL Superbowl appearance for the Broncos. How much more optimistic can one get?

GO BRONCOS!!!

C'mon, Broncos Justify My Love

2006-01-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

I'm not completely sure what to write today. I am just so filled with hope and faith in this Bronco team, that I have little other than to say, "I'm filled with hope and faith in this excellent Bronco team!!!"

I definitely get a feeling that today is going to be the game of the playoffs. It's going to be a hard fight, as Pittsburg is a team also filled with hope and faith. But alas, for those who twirl the terrible towel, they will be playing in Mile High. And the Broncos have a pretty damn good track record there...

SO, Go Broncos. Let's show everyone how dominant you can be. I sure hope you woke up on the right side of the bed this morning, John Lynch. I predict he and Al Wilson will be the keys to this game. In short, the "bus" stops. Ha ha.

GO BRONCOS!!!

Biggest game since '99

2006-01-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

This is it, the biggest game since Elway played his last home game across the street to advance
to a 2nd straight SB. It has been 7 long years. I am full of excitement and a little nervousness too. I hope the Broncs feel it also. The Patriots have won 3 of the past 4 Bowls. Brady is 10-0 in playoff games. Even if their season record happens to be inferior to ours this not a team to overlook. This will be a defining moment, is Jake ready to shed the shadow of Elway and create
his own legacy? God I hope so. Certainly he needs a ton of help from Anderson, Smith, Lelie, and any player who touches the ball or blocks for him. We also need a huge game from the defense
who has played some big games this season but none bigger than Sat. The Broncos absolutely have the players to get the job done. It is time to put an end to the NE/Brady dynasty. The
crowd will be going crazy and if Shanahan pulls out the stops and we play like we have all season
(Except MIA) we should be planning for the AFC Championship. If you want to be the best you gotta beat the best. Sorry i will miss the Boc/Grub big screen christening but hopefully we'll all be celebrating after the game.

How Do You Like Us Now, Chiefs Fans?

2005-12-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

The regular season is about to wrap up for the year and today's game for the Broncos is somewhat meaningless for us, except for the fact that the Kansas City Chiefs will be depending on us to win in order to advance to the playoffs. For the first time as far as I can remember the KC Chief Fans should be cheering on the Denver Broncos for a victory. How's that for just rewards? Of course, the Chiefs have to beat the Bengals, too. Also - the lowly Lions have to beat the Steelers ... Hmmm. The Chiefs don't have a lot going for them with this scenario. They need to depend on factors coming together like the perfect storm in order to get to the post-season.

I for one am relishing the fact that the Chiefs fans have to root for the Broncos. In our experience, the Chief fans are some of the most anti-Bronco around. We traveled through Kansas City earlier this month, and stayed in a hotel about 1 1/2 hours northeast of KC. The hotel was next to a Dairy Queen, and the DQ had a sign up that read "Welcome Donkey Haters - Go Chiefs!" Needless to say, we didn't go to that Dairy Queen. And didn't mention our affiliation with the Broncos Optimist Club while staying in that little town. But it was obvious to us that the Chiefs fans were relishing their recent win over the Broncos. At the time, we said, "Well, let them relish it - it's likely the highlight of their season." Now that they are looking at the playoffs with fingers and toes crossed and wishing against likelihood, I think we were right.

We thought the AFC West was going to be a tough division this year, and now it looks like only one team is going to the playoffs.

The Broncos will be resting some players, so it will be interesting to see if the Broncos' second stringers can still beat and embarrass Marty Shottenheimer and the Bolts. The Broncos definitely seem to have Shottenheimer's number.

The Broncos should win today, but even if they don't, we're still in the PLAYOFFS, with a 1st round bye and a HOME playoff game for the first time since '98!

Go Broncos!

My Broncos Christmas List

2005-12-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

All I want for Christmas is ...

A stunning win over the Raiders at Mile High on Christmas Eve (add in a cup of embarassment for the Raiders, while you're at it)

A powerful and decisive win over the Chargers on New Year's Eve

Home Field Advantage in the playoffs

How 'bout a touchdown for Keith Burns? (We're wishing here - right?)

Tickets for the Super Bowl in ... Detroit? Uhh, ok.

Broncos to win Super Bowl XL!

Not too much to ask for, right??

While I'm in the holiday spirit, check out the Broncos Christmas carols here. Maureen - I'm expecting you to get your kids to memorize these for their caroling party tonight!

Merry Christmas! And GO BRONCOS!!!!

Go.... Colts?

2005-12-18T00:49:00.000-07:00

C'mon Optimists... We've had great power this season. Our rooting skills are refined. We've watched come from behind victories. We've loved our team even when they have lost (even though it's only been three times, but still!). Now, for the love of the Bronco's, we must become true-blue-hoosier Colts fans, if only for about 4.5 hours on Sunday, December 18th. If the Colts beat the Chargers tomorrow, we clinch the AFC West.

Love the Colts, in love of the Broncos.

Go Indy! Whoo hoo!

Loss in perspective

2005-12-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Well, today the Broncos will spring back from our disappointing loss to the Chiefs last week. They will beat the Ravens at Mile High.

My family suffered a bigger, and more relevant loss last Sunday. As the clock ticked the final seconds of the game last Sunday, my phone rang. It was my mom. My grandmother had just died. She was 92 years old, and hadn't been sick or anything. She simply collapsed on Sunday while watching, yes - the Broncos / Chiefs game.

So I don't have a lot to say about losing to the Chiefs. It was disappointing. 'Nuff said.

My grandma, or Gramma - as we called her, was a wonderful woman. I am always proud to hold her example to my own life. She was diverse and interesting, strong and independent. She was progressive and never stopped investigating her ideas and how they related to the larger world. She was a proponent and supporter of education and learning. And sure, she was a football fan. My mom says she had to learn to love football, because my grandpa was such a huge fan. And this is simplistic, because of course she was so much more than a football fan, but she set the standard for the female football fans in our family. Don't just watch the game - understand it. My mom was brought up in a house where football was a weekly event. She married my dad and raised my sisters and I in a house where football was a weekly event. And here I am today, planning another Sunday around the games that we'll watch today. Being a football fanatic is just a small example of the characteristics that have been handed down to me from my grandparents. I know that in the whole scheme of things, football is pretty insignificant - but this is a football blog, so I'm just focusing on that here. I guess I'm just saying that it is my greatest hope that I carry on many of her other qualities, as well.

My daughter just came up to me and asked what I am writing about. I told her, "I'm writing about Gramma Taylor, and about football." My daughter looked at me and nodded. She gets it. And that makes me happy.

Great Dayne

2005-11-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

What an impressive victory on Turkey day, going to cowboy stadium on thanksgiving playing an entire 60 minutes and ot and getting the w! Watching a battle between shanahans coaching staff and parcells coaching staff configuring ways to break through the defense and the defense finding ways to stop the offenses by both teams, what an enjoyable game to watch, the victory over the jets was sweet but to win such a competitive battle is absolute enjoyment. What an impressive competitive winning spirit the broncos team has from play calling, to defense, special teams, running game, passing game (though jake did throw an interception from the camera view behind the line the cowboys had exceptional coverage all day, not that that is an excuse though), and the offensive line making exceptional blocks for 60 + minutes and dayne making the cut to spring the run to set up the game winning field goal, now that is football at its best! Shwooooo, I'm looking forward to watching the Broncos defeat the Chiefs in hostile arrowhead stadium and watching the red coats of the chiefs nation go sulking back to there cars as the raider nation freaks in there costumes where sulking after the Broncos stomped all over them, optimism at it's best! GO BRONCOS!

where's namath?

2005-11-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

Where was Broadway Joe when they needed him? The Jets were grounded by Mike Anderson
and his 3Tds. Although why was he still in there running with 4 minutes left and the game over? The Jets had 2 offensive plays in the 2nd qtr? thats serious ball control. Now back to
reality. Thanksgiving and a true test. Americas team is 7-3. How the H... they got that name still puzzles me? From North Dallas 40? Parcells is a pretty decent coach. I wouldn't mind a little payback from that Superbowl back in '87 when he was coaching the Giants. The nation will be watching and this would be a nice way to show that Manning and Indy does have a another team still itching for a playoff rematch. Lets hope we can all enjoy our turkey and another Orange and Blue victory.

The Opposite of Optimist

2005-11-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

Wasn't it fun to hear the Raiders' fans booing them today? Dave Logan was talking about what foul, fair-weather fans they were today. He called them "the wildlife of Oakland" and then mentioned that on the bus to the stadium today, they saw a good amount of "the bird."

Then Diaz-Infante started laughing about all of them in their face paint and Darth Vader costumes, walking back to their cars after today's spanking, humiliated, and still dressed like idiots. They had a good laugh, and I did too.

I think the main reason that I hate that team and their fans is that they try really hard to stand for bad sportsmanship. This is why it feels especially good to beat them...

Way to go Broncos. 7-2 is a good place to be!!!!

A Disturbance in the Force

2005-11-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

"I feel a disturbance in the force."

Oh yes, wise Obi-Wan ... There is a disturbance. It happens each time the Broncos have to travel to Oakland.

I've been in Oakland and I've gotta say that I'm pretty sure it is the armpit of the universe.

But this time, the Broncos are like Luke fighting Darth Vader in their last fight in The Return of the Jedi. Luke is strengthened and whole, just like the Broncos following last week's bye. The Raiders (aka Darth Vader) are weakened and hurting. Their injury list includes Charles Woodson (CB) and potentially, Randy Moss. The Raiders resemble Darth Vader fighting without the evil emperor behind him ... OH sure, he's still evil .. but not HALF as powerful as before.

The rivalry between the two teams doesn't seem as heated this year as it has in years past, and that's probably just because the Raiders aren't the worthy opponents they once were. But when these two teams meet, it's often a fight for much more than just a W. The Raiders would love to be the spoilers of the Broncos healthy season. The Raiders would love to embarass the Broncos. And the Broncos would like to keep their lead over the AFC West division with a sweep of wins during each of the first meetings with each team. Oh, and the Broncos wouldn't mind embarassing the Raiders and their nasty fans at home, either .... I'm sure they all know to look out for batteries being thrown at them.

The Broncos Optimists are back in play after our bye week, too. We're looking forward to watching our Broncos go 7-2 on Sunday.
Go Broncos!

The Optimist's Creed

2005-10-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Promise Yourself ... To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

This, and many other optimistic credentials HERE.

The Philadelphia Eagles fly in to Denver today. Poor birds, they don't know what they're in for ... The Broncos, at HOME, the week after a heart-breaking loss ... Well, let's just say Denver is about to put another # in the W column !!

The Ealges have NOT had the kind of year they were hoping to have, or the kind of year they themselves probably expected. Their running game is one of the WORST in the NFL.

The Broncos are not having the kind of year that most NFL pontificators expected them to have, either. At the beginning of the season, some picked the Broncos to finish last in the AFC West. The first half of the season has been testament to what a little optimism can do for a team. A little optimism, a little QB confidence, and a BIG upgrade to the defense.

The Broncos will win today, and head into the bye week focused and ready to dominate for the remainder of the season!

Go Broncos!!!

Optimists Pull for Dwayne Carswell

2005-10-27T15:22:00.000-06:00

Dwayne Carswell, Offensive Lineman for the Broncos, was in a car accident this morning (for info, click here).

Optimists, let's all say a prayer and think positive for Mr. Carswell, who has been with the Broncos for 12 years.

He is, as of this post, listed in stable, but critical, condition, with multiple internal injuries.

We're pulling for you Dwayne!

'77 Sweatshirt?

2005-10-25T13:21:00.000-06:00

Quick error correction, I referred to Giants stadium as foxborough and it is actually the meadowlands, oops, I apologize, sorry about that, hopefully I didn't jinx the Broncs, naw, I don't have an orange crush defense sweartshirt, the orange crush d reminds me of '77 superbowl Broncs and we all no what happened then, maybe your sweatshirt was the reason for the lose or it could be that the opponent scored more points, I don't know. T.O. has B.O.

Remember ' 98

2005-10-24T21:41:00.000-06:00

hmm, Seems that the giants have our number ending winning streaks. this year it was only a
meager 5 games but how many other teams wouldnt take that streak? In '98 it was an almost record 14 games. Yesterdays loss was indeed a heartbreaker. The kind that can really gnaw
at your innards. I still havnt watched any highlights/lowlights or read/listened to any media Re: the game. But 29 hours later I am about to sit down and see what the RMN has to say and begin my post game debriefing recovery.
For some reason I just cant feel that bad about this game. Indeed it was a game that could've,
almost should've been won. But the Giants are definately an up an comer and maybe we just
witnessed Eli's coming out party. I was thinking 3 minutes, 86 yards and a 2nd year QB and
we had em where we wanted em. But you gotta give the guy credit, he made the plays when
they needed them. NY is a tough place to play. Even Elway never won there. Who was QB back in '80 Morton?
I guess this all leads to the theory that sometimes a team needs a painful loss to really find out what it is made of? Anybody remember the jacksonville playoff game? If I remember right we
won our 1st Super Bowl the next season. That streak ending loss to the giants almost 7 years ago, I believe we followed that with SB win #2.
So BOC keep the faith. I fully expect the Eagles to go down hard this weekend. Not because they aren't a good team but I'm thinking the Broncs have just a little bit of a chip on their
shoulder and something to prove. Nothing a little fried Eagle wont cure!

WAS IT ALL MY SHIRT'S FAULT???

2005-10-24T18:10:00.000-06:00

To all my fellow BOC members: I apologize for wearing my outdated "orange crush D" sweatshirt yesterday. I have come to the conclusion that that fact alone could have led to our beloved Broncos demise yesterday. I am sorry, and I will not wear it anymore. Mitch insisted that it was a "cool shirt" and because of it's history, it would only help. I am afraid it did not.
Peggy was not happy with my optimistic comment about yesterday's game-- that we won most of the game! But, alas, the final score was not in our favor. So, yes fellow BOC members, it is time to move on to next week against the Eagles. Rest assured that I will NOT be wearing my orange shirt, I am sticking to my Eddic Mac jersey! GO BRONCOS!!!!!

The Broncos Optimist Club

2005-10-24T17:22:00.000-06:00

The loss yesterday left me with the urge to give the guy at work that was talking crap about the Broncos a short sharp shock to the mouth, maybe because he was right that the Broncos would choke like they did last year against the Colts in the playoffs. The truth of the matter is they didn't finish the game, they played three quarters. Once a cooler head prevailed I tried to get back into the optimist state of mind. The Broncos have all ways had trouble winning at foxborough, even back Dec 13, 1998 the undefeated Broncos go into foxborough and face the Giants who hand the Broncos there first defeat of the season 20-16 and in a twist of irony the next week losing to Miami Dolphins 31-21 there only two loses of the season and then went on to become the SUPERBOWL XXXIII CHAMPIONS. Anyway, had to remeber something positive after that crushing lose. With a loss there is something to be learned, hopefully the Broncos learn there lesson to play a complete game and finish there opponents off no matter what the score. Week seven is done and gone. Onward to the Eagles, GO BRONCOS!!!!!

Free your mind and your ass will follow

2005-10-23T19:57:00.000-06:00

The last 9 minutes of that game SUCKED! I'm not quite over it yet. We had a small collection of Optimists over at Boc and Grubmer's house tonight, and we tried really hard to be optimistic after that crappy loss. I'm trying to be zen master about it all, that we can't win them all, that we're still on top of the division, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera... I can't get over the fact that we're cursed against the freaking Giants! We lost Ed McCaffrey to the Giants on September 10th, 2001. Remember that game? OWCH. We won that one though, but we were in Mile High (on MNF)...

The thing that Grub and I kept coming up with was that that drive would not have happened at Mile High. The 12th Man wouldn't have let that happen. Why can't the D perform with out us? They have to know that we are in our living rooms, literally stomping our feet here in Denver (and elsewhere, am I right, Phoenix?) being as loud as we can, playing our part. Don't they pay them enough to bring it in New Jersey? That sounds really rediculous, as I reread that and try to put on my non-bronco-fan hat, that the crowd would make that much of a difference. But to that I would say: We won the last two games at home, defeating a last minute effort at points to tie or win the game by our competitors. The Broncos need the twelfth man.

So there's my optimistic statement. At least WE are doing OUR jobs here. My advice to the broncos: Pretend you are at home. Free your mind, pretend you are at mile high, and your ass will follow. Sack that quarterback!

The Broncos Optimists Club

2005-10-21T18:27:00.000-06:00

TEAM AVERAGES & NFL RANKS
TEAM OFFENSE TM PER GAME AVERAGE
Total Yards DEN 333.0
NYG 336.0
Yards Passing DEN 179.3
NYG 225.6
Yards Rushing DEN 153.3
NYG 110.8
TEAM DFFENSE TM PER GAME AVERAGE
Yards Allowed DEN 333.3
NYG 417.2
Pass Yds Allowed DEN 245.0
NYG 316.2
Rush Yds Allowed DEN 88.3
NYG 101.0

GAMEDAY MATCHUP
W L T PF PA DIV CON
DEN 5 1 0 21.5 17.833334 2-0-0 4-1-0
NYG 3 2 0 29.8 22.8 0-1-0 3-1-0

PLAYERS TO WATCH
QBs RBs WRs
Jake Plummer
Yds: 1141
TDs: 7
Rat: 83.6
Mike Anderson
Yds: 358
TDs: 2
Avg: 4.1
Rod Smith
Rec: 34
Yds: 432
TDs: 2

Eli Manning
Yds: 1200
TDs: 10
Rat: 92.0
Tiki Barber
Yds: 397
TDs: 3
Avg: 4.5
Plaxico Burress
Rec: 30
Yds: 451
TDs: 4

Regular Season Schedule & Results
WK DATE OPPONENT SCORE LINE W-L HI PASSING HI RUSHING HI RECEIVING
1 Sun, Sep 11 Arizona W 42-19 --3 1-0 Manning 172 Barber 62 Burress 76
2 Mon, Sep 19 at New Orleans W 27-10 -3½ 2-0 Manning 165 Barber 83 Burress 64
Shockey 64
3 Sun, Sep 25 at San Diego L 23-45 7 2-1 Manning 352 Barber 60 Shockey 101
4 Sun, Oct 2 St. Louis W 44-24 -3 3-1 Manning 296 Barber 128 Burress 204
5 BYE WEEK
6 Sun, Oct 16 at Dallas L (OT) 13-16 3 3-2 Manning 215 Barber 64 Shockey 129

Here is a quick preview of the game ahead, pretty evenly matched. A few notes: 1) Barber and Anderson have all most identical stats and Barber is there primary running back where the Broncos have Tatum Bell, 2) The Giants have had a relatively easy schedule where the Broncos have had a tougher schedule and coming off a victory from the defending champions
Stats are stats keys to the game are shutting Barber down, stopping Shockley across the middle, limiting Buress to mid to short
catches, Manning seems to get flustered after a few hard hits. Time of possession has been key to the Broncos success in
closing games i.e. San Diego and the Patriots by not giving Brady a chance to get back on the field.GO BRONOCS!!!!!

What the FOX?

2005-10-19T11:17:00.000-06:00

First the good news, then the annoying ...

In the NFL Power Rankings from ESPN, SI.Com, and others, the Denver Broncos are listed #2, after the Colts, who have to be #1 after Monday Night's game and because of their undefeated season.

Other Power Rankings I've looked at list the Bronc's in the top five.

Now, I am far from a mathematician, or statistician, or whatever. In fact, it would be more honest for me to admit to some level of innumeracy. But I know that most of these rankings are based on mathematical formulas. (Please, and really ... who has the time to develop a mathematical formula for professional sports?) But I digress ...

Here's the annoying stuff - Fox Sports News has the Broncos listed as #12 ... And then goes on to diss them simply because of their loss in Miami. Give me a break. As if I needed ANOTHER REASON to hate Fox News ...

Formulas and mathematical "certainties" have no place in this Optimist's belief in the Broncos. (Spoken like a true innumerate!) Are you with me fellow BOC members?

Bring on da Giants!

Go Broncos!
(#1 in my personal NFL Power Ranking - sans formula!)

High FIVE and One!

2005-10-16T21:41:00.000-06:00

Not to discount Molly's post - because it WAS a nail biter - BUT ...

There's just something about watching a game at Mile High. Yes, we were all nervous that the Pats came up behind us in the 3rd and 4th quarters, and we were rooting the D on strong. But being there is just, well, different. We felt the strength of the defense. We knew the offense wasn't going to let us down. We CHEERED because we recognized that our team was playing as hard as they could and that they weren't going to let us down and that they were going to win the game.

One of the greatest things about attending a game at Mile High Stadium in Denver is the camaraderie of the fans. After the game, walking down the ramps toward the exits, fans erupt into cheers for the team. It's infectious. On our trek down the ramps, Scott and I ran into a guy whom we decided to name High-Fiver. You know the type - High-Fiver was waiting along the Broncos walk - looking for anyone available and willing to receive that most cliched of sports responses, the HIGH FIVE. Scott was there for him. So was I. Then, High Fiver asked us to point out the next fan in the crowd who would be willing to give him a High Five. I picked a guy with an orange jersey, and an old-school Blue Broncos emblem (the D emblem) baseball cap. So High Fiver ran up to him and sure enough - Old School slapped him a high five. Like I said before, it's infectious. We later spotted high fiver with a group of tailgaters off of Clay Street. The guy was full of Broncos L-O-V-E. Aren't we all? :-)

So, our beloved Broncos are 5 and 1. They beat the World Champion New England Patriots. Depending on how the Colts do on Monday Night Football, the Broncos will be either #1 or #2 on most NFL Power Rankings by Tuesday morning. Every talking head in sports will say that our defense is a force to be reckoned with.

The season has ripened into a buffet of possibilities and our team is standing in line with plates and forks. Serve it up!

Go Broncos!

Nail Biter

2005-10-16T17:57:00.000-06:00

A word to the wise:

Do not give yourself a manicure during the first half of a Bronco game, even if they are up 21-3. By the end of the game, all of your hard work will be for naught.

At least this time, not completely for naught, as a Bronco fan (whoo hoo! we won!), but my fingernails are bitten to crap after today's third and fourth quarters. What happened? The coaching staff have some work to do this week, even if we came out of this one with a W. And I still need a manicure.

pure gold

2005-10-11T22:41:00.000-06:00

It was a nail biter but Ian was Pure Gold on the 2 pt conversion. Tatum Bell showed he was the best back on the field. Sorry no trophy belt for Portis in this one! A wins a win. Kudos to y'all who braved the rain and cold. Next its Brady and Belichek. Chris and Julie are setting up the bbq at the church. I'm praying for dry weather and another Gold performance to send the patsies home at 3-3. See you there. m&m

Broncos Optimists Club Mentoring Program

2005-10-08T10:27:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow I am bringing a Mile High neophyte to the game. She moved here about 4 years ago after living and growing up in Chicago and so is no stranger to football mania (can you say Superbowl Shuffle?). Last night she said to me, "I can't wait to see a game at Mile High, it will finally qualify me as a true Coloradan!" She's very excited and most of all, optimistic. I plan to show her the ways and the truths of the Church of the Denver Broncos. Perhaps we can bring her into the fold!

Go Broncos!

I can't wait to see Trevor Pryce and the Denver D have a take on Clinton Portis! Stop that Run!

The Shrine of Bobble Heads

2005-10-08T09:29:00.000-06:00

As we enter another week of Bronco football my son dusts off his small treasure of bobble heads in preparation for the Bronco shrine. His shrine consists of Bronco football greats such as John Elway and Ed McCaffrey. He also has Jake the Snake and one former Bronco, Clinton Portis. Ok, everybody knows that tomorrow we are going to take on Clinton Portis and the 3 and 0 Washington Redskins. As you can see there is the dilemma amid the bobble shrine and what should be done with the Clinton Portis Bobble. I am taking suggestions but I do want to remind those morbid folks out there that this particular bobble head was a gift from Santa Claus. Here are the top five suggestions I came up with.

1. Put him in the Freezer for the duration of the game.
2. Sell him on E-bay and give the proceeds to C-man.
3. Remove his head for the day because it sits on a spring and that is entirely possible without permanent damage.
4. Bring him to the game and use him as a voodoo doll.
5. Call up Santa and ask him if he will make a trade for Champ Bailey.

Go Broncos!!
Scott

Hog Callin' ... Sooooeeeeyy! Come get your Slop! Come get Slaughtered!

2005-10-07T11:20:00.000-06:00

Why are the Redskins called the Hogs, anyway? They should just switch mascots, unless they're worried about insulting the country's porcine population?

Mitch and Maureen! Thanks for posting! It's great to see our little community come alive on the blog.

Wish we were all going to be at the game this weekend. As it stands, everyone in the club except for our very own M&M connection will be there (that's you Mitch and Maureen). Oh, and our out-of-towners, too. But I suppose we need people rooting from all over the city and country, too.

Here's something I heard this week ... Do not BOO Clinton Portis at the game. He's psyching himself up to use the Boos as motivation for his play. Wouldn't it be hilarious if, instead of boos, Portis is met with chirping crickets and silence? That would be funny. But the only player who has ever succeeded in getting Mile High to quiet down was Elway (when he'd shoosh the crowd prior to an offensive play, remember?).

I'm still hoping for a big game from Lelie (or at the very least, a big reception). He and Plummer have GOT to come through with a completed long pass one of these games! But just like last week, I think our win will rest on the capable shoulders of our Defense. Sure would be nice if the O could nail it to them too, though.

Scott and I will be at the game. Our friends, Jenny and Brett, and Ruby and Pete, managed to get tickets - so we'll all be ready to party and cheer our team on!

Go Broncos!

2005-10-05T23:07:00.000-06:00

ok, so i finally made it here. terribly busy at work so not much time to blog. i have to say that
D was pretty impressive vs. the jags. lets hope they come up big again vs. portis & the skins.
i have lunch riding on the game against a smack talker at my office. i'm sure mile hi 2 will
be rockin, wish we could be there. skin the skins, Go Broncos!

2005-10-03T17:46:00.000-06:00

Our Blog looks great Pegs!
Keep up the great work.
Sorry, don't have much to say, except . . .
The Broncos Rock!!

I didn't watch much of the game yesterday- I was very crabby working on school work-but listening to Mitch and the t.v., I knew it was going to be great game for the Broncos.
Ok, Ok, I don't add much to our Blog, but I do want to say it looks great.
Keep up the good work ladies, since there are no men to be seen ????

~Maureen

Get To Know Me!

2005-10-02T21:55:00.000-06:00

I am Homer. As in HOME -er. I am such a home-team kinda girl. I love my Broncos. Love that they pulled it off today. Not just pulled it off, D, pulled it off with s-t-y-l-e. Nice job. The Defense continued to show what they can do. You guys are our team!

Foxworth!? Where did you come from? And can I say that I'm glad that you are HERE?! Lovely.

Ian Gold. You ARE gold. Thank you.

Sauerbraun? Thank god you're here.

Broncos Optimists ... Keep it alive. We are up against the Redskins next week. Don't underestimate what Portis thinks he can do ... hee hee ... but not against THIS D ... !

Oh, and Beans? Way to go Sox, too!

We Hate the JagWads

2005-10-02T10:15:00.000-06:00

I've been having mild, PTSD-style flashbacks of the disgusting losses we've suffered at the hands of Jacksonville in the past. Maybe that's why I've been so reluctant to be optimistic. Remember the playoff game? Ouch. That was THE WORST.

But we're past that - and today, our Broncos are gonna give it their best shot. Let's hope that shot resembles the shot they took at the Chiefs, and not the shot they took at the Dolphins.

Go Broncos!

Optimists - Where Are You?

2005-09-30T14:41:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the update Molly! It's nice to have more folks contribute to the page. I gotta admit, I'm not feeling like a good spokesperson for the Optimists club right now. So, if anyone else (Maureen? Chris? Sean? Where are you guys?) wants to plug in some optimistic statements about this weekend's game, please feel free to do so. :-)

On the opposite spectrum, here are my thoughts:

#1) The Broncos don't do well in early kick-off games (early for MDT).
#2) The Broncos don't do well in Florida.
#3) The Broncos don't perform well after a Monday night game.
#4) The Broncos aren't consistent.

So, I am a poor mouthpiece for the club, folks. Even after our stunning win on Monday. Please help me. And no, Reenie, just saying "At least it is a nice and sunny day" isn't gonna cut it!

I will take a stab at an optimistic thought. This is the best I can come up with:

"The Denver defense gelled on Monday night and will outperform the Jacksonville defense."

That's a pretty bold statement. I hope you're all proud of me. But overall, I need some help fellow Optimists! Post a comment, or a full-blown post (leave a comment if you want an invite!) and let's continue to keep the BOC alive and well.

Go Broncos.
- Peg

Very Late Monday Night Comment

2005-09-29T20:58:00.000-06:00

Can I just say that I really really really loved watching that game on Monday? What follows are 10 reasons why I will remember that Monday night game for a long time:

10. I babysat Boc and Grubmer's daughter during the game, keeping my kid occupied, so I watched a game at home with minimal interruptions.
9. Jake Plummer and Ashley Lelie finally played the way that we had hoped they would.
8. Madden and Michaels did a quick segment on Rod Smith and called him, "Mr. Bronco," because he IS the heart and soul of our team.
7. The commentators kept talking about how they thought Dick Vermeil was about to start crying.
6. I spoke to each and every member of my nuclear family (like, the one I grew up with, duh) during or directly after the game, because we're all in this together.
5. Hearing the crowd screaming IN-COM-PLETE over and over and over and over....
4. Shanahan's unneccesary challenge of Kennison's TD "incompletion" just to DENY him the pleasure, however meaningless...
3. I think that Trevor Pryce made more yardage from the Chief's holding penalties on him than any of their individual players on the offense made.
2. Madden talked about the Denver 12th man's strength, reminiscing about how the Raiders used to get booed just walking off of their bus and going into the locker rooms. To which I say, DAMN STRAIGHT!
1. WE BEAT THE CHIEFS!!!!

Downwind from Victory

2005-09-26T16:05:00.000-06:00

Scott calls from his car, on his way home from work early, to tell me that he's in the Broncos Caravan ... "Huh?" I ask. He explains that he's following the Broncos BUS down I-25. The bus is presumably loaded with players and coaches (the windows are dark so you can't see in). Scott says that each window has a Broncos emblem on it instead, so that you know the bus is full o' Broncos. So, Scott is in the trail wind of the Broncos (soon-to-be) Victory BUS. Sweet.

Did you know that Denver has won each of it's last four home games against the Chiefs? And that Denver holds a 50 - 39 lead in total games against KC (since 1960)? Did you know that dogs, and bees, and Al Wilson, can smell fear?

I anticipate that the 12th man will be in full force tonight! I'm bringing throat lozenges, just in case.

GO BRONCOS!

Fantasy vs. Optimism

2005-09-25T21:13:00.000-06:00

I wanted to call this post "Why I Don't Think I'll Ever Have a Fantasy Football Team Again," or, "How My Fantasy League Has Tarnished My Optimism," but neither of those titles are very optimistic, now, are they?
But I digress. Let me explain a little about my fantasy team. It's my first season ever participating in a fantasy football league. Apparently, I'm unbalanced in Fantasy as I probably am in Reality. You see, I have too many Broncos on my team. I chose 4 current players, and 2 former players. And they're screwing me! They are NOT putting up good numbers. Which has left my sad little team at the bottom of the league. I'm still waiting for this week's final stats, and because so many of my players are playing tomorrow night, I will have to wait until late Monday evening to see whether they justify my love or not.
But here's the test of my true optimism. Ashley Lelie is my #1 WR. I still believe he has that big game in him! Plus, I have Jason Elam. Yes, he missed a couple FGs last week, but that's sooooo not like him. He's easy stats nearly every week. And Champ? Well, I benched him last week - thought he wouldn't play. He proved me wrong. Champ is the bigger optimist than even I.
So I am READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL! A Monday night Party!!! Whoo hoo.
Look for BOC and I at the game again. God save us from those Chiefs fans. The Chiefs themselves we can handle ... Hope Vermeil doesn't cry. I'll bring tissues though, just in case.
Go Broncos!

Midweek fun

2005-09-20T20:59:00.000-06:00

For the fun of it, and while we wait (and get pysched!!!) for the big game next Monday night, I thought it might be fun for a little game. By posting a comment below, list one simple way that Broncomania makes its presence known your life.

My example?

Whenever I have to add color to a report at work (graphs, tables, etc) I always color them Orange and Blue for my favorite team.

I think my clients appreciate that. I truly do.

How have the Broncos invaded your everyday life, fellow members of the Broncos Optimists Club?

Nice Pom Poms

2005-09-19T10:30:00.000-06:00

Correction: Totally not like me, but I gave the Raiders more credit than they deserve in the post below. They are 0-2, along with the Chargers. Yeehaw! Next week's Monday night game is HUGE. I am sure that all the BOC members are thinking their most positive thoughts!

Membership Update: My other sister Bonnie is a long-distance member of the club, as well. She had this to say, "I would be thrilled to be counted among your number, but never get to actually watch a game...I don’t know if that qualifies me, but I think among optimists I rank very high. I was still a believer in the Red Sox when they were down 3-0 last year in the playoffs against the Yankees after the world’s longest most painful game. I have always carried the same beliefs into my Bronco love. I never give up... NEVER!" Welcome to the club, Beans. :-)

We Shocked the Chargers!

2005-09-19T09:48:00.000-06:00

It was a squeaker, but we'll take it. The Broncos beat the Chargers 20-17. We had a great day at the game, met some new friends, and cheered heartily. Our seats are right behind the opposing team's bench, so we're always a little dismayed to find ourselves sitting among the enemy's fans. The upside to this was that we collected all of the Bolt fan's pom poms (the Broncos left one on each seat in the stadium). We left with about 20 poms each!

The Broncos offense still didn't perform up to expectation, but the defense more than made up for it. Champ Bailey's interception was one of the high points of the game!

So, the Broncs are 1-1, along with the Raiders. SD falls to 0-2 and KC is 2-0. We meet up with KC next Monday night ... I think we'll bring them down to size, too. And tie records with them, whaddya say?

Sunday, Phlegmy Sunday

2005-09-18T09:32:00.000-06:00

My body has betrayed me! I have come down with a (fairly) miserable cold. I won't let it stop me from going to today's game, though. I think the Bronocs have a good chance to hand the Chargers their second loss of the season.

So BOC (aka Scott) and I will be on the sidelines. I'll be the one cheering like Marcel Marceau so as not to start a coughing fit.

We had dinner with my mother last night. My mom, who is a lifetime contributor to the Broncos Optimist club, had this to say about my cold and my ticket to the game ... "Well, you'll be able to soak in some extra vitamin D out in the sun during the game." Isn't she an inspiration for all Optimists? The woman just GETS it. Well, she had better! She and my dad sat through all those late 60's and early 70's games when the Broncos fans had little more to cheer for than Floyd Little and a team with a BIG heart.

Welcome new members!

Membership Update: We have 3 new members as of today. My sisters, Molly, and Kathy, and brother-in-law, Mike. Kath and Mike live in Phoenix, AZ, and spent a considerable amount of extra $$ to their cable company so that they could catch all of the Broncos games on tv this season. They are certain the $ is well spent. Molly, is the most optimistic person I know, about just about everything - so she's a shoe-in for the club.

Go Broncos!

Mile High Magic

2005-09-17T09:16:00.000-06:00

Two great things about the Chargers v. Broncos game ...

Marty Schottenheimer seems to disintigrate when he brings a team to play against the Broncos (hee hee ... remember the DRIVE? The many spankings the Chief's endured?).

The Broncos' home record! (Also - the Broncos Home OPENER record.)

Oh, and a third great thing about the Chargers v. Broncos game ... We're going to the game! Yee haw. In total, 4 of the original BOC charter members will be there. Scott, Peggy, Mitch, and Maureen. We hope to evangelize and add some new members to our fold.

More to come ... Go Broncos!

Are You Ready for Some Football? Really?

2005-09-17T08:53:00.000-06:00

Ahhh, there's nothing like an early fall morning. And there's nothing like the start of football season.

Our Broncos were 4-0 after the preseason, and the Broncos Optimists were anticipating a kick ass game against the sucky Miami Dolphins. We gathered at our clubhouse (Mitch and Maureen's house) and sat in our lucky seats, and then watched in horror as our team failed to show up. At all. Nothin' was happening.

But we watched all the way through to the painful end. How could we have lost to the Miami Dolphins? How is it that our former back-up QB (Gus Frerotte) managed to have a better game than our beloved Jake? Where were the interesting plays? The outstanding individual efforts?

This was the first game of the season. We were all disappointed, but, as our clubname suggests, optimistic nevertheless.

Here are the charter members of the Broncos Optimist Club:

Julie, President
Chris, First Man
Mitch
Maureen
Scott
Peggy
Tammy
Sean

If you wish to be a member there are two qualifying criteria:

#1 - You MUST be a die-hard Denver Broncos fan (season tickets not required)
#2 - You MUST dedicate yourself to seeing the bright side of things, even when your team SUCKS.

Go Broncos!