Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome into Broncos Country tonight. I am Eric Delala filling
in for Benjamin Albright here with Nick Ferguson and Nick.
Can you feel the energy? Can you feel the electricity?
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Yes, my brother, I gonna give you a little bit
of that HAULK maniac. Yes, it's going rapid role here
in Broncos Country. Fans are going wild.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
Ryan Evers is losing his mind, and everyone is built
with enthusiasm.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
Oh yeah, oh man, I love it. We're ready to
go here on Broncos Country tonight. We got a lot
to get to.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Nick.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
We are we're talking here after the Broncos. I think
we can say a beatdown of the Packers twenty seven
to two and Nick quarterback Bo Nicks, both in the
preseason and last night. That's about as much as you
can ask for. I think he goes out there eight
of nine eighty yards a one hundred and forty quarterback rating.
(00:52):
His coolest play the night didn't even count. He was
over the line of scrimmage by about an inch. Said
instant replay gets us all. But Nick, there's no official
news yet on who's going to be the starter, but
he went out I think last night he did everything
you would hoped for for a rookie quarterback. We got
to start there. When you watch bo Knicks last night
in this preseason, what are you thinking?
Speaker 2 (01:11):
I was pleased with this performance?
Speaker 3 (01:13):
And you're right, there hasn't been an official announcement yet,
but let's be totally honest that we.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Really need one.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
So let's stop asking head coach Sean Payton questions about
bow Knicks. Here's what the lineup questioning needs to be
Week one in Seattle. How are you going to help
bow Knicks get acclimated to the loud noise in Seattle?
What are some of the dynamic plays you want to
call for him to kind of.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
Get him settled down?
Speaker 3 (01:41):
That is the conversation right now, because the die has
already been cast. He is the guy, right we might
as well go ahead, put him up on the board,
give him some gold stars and say an employee of
the month is bo Knicks.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
Well, one way you could get him ready for Seattle
all that loud noise if he does end up starting,
is just play your opening accate at the start of
this show. Get him going. Sean Payton did say that
he'll let the press know when he's ready to make
an announcement. Was clear he didn't want to make an
announcement Sunday night after the game, but he did say
he thought Bonux was sharp, like the way he went
through his reads pretty much when you watch that game,
(02:16):
he was able to avoid pressure, getting no sacks again
for the second consecutive week. He's now led scoring drives
on six of seven possessions in the preseason, the lone
one that they didn't score being a lucascrowl fumble. Nicky's
able to step up in the pocket find Courtland Sutton
down the middle of the field. I thought that was
his most impressive throw of the night. After the Broncs
are in a first and twenty, he gets him out
(02:37):
of it. They end up scoring a touchdown. I mean,
over and over. I just find myself and I kind
of sat back in the press box yesterday and just
kind of smiled a little bit because you're like, man,
this is exciting to watch, and I know it's just
preseason football and everyone that's kind of what you see
nashally days is just preseason. Let's hold our horses. But
he wanted to look bad in preseason. I mean that's
(02:57):
because that's the alternative or not look that great. I mean,
he's doing. All you can do is play the guys
you can play against, and last night, man, he exceeded
at least my expectations for what I thought he'd looked like.
And like you said, no official announcement yet, but everything
seems to be pointing toward him getting a chance to
Seattle week one.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
Yeah, and it's one of these situations where you damn
if you do, you damn if you don't. If both
Knicks in the first two games that he's played look terrible,
we know what things will be said about him and
the Broncos decision here locally and both nationally. So even
though it's just a preseason and you don't want to
get too high ideas for me is when you look
(03:38):
at certain things, like what did you see with both
Nicks when he was with Oregon, that translates to what's
happening now. These are the intangible skills that you have
to look for, and for me, both did a great
job executing what I'm gonna call a water down type
of game plan because we know the Broncos have not
(03:58):
gone into their bag like they were they would do
if this was a regular season. But you just have
to like the poise and the presence that Bowl has
had in the pocket. Like you said, not taking the sack,
not turning the ball over, those things are really important
and the reason why they stand out to me and
a lot of people in Broncos country. We remember what
(04:19):
last year was an idea was you know, Russ was
holding on to the ball too long. There were some
issues with the offensive line, but bo was doing a
great job of executing the offense. But I'll say this
too as well, give Sean Payton some credit and his
coaching staff because they say, look, we want to go
out there and we want to address and answer a
lot of questions that people may have for bow Knicks,
(04:41):
but we also want to set him up the play
you were talking about with when he found Courtland Sutton
maybe maybe on a five yard line or something like that.
That was your standard dig rout And if you look
at the play design they put. And I don't want
to go get too far in the weeds with this,
but I want you guys to understand this. There were
two defend from the Green Bay Packers that they attacked.
(05:02):
One guy who plays on the hook, the linebacker we
called that's the tracks, that's the hash marks, the guy
playing the curl flat. Both of those guys were put
in a tight spot because there was a tight end
that setup between the hashes and the back that kind
of flared out. So those guys, their eyes automatically went
to those two guys, not paying attention to what was
happening behind them. And I tell people with this all
(05:24):
the time, quarterbacks look as though they're.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Throwing to wide receivers. They throw to a spot.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Cortland knew where he needed to get to Bo put
it right there and it was a thing of beauty.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
And I think when you listen to these guys after games,
Courtland especially, I think back to last week in Indianapolis
when he talked about the moment not being too big
for Bo, is that guys are buying in around him.
And you listened to Sean or excuse me, Sean Payton
on the k Adams Show a couple of weeks ago.
Last week he said, one of the things they're doing
with this competition is Bo's got to earn it. The
rest of the team needs to see that. And I
(05:57):
think when you listen to guys talk in the locker room, Nick,
they're buying in. I mean they see what bo is
able to do. Tim Patrick said, he's just being bow Nixt.
He's not trying to be anybody else. He's just doing
what he can do. Cortland's impressed with his two minute
drive against Indianapolis. You hear PJ. Locke talking about how
he's looking off safeties right away when he first gets
(06:18):
to training camp. I mean, you can speak to that,
I'm sure, but when you see that play from a quarterback,
you start to believe. And that to me, in terms
of as you're trying to earn this quarterback job, that's
just as important as any of the throws you make
or kind of what you're passer rating is is do
the guys around you start to buy in and it
(06:38):
seems like they're doing that well.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
I'm taking this step further.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
It's even more important than what the head coach offensive
coordinator thinks of his quarterback because when you're out on
the field, you have to rely on the guys on
offense and defense because the coach can yell, scream and
put this game playing in and put that game plan in.
But it goes back to your belief in the quarterback
(07:02):
that you can win tight games. I've been around this
Broncos team when they went to Super Bowl fifty one
and twenty fifteen. I believe fifty or excuse me, fifty
and Peyton Manning was in the locker room. There was
a certain level of belief that they had, the players had,
if the sheriff is out there at eighteen, we.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Have a chance.
Speaker 3 (07:22):
It was the same thing being around Jake Plumber in
my days, because you want the confidence of the guys
who are playing on defense to know, if you get
the quarterback back the ball, we're gonna move the ball
down the field. And when you're talking about the level
of confidence that some of these guys on both offensive defenses,
I have, but more importantly the offensive guys, that's what
you want because usually there's a growth curve for young
(07:46):
quarterbacks and they are not able to get on the
same page with their wide receivers who are veterans. But
it seemed as though the maturation process is happening.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
Quicker, I don't.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
I'm just gonna go ahead and say this, and I
thought about this before I say it, but I'm like,
screw it, man, just go ahead and put it out there.
Last season, we saw c J. Stroud do something that
no one thought was possible. Dare I say, could bow
knicks even though it's two preseason game? Could he instill
(08:19):
enough confidence in his teammates where they go out and
perform well for him like the Texans there?
Speaker 2 (08:25):
For CJ. Stroud, what do you think?
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Well? I think first of all, you find the quarterback
and things can change really quickly. I mean, that's what CJ.
Stroud showed down there in Houston. Obviously that division is
different than this division here in the ANFC West with
Patrick Mahomes.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Do we have to really mention his name?
Speaker 1 (08:41):
I'm just that guy, Sorry, Nick, But what I will
say is that there are going to I just want
to say we're under no pretense that there's not gonna
be mistakes at some point, there's not gonna be growing pains,
there's not gonna be losses. I mean that it's the NFL.
It happens to everybody. But I think when you see
how quickly he's adjusted and improving. And last week in Indianapolis,
(09:03):
the footwork at times wasn't great, thought it was much
better against the colt or excuse me, against the Packers. I
mean that's reassuring that he's seeing that and that he's
able to do that. And so yeah, maybe if they
put him in and he plays at a high level.
I mean there's a reason they keep bringing up the
sixty one college starts. It's because he's experienced. And I
think you look at a lot of these college quarterbacks
(09:23):
and they've played a lot of football. They're coming in ready.
You know, Chris Harris Junior and a keep to leave
they were talking last night about how college quarterbacks are
coming in and these offenses are designed for them to
succeed right away. And so I mean what CJ. Stroud
did was historic. So I don't want to say, hey,
that's the expectation. Anything less than that is a failure.
That's not the case at all. But sure, I mean
(09:44):
it's a young and hungry team, and when you buy
into what your quarterback is able to do, I think
you can surprise some people and Nick listen if they
play the way they did against the Green Bay Packers
in joint practice, which to me almost was more impressive
than the game because it was the starters they were
going against that I mean, that speaks highly of what
they can do. This season.
Speaker 3 (10:05):
Well, for me, I like the joint practices better because,
like you said, it's more of a controlled environment and
the level of intensity.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
That's the thing that.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
You can't really script when you get to preseason games.
But yes, did the Broncos offense and defense both perform
well against the Packers and the joint practice that one
joint practice, Yes, they did, And what it should have
shown them is that.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Here's a team they.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
Just well, yeah, they pushed him around.
Speaker 3 (10:36):
And I mean I got a chance to talk to
some of the coaches from the Packers, and here's what
their justification or whatever you want to call it. It was,
you know what, our guys were just trying to get
used to the altitude and they were struggling with that.
So they were dragging just a little and the Broncos
took advantage of it. Whatever it is that is them,
(10:58):
iut have high advantage. And what is you do is
instill confidence in these guys. You have that mile high magic,
utilize that lean on that. But also, here's a team
that played well last year in the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
And then even though it's a joint practice.
Speaker 3 (11:13):
Eric, you still have to say, well, how do we
measure up position by position with that team, and they
did I would say a decent job. They just need
to carry that forward.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
Let us know what you think about bo Nix's performance
last night against the Packers, either by messaging us on
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(11:46):
Your next chance to enter is tomorrow with Colorado's Morning
News between eight and eight thirty. Nick, when you talk
about the joint practices, Matt Lafleur said it last night
after the game that he wished his team came out
and responded a little bit better. And so I think
that's all you need to know about how the Broncos.
You know, maybe the coaches say they're just in the
altitude or whatever, it was clear Matt Lafleur was not
(12:07):
happy or overly pleased with the way they performed on Friday,
And you know, to tie it back to bow that
end of game quote unquote two minute drill, he found
Tim Patrick over the middle of the field. He found
Courtland Sutton on the sideline, pushed it down. I think
it was L. J. Humphrey that he got it to
and they were down inside the twenty yard line in
(12:28):
a blank and probably could have scored a touchdown. They
just reset the drill. I mean that was when I
kind of thought to myself, Man, he has what it takes.
And again, nothing's official yet, but just when you think
about what it could look like when you draft a
rookie quarterback and then what your ideal situation looks like.
(12:49):
We're a lot closer to the ideal situation than the alternative.
Speaker 3 (12:52):
Absolutely, And I think this is why there's a lot
of enthusiasm for what Broncos Country have seen over the
past two weeks from bow Knicks, is that it hasn't
been that level of enthusiasm around here in a while.
And we're not talking about fake enthusiasm. We're talking about
real enthusiasm because you're looking down the road and say, well,
(13:14):
this kid can be the long stay here for the
Denver Broncos and get them back into that national conversation.
And with bow Knicks, what I like about him is
just he doesn't seem to get rattled. Now we know,
and I know this is a guy that played the
deckhead in this league, You're gonna have some rough games,
(13:35):
and it's how you bounce back from those games that
really will determine how you're going to survive in this league.
And this is why I'm telling everyone, hey, be excited
about the future, but know that there are going to
be some stumbles along the way. Because teams are now
gonna watch the preseason, they're gonna gain plan. But the
thing that I like that Sean Payton was doing was
(13:57):
on both of those drives, he started off by running
the ball on two consecutive plays to get Bo Nicks comfortable.
But also that opens play action. And I'm telling you
my days here with the Denver Broncos, whether it was
Jake Plumber a Jake.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
Cutler, that play action pass was golden.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
It was money because you trick the eyes of the
defenders on the second level and the safeties and you
pulled those guys up. Now you can throw those dig
ross and passes behind, which Bo has proven that he
can do that.
Speaker 1 (14:29):
Yeah, and I think that there's no reason to believe
that he can't adjust as well, and that when they
get into game planning, that Sean Payton can't dial some
things up for him in Seattle if he indeed ends
up the guy. Listen. I think the most impressive thing
to me about bo is that when you talk to
him or you ask him about the starting quarterback job,
and he's been asked several times now, it's like the
(14:50):
least of his concerns. And I think that it's not fake.
He's not just trying to deflect it. He's got bigger
things he's focused on here. And I think back to
when he was drafted and he said, I want to
do a lot more than just be the first round pick.
I want to do more than just be selected, you know,
be known as a sixth quarterback or twelfth overall pick
(15:10):
or whatever. He's like, I want to win football games.
And so when people are granted, we've got to ask him, hey,
are you thinking about being named the starter? Do you
think you've done enough to be named the Starter's that's
part of the job. But at the same time he
is He's worried about so many other things and has
goals that are much higher, and I think that's really
impressive and speaks to the maturity. And we've got a
(15:32):
couple of Texters here they're saying we're getting ahead of
ourselves and team has been hyped up a lot and
hasn't gone well. I get all that, but it's more
about the potential. And listen, if you're not getting excited
this time of year, like why you watch him? Like
that's what football is supposed to be fun ultimately and
both giving people a reason to be excited.
Speaker 3 (15:48):
Well, listen, let me address those Texters and other people
who out there listening. It's not the fact that you
put in the cart before the horse. What you're doing
is giving valid to a guy who's going out showing
as though he has the skill set. It's no different
than we would do with any other young quarterback. You know,
people talk about you know, jayde Daniels and his debut
(16:10):
preseason debut in Caleb Williams all, you're just trying to say, well,
there's a lot of pressure that come with being in
the first round pick. Are you showing us something that
we can say, you know what, the team made the
right decision, no one, and let it look food transparency.
I am not crowning bow Nick's on this program tonight.
(16:31):
I've played in this league for a decade. I know
he's going to have a rough patch. All I'm saying
is just look at some of the things he he's
done and say, you know what, Wow, that is exciting.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
I can't wait to see more.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
Yeah, there's there's nuance here, right. Yes, you can say
that he's playing well and he's looked really good, which
I think is fair, and you also don't have to
And I know we talked briefly about the CJ. Stroud
is kind of like the pie in the sky sort
of ideal, and we both said, hey, it's not necessarily
a failure. Don't get there. And obviously what CJ. Stroud
did was historic, but there's an in between where he
(17:06):
can have looked really good. We can admit that he
might struggle and probably will struggle at times. And I
think Carl and Sutton talked about that last night in
the locker room, that hey, we need to help him
as leaders, as veteran players, that when he does get
to that we can help him get out of it
sooner rather than later. And Nick, isn't that part of
the role of a veteran guy to help a young
(17:27):
player like that.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
That's the purpose.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
That's the purpose of everyone on offense, everyone on defense.
Sometimes the quarterback passes are not going to be accurate.
Sometimes you have to make the quarterback look good as
wide receiver and vice versa. Once again, no one's crowning
in bow Knicks. It's just the fact of the team
and the fan base hasn't had this love of excitement
and a young quarterback in a while. The Broncos have
(17:50):
never drafted a quarterback that gave them a long term future.
The only quarterback they've drafted that won a playoff game
is Tim Tebow and bow Knicks.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
Dare I say, even on two the games, he's better
than that guy.
Speaker 1 (18:03):
I like it. There's a lot of reason for excitement.
And we will be right back on Broncos Country tonight.
This is KOA eight to fifty AM and ninety four
one FM. Back here on Broncos Country tonight. I'm Eric
(18:36):
Delala fillin in for Benjamin Albright, joined here by Nick
Ferguson and Nick. We just spent the last several minutes
talking about bo Nix his performance against the Green Bay Packers. Nick,
I want to know that performance and overall the way
the Broncos have looked in the preseason, both offensively, scoring
the number of points they have, defensively holding the Packers
(18:58):
to the defense in any points, and then played well
in spurts against the Colts last week. Have your expectations
changed for this season based on training camp and the
two preseason games you've watched.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
No, it's not.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
Now someone can say, accuse me of having unrealistic expectations,
and I would say, yeah, got me dead to right.
Speaker 2 (19:21):
And here's the reason why. Because if this team and.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
This organization is to get back to where they once was,
you have to believe that it's going to be a
revitalization of the standard and it has to come at
some point. Will it be like it was in years
past when the Broncos went the back to back Super Bowls? No?
Speaker 2 (19:40):
Would it be to a point where what it was
when I played.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
No. The idea is that you're taking baby steps to
show people here's what things could possibly be if everyone
is healthy and everyone buys into what's going on. So
the Broncos have a lot of young guys, there's a
lot of new faces trying to learn this defense.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
For some of the veteran guys.
Speaker 3 (20:04):
This their second season and the Broncos defense, so those
guys have to lead those young guys and just move
them along. But once again, it's a happy time because
Broncos have been at the bottom for the past eight years.
Everything is looking up at this particular point, So I'm
very optimistic that this defense will be able to compete.
(20:29):
That's the most important thing. The ability to compete and
go out and try to win games. That's the thing
you're looking for.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
So your expectations have been high, Nick, and now we
are excited to bring on somebody who knows what those
defensive expectations are all about. Inside linebacker Alex Singleton. Alex,
thanks for joining us.
Speaker 4 (20:48):
Yep, thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (20:49):
Alex. Just can you start off, let's before we get
to the game on Sunday, that joint practice on Friday
against the Packers. You guys have that two minute situation
there at the end to reps basically for the first
team defense stop Jordan Love and the Packers offense both times.
What sort of confidence boost is that for this defense
when you can match up against a team that went
to the playoffs last year and have that kind of
(21:10):
success against him.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
Yeah, it's a huge confidence boost, and I think it's
just you know, I think you know, Sean Uh, you know,
focuses so much on situational football. You know, if you
can you know, you win the two minute drils before
the half and then the end of the game, it
swings the game in so many ways because you know,
you can you know, score twice at half of the
offense scoring and then obviously the end of the game,
(21:33):
and every NFL game really comes down to that. So
to be able to do that against that team, obviously
that quarterback, you know, it's a huge boast to confidence,
especially with you know, we're still you know really you know,
honing in on what we want to be able to
do this year.
Speaker 3 (21:45):
Now, a lot of young faces on that defense this
year as you guys you go into your second year.
One guy I've been impressed with is Jonah Ellis. I mean,
you want to field with him every single day and
you've had two games. Who watch him from a preseason standpoint,
what have you seen about him that excites you as
a teammate, and he's a football player.
Speaker 4 (22:07):
I mean you can tell that. It's like in his jeans,
you know, obviously his dad played. You know, he's got
two brothers in the NFL, and it's just how he
plays the game. You know, he's a he's a smart,
calm guy and you know, just like that. You know,
he's kind of been around the game, so it's not
it doesn't seem too big for him. You know, he's
a smart player, knows what to do. Yeah, he's fun
to watch. I actually today, you know, he was he
(22:28):
was tired this morning and I was like, hey, well
he's tired. He's like, oh these games. I was like,
it's funny. One more and it doesn't count that we
really start, and he could just you could tell his
guys were like, oh man, this is this is a
long season. So yeah, No, he's great.
Speaker 1 (22:41):
Though, Alex. You talked I think in the spring about
the need to start fast and how much faster you
thought guys were playing under Vance in year two. How
is that translated to the field, And I guess how
much confidence you have that when you get to week
one in Seattle that it can be a faster started.
And like you said, maybe the defense has to play
a leading role early, especially if it's a young guy
(23:03):
in bow that's that's in their quarterback.
Speaker 4 (23:06):
Yeah, you know, I think, you know, defensively, you know,
you know, Sunday this week you know was great. I thought,
you know, we played really well, but there was still
a ton of mistakes. To go back and watch today
and just go, hey, you know we can we can
shut a team out of this caliber. Yeah, they didn't
play the starters, but you know it was their you know,
their scheme and all that stuff. And to go, hey,
you know if the first, second, third, you know, fourth
(23:27):
guys that can go out there and all run the
same thing and see that. You know, playing physical, playing
fast does cover up mistakes. But at the end of
the day, like, hey, if we can clean up these
small things here, small things there, and and also add
the physicality the speed that we're playing with right now,
you know every day just kind of building on that, Uh,
it could be huge. And yeah, to you know, be
(23:47):
able to start the season the way we want to,
you know, you know, as much as it is obviously
one team to be able to you know, be a
defense that can give the ball back to the offense
and give them as many opportunities as we can instead
of playing from behind the a ball and sense it
makes a big difference with this team now.
Speaker 3 (24:03):
Obviously, after watching Bold perform over the pass two weeks,
there is a certain level of enthusiasm in this fan base.
There are those who are like, well, hey, you guys
putting the cart before the horse.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
But you're there on.
Speaker 3 (24:16):
The field with him, You're seeing how he works. How
does that work for you, guys? Giving you confidence defensively
knowing as though your young quarterback who was drafted in
the first round is able to go down and move
the ball down the field in a two minute drill
or to start the game.
Speaker 4 (24:33):
Yeah, it's impressive. Nothing seems you know, too big for him.
You know, the light doesn't seem too bright, you know.
You know, I was talking to him when we're in
Indy and just you know, he was kind of like, man,
you know, it's way you know the game, you know,
in between places, because in practice we go pretty high tempo,
and he was like, man, it's a lot slower before
the play. But then he was like, damn, durting to play.
(24:54):
You know, it turns on and so you know, you
could just you could just see him chasing that kind
of you know, that competitiveness, and I think, you know,
he's such a gamer. I mean, you guys see him
a practice compared to games, and it's just you know,
it's obviously on during practice. He you know, plays really well,
but you know when the when that spotlight's on. You know,
even that play last night I got called back, you know,
the you know, the ball over the line of scrimmage
(25:15):
or whatever. I mean, that's the play that you know,
not a lot of guys make, not a lot of
young guys, you know, keep their eyes down the field
and they're moving like that. So it's exciting to see it.
And it's fun to.
Speaker 1 (25:23):
Watch that play. I feel like it was cool enough.
It should have just counted.
Speaker 2 (25:27):
I agree.
Speaker 4 (25:27):
You know, in the preseason they gonna let some of
this stuff swift.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
Alex, We've asked you a lot about a number of
different guys. How are how are you doing? You've got,
you know, Josie moved on. Now you got a bigger
leadership role this year, more responsibilities on the field. What's
it been like for you as you've kind of taken
this next step in your career.
Speaker 4 (25:46):
Yeah, it's been great. You know, like I said, you know,
this is the first time, you know, I've had the
same decordinator two years in a row since you know,
my first two years in Philly in nineteen and twenty,
so it's been it's been a long time since I've
had you know, the same decordinator twice, so that one
is nice to be. You know, I've come in and
obviously just been in our system, you know, been able
(26:06):
to you know, continue to grow with VJ and those guys,
and yeah, and then just you know, kind of bringing
the young guys along, kind of trying to you know,
be that you know, obviously, I think any leaders will
lead by example first, then by you know, just talking,
and so it's you know, just leading by example, showing
them that, you know, this is how I've kind of
done it for, you know, as long as I've been playing,
and you know, just you know, lead that way.
Speaker 3 (26:28):
Well, Alex, thanks for giving us some time. But before
you go, I have to definitely say this, as a
guy that to cut my teeth in the CFL, I'm
glad to see that you now finally found a home
with the Broncos. And for all those people who overlook
you every day that you go out there on the
field and you ball out, it makes those individuals look
(26:49):
really poor in their evaluation of you. So I like
the way you attack the game. I like your aggressiveness. Man,
I wish you nothing but success this season.
Speaker 4 (26:57):
Hey, I appreciate it. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (27:00):
That was Alex Singleton, inside linebacker for the Denver Broncos.
Obviously a big time player for this Denver defense that
it's going to look to take a big step forward
this year. But right now, let's send it out to
the KOA Traffic Center and Dave O'Brien back on Broncos
Country tonight. I am Eric Delaala filling in for Benjamin
(27:23):
Albright here with my guy Nick Ferguson. Nick, we just
heard from Denver Broncos inside linebacker Alex Singleton, some good
stuff there from the long haired linebacker. You think we
could get that trademark.
Speaker 2 (27:36):
Long the long haired linebacker?
Speaker 4 (27:38):
You like that?
Speaker 1 (27:40):
Yeah, you need to workshop a little bit.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
Maybe you could try to do that.
Speaker 3 (27:45):
And I'm always thinking forward with Alex having long hair,
shouldn't he have like a shampoo commercial or some kind
of moisturizer.
Speaker 1 (27:56):
Like the Clay Matthews situation.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
Something.
Speaker 3 (27:58):
Man, every time I see some MYGP on a practice,
I just give him a lot of stripes. I'm like dude,
tell me you have like a beard endorsement. Tell you
got something.
Speaker 1 (28:07):
I was gonna say, he doesn't have the long hair.
Speaker 2 (28:09):
No, no, no, his hair is on his face. Man.
Speaker 3 (28:13):
He needs to link up with some company that had
some a shaving kid, some build beard oil.
Speaker 2 (28:19):
There's people out there, man.
Speaker 3 (28:21):
And I told him, I said, look, if you want
me to kind of hook it up for you, you just
have to make sure you give.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
Me a cut.
Speaker 5 (28:28):
You're the beard oil guy. Yes, Like, Okay, Here's what
I told him. I said, when I used to have
a beard, I said, I reached out to a company
on on Instagram.
Speaker 3 (28:38):
Hey, look I saw your your advertisement about your beard
oil whatever.
Speaker 2 (28:43):
Hey, I would like to try it now. I mean
they sent it to me and everything.
Speaker 1 (28:47):
You're an influencer?
Speaker 2 (28:49):
Is that? Is that how one becomes an influencer?
Speaker 1 (28:51):
I guess I think? So you tell me you are one.
It seems like no, I just asked for some free stuff.
That's an I don't know about that.
Speaker 2 (29:00):
So that is something that Alex or somijp Rod should
do well.
Speaker 1 (29:03):
One of the other things that Alex Singleton certainly can
do is be a big help to this Denver defense.
He was telling us a few minutes ago about Jonah Ellis.
There's some talk on Twitter today that when you look
around the league, there are a few rookies who have
been better this preseason than Jonah Ellis, and he seems
like a guy that can make a very quick impact
(29:24):
for this Denver defense. When you look at him, Nick,
first of all, it seems like a guy that should
have been picked maybe before the third round based on
what he's doing out there. But what do you like
about Jonahlis when you watch him out there?
Speaker 2 (29:36):
I just like the energy that he brings.
Speaker 3 (29:38):
Every single time when you edge rusher, you always hear
the phrase of hey, that guy has a high motor, right,
And usually what happens is someone's gonna get stone on.
You're gonna get stoned on that first move. Do you
have a counter move? And what I'm saying from Jonah
is that he's picking up on things really quickly and
that motor is definitely there, and he's getting to that
(30:01):
second move and trying to continue to work around the edge.
And here's what I think is going to happen. I
know there is John Day Cooper and Baron Brownie. They're
doing a good job they're gonna be pressed at some
point in the season to make a change and get
Jonah Ellis more plays on the field, right And I
(30:24):
know if I'm not, I don't have it in front
of you right now. One or both of those guys
may be on expiring deals. They both are, okay, so
this is perfect time, and this is a great situation
that you want. If you're Jonah, you want to push
those two guys. It's gonna make everyone that much better
because they don't want to lose their spot and their
opportunity to Jonah. But it also is going to uplift
(30:44):
Yonah where he's trying to make enough plays to give
the ball back too.
Speaker 2 (30:48):
That's right, Bo.
Speaker 1 (30:49):
Nicks, there's always a tie in. You can always work
it back to number ten. And well you got Nick
Bonito too, so there's a nice wave there of pass rushers.
Nick who stood out to you. And maybe because you're
a former defensive back with Brandon Jones out right now,
when you look at those safeties, Devin Key, Jail Skinner,
(31:10):
Keyjron Smith keeps making plays back there. What do you
think of those guys on the back end of the day, Man, I.
Speaker 3 (31:15):
Am a Devin key fan. I like the way that
he plays the game. But he drawn gives the Broncos
an element of having a corner and a guy that
can play both safeties. And here's what I know about
the NFL, and you may know a little bit about
this too as well.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
The more you can do, the more you can do.
Speaker 2 (31:34):
Two jobs, one paycheck. That's that's how it works. That's
a thing.
Speaker 1 (31:42):
So he's a guy that you think those two interceptions,
he's the real deal because sometimes the preseason you can
get bamboozled by quote unquote like fake stats. Right, do
you think that's the real deal from him?
Speaker 3 (31:54):
Yes, all you have to do is go back and
watch college tape when he was playing corner. The one
thing he does well is he has great eyes. He's
able to read things as they start to develop. Now,
if you're talking about press coverage, you know he's so
so as far as that is concerned. But the defense
that vance Joseph wants to run. You want guys who
play down here and play revision. This is a guy
(32:17):
who plays great with his eyes. But also he's not
afraid to tackle.
Speaker 1 (32:21):
Okay, I like it. Also A fan question about how
John Franklin Myers played. It was his first preseason action.
He got in there, pushed the pocket a little bit.
He was the guy that basically forced the sack. Let
the quarterback right to Zach Allen, who's just maybe able
to scoop up the leftovers after John Franklin Myers pushed
him out there. That's that's a fun way to get
a sack, Nick Well, I.
Speaker 3 (32:42):
Mean, when you have other guys on the field with
you push in the pocket, somehow other guys benefit and
it's not you, but it doesn't end up on your.
Speaker 2 (32:51):
Statue, and they don't pay you more money for that.
They don't.
Speaker 1 (32:54):
Well, I benefit from being here with you, Nick. This
is Broncos Country tonight on KOA eight fifty am and
ninety four one FM.
Welcome into Broncos Country tonight. I am Eric Delala filling
in for Benjamin Albright here with Nick Ferguson and Nick.
Can you feel the energy? Can you feel the electricity?
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Yes, my brother, I gonna give you a little bit
of that HAULK maniac. Yes, it's going rapid role here
in Broncos Country. Fans are going wild.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
Ryan Evers is losing his mind, and everyone is built
with enthusiasm.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
Oh yeah, oh man, I love it. We're ready to
go here on Broncos Country tonight. We got a lot
to get to.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Nick.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
We are we're talking here after the Broncos. I think
we can say a beatdown of the Packers twenty seven
to two and Nick quarterback Bo Nicks, both in the
preseason and last night. That's about as much as you
can ask for. I think he goes out there eight
of nine eighty yards a one hundred and forty quarterback rating.
(00:52):
His coolest play the night didn't even count. He was
over the line of scrimmage by about an inch. Said
instant replay gets us all. But Nick, there's no official
news yet on who's going to be the starter, but
he went out I think last night he did everything
you would hoped for for a rookie quarterback. We got
to start there. When you watch bo Knicks last night
in this preseason, what are you thinking?
Speaker 2 (01:11):
I was pleased with this performance?
Speaker 3 (01:13):
And you're right, there hasn't been an official announcement yet,
but let's be totally honest that we.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Really need one.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
So let's stop asking head coach Sean Payton questions about
bow Knicks. Here's what the lineup questioning needs to be
Week one in Seattle. How are you going to help
bow Knicks get acclimated to the loud noise in Seattle?
What are some of the dynamic plays you want to
call for him to kind of.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
Get him settled down?
Speaker 3 (01:41):
That is the conversation right now, because the die has
already been cast. He is the guy, right we might
as well go ahead, put him up on the board,
give him some gold stars and say an employee of
the month is bo Knicks.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
Well, one way you could get him ready for Seattle
all that loud noise if he does end up starting,
is just play your opening accate at the start of
this show. Get him going. Sean Payton did say that
he'll let the press know when he's ready to make
an announcement. Was clear he didn't want to make an
announcement Sunday night after the game, but he did say
he thought Bonux was sharp, like the way he went
through his reads pretty much when you watch that game,
(02:16):
he was able to avoid pressure, getting no sacks again
for the second consecutive week. He's now led scoring drives
on six of seven possessions in the preseason, the lone
one that they didn't score being a lucascrowl fumble. Nicky's
able to step up in the pocket find Courtland Sutton
down the middle of the field. I thought that was
his most impressive throw of the night. After the Broncs
are in a first and twenty, he gets him out
(02:37):
of it. They end up scoring a touchdown. I mean,
over and over. I just find myself and I kind
of sat back in the press box yesterday and just
kind of smiled a little bit because you're like, man,
this is exciting to watch, and I know it's just
preseason football and everyone that's kind of what you see
nashally days is just preseason. Let's hold our horses. But
he wanted to look bad in preseason. I mean that's
(02:57):
because that's the alternative or not look that great. I mean,
he's doing. All you can do is play the guys
you can play against, and last night, man, he exceeded
at least my expectations for what I thought he'd looked like.
And like you said, no official announcement yet, but everything
seems to be pointing toward him getting a chance to
Seattle week one.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
Yeah, and it's one of these situations where you damn
if you do, you damn if you don't. If both
Knicks in the first two games that he's played look terrible,
we know what things will be said about him and
the Broncos decision here locally and both nationally. So even
though it's just a preseason and you don't want to
get too high ideas for me is when you look
(03:38):
at certain things, like what did you see with both
Nicks when he was with Oregon, that translates to what's
happening now. These are the intangible skills that you have
to look for, and for me, both did a great
job executing what I'm gonna call a water down type
of game plan because we know the Broncos have not
(03:58):
gone into their bag like they were they would do
if this was a regular season. But you just have
to like the poise and the presence that Bowl has
had in the pocket. Like you said, not taking the sack,
not turning the ball over, those things are really important
and the reason why they stand out to me and
a lot of people in Broncos country. We remember what
(04:19):
last year was an idea was you know, Russ was
holding on to the ball too long. There were some
issues with the offensive line, but bo was doing a
great job of executing the offense. But I'll say this
too as well, give Sean Payton some credit and his
coaching staff because they say, look, we want to go
out there and we want to address and answer a
lot of questions that people may have for bow Knicks,
(04:41):
but we also want to set him up the play
you were talking about with when he found Courtland Sutton
maybe maybe on a five yard line or something like that.
That was your standard dig rout And if you look
at the play design they put. And I don't want
to go get too far in the weeds with this,
but I want you guys to understand this. There were
two defend from the Green Bay Packers that they attacked.
(05:02):
One guy who plays on the hook, the linebacker we
called that's the tracks, that's the hash marks, the guy
playing the curl flat. Both of those guys were put
in a tight spot because there was a tight end
that setup between the hashes and the back that kind
of flared out. So those guys, their eyes automatically went
to those two guys, not paying attention to what was
happening behind them. And I tell people with this all
(05:24):
the time, quarterbacks look as though they're.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Throwing to wide receivers. They throw to a spot.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Cortland knew where he needed to get to Bo put
it right there and it was a thing of beauty.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
And I think when you listen to these guys after games,
Courtland especially, I think back to last week in Indianapolis
when he talked about the moment not being too big
for Bo, is that guys are buying in around him.
And you listened to Sean or excuse me, Sean Payton
on the k Adams Show a couple of weeks ago.
Last week he said, one of the things they're doing
with this competition is Bo's got to earn it. The
rest of the team needs to see that. And I
(05:57):
think when you listen to guys talk in the locker room, Nick,
they're buying in. I mean they see what bo is
able to do. Tim Patrick said, he's just being bow Nixt.
He's not trying to be anybody else. He's just doing
what he can do. Cortland's impressed with his two minute
drive against Indianapolis. You hear PJ. Locke talking about how
he's looking off safeties right away when he first gets
(06:18):
to training camp. I mean, you can speak to that,
I'm sure, but when you see that play from a quarterback,
you start to believe. And that to me, in terms
of as you're trying to earn this quarterback job, that's
just as important as any of the throws you make
or kind of what you're passer rating is is do
the guys around you start to buy in and it
(06:38):
seems like they're doing that well.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
I'm taking this step further.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
It's even more important than what the head coach offensive
coordinator thinks of his quarterback because when you're out on
the field, you have to rely on the guys on
offense and defense because the coach can yell, scream and
put this game playing in and put that game plan in.
But it goes back to your belief in the quarterback
(07:02):
that you can win tight games. I've been around this
Broncos team when they went to Super Bowl fifty one
and twenty fifteen. I believe fifty or excuse me, fifty
and Peyton Manning was in the locker room. There was
a certain level of belief that they had, the players had,
if the sheriff is out there at eighteen, we.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Have a chance.
Speaker 3 (07:22):
It was the same thing being around Jake Plumber in
my days, because you want the confidence of the guys
who are playing on defense to know, if you get
the quarterback back the ball, we're gonna move the ball
down the field. And when you're talking about the level
of confidence that some of these guys on both offensive defenses,
I have, but more importantly the offensive guys, that's what
you want because usually there's a growth curve for young
(07:46):
quarterbacks and they are not able to get on the
same page with their wide receivers who are veterans. But
it seemed as though the maturation process is happening.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
Quicker, I don't.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
I'm just gonna go ahead and say this, and I
thought about this before I say it, but I'm like,
screw it, man, just go ahead and put it out there.
Last season, we saw c J. Stroud do something that
no one thought was possible. Dare I say, could bow
knicks even though it's two preseason game? Could he instill
(08:19):
enough confidence in his teammates where they go out and
perform well for him like the Texans there?
Speaker 2 (08:25):
For CJ. Stroud, what do you think?
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Well? I think first of all, you find the quarterback
and things can change really quickly. I mean, that's what CJ.
Stroud showed down there in Houston. Obviously that division is
different than this division here in the ANFC West with
Patrick Mahomes.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Do we have to really mention his name?
Speaker 1 (08:41):
I'm just that guy, Sorry, Nick, But what I will
say is that there are going to I just want
to say we're under no pretense that there's not gonna
be mistakes at some point, there's not gonna be growing pains,
there's not gonna be losses. I mean that it's the NFL.
It happens to everybody. But I think when you see
how quickly he's adjusted and improving. And last week in Indianapolis,
(09:03):
the footwork at times wasn't great, thought it was much
better against the colt or excuse me, against the Packers. I
mean that's reassuring that he's seeing that and that he's
able to do that. And so yeah, maybe if they
put him in and he plays at a high level.
I mean there's a reason they keep bringing up the
sixty one college starts. It's because he's experienced. And I
think you look at a lot of these college quarterbacks
(09:23):
and they've played a lot of football. They're coming in ready.
You know, Chris Harris Junior and a keep to leave
they were talking last night about how college quarterbacks are
coming in and these offenses are designed for them to
succeed right away. And so I mean what CJ. Stroud
did was historic. So I don't want to say, hey,
that's the expectation. Anything less than that is a failure.
That's not the case at all. But sure, I mean
(09:44):
it's a young and hungry team, and when you buy
into what your quarterback is able to do, I think
you can surprise some people and Nick listen if they
play the way they did against the Green Bay Packers
in joint practice, which to me almost was more impressive
than the game because it was the starters they were
going against that I mean, that speaks highly of what
they can do. This season.
Speaker 3 (10:05):
Well, for me, I like the joint practices better because,
like you said, it's more of a controlled environment and
the level of intensity.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
That's the thing that.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
You can't really script when you get to preseason games.
But yes, did the Broncos offense and defense both perform
well against the Packers and the joint practice that one
joint practice, Yes, they did, And what it should have
shown them is that.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Here's a team they.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
Just well, yeah, they pushed him around.
Speaker 3 (10:36):
And I mean I got a chance to talk to
some of the coaches from the Packers, and here's what
their justification or whatever you want to call it. It was,
you know what, our guys were just trying to get
used to the altitude and they were struggling with that.
So they were dragging just a little and the Broncos
took advantage of it. Whatever it is that is them,
(10:58):
iut have high advantage. And what is you do is
instill confidence in these guys. You have that mile high magic,
utilize that lean on that. But also, here's a team
that played well last year in the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
And then even though it's a joint practice.
Speaker 3 (11:13):
Eric, you still have to say, well, how do we
measure up position by position with that team, and they
did I would say a decent job. They just need
to carry that forward.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
Let us know what you think about bo Nix's performance
last night against the Packers, either by messaging us on
the Common Spirit Health text line at five six six
nine zero or calling in on the KOA Common Spirit
Health hotline at three or three seven to one to
three eight five eighty five. Broncos Country and Denver be
the fifth caller right now to enter to win a
pair of twenty twenty four Broncos season tickets from KOA.
(11:46):
Your next chance to enter is tomorrow with Colorado's Morning
News between eight and eight thirty. Nick, when you talk
about the joint practices, Matt Lafleur said it last night
after the game that he wished his team came out
and responded a little bit better. And so I think
that's all you need to know about how the Broncos.
You know, maybe the coaches say they're just in the
altitude or whatever, it was clear Matt Lafleur was not
(12:07):
happy or overly pleased with the way they performed on Friday,
And you know, to tie it back to bow that
end of game quote unquote two minute drill, he found
Tim Patrick over the middle of the field. He found
Courtland Sutton on the sideline, pushed it down. I think
it was L. J. Humphrey that he got it to
and they were down inside the twenty yard line in
(12:28):
a blank and probably could have scored a touchdown. They
just reset the drill. I mean that was when I
kind of thought to myself, Man, he has what it takes.
And again, nothing's official yet, but just when you think
about what it could look like when you draft a
rookie quarterback and then what your ideal situation looks like.
(12:49):
We're a lot closer to the ideal situation than the alternative.
Speaker 3 (12:52):
Absolutely, And I think this is why there's a lot
of enthusiasm for what Broncos Country have seen over the
past two weeks from bow Knicks, is that it hasn't
been that level of enthusiasm around here in a while.
And we're not talking about fake enthusiasm. We're talking about
real enthusiasm because you're looking down the road and say, well,
(13:14):
this kid can be the long stay here for the
Denver Broncos and get them back into that national conversation.
And with bow Knicks, what I like about him is
just he doesn't seem to get rattled. Now we know,
and I know this is a guy that played the
deckhead in this league, You're gonna have some rough games,
(13:35):
and it's how you bounce back from those games that
really will determine how you're going to survive in this league.
And this is why I'm telling everyone, hey, be excited
about the future, but know that there are going to
be some stumbles along the way. Because teams are now
gonna watch the preseason, they're gonna gain plan. But the
thing that I like that Sean Payton was doing was
(13:57):
on both of those drives, he started off by running
the ball on two consecutive plays to get Bo Nicks comfortable.
But also that opens play action. And I'm telling you
my days here with the Denver Broncos, whether it was
Jake Plumber a Jake.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
Cutler, that play action pass was golden.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
It was money because you trick the eyes of the
defenders on the second level and the safeties and you
pulled those guys up. Now you can throw those dig
ross and passes behind, which Bo has proven that he
can do that.
Speaker 1 (14:29):
Yeah, and I think that there's no reason to believe
that he can't adjust as well, and that when they
get into game planning, that Sean Payton can't dial some
things up for him in Seattle if he indeed ends
up the guy. Listen. I think the most impressive thing
to me about bo is that when you talk to
him or you ask him about the starting quarterback job,
and he's been asked several times now, it's like the
(14:50):
least of his concerns. And I think that it's not fake.
He's not just trying to deflect it. He's got bigger
things he's focused on here. And I think back to
when he was drafted and he said, I want to
do a lot more than just be the first round pick.
I want to do more than just be selected, you know,
be known as a sixth quarterback or twelfth overall pick
(15:10):
or whatever. He's like, I want to win football games.
And so when people are granted, we've got to ask him, hey,
are you thinking about being named the starter? Do you
think you've done enough to be named the Starter's that's
part of the job. But at the same time he
is He's worried about so many other things and has
goals that are much higher, and I think that's really
impressive and speaks to the maturity. And we've got a
(15:32):
couple of Texters here they're saying we're getting ahead of
ourselves and team has been hyped up a lot and
hasn't gone well. I get all that, but it's more
about the potential. And listen, if you're not getting excited
this time of year, like why you watch him? Like
that's what football is supposed to be fun ultimately and
both giving people a reason to be excited.
Speaker 3 (15:48):
Well, listen, let me address those Texters and other people
who out there listening. It's not the fact that you
put in the cart before the horse. What you're doing
is giving valid to a guy who's going out showing
as though he has the skill set. It's no different
than we would do with any other young quarterback. You know,
people talk about you know, jayde Daniels and his debut
(16:10):
preseason debut in Caleb Williams all, you're just trying to say, well,
there's a lot of pressure that come with being in
the first round pick. Are you showing us something that
we can say, you know what, the team made the
right decision, no one, and let it look food transparency.
I am not crowning bow Nick's on this program tonight.
(16:31):
I've played in this league for a decade. I know
he's going to have a rough patch. All I'm saying
is just look at some of the things he he's
done and say, you know what, Wow, that is exciting.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
I can't wait to see more.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
Yeah, there's there's nuance here, right. Yes, you can say
that he's playing well and he's looked really good, which
I think is fair, and you also don't have to
And I know we talked briefly about the CJ. Stroud
is kind of like the pie in the sky sort
of ideal, and we both said, hey, it's not necessarily
a failure. Don't get there. And obviously what CJ. Stroud
did was historic, but there's an in between where he
(17:06):
can have looked really good. We can admit that he
might struggle and probably will struggle at times. And I
think Carl and Sutton talked about that last night in
the locker room, that hey, we need to help him
as leaders, as veteran players, that when he does get
to that we can help him get out of it
sooner rather than later. And Nick, isn't that part of
the role of a veteran guy to help a young
(17:27):
player like that.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
That's the purpose.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
That's the purpose of everyone on offense, everyone on defense.
Sometimes the quarterback passes are not going to be accurate.
Sometimes you have to make the quarterback look good as
wide receiver and vice versa. Once again, no one's crowning
in bow Knicks. It's just the fact of the team
and the fan base hasn't had this love of excitement
and a young quarterback in a while. The Broncos have
(17:50):
never drafted a quarterback that gave them a long term future.
The only quarterback they've drafted that won a playoff game
is Tim Tebow and bow Knicks.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
Dare I say, even on two the games, he's better
than that guy.
Speaker 1 (18:03):
I like it. There's a lot of reason for excitement.
And we will be right back on Broncos Country tonight.
This is KOA eight to fifty AM and ninety four
one FM. Back here on Broncos Country tonight. I'm Eric
(18:36):
Delala fillin in for Benjamin Albright, joined here by Nick
Ferguson and Nick. We just spent the last several minutes
talking about bo Nix his performance against the Green Bay Packers. Nick,
I want to know that performance and overall the way
the Broncos have looked in the preseason, both offensively, scoring
the number of points they have, defensively holding the Packers
(18:58):
to the defense in any points, and then played well
in spurts against the Colts last week. Have your expectations
changed for this season based on training camp and the
two preseason games you've watched.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
No, it's not.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
Now someone can say, accuse me of having unrealistic expectations,
and I would say, yeah, got me dead to right.
Speaker 2 (19:21):
And here's the reason why. Because if this team and.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
This organization is to get back to where they once was,
you have to believe that it's going to be a
revitalization of the standard and it has to come at
some point. Will it be like it was in years
past when the Broncos went the back to back Super Bowls? No?
Speaker 2 (19:40):
Would it be to a point where what it was
when I played.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
No. The idea is that you're taking baby steps to
show people here's what things could possibly be if everyone
is healthy and everyone buys into what's going on. So
the Broncos have a lot of young guys, there's a
lot of new faces trying to learn this defense.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
For some of the veteran guys.
Speaker 3 (20:04):
This their second season and the Broncos defense, so those
guys have to lead those young guys and just move
them along. But once again, it's a happy time because
Broncos have been at the bottom for the past eight years.
Everything is looking up at this particular point, So I'm
very optimistic that this defense will be able to compete.
(20:29):
That's the most important thing. The ability to compete and
go out and try to win games. That's the thing
you're looking for.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
So your expectations have been high, Nick, and now we
are excited to bring on somebody who knows what those
defensive expectations are all about. Inside linebacker Alex Singleton. Alex,
thanks for joining us.
Speaker 4 (20:48):
Yep, thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (20:49):
Alex. Just can you start off, let's before we get
to the game on Sunday, that joint practice on Friday
against the Packers. You guys have that two minute situation
there at the end to reps basically for the first
team defense stop Jordan Love and the Packers offense both times.
What sort of confidence boost is that for this defense
when you can match up against a team that went
to the playoffs last year and have that kind of
(21:10):
success against him.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
Yeah, it's a huge confidence boost, and I think it's
just you know, I think you know, Sean Uh, you know,
focuses so much on situational football. You know, if you
can you know, you win the two minute drils before
the half and then the end of the game, it
swings the game in so many ways because you know,
you can you know, score twice at half of the
offense scoring and then obviously the end of the game,
(21:33):
and every NFL game really comes down to that. So
to be able to do that against that team, obviously
that quarterback, you know, it's a huge boast to confidence,
especially with you know, we're still you know really you know,
honing in on what we want to be able to
do this year.
Speaker 3 (21:45):
Now, a lot of young faces on that defense this
year as you guys you go into your second year.
One guy I've been impressed with is Jonah Ellis. I mean,
you want to field with him every single day and
you've had two games. Who watch him from a preseason standpoint,
what have you seen about him that excites you as
a teammate, and he's a football player.
Speaker 4 (22:07):
I mean you can tell that. It's like in his jeans,
you know, obviously his dad played. You know, he's got
two brothers in the NFL, and it's just how he
plays the game. You know, he's a he's a smart,
calm guy and you know, just like that. You know,
he's kind of been around the game, so it's not
it doesn't seem too big for him. You know, he's
a smart player, knows what to do. Yeah, he's fun
to watch. I actually today, you know, he was he
(22:28):
was tired this morning and I was like, hey, well
he's tired. He's like, oh these games. I was like,
it's funny. One more and it doesn't count that we
really start, and he could just you could tell his
guys were like, oh man, this is this is a
long season. So yeah, No, he's great.
Speaker 1 (22:41):
Though, Alex. You talked I think in the spring about
the need to start fast and how much faster you
thought guys were playing under Vance in year two. How
is that translated to the field, And I guess how
much confidence you have that when you get to week
one in Seattle that it can be a faster started.
And like you said, maybe the defense has to play
a leading role early, especially if it's a young guy
(23:03):
in bow that's that's in their quarterback.
Speaker 4 (23:06):
Yeah, you know, I think, you know, defensively, you know,
you know, Sunday this week you know was great. I thought,
you know, we played really well, but there was still
a ton of mistakes. To go back and watch today
and just go, hey, you know we can we can
shut a team out of this caliber. Yeah, they didn't
play the starters, but you know it was their you know,
their scheme and all that stuff. And to go, hey,
you know if the first, second, third, you know, fourth
(23:27):
guys that can go out there and all run the
same thing and see that. You know, playing physical, playing
fast does cover up mistakes. But at the end of
the day, like, hey, if we can clean up these
small things here, small things there, and and also add
the physicality the speed that we're playing with right now,
you know every day just kind of building on that, Uh,
it could be huge. And yeah, to you know, be
(23:47):
able to start the season the way we want to,
you know, you know, as much as it is obviously
one team to be able to you know, be a
defense that can give the ball back to the offense
and give them as many opportunities as we can instead
of playing from behind the a ball and sense it
makes a big difference with this team now.
Speaker 3 (24:03):
Obviously, after watching Bold perform over the pass two weeks,
there is a certain level of enthusiasm in this fan base.
There are those who are like, well, hey, you guys
putting the cart before the horse.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
But you're there on.
Speaker 3 (24:16):
The field with him, You're seeing how he works. How
does that work for you, guys? Giving you confidence defensively
knowing as though your young quarterback who was drafted in
the first round is able to go down and move
the ball down the field in a two minute drill
or to start the game.
Speaker 4 (24:33):
Yeah, it's impressive. Nothing seems you know, too big for him.
You know, the light doesn't seem too bright, you know.
You know, I was talking to him when we're in
Indy and just you know, he was kind of like, man,
you know, it's way you know the game, you know,
in between places, because in practice we go pretty high tempo,
and he was like, man, it's a lot slower before
the play. But then he was like, damn, durting to play.
(24:54):
You know, it turns on and so you know, you
could just you could just see him chasing that kind
of you know, that competitiveness, and I think, you know,
he's such a gamer. I mean, you guys see him
a practice compared to games, and it's just you know,
it's obviously on during practice. He you know, plays really well,
but you know when the when that spotlight's on. You know,
even that play last night I got called back, you know,
the you know, the ball over the line of scrimmage
(25:15):
or whatever. I mean, that's the play that you know,
not a lot of guys make, not a lot of
young guys, you know, keep their eyes down the field
and they're moving like that. So it's exciting to see it.
And it's fun to.
Speaker 1 (25:23):
Watch that play. I feel like it was cool enough.
It should have just counted.
Speaker 2 (25:27):
I agree.
Speaker 4 (25:27):
You know, in the preseason they gonna let some of
this stuff swift.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
Alex, We've asked you a lot about a number of
different guys. How are how are you doing? You've got,
you know, Josie moved on. Now you got a bigger
leadership role this year, more responsibilities on the field. What's
it been like for you as you've kind of taken
this next step in your career.
Speaker 4 (25:46):
Yeah, it's been great. You know, like I said, you know,
this is the first time, you know, I've had the
same decordinator two years in a row since you know,
my first two years in Philly in nineteen and twenty,
so it's been it's been a long time since I've
had you know, the same decordinator twice, so that one
is nice to be. You know, I've come in and
obviously just been in our system, you know, been able
(26:06):
to you know, continue to grow with VJ and those guys,
and yeah, and then just you know, kind of bringing
the young guys along, kind of trying to you know,
be that you know, obviously, I think any leaders will
lead by example first, then by you know, just talking,
and so it's you know, just leading by example, showing
them that, you know, this is how I've kind of
done it for, you know, as long as I've been playing,
and you know, just you know, lead that way.
Speaker 3 (26:28):
Well, Alex, thanks for giving us some time. But before
you go, I have to definitely say this, as a
guy that to cut my teeth in the CFL, I'm
glad to see that you now finally found a home
with the Broncos. And for all those people who overlook
you every day that you go out there on the
field and you ball out, it makes those individuals look
(26:49):
really poor in their evaluation of you. So I like
the way you attack the game. I like your aggressiveness. Man,
I wish you nothing but success this season.
Speaker 4 (26:57):
Hey, I appreciate it. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (27:00):
That was Alex Singleton, inside linebacker for the Denver Broncos.
Obviously a big time player for this Denver defense that
it's going to look to take a big step forward
this year. But right now, let's send it out to
the KOA Traffic Center and Dave O'Brien back on Broncos
Country tonight. I am Eric Delaala filling in for Benjamin
(27:23):
Albright here with my guy Nick Ferguson. Nick, we just
heard from Denver Broncos inside linebacker Alex Singleton, some good
stuff there from the long haired linebacker. You think we
could get that trademark.
Speaker 2 (27:36):
Long the long haired linebacker?
Speaker 4 (27:38):
You like that?
Speaker 1 (27:40):
Yeah, you need to workshop a little bit.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
Maybe you could try to do that.
Speaker 3 (27:45):
And I'm always thinking forward with Alex having long hair,
shouldn't he have like a shampoo commercial or some kind
of moisturizer.
Speaker 1 (27:56):
Like the Clay Matthews situation.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
Something.
Speaker 3 (27:58):
Man, every time I see some MYGP on a practice,
I just give him a lot of stripes. I'm like dude,
tell me you have like a beard endorsement. Tell you
got something.
Speaker 1 (28:07):
I was gonna say, he doesn't have the long hair.
Speaker 2 (28:09):
No, no, no, his hair is on his face. Man.
Speaker 3 (28:13):
He needs to link up with some company that had
some a shaving kid, some build beard oil.
Speaker 2 (28:19):
There's people out there, man.
Speaker 3 (28:21):
And I told him, I said, look, if you want
me to kind of hook it up for you, you just
have to make sure you give.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
Me a cut.
Speaker 5 (28:28):
You're the beard oil guy. Yes, Like, Okay, Here's what
I told him. I said, when I used to have
a beard, I said, I reached out to a company
on on Instagram.
Speaker 3 (28:38):
Hey, look I saw your your advertisement about your beard
oil whatever.
Speaker 2 (28:43):
Hey, I would like to try it now. I mean
they sent it to me and everything.
Speaker 1 (28:47):
You're an influencer?
Speaker 2 (28:49):
Is that? Is that how one becomes an influencer?
Speaker 1 (28:51):
I guess I think? So you tell me you are one.
It seems like no, I just asked for some free stuff.
That's an I don't know about that.
Speaker 2 (29:00):
So that is something that Alex or somijp Rod should
do well.
Speaker 1 (29:03):
One of the other things that Alex Singleton certainly can
do is be a big help to this Denver defense.
He was telling us a few minutes ago about Jonah Ellis.
There's some talk on Twitter today that when you look
around the league, there are a few rookies who have
been better this preseason than Jonah Ellis, and he seems
like a guy that can make a very quick impact
(29:24):
for this Denver defense. When you look at him, Nick,
first of all, it seems like a guy that should
have been picked maybe before the third round based on
what he's doing out there. But what do you like
about Jonahlis when you watch him out there?
Speaker 2 (29:36):
I just like the energy that he brings.
Speaker 3 (29:38):
Every single time when you edge rusher, you always hear
the phrase of hey, that guy has a high motor, right,
And usually what happens is someone's gonna get stone on.
You're gonna get stoned on that first move. Do you
have a counter move? And what I'm saying from Jonah
is that he's picking up on things really quickly and
that motor is definitely there, and he's getting to that
(30:01):
second move and trying to continue to work around the edge.
And here's what I think is going to happen. I
know there is John Day Cooper and Baron Brownie. They're
doing a good job they're gonna be pressed at some
point in the season to make a change and get
Jonah Ellis more plays on the field, right And I
(30:24):
know if I'm not, I don't have it in front
of you right now. One or both of those guys
may be on expiring deals. They both are, okay, so
this is perfect time, and this is a great situation
that you want. If you're Jonah, you want to push
those two guys. It's gonna make everyone that much better
because they don't want to lose their spot and their
opportunity to Jonah. But it also is going to uplift
(30:44):
Yonah where he's trying to make enough plays to give
the ball back too.
Speaker 2 (30:48):
That's right, Bo.
Speaker 1 (30:49):
Nicks, there's always a tie in. You can always work
it back to number ten. And well you got Nick
Bonito too, so there's a nice wave there of pass rushers.
Nick who stood out to you. And maybe because you're
a former defensive back with Brandon Jones out right now,
when you look at those safeties, Devin Key, Jail Skinner,
(31:10):
Keyjron Smith keeps making plays back there. What do you
think of those guys on the back end of the day, Man, I.
Speaker 3 (31:15):
Am a Devin key fan. I like the way that
he plays the game. But he drawn gives the Broncos
an element of having a corner and a guy that
can play both safeties. And here's what I know about
the NFL, and you may know a little bit about
this too as well.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
The more you can do, the more you can do.
Speaker 2 (31:34):
Two jobs, one paycheck. That's that's how it works. That's
a thing.
Speaker 1 (31:42):
So he's a guy that you think those two interceptions,
he's the real deal because sometimes the preseason you can
get bamboozled by quote unquote like fake stats. Right, do
you think that's the real deal from him?
Speaker 3 (31:54):
Yes, all you have to do is go back and
watch college tape when he was playing corner. The one
thing he does well is he has great eyes. He's
able to read things as they start to develop. Now,
if you're talking about press coverage, you know he's so
so as far as that is concerned. But the defense
that vance Joseph wants to run. You want guys who
play down here and play revision. This is a guy
(32:17):
who plays great with his eyes. But also he's not
afraid to tackle.
Speaker 1 (32:21):
Okay, I like it. Also A fan question about how
John Franklin Myers played. It was his first preseason action.
He got in there, pushed the pocket a little bit.
He was the guy that basically forced the sack. Let
the quarterback right to Zach Allen, who's just maybe able
to scoop up the leftovers after John Franklin Myers pushed
him out there. That's that's a fun way to get
a sack, Nick Well, I.
Speaker 3 (32:42):
Mean, when you have other guys on the field with
you push in the pocket, somehow other guys benefit and
it's not you, but it doesn't end up on your.
Speaker 2 (32:51):
Statue, and they don't pay you more money for that.
They don't.
Speaker 1 (32:54):
Well, I benefit from being here with you, Nick. This
is Broncos Country tonight on KOA eight fifty am and
ninety four one FM.
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