Denver Post sports writer Bill Williamson posts his each Friday on DenverPost.com. Welcome to his Sunday supplement, which runs each week through the 2005 NFL season. The supplement also runs in the NFL Sunday section of The Sunday Denver Post print edition.
To drop a question into the Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
I watched our lead over New England dwindle, and then against the Giants our lead completely disappeared. It is not just the defense’s fault. The offense went three-and-out when it needed to ice the game, and Jason Elam missed a field goal that would have put us up by two scores. Is it safe to say the team gets tired in the fourth quarter?
— Art, Toledo, Ohio
Every team wears down. The Giants’ defense looked dog-tired in the fourth quarter. I’m sure part of the Broncos’ fourth-quarter issues has something to do with fatigue, but I wouldn’t say that’s the biggest issue. It’s just part of the problem that needs to be addressed.
Do you believe this team is any stronger than it was when Brian Griese left? I don’t!
— Floyd Sutherland, Maple, Ontario
Are you saying Griese was a better fit than Jake Plummer? If so, I don’t follow. It all comes down to leadership and wins. While Griese had problems leading his teammates, the Broncos’ players respond to Plummer. This team is much better off than it was during the Griese era.
I live in Cowboy country, and all I hear is that the Cowboys have the best front seven in the NFL. I contend there is no better talent than those seven who line up for the orange and blue.
— Joseph, Dallas
The Broncos would certainly be a candidate for the top front seven in the league. Perhaps we’ll find out more when the Broncos visit Dallas on Thanksgiving.
How close is Champ Bailey to being 100 percent healthy? He will be needed if we hope to earn a playoff bye week.
— Robert Allison, Washington, Pa.
He’s on his way. I’d imagine he’d come back from the bye, barring a setback, healthy and ready to play at Oakland. He said after the Giants game he was still somewhat sore, but the injury was manageable.
I know this is a stretch, but isn’t it strange that this year’s Broncos and the 1998 Broncos have the same number of losses? They both were handled by Miami and lost a tough game in New York (at the hands of Amani Toomer, no less). Their schedule gets easier after the bye, so am I too optimistic to think the Broncos might not lose another game this season?
— Tommy, Denver
Probably. There are plenty of challenges ahead, including trips to all three AFC West opponents. So count the two like losses by the 1998 team as coincidence for now.
Is Jake Plummer ever going to get the kind of love he deserves from the NFL and, more importantly, from Broncos fans?
— Jesse, Rapid City, S.D.
Until he wins a Super Bowl, probably not. For a quarterback, that’s the respect line. Until then, there will be doubters.
Bill Williamson is in his second season as a Denver Post NFL writer. To drop a question into the Mailbag .
