December 8, 2023 • 12 mins
On this episode of "The Snap," Sydney Jones is joined by NFL on CBS sideline reporter AJ Ross to discuss the Broncos’ mindset heading to Los Angeles to face the Chargers this weekend, their identity on offense and more. Want more of "The Snap"? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher or wherever you find your podcasts. Make sure to leave a rating and review.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey to score that sundon.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
Hey, this is Tim Patrick and you listening to The
Snap with Sidney Jones on Broncos Podcast Network.
Speaker 3 (00:07):
Yere, hello everyone, Welcome back to the Broncos Podcast Network
and YouTube for the latest episode of The Snap.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
As always, I'm your host is Sidney Jones.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
The Broncos will look to get back on track as
they travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers this Sunday.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
For an AFC West showdown.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
So joining me on today's episode to get us up
to speed on the matchup is NFL and CBS sideline.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Reporter Aj Ross. Aj.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
It's a pleasure to see you again and to have
you on the show again. Thank you so much for
joining me. Thanks so much for having me. Absolutely, it's
crazy to think it's already a week fourteen of this season.
Just I mean, five more weeks of the regular season
left flew by.
Speaker 4 (00:42):
It absolutely flew by.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
And all the people who like to joke that the
NFL is scripted, this is the wildest script imaginable for
so many teams, and who would have thought, even the
Broncos being in the position they are, like playoff talk
right now at.
Speaker 4 (00:55):
This point in the season is surreal, It really is.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
It's been fun over here the past few weeks. You know,
how's just the season been going for you?
Speaker 4 (01:01):
Aj, It's been great. I have a new crew this year.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
I've been working with Matt Ryan and Tiki Barber and
Andrew Catalan. So it's been an awesome experience working with
those guys and you know, kind of learning the game
through a different lens through them. So I can't speak
highly enough about the team and just how selfless everybody is.
Speaker 4 (01:20):
And it's been an awesome experience.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
That's awesome. How many seasons is this for you now?
With CBS on NFL?
Speaker 4 (01:26):
I think this is my fourth?
Speaker 1 (01:28):
Fourth?
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Nice, that's fun. I know you've been on a lot
of Broncos games this year. Is this your your third one?
Speaker 4 (01:35):
I think my third.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
I had the Jets game in Male High and I
also had the Bears game in Chicago.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
All right, our first win of the season.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Yes, yes, yes, it was an amazing comeback win. Actually, ironically,
when I spoke with Russ last night, he referenced that
game as one of the games that you know, he
was speaking at halftime, speaking into existence this belief that
he professes all the time, and maybe some people are
skeptical or cynical at times, like here he goes again
talking about this belief, but he really does believe in
(02:07):
manifesting things and speaking things into existence, and that was
something he did at halftime of that Bears game and
they came back, and he says that was a very
distinct turning point for this Broncos team.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
It really was.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
I remember that very specifically too, because you know, you
could feel the energy on the sideline. And then you know,
a few games later they went on this five game
win streak.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
Absolutely, and you know, even that win streak you're referencing
when we were talking with Russ, he said, their mentality,
their mindset right now is that they are a five
and one team and they have five more games to win,
so they're not looking at it as like six and six.
That game, that Chicago game, really was the turning point
where he says, guys started to buy in and it
wasn't just yeah, okay, maybe we can They could see
(02:50):
the potential and they really didn't know what type of
team they were going to be prior to that. I mean,
this is a first year for a lot of guys
in this scheme. You know, with Sean Payton with you know,
advance and the defensive scheme. This was you know, you
had to give a little time. And I don't think
you know, when you come from an established organization like
Denver that's used to winning you know, Super Bowls, and
(03:13):
then you go through a stretch where you haven't made
the playoffs and that standard of excellence hasn't been met.
Of course, the fan base is anxious to see success
early on, but it's taken some time, as it has
with other organizations. And now, you know, you want to
be playing your best football in December, and we'll see
what happens this weekend.
Speaker 3 (03:31):
Yeah, I know, aj you said you talked to Russ.
Who else did you talk to in these production meetings
this week? And you know what did you guys talk about.
Speaker 4 (03:38):
We spoke with Sean Payton.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Of course, Coach Payton was saying, you know, he thinks
that they have to run the ball well and if
they can, that will be the defining factor in this
game against the Chargers. He thinks they can create some
you know, matchup problems and obviously there's a lot of
versatility in your running back room. With Jamonte Williams, samaj
p Ryan Jella, McLoughlin.
Speaker 4 (03:58):
You know, he kind of went into detail.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
I don't know, I'm wants to us to share with
the public at this point, but he thinks, you know,
going against this Chargers defense that hasn't always been consistent
throughout the season, that's going to really be the key
getting the ground game going. Of course, Russ has been
very successful with play action this year, so if you
get the ground game going, that's when you know, play
action is more successful for the offense overall. So that
(04:19):
was a key point that you know, Sean Payton brought up.
But what Vance Joseph has done with your defense and
you know leading the league and takeaways and you know
just some personnel changes that has really, you know, just
been a defining factor as well. So Vance talked about
some of those younger guys getting opportunities now that are
you know, stepping up, especially with Kream Jackson out with
(04:40):
you know the suspension as of right now. That's you know,
been something else that he noted. You know these next
man up guys that are you know performing weekend and
week out.
Speaker 1 (04:50):
Yeah, definitely AJ going off of that.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
You know, the Chargers they are allowing over two hundred
and sixty passing yards per game, which I know is
the second highest total in the league.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
So you mentioned the run game.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Looking at this Broncos for Stephen Core I know Courtland Sutton,
He's had a touchdown in every single road game so
far this season for the Broncos. So what are your
expectations kind of for that grouping.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
Yeah, absolutely, Courtland Sun and I believe it's a career
high nine touchdown receptions this year. He's playing unbelievable. And
you know, Russ also spoke to the connection there, and
something else he noted was the way they practiced this week.
He specifically said that on Wednesday and Thursday those were
the best practices of the entire season. So does that
always translate on Sundays, who knows, But he specifically referenced
(05:33):
Courtland and Jerry Judy having the best practices of the year.
So I think it's something to be said as far
as the chemistry that you can see has been built,
especially these last six weeks between Russ and Courtland and
Jerry's So yeah, there's definitely some I think mismatches that
can be exploited there with that charger secondary that's again,
(05:55):
just not always been consistent, right.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
I know there was some miscommunication on offense in Houston
last week, so they'll try and kind of hone in
on that and fix that this weekend. Aj.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
I know this Charger's offense.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Is also looking to get back on track this weekend.
They only put up six points versus Patriots last week totaled.
I think it was just under thirty rushing yards too.
So what's kind of been the talk in La over
there kind of surrounding some of those inconsistencies on offense.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Yeah, you mentioned just even the run game, especially Austin
Eckler hasn't necessarily looked like himself. He's, you know, had
an ankle injury that he's been powering through this season,
and you look at his numbers since he injured that
ankle in Week one. Actually it's just been a huge
drop off for him. And they've had some injuries with
you know, Mike Williams. Their receiving core depth isn't what
(06:40):
it's been in the year's past, so you know the
ball is going to Keenan Allen, and Keenan Allen is
a force in himself, so you know, even Sean Payton referenced.
You got to you know, contain Justin Herbert. He has
an awesome arm. He leads the league and a lot
of you know, statistical core categories as far as you know,
completions and.
Speaker 4 (06:59):
You know passing, tempts all those things.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
But between Herbert containing him in the pocket and limiting
keening out Keenan Allen, who Pat Sortan will likely follow
at different points, but because they move him around so much,
it's going to be, you know, an all out effort
with the Broncos defense keying in on Keenan Allen mostly
and limiting Austin Eckler.
Speaker 4 (07:16):
Those are the two main guys that you got to
worry about for sure.
Speaker 3 (07:19):
Yeah, I feel like the matchup to watch this weekend
is definitely going to be Keenan Allen versus Pat Sertan
or maybe you know this Bronco is running game versus
Khalil Mack. Kind of a toss up between those two
because Khalil Mack, I mean, leads the league in sacks
right now.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
Two.
Speaker 3 (07:31):
He's been a force to be reckoned with this year.
Speaker 4 (07:34):
Absolutely, And it's funny.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Sean Payton says that they have a mac protection and
it's not you know, specific to him this year, even
just you know, back when he played with the Raiders,
it was mind blowing that the Raiders let a guy
of that caliber go. So, you know, since Khalil has
gone from you know, the Raiders to the Bears, like
they have always whenever they have matched up, he is
(07:56):
a guy that you have to know where he is
on the field at all times.
Speaker 4 (08:00):
So he's a game changer.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
And what Garret Bowles has been doing week in and
week out, even if you look at his performance with
Miles Garrett a couple of weeks ago in Cleveland, really
the whole old line for the Broncos has been fortunately
compared to other teams, more intact and able to have
a little more you know, chemistry and consistency than a
lot of teams. So it'll be a good test going
up against the Kolo Mac, but they've been tested before
(08:23):
with guys.
Speaker 4 (08:23):
Of that caliber as well.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Yeah, the continuity on the offensive line has been really
great this year and you can definitely see it out
there on the field.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Aja.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
You know, you mentioned that the Broncos they lead the
league in takeaways with twenty two, but you know, unfortunately
they were unable to record one.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Last weekend in Houston.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
So how key do you think it is for this
team for you know, to see that unit for some turnovers.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Absolutely, just the turnover margin both ways. Russell will have
to take care of the ball. Those three interceptions really
hurt last time out. And takeaways they they usually you know,
come in bunches, so you know, if you get one,
you might get you know, a couple more.
Speaker 4 (08:59):
But just generating pressure.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
You know, it doesn't always have to be a sack
or forced fumble, but you know, with a guy like
Justin Herbert, that's a point of emphasis for this team,
according to Sean Payton, is just keeping him under pressure,
keeping him contained, and not letting him get into a
rhythm where he can consistently connect downfield. So yes, turnovers,
of course crucial, but also just disrupting that cadence and
(09:23):
that rhythm that the Chargers, if they get in, can
be a very dangerous team.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
Yeah. Absolutely, And aj you mentioned this a little bit earlier,
but you know, with five weeks remaining in the season here,
you know, the AFC playoff pictures looking a little bit
crazy right now. You know a lot of teams sitting
at six and six obviously the Broncos, and then a
lot of teams sitting at seven in five to two.
I mean, this Broncos team really hasn't been in position
in a while to play these meaningful games in December.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
No, they haven't. But so is the same with a
lot of these other teams. I mean, the mentality across
the board usually what's echoed is this one game at
a time. And even look at the Thursday night game
last night, the Steelers losing two, you know, the Patriots
another two and ten team, you know, who would have thought, right,
So there's so many opportunities at this point in the season.
(10:11):
You can't, you know, look too far down the road,
is what I've heard a lot of coaches and players say,
because there's so many moving parts.
Speaker 4 (10:17):
Staying healthy is so critical.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
At this point in the season, and so many things
can change because it's such a crowded field right now
with this AFC wildcard race. So it's not impossible whatsoever
for the Broncos to win their next you know, few games.
Five may be ambitious, but you know, just making it
into the playoffs would be a huge accomplishment for this
team and a huge turnaround in just one year.
Speaker 3 (10:41):
For sure, kind of going off of that last one
here for you Aga. You know, when you look at
the season in the past few years that the Broncos had,
what I guess has just surprised you the most about
the Broncos this year, having you know, covered a couple
of their games so far, I would.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
Say, and it's not just Russell Wilson, you know, hyperbole
if you will. I've been speaking with other players as
well on this team, the way that they have been
able to just lock in and block out the outside noise,
the outside criticism, those expectations that I mentioned before, with
this just being a franchise that expects excellence and has
(11:15):
been you know, wanting it for so long after you know,
Super Bowl wins. This is just a team that has
shown a lot of resilience, a lot of depth in
different areas that you know, especially in the defense with
guys going down or you know, just changing the lineup
at the point in time that.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
Advance Joseph did.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
I think it just speaks volumes to the way that
these guys have bought in and what Sean Payton has
been able to do with his staff in a very
short amount of time. I have to give credit words due,
you know, people, a lot of people were skeptical, especially
after that Jets game.
Speaker 4 (11:47):
It was looking pretty bleak.
Speaker 2 (11:48):
So to go from one to five and like I said,
now their mentality is five and one and just when
these next five is really remarkable.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
Yeah, it really is. A j I can't big enough
for in the show today. Appreciate all your insight.
Speaker 4 (12:02):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Yeah, I look forward to seeing you in LA this
weekend too.
Speaker 4 (12:06):
Absolutely great weather for both us both.
Speaker 3 (12:08):
That's going to do it for this week's episode of
The Snap Broncos Country. Thanks so much for tuning in,
and thank you again to our guest aj Ross for
joining the show. I'll meet you right back here on
the Broncos podcast network and YouTube.
Speaker 1 (12:19):
On Monday following the game. See you all then,
Hey to score that sundon.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
Hey, this is Tim Patrick and you listening to The
Snap with Sidney Jones on Broncos Podcast Network.
Speaker 3 (00:07):
Yere, hello everyone, Welcome back to the Broncos Podcast Network
and YouTube for the latest episode of The Snap.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
As always, I'm your host is Sidney Jones.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
The Broncos will look to get back on track as
they travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers this Sunday.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
For an AFC West showdown.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
So joining me on today's episode to get us up
to speed on the matchup is NFL and CBS sideline.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Reporter Aj Ross. Aj.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
It's a pleasure to see you again and to have
you on the show again. Thank you so much for
joining me. Thanks so much for having me. Absolutely, it's
crazy to think it's already a week fourteen of this season.
Just I mean, five more weeks of the regular season
left flew by.
Speaker 4 (00:42):
It absolutely flew by.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
And all the people who like to joke that the
NFL is scripted, this is the wildest script imaginable for
so many teams, and who would have thought, even the
Broncos being in the position they are, like playoff talk
right now at.
Speaker 4 (00:55):
This point in the season is surreal, It really is.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
It's been fun over here the past few weeks. You know,
how's just the season been going for you?
Speaker 4 (01:01):
Aj, It's been great. I have a new crew this year.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
I've been working with Matt Ryan and Tiki Barber and
Andrew Catalan. So it's been an awesome experience working with
those guys and you know, kind of learning the game
through a different lens through them. So I can't speak
highly enough about the team and just how selfless everybody is.
Speaker 4 (01:20):
And it's been an awesome experience.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
That's awesome. How many seasons is this for you now?
With CBS on NFL?
Speaker 4 (01:26):
I think this is my fourth?
Speaker 1 (01:28):
Fourth?
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Nice, that's fun. I know you've been on a lot
of Broncos games this year. Is this your your third one?
Speaker 4 (01:35):
I think my third.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
I had the Jets game in Male High and I
also had the Bears game in Chicago.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
All right, our first win of the season.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Yes, yes, yes, it was an amazing comeback win. Actually, ironically,
when I spoke with Russ last night, he referenced that
game as one of the games that you know, he
was speaking at halftime, speaking into existence this belief that
he professes all the time, and maybe some people are
skeptical or cynical at times, like here he goes again
talking about this belief, but he really does believe in
(02:07):
manifesting things and speaking things into existence, and that was
something he did at halftime of that Bears game and
they came back, and he says that was a very
distinct turning point for this Broncos team.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
It really was.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
I remember that very specifically too, because you know, you
could feel the energy on the sideline. And then you know,
a few games later they went on this five game
win streak.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
Absolutely, and you know, even that win streak you're referencing
when we were talking with Russ, he said, their mentality,
their mindset right now is that they are a five
and one team and they have five more games to win,
so they're not looking at it as like six and six.
That game, that Chicago game, really was the turning point
where he says, guys started to buy in and it
wasn't just yeah, okay, maybe we can They could see
(02:50):
the potential and they really didn't know what type of
team they were going to be prior to that. I mean,
this is a first year for a lot of guys
in this scheme. You know, with Sean Payton with you know,
advance and the defensive scheme. This was you know, you
had to give a little time. And I don't think
you know, when you come from an established organization like
Denver that's used to winning you know, Super Bowls, and
(03:13):
then you go through a stretch where you haven't made
the playoffs and that standard of excellence hasn't been met.
Of course, the fan base is anxious to see success
early on, but it's taken some time, as it has
with other organizations. And now, you know, you want to
be playing your best football in December, and we'll see
what happens this weekend.
Speaker 3 (03:31):
Yeah, I know, aj you said you talked to Russ.
Who else did you talk to in these production meetings
this week? And you know what did you guys talk about.
Speaker 4 (03:38):
We spoke with Sean Payton.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Of course, Coach Payton was saying, you know, he thinks
that they have to run the ball well and if
they can, that will be the defining factor in this
game against the Chargers. He thinks they can create some
you know, matchup problems and obviously there's a lot of
versatility in your running back room. With Jamonte Williams, samaj
p Ryan Jella, McLoughlin.
Speaker 4 (03:58):
You know, he kind of went into detail.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
I don't know, I'm wants to us to share with
the public at this point, but he thinks, you know,
going against this Chargers defense that hasn't always been consistent
throughout the season, that's going to really be the key
getting the ground game going. Of course, Russ has been
very successful with play action this year, so if you
get the ground game going, that's when you know, play
action is more successful for the offense overall. So that
(04:19):
was a key point that you know, Sean Payton brought up.
But what Vance Joseph has done with your defense and
you know leading the league and takeaways and you know
just some personnel changes that has really, you know, just
been a defining factor as well. So Vance talked about
some of those younger guys getting opportunities now that are
you know, stepping up, especially with Kream Jackson out with
(04:40):
you know the suspension as of right now. That's you know,
been something else that he noted. You know these next
man up guys that are you know performing weekend and
week out.
Speaker 1 (04:50):
Yeah, definitely AJ going off of that.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
You know, the Chargers they are allowing over two hundred
and sixty passing yards per game, which I know is
the second highest total in the league.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
So you mentioned the run game.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Looking at this Broncos for Stephen Core I know Courtland Sutton,
He's had a touchdown in every single road game so
far this season for the Broncos. So what are your
expectations kind of for that grouping.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
Yeah, absolutely, Courtland Sun and I believe it's a career
high nine touchdown receptions this year. He's playing unbelievable. And
you know, Russ also spoke to the connection there, and
something else he noted was the way they practiced this week.
He specifically said that on Wednesday and Thursday those were
the best practices of the entire season. So does that
always translate on Sundays, who knows, But he specifically referenced
(05:33):
Courtland and Jerry Judy having the best practices of the year.
So I think it's something to be said as far
as the chemistry that you can see has been built,
especially these last six weeks between Russ and Courtland and
Jerry's So yeah, there's definitely some I think mismatches that
can be exploited there with that charger secondary that's again,
(05:55):
just not always been consistent, right.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
I know there was some miscommunication on offense in Houston
last week, so they'll try and kind of hone in
on that and fix that this weekend. Aj.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
I know this Charger's offense.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Is also looking to get back on track this weekend.
They only put up six points versus Patriots last week totaled.
I think it was just under thirty rushing yards too.
So what's kind of been the talk in La over
there kind of surrounding some of those inconsistencies on offense.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Yeah, you mentioned just even the run game, especially Austin
Eckler hasn't necessarily looked like himself. He's, you know, had
an ankle injury that he's been powering through this season,
and you look at his numbers since he injured that
ankle in Week one. Actually it's just been a huge
drop off for him. And they've had some injuries with
you know, Mike Williams. Their receiving core depth isn't what
(06:40):
it's been in the year's past, so you know the
ball is going to Keenan Allen, and Keenan Allen is
a force in himself, so you know, even Sean Payton referenced.
You got to you know, contain Justin Herbert. He has
an awesome arm. He leads the league and a lot
of you know, statistical core categories as far as you know,
completions and.
Speaker 4 (06:59):
You know passing, tempts all those things.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
But between Herbert containing him in the pocket and limiting
keening out Keenan Allen, who Pat Sortan will likely follow
at different points, but because they move him around so much,
it's going to be, you know, an all out effort
with the Broncos defense keying in on Keenan Allen mostly
and limiting Austin Eckler.
Speaker 4 (07:16):
Those are the two main guys that you got to
worry about for sure.
Speaker 3 (07:19):
Yeah, I feel like the matchup to watch this weekend
is definitely going to be Keenan Allen versus Pat Sertan
or maybe you know this Bronco is running game versus
Khalil Mack. Kind of a toss up between those two
because Khalil Mack, I mean, leads the league in sacks
right now.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
Two.
Speaker 3 (07:31):
He's been a force to be reckoned with this year.
Speaker 4 (07:34):
Absolutely, And it's funny.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Sean Payton says that they have a mac protection and
it's not you know, specific to him this year, even
just you know, back when he played with the Raiders,
it was mind blowing that the Raiders let a guy
of that caliber go. So, you know, since Khalil has
gone from you know, the Raiders to the Bears, like
they have always whenever they have matched up, he is
(07:56):
a guy that you have to know where he is
on the field at all times.
Speaker 4 (08:00):
So he's a game changer.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
And what Garret Bowles has been doing week in and
week out, even if you look at his performance with
Miles Garrett a couple of weeks ago in Cleveland, really
the whole old line for the Broncos has been fortunately
compared to other teams, more intact and able to have
a little more you know, chemistry and consistency than a
lot of teams. So it'll be a good test going
up against the Kolo Mac, but they've been tested before
(08:23):
with guys.
Speaker 4 (08:23):
Of that caliber as well.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Yeah, the continuity on the offensive line has been really
great this year and you can definitely see it out
there on the field.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Aja.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
You know, you mentioned that the Broncos they lead the
league in takeaways with twenty two, but you know, unfortunately
they were unable to record one.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Last weekend in Houston.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
So how key do you think it is for this
team for you know, to see that unit for some turnovers.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Absolutely, just the turnover margin both ways. Russell will have
to take care of the ball. Those three interceptions really
hurt last time out. And takeaways they they usually you know,
come in bunches, so you know, if you get one,
you might get you know, a couple more.
Speaker 4 (08:59):
But just generating pressure.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
You know, it doesn't always have to be a sack
or forced fumble, but you know, with a guy like
Justin Herbert, that's a point of emphasis for this team,
according to Sean Payton, is just keeping him under pressure,
keeping him contained, and not letting him get into a
rhythm where he can consistently connect downfield. So yes, turnovers,
of course crucial, but also just disrupting that cadence and
(09:23):
that rhythm that the Chargers, if they get in, can
be a very dangerous team.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
Yeah. Absolutely, And aj you mentioned this a little bit earlier,
but you know, with five weeks remaining in the season here,
you know, the AFC playoff pictures looking a little bit
crazy right now. You know a lot of teams sitting
at six and six obviously the Broncos, and then a
lot of teams sitting at seven in five to two.
I mean, this Broncos team really hasn't been in position
in a while to play these meaningful games in December.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
No, they haven't. But so is the same with a
lot of these other teams. I mean, the mentality across
the board usually what's echoed is this one game at
a time. And even look at the Thursday night game
last night, the Steelers losing two, you know, the Patriots
another two and ten team, you know, who would have thought, right,
So there's so many opportunities at this point in the season.
(10:11):
You can't, you know, look too far down the road,
is what I've heard a lot of coaches and players say,
because there's so many moving parts.
Speaker 4 (10:17):
Staying healthy is so critical.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
At this point in the season, and so many things
can change because it's such a crowded field right now
with this AFC wildcard race. So it's not impossible whatsoever
for the Broncos to win their next you know, few games.
Five may be ambitious, but you know, just making it
into the playoffs would be a huge accomplishment for this
team and a huge turnaround in just one year.
Speaker 3 (10:41):
For sure, kind of going off of that last one
here for you Aga. You know, when you look at
the season in the past few years that the Broncos had,
what I guess has just surprised you the most about
the Broncos this year, having you know, covered a couple
of their games so far, I would.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
Say, and it's not just Russell Wilson, you know, hyperbole
if you will. I've been speaking with other players as
well on this team, the way that they have been
able to just lock in and block out the outside noise,
the outside criticism, those expectations that I mentioned before, with
this just being a franchise that expects excellence and has
(11:15):
been you know, wanting it for so long after you know,
Super Bowl wins. This is just a team that has
shown a lot of resilience, a lot of depth in
different areas that you know, especially in the defense with
guys going down or you know, just changing the lineup
at the point in time that.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
Advance Joseph did.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
I think it just speaks volumes to the way that
these guys have bought in and what Sean Payton has
been able to do with his staff in a very
short amount of time. I have to give credit words due,
you know, people, a lot of people were skeptical, especially
after that Jets game.
Speaker 4 (11:47):
It was looking pretty bleak.
Speaker 2 (11:48):
So to go from one to five and like I said,
now their mentality is five and one and just when
these next five is really remarkable.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
Yeah, it really is. A j I can't big enough
for in the show today. Appreciate all your insight.
Speaker 4 (12:02):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Yeah, I look forward to seeing you in LA this
weekend too.
Speaker 4 (12:06):
Absolutely great weather for both us both.
Speaker 3 (12:08):
That's going to do it for this week's episode of
The Snap Broncos Country. Thanks so much for tuning in,
and thank you again to our guest aj Ross for
joining the show. I'll meet you right back here on
the Broncos podcast network and YouTube.
Speaker 1 (12:19):
On Monday following the game. See you all then,
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