Mike Shanahan, Monday afternoon, hours after the Broncos’ 30-10 loss at Carolina: “To be honest with you, I just think I did a bad job of getting these guys ready to play.”
From the sounds of things, it won’t happen again. Especially with the Broncos facing what could be a crucial game Sunday vs. Buffalo at Invesco Field.
That’s could be, as in, for all we know, the Broncos could clinch the AFC West by beating the Bills. Then again, they may have the division wrapped up by game time, what with the Chargers facing playoff elimination with a loss earlier in the day at Tampa Bay.
Whatever happens in the Chargers-Bucs game, Shanahan doesn’t want his players knowing about it. Why? Because, he says, “It takes some emotion out of you” if a team knows it has the division wrapped up.
Thus, by coach’s orders, there will be no cellphones on in the locker room before the game. And no TVs on, either. It will be your basic news blackout. Shanahan considers the Buffalo game that important, regardless of whether San Diego wins or loses earlier in the day.
Either way, Shanahan wants his team to play well at home. Not a bad idea since in all likelihood, the Broncos, who just snapped a three-game home losing streak, will host a playoff game at Invesco if they make the playoffs.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s sports updates on The Jimmy Page morning and afternoon Monday-Friday. And read his columns on Sundays at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
