Shanahan’s team lacks heart.
“I like Mike Shanahan, but he needs to take a long look in the mirror and figure out why his team lacks heart. The final regular-season game will be in the neighborhood of 41-3 San Diego. The Broncos will absolutely quit and embarrass themselves.”
Jeffrey, Denver
Kiz: On any given Sunday, these nutty young Broncos are capable of embarrassing themselves. With their nasty habit of playing down to the level of the opposition, just be glad this week’s foe isn’t 0-15 Detroit. But, for all the obvious flaws, the Broncos are not quitters. And I have this sneaking suspicion that Chargers coach Norv Turner will find a way to keep Denver in the game to the agonizing final minutes.
Shanny’s stay growing old.
“I persist: Do you still think Shanahan should be the Broncos coach in 2009?”
George, Aurora
Kiz: In the dogged pursuit of a third Super Bowl victory Shanahan thought would guarantee his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the coach has instead hung around town so long some people are beginning to grow tired of his face. I’m not saying franchise owner Pat Bowlen is one of those people, but there must be days when Shanny wonders how many national titles he could have won with the Florida Gators.
Hey, get a spare radio helmet.
“Ever since I drove my first car, a 1956 Pontiac, I noticed there was always a spare tire in the trunk. This came in handy when one of the tires failed. Maybe the Broncos can learn from this and have a spare helmet with a radio receiver for quarterback Jay Cutler in case of radio failure. If the Broncos are strapped for cash, I’m sure we could take up a collection or maybe ask Congress for a bailout.”
Gerry, Centennial
Kiz: Wouldn’t you really rather drive a ’56 Pontiac than a 2009 Buick? But I digress. Don’t blame the Broncos for Cutler’s lost-frequency moment. The NFL is stingy handing out those radio helmets, which seem about as dated as Maxwell Smart’s shoe phone, if you ask me. Why can’t the league join the 21st century, and give every QB an iPod Touch? Wouldn’t that work to send in plays? And, as an added bonus, Jay-C could watch “Napoleon Dynamite” while answering questions in postgame news conferences.
Here’s an idea — get a tailback.
“Get rid of this stupid thought the Broncos can plug any running back in the system and have success. Get a top-notch running back, and take some pressure off Jay Cutler.”
Brent, Wheelersburg, Ohio
Kiz: With Denver’s No. 1 pick in the 2008 draft, I suggested the Broncos had to take a top running back. Shanahan opted for road-grader Ryan Clady. Might be the rare case when we were both right.
Broncos’ “D” needs players.
“Maybe Wade Phillips will get ousted in Dallas and can come to Denver as the defensive coordinator to get the Broncos turned around.”
Bryan, Strasburg
Kiz: As long as you’re fantasizing about a potential defensive coordinator hitting the coaching waiver wire, turn the dial on your dream machine to Cleveland’s Romeo Crennel. But here’s the truth: To fix what’s wrong with the Denver “D,” what this team really needs is an impact defensive end, safety, etc.
Kroenke wants Arsenal.
“Are the Nuggets and Avalanche for sale? If they are, Stan Kroenke is going to buy the St. Louis Rams.”
Arthur, St. Louis
Kiz: Kroenke has the dough without selling. But here’s guessing the futbol team Stan the Man wants is Arsenal, which has been my favorite soccer team since I read “Fever Pitch” by Nick Hornby, one of the great sports books of all time.
Broncos don’t deserve playoffs
And today’s parting shot suggests these Broncos have flirted with Dame Fortune so long, it’s about time they get scorned.
“The truth is the Broncos don’t deserve to be in the playoffs. If ref Ed Hochuli, right, makes the right call in Week 2, San Diego has an 8-7 record, Denver would be 7-8 and the Chargers would have already won the division.”
Ron, Denver
