Too bad the NFL Network didn’t have access to the players-only meeting at Dove Valley this week.
Its cameras seem capable of dropping in on just about everything else, National Football League.
Before a national, Thanksgiving night audience, the Broncos obliterated their four-game losing streak by ramming, blitzing, crushing and cursing the New York Giants, 26-6, before a finally satisfied sellout crowd at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Viewers of the game, particularly the children, were forced to cover their ears when the NFL Network replayed Broncos coach Josh McDaniels’ obscenity-laced tirade at his penalty-plagued offense.
The NFL Network quickly apologized, but before the technical age of microphones that can pick up a conversation from to the Meadowlands, did anyone associate the Legend of Lombardi with “golly, gee whiz, guys. What the heck is going on out there?”
The real story in this glorious shortened week for the Broncos was the players-only meeting 14-year safety Brian Dawkins called to order Tuesday. McDaniels’ presence was forbidden, left to get his point across when, unbeknownst to him, the cameras were rolling.
Whatever it is Dawkins and his teammates said at that closed-door, no-coaches, no staff personnel, nothing-but-players meeting, they should keep it to themselves.
Did the Colonel give up his fried chicken recipe?
Until the meeting, the Broncos were seemingly on the verge of one of the league’s all-time worst collapses. From a 6-0 start sparked by an attacking defense that allowed an NFL-low 11.0 points per game and an offense that had averaged an efficient 22.2 points, the Broncos had lost four in a row while giving up an average of 29.3 points while scoring a woeful 9.3 points.
The precipitous fall had dropped them from a 3 ½-game perch in the AFC West, to trailing the San Diego Chargers by a full game.
Worse, perhaps, was the perception the Broncos were fighting amongst each other. This was assumed as Broncos star receiver Brandon Marshall chastised Knowshon Moreno, in full view, after the rookie running back fumbled away a touchdown at the goal line. When the two players reached the sideline, Moreno delivered a two-handed shove at the still lecturing Marshall.
And so Dawkins called a players-only meeting. He said a few words, then opened up the floor. Several players spoke.
About what, it’s not anyone’s business, not even the NFL Network.
What is known is the Broncos came out with noticeable renewed energy against the Giants, who seemed defeated from the moment their owner John Mara complained last week about having to fly so far for Thanksgiving.
Can the NFL Network catch a break?
More than the meeting, perhaps, the Broncos returned to the bruising style of play that was so evident during their season-opening, six-game winning streak.
They didn’t exactly set records by rushing for 3.5 yards per carry. But it was those 40 carries that were indicative. Moreno ran with seemingly another level of determination, gaining 88 yards on 19 carries. Quarterback Kyle Orton, back from a bum ankle, was his usual efficient self, save a poor interception early in the second half that nearly allowed the Giants back in the game.
And Marshall made a couple acrobatic catches, including a 28-yard, one-handed snag that set up the Broncos’ first touchdown and a 16-0 halftime lead.
Through argument, through a string of defeats, came discussion among themselves. After talking it through, the players then went out and all by themselves, played themselves back into AFC playoff contention again.
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.
