Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
He's back together on the Afternoon Drive show, him and
Ryan Edwards alongside my guy, Nick Ferguson and Zack Segers
back there behind the glass. Thanks to Ryan Conenisberg for
joining us earlier in the show. If you missed it,
we will post it shortly to our website Koacolorado dot com,
where you can also find Zach Seeger's latest article that
we're going to discuss coming up here in the next segment,
(00:21):
or you'll be able to find it on the free
and redesigned iHeartRadio app. We can now sit Kowa as
a preset, just like you do in your car. Also,
it's that time of year to thank a veteran, active
military remember or first responder with twenty five hundred dollars
through February First. Submit your nomination's name and they're deserving
reason for twenty five hundred dollars at Kowacolorado dot com
(00:44):
slash contests.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
It's a Heroes thank you.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
Presented by Common Spirit, Health and fix It twenty four
to seven. Nick, you're a part of this every year,
and man, those things make me cry. Like giving back
to those that sacrifice so much for our country. It's
always special. That we get to do something like that
here at KOA.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
Yeah, it's always great to be able to do that,
and what somewhat of a smile on the faces of
individuals and the idea is that you wish.
Speaker 4 (01:14):
That you can do more.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
But hey man, it's always great to be evolved with
that program and I'm looking forward to hearing what some
of those stories.
Speaker 4 (01:22):
Are this year.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Yeah, I always look forward to it and seeing Benjamin
Albright in his weird leather jacket and all those videos.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
While you and Rod Smith look so cool.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
Standing beside him, he just looks like he's out of
place but.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Don't want a good cause nonetheless.
Speaker 4 (01:37):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
Hey, By the way, you can win Broncos Jags tickets
on the KOA Instagram page right now at KOA Colorado.
We'll have another pair on Mandy's Show tomorrow and KOA
Sports around five point thirty after that, Coaches Corner going
to be giving away tickets to the Chargers game week eighteen.
Hopefully that game will mean nothing by then, because the
Broncos could possibly if they win their next two games,
(02:01):
have the number one overall seat and the AFC playoffs.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Who would have thought we'd be here a couple of
years ago.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Man, Like, it's just so crazy to me that we're
on an eleven game winning streak and we're about to
be the number one seed in the AFC playoffs, sitting
at twelve and two.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
That's wild because to start the season I had the
Broncos winning about ten games, with I guess ability to
win a couple more with a couple of injuries to opponents.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
But Ryan high right now, they went.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
With a certain level of confidence and being able to
play those games at home so viable, so important.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Yeah, and if they went out, I believe I saw
this stat earlier from Zach Stevens at DMVR. If they
went out, they'll have the longest winning streak and Broncos
franchise history, the storied history of the Broncos franchise, and
this team will have the longest winning streak ever if
they win.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
The rest of their regular season games.
Speaker 4 (02:59):
I'd tell you what, man, that is something.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
Not to beat an EyeT No, man, that's incredible.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
Yes, bo Nicks Actually, yesterday, I believe was talking about
just what it takes to win at this level and
how thankful he is to be a part of this team.
Speaker 5 (03:16):
The great thing about wins is it's a team awards,
So I think when is the ultimate sign of how
your team's doing. And I guess, you know, for for me,
you know, I got a sign that we got a
really good team that that I'm on in so I
wouldn't you know, I've been able to do it without
the guys in the locker room. It sounds cliche, but seriously,
I don't play defense, I don't play special teams. I
(03:38):
don't block, I don't catch the ball, and so guys
around me have to do their job and they've been
able to do it for for two years and we've
made the most of it. We've gone on a good
run this year and you know, we hope to finish
it out strong and that's what we're pursuing. And you know,
record or not, I think it just shows that, you know,
the Broncos have had a lot of wins the last
couple of years, and that's all that matters.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Man bo Knicks is just like says all the right things,
does all the right things. I think it's really cool
that he is the guy for the Broncos. It's just
a special time to be a fan in Broncos country
and seekers You wrote your article this week at KOA
Colorado dot com talking about how there's three offensive young
stars that are propelling Denver to the championship contention, and
(04:23):
bo Nicks, of course one of them.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
After that huge game against the Packers, absolutely, I think
that demonstrated so much growth from him, and I thought
the point you and Nick were laying out in the
first star was so dead on. I think his ability
to start dialing up that aggression. You know, you don't
want to be Jameis Winston and just throwing up, you know,
lollipops looking right, But you know, Bo Nicks is I
(04:49):
think every quarterback in the NFL there's maybe one or
two throws a game where you're maybe a little lucky
you got away with it. The thing is, I think,
you know, bo Nix has generally aired on conservative side
of things and maybe playing a little safe, and it's
really really worked out. But if you start dialing in
that aggressiveness you saw against the Packers, I just think
(05:11):
the ratio becomes better where yeah, maybe you have those
same two three throws that you were maybe lucky to
get away with. I think bow Knicks had those most weeks.
The difference here wasn't those two to three throws. It
was the nine to ten you know, elite level, you know,
all pro level throws he made. They get you so excited.
And if you're gonna the AFC playoffs feel a little open.
(05:34):
But if you're gonna win the Super Bowl, like look
at the Rams and Seahawks playing right now, you're going
to need a quarterback to hit some tough plays. And
I think bo Nix is really showing you signs of that,
really dating back to the Cowboys game.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Yeah, And I think this was the game for everyone
in the national media that said, oh, you don't win
because of this, or you don't win with this guy.
You win because of this guy and some of these
elite games. Eight explosive against a defense for the Packers
that was, you know, top ten in the league.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
And he's going out there and making plays that you
don't see your average quarterback make.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
Like I said to Nick earlier, like he's making plays
that you see the elite three or four guys around
the league make.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
If you blurred everything out and put it on like
a black and white filter, I think you could, especially
like the one where he's reversing field, rolling right, going back,
you could have tricked anybody into believing, oh, this is
a Patrick Mahomes highlight, or you know, whatever it may be.
I think it's really remarkable the kway Walker when you
were talking about earlier, where he threw it right by
(06:35):
his ear hole. That was an amazing throw. It's incredibly promising,
and I really think again we're if you go back
to you know, since that Cowboys game, he's had two
shaky performances, one against the Texans defense, which we all
know is very elite, and pretty damn good week against
the Raiders, which you know, maybe you can write off
with it being a short week. But in that same span,
(06:56):
I think three different times we said that's the best
game of Bonix's career. I think we set it after
the Cowboys game, then we set it after the Chiefs win.
And I think we're saying it again and rightfully so
after that Packers game. And that That's what has me
so excited, is it really seems like things are starting
to slow down. From Joe Lombardi talked about how much
his footwork's improved over the last month. I'm really excited
(07:18):
with what we're seeing.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
Yeah, Joe Lombardi also talked about if this was the
best game from bo Nix earlier today.
Speaker 6 (07:24):
Certainly coming out of the game, I felt that way,
and then yeah, he put the you played really well,
made plays when we needed them, told the receivers, I
think that's one of the better games I've ever been
a part of from a receiver room. The way they
capped the ball obviously, and the blocking. I thought that
was a very physical secondary and those.
Speaker 4 (07:45):
Guys did a really good job.
Speaker 6 (07:48):
And even guys that maybe didn't show up on the
stat sheet, they were just big plays that they made,
and so everyone contributed and that allows the quarterback to
play well.
Speaker 4 (07:58):
So yeah, we're real.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Had as he should be very happy with it.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
He mentioned some plays from some unsung heroes like Little
Jordan Humphrey who was on KOA Sports earlier today.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
Michael Bandy with.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
His first career touchdown pass or reception from bow Knicks,
and I thought it was really cool after that play
how Courtland Sutton ran down and grabbed the ball for
Michael Bandy. But the reliable guy for bon Knicks again
reference in your article at Kowacolorado dot com, Troy Franklin
going back to their time in Oregon together, he really
seems like he's becoming the reliable target for Bonnicks when
(08:32):
he's scrambling or on schedule.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Place. Yeah, that chemistry or that time they have working
together dating back, I think really shows up in those moments,
which is surprising considering how good Sutton is at the
catch point and how shaky Franklin has been sometimes. But
I think Bo has that strongest mental connection with Franklin
where he knows when and where Franklin's gonna be and
(08:55):
if Franklin can start hauling those passes in it's he
could be out producing Cortland Sutton this season. He's one
of sixteen on his deep targets. He's the second most
targeted receiver in the league on deep balls. He's only
caught one of them, which is crazy, which is wild,
And then he's got nearly as many targets just overall
as Sutton on the season, and the production hasn't been there.
(09:18):
But against the Packers, I think you saw so much
to feel excited about with him because it was him
making those difficult grabs. Everyone's talking about how great the
throw was from Bo Nicks on the touchdown the Troy
Franklin touched on and it was fantastic, But that Troy
Franklin grab was pretty dang sweet too, and he got
robbed of a score he should have had. Another was
(09:39):
not down on that play. Ridiculous that they whistled that down.
You should always air on the side of not whistling.
And because you can always review it and down them,
you can't give him the touchdown retroactively. But alas you know,
I thought a really great performance from him, And you know,
outside of Sutton, you don't have that difference making weapon
right now. And I think for the Broncos to pull
(10:00):
off a championship run and get away with that formula,
you're going to need all the supporting characters, all the
supporting roles to really step up and have great showings.
We've started to see that from Pap Bryan over the
last month of now Franklin.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
And Pat Bryant looks like he will be back for
this game against the Jags. Here's the one touchdown that
did count for Troy Franklin. That catch you are referencing
Dave Logan's call from Sunday.
Speaker 7 (10:24):
Bo takes a snap Foreman pressure bow climbs the pocket,
throws the ball to the end zone, touchdown Denver Troy
Franklin bo Nix's fourth touchdown pass of the game. Great
anticipation on that one. Franklin goes high above his helmet
with two hands to snag the ball four yards deep
(10:47):
in the south end zone and Denver is in front
twenty seven to twenty three.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
And I didn't realize this until I read your article
at Koacolorado dot com. Six targets, six complete to Troy
Franklin from bow Nick's perfect passer rating, Like that's the
reliability we've been looking for. Like, yes, we've seen it
in spurts from Troy Franklin, but he's missed a lot
of those contested catches. But he seemed to bring those
in and get in the win against the Packers.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
And I think that's also what's so frustrating about Franklin
is he's got all the other elements of a receiver.
Not to say he's, you know, like the Megatron or anything,
but he is an excellent separator. He's got great speed,
he can be dangerous after the catch. You know, now
that he's filled out his frame a little bit, he's
not as messed up by contact as he was as
(11:36):
a rookie, and yet still the shakiness with him hauling
in some of those more difficult to make catches. I
think that's the one last you know, infinity gym he
has to throw in there, and then I just think
he'll be such a dangerous weapon for this Broncos offense.
But him unlocking that last piece is you know, the
(11:58):
gap between him being a number three, number four target
in this offense and him being you know, maybe the
future number one replacement for Courtland Sutton down the line.
It's catching the football. It's big at the wide receiver position.
It's a big it's a big part of the role.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
And that's one thing that you always know you can
count on with Courtland Sutton as those tough, contesting catches.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
A guy that.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
Didn't really stand out on the stat sheet is your
third young offensive star propelling Denver to a championship run.
Speaker 8 (12:25):
R J.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
Harvey, it seems like he's kind of found his groove
in these last couple of weeks. Of course, he leads
all rookies with ten touchdowns on the year, but it
seems like he's really filled into that role with JK.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
Dobbins out and it's starting to slow down for him
as a runner, I think, which is so important. The
pass catching stuff has been there all season, but with
Dobbins out, they need him to carry maybe not half
the offense, but a good hunk the hunked that bo
Nix isn't carrying, and you don't want to put the
entire attack on Bo's shoulders, you know, Harvey's the problem
(12:58):
with him is he's been so boom and bust war
bust early on in his career, but these past few
weeks he started to become a little more reliable down
to down. Over these past three weeks, he's got a
fifty three percent rushing success rate, which would be like
fourth or fifth if you could do it over the
course of the entire season. Kyn Williams right now playing
for the Rams tonight, has a fifty four percent rushing
(13:21):
success rate. He's leading the NFL in that category. So RJ.
Harven getting more of that down to down consistency. The
explosives haven't come yet, but we all see, you know
how special he is athletically. I don't think those are
too far around the corner, and he's got a feel
for finding that end zone.
Speaker 4 (13:37):
Man Nicks pass's right side, Harvey. Harvey makes a cutch into.
Speaker 7 (13:41):
The goal line, touchdown Denver r J. Harvey Putish flipped
the ground that time and powered his way into the
north end Zoe. That was seven to twenty seven, left
Denver ahead now thirty three twenty six.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Saquan is the only other running back in NFL history
with this many running touchdowns, this many receiving touchdowns in
their in their rookie campaign. That's a good company right there.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
I mentioned earlier how great the time it is to
be a Colorado sports fan. This was Courtland Sutton talking
earlier today about why he thinks it's their time, the Broncos,
time to bring home a championship to Denver and have
their parade.
Speaker 9 (14:23):
I've got a chance to talk to a couple of
Nugget Nuggets players and you know, I tell him, you know,
it's it's it's our turn.
Speaker 4 (14:28):
To bring, you know, a parade.
Speaker 9 (14:30):
To the city and you know, the apps of abs
of one the stand the cup. Recently, you know, the
Nuggets have won the NBA Finals recently, and you know,
we unfortunately haven't had success since twenty fifteen, and so
you know, we feel it's our turn. It's our turn
to do our part for the city in terms of,
you know, keeping the winning tradition going, in terms of
(14:52):
the sports is going on throughout the city. Man, the boys,
them boys playing some great, great ball and great hockey,
and you know, it's excited to be a part of.
And I know people around the United States have definitely
shot that. You know, the state of Colorado bumping right now.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
The State of Colorado definitely bumping right now. What the hell,
let's have three parades this year in Denver. You're listening
to Broncos Country to night on KOA.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
Ferguson had to step out for a second, but he'll
be back in here shortly.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
Alongside my guy, Zach Seegers behind the glass. We were
talking about his great article up at KOA Colorado.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
Dot com in the last segment.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
If you miss that, you can find the full thing
Koacolorado dot com. It's about how there are three young
offensive stars propelling Denver to championship contention. A lot of
great stuff in there, links to the highlights of the
plazy references.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
Very professionally done, young Zack Seegers. Very nice. I try
and take Ryan Edwards example, wherever I can you know
that the preparation in your example, the preparation Benjamin al
Brights just wing it. I follow his inspiration when it
comes to being a wet blanket and pick it against
the Broncos and being wrong. I saw you picked.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
Against the Broncos once again, had the Packers winning, but
a lot of the national media did.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
To be fair.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
This was Garrett Bowles talking about the haters on k
WA Sports. He's on the show every Tuesday at three o'clock.
Speaker 2 (16:21):
This is what he had to say.
Speaker 8 (16:23):
And everyone's going to talk, and everyone's gonna say this
and that, and people are going to doubt us, besides
the people that are here in this in the state
that follows this team, and you know, to be honest
with you, like let's let's let the doubt us doubt
and let the haters hate, and you know, to be honest,
I mean, you can't take away a twelve or two
record and let in game win streak Like that's just
physically impossible. Like it doesn't matter what sports.
Speaker 10 (16:45):
Are in winning that many games in a row.
Speaker 8 (16:47):
I mean, if you look at what the apps are doing,
you look at what the nudgets are doing, Like look
at what we're doing like we're obviously a sports down
and we obviously, you know, you look at all three
of our teams, we're all doubted and no matter what,
no matter what we play in and.
Speaker 4 (16:58):
Sure it is what it is.
Speaker 8 (17:00):
Obviously, you know, the Broncos are you know, the face
of the city, in the face of you know, the
Colorado and you know, we we understand that. But we
just go about our business. Man. I mean, obviously, when
we win, we like to jab back a little bit
and just say, hey, look at me, now, look look
what we're doing. And that's just the nature of this business.
But at the same day, you know, when that game's
overwhaw on to the next. We're focusing on the next.
The critics are going to say what the critics want,
(17:20):
and we're just going to focus on each other. And
you know, at the end of the at the end
of the year, we're going to look back and realize
what we have to do, what we did to get
to where we wanted to go. And you know, the
job's not done yet. You know, we still got a
lot of work to do. We got a big time
game this coming up Sunday. We got to focus on that.
But We're just gonna do what we got to do
and let the let the ball flies were flies.
Speaker 1 (17:43):
Let the haters hate, and let the doubters doubt. Garrett
Bowles on KO Sports every Tuesday.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
I think it's cool. We played the sound from Courtland
Sutton in the last.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
Segment and he was talking about how he had chatted
with some Nuggets players and the ads off to an
amazing start. I think they have like two regulation losses
so far this year for place in the NHL, Nuggets
off to a historic start at nineteen and six, and
the Broncos riding the eleven game win streak, first place
in the AFC. I think it's cool how aware the
Broncos players are of like how special a sports city
(18:14):
Denver is right now.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
It's cool to see that luster back here in Denver
because it you know, we're not that far removed from
you know, the Avs being the worst team in the league,
the Broncos being in quarterback purgatory, and you know, the
Nuggets being pre Yokic kind of just rudderless and lost.
And now you look at all three franchises are in
(18:37):
this you know, Golden era respectively. You know, the Broncos
are having great success in the future looks tremendously bright.
I think an underrated element to the success they're having
right now. The most highly paid player on their books
this year, Russell Wilson, not even on the team still
and by a wide margin two he's like thirty million,
(18:58):
I think. But Glinchy are Bulls is next up at nineteen.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
Isn't it funny how that was like such a huge
talking point last year, you know, like the caphead or
Russell Wilson. It seems like everyone has forgotten about it
this year because of the success that the Broncos have
had on the field.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
It's amazing, And that money's gonna show up next year. Like, yes,
some of it went to Zach Allen and Nick Benito
and everything, but this front office has been really smart
in their contract structures. A lot of that money's backloaded.
They're going to be able to spend this offseason and
you know, maybe that means free agents, but they are
I think more than any other team when you look
(19:33):
at their draft war chest, which could get even richer
with Vance Joseph potentially getting hired as a head coach.
I think they're going to be very aggressive in adding
a potential like offensive superstar to the mix.
Speaker 1 (19:47):
Yeah, maybe somebody like Justin Jefferson, who seems pretty fed
up there in Minnesota.
Speaker 2 (19:52):
If he becomes available, I think there are very few
teams that could outbid the Broncos. I feel like cold
be the Broncos and the Patriot, and Sean Payton is
nothing if not aggressive. He probably win that bidding war.
Speaker 1 (20:06):
Yeah, And I think you know, we talk about Sean
Payton all the time, and rightly so, because you know
it was it was rough with Nathaniel Hackett and the
coaches before him, and even in advance Joseph's first tenure.
But George peyton Man is the mastermind behind all of this,
you know, managing an ego like Sean Payton's and still
being able to get the guys he wants in here
(20:27):
and hitting more often than not. In free agency and
in the draft, you look at the last couple of
drafts and like, all these dudes are still on our
roster or playing somewhere else in the league. And then
you bring in a couple of guys like Hafunga and
Greenlaw who obviously the other teams wanted them, but.
Speaker 2 (20:43):
They had some injury history.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
You know, there were some questions about them, but I
think this Broncos defense has gone to another level. Like albeit,
we were good last year, but we have a different
mentality on the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
With guys like Huff and Greenlaw. It's changed the defense.
It's given them the attitude, the the toughness I think
they really needed. You look at you know, playing a
Packers team that can really run on you when they
want to. And Josh Shacobs, I know he had the
injury designation all week. He looked great in that game.
That catch was unreal. Uh he always goes off against
(21:18):
the Broncos. It feels like but I think last year
you look at them go up against similar teams where
that like hard nosed run game was their identity, and
they got bowled over. They got bowled over by the Ravens,
they got ran all over by the Bills in the playoffs.
Then I think that still, you know, is an area
where this defense could stand to improve some. But they
have made leaps and bounds and I think the physicality
(21:41):
who Fonga brings in Greenlaw brings is the number one
reason why, Like, look at the first I forget if
it was third down or fourth down the Packers ad
where they pitch it out to Josh Jacobs and Hufanga
blows up the tight end and tackles Josh with one
diving motion. I don't know if I've ever seen a
more effective blow up of like a toss or a
(22:02):
pitch play before in my life. He we could maybe
be I mean, no one probably would challenge Miles Garrett
for Defensive Player of the Year this year, but we'd
at least maybe have a conversation about it with Hufanga
if he caught two or three of those walk in
defensive Sestementary eight that have hit.
Speaker 1 (22:19):
Him in the hands and he just falls to his
knees afterwards. But I mean, I guess that's the reason
he's a safety instead of a wide receiver and he
can deliver the blows.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
This was that hit you were talking about.
Speaker 7 (22:30):
Third down one toss left side and knocked off his
feet and short of the first down.
Speaker 4 (22:35):
Is Josh Jacobs.
Speaker 7 (22:36):
That was Talanoah whu Funga and we've got an injured
Green Bay player down. Whu Funga came flying up, took
one of the blockers off his feet and that was
not a low block at all by Hufunga. That was
Josh Wiley to tie it in who Hufunga basically ran
right through his face and knocked Wiley back into Josh Jacobs.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Wiley is still down, hurt.
Speaker 1 (23:03):
The player that is blocking you, and make the tackle
for a.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Loss on the play.
Speaker 1 (23:07):
I mean, Nick and I were talking about Troy Polamalu
earlier in the show, and like Helfunka reminds you of that,
he's just like everywhere he needs to be all the time. Yes,
he's gonna make some mistakes, but he's going all out
all the time.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Well, there's a good chance, you know, this is his
fifth year in the NFL. There's a good chance he's
a two time All Pro safety after this year. And
I think that captures his ability so well. He got
at the one time in San Francisco. In the other
three years, you know, he was either just getting started
out as rookie or kind of banged up in and
out with injury. And now you're seeing him fully healthy
(23:42):
all year in a defense that can support him and
put him in great positions to succeed. And having him,
honestly is part of the reason why I think You're
not so worried about PJ. Locke having to step up
for Brandon Jones as you feel like he's got such
great support in that secondary with you know, not just Ufanga,
but Moss and certain and McMillan and even Jade Barrett
(24:05):
if he gets in the mix.
Speaker 1 (24:06):
Yeah, we've seen jadd A barn like in his limited
role for the Broncos this year. A lot of people
are saying, man, why are you drafting that guy in
the first round.
Speaker 2 (24:13):
If you're not going to use them more?
Speaker 1 (24:14):
But I think he's fitting nicely when he's needed to, like,
and that's that's a luxury that the Broncos have, is
a lot of depth on the in the secondary and
j Mack, you know, he has Everyone was talking about like, hey,
his role is going to be diminished because Baron got drafted,
but he has proven himself over and over again this year.
And it's just been hard for Baron to get on
the field. But when he has, he's made some plays.
(24:37):
Like it's not like he's a wasted first round pick.
He's going to become very valuable in the future for
this Broncos team.
Speaker 2 (24:43):
And everyone needs quarterbacks except the Broncos. It's great. I
haven't loved how heavy they've been at that one position,
but even I have to admit it's kind of benefited
them in the moments like this, where you have a
guy with like Johday Bart who's played all these different positions.
If things go wrong with pj Lo, he seems like
a viable option to try back there at safety because
(25:04):
he played everywhere at Texas. He was all over the field.
I think even played safety his first year starting at Texas,
so he's got some background there. Was coached up by
Van s Chosis brothers, so I imagine there's some connective
tissue there at least in terms of the technique and whatnot,
and you should be able to pick it up if
he had to. But you look at everyone, like the
(25:24):
best rosters in the league, the Rams, they're glaring Achilles
heel is their tiny cornerbacks who can get picked on.
The Seahawks even like they have some questions about their
boundary corners. The Philadelphia Eagles, even they are kind of
shaky on the one spy You've got Mitchellan and Dejean,
(25:44):
but that other boundary spot is where every other team
is attacking them. And the Patriots. You've got Christian Gonzalez,
You've got a lot of other week links that every
other team in the league keeps picking on in those matchups.
The Broncos are one of very few, if not the only,
teams where you don't have that spot you can target
consistently in the passing game.
Speaker 1 (26:02):
Yeah, and I mean you have PS two, your defensive
player of the year from last year go out, and
the Broncos defense held their own in every game he
was out. They do have a tall test this weekend
against the Jaguars. I've scored. I think I saw the
stat from you when I was out. I was looking
at the rundown from KOA Sports yesterday. Twenty five plus
points and seven straight games.
Speaker 2 (26:23):
I mean, that's no small feat.
Speaker 1 (26:25):
In the NFL Vance, Joseph earlier today talked about facing
off against Trevor Lawrence coming off that six touchdown performance
in the entire Jags offense.
Speaker 10 (26:34):
He's playing very well, you know, obviously after watching Love play,
you know, for a weekend, you know what our film
study didn't watching his player play. I mean, it's it's equal.
You know, they're both super talented, they're both really well coached,
you know, That's what I instantly see with both offense.
They're both very coach very well coached. He's playing well.
(26:54):
I mean he's so talented, his voice, he can make
every single row. You know, he has speed to outrun
free runners. You know, he can avoid free runners with
you know, giving ground the game ground. He's putting them
in the right place. So he's playing at a high level.
He's got a lot of targets, tight end receivers. The
back eatn is playing at a high level. Also an
(27:15):
old line again, man, I mean it's a really good one.
They play well together. Is very few free runners with pressure,
so it's really crazy. It looks like, you know, almost
like Green Bay. It's the same family of coaches. Obviously
some of the concepts are very similar. But they're both
playing at a high level. And the last four weeks
he's been really hot. So it's going to be a
(27:36):
challenge for us. Again. You know, we like it. You know,
we love the challenges, and you know we're ready for it.
Speaker 1 (27:44):
Seems like the Broncos defense is ready for every challenge.
That vance Joseph talking about facing off against Trevor Lawrence
and the Jags offense, and I saw a quote earlier
this year about Trevor Lawrence. I forget who it was
from what it was like, he's the worst good quarterback
in the NFL. But it's certainly been a lot more
good than bad recently for Trevor Lawrence and Broncos.
Speaker 2 (28:04):
Are going to have a test on their hands a Sunday.
Speaker 4 (28:07):
The worst good quarterback?
Speaker 2 (28:09):
Yeah, how does that even make any said?
Speaker 1 (28:11):
It made sense to me, like he just has so
many moments where you're like, what is this guy even
looking at?
Speaker 2 (28:16):
But then he goes off for six touchdowns last week?
Speaker 3 (28:19):
Yeah, yeah, last week was crazy because he led the
team in rushing right, and he's done that more than
once this season, and it's just kind of like this
upside down for real when you think about Liam Cohen
and the Jackson Jad Wars, because no one ever expected
them to be where they are right now. And the
(28:39):
idea is that you draft Travis Hunter and it was like, well,
we don't really know what this team is going to be,
and then all of a sudden they trade for Jacobe Myers,
who has been really impressive.
Speaker 2 (28:50):
Just got a new deal today, three year, sixty million.
Speaker 4 (28:53):
So think about this, So you are Jacoby Myers.
Speaker 3 (28:56):
You're with the Raiders all is long, all his loss
in the football world, and all of a sudden, the
football God said, We're gonna shine light upon thee and
we're gonna take you from the Las Vegas and put
you in Jacksonville. And Jacksonville is not a really large
market when you think about where Jacoby Myers played, you know,
(29:19):
days in New England and then also joined the Raiders.
But he plays well enough in a short sample size
that they give him like a three year, sixty million
dollar deal. And when you watch both he and Trevor
Lawrence play, the chemistry that they have, I mean it
shines right through right away. I was watching the Jets
(29:41):
game from last week and the way that they move
him around and they.
Speaker 4 (29:45):
Get him the ball.
Speaker 3 (29:47):
And I shouldn't say they more or less Trevor Lawrence.
There is a chemistry there.
Speaker 4 (29:51):
So I don't know.
Speaker 3 (29:53):
I would just say that maybe PS two will get
that duty of Coba covering Jacoby Myers, but is It's
really interesting what this Jacksonville Jaguars team has done in
a short peoter time.
Speaker 1 (30:04):
And we got one of my favorite Broncos of all
time also making noise for the Jaguars. Tim Patrick has
come up with lutch plays for them. He's like Zach
and I were talking about Quota and Sutton earlier and
about how he's just so reliable, And that's the same
way I look at Tim Patrick, like you.
Speaker 2 (30:19):
Throw him the ball, He's going to catch the damn ball.
Speaker 4 (30:21):
Well, here's the other thing about that too.
Speaker 3 (30:23):
The one thing that players love to do is to
have a little getback against their former team.
Speaker 4 (30:30):
Yeah, and you.
Speaker 3 (30:30):
Got to think about it, Timmy patt is still not
happy about how he left the team.
Speaker 4 (30:35):
I know Coach Patin talked about it earlier this week
that you.
Speaker 3 (30:38):
Know that was a tough decision and even they were
not happy about what happened. But this is the business
of football and if you play long enough, you get
a chance to redeem yourself against your former team.
Speaker 2 (30:49):
Hopefully he doesn't redeem himself too much.
Speaker 1 (30:51):
One thing we're happy about is Bri masis joined us next.
Get our thoughts on the big win over the Packers
and preview the Jags coming up next on Broncos Country
Tonight on k o A
He's back together on the Afternoon Drive show, him and
Ryan Edwards alongside my guy, Nick Ferguson and Zack Segers
back there behind the glass. Thanks to Ryan Conenisberg for
joining us earlier in the show. If you missed it,
we will post it shortly to our website Koacolorado dot com,
where you can also find Zach Seeger's latest article that
we're going to discuss coming up here in the next segment,
(00:21):
or you'll be able to find it on the free
and redesigned iHeartRadio app. We can now sit Kowa as
a preset, just like you do in your car. Also,
it's that time of year to thank a veteran, active
military remember or first responder with twenty five hundred dollars
through February First. Submit your nomination's name and they're deserving
reason for twenty five hundred dollars at Kowacolorado dot com
(00:44):
slash contests.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
It's a Heroes thank you.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
Presented by Common Spirit, Health and fix It twenty four
to seven. Nick, you're a part of this every year,
and man, those things make me cry. Like giving back
to those that sacrifice so much for our country. It's
always special. That we get to do something like that
here at KOA.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
Yeah, it's always great to be able to do that,
and what somewhat of a smile on the faces of
individuals and the idea is that you wish.
Speaker 4 (01:14):
That you can do more.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
But hey man, it's always great to be evolved with
that program and I'm looking forward to hearing what some
of those stories.
Speaker 4 (01:22):
Are this year.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Yeah, I always look forward to it and seeing Benjamin
Albright in his weird leather jacket and all those videos.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
While you and Rod Smith look so cool.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
Standing beside him, he just looks like he's out of
place but.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Don't want a good cause nonetheless.
Speaker 4 (01:37):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
Hey, By the way, you can win Broncos Jags tickets
on the KOA Instagram page right now at KOA Colorado.
We'll have another pair on Mandy's Show tomorrow and KOA
Sports around five point thirty after that, Coaches Corner going
to be giving away tickets to the Chargers game week eighteen.
Hopefully that game will mean nothing by then, because the
Broncos could possibly if they win their next two games,
(02:01):
have the number one overall seat and the AFC playoffs.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Who would have thought we'd be here a couple of
years ago.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Man, Like, it's just so crazy to me that we're
on an eleven game winning streak and we're about to
be the number one seed in the AFC playoffs, sitting
at twelve and two.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
That's wild because to start the season I had the
Broncos winning about ten games, with I guess ability to
win a couple more with a couple of injuries to opponents.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
But Ryan high right now, they went.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
With a certain level of confidence and being able to
play those games at home so viable, so important.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Yeah, and if they went out, I believe I saw
this stat earlier from Zach Stevens at DMVR. If they
went out, they'll have the longest winning streak and Broncos
franchise history, the storied history of the Broncos franchise, and
this team will have the longest winning streak ever if
they win.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
The rest of their regular season games.
Speaker 4 (02:59):
I'd tell you what, man, that is something.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
Not to beat an EyeT No, man, that's incredible.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
Yes, bo Nicks Actually, yesterday, I believe was talking about
just what it takes to win at this level and
how thankful he is to be a part of this team.
Speaker 5 (03:16):
The great thing about wins is it's a team awards,
So I think when is the ultimate sign of how
your team's doing. And I guess, you know, for for me,
you know, I got a sign that we got a
really good team that that I'm on in so I
wouldn't you know, I've been able to do it without
the guys in the locker room. It sounds cliche, but seriously,
I don't play defense, I don't play special teams. I
(03:38):
don't block, I don't catch the ball, and so guys
around me have to do their job and they've been
able to do it for for two years and we've
made the most of it. We've gone on a good
run this year and you know, we hope to finish
it out strong and that's what we're pursuing. And you know,
record or not, I think it just shows that, you know,
the Broncos have had a lot of wins the last
couple of years, and that's all that matters.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Man bo Knicks is just like says all the right things,
does all the right things. I think it's really cool
that he is the guy for the Broncos. It's just
a special time to be a fan in Broncos country
and seekers You wrote your article this week at KOA
Colorado dot com talking about how there's three offensive young
stars that are propelling Denver to the championship contention, and
(04:23):
bo Nicks, of course one of them.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
After that huge game against the Packers, absolutely, I think
that demonstrated so much growth from him, and I thought
the point you and Nick were laying out in the
first star was so dead on. I think his ability
to start dialing up that aggression. You know, you don't
want to be Jameis Winston and just throwing up, you know,
lollipops looking right, But you know, Bo Nicks is I
(04:49):
think every quarterback in the NFL there's maybe one or
two throws a game where you're maybe a little lucky
you got away with it. The thing is, I think,
you know, bo Nix has generally aired on conservative side
of things and maybe playing a little safe, and it's
really really worked out. But if you start dialing in
that aggressiveness you saw against the Packers, I just think
(05:11):
the ratio becomes better where yeah, maybe you have those
same two three throws that you were maybe lucky to
get away with. I think bow Knicks had those most weeks.
The difference here wasn't those two to three throws. It
was the nine to ten you know, elite level, you know,
all pro level throws he made. They get you so excited.
And if you're gonna the AFC playoffs feel a little open.
(05:34):
But if you're gonna win the Super Bowl, like look
at the Rams and Seahawks playing right now, you're going
to need a quarterback to hit some tough plays. And
I think bo Nix is really showing you signs of that,
really dating back to the Cowboys game.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Yeah, And I think this was the game for everyone
in the national media that said, oh, you don't win
because of this, or you don't win with this guy.
You win because of this guy and some of these
elite games. Eight explosive against a defense for the Packers
that was, you know, top ten in the league.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
And he's going out there and making plays that you
don't see your average quarterback make.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
Like I said to Nick earlier, like he's making plays
that you see the elite three or four guys around
the league make.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
If you blurred everything out and put it on like
a black and white filter, I think you could, especially
like the one where he's reversing field, rolling right, going back,
you could have tricked anybody into believing, oh, this is
a Patrick Mahomes highlight, or you know, whatever it may be.
I think it's really remarkable the kway Walker when you
were talking about earlier, where he threw it right by
(06:35):
his ear hole. That was an amazing throw. It's incredibly promising,
and I really think again we're if you go back
to you know, since that Cowboys game, he's had two
shaky performances, one against the Texans defense, which we all
know is very elite, and pretty damn good week against
the Raiders, which you know, maybe you can write off
with it being a short week. But in that same span,
(06:56):
I think three different times we said that's the best
game of Bonix's career. I think we set it after
the Cowboys game, then we set it after the Chiefs win.
And I think we're saying it again and rightfully so
after that Packers game. And that That's what has me
so excited, is it really seems like things are starting
to slow down. From Joe Lombardi talked about how much
his footwork's improved over the last month. I'm really excited
(07:18):
with what we're seeing.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
Yeah, Joe Lombardi also talked about if this was the
best game from bo Nix earlier today.
Speaker 6 (07:24):
Certainly coming out of the game, I felt that way,
and then yeah, he put the you played really well,
made plays when we needed them, told the receivers, I
think that's one of the better games I've ever been
a part of from a receiver room. The way they
capped the ball obviously, and the blocking. I thought that
was a very physical secondary and those.
Speaker 4 (07:45):
Guys did a really good job.
Speaker 6 (07:48):
And even guys that maybe didn't show up on the
stat sheet, they were just big plays that they made,
and so everyone contributed and that allows the quarterback to
play well.
Speaker 4 (07:58):
So yeah, we're real.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Had as he should be very happy with it.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
He mentioned some plays from some unsung heroes like Little
Jordan Humphrey who was on KOA Sports earlier today.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
Michael Bandy with.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
His first career touchdown pass or reception from bow Knicks,
and I thought it was really cool after that play
how Courtland Sutton ran down and grabbed the ball for
Michael Bandy. But the reliable guy for bon Knicks again
reference in your article at Kowacolorado dot com, Troy Franklin
going back to their time in Oregon together, he really
seems like he's becoming the reliable target for Bonnicks when
(08:32):
he's scrambling or on schedule.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Place. Yeah, that chemistry or that time they have working
together dating back, I think really shows up in those moments,
which is surprising considering how good Sutton is at the
catch point and how shaky Franklin has been sometimes. But
I think Bo has that strongest mental connection with Franklin
where he knows when and where Franklin's gonna be and
(08:55):
if Franklin can start hauling those passes in it's he
could be out producing Cortland Sutton this season. He's one
of sixteen on his deep targets. He's the second most
targeted receiver in the league on deep balls. He's only
caught one of them, which is crazy, which is wild,
And then he's got nearly as many targets just overall
as Sutton on the season, and the production hasn't been there.
(09:18):
But against the Packers, I think you saw so much
to feel excited about with him because it was him
making those difficult grabs. Everyone's talking about how great the
throw was from Bo Nicks on the touchdown the Troy
Franklin touched on and it was fantastic, But that Troy
Franklin grab was pretty dang sweet too, and he got
robbed of a score he should have had. Another was
(09:39):
not down on that play. Ridiculous that they whistled that down.
You should always air on the side of not whistling.
And because you can always review it and down them,
you can't give him the touchdown retroactively. But alas you know,
I thought a really great performance from him, And you know,
outside of Sutton, you don't have that difference making weapon
right now. And I think for the Broncos to pull
(10:00):
off a championship run and get away with that formula,
you're going to need all the supporting characters, all the
supporting roles to really step up and have great showings.
We've started to see that from Pap Bryan over the
last month of now Franklin.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
And Pat Bryant looks like he will be back for
this game against the Jags. Here's the one touchdown that
did count for Troy Franklin. That catch you are referencing
Dave Logan's call from Sunday.
Speaker 7 (10:24):
Bo takes a snap Foreman pressure bow climbs the pocket,
throws the ball to the end zone, touchdown Denver Troy
Franklin bo Nix's fourth touchdown pass of the game. Great
anticipation on that one. Franklin goes high above his helmet
with two hands to snag the ball four yards deep
(10:47):
in the south end zone and Denver is in front
twenty seven to twenty three.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
And I didn't realize this until I read your article
at Koacolorado dot com. Six targets, six complete to Troy
Franklin from bow Nick's perfect passer rating, Like that's the
reliability we've been looking for. Like, yes, we've seen it
in spurts from Troy Franklin, but he's missed a lot
of those contested catches. But he seemed to bring those
in and get in the win against the Packers.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
And I think that's also what's so frustrating about Franklin
is he's got all the other elements of a receiver.
Not to say he's, you know, like the Megatron or anything,
but he is an excellent separator. He's got great speed,
he can be dangerous after the catch. You know, now
that he's filled out his frame a little bit, he's
not as messed up by contact as he was as
(11:36):
a rookie, and yet still the shakiness with him hauling
in some of those more difficult to make catches. I
think that's the one last you know, infinity gym he
has to throw in there, and then I just think
he'll be such a dangerous weapon for this Broncos offense.
But him unlocking that last piece is you know, the
(11:58):
gap between him being a number three, number four target
in this offense and him being you know, maybe the
future number one replacement for Courtland Sutton down the line.
It's catching the football. It's big at the wide receiver position.
It's a big it's a big part of the role.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
And that's one thing that you always know you can
count on with Courtland Sutton as those tough, contesting catches.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
A guy that.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
Didn't really stand out on the stat sheet is your
third young offensive star propelling Denver to a championship run.
Speaker 8 (12:25):
R J.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
Harvey, it seems like he's kind of found his groove
in these last couple of weeks. Of course, he leads
all rookies with ten touchdowns on the year, but it
seems like he's really filled into that role with JK.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
Dobbins out and it's starting to slow down for him
as a runner, I think, which is so important. The
pass catching stuff has been there all season, but with
Dobbins out, they need him to carry maybe not half
the offense, but a good hunk the hunked that bo
Nix isn't carrying, and you don't want to put the
entire attack on Bo's shoulders, you know, Harvey's the problem
(12:58):
with him is he's been so boom and bust war
bust early on in his career, but these past few
weeks he started to become a little more reliable down
to down. Over these past three weeks, he's got a
fifty three percent rushing success rate, which would be like
fourth or fifth if you could do it over the
course of the entire season. Kyn Williams right now playing
for the Rams tonight, has a fifty four percent rushing
(13:21):
success rate. He's leading the NFL in that category. So RJ.
Harven getting more of that down to down consistency. The
explosives haven't come yet, but we all see, you know
how special he is athletically. I don't think those are
too far around the corner, and he's got a feel
for finding that end zone.
Speaker 4 (13:37):
Man Nicks pass's right side, Harvey. Harvey makes a cutch into.
Speaker 7 (13:41):
The goal line, touchdown Denver r J. Harvey Putish flipped
the ground that time and powered his way into the
north end Zoe. That was seven to twenty seven, left
Denver ahead now thirty three twenty six.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Saquan is the only other running back in NFL history
with this many running touchdowns, this many receiving touchdowns in
their in their rookie campaign. That's a good company right there.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
I mentioned earlier how great the time it is to
be a Colorado sports fan. This was Courtland Sutton talking
earlier today about why he thinks it's their time, the Broncos,
time to bring home a championship to Denver and have
their parade.
Speaker 9 (14:23):
I've got a chance to talk to a couple of
Nugget Nuggets players and you know, I tell him, you know,
it's it's it's our turn.
Speaker 4 (14:28):
To bring, you know, a parade.
Speaker 9 (14:30):
To the city and you know, the apps of abs
of one the stand the cup. Recently, you know, the
Nuggets have won the NBA Finals recently, and you know,
we unfortunately haven't had success since twenty fifteen, and so
you know, we feel it's our turn. It's our turn
to do our part for the city in terms of,
you know, keeping the winning tradition going, in terms of
(14:52):
the sports is going on throughout the city. Man, the boys,
them boys playing some great, great ball and great hockey,
and you know, it's excited to be a part of.
And I know people around the United States have definitely
shot that. You know, the state of Colorado bumping right now.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
The State of Colorado definitely bumping right now. What the hell,
let's have three parades this year in Denver. You're listening
to Broncos Country to night on KOA.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
Ferguson had to step out for a second, but he'll
be back in here shortly.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
Alongside my guy, Zach Seegers behind the glass. We were
talking about his great article up at KOA Colorado.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
Dot com in the last segment.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
If you miss that, you can find the full thing
Koacolorado dot com. It's about how there are three young
offensive stars propelling Denver to championship contention. A lot of
great stuff in there, links to the highlights of the
plazy references.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
Very professionally done, young Zack Seegers. Very nice. I try
and take Ryan Edwards example, wherever I can you know
that the preparation in your example, the preparation Benjamin al
Brights just wing it. I follow his inspiration when it
comes to being a wet blanket and pick it against
the Broncos and being wrong. I saw you picked.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
Against the Broncos once again, had the Packers winning, but
a lot of the national media did.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
To be fair.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
This was Garrett Bowles talking about the haters on k
WA Sports. He's on the show every Tuesday at three o'clock.
Speaker 2 (16:21):
This is what he had to say.
Speaker 8 (16:23):
And everyone's going to talk, and everyone's gonna say this
and that, and people are going to doubt us, besides
the people that are here in this in the state
that follows this team, and you know, to be honest
with you, like let's let's let the doubt us doubt
and let the haters hate, and you know, to be honest,
I mean, you can't take away a twelve or two
record and let in game win streak Like that's just
physically impossible. Like it doesn't matter what sports.
Speaker 10 (16:45):
Are in winning that many games in a row.
Speaker 8 (16:47):
I mean, if you look at what the apps are doing,
you look at what the nudgets are doing, Like look
at what we're doing like we're obviously a sports down
and we obviously, you know, you look at all three
of our teams, we're all doubted and no matter what,
no matter what we play in and.
Speaker 4 (16:58):
Sure it is what it is.
Speaker 8 (17:00):
Obviously, you know, the Broncos are you know, the face
of the city, in the face of you know, the
Colorado and you know, we we understand that. But we
just go about our business. Man. I mean, obviously, when
we win, we like to jab back a little bit
and just say, hey, look at me, now, look look
what we're doing. And that's just the nature of this business.
But at the same day, you know, when that game's
overwhaw on to the next. We're focusing on the next.
The critics are going to say what the critics want,
(17:20):
and we're just going to focus on each other. And
you know, at the end of the at the end
of the year, we're going to look back and realize
what we have to do, what we did to get
to where we wanted to go. And you know, the
job's not done yet. You know, we still got a
lot of work to do. We got a big time
game this coming up Sunday. We got to focus on that.
But We're just gonna do what we got to do
and let the let the ball flies were flies.
Speaker 1 (17:43):
Let the haters hate, and let the doubters doubt. Garrett
Bowles on KO Sports every Tuesday.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
I think it's cool. We played the sound from Courtland
Sutton in the last.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
Segment and he was talking about how he had chatted
with some Nuggets players and the ads off to an
amazing start. I think they have like two regulation losses
so far this year for place in the NHL, Nuggets
off to a historic start at nineteen and six, and
the Broncos riding the eleven game win streak, first place
in the AFC. I think it's cool how aware the
Broncos players are of like how special a sports city
(18:14):
Denver is right now.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
It's cool to see that luster back here in Denver
because it you know, we're not that far removed from
you know, the Avs being the worst team in the league,
the Broncos being in quarterback purgatory, and you know, the
Nuggets being pre Yokic kind of just rudderless and lost.
And now you look at all three franchises are in
(18:37):
this you know, Golden era respectively. You know, the Broncos
are having great success in the future looks tremendously bright.
I think an underrated element to the success they're having
right now. The most highly paid player on their books
this year, Russell Wilson, not even on the team still
and by a wide margin two he's like thirty million,
(18:58):
I think. But Glinchy are Bulls is next up at nineteen.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
Isn't it funny how that was like such a huge
talking point last year, you know, like the caphead or
Russell Wilson. It seems like everyone has forgotten about it
this year because of the success that the Broncos have
had on the field.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
It's amazing, And that money's gonna show up next year. Like, yes,
some of it went to Zach Allen and Nick Benito
and everything, but this front office has been really smart
in their contract structures. A lot of that money's backloaded.
They're going to be able to spend this offseason and
you know, maybe that means free agents, but they are
I think more than any other team when you look
(19:33):
at their draft war chest, which could get even richer
with Vance Joseph potentially getting hired as a head coach.
I think they're going to be very aggressive in adding
a potential like offensive superstar to the mix.
Speaker 1 (19:47):
Yeah, maybe somebody like Justin Jefferson, who seems pretty fed
up there in Minnesota.
Speaker 2 (19:52):
If he becomes available, I think there are very few
teams that could outbid the Broncos. I feel like cold
be the Broncos and the Patriot, and Sean Payton is
nothing if not aggressive. He probably win that bidding war.
Speaker 1 (20:06):
Yeah, And I think you know, we talk about Sean
Payton all the time, and rightly so, because you know
it was it was rough with Nathaniel Hackett and the
coaches before him, and even in advance Joseph's first tenure.
But George peyton Man is the mastermind behind all of this,
you know, managing an ego like Sean Payton's and still
being able to get the guys he wants in here
(20:27):
and hitting more often than not. In free agency and
in the draft, you look at the last couple of
drafts and like, all these dudes are still on our
roster or playing somewhere else in the league. And then
you bring in a couple of guys like Hafunga and
Greenlaw who obviously the other teams wanted them, but.
Speaker 2 (20:43):
They had some injury history.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
You know, there were some questions about them, but I
think this Broncos defense has gone to another level. Like albeit,
we were good last year, but we have a different
mentality on the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
With guys like Huff and Greenlaw. It's changed the defense.
It's given them the attitude, the the toughness I think
they really needed. You look at you know, playing a
Packers team that can really run on you when they
want to. And Josh Shacobs, I know he had the
injury designation all week. He looked great in that game.
That catch was unreal. Uh he always goes off against
(21:18):
the Broncos. It feels like but I think last year
you look at them go up against similar teams where
that like hard nosed run game was their identity, and
they got bowled over. They got bowled over by the Ravens,
they got ran all over by the Bills in the playoffs.
Then I think that still, you know, is an area
where this defense could stand to improve some. But they
have made leaps and bounds and I think the physicality
(21:41):
who Fonga brings in Greenlaw brings is the number one
reason why, Like, look at the first I forget if
it was third down or fourth down the Packers ad
where they pitch it out to Josh Jacobs and Hufanga
blows up the tight end and tackles Josh with one
diving motion. I don't know if I've ever seen a
more effective blow up of like a toss or a
(22:02):
pitch play before in my life. He we could maybe
be I mean, no one probably would challenge Miles Garrett
for Defensive Player of the Year this year, but we'd
at least maybe have a conversation about it with Hufanga
if he caught two or three of those walk in
defensive Sestementary eight that have hit.
Speaker 1 (22:19):
Him in the hands and he just falls to his
knees afterwards. But I mean, I guess that's the reason
he's a safety instead of a wide receiver and he
can deliver the blows.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
This was that hit you were talking about.
Speaker 7 (22:30):
Third down one toss left side and knocked off his
feet and short of the first down.
Speaker 4 (22:35):
Is Josh Jacobs.
Speaker 7 (22:36):
That was Talanoah whu Funga and we've got an injured
Green Bay player down. Whu Funga came flying up, took
one of the blockers off his feet and that was
not a low block at all by Hufunga. That was
Josh Wiley to tie it in who Hufunga basically ran
right through his face and knocked Wiley back into Josh Jacobs.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Wiley is still down, hurt.
Speaker 1 (23:03):
The player that is blocking you, and make the tackle
for a.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Loss on the play.
Speaker 1 (23:07):
I mean, Nick and I were talking about Troy Polamalu
earlier in the show, and like Helfunka reminds you of that,
he's just like everywhere he needs to be all the time. Yes,
he's gonna make some mistakes, but he's going all out
all the time.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Well, there's a good chance, you know, this is his
fifth year in the NFL. There's a good chance he's
a two time All Pro safety after this year. And
I think that captures his ability so well. He got
at the one time in San Francisco. In the other
three years, you know, he was either just getting started
out as rookie or kind of banged up in and
out with injury. And now you're seeing him fully healthy
(23:42):
all year in a defense that can support him and
put him in great positions to succeed. And having him,
honestly is part of the reason why I think You're
not so worried about PJ. Locke having to step up
for Brandon Jones as you feel like he's got such
great support in that secondary with you know, not just Ufanga,
but Moss and certain and McMillan and even Jade Barrett
(24:05):
if he gets in the mix.
Speaker 1 (24:06):
Yeah, we've seen jadd A barn like in his limited
role for the Broncos this year. A lot of people
are saying, man, why are you drafting that guy in
the first round.
Speaker 2 (24:13):
If you're not going to use them more?
Speaker 1 (24:14):
But I think he's fitting nicely when he's needed to, like,
and that's that's a luxury that the Broncos have, is
a lot of depth on the in the secondary and
j Mack, you know, he has Everyone was talking about like, hey,
his role is going to be diminished because Baron got drafted,
but he has proven himself over and over again this year.
And it's just been hard for Baron to get on
the field. But when he has, he's made some plays.
(24:37):
Like it's not like he's a wasted first round pick.
He's going to become very valuable in the future for
this Broncos team.
Speaker 2 (24:43):
And everyone needs quarterbacks except the Broncos. It's great. I
haven't loved how heavy they've been at that one position,
but even I have to admit it's kind of benefited
them in the moments like this, where you have a
guy with like Johday Bart who's played all these different positions.
If things go wrong with pj Lo, he seems like
a viable option to try back there at safety because
(25:04):
he played everywhere at Texas. He was all over the field.
I think even played safety his first year starting at Texas,
so he's got some background there. Was coached up by
Van s Chosis brothers, so I imagine there's some connective
tissue there at least in terms of the technique and whatnot,
and you should be able to pick it up if
he had to. But you look at everyone, like the
(25:24):
best rosters in the league, the Rams, they're glaring Achilles
heel is their tiny cornerbacks who can get picked on.
The Seahawks even like they have some questions about their
boundary corners. The Philadelphia Eagles, even they are kind of
shaky on the one spy You've got Mitchellan and Dejean,
(25:44):
but that other boundary spot is where every other team
is attacking them. And the Patriots. You've got Christian Gonzalez,
You've got a lot of other week links that every
other team in the league keeps picking on in those matchups.
The Broncos are one of very few, if not the only,
teams where you don't have that spot you can target
consistently in the passing game.
Speaker 1 (26:02):
Yeah, and I mean you have PS two, your defensive
player of the year from last year go out, and
the Broncos defense held their own in every game he
was out. They do have a tall test this weekend
against the Jaguars. I've scored. I think I saw the
stat from you when I was out. I was looking
at the rundown from KOA Sports yesterday. Twenty five plus
points and seven straight games.
Speaker 2 (26:23):
I mean, that's no small feat.
Speaker 1 (26:25):
In the NFL Vance, Joseph earlier today talked about facing
off against Trevor Lawrence coming off that six touchdown performance
in the entire Jags offense.
Speaker 10 (26:34):
He's playing very well, you know, obviously after watching Love play,
you know, for a weekend, you know what our film
study didn't watching his player play. I mean, it's it's equal.
You know, they're both super talented, they're both really well coached,
you know, That's what I instantly see with both offense.
They're both very coach very well coached. He's playing well.
(26:54):
I mean he's so talented, his voice, he can make
every single row. You know, he has speed to outrun
free runners. You know, he can avoid free runners with
you know, giving ground the game ground. He's putting them
in the right place. So he's playing at a high level.
He's got a lot of targets, tight end receivers. The
back eatn is playing at a high level. Also an
(27:15):
old line again, man, I mean it's a really good one.
They play well together. Is very few free runners with pressure,
so it's really crazy. It looks like, you know, almost
like Green Bay. It's the same family of coaches. Obviously
some of the concepts are very similar. But they're both
playing at a high level. And the last four weeks
he's been really hot. So it's going to be a
(27:36):
challenge for us. Again. You know, we like it. You know,
we love the challenges, and you know we're ready for it.
Speaker 1 (27:44):
Seems like the Broncos defense is ready for every challenge.
That vance Joseph talking about facing off against Trevor Lawrence
and the Jags offense, and I saw a quote earlier
this year about Trevor Lawrence. I forget who it was
from what it was like, he's the worst good quarterback
in the NFL. But it's certainly been a lot more
good than bad recently for Trevor Lawrence and Broncos.
Speaker 2 (28:04):
Are going to have a test on their hands a Sunday.
Speaker 4 (28:07):
The worst good quarterback?
Speaker 2 (28:09):
Yeah, how does that even make any said?
Speaker 1 (28:11):
It made sense to me, like he just has so
many moments where you're like, what is this guy even
looking at?
Speaker 2 (28:16):
But then he goes off for six touchdowns last week?
Speaker 3 (28:19):
Yeah, yeah, last week was crazy because he led the
team in rushing right, and he's done that more than
once this season, and it's just kind of like this
upside down for real when you think about Liam Cohen
and the Jackson Jad Wars, because no one ever expected
them to be where they are right now. And the
(28:39):
idea is that you draft Travis Hunter and it was like, well,
we don't really know what this team is going to be,
and then all of a sudden they trade for Jacobe Myers,
who has been really impressive.
Speaker 2 (28:50):
Just got a new deal today, three year, sixty million.
Speaker 4 (28:53):
So think about this, So you are Jacoby Myers.
Speaker 3 (28:56):
You're with the Raiders all is long, all his loss
in the football world, and all of a sudden, the
football God said, We're gonna shine light upon thee and
we're gonna take you from the Las Vegas and put
you in Jacksonville. And Jacksonville is not a really large
market when you think about where Jacoby Myers played, you know,
(29:19):
days in New England and then also joined the Raiders.
But he plays well enough in a short sample size
that they give him like a three year, sixty million
dollar deal. And when you watch both he and Trevor
Lawrence play, the chemistry that they have, I mean it
shines right through right away. I was watching the Jets
(29:41):
game from last week and the way that they move
him around and they.
Speaker 4 (29:45):
Get him the ball.
Speaker 3 (29:47):
And I shouldn't say they more or less Trevor Lawrence.
There is a chemistry there.
Speaker 4 (29:51):
So I don't know.
Speaker 3 (29:53):
I would just say that maybe PS two will get
that duty of Coba covering Jacoby Myers, but is It's
really interesting what this Jacksonville Jaguars team has done in
a short peoter time.
Speaker 1 (30:04):
And we got one of my favorite Broncos of all
time also making noise for the Jaguars. Tim Patrick has
come up with lutch plays for them. He's like Zach
and I were talking about Quota and Sutton earlier and
about how he's just so reliable, And that's the same
way I look at Tim Patrick, like you.
Speaker 2 (30:19):
Throw him the ball, He's going to catch the damn ball.
Speaker 4 (30:21):
Well, here's the other thing about that too.
Speaker 3 (30:23):
The one thing that players love to do is to
have a little getback against their former team.
Speaker 4 (30:30):
Yeah, and you.
Speaker 3 (30:30):
Got to think about it, Timmy patt is still not
happy about how he left the team.
Speaker 4 (30:35):
I know Coach Patin talked about it earlier this week
that you.
Speaker 3 (30:38):
Know that was a tough decision and even they were
not happy about what happened. But this is the business
of football and if you play long enough, you get
a chance to redeem yourself against your former team.
Speaker 2 (30:49):
Hopefully he doesn't redeem himself too much.
Speaker 1 (30:51):
One thing we're happy about is Bri masis joined us next.
Get our thoughts on the big win over the Packers
and preview the Jags coming up next on Broncos Country
Tonight on k o A
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