2013 Broncos Season: AFC Championship


After a long and successful regular season, the Broncos achieved their aims on Sunday and earned a trip to the Super Bowl. They are just one win away from meeting the goals laid out last summer.

AFC Championship: Broncos 26, Patriots 16
Season Record: 15-3 (9-1 Home)
Key Play: In the second quarter, facing third and nine, Peyton Manning connected with Wes Welker on a 14-yard completion to keep the drive alive. The Broncos continued down and scored a touchdown as part of a 13-3 lead. The Broncos were able to take control at that point and never let it go.

Recap: When the season began, the Broncos had only one goal in mind — winning a Super Bowl. It was a great season — complete with big plays, big wins, and records set. But all of it felt like a prelude to the playoffs. After beating the Chargers in the Divisional Round, the stage was set for an Epic AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. Coming into the game the talk was about the magic of New England, Tom Brady's 10-4 record against Peyton Manning, and Manning's own 10-11 playoff record. When the game began Sunday, it seemed none of that mattered. Manning won the game — improving to 2-1 versus Brady in AFC Championship Games — and the Broncos took one step closer to achieving their goal. Now all that stands between them and the title they seek is the Seattle Seahawks and the unpredictable weather in New York. For Broncos fans, it's an exciting return to the Super Bowl for the first time in 15 years.

Game Balls:
* Peyton Manning. All he did was look efficient, prolific, and in control. He completed 32 of 43 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns, making the plays when it was needed the most.

* Demaryius and Julius Thomas. There is a reason these guys got elected to the Pro Bowl. Both continue to make big plays at big times for Manning and the Broncos.

* Terrence "Pot Roast" Knighton. I don't know what was more fun, seeing Knighton sack Brady on fourth down in a key spot or learning his nickname is Pot Roast. I guess it's a toss up. Regardless, we're glad he's there.

Lingering Concerns:
* New York Weather. For as great as Sunday was, it was a game played in ideal conditions. No wind, sunny skies, and temperatures in the 60s. It likely won't be that pleasant in New York on February 2.

* Special Teams. The group played better on Sunday, but it still remains the weakest link on this team. The Broncos need to avoid costly mistakes to win the Super Bowl.

* Health. The Broncos have lot a lot of players this season, including key guys. They made it through Sunday pretty healthy, but it's important to keep the lineups intact against the fierce Seattle Seahawks.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Burial a courtroom drama with heart

Image
Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) is a brash trial lawyer who is good at rallying a jury to his cause. Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) is a quiet grandfather who is trying to ensure the business his family built remains viable after he’s gone. These two don’t appear to have much in common on the surface. But when they’re brought together by young lawyer Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie) brings them together, a connection is formed over their shared background of working hard to become self-made men. And it turned out that Willie was just who Jerry needed in his corner to win the fight of his life. The new Prime Video film The Burial, which opened in theaters October 6 and started streaming October 13, captures that trial against the Loewen Group that changed the course of their lives. The film is based on the true story and covers the trial, but more importantly captures the relationship between the men. The film plays out like a traditional courtroom drama. Foxx is solid as Willie Gary, while Ju
Read more

Broncos Draft Targets

Image
  The NFL Draft is just a few days away. On April 25, the Denver Broncos will head into the draft in the midst of something of a rebuild. In the draft, the Broncos have the No. 12 pick in Round 1, then have a Third Round Pick, Fourth Round Pick, three Fifth Round Picks, a Sixth Round Pick, and a Seventh Round Pick. So, what might they be targeting? Let's dive in and look at possible positions. Quarterback : The team clearly needs a long-term quarterback. Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are there but the team could certainly use someone else. Could they move up for Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy? Yes, they could. Will the take Bo Nix at 12? It's possible. Or will the Broncos wait until next off-season to make a move? Anything is in play for the Broncos in 2024, but quarterback is surely a need. Tight End: The team brought back Adam Trautman and still has Greg Dulcich, but it's still a need. Dulcich hasn't been able to get on the field and Trautman hasn't been great. Co
Read more

Favorite Westerns, No. 43

Image
  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1. Rooster Cogburn : [ watching Mattie ford the river hanging on the back of her horse] By God. She reminds me of me. True Grit (1969) Starring : John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall, and Dennis Hopper Director : Henry Hathaway About: This is the third straight week with a film from Wayne. As you might guess, we're not done. As I've mentioned, he sets a standard for the genre. Here, we seen him bring to life an iconic character. This one is based on a novel, and it has endured. He's great as Rooster Cogburn, so good that he got a sequel in the same character. But this is a later film in his career. This is a different, more grizzled Wayne. He's still quite good and this is a film that really has stood the test of time. It's not the only ve
Read more