ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—The Denver Broncos are ignoring San Diego, coach Mike Shanahan forbidding his players from watching the contest on television in the locker room.
The Chargers’ game at Tampa Bay is an early kickoff, and the results should be known by the time the Broncos start against Buffalo.
Shanahan thought the Broncos lost their emotional edge last weekend when they watched the Chargers fall behind early at Kansas City, only to see them pull off a stunning comeback.
The Broncos can clinch the AFC West title with a win or a San Diego loss or a tie.
“I think the San Diego-Tampa game’s been canceled,” receiver Brandon Marshall cracked. “So, in order for us to win, we have to beat Buffalo.”
Shanahan is also asking that a score not be announced inside the stadium.
“I’m sure if guys want to find out the score, they probably could. But it’s not going to be easy for them,” Shanahan said. “I really don’t care what San Diego does. We want to play a complete football game, and hopefully we will.”
The players support the team-imposed blackout of the Chargers game.
“We have so many guys in the locker room, and unfortunately you’ve got some guys who can’t handle it,” Marshall said. “If San Diego is not doing good it might affect some guys, and if they are doing great it might affect other guys. I think it’s going to keep us focused and worried about Buffalo and the tough job ahead of us.”
Dre’ Bly appreciates the pressure of trying to nab a playoff spot this late in the season.
It sure beats the alternative.
“For the last six or seven years, I’ve been planning my offseason at this point of the year,” Bly said. “Right now, I haven’t even thought about the offseason. I’m thinking about playoffs.”
Bly hasn’t been to the postseason since 2001 while he was with the St. Louis Rams.
“We understand we control our own destiny,” Bly said. “It’s a good feeling.”
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FAST ‘HEELER’:@ Although Brandon Stokley’s left heel is still aching, he said it’s improving.
He injured it against Kansas City on Dec. 17, and played only sparingly at Carolina last weekend, catching just two passes.
“Hopefully, I’ll continue to improve the rest of the week and be ready to go,” said Stokley, who sat out of practice on Thursday. “I don’t expect any more problems.”
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COOL FORECAST:@ With temperatures expected to plummet into the single digits Sunday against Buffalo, tight end Daniel Graham has already pledged to go sleeveless.
“Man, you never wear sleeves,” Graham said. “That just shows a sign of intimidation or something. It’s going to be cold out there. Both teams are going to be cold. Nothing you can do about it—just go out there and play your game. But no sleeves.”
Forget intimidation, cornerback Josh Bell wants to remain warm and will be donning tights, gloves and anything else that’s available. The Dallas native doesn’t like to be cold.
“Daniel Graham has a lot more body fat than I do,” Bell said, laughing. “I’ll let him go sleeveless.”
Marshall plans on cozying up to the heater on the sidelines when he’s not playing.
“You can use heat packs, or just put on another layer of clothes (to stay warm),” Marshall said. “That is what football is about in December.”
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FIRST DOWNS:@ OTs Ryan Clady (ankle) and Chris Kuper (hand) didn’t practice Thursday, along with S Vernon Fox (concussion). … CB Champ Bailey (groin) practiced on a limited basis Thursday. … The Broncos have won five straight over Buffalo, a streak that dates back to 1995.
