Broncos coach Mike Shanahan admits this hasn’t been an easy season to handle as the Broncos stagger into the final quarter of play with a 5-7 record.
“Yes, it is tough,” Shanahan said Monday. “Anytime you lose, it is really tough, especially when you are used to winning. It’s never fun to lose. We’ll see what we’re made of. You can go through some tough times and very tough moments.”
Still, Shanahan, who has had only one losing record in Denver (1999) since taking over in 1995, is not ready to concede anything. Shanahan admits the Broncos would need some good fortune to catch San Diego in the AFC West. Denver trails the Chargers by two games and will play at San Diego on Dec. 24.
“We have to get a little bit of luck and need to play much better than we are playing,” Shanahan said. “We are more worried about us playing a complete football game than the playoffs.”
Walker update. Shanahan said receiver Javon Walker made strides Sunday. Walker made his first catch last week since returning from a seven-game absence because of a knee injury that required surgery. Shanahan and Walker both have said Walker is expected to improve weekly but won’t be fully healed until the offseason.
“He played a little bit better,” Shanahan said. “He’s not there yet, but has made some strides. Hopefully this week he’ll do a lot better in practice and be closer to full speed.”
Bates in the box. Defensive boss Jim Bates continued to work from the press box Sunday. It was his fourth consecutive game from that area after working from the field earlier in the season. The adjustment was made so Bates could get a better view of the play on the field.
“We just thought it was the best thing to do,” Bates said.
More charges for Hackney. Third-string quarterback Darrell Hackney faces additional charges besides driving under the influence.
The 24-year-old was pulled over about 2:20 a.m. Saturday and was issued a summons, Englewood police said.
District attorney spokeswoman Kathleen Walsh said Monday that Hackney has been charged with counts including failure to stop at a stop sign and driving without proof of insurance.
A return date for the summons was set for Jan. 18.
Bill Williamson
The Associated Press contributed to this story
