Cheer, cheer for old Noter Dame. …
Just because the Broncos’ coaches won’t let the players look ahead doesn’t mean we can’t. The Broncos are 4-0 at Invesco Field at Mile High, and their final four home opponents are either alone in last place or tied for last in their divisions. The combined record of the four? Try 8-13. …
“You think Denver has the greatest fans? Well, they aren’t.” As long as he keeps winning, no one in the stands will remind Jake Plummer of that particular gem, as seen in Penny Parker‘s column Saturday in the Rocky Mountain News. Throw a pick or two, though, Jake, and they’ll turn on you in a New York minute. …
Which reminds me. Does Jake think fans in the Big Apple are classier than Broncos fans? Then he obviously didn’t hear Randy Johnson get booed off the mound at Yankee Stadium a couple of weeks ago. …
Besides, Jake, you could be Tommy Maddox in Pittsburgh this morning. …
Ian Gold, after the New England game: “I’m not putting a lot on being 5-1 right now. My mentality, and I think the rest of the guys would agree with this, is we’re 0-6. Because these games really don’t count. All they’re doing is getting us ready for the playoffs. We didn’t win a Super Bowl today against the Patriots.” …
No, the Broncos’ offense hasn’t inspired memories of the Air Coryell Chargers. Then again, how many teams have a second-string tailback averaging 6.8 yards a carry? Speaking of Tatum Bell, he has run for 395 yards, one fewer than his entire rookie season. And he hasn’t fumbled, no small feat, considering some of his past mishaps. …
Things change in a hurry in the Not For Long. To wit: Darius Watts, the preseason odds-on choice to be the Broncos’ No. 3 wideout, has as many catches (two) as offensive tackle Dwayne Carswell. …
John Lynch, when asked what his reaction would have been if someone had told him before the season that the Broncos would be 5-1: “I’d have wanted 6-0.” …
Lynch, on the Broncos’ chances of sustaining success later in the season, which would run contrary to their recent seasons: “I just like the mix, the feeling in this locker room. Guys aren’t satisfied. That’s what it’s about, not being satisfied. The teams that go a long way in this league are the teams that continue to improve as the year goes on.” …
Go figure. Your Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 5-1 this season, 5-11 last season. …
Not that the White Sox’s rotation has been lights out in the playoffs, but Nomar Garciaparra has more saves in the last week than the Sox’s bullpen. …
By the numbers: The White Sox opened in Las Vegas at 50-1 to win the World Series, whereupon the public drove the odds to 60-1. …
The classy gesture of the week goes to Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis going into the USC locker room after Saturday’s game and giving the Trojans a pep talk. “I just want to wish you good luck the rest of the way,” Weis told the assembled players. “That was a hard-fought battle. I hope you win out.” …
I’m not sure how long the Southern Cal dynasty rolls on, but the Trojans may have to make do with a different coach next season. Given all the NFL coaching vacancies waiting to happen, Pete Carroll is going to have to turn down ridiculous money to stay in L.A. …
Not that it’s all he has to worry about these days, but Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper has thrown 12 interceptions, one more than last season, when he threw 39 touchdown passes. …
You knew this was coming. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, several fans showed up at Sunday’s Bears-Vikings game wearing sailor caps. Meanwhile, a youngster was spotted in the Soldier Field stands with a sign: “Minnesota kid looking for a new role model – Go Bears.”
Catch Jim Armstrong from 6-9 a.m. during “The Press Box” on ESPN 560 AM. He can be reached at 303-820-5452 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
