Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Tonight, I'm Grant Smith filling in for Benjamin Albright along
with Nick Ferguson. Hey guys, the iHeartRadio app is now
even better. iHeartRadio App users now enjoy industry first features
blending streaming technology with a user ease of your car radio,
including presets, a scan button, live radio dial, and more.
(00:21):
Download and update today to hear your favorite shows like
the Taking It for Granted podcast on the free and
redesigned iHeartRadio App. Let's go right out to the Common
Spirit hotline and bring on Brian Michael to go inside
the Numbers, a positive inside the Numbers.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
With Ryan Michael. Hey, Brian, how you doing tonight?
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Man doing well? Grant, Nick, how are you guys?
Speaker 2 (00:43):
We're doing good.
Speaker 4 (00:44):
Man.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
You've told me that the close of the regular season
is one of your favorite times of the year as
a statistician.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Why is that?
Speaker 4 (00:52):
For a lot of reasons, But I would say, if
I had to take one thing, I've always been somebody
who has an appreciation for the history of this league
and the rankings. The final regular season rankings are immortal.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
Those are forever.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
So numbers will inflate, they'll deflate. There are some seasons
where certain statistics, you'll see spikes and drop some various numbers,
But where players and where teams is a collective ranked
that's immortal for all of NFL history. So you always
wait for the end of that what's now the seventeenth
game of the season to see where different players stack up.
And we've got some pretty cool numbers to share about
(01:29):
our guys on both sides of the football.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Now, Ryan, I get it.
Speaker 5 (01:33):
Most people love to talk about the offense and the quarterback.
Speaker 6 (01:38):
I'm not that person.
Speaker 5 (01:39):
I want to talk about Vance Joseph and the Broncos defense.
I mean, there's been this grouse well as far as
a turnaround, how has Vance Joseph been able to get
that done?
Speaker 4 (01:54):
It's been statistically speaking, the biggest offensive turnaround in franchise history.
If you look at the unit last year, which would
flash the signs of promise here and there, but at
the end of the season twenty seventh in the NFL
in points per game surrendered. That was the fourth lowest
mark in Denver Broncos franchise history. We jumped all the
(02:16):
way from twenty seventh to third, which is tied for
the fourth best mark in Denver Broncos franchise history, So
we're talking about sixty four years of football. From a
schematic standpoint, it is a little bit of a throwback
to what we saw in twenty fifteen now with some
personnel that can be deployed in various ways where it
does bring back a lot of good memories for me
(02:36):
on that twenty fifteen squad, and we can have a
conversation as far as who was better, which unit was better,
and as much as I'm quick to say, of course
it's twenty fifteen, it might be twenty fifteen, but I
don't think the twenty twenty four unit is that far behind.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Now. I am that guy that wants to talk about
the offense and specifically these quarterbacks.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
You know, I'm your typical NFL fan.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
Of course, everybody knows the greatness of Josh Allen. But
before the NFL Draft, and you've kept the receipts on
your Twitter at d Ryan Michael, you ranked bow Nicks
as the second best QB prospect in this year's class.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
And it seems like you were right on that one.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Of course, him and Jayden Daniels battling it out for
offensive Rookie of the Year, but you referred to him
as the most pro ready prospect in the draft.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
What did you see that some of the other clubs missed?
Speaker 4 (03:29):
You guys are pulling in two different directions because I
came prepared with a lot of data for both sides.
We also let let's get back to the defense later.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Oh, I'm sure Nick will get back to the defense.
You know him as far as bon Nix.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
This is what I said before the draft.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
There were certain things that you saw from a statistical standpoint,
from a historical standpoint, and from a film study standpoint
that stood out to me. They had me believing he
was the most pro ready prospect in the draft. Obviously,
he started an NCAA record sixty one games, so he
is a very old and experienced rookie quarterback. He set
(04:03):
the highest single season completion percentage mark in NCAA history
seventy seven point four percent, more completions and more passing
yards than any first round draft pick in the history
of the National Football League, second in the history of
college football, and total yardage produced sixteen thousand, nine hundred
and sixty five yards. And to bring it to rankings right,
(04:25):
because numbers they inflate over the years, that happened in
college football too. Bohnicks was number one in college football
and passer rating for his final two years of college
football at one twenty six point two. He was number
one in the league in his final year of college football,
and touchdown passes total touchdowns he had fifty one. He
led college football in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. In
(04:46):
his second to last year, he put up fourteen on
the ground. So I think Ben Albright and myself were
probably two of the few people who weren't surprised to
see what he could do with his wheels. He led
college football and yards per attempt, adjusted yards for attempt
completion percentage. And then you get into some of the
analytics marks. Pro Football Focus tried.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
To tell you the same thing that I was telling you.
Speaker 4 (05:05):
Number one in college football when pressure number one, when blitzed,
number one on thirst pass the six, number one in
the intermediate passing zone, number one on first and second down,
number one on third and fourth down.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
Number one outside the pocket.
Speaker 4 (05:18):
It's kind of like Pro Football Focus was telling you
everything that we would achieve this year. And of course,
a rookie quarterback isn't going to lead the NFL in
those analytics marks. But his strength in college football has
been the same strength that we've seen at the NFL level,
especially when it comes to sack avoidance, because he was
sacked I believe it was on one.
Speaker 7 (05:38):
Point one percent of his dropbacks in his final year
in Oregon, one of the greatest sack of avoiding seasons
in the history of college football.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
This year, he finishes sixth in the NFL at four
point zero six percent. I predicted it would be five percent,
so he actually exceeded my optimates expectations.
Speaker 3 (05:55):
But guys, he's.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
Number one in the NFL and tack percentage amongst quarterbacks
who through five hundred.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
Or more pauses.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
The five guys ahead of him all through the ball a.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Lot less than he did.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
That's an incredible statistic, especially considering what a deficiency it
was for us last year with Russell Wilson.
Speaker 5 (06:10):
Well, the Broncos have two players who on the TJ's
side of the ball, who have had outstanding seasons, and
that coveted title Defensive Player of the Year continues.
Speaker 6 (06:21):
To come up. And obviously I'm talking about PS two
and Nick Benito.
Speaker 5 (06:25):
Give me some stance that the fans may not know
about these two players that would or should keep both
of these.
Speaker 6 (06:32):
Guys in defensive player to you conversation, you.
Speaker 4 (06:36):
Know, for Nick Benito and Patzertan, it kind of reminds
me a little bit of when cham Bailey played for
US when Darrell Reevis was in his.
Speaker 3 (06:43):
Prime in New York.
Speaker 4 (06:45):
If you remember, Nick, when I busted your tops a
few weeks back, when Alex Singleton passed you on the title.
Speaker 3 (06:51):
Whereas for total tackles, you made a good point.
Speaker 4 (06:54):
People don't want to throw in your direction, you might
not have.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
As many tackles.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
So when you look at some of the raw numbers
produced by defensive players, they're not always reflective in the sense.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
Of the guys leaving in the league.
Speaker 4 (07:05):
Necessarily. The best pascer ten is tenth in the NFL
with four picks four pickses in that he didn't leave
a league that statistic. He did leave the NFL in
interception returnyard one hundred and thirty two of those, one
of them being returned for a touchdown.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Obviously, when you dig.
Speaker 4 (07:19):
Into some of the better numbers, he only and this
is a little bit subjective, he really only gave up
one touchdown that he was responsible for.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Ryce young Joe Xavier Lagette.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
But that was it really all season and some better
stats that I made sure to make a note of
courtesy and r Zach Segers some great stuff he posted earlier,
so I want to give him credit.
Speaker 3 (07:38):
These aren't my stats.
Speaker 4 (07:40):
When PS two was covering Pro Bowl players this year
at Jamar Chase, Rock.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Powers, State Flowers, Travis.
Speaker 4 (07:46):
Kelsey, Jerry Judy, he allowed only zero point one seven
yards per route run. So to put that into perspective,
the player dead last in the NFL was Jonathan Ningo
at zero.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
Point six to two. When offering Pro Bowl.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
Receivers and tight ends, PS two held them to a
yard per route run figure. That's even less than one
third of the guy who's dead.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
Last in the NFL.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
It's an impossible statistic. It's a Duerreaux Reeves kind of statistics.
So the statue isn't going to tell you the story
of why patricks Ertan should be the defensive Player of
the Year.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
It's the fact that.
Speaker 4 (08:22):
Nobody could produce anything when targeting him that tells the
whole story.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
Now about Nick Benito.
Speaker 4 (08:28):
Nick Benito is my personal favorite, and I know ben
and I had going back and forth a year. That
was his tick to lead the team at a B
and I picked patricks Landers's ad pick obviously Benito thirteen
and a half sacks third in the NFL. Sixteen PFLs,
that's ninth in the NFL. Two touchdown returns right one.
Technically a fumble one's a tick, but the pressure that
(08:50):
he generated as just a havoc that the entire defense.
We've destroyed our opponents on the ground, certainly a very
strong run defense, so as a elective guys second in
the NFL. In rushing defensive exp that's an efficiency metric
per Pro Football Reference third and rushing yards third and
touchdowns runs surrendered second in the NFL, and yards per
(09:13):
carry surrender only three point nine yards per carry on
the pass defense side second in the NFL. In defensive
pass the X.
Speaker 8 (09:20):
Game sixth in the NFL.
Speaker 4 (09:22):
And touchdown passes surrender we only get them point two
six and opposing paths are in in eighty six point two.
But it's really what we did to quarterbacks. Nick Ferneto
was a huge part of that. My favorite stat is
we led the league in quarterback hits. We're gonna hear
a lot about the franchise record sixty three sacks and
we had an extra game.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
We can have a debate about that, but.
Speaker 4 (09:42):
We led the league by a country milewn quarterback hits
one hundred and forty two. Second place is Baltimore with
one hundred.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
And twenty two.
Speaker 8 (09:50):
It's one of the most.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
Compressive defensive resumes I've ever seen, and when you consider
where we were just twelve months ago, I'm blown away.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
Guys.
Speaker 1 (09:58):
Yeah, they both should be hopeful for the the Defensive
Player of the Year award, and it's awesome to have
two Broncos at the top of that list. But I
told you to bring the positive stats, and you certainly
have tonight.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Give us some reasons for hope.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
The national narrative around this game with the Broncos and
the Bills not looking too positive for the Broncos, but
give us in Broncos Country some reasons for hope this weekend.
Speaker 4 (10:21):
Well, you know, Brent, we know what the spread is,
we know that we're underdog. That's not really a new thing.
So when I'm looking for reasons to be hopeful, Buffaloes
are really really good football team. They play really well
in Buffalo, but it's going to be a fourteen day
gap between game action for Josh Allen and then when
he takes the field to face our defense. What he
did against Detroit is obviously the most impressive thing I
(10:45):
think he did all year. He put up forty eight
points when the team collective they put a twenty eight points.
But if you look at the other four opponents at
Buffalo Fates over their last five games excluding the last
one which doesn't count, they face the Jets twenty of
thin points per games surrendered. They face the Patriot it's
twenty second, They face the Rams seventeens, they faced the
forty nine Ers twenty nine. So in four out of
(11:05):
those last five matchups with collective average in points per
games to render those four teams twenty second in the NFL.
I say that to say, outside of the Detroit game,
they really haven't been battle tested, and with all due
respect to Detroit's defense, they are not the Broncos defense.
So during that run of the three games that preceded
(11:25):
that stretch of weaker defenses, Josh Allen threw four touchdowns
to four picks, the average only six point seven yards
per ten passer rating of eighty point three. Very pedestrian.
Below average numbers. That's not to say that's what I
expect to see from.
Speaker 3 (11:38):
Him on Sunday, but.
Speaker 4 (11:40):
There could be a little bit of blood in the water.
And I wouldn't just assume that Buffalo's going to come out.
Speaker 7 (11:44):
Of the gate hunt.
Speaker 4 (11:46):
They have never faced the defense like our defense, and
I'm excited to see how we match up against them.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
You're getting me excited for this game on Sunday, giving.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Us reasons for hope.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
Hopefully we'll be talking about another Broncos.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Playoff game next week. Ryan, appreciate the time as always
in good guys.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
Anytime that's the Ryan Michael going inside the numbers. You
can find him at the Ryan Michael on Twitter. Nick,
we heard the stats on Nick Benito's season from Ryan there,
and I teased earlier that I thought maybe the Broncos
could use them as a use him as a spy
against Josh Allen.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
But you don't think that's a good idea.
Speaker 5 (12:21):
No, I don't, because there's one thing that Nick Benito
has done well all season long, rush the passer, standing
waiting for something to happen, and Josh Allen goes well.
One of the broncos better edge rushers, is just standing
there watching me. Well, I'm gonna watch him too, and
I'm also gonna throw the ball.
Speaker 6 (12:41):
Light passing.
Speaker 5 (12:42):
No pass rushers were born to rush the passer. Dropping
them in coverage does absolutely nothing will hurt your defense.
And if you give Josh Allen thim, he's going to
find a wide open and receive, just like if the
Bills give Bo nick.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
Time, he's gonna find someone.
Speaker 6 (13:05):
Someone's gonna get open.
Speaker 7 (13:07):
Ideas.
Speaker 5 (13:07):
No, you want to put pressure all these quarterbacks, force
them to make timely decisions, and you want to speed
them up, so you force them into making an airor throw.
Speaker 6 (13:18):
And for guys in the.
Speaker 5 (13:19):
Back end and guys on the second level being the linebackers.
Speaker 6 (13:22):
We love this. Raise tips and overthrows.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Got to get those, yeah, we.
Speaker 5 (13:26):
Love those types of situations. And the only way you
do that is by speeding the quarterbacks. If either quarterback
has an opportunity to go through their progressions from one,
two to three, and what I mean by progressions is
receivers going down the field on certain routes. If they're
(13:46):
allowed to do that and do that consistently, the team
with the quarterback.
Speaker 6 (13:51):
That's able to do that when it's the freaking ball game.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
Yeah, And I think that's the worry for me, is
that you know I asked this question Rick Lewis earlier
if he was worried about bon Nicks and a big
game on the road his first playoff experience in the NFL.
By the way, do you know the last rookie quarterback
to win a playoff game?
Speaker 6 (14:10):
Yes? Wasn't it Tim Tebow?
Speaker 2 (14:14):
Russell Wilson? Was it twenty twelve?
Speaker 6 (14:17):
Okay, okay, I'm thinking Broncos.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
Oh, no league? Why leg why?
Speaker 6 (14:22):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (14:22):
So we got Jayden Daniels and bo Nicks in there
this week. Hopefully bo Knicks can change that stat to
it a little more recent. But are you Are you
worried at all about bon Knicks like I am, in
his first playoff game? Do you think the moment may
be too big for him? Or if you got eighty
thousand crazy people and Bill's Mafia raining down if we
get down a little early, are you worried about the
(14:42):
moment being too big for bon Nicks?
Speaker 5 (14:44):
I don't worry about the moment being too big for him, Grant,
I worry. My concern is if the team gets down early,
that ing's going to get a little tight. And I'm
not just talking about the game itself, by I'm talking
about but cheeks. Yes, it really gets tight because now
(15:07):
that's when you allow the fans from Buffalo to impact
the game.
Speaker 6 (15:12):
That's right.
Speaker 5 (15:13):
If the Broncos are able to take their opening possession
down the score, it's going to be a punch in
the face to Josh Allen and the fans because they're
gonna realize, oh, this team really came to play and
this could come down to the buried last possession. And oh,
by the way, it's going to silence a crowd right away.
(15:34):
And now you can get into somewhat of a rhythm
of your offense and be slow and methodical. And if
from Bold I'm not trying to rush through anything, I'm
milking at play cap. We're gonna take it all the
way down to like five seconds and then we're gonna
do something with it. But they have to do something
with it. Great, they have to be better on third downs.
(15:56):
Then they've been on third downs this entire season.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
Yeah, and the longer the Broncos are in this game,
the more the pressure shifts to the Buffalo Bills.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
We're going in there with not gonna lose get tight exactly.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
Yeah, yeah, Well, hey, it's a Ryan Hour on the
Broncos Country tonight, not the og Ryan Edwards, but we
just had Ryan Michael on. Next we'll join We'll be
joined by Ryan O'Halloran, formerly of the Denver Post now
with the Buffalo News. We'll do that next on Broncos
Country to Night on eight fifty am, ninety four to
one FM.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
I'm Grant Smith.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
Filling in for Benjamin Albright alongside my guy Nick Ferguson. Nick,
have you ever been to the National Western Stock Show?
Speaker 6 (16:42):
No, but I watch a lot like Yellowstone.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
That's a close.
Speaker 1 (16:46):
I guess I figured you were the comment on my
outfit today. I'm wearing the Canadian tuxedo Denhim jeans Denham
top with my lucky Bolo tie on in honor of
the National Western Stock Show kicking off.
Speaker 5 (16:57):
Well, I played in Canada, lived there for a couple
of years, but never never knew that was considered a
I guess what is the Canadian.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Texas Canadian taxedo?
Speaker 6 (17:08):
Didn't know that.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
Yeah, we're my lucky Bolo tie that my brother gave
me to bring some luck to the Broncos.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
This Sunday. Yeah, its high Thursday, baby Bots. No, I
got them fans. Ah See, that's the millennial Denver.
Speaker 8 (17:22):
Right in me.
Speaker 6 (17:22):
See, that is why I didn't notice, because you didn't
have them.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
That's fair enough. That's fair enough.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
Want to ask our next guest if he's ever been
to the National Western Stock Show or the parade that
was missing the Longhorns this year. Ryan O'Halloran, formerly of
the Denver Post, now with Buffalo News.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
Ryan, how are you man?
Speaker 1 (17:41):
You ever been to the National Western Stock Show?
Speaker 5 (17:44):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (17:44):
Absolutely not. Good to join you guys tonight.
Speaker 2 (17:50):
Yeah, thanks for joining us.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
So we've been talking about how that the national narrative
kind of hash the Bills beaten up on the Broncos
this Sunday. Is that what's be talked about in Buffalo
as well? Or are they kind of scared of this
Broncos team?
Speaker 7 (18:05):
Well, and somewhere in between you I have probably a
little bit too big of a number. And you know,
the Broncos played well against Kansas City, albeit Chiefs backups.
But you know, the last two years the Bills have been.
Speaker 8 (18:18):
A significant home underdog in the wildcard round.
Speaker 7 (18:21):
And didn't cover each time they beat Miami, who had
Scolard Thompson at quarterback, and they beat Pittsburgh last year
with Mason Rudolph at quarterback. You know, I would take
bow knicks over both those guys. So I think the
Bills have the proper amount of respect for the Broncos.
And because you pop in the tape, there's a lot
of good players on that Denver team and a hell
(18:42):
of a pass rush that led the league in facts
of sixty three.
Speaker 5 (18:45):
Well, everyone's talking about the offense and the defense, and
rightfully so. But for me, as a guy that cut
my teat on special teams, I think that this is
going to be an integrate part of the game and
can flip the game either way for either team. Now,
when you look at what the Bills have been able
to do from a special team standpoint, and what Marvin
Mamms has been able to do, who do you lean
(19:07):
more towards and in favor in that department?
Speaker 7 (19:11):
Well, I think Men's is somebody to be dealt with.
And this is a Bills special teams that, quite frankly
has been uneven uh in coverage penalties with the kicker,
So there could be an opportunity there for Denver to
get some fuel position and you know, maybe return a kick.
If I'm the Bills, I don't have to let them
touch it.
Speaker 8 (19:30):
I would just kick it through the end zone if
the weather allows for it. If I'm Tyler Bass so
and then on the flip.
Speaker 7 (19:37):
Side, Brandon Codrington, the rookie returning for Buffalo. He has
hamstring injury, so you know he came back to practice
today and was limited. So you know, the big wildcard
nick about special teams, as you know at this time
of year, is what the heck's that win gonna be doing?
And this is a stadium where it can go a lot.
Speaker 8 (19:52):
Of different directions in the punting game and the kicking game.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
You mentioned earlier that the Bills had a couple easier
quarter to face in the previous couple of playoffs and
bow knicks. But I was wondering, what is the narrative
from Bill's players and coaches on rookie quarterback bon nixt Well.
Speaker 7 (20:11):
What stands out is is is his ability to extend
the play, which even Sean Payton said after the game,
so they didn't really know he had that kind.
Speaker 8 (20:19):
Of athletic season because he never you know, it had
to show it. So you know, I think what gets
the Bill's attention is is Givide Williams is a physical runner.
This run defense has had some holes and during the season,
and then Courtland Sutton is a good fifty to fifty guy.
And you know Sutton had that great fourth down catch
here in Buffalo last year from Russell Wilson that helped
the Broncos win that game.
Speaker 7 (20:40):
So you know, I think they're saying all the right things.
I mean, I was that the.
Speaker 8 (20:43):
Broncos listed before coming back to Buffalo. I'll be down
at Bill's.
Speaker 7 (20:46):
Tomorrow, But I mean they're not looking ahead because they
know if they don't win Sunday doesn't matter what the
Ravens do.
Speaker 6 (20:55):
Well, you know, when here's something that's interesting.
Speaker 5 (20:57):
And I say this because when you're playing this game
long enough, you get the chance to face your own team.
And you know they're two former Broncos players on that
Bill's roster, and one of the guy with the big
name is von Miller.
Speaker 6 (21:11):
I means, how do you think that Bond is.
Speaker 5 (21:13):
Kind of mentally preparing himself for this game knowing so
he's trying to solidify himself as being one of the
best pass versus in the league or just just history.
But he's facing off against his former team. What do
you think his mindset is going to be like, come kickoff?
Speaker 7 (21:29):
Well, I think it helped for von that he played
the Broncos last year. I mean, he was really excited
for that game last year, talking blacks and.
Speaker 8 (21:37):
Poetic about his time with the Denver.
Speaker 7 (21:40):
Team and how well she loved the Bronco fans and
the equipment guys, a pr stah.
Speaker 8 (21:44):
Blah blah blah. Whereas this time it's more business like.
Speaker 7 (21:47):
And you know, I applied Vonn for his bounce back season.
He had zero sacks last year coming out that ACL
was not effective at all, was a healthy scratch late
in the season. But he's come back with six.
Speaker 8 (21:58):
Sacks, and you know he's a down guy at this
point of his career. Will he play some early down stuff, yes,
but you so and Epanez are your starters. But you know, hey,
Von's human and he wants to be able.
Speaker 7 (22:11):
To get a sack. He wants to be able to
knock one of his former teams out of the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
You know, we've been talking here.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
We're excited to just be in the playoffs in Broncos country.
I think I speak for a lot of fans when
I say that, because this is kind of a year
ahead of schedule for us. But in Buffalo, they've been
to the playoffs for many years in a row now,
but they haven't been able to get to the big game,
the Super Bowl.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
If Sean McDermott and the.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
Bills lose this game on Sunday to the underdog Broncos,
is he on the hot seat? Could he possibly be
out in Buffalo?
Speaker 5 (22:43):
No?
Speaker 7 (22:43):
I don't think so.
Speaker 8 (22:44):
And it gets more of a terry tergoul that the
owner you know, knows.
Speaker 7 (22:47):
What he's got and you know this would be this
would obviously be a disappointment if because it'll be a
step back.
Speaker 3 (22:54):
But you're right, is.
Speaker 7 (22:55):
They went to the NFC title game in twenty twenty
and then bust in the divisional around the last three years,
including the last two years at home, so they went
undefeated home this year. I think they're built better in
terms of their offense to you know, it went a
playoff game that maybe when the passing game isn't all
the way there because of the conditions or the pass
or should be the opponent. But you know, if the builds
(23:18):
are upset in this game, you know, and I don't
think they'll do anything drastic, but there'll be a lot
of questions asked.
Speaker 5 (23:25):
So I know you want you watch the Bills every
single week, and I've been talking to several people on
air off air about their expectations for this game and
looking at the Bills wide receivers or offensive talent opposite
somewhat anyone not named Josh Allen. The idea is that, Okay, well,
the Bills really don't have a lot of household names
(23:47):
from a receiving standpoint that could actually scare or should
scare the Broncos defense. Are they accurate in that assessment
or you seeing a little different?
Speaker 7 (23:56):
Yeah, I think that's not accurate. I mean, you know,
when when you move off from Stefan Diggs, who is
a high valume target, you.
Speaker 8 (24:04):
Know, the model of this offense.
Speaker 7 (24:06):
Embraced from the started training camp with everybody eats, and
you get six guys at these twenty nine catches this year,
and you know, Josh Allen this year is taking the
Tom Brady thing. I'm going to the open receiver.
Speaker 8 (24:17):
I don't care what his name is.
Speaker 7 (24:18):
He admitted the past couple of years he'd forced things
to the digs.
Speaker 8 (24:21):
That's how you got yourself in trouble with incompletions or
you know, a dropper to or short games because the
defense were keying on staff. So you know, I think
Kuo Sekire, let's start with him, slot receiver, very shift.
He does a lot of good stuff after the catch.
Speaker 7 (24:34):
Amari Cooper, who's a non name in this league, acquired
him midway through the season. He hasn't had a ton
of numbers, but he had a touchdown catch two weeks ago.
And then also Dalton k and Kid and Dawson Knox
at tight end work in the middle of the field.
So they don't have this. They don't have the name power,
but they do have good players and the fact that
the guys I just mentioned that maybe some people aren't
(24:56):
aware of. That's why Josh Allen is the MVP of
this league.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
Oh okay, there's the answer on the MVP question. I
happen to agree with you. I think it's his time
and it's due. But final question for you, Ryan, how
do you see this game playing out?
Speaker 7 (25:10):
I think the Bills are going to win twenty seven,
somewhere in that range. I think the key to the
Bills was Hey, you know, for all Sean mcderg if
he wins the talks, he's going to defer. But once
you get the ball, see if you can get ahead
and make Boonix become one dimensional and then you can
tee up your pass rush, tee up your pressure. Looks
Sean mcderbin's had a heck of a lot of success
(25:32):
against rookie quarterbacks in the playoffs and regular.
Speaker 8 (25:34):
Season in his career, So I do think the Broncos.
Speaker 7 (25:38):
Defense creates some of their own problems for the Bills offense.
Speaker 8 (25:41):
So I think it will be a one score game.
Speaker 2 (25:44):
Well, we hope it's close.
Speaker 1 (25:45):
We hope you're wrong on that final score prediction. But
Ryan great as always, man, thanks so much for the
time tonight.
Speaker 7 (25:51):
All right, fellows, take care. Now.
Speaker 1 (25:53):
That was Ryan O'Halloran, formerly of the Denver Post. Now
with the Buffalo News joining us and Nick, what are
your thoughts on What do you have to say?
Speaker 5 (26:00):
Well, I think that he's absolutely right it could be
a one score game because we know the Broncos defense
has done a great job of turning you know, other
teams over and the sixty three sacks, I believe they
have and that's that's crazy to have that amount of sacks.
But also knowing as though Josh Allen has another been
(26:21):
sacked fourteen.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
Times, fourteen times in seventeen games, that's.
Speaker 6 (26:27):
Well crazy to know that.
Speaker 5 (26:29):
But still, and I wanted to talk to someone who
spend time in Buffalo cover the team, and he knows
this team as well as far as what is being
said about the matchups and how Buffalo has no household
names and all of a sudden that means, Oh, it's
going to be smooth selling, and I'm.
Speaker 6 (26:47):
Like, no, it's not.
Speaker 5 (26:49):
They do have some players that the Broncos need to
be aware of, and the guys in the second deary
and even then on the second level of the defensive linebackers,
they're going to need to talk in this game and
they're gonna have an opportunity because it's.
Speaker 6 (27:03):
Not gonna be like home.
Speaker 5 (27:05):
It's gonna be real quiet for them to communicate, right,
So I expect the Broncos the faners to communicate. If
they do that, they stand in a chance. If they don't,
they're gonna leave all types of plays. And you heard
Ryan say it that Josh Allen is taking an approach
I am throwing to the open receiver.
Speaker 1 (27:22):
Yeah, And like we said at the beginning of this show,
this is the playoffs. This is where people become household names,
right and yeah, but I love your point about how
it's gonna be quiet for the defense and it will
give them the opportunity to communicate. But on the other side,
in the offense, it's gonna be raucous.
Speaker 2 (27:40):
It is.
Speaker 5 (27:40):
But this is why the best thing that you can
have as a team is the ability to start fast. Right,
you start fast, you build up confidence. Now it changes
how aggressive your offensive coordinated feels though he wants to be,
because Sean Payton has a game plan right for if
(28:01):
the team is behind another, if the team is a
hit or at least I hope he does right, And
you're saying, okay, well, if the Broncos jump out to
early ten to three lead, now there's so many things
that you can do. Now you start to really lean
on your run game, and it really doesn't make a
difference if they are effective or not. The idea is
that you are trying to milk the clock. You're trying
(28:24):
to keep Josh Allen.
Speaker 2 (28:25):
Because he can't hurt you when he's on the side line.
Speaker 5 (28:27):
He can't, right, he can't do anything Yale screen or whatever.
Speaker 6 (28:31):
But he can't score touchdowns.
Speaker 5 (28:33):
So that is going to have to be a game
plan for Sean Payton and just try anything.
Speaker 1 (28:41):
Yeah, maybe this is a week we finally get one
hundred yard rusher.
Speaker 5 (28:45):
Well, okay, is that one hundred yard rusher meaning you know,
one single guy or a combination of guys.
Speaker 1 (28:51):
Well, it'll probably be a combination of guys. I don't
think we get one. I mean, who's it going to be.
We don't give anybody the ball enough.
Speaker 2 (28:57):
To get one hundred yards.
Speaker 7 (28:59):
Well, it seems like.
Speaker 2 (29:00):
We get a hot hand and we take him out
of the game.
Speaker 5 (29:02):
True, but there's one guy who has a ball in
his hand every single play and as Bo nicks, so
he could be a lead rusher.
Speaker 2 (29:08):
There we go. I'm cool with that. I mean his
ability you heard Ryan mention it.
Speaker 1 (29:13):
His ability to scramble this year I think was overlooked
by a lot of teams until they saw the way
he could run. And we talked all night about the
underdog narrative and how the national media is not really
given the Broncos much chance in this game. I thought
Bo had a great answer on being the underdog. And
this is coming off a quote he had earlier this week,
or maybe it was the last week about how pressure
(29:34):
is a privilege, and this dude just seems to get it.
He seems to understand the role of an NFL quarterback.
Here was his answer about being an underdog in this game.
Speaker 9 (29:42):
The advantage of being an underdog is, I think it's
an element of.
Speaker 2 (29:49):
Playing loose and in a way, you don't really have
anything to lose.
Speaker 9 (29:52):
Nobody's got all this pressure on you, so you can
go out there and play your best because nobody expects
you to do well anyway. So you know, it's it's
cliche and it sounds cheesy, but you know, most people,
they literally didn't expect us to be here, so we
might as well continue to, you know, not worry about
those things and do what we can do and just
worry about ourselves. And when we've done that this year,
(30:14):
we've had good success.
Speaker 2 (30:16):
But it's definitely not gonna be easy.
Speaker 1 (30:18):
You know, most things that sound cliche or cliche because
they're usually true.
Speaker 5 (30:22):
Yeah, And I mean that's had been the pretty much
an operative word all week long, and I've heard it.
I think Dave Logan brought it up, and Rick Lewis
mission it. It's just you're playing with house money. That's
basically what that means. You're playing with house money. So
I expect the team to go out there and get
to and be loose. But that doesn't necessarily mean they're
going to stay loose the entire time, because if things
(30:44):
start to roll downhill against the Broncos, that's when you're
going to see guys being in tense and guys being tight.
And when you lose that loose edge, you give advantage
to your opponent.
Speaker 1 (30:57):
Yeah, and you heard Ryan say that he thinks that
if the Bills win the toss, they'll defer to the
second half. I think that's playing right into the Broncos favor.
Get off to a hot start, get the touchdown on
your scripted plays on those first ten plays, and get
up to an early lead on the Bills.
Speaker 5 (31:11):
Let's see from there's a lot of strategy into it, right,
So if the Broncos, if that happens the scenario that
you're talking about the Bills, when the corn toss defer
to the Broncos, Broncos are able to move the ball
down the field, it changes the narrative instantly.
Speaker 6 (31:27):
But if that happens and the Broncos.
Speaker 2 (31:29):
Don't three and out, then that means for.
Speaker 5 (31:32):
Sean McDermot, who's the defensive guy, he's going you know what, Now,
we got him right where we want because they had
the ball, they didn't start with momentum, and we get
the ball back in the second half.
Speaker 1 (31:42):
So yeah, and if we're losing at halftime and then
they get the ball to start the second half, we
may be in some trouble.
Speaker 6 (31:48):
Hopefully that's not the case. Script.
Speaker 1 (31:50):
Well, Nick, this was a lot of fun, man. Thanks
for letting me sit in with you.
Speaker 5 (31:52):
Oh thanks for sitting in man, It's always a pleasure.
Speaker 2 (31:55):
All right.
Speaker 1 (31:55):
Well, Ben, we'll be back tomorrow on Broncos Country Tonight.
He'll break down some more stuff then probably bring back
his wet blanket.
Speaker 2 (32:02):
I'm Grant Smith filling in.
Speaker 1 (32:03):
For Ben on Broncos Country Tonight. Bus Prime Time coming
up next
Tonight, I'm Grant Smith filling in for Benjamin Albright along
with Nick Ferguson. Hey guys, the iHeartRadio app is now
even better. iHeartRadio App users now enjoy industry first features
blending streaming technology with a user ease of your car radio,
including presets, a scan button, live radio dial, and more.
(00:21):
Download and update today to hear your favorite shows like
the Taking It for Granted podcast on the free and
redesigned iHeartRadio App. Let's go right out to the Common
Spirit hotline and bring on Brian Michael to go inside
the Numbers, a positive inside the Numbers.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
With Ryan Michael. Hey, Brian, how you doing tonight?
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Man doing well? Grant, Nick, how are you guys?
Speaker 2 (00:43):
We're doing good.
Speaker 4 (00:44):
Man.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
You've told me that the close of the regular season
is one of your favorite times of the year as
a statistician.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Why is that?
Speaker 4 (00:52):
For a lot of reasons, But I would say, if
I had to take one thing, I've always been somebody
who has an appreciation for the history of this league
and the rankings. The final regular season rankings are immortal.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
Those are forever.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
So numbers will inflate, they'll deflate. There are some seasons
where certain statistics, you'll see spikes and drop some various numbers,
But where players and where teams is a collective ranked
that's immortal for all of NFL history. So you always
wait for the end of that what's now the seventeenth
game of the season to see where different players stack up.
And we've got some pretty cool numbers to share about
(01:29):
our guys on both sides of the football.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Now, Ryan, I get it.
Speaker 5 (01:33):
Most people love to talk about the offense and the quarterback.
Speaker 6 (01:38):
I'm not that person.
Speaker 5 (01:39):
I want to talk about Vance Joseph and the Broncos defense.
I mean, there's been this grouse well as far as
a turnaround, how has Vance Joseph been able to get
that done?
Speaker 4 (01:54):
It's been statistically speaking, the biggest offensive turnaround in franchise history.
If you look at the unit last year, which would
flash the signs of promise here and there, but at
the end of the season twenty seventh in the NFL
in points per game surrendered. That was the fourth lowest
mark in Denver Broncos franchise history. We jumped all the
(02:16):
way from twenty seventh to third, which is tied for
the fourth best mark in Denver Broncos franchise history, So
we're talking about sixty four years of football. From a
schematic standpoint, it is a little bit of a throwback
to what we saw in twenty fifteen now with some
personnel that can be deployed in various ways where it
does bring back a lot of good memories for me
(02:36):
on that twenty fifteen squad, and we can have a
conversation as far as who was better, which unit was better,
and as much as I'm quick to say, of course
it's twenty fifteen, it might be twenty fifteen, but I
don't think the twenty twenty four unit is that far behind.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Now. I am that guy that wants to talk about
the offense and specifically these quarterbacks.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
You know, I'm your typical NFL fan.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
Of course, everybody knows the greatness of Josh Allen. But
before the NFL Draft, and you've kept the receipts on
your Twitter at d Ryan Michael, you ranked bow Nicks
as the second best QB prospect in this year's class.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
And it seems like you were right on that one.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Of course, him and Jayden Daniels battling it out for
offensive Rookie of the Year, but you referred to him
as the most pro ready prospect in the draft.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
What did you see that some of the other clubs missed?
Speaker 4 (03:29):
You guys are pulling in two different directions because I
came prepared with a lot of data for both sides.
We also let let's get back to the defense later.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Oh, I'm sure Nick will get back to the defense.
You know him as far as bon Nix.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
This is what I said before the draft.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
There were certain things that you saw from a statistical standpoint,
from a historical standpoint, and from a film study standpoint
that stood out to me. They had me believing he
was the most pro ready prospect in the draft. Obviously,
he started an NCAA record sixty one games, so he
is a very old and experienced rookie quarterback. He set
(04:03):
the highest single season completion percentage mark in NCAA history
seventy seven point four percent, more completions and more passing
yards than any first round draft pick in the history
of the National Football League, second in the history of
college football, and total yardage produced sixteen thousand, nine hundred
and sixty five yards. And to bring it to rankings right,
(04:25):
because numbers they inflate over the years, that happened in
college football too. Bohnicks was number one in college football
and passer rating for his final two years of college
football at one twenty six point two. He was number
one in the league in his final year of college football,
and touchdown passes total touchdowns he had fifty one. He
led college football in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. In
(04:46):
his second to last year, he put up fourteen on
the ground. So I think Ben Albright and myself were
probably two of the few people who weren't surprised to
see what he could do with his wheels. He led
college football and yards per attempt, adjusted yards for attempt
completion percentage. And then you get into some of the
analytics marks. Pro Football Focus tried.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
To tell you the same thing that I was telling you.
Speaker 4 (05:05):
Number one in college football when pressure number one, when blitzed,
number one on thirst pass the six, number one in
the intermediate passing zone, number one on first and second down,
number one on third and fourth down.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
Number one outside the pocket.
Speaker 4 (05:18):
It's kind of like Pro Football Focus was telling you
everything that we would achieve this year. And of course,
a rookie quarterback isn't going to lead the NFL in
those analytics marks. But his strength in college football has
been the same strength that we've seen at the NFL level,
especially when it comes to sack avoidance, because he was
sacked I believe it was on one.
Speaker 7 (05:38):
Point one percent of his dropbacks in his final year
in Oregon, one of the greatest sack of avoiding seasons
in the history of college football.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
This year, he finishes sixth in the NFL at four
point zero six percent. I predicted it would be five percent,
so he actually exceeded my optimates expectations.
Speaker 3 (05:55):
But guys, he's.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
Number one in the NFL and tack percentage amongst quarterbacks
who through five hundred.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
Or more pauses.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
The five guys ahead of him all through the ball a.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Lot less than he did.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
That's an incredible statistic, especially considering what a deficiency it
was for us last year with Russell Wilson.
Speaker 5 (06:10):
Well, the Broncos have two players who on the TJ's
side of the ball, who have had outstanding seasons, and
that coveted title Defensive Player of the Year continues.
Speaker 6 (06:21):
To come up. And obviously I'm talking about PS two
and Nick Benito.
Speaker 5 (06:25):
Give me some stance that the fans may not know
about these two players that would or should keep both
of these.
Speaker 6 (06:32):
Guys in defensive player to you conversation, you.
Speaker 4 (06:36):
Know, for Nick Benito and Patzertan, it kind of reminds
me a little bit of when cham Bailey played for
US when Darrell Reevis was in his.
Speaker 3 (06:43):
Prime in New York.
Speaker 4 (06:45):
If you remember, Nick, when I busted your tops a
few weeks back, when Alex Singleton passed you on the title.
Speaker 3 (06:51):
Whereas for total tackles, you made a good point.
Speaker 4 (06:54):
People don't want to throw in your direction, you might
not have.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
As many tackles.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
So when you look at some of the raw numbers
produced by defensive players, they're not always reflective in the sense.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
Of the guys leaving in the league.
Speaker 4 (07:05):
Necessarily. The best pascer ten is tenth in the NFL
with four picks four pickses in that he didn't leave
a league that statistic. He did leave the NFL in
interception returnyard one hundred and thirty two of those, one
of them being returned for a touchdown.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Obviously, when you dig.
Speaker 4 (07:19):
Into some of the better numbers, he only and this
is a little bit subjective, he really only gave up
one touchdown that he was responsible for.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Ryce young Joe Xavier Lagette.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
But that was it really all season and some better
stats that I made sure to make a note of
courtesy and r Zach Segers some great stuff he posted earlier,
so I want to give him credit.
Speaker 3 (07:38):
These aren't my stats.
Speaker 4 (07:40):
When PS two was covering Pro Bowl players this year
at Jamar Chase, Rock.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Powers, State Flowers, Travis.
Speaker 4 (07:46):
Kelsey, Jerry Judy, he allowed only zero point one seven
yards per route run. So to put that into perspective,
the player dead last in the NFL was Jonathan Ningo
at zero.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
Point six to two. When offering Pro Bowl.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
Receivers and tight ends, PS two held them to a
yard per route run figure. That's even less than one
third of the guy who's dead.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
Last in the NFL.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
It's an impossible statistic. It's a Duerreaux Reeves kind of statistics.
So the statue isn't going to tell you the story
of why patricks Ertan should be the defensive Player of
the Year.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
It's the fact that.
Speaker 4 (08:22):
Nobody could produce anything when targeting him that tells the
whole story.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
Now about Nick Benito.
Speaker 4 (08:28):
Nick Benito is my personal favorite, and I know ben
and I had going back and forth a year. That
was his tick to lead the team at a B
and I picked patricks Landers's ad pick obviously Benito thirteen
and a half sacks third in the NFL. Sixteen PFLs,
that's ninth in the NFL. Two touchdown returns right one.
Technically a fumble one's a tick, but the pressure that
(08:50):
he generated as just a havoc that the entire defense.
We've destroyed our opponents on the ground, certainly a very
strong run defense, so as a elective guys second in
the NFL. In rushing defensive exp that's an efficiency metric
per Pro Football Reference third and rushing yards third and
touchdowns runs surrendered second in the NFL, and yards per
(09:13):
carry surrender only three point nine yards per carry on
the pass defense side second in the NFL. In defensive
pass the X.
Speaker 8 (09:20):
Game sixth in the NFL.
Speaker 4 (09:22):
And touchdown passes surrender we only get them point two
six and opposing paths are in in eighty six point two.
But it's really what we did to quarterbacks. Nick Ferneto
was a huge part of that. My favorite stat is
we led the league in quarterback hits. We're gonna hear
a lot about the franchise record sixty three sacks and
we had an extra game.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
We can have a debate about that, but.
Speaker 4 (09:42):
We led the league by a country milewn quarterback hits
one hundred and forty two. Second place is Baltimore with
one hundred.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
And twenty two.
Speaker 8 (09:50):
It's one of the most.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
Compressive defensive resumes I've ever seen, and when you consider
where we were just twelve months ago, I'm blown away.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
Guys.
Speaker 1 (09:58):
Yeah, they both should be hopeful for the the Defensive
Player of the Year award, and it's awesome to have
two Broncos at the top of that list. But I
told you to bring the positive stats, and you certainly
have tonight.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Give us some reasons for hope.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
The national narrative around this game with the Broncos and
the Bills not looking too positive for the Broncos, but
give us in Broncos Country some reasons for hope this weekend.
Speaker 4 (10:21):
Well, you know, Brent, we know what the spread is,
we know that we're underdog. That's not really a new thing.
So when I'm looking for reasons to be hopeful, Buffaloes
are really really good football team. They play really well
in Buffalo, but it's going to be a fourteen day
gap between game action for Josh Allen and then when
he takes the field to face our defense. What he
did against Detroit is obviously the most impressive thing I
(10:45):
think he did all year. He put up forty eight
points when the team collective they put a twenty eight points.
But if you look at the other four opponents at
Buffalo Fates over their last five games excluding the last
one which doesn't count, they face the Jets twenty of
thin points per games surrendered. They face the Patriot it's
twenty second, They face the Rams seventeens, they faced the
forty nine Ers twenty nine. So in four out of
(11:05):
those last five matchups with collective average in points per
games to render those four teams twenty second in the NFL.
I say that to say, outside of the Detroit game,
they really haven't been battle tested, and with all due
respect to Detroit's defense, they are not the Broncos defense.
So during that run of the three games that preceded
(11:25):
that stretch of weaker defenses, Josh Allen threw four touchdowns
to four picks, the average only six point seven yards
per ten passer rating of eighty point three. Very pedestrian.
Below average numbers. That's not to say that's what I
expect to see from.
Speaker 3 (11:38):
Him on Sunday, but.
Speaker 4 (11:40):
There could be a little bit of blood in the water.
And I wouldn't just assume that Buffalo's going to come out.
Speaker 7 (11:44):
Of the gate hunt.
Speaker 4 (11:46):
They have never faced the defense like our defense, and
I'm excited to see how we match up against them.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
You're getting me excited for this game on Sunday, giving.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Us reasons for hope.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
Hopefully we'll be talking about another Broncos.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Playoff game next week. Ryan, appreciate the time as always
in good guys.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
Anytime that's the Ryan Michael going inside the numbers. You
can find him at the Ryan Michael on Twitter. Nick,
we heard the stats on Nick Benito's season from Ryan there,
and I teased earlier that I thought maybe the Broncos
could use them as a use him as a spy
against Josh Allen.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
But you don't think that's a good idea.
Speaker 5 (12:21):
No, I don't, because there's one thing that Nick Benito
has done well all season long, rush the passer, standing
waiting for something to happen, and Josh Allen goes well.
One of the broncos better edge rushers, is just standing
there watching me. Well, I'm gonna watch him too, and
I'm also gonna throw the ball.
Speaker 6 (12:41):
Light passing.
Speaker 5 (12:42):
No pass rushers were born to rush the passer. Dropping
them in coverage does absolutely nothing will hurt your defense.
And if you give Josh Allen thim, he's going to
find a wide open and receive, just like if the
Bills give Bo nick.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
Time, he's gonna find someone.
Speaker 6 (13:05):
Someone's gonna get open.
Speaker 7 (13:07):
Ideas.
Speaker 5 (13:07):
No, you want to put pressure all these quarterbacks, force
them to make timely decisions, and you want to speed
them up, so you force them into making an airor throw.
Speaker 6 (13:18):
And for guys in the.
Speaker 5 (13:19):
Back end and guys on the second level being the linebackers.
Speaker 6 (13:22):
We love this. Raise tips and overthrows.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Got to get those, yeah, we.
Speaker 5 (13:26):
Love those types of situations. And the only way you
do that is by speeding the quarterbacks. If either quarterback
has an opportunity to go through their progressions from one,
two to three, and what I mean by progressions is
receivers going down the field on certain routes. If they're
(13:46):
allowed to do that and do that consistently, the team
with the quarterback.
Speaker 6 (13:51):
That's able to do that when it's the freaking ball game.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
Yeah, And I think that's the worry for me, is
that you know I asked this question Rick Lewis earlier
if he was worried about bon Nicks and a big
game on the road his first playoff experience in the NFL.
By the way, do you know the last rookie quarterback
to win a playoff game?
Speaker 6 (14:10):
Yes? Wasn't it Tim Tebow?
Speaker 2 (14:14):
Russell Wilson? Was it twenty twelve?
Speaker 6 (14:17):
Okay, okay, I'm thinking Broncos.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
Oh, no league? Why leg why?
Speaker 6 (14:22):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (14:22):
So we got Jayden Daniels and bo Nicks in there
this week. Hopefully bo Knicks can change that stat to
it a little more recent. But are you Are you
worried at all about bon Knicks like I am, in
his first playoff game? Do you think the moment may
be too big for him? Or if you got eighty
thousand crazy people and Bill's Mafia raining down if we
get down a little early, are you worried about the
(14:42):
moment being too big for bon Nicks?
Speaker 5 (14:44):
I don't worry about the moment being too big for him, Grant,
I worry. My concern is if the team gets down early,
that ing's going to get a little tight. And I'm
not just talking about the game itself, by I'm talking
about but cheeks. Yes, it really gets tight because now
(15:07):
that's when you allow the fans from Buffalo to impact
the game.
Speaker 6 (15:12):
That's right.
Speaker 5 (15:13):
If the Broncos are able to take their opening possession
down the score, it's going to be a punch in
the face to Josh Allen and the fans because they're
gonna realize, oh, this team really came to play and
this could come down to the buried last possession. And oh,
by the way, it's going to silence a crowd right away.
(15:34):
And now you can get into somewhat of a rhythm
of your offense and be slow and methodical. And if
from Bold I'm not trying to rush through anything, I'm
milking at play cap. We're gonna take it all the
way down to like five seconds and then we're gonna
do something with it. But they have to do something
with it. Great, they have to be better on third downs.
(15:56):
Then they've been on third downs this entire season.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
Yeah, and the longer the Broncos are in this game,
the more the pressure shifts to the Buffalo Bills.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
We're going in there with not gonna lose get tight exactly.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
Yeah, yeah, Well, hey, it's a Ryan Hour on the
Broncos Country tonight, not the og Ryan Edwards, but we
just had Ryan Michael on. Next we'll join We'll be
joined by Ryan O'Halloran, formerly of the Denver Post now
with the Buffalo News. We'll do that next on Broncos
Country to Night on eight fifty am, ninety four to
one FM.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
I'm Grant Smith.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
Filling in for Benjamin Albright alongside my guy Nick Ferguson. Nick,
have you ever been to the National Western Stock Show?
Speaker 6 (16:42):
No, but I watch a lot like Yellowstone.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
That's a close.
Speaker 1 (16:46):
I guess I figured you were the comment on my
outfit today. I'm wearing the Canadian tuxedo Denhim jeans Denham
top with my lucky Bolo tie on in honor of
the National Western Stock Show kicking off.
Speaker 5 (16:57):
Well, I played in Canada, lived there for a couple
of years, but never never knew that was considered a
I guess what is the Canadian.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Texas Canadian taxedo?
Speaker 6 (17:08):
Didn't know that.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
Yeah, we're my lucky Bolo tie that my brother gave
me to bring some luck to the Broncos.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
This Sunday. Yeah, its high Thursday, baby Bots. No, I
got them fans. Ah See, that's the millennial Denver.
Speaker 8 (17:22):
Right in me.
Speaker 6 (17:22):
See, that is why I didn't notice, because you didn't
have them.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
That's fair enough. That's fair enough.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
Want to ask our next guest if he's ever been
to the National Western Stock Show or the parade that
was missing the Longhorns this year. Ryan O'Halloran, formerly of
the Denver Post, now with Buffalo News.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
Ryan, how are you man?
Speaker 1 (17:41):
You ever been to the National Western Stock Show?
Speaker 5 (17:44):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (17:44):
Absolutely not. Good to join you guys tonight.
Speaker 2 (17:50):
Yeah, thanks for joining us.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
So we've been talking about how that the national narrative
kind of hash the Bills beaten up on the Broncos
this Sunday. Is that what's be talked about in Buffalo
as well? Or are they kind of scared of this
Broncos team?
Speaker 7 (18:05):
Well, and somewhere in between you I have probably a
little bit too big of a number. And you know,
the Broncos played well against Kansas City, albeit Chiefs backups.
But you know, the last two years the Bills have been.
Speaker 8 (18:18):
A significant home underdog in the wildcard round.
Speaker 7 (18:21):
And didn't cover each time they beat Miami, who had
Scolard Thompson at quarterback, and they beat Pittsburgh last year
with Mason Rudolph at quarterback. You know, I would take
bow knicks over both those guys. So I think the
Bills have the proper amount of respect for the Broncos.
And because you pop in the tape, there's a lot
of good players on that Denver team and a hell
(18:42):
of a pass rush that led the league in facts
of sixty three.
Speaker 5 (18:45):
Well, everyone's talking about the offense and the defense, and
rightfully so. But for me, as a guy that cut
my teat on special teams, I think that this is
going to be an integrate part of the game and
can flip the game either way for either team. Now,
when you look at what the Bills have been able
to do from a special team standpoint, and what Marvin
Mamms has been able to do, who do you lean
(19:07):
more towards and in favor in that department?
Speaker 7 (19:11):
Well, I think Men's is somebody to be dealt with.
And this is a Bills special teams that, quite frankly
has been uneven uh in coverage penalties with the kicker,
So there could be an opportunity there for Denver to
get some fuel position and you know, maybe return a kick.
If I'm the Bills, I don't have to let them
touch it.
Speaker 8 (19:30):
I would just kick it through the end zone if
the weather allows for it. If I'm Tyler Bass so
and then on the flip.
Speaker 7 (19:37):
Side, Brandon Codrington, the rookie returning for Buffalo. He has
hamstring injury, so you know he came back to practice
today and was limited. So you know, the big wildcard
nick about special teams, as you know at this time
of year, is what the heck's that win gonna be doing?
And this is a stadium where it can go a lot.
Speaker 8 (19:52):
Of different directions in the punting game and the kicking game.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
You mentioned earlier that the Bills had a couple easier
quarter to face in the previous couple of playoffs and
bow knicks. But I was wondering, what is the narrative
from Bill's players and coaches on rookie quarterback bon nixt Well.
Speaker 7 (20:11):
What stands out is is is his ability to extend
the play, which even Sean Payton said after the game,
so they didn't really know he had that kind.
Speaker 8 (20:19):
Of athletic season because he never you know, it had
to show it. So you know, I think what gets
the Bill's attention is is Givide Williams is a physical runner.
This run defense has had some holes and during the season,
and then Courtland Sutton is a good fifty to fifty guy.
And you know Sutton had that great fourth down catch
here in Buffalo last year from Russell Wilson that helped
the Broncos win that game.
Speaker 7 (20:40):
So you know, I think they're saying all the right things.
I mean, I was that the.
Speaker 8 (20:43):
Broncos listed before coming back to Buffalo. I'll be down
at Bill's.
Speaker 7 (20:46):
Tomorrow, But I mean they're not looking ahead because they
know if they don't win Sunday doesn't matter what the
Ravens do.
Speaker 6 (20:55):
Well, you know, when here's something that's interesting.
Speaker 5 (20:57):
And I say this because when you're playing this game
long enough, you get the chance to face your own team.
And you know they're two former Broncos players on that
Bill's roster, and one of the guy with the big
name is von Miller.
Speaker 6 (21:11):
I means, how do you think that Bond is.
Speaker 5 (21:13):
Kind of mentally preparing himself for this game knowing so
he's trying to solidify himself as being one of the
best pass versus in the league or just just history.
But he's facing off against his former team. What do
you think his mindset is going to be like, come kickoff?
Speaker 7 (21:29):
Well, I think it helped for von that he played
the Broncos last year. I mean, he was really excited
for that game last year, talking blacks and.
Speaker 8 (21:37):
Poetic about his time with the Denver.
Speaker 7 (21:40):
Team and how well she loved the Bronco fans and
the equipment guys, a pr stah.
Speaker 8 (21:44):
Blah blah blah. Whereas this time it's more business like.
Speaker 7 (21:47):
And you know, I applied Vonn for his bounce back season.
He had zero sacks last year coming out that ACL
was not effective at all, was a healthy scratch late
in the season. But he's come back with six.
Speaker 8 (21:58):
Sacks, and you know he's a down guy at this
point of his career. Will he play some early down stuff, yes,
but you so and Epanez are your starters. But you know, hey,
Von's human and he wants to be able.
Speaker 7 (22:11):
To get a sack. He wants to be able to
knock one of his former teams out of the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
You know, we've been talking here.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
We're excited to just be in the playoffs in Broncos country.
I think I speak for a lot of fans when
I say that, because this is kind of a year
ahead of schedule for us. But in Buffalo, they've been
to the playoffs for many years in a row now,
but they haven't been able to get to the big game,
the Super Bowl.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
If Sean McDermott and the.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
Bills lose this game on Sunday to the underdog Broncos,
is he on the hot seat? Could he possibly be
out in Buffalo?
Speaker 5 (22:43):
No?
Speaker 7 (22:43):
I don't think so.
Speaker 8 (22:44):
And it gets more of a terry tergoul that the
owner you know, knows.
Speaker 7 (22:47):
What he's got and you know this would be this
would obviously be a disappointment if because it'll be a
step back.
Speaker 3 (22:54):
But you're right, is.
Speaker 7 (22:55):
They went to the NFC title game in twenty twenty
and then bust in the divisional around the last three years,
including the last two years at home, so they went
undefeated home this year. I think they're built better in
terms of their offense to you know, it went a
playoff game that maybe when the passing game isn't all
the way there because of the conditions or the pass
or should be the opponent. But you know, if the builds
(23:18):
are upset in this game, you know, and I don't
think they'll do anything drastic, but there'll be a lot
of questions asked.
Speaker 5 (23:25):
So I know you want you watch the Bills every
single week, and I've been talking to several people on
air off air about their expectations for this game and
looking at the Bills wide receivers or offensive talent opposite
somewhat anyone not named Josh Allen. The idea is that, Okay, well,
the Bills really don't have a lot of household names
(23:47):
from a receiving standpoint that could actually scare or should
scare the Broncos defense. Are they accurate in that assessment
or you seeing a little different?
Speaker 7 (23:56):
Yeah, I think that's not accurate. I mean, you know,
when when you move off from Stefan Diggs, who is
a high valume target, you.
Speaker 8 (24:04):
Know, the model of this offense.
Speaker 7 (24:06):
Embraced from the started training camp with everybody eats, and
you get six guys at these twenty nine catches this year,
and you know, Josh Allen this year is taking the
Tom Brady thing. I'm going to the open receiver.
Speaker 8 (24:17):
I don't care what his name is.
Speaker 7 (24:18):
He admitted the past couple of years he'd forced things
to the digs.
Speaker 8 (24:21):
That's how you got yourself in trouble with incompletions or
you know, a dropper to or short games because the
defense were keying on staff. So you know, I think
Kuo Sekire, let's start with him, slot receiver, very shift.
He does a lot of good stuff after the catch.
Speaker 7 (24:34):
Amari Cooper, who's a non name in this league, acquired
him midway through the season. He hasn't had a ton
of numbers, but he had a touchdown catch two weeks ago.
And then also Dalton k and Kid and Dawson Knox
at tight end work in the middle of the field.
So they don't have this. They don't have the name power,
but they do have good players and the fact that
the guys I just mentioned that maybe some people aren't
(24:56):
aware of. That's why Josh Allen is the MVP of
this league.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
Oh okay, there's the answer on the MVP question. I
happen to agree with you. I think it's his time
and it's due. But final question for you, Ryan, how
do you see this game playing out?
Speaker 7 (25:10):
I think the Bills are going to win twenty seven,
somewhere in that range. I think the key to the
Bills was Hey, you know, for all Sean mcderg if
he wins the talks, he's going to defer. But once
you get the ball, see if you can get ahead
and make Boonix become one dimensional and then you can
tee up your pass rush, tee up your pressure. Looks
Sean mcderbin's had a heck of a lot of success
(25:32):
against rookie quarterbacks in the playoffs and regular.
Speaker 8 (25:34):
Season in his career, So I do think the Broncos.
Speaker 7 (25:38):
Defense creates some of their own problems for the Bills offense.
Speaker 8 (25:41):
So I think it will be a one score game.
Speaker 2 (25:44):
Well, we hope it's close.
Speaker 1 (25:45):
We hope you're wrong on that final score prediction. But
Ryan great as always, man, thanks so much for the
time tonight.
Speaker 7 (25:51):
All right, fellows, take care. Now.
Speaker 1 (25:53):
That was Ryan O'Halloran, formerly of the Denver Post. Now
with the Buffalo News joining us and Nick, what are
your thoughts on What do you have to say?
Speaker 5 (26:00):
Well, I think that he's absolutely right it could be
a one score game because we know the Broncos defense
has done a great job of turning you know, other
teams over and the sixty three sacks, I believe they
have and that's that's crazy to have that amount of sacks.
But also knowing as though Josh Allen has another been
(26:21):
sacked fourteen.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
Times, fourteen times in seventeen games, that's.
Speaker 6 (26:27):
Well crazy to know that.
Speaker 5 (26:29):
But still, and I wanted to talk to someone who
spend time in Buffalo cover the team, and he knows
this team as well as far as what is being
said about the matchups and how Buffalo has no household
names and all of a sudden that means, Oh, it's
going to be smooth selling, and I'm.
Speaker 6 (26:47):
Like, no, it's not.
Speaker 5 (26:49):
They do have some players that the Broncos need to
be aware of, and the guys in the second deary
and even then on the second level of the defensive linebackers,
they're going to need to talk in this game and
they're gonna have an opportunity because it's.
Speaker 6 (27:03):
Not gonna be like home.
Speaker 5 (27:05):
It's gonna be real quiet for them to communicate, right,
So I expect the Broncos the faners to communicate. If
they do that, they stand in a chance. If they don't,
they're gonna leave all types of plays. And you heard
Ryan say it that Josh Allen is taking an approach
I am throwing to the open receiver.
Speaker 1 (27:22):
Yeah, And like we said at the beginning of this show,
this is the playoffs. This is where people become household names,
right and yeah, but I love your point about how
it's gonna be quiet for the defense and it will
give them the opportunity to communicate. But on the other side,
in the offense, it's gonna be raucous.
Speaker 2 (27:40):
It is.
Speaker 5 (27:40):
But this is why the best thing that you can
have as a team is the ability to start fast. Right,
you start fast, you build up confidence. Now it changes
how aggressive your offensive coordinated feels though he wants to be,
because Sean Payton has a game plan right for if
(28:01):
the team is behind another, if the team is a
hit or at least I hope he does right, And
you're saying, okay, well, if the Broncos jump out to
early ten to three lead, now there's so many things
that you can do. Now you start to really lean
on your run game, and it really doesn't make a
difference if they are effective or not. The idea is
that you are trying to milk the clock. You're trying
(28:24):
to keep Josh Allen.
Speaker 2 (28:25):
Because he can't hurt you when he's on the side line.
Speaker 5 (28:27):
He can't, right, he can't do anything Yale screen or whatever.
Speaker 6 (28:31):
But he can't score touchdowns.
Speaker 5 (28:33):
So that is going to have to be a game
plan for Sean Payton and just try anything.
Speaker 1 (28:41):
Yeah, maybe this is a week we finally get one
hundred yard rusher.
Speaker 5 (28:45):
Well, okay, is that one hundred yard rusher meaning you know,
one single guy or a combination of guys.
Speaker 1 (28:51):
Well, it'll probably be a combination of guys. I don't
think we get one. I mean, who's it going to be.
We don't give anybody the ball enough.
Speaker 2 (28:57):
To get one hundred yards.
Speaker 7 (28:59):
Well, it seems like.
Speaker 2 (29:00):
We get a hot hand and we take him out
of the game.
Speaker 5 (29:02):
True, but there's one guy who has a ball in
his hand every single play and as Bo nicks, so
he could be a lead rusher.
Speaker 2 (29:08):
There we go. I'm cool with that. I mean his
ability you heard Ryan mention it.
Speaker 1 (29:13):
His ability to scramble this year I think was overlooked
by a lot of teams until they saw the way
he could run. And we talked all night about the
underdog narrative and how the national media is not really
given the Broncos much chance in this game. I thought
Bo had a great answer on being the underdog. And
this is coming off a quote he had earlier this week,
or maybe it was the last week about how pressure
(29:34):
is a privilege, and this dude just seems to get it.
He seems to understand the role of an NFL quarterback.
Here was his answer about being an underdog in this game.
Speaker 9 (29:42):
The advantage of being an underdog is, I think it's
an element of.
Speaker 2 (29:49):
Playing loose and in a way, you don't really have
anything to lose.
Speaker 9 (29:52):
Nobody's got all this pressure on you, so you can
go out there and play your best because nobody expects
you to do well anyway. So you know, it's it's
cliche and it sounds cheesy, but you know, most people,
they literally didn't expect us to be here, so we
might as well continue to, you know, not worry about
those things and do what we can do and just
worry about ourselves. And when we've done that this year,
(30:14):
we've had good success.
Speaker 2 (30:16):
But it's definitely not gonna be easy.
Speaker 1 (30:18):
You know, most things that sound cliche or cliche because
they're usually true.
Speaker 5 (30:22):
Yeah, And I mean that's had been the pretty much
an operative word all week long, and I've heard it.
I think Dave Logan brought it up, and Rick Lewis
mission it. It's just you're playing with house money. That's
basically what that means. You're playing with house money. So
I expect the team to go out there and get
to and be loose. But that doesn't necessarily mean they're
going to stay loose the entire time, because if things
(30:44):
start to roll downhill against the Broncos, that's when you're
going to see guys being in tense and guys being tight.
And when you lose that loose edge, you give advantage
to your opponent.
Speaker 1 (30:57):
Yeah, and you heard Ryan say that he thinks that
if the Bills win the toss, they'll defer to the
second half. I think that's playing right into the Broncos favor.
Get off to a hot start, get the touchdown on
your scripted plays on those first ten plays, and get
up to an early lead on the Bills.
Speaker 5 (31:11):
Let's see from there's a lot of strategy into it, right,
So if the Broncos, if that happens the scenario that
you're talking about the Bills, when the corn toss defer
to the Broncos, Broncos are able to move the ball
down the field, it changes the narrative instantly.
Speaker 6 (31:27):
But if that happens and the Broncos.
Speaker 2 (31:29):
Don't three and out, then that means for.
Speaker 5 (31:32):
Sean McDermot, who's the defensive guy, he's going you know what, Now,
we got him right where we want because they had
the ball, they didn't start with momentum, and we get
the ball back in the second half.
Speaker 1 (31:42):
So yeah, and if we're losing at halftime and then
they get the ball to start the second half, we
may be in some trouble.
Speaker 6 (31:48):
Hopefully that's not the case. Script.
Speaker 1 (31:50):
Well, Nick, this was a lot of fun, man. Thanks
for letting me sit in with you.
Speaker 5 (31:52):
Oh thanks for sitting in man, It's always a pleasure.
Speaker 2 (31:55):
All right.
Speaker 1 (31:55):
Well, Ben, we'll be back tomorrow on Broncos Country Tonight.
He'll break down some more stuff then probably bring back
his wet blanket.
Speaker 2 (32:02):
I'm Grant Smith filling in.
Speaker 1 (32:03):
For Ben on Broncos Country Tonight. Bus Prime Time coming
up next
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.