Problems all season. “This is not rocket science. The Broncos’ problems are threefold and have been all year long: 1) Inability to run the ball effectively, especially in the red zone; 2) When you are constantly on the minus side in turnovers you are fighting an uphill battle you are going to lose, and 3) Defense. What defense? This has been the worst Denver defense I’ve seen for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been around long enough to remember the vertically striped socks of the 1960s.”
Pat, Lamar
Kiz: Glad you mentioned hosiery. The Broncos change defensive coordinators more often than some guys change socks. So how come the defense stinks?
Shanahan … a.k.a. the “Turtle.” “Your thoughts echo mine regarding coach Mike Shanahan’s lack of imagination for his play-calling. I call him the Turtle, because he always goes into a shell with the offense whenever the Broncos get the lead. I think the entire coaching staff should be planning the final regular-season game as if their jobs depend on how well they do, and not just put that burden on the players.”
Bob, Florissant
Kiz: From the growing rumblings of discontent by Broncomaniacs, methinks maybe Shanny should have taken a job with Florida or Notre Dame when he had the chance.
Lines need to be rebuilt. “You’re ignorant. The primary reason the Broncos are having a poor season is the offensive and defensive lines need to be rebuilt. Shanahan has started to address these needs with the drafting of Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder and Marcus Thomas. The offensive line lost center Tom Nalen and others. That’s the biggest reason the offense is performing poorly. Your entire career has been highlighted by ripping the Broncos’ coaching staff and players. You lack the ability to analyze what is truly going on.”
Dave, staunch Broncos defender
Kiz: Gee. Thanks, Dave. You sent me this e-mail on Christmas. Must have been out of lumps of coal. But how very sweet of you to think of the Kizmeister during the holidays. May your days be merry and brighter.
NFL Network has got to go. “I’m a little fed up with pro sports, their greed and obscenely overpaid athletes. Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, for example. Nobody is worth that kind of money. I’ve been a longtime fan of the Broncos, but they will lose me if the NFL goes to a pay-per-view TV system. I can probably find better things to do with my time than grow cobwebs while sitting in the recliner through three games every Sunday.”
Sharon, Centennial
Kiz: Anybody else think the NFL Network is a sign of the apocalypse? I’d much rather kill time watching “MythBusters.”
Top role model: Tiger. “Who is probably the most famous athlete in the world? Which athlete does the most for underprivileged children in this country? Who is one of the best, if not the best role model? My answer: Tiger Woods. It would be nice to see you write about famous athletes who don’t think of themselves as a god but give something back to society.”
Kent, Boulder
Kiz: Here’s a fun fact many don’t know about Woods. He was a big inspiration for a new generation of great female golfers led by Morgan Pressel, proving that either gender can be a Tiger.
Parting shot
And today’s parting shot is a wish for the Broncos to finally join the 21st century in 2008.
“These days, a winning NFL offense passes first and runs to keep the defense honest. E-mail to Shanahan: C’mon, Mike, get the studs you need on defense and hire a bright, young offensive mind — one like you used to be.” – Doak, Boulder
