Another football player bites the dust. His name was Demaryius Thomas, a 33-year-old victim of NFL maiming. But you writers don’t dare write anything that might imply he had CTE. Keep quiet, you gutless wonders.
Mike, angry and curious
Kiz: The shocking news of his death was surpassed by the outpouring of love for D.T., with tributes that saluted his athletic prowess, an infectious smile and the gentle heart Thomas shared with every kid he met. D.T. did not let a painful childhood that would’ve broken many of us stop him from winning a Super Bowl ring or being humbly grateful for his hard-earned accomplishments. I do not know why Thomas died. But as we grieve, is it OK to also wonder what toll a hard life, a nasty traffic accident and a violent game might have taken on a strong athlete we all admired?
Why didn’t the Broncos trade running back Melvin Gordon to Tennessee at the deadline? It made sense for both sides.
Craig, Denver
Kiz: It would’ve been extremely difficult for general manager George Paton to tell the players in the Denver locker room that he had not given up on them if both Von Miller and Gordon were traded at the deadline. In 26 games with the Broncos, Gordon has rushed for 1,591 yards and 14 touchdowns. That’s not bad, until you consider his $8 million annual salary makes him significantly overpaid for an average NFL back.
Career hits for NFL running backs are finite. Use up Gordon while the Broncos are paying him. Williams is the man for the future, so save those finite hits for when we have an elite quarterback and are Super Bowl bound.
Greg, smart businessman
Kiz: While pushing a pencil is the most athletic thing that any member of the staff at Kickin’ It Headquarters ever does, we have a fine appreciation for talent. And it says here that Williams is the biggest talent the Broncos have on the offensive side of the football. If Denver wants to make a push for the playoffs this year, then Williams needs to touch the rock at least 20 times per game.
The Broncos played great in every phase in the loss at Kansas City, except quarterback. What is offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur supposed to do with a QB who can’t complete a pass beyond the line of scrimmage?
M.H., Colorado Springs
Kiz: I have a theory. Maybe it’s a half-baked theory. And it’s definitely a theory that will aggravate more than a handful of frustrated fans in apountry. But I believe if … A) Denver finishes this season with at least nine victories, and B) Vic Fangio agrees to make significant changes to his staff on the offensive side of the football, it’s within the realm of possibility that Uncle Vic returns next season to coach this team.
And today’s parting shot blows whatever chance I had to be selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft.
You try playing NFL quarterback, Kiz. You could not throw the football 10 yards.
Jay, truth to power
