The right choice isn’t always the popular one. apountry is ignorant to Dallas quarterback ’s greatness. But I bet ’t.
– Mark, rootin’-tootin’ cowboy
Kiz: The Broncos are sending five people to interview every coaching candidate. Here’s hoping one of those fine representatives from our local NFL team is smart enough to ask Kyle Shanahan, Vance Joseph and Dave Toub the most important question: How can you win the with either or as your starting quarterback? It would be interesting to discover if a candidate tells Elway what he wants to hear, or what the Broncos need to hear. All of the coaching prospects work for teams in the playoffs. Here is the ratings of their current quarterbacks: , 117.1; , 93.5; , 91.2. And Siemian’s QB rating was 84.6, which is just good enough to keep a coach awake all night. Maybe Shanahan can turn Siemian into Smith. But there’s not enough pixie dust in the entire universe to turn Siemian into Ryan.
If Minnesota Vikings running back is available in the offseason, should the Broncos go after him?
– Thor, Arvada
Kiz: On Page 2 of my Twitter for Knuckleheads handbook, it says I should give you a short, snarky answer: Peterson in a Broncos uniform? Are you nuts? But, as you know, we here at Kickin’ It Headquarters are kind-hearted souls. So here’s a gentler reply to your very fine question: A.P. has Hall of Fame written all over him. He runs better with his quarterback under center, which might fit well, if the Broncos retain their basic offensive philosophy from 2016. But Peterson will be 32 years old in March and his recent history of breakdown is scary. He’s a classic set of wheels. To be admired in the garage, not run hard in the street.
Dear Smithers, er, I mean Kiz: Can you suck up any harder to Mr. Burns, er, Mr. Elway? That’s a rhetorical question of course, because there is no way you can possibly grovel any harder than you did by suggesting the Broncos make Elway their general manager for life in your worship piece masquerading as a column.
– John, Davenport, Iowa
Kiz: I’m so old I remember when making “Simpsons” references was hip. But whatever are you trying to tell me? While Elway does bear a striking resemblance to Mr. Burns, especially when they both smile, I look nothing like Smithers. As beautiful losers go, my attitude is far better represented by Milhouse Van Houten’s mantra: “But my mom says I’m cool.”
And today’s parting shot is a reminder that sometimes there is crying in football.
I never thought you’d make me cry, Mr. Kiszla – not with your call-the-shots-like-they-are approach, or your tough and searing critiques of players, coaches and games. But you made me cry with your farewell column to coach , especially the last paragraph, where you wished him to get well and stay well.
– Sharon, Denver native
