Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season.
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So itap pretty aggravating to watch this team week to week. Would it be a stretch to say that there just isn’t enough motivation? It seems like they’re out there to lose. Not out there trying to win a game.
— Jon Walker, St. Joseph, Mo.
Jon is probably writing for most of apounty when saying he is aggravated watching this team. Other might say “fed up,” or “disgusted,” or “livid.” If the Broncos were blown out by Kansas City or the Rams recently, then it would be easy to suggest that the players have checked on coach on his staff. Guys don’t make it to the NFL if they are lacking in want-to. This is a business. The Broncos win, players will get paid. The Broncos lose, players will see their value drop.
Bronco fan here from Carson City, Nevada. Is it just me or do the Broncos get the worst penalties in the NFL? and the entire Broncos D-line get held constantly, but our team is the one that always get called for holding. Starting to get very frustrating and very suspicious at this point.
— Dawson Lamb, Carson City, Nev.
Penalties were a big topic post-game in Kansas City on Sunday. Joseph and defensive end both brought up their displeasure with the officials without being asked about it. Both were chirping about the Chiefs getting away with illegal linemen downfield. By my game charting, Broncos’ opponents have been called for seven holding/illegal use of hands by the offensive line. By comparison, the Broncos’ offensive line has been called for 13 enforced holding penalties. As Wolfe said after Sunday’s game, officials could literally call a penalty on every game. It should be frustrating to fans, but I doubt there is a motive.
To anyone at Dove Valley that might care about the product you put on the field, the Broncos have lost a lot of games recently (post-). At what point do you make a change and give Broncos fans hope that the team might finally be heading in a positive direction? Right now it seems like the team is OK with losing. Signed, a frustrated Bronco fan for 40-plus years.
— Tim, Aurora
Geez, another reader who thinks the Broncos are OK with losing. If they were unofficially tanking and planning for 2019, that would be a different story. The point where changes will arrive for the coaching staff is inevitable if this keeps up. If they lose to Houston on Sunday and enter the bye at 3-6, that would be the best time for changes but my guess if Elway waits until December at the earliest. And as we’ve covered before, the GM isn’t going anywhere.
Who will the Broncos trade?
— CJ Froman, Chadron, Neb.
I agree with columnist Mark Kiszla, who thinks receiver will be traded before Tuesday’s 2 p.m. deadline. There are just too many whispers around the organization for that not to happen so long as Elway gets what he feels is a moderately fair deal. The problem with having a semi-fire sale: The Broncos don’t want to trade any players they feel will play a big role next year. And as we covered last week, if the Broncos trade multiple players, Elway is not only giving on 2018, he’s giving up on Joseph.
OK, everyone’s talking about how the Broncos may trade Demaryius Thomas? Who can we get in return? Is it a draft pick? I can’t see much more than a mid-round pick for him. Convince me otherwise.
— Jason, Lakewood
The Broncos should accept only draft pick compensation. They need to enter the draft with as many assets as possible to refill the talent cupboard. I’ve said a late-round pick is the maximum for Thomas. So I agree with you — something in the fifth, sixth or seventh rounds.
So the Chad Kelly Era has ended. Who’s next in line for the fans to start clamoring for? “Hollywood” Kevin Hogan? ? Any noise of Denver picking up or, dare I say it, bringing back ?
— Wyatt G., Loveland
Hogan is the second and final quarterback on the active roster so he would be the guy. Grayson is on the practice squad. No noise about Kaepernick — Elway closed that door years ago. No thanks on Timbo.
The Broncos offensive line was a mess on Sunday. How many times does Garett Bolles have to get called for holding before we try someone else in that spot? What do the Broncos do? And why can’t get rid of the ball faster?
— Mike, Salt Lake City
Bolles ended the season’s first half with five holdings and one false start. There really isn’t an in-house option to replace him at left tackle. Jared Veldheer has left tackle experience but is the right tackle and hasn’t played in a month (knee injury). Right tackle struggled on Sunday to the point where I would see if Eli Wilkerson represents an upgrade.
Say it ain’t so. ‘s back on the active roster?! Have you noticed if he improved on his ball-handling skills in practice?
— Ron K., Parker
We don’t get to watch much of practice during the regular season. I don’t remember writing about McKenzie having fumbling issue during the open camp practices. He did lose a fumble in a preseason game.
has been an absolute stud for the Broncos this year! What’s his contract like? How long before we have to pony up his mega deal? And if he keeps this up, what are his odds to win rookie of the year?
— Tyson, Aurora
Lindsay is one of the NFL’s best bargains. His cap number this year is $485,000 and next year itap $575,000. As an undrafted free agent, he is eligible for a contract extension after his second year. It will be tough for Lindsay to out-produce Giants running back Saquon Barkley.
Are there any free agent coaches out on the market we can get instead of Vance Joseph? It’s clear that Denver made the wrong decision choosing him over . Is Mike Shanahan still around?
— Tom, Denver
Mike lives in Denver, but I think I have a better chance at being the next Broncos’ coach. Thatap the thing about blowing up the coaching staff after the season — the coordinator cupboard is pretty bare after getting picked clean the last few years and more head coaches are calling the offensive plays. I would be surprised if the Broncos go the retread/head coaching free agent route.
