Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Joined by Nick Cosminder, Denver Broncos reporter for The Athletic.
Find him over on x at Nick Cosminder.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Nick.
Speaker 3 (00:08):
How's it going tonight?
Speaker 4 (00:10):
I'm doing great. How are you guys doing doing well?
Speaker 3 (00:12):
Thanks? Thank you so much for joining us.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Excited to get into this big game between the Jags
and Broncos. We were just talking about bo Nicks his
really promising start to his career and how he's been
turning it on down the stretch since the Mini by
The Broncos are second in EPA for drop back fourth
and drop back success rate. Do you believe we're seeing
bo Nicks begin to turn a corner?
Speaker 5 (00:38):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (00:38):
I do.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
And I think that I had written before going into
the Green Bay Packers game about just the steady efficiency
that he had had in the three games.
Speaker 5 (00:48):
Prior, being built on higher efficiency completion rate.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Of course, the offense was reducing the penalties.
Speaker 5 (00:57):
That had sort of a fuddled them earlier in the year,
and that was part of.
Speaker 4 (01:00):
Them being able to be in better down and.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Distances, and then they had kind of dialed back some
of the deep passing stuff.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
You know. I think part of that was game.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Plan versus certain defenses, but also, I think it was
it was a manner of trying to kind of get
back in a rhythm, you know, completing passes and moving
the ball. And so I thought to them be able
to add, you know, maintain all that efficiency that we've
seen increase while then finding the deep shots, uh in
taking them with confidence and having the efficiency carry over
(01:30):
into that aspect of bon Nick's game and of the
of the passing game in general, I thought that was
probably the most encouraging part of what they did against
the Packers.
Speaker 5 (01:38):
But I certainly think he's you know, again, these things
with quarterback.
Speaker 4 (01:42):
Development, it's never linear.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
It's never going to be hey, you start in this
this block and we're going to have this nice diagonal
curve that keeps going up. It's it's not. It doesn't
go that way, as much as you know, we would
all love to see it.
Speaker 4 (01:55):
I just think that he is definitely.
Speaker 5 (01:57):
Playing with a level of confidence.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
And trust and those around him, because again it's a
group that's that's growing with him. And I thought really
revealing too after the game when he was talking about
the relationship that he thinks he has right now with
Sean Payton, that I thought that was as much as
we've kind of heard Bo Nix go into that, you know,
relationship and why it was kind of clicking for them.
So I think all those things put together, I think
(02:21):
Zach it's fair to say, yeah, he has been turning
a corner.
Speaker 6 (02:25):
Let's talk about that relationship between Bo and Coach Payton,
because what we've seen from Bow over the past couple
of years, I mean week excuse me, it seems as
though it's more of Bow improvising when he's getting leaky
pressure and being able to make the plays on the perimeter.
Speaker 7 (02:42):
And I know Bo has been you.
Speaker 6 (02:44):
Know, overly criticized for that aspect of his game. Some
would call it backyard football. But what say you about
the backyard type of football that we're watching Bowl play
right now.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
Well he even used that term Nick the other day
when we were talking to him, you.
Speaker 5 (03:00):
Know, because I was interested.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
You look back at that.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Green Bay Packers tape and and just some of the
just suddenly the arm angles, and we've seen this, you know, obviously,
the one in Washington where he's fallen down and throwing
it like a you know, like like a shortstop turning
a double play, you know, to find Courtland sutt in
the end zone, like he has that capability, and I
think getting more comfortable using those those sort of arm
(03:23):
angle throws are sort of in between maybe you're you know,
step in the pocket.
Speaker 5 (03:28):
Like the throw he had to evn Ingram.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
You know, it was funny because Boenix was talking about, yeah,
you know, I played baseball. I think that's where some
of it comes from. That to me looked like a
guy playing point guard in basketball where he's rolling out
he sees Micah Parsons all of a sudden, it says,
if he got blitzed on the pick and roll and
he just has to stop right away and make a
really quick decision. So I think that all is to
say that that Sean Payton I think has an understanding
(03:52):
that like what makes him good, what gets him in
a rhythm and then allows him to just sort of
start feeling, you know, the stuff that he that he
you know, wants the call and the pocket stuff. He's
better at that when he's also able to get into
the rhythm with the creative stuff that he likes to do.
Speaker 4 (04:08):
So I really think Nick that.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
It's been like this this tug and poll I thought,
going back to that comments, that bo Nicks made after
the Packers game about Sean Payton. He said, you know,
part of it is really understanding his intent with a
play and then protecting that intent. And I think as
long as they're on that same page where it's like, yeah,
I understand what you're calling in and what we're trying
to what we're trying to philosophically achieve with this play call,
(04:32):
but then also understanding on Sean Payton's side of like
what he has as a gift. I mean again that
not every quarterback can do some of the things that
he's doing, both from like where he delivers the ball,
the ability to get there with his feet first, all
those sort of things are a little bit unique to him.
And so I just think the tug and pull, the
(04:52):
healthy tension is the way that I describe it of
how they figure out how to best utilize those things together.
That's where I think they've really made some strides.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
As bo Nicks is making these strides and the passing
attack is becoming so much more dangerous. The running game
is kind of regressed without JK. Dobbins, and we're getting
into the part of the season where run.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Game and defense is going to matter so much.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
How confident do you feel in this run game being
good enough for a postseason run as we get closer
to it.
Speaker 5 (05:23):
Yeah, you know, it's it's a big question.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
And I think this weekend against the Jaguars on Sunday
is going to be, you know, a really good test.
Speaker 4 (05:31):
This is a.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Discipline scout defensive front that's you know, second in the
league against the run.
Speaker 4 (05:37):
You know, December.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
I know it's not December weather over there on Sunday,
but but just sort of the time of year, you know,
how you have to win these close games.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
It's going to be important that they do.
Speaker 5 (05:48):
Find their attraction.
Speaker 4 (05:49):
You know.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
It's it's funny like R. J. Harvey that you look
at the numbers since he became the starter, and they certainly.
Speaker 5 (05:55):
Don't pop in the way that JK.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Dobbins did.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
But one thing he really does is he finds the
end zone. I think they've run the ball really well
in close, and that's something they certainly weren't able to
do when Sean Payton first got here in twenty twenty three,
and then got a little better at it.
Speaker 5 (06:10):
Last year, but that was still something that was lacking.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
I think R J.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Harvey's ability in close to find the end zone has
kind of been a low key, really important development for
this team as an offensive unit. So I mean that's
all going to be part of it now. And again
they really do use as you guys know, like the
way that they pass. Some of this is akin to runs,
you know, just some of the short game stuff that
(06:34):
they do. I think they're always going to be just
quantity wise tilted toward the pass a little bit more.
But there's no question Sean Payton talked about this week too,
we've just been in better parts of the play call sheet.
A lot of that is the penalties. They only have
six offensive penalties, like eight offensive penalties in their last four.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
Games combined, so they're doing a much better job with that.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
The next step is, yeah, just making sure that you
know no negative runs, early early downs and continue to
progress that way, because I think you can be effective
enough if you do those things to not necessarily have
to get the production that you were getting from JK.
Dobbins to still have the running game being effective part
of what you're doing.
Speaker 6 (07:15):
You know what, Nate, after the first half of the
Broncos game against the Packers, I was watching social media
and watching fans kind of interact to what they were
seeing from the Broncos defense. The week before there it
was the Raiders game where the Raiders took that opening
possession down to score. The Packers game, Jordan Love was
moving the ball down and Broncos fans were losing their minds, saying, Okay, listen,
(07:37):
the Broncos are giving up some some chunk players, or
they're allowing an offense to move down the field, but
then they shut the door in the red zone.
Speaker 7 (07:45):
Where are you on this Broncos defense?
Speaker 6 (07:47):
And you think do you think that that should be
a matter of concern with teams being able to move
the ball down the field on the on the defense.
Speaker 5 (07:55):
Yeah, it's a great question. I wrote about that earlier
this week, because you're.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Right, like, over the last you know, six five games,
they are i think twenty six in terms of passing
yards allowed per game. They are giving up explosive plays,
they're giving up chunks, particularly in the first halves of games.
Speaker 5 (08:12):
I thought it was interesting.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
Dance Joseph said.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Last week during his media availability that you know, come
week fourteen fifteen in the NFL, and you know the
nick from your time like it gets harder to call
defense because there's only so many defenses that you can run,
there's only so many different personnel packages that you can
work through to where it's not there's not as much
like fooling. And especially when you blitz as much as
(08:35):
Vance Joseph does and they use as many guys as
they do, you know, eventually, I think it's a little
bit easier to get a beat on how a defense
is going to play, you, you know, versus an offense
still being able to kind of add things later in
the year. So that part of it, I think you
can attribute some of it to that of just yeah.
Speaker 5 (08:53):
You're you're going to get a beat on these guys to.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
A certain degree, but if you can continue to I mean,
they're on pace to have the second best opponent touchdown rate,
second lowest opponent touchdown rate.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
You know since twenty seventeen. Right now, only.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Thirty eight point five percent of opponent drives into the
red zone are reaching.
Speaker 7 (09:11):
The end zone.
Speaker 5 (09:11):
So you know that that is such a huge element
of all this.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
And you think about it too, with the way that
these the kickoff rule has changed things like you are
in your in scoring position with a couple like it
takes two, you know, two.
Speaker 5 (09:25):
First downs essentially to be on the doorstep of the
red zone.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
So you're going teams are going to get there. You know,
the mark I think of a good defense is being
able to get off the field on third down, which
the Broncos have have largely been able to do. And
then of course, you know Sehn Payton loves to call
him four point plays, those those third downs in the
red zone where you know, if you can prevent it,
their kicking field goals instead of scoring touchdowns. And again
(09:50):
that that continues to be such a huge part of
Denver's winning formula.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Talking about that defense with Nick Cosminder of the Athletic
at Nick Cosminder on x Nick, the takeaways or lack thereof,
have been such a talking point for this defense all
season long. They have at least one takeaway in four
of their last five games.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
Do you think they're starting to turn a corner there?
Speaker 1 (10:14):
Have they unlocked something as a defense or is this
just a case of the ball bouncing their way some more?
Speaker 2 (10:20):
Yeah, a little bit more. It definitely seems to me
like there's certainly more out there.
Speaker 4 (10:26):
For them to take advantage of. You know, it's funny.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
I was talking with somebody, you know, from the Jacksonville
market and he was just like I was, as I
was preparing for this game and looking at the numbers,
it's sort of stunning that a team that produces as
much pressure and then as many takedowns as the Broncos
do fifty eight sacks here as we enter week sixteen.
Speaker 4 (10:45):
Already, that they've only gotten.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
The ball, like, they've only forced two quarterback fumbles. You know,
it really is while the amount of pass rush pressure
that they produce and yet you know, still just don't
have the big turnover numbers that we're that we're talking
about here, only twelve turnovers forced. They still have a
minus two turnover differential this season, which for a twelve
(11:09):
and two team is incredible that that that's you know,
that they've been.
Speaker 4 (11:12):
Able to do that.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
I do think that they've they've kind of obviously to
your point, Zact, they've gotten a couple big turnovers.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
In key spots.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Obviously, sometimes it's as much about when you get them
as as it is about how many you get, and
certainly pats or TAM's was was the turnover of the
year a week ago, so yeah, I mean, I guess
we just have to sort of see you would think
that this continued passers pressure is ultimately going to produce that,
But I look at it the other way too, Like
they've you know, they've not turned the ball over ton
(11:43):
This is that this is a huge test that the
Jacksonville Jaguars have forced twenty six turnovers this year. That's
the second most in the league behind the Chicago Bears.
The Broncos have been really good at taking care of
it obviously. You know Boonix didn't have didn't take a sack,
didn't throw an interception against the Packers. He needs another
one of those kinds of games, I think in order
for them to win on Sunday.
Speaker 7 (12:05):
Now here's what we've known coming into the season.
Speaker 6 (12:07):
The Broncos have been pretty thin at the linebacker position,
and last game and I say, well, sometimes when you
play games like this, especially in the back half of
the season, you're going to get beat up physically, and
being able to sustain that through depth is a huge
part of it. But now Jessicterernard, who was in that
three man rotation at the linebacker position, he's going to
(12:29):
be out, So it changes things with the Broncos from
a defensive standpoint, but a special team standpoint, how do
you think they recover knowing as though you're rolling in
essentially with like two healthy linebackers.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Yeah, you know, I think the one silver lining i'd
say with that is the fact that Drake Greenlaw is
if he's not completely off of this snap count, but
by now he's certainly getting close in terms of, you know,
just how much he's playing defensively, So I think you
feel a little bit more comfortable with with him being
out there all the time. So maybe a little bit
(13:02):
less of a need for for the rotation so long
as he and Alex Singleton remain healthy. But yeah, it's
no doubt a blow to lose a guy like Justin
s Ornad just again, great Blitzer, a guy that Vance
Joseph uses in a number of different ways, and then
an excellent special teams player for Darren Rizzy has been
ever since he got here. Really, you know, I didn't
(13:25):
play his rookie year in twenty twenty, but came back
in twenty twenty one, and that literally for a while,
that was why he kept signing one year deals. They
kept wanting him back because of how much of a
presence he was on special teams. It's really only been
the last two years that he became, you know, an
impactful piece defensively, so you know, certainly not.
Speaker 4 (13:43):
Ideal that they lost him.
Speaker 5 (13:44):
I would just to say the silver.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Lining again the timing that you know, there's been times
this season where you've been without Alex Singleton and you've
been without Dray green Law. Those guys are now back.
They're they're healthy and playing well.
Speaker 4 (13:57):
That's the positive.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
They could get Karenni Reid back, who they really liked obviously,
the undrafted guy out of Utah who made the team
out of camp, and then those playing well on special
teams before he suffered a hamstring injury. He's questionable for Sunday,
so you know he he could be an option for
them to sort of fill in that depth where they
where they'll missed or not.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
Thank you so much for the time, Nick, Have a
great rest of your night and enjoy the Broncos game Sunday.
Speaker 3 (14:21):
All right, Thanks glad, guys, talk to you soon, talk
to you later.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
That was Nick Cosminder with the Athletic Make sure you're
following him over at Nick Cosminder. Lots of great Broncos
coverage coming from him. Coming up next, we're going to
get into the NFL six pack. I've got a bundle
of great NFL stories to get Nick and Grant's takes on.
That's all coming up next on Broncos Country tonight. Right
(14:45):
here on KOA joining me is Nick Ferguson, and behind
the glass we got the one and only Grant Smith.
Before we get into an NFL six pack, though, I
just want to remind you to help us at KOA.
Think a veteran, an active military member, or first responder
with twenty five hundred dollars through February first, submit your
(15:06):
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Heroes thank you presented by Common Spirit Health and Fix
It twenty four to seven.
Speaker 3 (15:17):
With that said, I think it's time for an NFL
six pack.
Speaker 4 (15:20):
It's time for the NFL Sick Pad.
Speaker 8 (15:23):
I'm gonna trade a lot of beer, insight and insight
information you can't find anywhere else.
Speaker 6 (15:29):
No.
Speaker 4 (15:29):
Six the top six NFL headlines.
Speaker 1 (15:32):
What the NFL hierarchy has been mixed up yet again?
This season, with the Seattle Seahawks coming back to beat
the Rams after trailing thirty to fourteen midway through the
fourth quarter last night.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
Did that clash make you feel.
Speaker 1 (15:48):
Better or worse about the Broncos standing among the NFL's
most elite teams, Nick, Well.
Speaker 7 (15:57):
It really showed me that.
Speaker 6 (16:00):
The Broncos to be in least status, there's still more
for them to do. And what it said is, though,
when you look at Seattle, when you look at the Rams,
the fact was they both ran the ball and they
scored a lot of points.
Speaker 7 (16:15):
And here's the interesting thing.
Speaker 6 (16:16):
When you look at these two teams, right, what do
they have in common?
Speaker 7 (16:21):
Right?
Speaker 6 (16:21):
They have coaches who come from the tree of which
coach Mike Shanahan. So yes, the Broncos have some stepping
up to do. And I would like to see the
Broncos get to a point where they can carry a
run game like.
Speaker 7 (16:32):
Those two teams.
Speaker 9 (16:33):
I still think that the Rams are the class of
the entire NFL. But I think that game last night
showed me the most about Sam Darnold, like the ability
to come back from a couple of really bad throws
and lead his team to that win. That was a
huge stepping stone for Seattle and they're probably gonna win
the NFC West now. But I think the Broncos are
(16:53):
right there in that class. I think that it didn't
change anything in my mind that the Broncos are still
a top five team in the NFL.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
I'm with you.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
It didn't change a whole lot for me, except I
think I feel like the Broncos are in that same
tier now.
Speaker 3 (17:08):
I think going into.
Speaker 1 (17:08):
This week, I felt the Rams maybe the sea less
of the Seahawks, but I felt like the Rams were
cut above everyone and this made them feel a little
more mortal to me. It made them feel a little
more vulnerable, and I think the Broncos could hang with them.
It's weird, you know, coming out of that first Seahawks
Rams game, I almost felt better about the Seahawks because
it was like, Wow, look how narrowly the Rams beat
(17:31):
them and Sam Darnold threw four interceptions, Like the Seahawks
might be the better team here. After this one, I
almost feel like the Rams are the better team because
look how narrowly the Seahawks beat them at home and
all it took the weird, funky two point conversion play.
Speaker 8 (17:44):
You guys ever seen anything like that?
Speaker 3 (17:45):
Bizarre one of the weirdest plays I've ever seen in
NFL history.
Speaker 8 (17:48):
Was so crazy.
Speaker 6 (17:49):
Well, I mean charbon A picking up the ball in
the end zone that I yes.
Speaker 8 (17:55):
And not reacting to it at all.
Speaker 6 (17:57):
Yeah, it's just like randomly, like it was his practice.
He was just going to get the ball and give
to a kid on the sideline. But that proved to
be a major factor in the game.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
So two.
Speaker 1 (18:07):
Speaking of that call, last night was one of the
most consequential and controversial officiating moments of the.
Speaker 8 (18:15):
Season, as the refs.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
Overturned Seattle's failed two point conversion attempt after there was
clear and obvious evidence of the past going backwards and
Zach Charbonat subsequently recovering the ball in the end zone. However,
Rams fans are arguing that the call shouldn't have been
reversed as an official blew their whistle, killing the play
before charbon Ay recovered the fumble. Of course, we also
(18:39):
saw Pukadakua double down on his referee criticism on Twitter
last night. Do you think the officials made the right
call on that Zach Sharbonay play awarding the Seahawks the
two points And do you think Pukakakua is right to
be upset with the Zebras?
Speaker 7 (18:57):
He Oh, yeah, he's right to be upset.
Speaker 6 (18:59):
You would too, and instant if the fisials blow the whistle,
that play is now officially dead. You can't go back
and review it and go oh, by the way, he
happened to just saunter over and pick the ball up.
Speaker 7 (19:12):
No, you blew the whistle, and if you did, that's
the end of the play. There's no conversation.
Speaker 9 (19:19):
Yeah, I agree, Yes, I think it was ridiculous. I
think it probably kept the Seahawks in that game. I
thought that game was over with seven minutes to go,
and Sam Darnold through that second interception, and I can
see why Sean McVay was so livid in his press conference.
Speaker 8 (19:35):
Like he was.
Speaker 9 (19:36):
He looked like he was about to snap up there,
and I agree with him, Like, if the whistle is blown,
the play is over. It doesn't matter if the guy
picks the ball up in the end zone. You already
called the play.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
Dead man When they asked him about Pookin' kuz tweet,
I thought the vein.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
In his forad was going to explode. He was absolutely.
Speaker 9 (19:53):
He did catch himself a little bit like a like
a minute and a half into that answer, He's like, listen,
I'm sorry, I'm just a little heated right now.
Speaker 7 (20:00):
Well, but this is ridiculous.
Speaker 6 (20:01):
But but you know what, really quickly, I don't understand why
the league finds coaches when they have a legitimate right
against the officials. And it's just like, well, if you're
going to find a coach for coming out making a
statement about agregious comedy that I mean a play or
over time that we obviously saw, should they find these
damn officials the same.
Speaker 7 (20:18):
Thing as well.
Speaker 9 (20:19):
I think some big changes are coming to NFL officiating
very near future.
Speaker 7 (20:23):
Yes they are.
Speaker 1 (20:24):
It's insane to be two see and I it's just
of all the controversial things Pukadagua said, I think the
only one that maybe wasn't controversial was his critique of
the officials.
Speaker 4 (20:35):
Three.
Speaker 1 (20:37):
Travis Kelsey told the media that he won't sit out
of any of the Chiefs final three games of the season,
despite the team being eliminated from playoff contention. He also
told the media he expects to have a decision on
his retirement by March. Do you think Travis Kelcey will
retire after this season. And if he does retire, has
he done enough to be considered the greatest tight end
(20:59):
of all Yes, he's.
Speaker 6 (21:00):
Done enough to be considered the greatest sign end of
all time. He answered the question about the retirement. Hell,
he retired three years ago. He just decreed out right,
he's just.
Speaker 7 (21:11):
Now freguing out. I mean, just keep it a buck.
Speaker 6 (21:14):
I mean, when were watching in the Super Bowl to
start the year, he didn't look that great against Philadelphia,
and he's not looking that great right now.
Speaker 7 (21:21):
So unboknownst to him, he's already retired.
Speaker 8 (21:25):
Yeah, and what are you waiting on?
Speaker 9 (21:26):
Man?
Speaker 8 (21:26):
You've won all the Super Bowls?
Speaker 9 (21:28):
Your buddy, your quarterback, is going to be out at
the start of next year. This seems like the perfect
time for him to walk away. And I would say, yes,
he is the greatest tight end of all time. I mean,
he's put up numbers that are ridiculous. I mean, I
think the only other person that's in that conversation for
me is Gronk, and he just retired too soon. I
think Travis Kelsey is going to be a first ballot
(21:48):
Hall of Famer, and I think he took the high
road in that press conference today, not making it about himself,
and it made me have a little more respect for Travis.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
Kelcey and I agree with you guys. I think he's
the greatest tight end ever.
Speaker 3 (22:00):
Risk a little bit. I think Rob Gronkowski is the
best tight end ever. We want to talk about peak.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
They played at the same time Gronk was getting those
first team All pronouns, Kelsey was getting the second team
All pronouns. But at a point the fact Kelsey played
twice as long had even more playoff success than Bronkowski,
who had looked like the most error for a tight
end prior to Kelsey at the rings, the winning, the
connection with Patrick Mohons, which will always be legendary.
Speaker 3 (22:26):
I think he's the greatest.
Speaker 7 (22:27):
All of that is great, really quick.
Speaker 6 (22:29):
But Gronk is not married to Taylor Swift, and that's
where the Romus row let's.
Speaker 7 (22:34):
Call it, let's keep it a book.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
It just reminds me of how lebron James is the
greatest player of all time, that Michael Jordan might be
the best. Or On Monday, a legislative council in Kansas
will likely vote to approve stadium funding that will help
move the Chiefs out of Arrowhead Stadium and across state
lines from Missouri to the state of Kansas.
Speaker 3 (22:57):
What do you make of.
Speaker 1 (22:58):
This potential move for the Kansas Chiefs And as a
Broncos supporter, would you be excited or sad to see
Arrowhead go?
Speaker 6 (23:08):
I don't give the damn about it'd be too honest,
I really don't.
Speaker 7 (23:11):
It's in Kansas City.
Speaker 6 (23:13):
It doesn't impact the Broncos in one way. You just
move from Kansas, from Missouri to Kansas. I mean, you're
still in the same vicinity, so really doesn't change too.
Speaker 8 (23:22):
Much anything still in the same city.
Speaker 9 (23:25):
I mean, I mean, I think it's ridiculous that they
changed the name of it to Giha Geha Stadium. That
was the downfall of Arrowhead for me. I think it
doesn't really matter. I mean, the Chiefs fans are still
going to come out and support them whether they're in
Missouri or Kansas. And as a Broncos fan, who gives
a rats ass like who cares? Weren't it's hard time
now the Chiefs dynasty has done. It's time for the
(23:47):
Broncos dynasty and it's on its way and let them
move wherever they want.
Speaker 1 (23:52):
You know what, I love your guys's energy. I might
care a little bit more about this. Well, I think
I think it matters. I think Arrowheads Stadium has been
one of the harshest road environments in the league for
a long time. And yes, they're staying in the same
city and all that, I think this will be different.
Speaker 3 (24:09):
You're you're getting a different fan based.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
Part of what makes Arrowheads so special is they have
this giant, goofy parking lot that combines the Royal Stadium
and the Chief Stadium, and everyone spends ten hours before
the game and they're getting all liquored up and all crazy.
And I think it's part of the reason that stadium
is so loud. I think you take a little bit
of the magic way.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
Even if it only.
Speaker 1 (24:28):
Decreases by ten percent, you're talking about the most threatening
homefield becoming like the fifteenth most threat A.
Speaker 6 (24:35):
Same drugg and fans from one from one area to the.
Speaker 9 (24:37):
Other, Those same drunken fans are going to be in
Kanvas and just as drunk and just as loud.
Speaker 7 (24:43):
Yes, if not more so.
Speaker 4 (24:45):
We're five.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
The Jets are planning on shutting down wide receiver Garrett
Wilson the rest of the season as they have nothing
to play for but draft position.
Speaker 3 (24:56):
This is a bit of a new fad in the NFL.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
And what do you think the Jets taking advantage of
it and shutting down one of their star players. Do
you think this is soft or smart?
Speaker 4 (25:05):
Now?
Speaker 6 (25:06):
I think this is smart because considering I guess they
were listening, Garrett is having somewhat of neat issues, so
this makes sense.
Speaker 7 (25:14):
And once again, what are you playing for? I mean,
he is.
Speaker 6 (25:17):
Arguably the best offensive weapon.
Speaker 7 (25:19):
That you do have.
Speaker 6 (25:20):
And who's throwing him the ball? Well, oh, by the way,
who's blocking for that quarterback throwing him the ball? So
why put Garrett Wilson out there and make him a
sacrificial lamp?
Speaker 7 (25:29):
No, don't do it.
Speaker 6 (25:30):
Sit him down, let him watch and get prepared for
the draft in twenty twenty six.
Speaker 9 (25:34):
Yeah, I think it's a smart move. I think it's
also a little soft. Like I mean, if you're a
dude bluing at Joe Burrow in Cincinnati, he may be
a little depressed. He's not where he wants to be.
He doesn't have the winning record that they want this year.
He's going out there and playing ball because he's making
fifty million dollars a year.
Speaker 8 (25:49):
Garrett Wilson should be out there playing as well.
Speaker 9 (25:51):
Because the fans have bought the tickets at the beginning
of the year, probably knowing that the Jets were gonna
suck because they suck every year, but they at least
to see Garrett Wilson maybe catch a touchdown pass.
Speaker 8 (26:00):
They're not getting that now.
Speaker 7 (26:01):
Boy, he just had to slide that in there.
Speaker 1 (26:03):
Did It's it's a rough existence for Jets fans, and
I get the rational end of it. You know, you're
you're you got nothing to gain. Why risk anything with
Garrett Wilson. I do wonder about the culture element. You know,
this is still a coaching staff hoping to stick around,
hoping to you know, turn around this this dismal Jets
culture where they are a culture of losers. I feel like,
you know, going, hey, we got nothing else to play for, guys,
(26:25):
let's just pack.
Speaker 3 (26:25):
It in these last we're going it in.
Speaker 7 (26:27):
But here's a guy.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
It kind of says that, well, yeah, no, it doesn't because.
Speaker 7 (26:30):
You're not doing it with the whole team.
Speaker 6 (26:31):
You're doing it with one of your top offensive players
who happens to have a neat issue how.
Speaker 9 (26:36):
Do you feel if you're the rest of the guys
out there battling through your own injury.
Speaker 7 (26:39):
Guess what you and Gary Wilsons, so sit down.
Speaker 9 (26:42):
Seekers as your boy Justin fields back at quarterback to
the Jets next year.
Speaker 7 (26:47):
No, no, I don't.
Speaker 1 (26:49):
Hey, he got me, he got me mistakes and I
thank him kindly, and uh, he's going to do great
for the Birmingham Stallius next year.
Speaker 7 (26:55):
For wow.
Speaker 1 (26:58):
This weekend is the first round of the college football Playoffs.
I've done a little contender pretender lightning round with you before, Nick.
This time I want to do a lightning round of picks.
Let's start off with number ten Miami at number seven
Texas A and M. Guys, who do you have winning
this college football Playoff first round matchup?
Speaker 6 (27:16):
Ooh, you know what, I'm gonna go with my hometown,
call me a home.
Speaker 7 (27:22):
I don't care.
Speaker 6 (27:23):
I'm going with the Hurricanes because they need this and
the ACC needs this as the only team in the ACC.
So I'm gonna roll.
Speaker 7 (27:30):
With the Caves.
Speaker 9 (27:31):
I will say if Miami somehow wins this game at
Kyle Field at Texas A and M. Which talk about
home field environments, that's one of the best in college football.
That will really shut up the Notre Dame fans. But
if they go out there and lose like I expect
them to, I think it gets even louder from those
Notre Dame fans who will not be missing another college
football playoff if they're ranked where they were this year.
Speaker 8 (27:53):
I like Texas A and m to win this game.
Speaker 1 (27:56):
I haven't been on Mike and had the chance to
say it. That Notre Dame stuff is some of the
softest nonsense I can.
Speaker 3 (28:01):
See so many sports team doing. It's take your ball
and go home.
Speaker 1 (28:06):
It's it's I cannot stand it.
Speaker 3 (28:09):
I got Miami in this one.
Speaker 1 (28:10):
I think Mario Chris wall is gonna have his his
team ready, you know, play as No one believes in
this card. And you know what, Texas A and M's
played a sneaky soft schedule of SEC teams. Uh they
lost to Texas. Uh, they barely beat Notre Dame or
didn't even make the playoff. I think they might be
in some trouble here.
Speaker 9 (28:29):
I think you guys are both the same to the
pick the Packers last week?
Speaker 7 (28:33):
Right, Hey, what's your boy?
Speaker 6 (28:35):
I'm just saying, wait, wait, wait, wait, we're talking about
a different game.
Speaker 7 (28:40):
I'm just saying different game, different teams.
Speaker 1 (28:44):
Next up, we got number twenty two lane going up
against number six no lane, Ole Miss. Who do you
guys think wins this one? Is almost going to be
able to pull it out without their head coach.
Speaker 6 (28:55):
Yeah, Ole Miss pulls this out because once again you
got the whole lane kiffing thing going on, and that's
going to be added motivation. Not like they needed it,
but there was part of me that was hoping that
maybe Tulane would make.
Speaker 3 (29:07):
It a game.
Speaker 6 (29:08):
But I mean with Tulane's being in the mix anyway,
they're going to expand it to sixteen to eighteen teams eventually.
But obviously Old Miss wins this one and wins it big.
Speaker 7 (29:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 9 (29:17):
I think the better question is does Ole Miss cover?
But I do love Tulane and I love their head
coaches leave and we heard the sound from him last night.
Speaker 8 (29:24):
John Summer all.
Speaker 9 (29:25):
I think this is going to be a little closer
than the time limit earlier this year, but I like
Pete Golding as well. You mentioned the no lane, which
was a nice no reference there from Sinkers, But I
think it's going to be a little tighter I think
maybe a fourteen point win for ole Miss.
Speaker 3 (29:41):
I think you guys are right.
Speaker 1 (29:42):
I think this one will be closer because of all
the turmoil around ole Miss. I think it's going to
be hard to execute that offense without Lane Kiffin point
all the strings. Maybe not hard, but they won't be
at quite the same dominant level.
Speaker 3 (29:53):
They've just got way too much talent for Tulane. They've
got home field advantage. I think that ultimately wins out
last one.
Speaker 7 (29:59):
Here.
Speaker 1 (30:00):
Number twenty four James Madison going across the country to
number five Oregon.
Speaker 3 (30:04):
Nick, do you believe in miracles?
Speaker 7 (30:07):
Uh? Yeah, and this is not one of them. Oregon. Okay,
they're losing both their.
Speaker 6 (30:14):
Opposite quorda in their defense coordinators who are now getting
you know, head coaching jobs, and I want to see
how that's gonna play out in the mix.
Speaker 7 (30:21):
But still Oregon still a powerful team.
Speaker 6 (30:24):
James Madison, Man, they thank the Lord they got in.
But this is going to be a drubb and it
needs to be a drubbing to make sure that we
don't have any more mistakes like this.
Speaker 8 (30:33):
You and the Orse hating it on Cinderella just like
March Madness.
Speaker 7 (30:37):
Hey man, I'm not I'm not hating on Cinderella's but.
Speaker 8 (30:39):
I agree with you.
Speaker 9 (30:40):
Oh, I think walks and they're favored by twenty and
a half.
Speaker 8 (30:45):
I think they win by thirty.
Speaker 3 (30:47):
I'm with you.
Speaker 1 (30:47):
I will say, James Madison very very funny on Twitter.
Speaker 3 (30:50):
They're trash.
Speaker 1 (30:51):
Talk of this game, using like Oregon slowly highlights to
call them the slowest team in the country has been
very funny. I wish we could see more of it.
They're gonna be wanting done in this. I think Oregon
pretty easily cruises even without their assistant coaches.
Speaker 3 (31:04):
But excited for these games.
Speaker 1 (31:06):
Wish we had some more marquee matchups, but at least
we got Miami and Texas at empty carry playoff.
Speaker 8 (31:12):
I feel like starts next week.
Speaker 9 (31:13):
Yes, once we get all these small schools at nick
Cat's out of.
Speaker 1 (31:16):
There, and then it'll be great. I mean, this game
tonight's been pretty darn good. Well, we'll see how it
ultimately plays out. Nick, thank you for helping me look
good tonight. Grant same to you you guys. Always pleasure
working with you, talking ball with you. I can't wait
for this Jags Broncos game. Nick, you're saving your prediction
for Sunday correct.
Speaker 6 (31:35):
I'm gonna save mine for Sunday, but I think you
probably know already.
Speaker 8 (31:39):
You know then taking the Jaguars, but you don't know
the school.
Speaker 7 (31:42):
Stop it, Grant.
Speaker 1 (31:43):
Let's hope we're better this week than we were last week. Great,
Thanks again, man. I don't think we can see a Sunday.
All you have to do is stick a fork in
the life. Socket wants to know that some bad things
can happen.
Joined by Nick Cosminder, Denver Broncos reporter for The Athletic.
Find him over on x at Nick Cosminder.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Nick.
Speaker 3 (00:08):
How's it going tonight?
Speaker 4 (00:10):
I'm doing great. How are you guys doing doing well?
Speaker 3 (00:12):
Thanks? Thank you so much for joining us.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Excited to get into this big game between the Jags
and Broncos. We were just talking about bo Nicks his
really promising start to his career and how he's been
turning it on down the stretch since the Mini by
The Broncos are second in EPA for drop back fourth
and drop back success rate. Do you believe we're seeing
bo Nicks begin to turn a corner?
Speaker 5 (00:38):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (00:38):
I do.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
And I think that I had written before going into
the Green Bay Packers game about just the steady efficiency
that he had had in the three games.
Speaker 5 (00:48):
Prior, being built on higher efficiency completion rate.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Of course, the offense was reducing the penalties.
Speaker 5 (00:57):
That had sort of a fuddled them earlier in the year,
and that was part of.
Speaker 4 (01:00):
Them being able to be in better down and.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Distances, and then they had kind of dialed back some
of the deep passing stuff.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
You know. I think part of that was game.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Plan versus certain defenses, but also, I think it was
it was a manner of trying to kind of get
back in a rhythm, you know, completing passes and moving
the ball. And so I thought to them be able
to add, you know, maintain all that efficiency that we've
seen increase while then finding the deep shots, uh in
taking them with confidence and having the efficiency carry over
(01:30):
into that aspect of bon Nick's game and of the
of the passing game in general, I thought that was
probably the most encouraging part of what they did against
the Packers.
Speaker 5 (01:38):
But I certainly think he's you know, again, these things
with quarterback.
Speaker 4 (01:42):
Development, it's never linear.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
It's never going to be hey, you start in this
this block and we're going to have this nice diagonal
curve that keeps going up. It's it's not. It doesn't
go that way, as much as you know, we would
all love to see it.
Speaker 4 (01:55):
I just think that he is definitely.
Speaker 5 (01:57):
Playing with a level of confidence.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
And trust and those around him, because again it's a
group that's that's growing with him. And I thought really
revealing too after the game when he was talking about
the relationship that he thinks he has right now with
Sean Payton, that I thought that was as much as
we've kind of heard Bo Nix go into that, you know,
relationship and why it was kind of clicking for them.
So I think all those things put together, I think
(02:21):
Zach it's fair to say, yeah, he has been turning
a corner.
Speaker 6 (02:25):
Let's talk about that relationship between Bo and Coach Payton,
because what we've seen from Bow over the past couple
of years, I mean week excuse me, it seems as
though it's more of Bow improvising when he's getting leaky
pressure and being able to make the plays on the perimeter.
Speaker 7 (02:42):
And I know Bo has been you.
Speaker 6 (02:44):
Know, overly criticized for that aspect of his game. Some
would call it backyard football. But what say you about
the backyard type of football that we're watching Bowl play
right now.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
Well he even used that term Nick the other day
when we were talking to him, you.
Speaker 5 (03:00):
Know, because I was interested.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
You look back at that.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Green Bay Packers tape and and just some of the
just suddenly the arm angles, and we've seen this, you know, obviously,
the one in Washington where he's fallen down and throwing
it like a you know, like like a shortstop turning
a double play, you know, to find Courtland sutt in
the end zone, like he has that capability, and I
think getting more comfortable using those those sort of arm
(03:23):
angle throws are sort of in between maybe you're you know,
step in the pocket.
Speaker 5 (03:28):
Like the throw he had to evn Ingram.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
You know, it was funny because Boenix was talking about, yeah,
you know, I played baseball. I think that's where some
of it comes from. That to me looked like a
guy playing point guard in basketball where he's rolling out
he sees Micah Parsons all of a sudden, it says,
if he got blitzed on the pick and roll and
he just has to stop right away and make a
really quick decision. So I think that all is to
say that that Sean Payton I think has an understanding
(03:52):
that like what makes him good, what gets him in
a rhythm and then allows him to just sort of
start feeling, you know, the stuff that he that he
you know, wants the call and the pocket stuff. He's
better at that when he's also able to get into
the rhythm with the creative stuff that he likes to do.
Speaker 4 (04:08):
So I really think Nick that.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
It's been like this this tug and poll I thought,
going back to that comments, that bo Nicks made after
the Packers game about Sean Payton. He said, you know,
part of it is really understanding his intent with a
play and then protecting that intent. And I think as
long as they're on that same page where it's like, yeah,
I understand what you're calling in and what we're trying
to what we're trying to philosophically achieve with this play call,
(04:32):
but then also understanding on Sean Payton's side of like
what he has as a gift. I mean again that
not every quarterback can do some of the things that
he's doing, both from like where he delivers the ball,
the ability to get there with his feet first, all
those sort of things are a little bit unique to him.
And so I just think the tug and pull, the
(04:52):
healthy tension is the way that I describe it of
how they figure out how to best utilize those things together.
That's where I think they've really made some strides.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
As bo Nicks is making these strides and the passing
attack is becoming so much more dangerous. The running game
is kind of regressed without JK. Dobbins, and we're getting
into the part of the season where run.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Game and defense is going to matter so much.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
How confident do you feel in this run game being
good enough for a postseason run as we get closer
to it.
Speaker 5 (05:23):
Yeah, you know, it's it's a big question.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
And I think this weekend against the Jaguars on Sunday
is going to be, you know, a really good test.
Speaker 4 (05:31):
This is a.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Discipline scout defensive front that's you know, second in the
league against the run.
Speaker 4 (05:37):
You know, December.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
I know it's not December weather over there on Sunday,
but but just sort of the time of year, you know,
how you have to win these close games.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
It's going to be important that they do.
Speaker 5 (05:48):
Find their attraction.
Speaker 4 (05:49):
You know.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
It's it's funny like R. J. Harvey that you look
at the numbers since he became the starter, and they certainly.
Speaker 5 (05:55):
Don't pop in the way that JK.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Dobbins did.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
But one thing he really does is he finds the
end zone. I think they've run the ball really well
in close, and that's something they certainly weren't able to
do when Sean Payton first got here in twenty twenty three,
and then got a little better at it.
Speaker 5 (06:10):
Last year, but that was still something that was lacking.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
I think R J.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Harvey's ability in close to find the end zone has
kind of been a low key, really important development for
this team as an offensive unit. So I mean that's
all going to be part of it now. And again
they really do use as you guys know, like the
way that they pass. Some of this is akin to runs,
you know, just some of the short game stuff that
(06:34):
they do. I think they're always going to be just
quantity wise tilted toward the pass a little bit more.
But there's no question Sean Payton talked about this week too,
we've just been in better parts of the play call sheet.
A lot of that is the penalties. They only have
six offensive penalties, like eight offensive penalties in their last four.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
Games combined, so they're doing a much better job with that.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
The next step is, yeah, just making sure that you
know no negative runs, early early downs and continue to
progress that way, because I think you can be effective
enough if you do those things to not necessarily have
to get the production that you were getting from JK.
Dobbins to still have the running game being effective part
of what you're doing.
Speaker 6 (07:15):
You know what, Nate, after the first half of the
Broncos game against the Packers, I was watching social media
and watching fans kind of interact to what they were
seeing from the Broncos defense. The week before there it
was the Raiders game where the Raiders took that opening
possession down to score. The Packers game, Jordan Love was
moving the ball down and Broncos fans were losing their minds, saying, Okay, listen,
(07:37):
the Broncos are giving up some some chunk players, or
they're allowing an offense to move down the field, but
then they shut the door in the red zone.
Speaker 7 (07:45):
Where are you on this Broncos defense?
Speaker 6 (07:47):
And you think do you think that that should be
a matter of concern with teams being able to move
the ball down the field on the on the defense.
Speaker 5 (07:55):
Yeah, it's a great question. I wrote about that earlier
this week, because you're.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Right, like, over the last you know, six five games,
they are i think twenty six in terms of passing
yards allowed per game. They are giving up explosive plays,
they're giving up chunks, particularly in the first halves of games.
Speaker 5 (08:12):
I thought it was interesting.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
Dance Joseph said.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Last week during his media availability that you know, come
week fourteen fifteen in the NFL, and you know the
nick from your time like it gets harder to call
defense because there's only so many defenses that you can run,
there's only so many different personnel packages that you can
work through to where it's not there's not as much
like fooling. And especially when you blitz as much as
(08:35):
Vance Joseph does and they use as many guys as
they do, you know, eventually, I think it's a little
bit easier to get a beat on how a defense
is going to play, you, you know, versus an offense
still being able to kind of add things later in
the year. So that part of it, I think you
can attribute some of it to that of just yeah.
Speaker 5 (08:53):
You're you're going to get a beat on these guys to.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
A certain degree, but if you can continue to I mean,
they're on pace to have the second best opponent touchdown rate,
second lowest opponent touchdown rate.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
You know since twenty seventeen. Right now, only.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Thirty eight point five percent of opponent drives into the
red zone are reaching.
Speaker 7 (09:11):
The end zone.
Speaker 5 (09:11):
So you know that that is such a huge element
of all this.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
And you think about it too, with the way that
these the kickoff rule has changed things like you are
in your in scoring position with a couple like it
takes two, you know, two.
Speaker 5 (09:25):
First downs essentially to be on the doorstep of the
red zone.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
So you're going teams are going to get there. You know,
the mark I think of a good defense is being
able to get off the field on third down, which
the Broncos have have largely been able to do. And
then of course, you know Sehn Payton loves to call
him four point plays, those those third downs in the
red zone where you know, if you can prevent it,
their kicking field goals instead of scoring touchdowns. And again
(09:50):
that that continues to be such a huge part of
Denver's winning formula.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Talking about that defense with Nick Cosminder of the Athletic
at Nick Cosminder on x Nick, the takeaways or lack thereof,
have been such a talking point for this defense all
season long. They have at least one takeaway in four
of their last five games.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
Do you think they're starting to turn a corner there?
Speaker 1 (10:14):
Have they unlocked something as a defense or is this
just a case of the ball bouncing their way some more?
Speaker 2 (10:20):
Yeah, a little bit more. It definitely seems to me
like there's certainly more out there.
Speaker 4 (10:26):
For them to take advantage of. You know, it's funny.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
I was talking with somebody, you know, from the Jacksonville
market and he was just like I was, as I
was preparing for this game and looking at the numbers,
it's sort of stunning that a team that produces as
much pressure and then as many takedowns as the Broncos
do fifty eight sacks here as we enter week sixteen.
Speaker 4 (10:45):
Already, that they've only gotten.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
The ball, like, they've only forced two quarterback fumbles. You know,
it really is while the amount of pass rush pressure
that they produce and yet you know, still just don't
have the big turnover numbers that we're that we're talking
about here, only twelve turnovers forced. They still have a
minus two turnover differential this season, which for a twelve
(11:09):
and two team is incredible that that that's you know,
that they've been.
Speaker 4 (11:12):
Able to do that.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
I do think that they've they've kind of obviously to
your point, Zact, they've gotten a couple big turnovers.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
In key spots.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Obviously, sometimes it's as much about when you get them
as as it is about how many you get, and
certainly pats or TAM's was was the turnover of the
year a week ago, so yeah, I mean, I guess
we just have to sort of see you would think
that this continued passers pressure is ultimately going to produce that,
But I look at it the other way too, Like
they've you know, they've not turned the ball over ton
(11:43):
This is that this is a huge test that the
Jacksonville Jaguars have forced twenty six turnovers this year. That's
the second most in the league behind the Chicago Bears.
The Broncos have been really good at taking care of
it obviously. You know Boonix didn't have didn't take a sack,
didn't throw an interception against the Packers. He needs another
one of those kinds of games, I think in order
for them to win on Sunday.
Speaker 7 (12:05):
Now here's what we've known coming into the season.
Speaker 6 (12:07):
The Broncos have been pretty thin at the linebacker position,
and last game and I say, well, sometimes when you
play games like this, especially in the back half of
the season, you're going to get beat up physically, and
being able to sustain that through depth is a huge
part of it. But now Jessicterernard, who was in that
three man rotation at the linebacker position, he's going to
(12:29):
be out, So it changes things with the Broncos from
a defensive standpoint, but a special team standpoint, how do
you think they recover knowing as though you're rolling in
essentially with like two healthy linebackers.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Yeah, you know, I think the one silver lining i'd
say with that is the fact that Drake Greenlaw is
if he's not completely off of this snap count, but
by now he's certainly getting close in terms of, you know,
just how much he's playing defensively, So I think you
feel a little bit more comfortable with with him being
out there all the time. So maybe a little bit
(13:02):
less of a need for for the rotation so long
as he and Alex Singleton remain healthy. But yeah, it's
no doubt a blow to lose a guy like Justin
s Ornad just again, great Blitzer, a guy that Vance
Joseph uses in a number of different ways, and then
an excellent special teams player for Darren Rizzy has been
ever since he got here. Really, you know, I didn't
(13:25):
play his rookie year in twenty twenty, but came back
in twenty twenty one, and that literally for a while,
that was why he kept signing one year deals. They
kept wanting him back because of how much of a
presence he was on special teams. It's really only been
the last two years that he became, you know, an
impactful piece defensively, so you know, certainly not.
Speaker 4 (13:43):
Ideal that they lost him.
Speaker 5 (13:44):
I would just to say the silver.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Lining again the timing that you know, there's been times
this season where you've been without Alex Singleton and you've
been without Dray green Law. Those guys are now back.
They're they're healthy and playing well.
Speaker 4 (13:57):
That's the positive.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
They could get Karenni Reid back, who they really liked obviously,
the undrafted guy out of Utah who made the team
out of camp, and then those playing well on special
teams before he suffered a hamstring injury. He's questionable for Sunday,
so you know he he could be an option for
them to sort of fill in that depth where they
where they'll missed or not.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
Thank you so much for the time, Nick, Have a
great rest of your night and enjoy the Broncos game Sunday.
Speaker 3 (14:21):
All right, Thanks glad, guys, talk to you soon, talk
to you later.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
That was Nick Cosminder with the Athletic Make sure you're
following him over at Nick Cosminder. Lots of great Broncos
coverage coming from him. Coming up next, we're going to
get into the NFL six pack. I've got a bundle
of great NFL stories to get Nick and Grant's takes on.
That's all coming up next on Broncos Country tonight. Right
(14:45):
here on KOA joining me is Nick Ferguson, and behind
the glass we got the one and only Grant Smith.
Before we get into an NFL six pack, though, I
just want to remind you to help us at KOA.
Think a veteran, an active military member, or first responder
with twenty five hundred dollars through February first, submit your
(15:06):
nomination name and they're deserving reason for twenty five hundred
dollars at koa Colorado dot Com slash contests, it's a
Heroes thank you presented by Common Spirit Health and Fix
It twenty four to seven.
Speaker 3 (15:17):
With that said, I think it's time for an NFL
six pack.
Speaker 4 (15:20):
It's time for the NFL Sick Pad.
Speaker 8 (15:23):
I'm gonna trade a lot of beer, insight and insight
information you can't find anywhere else.
Speaker 6 (15:29):
No.
Speaker 4 (15:29):
Six the top six NFL headlines.
Speaker 1 (15:32):
What the NFL hierarchy has been mixed up yet again?
This season, with the Seattle Seahawks coming back to beat
the Rams after trailing thirty to fourteen midway through the
fourth quarter last night.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
Did that clash make you feel.
Speaker 1 (15:48):
Better or worse about the Broncos standing among the NFL's
most elite teams, Nick, Well.
Speaker 7 (15:57):
It really showed me that.
Speaker 6 (16:00):
The Broncos to be in least status, there's still more
for them to do. And what it said is, though,
when you look at Seattle, when you look at the Rams,
the fact was they both ran the ball and they
scored a lot of points.
Speaker 7 (16:15):
And here's the interesting thing.
Speaker 6 (16:16):
When you look at these two teams, right, what do
they have in common?
Speaker 7 (16:21):
Right?
Speaker 6 (16:21):
They have coaches who come from the tree of which
coach Mike Shanahan. So yes, the Broncos have some stepping
up to do. And I would like to see the
Broncos get to a point where they can carry a
run game like.
Speaker 7 (16:32):
Those two teams.
Speaker 9 (16:33):
I still think that the Rams are the class of
the entire NFL. But I think that game last night
showed me the most about Sam Darnold, like the ability
to come back from a couple of really bad throws
and lead his team to that win. That was a
huge stepping stone for Seattle and they're probably gonna win
the NFC West now. But I think the Broncos are
(16:53):
right there in that class. I think that it didn't
change anything in my mind that the Broncos are still
a top five team in the NFL.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
I'm with you.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
It didn't change a whole lot for me, except I
think I feel like the Broncos are in that same
tier now.
Speaker 3 (17:08):
I think going into.
Speaker 1 (17:08):
This week, I felt the Rams maybe the sea less
of the Seahawks, but I felt like the Rams were
cut above everyone and this made them feel a little
more mortal to me. It made them feel a little
more vulnerable, and I think the Broncos could hang with them.
It's weird, you know, coming out of that first Seahawks
Rams game, I almost felt better about the Seahawks because
it was like, Wow, look how narrowly the Rams beat
(17:31):
them and Sam Darnold threw four interceptions, Like the Seahawks
might be the better team here. After this one, I
almost feel like the Rams are the better team because
look how narrowly the Seahawks beat them at home and
all it took the weird, funky two point conversion play.
Speaker 8 (17:44):
You guys ever seen anything like that?
Speaker 3 (17:45):
Bizarre one of the weirdest plays I've ever seen in
NFL history.
Speaker 8 (17:48):
Was so crazy.
Speaker 6 (17:49):
Well, I mean charbon A picking up the ball in
the end zone that I yes.
Speaker 8 (17:55):
And not reacting to it at all.
Speaker 6 (17:57):
Yeah, it's just like randomly, like it was his practice.
He was just going to get the ball and give
to a kid on the sideline. But that proved to
be a major factor in the game.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
So two.
Speaker 1 (18:07):
Speaking of that call, last night was one of the
most consequential and controversial officiating moments of the.
Speaker 8 (18:15):
Season, as the refs.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
Overturned Seattle's failed two point conversion attempt after there was
clear and obvious evidence of the past going backwards and
Zach Charbonat subsequently recovering the ball in the end zone. However,
Rams fans are arguing that the call shouldn't have been
reversed as an official blew their whistle, killing the play
before charbon Ay recovered the fumble. Of course, we also
(18:39):
saw Pukadakua double down on his referee criticism on Twitter
last night. Do you think the officials made the right
call on that Zach Sharbonay play awarding the Seahawks the
two points And do you think Pukakakua is right to
be upset with the Zebras?
Speaker 7 (18:57):
He Oh, yeah, he's right to be upset.
Speaker 6 (18:59):
You would too, and instant if the fisials blow the whistle,
that play is now officially dead. You can't go back
and review it and go oh, by the way, he
happened to just saunter over and pick the ball up.
Speaker 7 (19:12):
No, you blew the whistle, and if you did, that's
the end of the play. There's no conversation.
Speaker 9 (19:19):
Yeah, I agree, Yes, I think it was ridiculous. I
think it probably kept the Seahawks in that game. I
thought that game was over with seven minutes to go,
and Sam Darnold through that second interception, and I can
see why Sean McVay was so livid in his press conference.
Speaker 8 (19:35):
Like he was.
Speaker 9 (19:36):
He looked like he was about to snap up there,
and I agree with him, Like, if the whistle is blown,
the play is over. It doesn't matter if the guy
picks the ball up in the end zone. You already
called the play.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
Dead man When they asked him about Pookin' kuz tweet,
I thought the vein.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
In his forad was going to explode. He was absolutely.
Speaker 9 (19:53):
He did catch himself a little bit like a like
a minute and a half into that answer, He's like, listen,
I'm sorry, I'm just a little heated right now.
Speaker 7 (20:00):
Well, but this is ridiculous.
Speaker 6 (20:01):
But but you know what, really quickly, I don't understand why
the league finds coaches when they have a legitimate right
against the officials. And it's just like, well, if you're
going to find a coach for coming out making a
statement about agregious comedy that I mean a play or
over time that we obviously saw, should they find these
damn officials the same.
Speaker 7 (20:18):
Thing as well.
Speaker 9 (20:19):
I think some big changes are coming to NFL officiating
very near future.
Speaker 7 (20:23):
Yes they are.
Speaker 1 (20:24):
It's insane to be two see and I it's just
of all the controversial things Pukadagua said, I think the
only one that maybe wasn't controversial was his critique of
the officials.
Speaker 4 (20:35):
Three.
Speaker 1 (20:37):
Travis Kelsey told the media that he won't sit out
of any of the Chiefs final three games of the season,
despite the team being eliminated from playoff contention. He also
told the media he expects to have a decision on
his retirement by March. Do you think Travis Kelcey will
retire after this season. And if he does retire, has
he done enough to be considered the greatest tight end
(20:59):
of all Yes, he's.
Speaker 6 (21:00):
Done enough to be considered the greatest sign end of
all time. He answered the question about the retirement. Hell,
he retired three years ago. He just decreed out right,
he's just.
Speaker 7 (21:11):
Now freguing out. I mean, just keep it a buck.
Speaker 6 (21:14):
I mean, when were watching in the Super Bowl to
start the year, he didn't look that great against Philadelphia,
and he's not looking that great right now.
Speaker 7 (21:21):
So unboknownst to him, he's already retired.
Speaker 8 (21:25):
Yeah, and what are you waiting on?
Speaker 9 (21:26):
Man?
Speaker 8 (21:26):
You've won all the Super Bowls?
Speaker 9 (21:28):
Your buddy, your quarterback, is going to be out at
the start of next year. This seems like the perfect
time for him to walk away. And I would say, yes,
he is the greatest tight end of all time. I mean,
he's put up numbers that are ridiculous. I mean, I
think the only other person that's in that conversation for
me is Gronk, and he just retired too soon. I
think Travis Kelsey is going to be a first ballot
(21:48):
Hall of Famer, and I think he took the high
road in that press conference today, not making it about himself,
and it made me have a little more respect for Travis.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
Kelcey and I agree with you guys. I think he's
the greatest tight end ever.
Speaker 3 (22:00):
Risk a little bit. I think Rob Gronkowski is the
best tight end ever. We want to talk about peak.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
They played at the same time Gronk was getting those
first team All pronouns, Kelsey was getting the second team
All pronouns. But at a point the fact Kelsey played
twice as long had even more playoff success than Bronkowski,
who had looked like the most error for a tight
end prior to Kelsey at the rings, the winning, the
connection with Patrick Mohons, which will always be legendary.
Speaker 3 (22:26):
I think he's the greatest.
Speaker 7 (22:27):
All of that is great, really quick.
Speaker 6 (22:29):
But Gronk is not married to Taylor Swift, and that's
where the Romus row let's.
Speaker 7 (22:34):
Call it, let's keep it a book.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
It just reminds me of how lebron James is the
greatest player of all time, that Michael Jordan might be
the best. Or On Monday, a legislative council in Kansas
will likely vote to approve stadium funding that will help
move the Chiefs out of Arrowhead Stadium and across state
lines from Missouri to the state of Kansas.
Speaker 3 (22:57):
What do you make of.
Speaker 1 (22:58):
This potential move for the Kansas Chiefs And as a
Broncos supporter, would you be excited or sad to see
Arrowhead go?
Speaker 6 (23:08):
I don't give the damn about it'd be too honest,
I really don't.
Speaker 7 (23:11):
It's in Kansas City.
Speaker 6 (23:13):
It doesn't impact the Broncos in one way. You just
move from Kansas, from Missouri to Kansas. I mean, you're
still in the same vicinity, so really doesn't change too.
Speaker 8 (23:22):
Much anything still in the same city.
Speaker 9 (23:25):
I mean, I mean, I think it's ridiculous that they
changed the name of it to Giha Geha Stadium. That
was the downfall of Arrowhead for me. I think it
doesn't really matter. I mean, the Chiefs fans are still
going to come out and support them whether they're in
Missouri or Kansas. And as a Broncos fan, who gives
a rats ass like who cares? Weren't it's hard time
now the Chiefs dynasty has done. It's time for the
(23:47):
Broncos dynasty and it's on its way and let them
move wherever they want.
Speaker 1 (23:52):
You know what, I love your guys's energy. I might
care a little bit more about this. Well, I think
I think it matters. I think Arrowheads Stadium has been
one of the harshest road environments in the league for
a long time. And yes, they're staying in the same
city and all that, I think this will be different.
Speaker 3 (24:09):
You're you're getting a different fan based.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
Part of what makes Arrowheads so special is they have
this giant, goofy parking lot that combines the Royal Stadium
and the Chief Stadium, and everyone spends ten hours before
the game and they're getting all liquored up and all crazy.
And I think it's part of the reason that stadium
is so loud. I think you take a little bit
of the magic way.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
Even if it only.
Speaker 1 (24:28):
Decreases by ten percent, you're talking about the most threatening
homefield becoming like the fifteenth most threat A.
Speaker 6 (24:35):
Same drugg and fans from one from one area to the.
Speaker 9 (24:37):
Other, Those same drunken fans are going to be in
Kanvas and just as drunk and just as loud.
Speaker 7 (24:43):
Yes, if not more so.
Speaker 4 (24:45):
We're five.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
The Jets are planning on shutting down wide receiver Garrett
Wilson the rest of the season as they have nothing
to play for but draft position.
Speaker 3 (24:56):
This is a bit of a new fad in the NFL.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
And what do you think the Jets taking advantage of
it and shutting down one of their star players. Do
you think this is soft or smart?
Speaker 4 (25:05):
Now?
Speaker 6 (25:06):
I think this is smart because considering I guess they
were listening, Garrett is having somewhat of neat issues, so
this makes sense.
Speaker 7 (25:14):
And once again, what are you playing for? I mean,
he is.
Speaker 6 (25:17):
Arguably the best offensive weapon.
Speaker 7 (25:19):
That you do have.
Speaker 6 (25:20):
And who's throwing him the ball? Well, oh, by the way,
who's blocking for that quarterback throwing him the ball? So
why put Garrett Wilson out there and make him a
sacrificial lamp?
Speaker 7 (25:29):
No, don't do it.
Speaker 6 (25:30):
Sit him down, let him watch and get prepared for
the draft in twenty twenty six.
Speaker 9 (25:34):
Yeah, I think it's a smart move. I think it's
also a little soft. Like I mean, if you're a
dude bluing at Joe Burrow in Cincinnati, he may be
a little depressed. He's not where he wants to be.
He doesn't have the winning record that they want this year.
He's going out there and playing ball because he's making
fifty million dollars a year.
Speaker 8 (25:49):
Garrett Wilson should be out there playing as well.
Speaker 9 (25:51):
Because the fans have bought the tickets at the beginning
of the year, probably knowing that the Jets were gonna
suck because they suck every year, but they at least
to see Garrett Wilson maybe catch a touchdown pass.
Speaker 8 (26:00):
They're not getting that now.
Speaker 7 (26:01):
Boy, he just had to slide that in there.
Speaker 1 (26:03):
Did It's it's a rough existence for Jets fans, and
I get the rational end of it. You know, you're
you're you got nothing to gain. Why risk anything with
Garrett Wilson. I do wonder about the culture element. You know,
this is still a coaching staff hoping to stick around,
hoping to you know, turn around this this dismal Jets
culture where they are a culture of losers. I feel like,
you know, going, hey, we got nothing else to play for, guys,
(26:25):
let's just pack.
Speaker 3 (26:25):
It in these last we're going it in.
Speaker 7 (26:27):
But here's a guy.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
It kind of says that, well, yeah, no, it doesn't because.
Speaker 7 (26:30):
You're not doing it with the whole team.
Speaker 6 (26:31):
You're doing it with one of your top offensive players
who happens to have a neat issue how.
Speaker 9 (26:36):
Do you feel if you're the rest of the guys
out there battling through your own injury.
Speaker 7 (26:39):
Guess what you and Gary Wilsons, so sit down.
Speaker 9 (26:42):
Seekers as your boy Justin fields back at quarterback to
the Jets next year.
Speaker 7 (26:47):
No, no, I don't.
Speaker 1 (26:49):
Hey, he got me, he got me mistakes and I
thank him kindly, and uh, he's going to do great
for the Birmingham Stallius next year.
Speaker 7 (26:55):
For wow.
Speaker 1 (26:58):
This weekend is the first round of the college football Playoffs.
I've done a little contender pretender lightning round with you before, Nick.
This time I want to do a lightning round of picks.
Let's start off with number ten Miami at number seven
Texas A and M. Guys, who do you have winning
this college football Playoff first round matchup?
Speaker 6 (27:16):
Ooh, you know what, I'm gonna go with my hometown,
call me a home.
Speaker 7 (27:22):
I don't care.
Speaker 6 (27:23):
I'm going with the Hurricanes because they need this and
the ACC needs this as the only team in the ACC.
So I'm gonna roll.
Speaker 7 (27:30):
With the Caves.
Speaker 9 (27:31):
I will say if Miami somehow wins this game at
Kyle Field at Texas A and M. Which talk about
home field environments, that's one of the best in college football.
That will really shut up the Notre Dame fans. But
if they go out there and lose like I expect
them to, I think it gets even louder from those
Notre Dame fans who will not be missing another college
football playoff if they're ranked where they were this year.
Speaker 8 (27:53):
I like Texas A and m to win this game.
Speaker 1 (27:56):
I haven't been on Mike and had the chance to
say it. That Notre Dame stuff is some of the
softest nonsense I can.
Speaker 3 (28:01):
See so many sports team doing. It's take your ball
and go home.
Speaker 1 (28:06):
It's it's I cannot stand it.
Speaker 3 (28:09):
I got Miami in this one.
Speaker 1 (28:10):
I think Mario Chris wall is gonna have his his
team ready, you know, play as No one believes in
this card. And you know what, Texas A and M's
played a sneaky soft schedule of SEC teams. Uh they
lost to Texas. Uh, they barely beat Notre Dame or
didn't even make the playoff. I think they might be
in some trouble here.
Speaker 9 (28:29):
I think you guys are both the same to the
pick the Packers last week?
Speaker 7 (28:33):
Right, Hey, what's your boy?
Speaker 6 (28:35):
I'm just saying, wait, wait, wait, wait, we're talking about
a different game.
Speaker 7 (28:40):
I'm just saying different game, different teams.
Speaker 1 (28:44):
Next up, we got number twenty two lane going up
against number six no lane, Ole Miss. Who do you
guys think wins this one? Is almost going to be
able to pull it out without their head coach.
Speaker 6 (28:55):
Yeah, Ole Miss pulls this out because once again you
got the whole lane kiffing thing going on, and that's
going to be added motivation. Not like they needed it,
but there was part of me that was hoping that
maybe Tulane would make.
Speaker 3 (29:07):
It a game.
Speaker 6 (29:08):
But I mean with Tulane's being in the mix anyway,
they're going to expand it to sixteen to eighteen teams eventually.
But obviously Old Miss wins this one and wins it big.
Speaker 7 (29:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 9 (29:17):
I think the better question is does Ole Miss cover?
But I do love Tulane and I love their head
coaches leave and we heard the sound from him last night.
Speaker 8 (29:24):
John Summer all.
Speaker 9 (29:25):
I think this is going to be a little closer
than the time limit earlier this year, but I like
Pete Golding as well. You mentioned the no lane, which
was a nice no reference there from Sinkers, But I
think it's going to be a little tighter I think
maybe a fourteen point win for ole Miss.
Speaker 3 (29:41):
I think you guys are right.
Speaker 1 (29:42):
I think this one will be closer because of all
the turmoil around ole Miss. I think it's going to
be hard to execute that offense without Lane Kiffin point
all the strings. Maybe not hard, but they won't be
at quite the same dominant level.
Speaker 3 (29:53):
They've just got way too much talent for Tulane. They've
got home field advantage. I think that ultimately wins out
last one.
Speaker 7 (29:59):
Here.
Speaker 1 (30:00):
Number twenty four James Madison going across the country to
number five Oregon.
Speaker 3 (30:04):
Nick, do you believe in miracles?
Speaker 7 (30:07):
Uh? Yeah, and this is not one of them. Oregon. Okay,
they're losing both their.
Speaker 6 (30:14):
Opposite quorda in their defense coordinators who are now getting
you know, head coaching jobs, and I want to see
how that's gonna play out in the mix.
Speaker 7 (30:21):
But still Oregon still a powerful team.
Speaker 6 (30:24):
James Madison, Man, they thank the Lord they got in.
But this is going to be a drubb and it
needs to be a drubbing to make sure that we
don't have any more mistakes like this.
Speaker 8 (30:33):
You and the Orse hating it on Cinderella just like
March Madness.
Speaker 7 (30:37):
Hey man, I'm not I'm not hating on Cinderella's but.
Speaker 8 (30:39):
I agree with you.
Speaker 9 (30:40):
Oh, I think walks and they're favored by twenty and
a half.
Speaker 8 (30:45):
I think they win by thirty.
Speaker 3 (30:47):
I'm with you.
Speaker 1 (30:47):
I will say, James Madison very very funny on Twitter.
Speaker 3 (30:50):
They're trash.
Speaker 1 (30:51):
Talk of this game, using like Oregon slowly highlights to
call them the slowest team in the country has been
very funny. I wish we could see more of it.
They're gonna be wanting done in this. I think Oregon
pretty easily cruises even without their assistant coaches.
Speaker 3 (31:04):
But excited for these games.
Speaker 1 (31:06):
Wish we had some more marquee matchups, but at least
we got Miami and Texas at empty carry playoff.
Speaker 8 (31:12):
I feel like starts next week.
Speaker 9 (31:13):
Yes, once we get all these small schools at nick
Cat's out of.
Speaker 1 (31:16):
There, and then it'll be great. I mean, this game
tonight's been pretty darn good. Well, we'll see how it
ultimately plays out. Nick, thank you for helping me look
good tonight. Grant same to you you guys. Always pleasure
working with you, talking ball with you. I can't wait
for this Jags Broncos game. Nick, you're saving your prediction
for Sunday correct.
Speaker 6 (31:35):
I'm gonna save mine for Sunday, but I think you
probably know already.
Speaker 8 (31:39):
You know then taking the Jaguars, but you don't know
the school.
Speaker 7 (31:42):
Stop it, Grant.
Speaker 1 (31:43):
Let's hope we're better this week than we were last week. Great,
Thanks again, man. I don't think we can see a Sunday.
All you have to do is stick a fork in
the life. Socket wants to know that some bad things
can happen.
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