By Jim McAllister
As a former resident of Cincinnati, I want to apologize to
Broncos' fans for the debacle in Cincy yesterday. The
Bengals are in disarray, both on and off the field, but that is no excuse for blowing a 28-7 home halftime lead to the Chargers by allowing 42 points in the second half. NBC has to be in heaven as they have used their flexible schedule to show the Chargers-Broncos game next Sunday night and two 7-2 teams are more attractive than 7-2 vs. 6-3. However, from a Broncos point of view, 7-2 and 6-3 would have been great.
Two weeks ago in this space after the Colt loss, I told Denver fans, "No Sniveling!" Some are still doing that so let's take a look at the record. I predicted wins over Pittsburgh and Oakland and the Broncos came through. Both of those teams are having off years but the Steelers are the Steelers and have pulled back to 4-6. Oakland started 0-5 but has improved to 2-2 since then scoring 55 while giving up 55. So, although the Broncos had to struggle to beat the Raiders 17-13, a win is a win. Let's chalk it up in the road "W" column and look ahead.
San Diego comes to town for a game the Broncos must win. The Chargers scored 49 on a weak Bengals defense, that is not going to happen in Denver although they should outscore the Bronco average of 12 per game which would be lower if not for the 34 given to Indy. The Chargers are giving up 24 per game over their last 7 games. OK, the Broncos offense is a hit or miss affair but they did score 31 two weeks in a row recently so the potential is there and with the Charger defense showing leaks, I see 31 more on Sunday night. Throw in the imbibed home crowd and the NBC coverage, mix it all together and I predict a 31-27 Broncos win. Hopefully the weather will hold as I am basing my prediction on a clear field. There will be no 42 point second halves next week!
A couple of weeks ago I predicted the Broncos to go 7-2 or 6-3 at worst for the rest of the season. So far, so good as they are 2-0 since then. After San Diego comes an away game with the Chiefs who showed weakness Sunday losing to Miami in Miami, 13-10. The Dolphins have improved with their easy win over the 8-1 Bears last week but 3-6 is 3-6 and the 5-4 Chiefs should have won that game. The Broncos chances of a win in KC have improved and the score will be better than 9-6. The Seattle game is a tossup, San Diego at San Diego will be tough, Arizona should be easy. After yesterday's game, Cincy looks easier and although San Francisco has improved to 4-5 they still are averaging almost 28 ppg on defense and it's tough to live down being the only team to lose to the woeful 1-8 Cardinals.
The Denver Broncos are a good football team. They are NOT a great football team. Jake Plummer has journeyman stats and will never impersonate John Elway. The Bell boys, Tatum and Mike, will never reach the heights of Terrell Davis. None of these guys should feel ashamed, not many have filled those guys' shoes. This is the age of parity in the NFL and the Broncs are 7-2 with a shot at 12 or 13 wins. Enjoy that Rocky Mountain high, put on the rose colored glasses, and remember: as important as it seems, it is just a game and a small part of the big picture.