Bad signs. It appears both Broncos coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio were on their way out the door, no matter which way the playoff game against Indianapolis went. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase and receiver Demaryius Thomas had deer-in-the-headlights looks amid the underground turmoil. So much for team chemistry. The thank-me slip of John Elway’s tongue sums up the source of his enthusiasm, and I’ve wondered the effect of quarterback Peyton Manning’s taskmaster attitude on his teammates.
Bob, Boulder
Kiz: In a dog-eat-dog business, an NFL coach always has the next job in the back of his mind. That’s a reality, not a distraction. But the most underplayed story of a crazy 10 days in apountry was the obvious disconnect between Elway and his coaching staff. That’s on Fox, but it’s on Elway, as well. We here at Kickin’ It Headquarters believe team chemistry was an issue from the outset of this season. That’s an opinion. Here’s a fact: In 2013, the Broncos surrendered 24.9 points per game, which ranked 22nd in the league. In 2014, the Broncos gave up 22.1 points per game, which ranked 16th, in the middle of the NFL pack. The Denver defense was never truly dominant. Blame a lack of coordination by Del Rio. But it also indicates Elway did not get the desired bang for the buck with his expensive acquisitions of DeMarcus Ware, T.J. Ward and Aqib Talib.
Poor assessment. After reading your column on hiring Adam Gase vs. Gary Kubiak, I was horrified and embarrassed for you, Kiz. You referenced “broken-down old” Peyton Manning. He was badly injured in the second half of the season, or he would be in the AFC championship game again. Horrible assessment.
Joanne, kickin’ the Kiz
Kiz: Apologists have strained to formulate conspiracy theories to make excuses for Denver’s quarterback. My favorite: Manning suffered a mysterious injury at midseason that was covered up in the NFL’s injury report. That theory, however, casts Manning, Fox and Elway as showing no more integrity than Josh McDaniels did in Spygate II. You ready to go there? Here is what’s far more likely: At age 38, a number of Hall of Fame quarterbacks have seen their performances become far more erratic. Manning is no different.
Add a running back. Do you think Elway is satisfied with C.J. Anderson, Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman?
Hans, born to run
Kiz: The area of need the Broncos need most in the draft? Offensive line.
Coach Elway. And today’s parting shot suggests an alternative to Kubiak as Broncos coach.
If Elway insists on pulling the strings at Dove Valley, maybe he should also be the coach and take full responsibility when things fall apart.
Eric, Durango
