PO’s Year In Review: The Top 11 Broncos Stories Of 2011

2011 was an eventful one for the Denver Broncos. They brought John Elway back on board the ship, hired a new coach, drafted a star at the No. 2 spot, and sifted through the lockout all while not really knowing who their starting quarterback was going to be. Then a month into the regular season they of course sat Kyle Orton in favor of Tim Tebow. They put the option offense on the runway and it took off, coming back in style. They rode a six game winning streak to the top of the AFC West and they made the “comeback” a regular Sunday afternoon event. The national spotlight has been on the Broncos all season long, and it’s been nothing but pure joy for me to cover the team this past year.

With that said, let’s take a look back at the top 11 stories from PO in 2011. These are the stories that got the most hits over the year.

11. Denver Broncos Win Again in Overtime, Beat Chicago Bears 13-10

If you need to check into the emergency room for chest pain, you’re not alone. If you need to schedule an appointment with your barber to put a little more color in your hair, step in line. The Broncos make hearts sputter until they flutter, and they put more grey hairs on Coach Fox’s head than a teenage daughter would.

The Broncos once again had the world on standby as they overcame a ten point fourth quarter deficit to beat the Chicago Bears 13-10 in overtime. Every Sunday Broncos fans around the country have a reserved seat at “The Edge.” The edge of their plastic seats, the edge of their bar stool, the edge of their couches, perhaps the edge of history. Read More.

10. Thoughts on the Denver Broncos Huge Win Over The Chiefs (Author: Chris Krier)

Question: What do the Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Buccaneers, and Eagles all have in common?Answer: They all came into the 2011 season with extremely high expectations, and they all currently have the same record or worse than the Denver Broncos. That’s right. The “lowly” Broncos, with all their personnel and coaching mishaps the past few seasons, all their controversy and numerous doomsday predictions for this year, are 4-5 and a game out of first place in their division. Even with the roller-coaster of emotions and the constant scrutiny by the national media, this team has managed to fight back and win some tough ball games. Read More.

9. Tim Tebow Making Christmas Bright For Many

As for what Tebow wants for Christmas? You can hang a stocking on what he says.

“To use my platform for good, and then to beat the Bills,” Tebow said. Read More.

8. Broncos Ground Game More Than Moreno

There’s still an aura around Knowshon Moreno. It may be that he was 2009′s No. 12 overall draft pick. It may be because he’s supposed to revive the Broncos notorious ground game. It could be because we know that the key to success is actually getting started.

The fans want More from Moreno. It’s not an outrageous request, but is the request for an improved ground game being directed in the right direction? Read More.

7. Champ Bailey Worth The Money

I think most importantly, bringing Allen in might result in Champ Bailey making the decision to stay here. Allen knows what players in the secondary go through when there’s no pressure up front, and with Allen’s tendency to relate to the secondary more, Bailey may find that very appealing in terms of change being on the way.

As far as the Bailey situation goes, Woody Paige thinks that Bailey will stay, but the decision lies with the four-headed horsemen (Joe Ellis, John Elway, Brian Xanders, and John Fox). Read More. 

6. John Fox’s Plan Becomes Clear Through Broncos’ Draft (Author: Zach Grove)

One organization I have always admired is the Indianapolis Colts. From top to bottom, the Colts are built cohesively, from the superstar, #18, all the way down the coach’s clipboard to safeties, defensive linemen, linebackers, and reserves.

Much like a successful business, Bill Polian and the Manning-era Colts have a clear vision for their organization’s success, a vision they stick to throughout the draft and free agency when building their roster each spring.

When I think about it, this trait—we might call it “organizational cohesion”—is evident on nearly all teams that survive in the hunt for a Super Bowl come January. This trait is also the reason why John Fox may have the Broncos closer to bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to the Mile High city than diehard fans expect. Read More.

6. Tim Tebow Unifies Denver Broncos In Playoff Push

The Chicago Bears didn’t know what they were getting themselves into. They didn’t know that when they enter Tim Tebow’s house, they must surrender to the white Bronco in the South Stands and bow before the NFL’s Comeback King.

The Bears thought that they had the Cardiac Kid under control. Tebow and his offense had just 135 yards at halftime which led to zero points. In fact, through the third quarter, it was more common to see punter Britton Colquitt step out on to the field than it is to see a Kardashian sister in the tabloids. Read More.

5. Tebow – To Be or Not To Be

I may be wrong, but I can’t recall a time in Denver Bronco history when a player caused more media speculation and opinionated rants than Tim Tebow has the last few weeks.

Of course, when John Elway became a Bronco in 1983, he was given the keys to the orange and blue Ferrari and was expected to drive it all the way to the Super Bowl.  Eventually, Elway and the Broncos did win Super Bowls.  However, the Denver Bronco machine now has more miles on it, and to be honest, hasn’t been well maintained since then. Read More. 

4. Tim Tebow Magic Turns Denver Broncos Into Winners

It’s safe to say that the Mile High mind is on the “Mile High Messiah,” particularly when the game clock winds down. Tebow has five fourth-quarter/OT game winning drives this season. His will to win is unparalleled. You can ask Jared Allen about that. You can check in with Philip Rivers, Bart Scott, Todd Haley, Richard Seymour, and Brandon Marshall. They all know a thing or six about Tebow’s will to win.

That’s the reason why his No. 15 jersey can be seen all around the world. It can be found displayed in sporting goods stores from China to the U.K. It can be seen on the backs of men, women, and children from New York to California, and of course at the mothership– Florida. There may even be a wild ape deep down in Africa wearing the orange No. 15. The jersey might as well be raised on flag poles outside of all Colorado schools and government buildings. Had the miners found one during the Gold Rush, they may have been able to kick their feet up and sip on a bright drink with a little umbrella lingering at the surface. In fact, Tebow’s jersey may be the perfect garment for a newborn to be wrapped in after coming into this world. After all, it is Tim Tebow’s world and we’re all just living in it, right? Read More.

3. Denver Broncos 2011 Draft Grade

What grade would you give the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft? See Results.

2. Life Between College and the Pros: A Tim Tebow Story

Players and coaches alike have said that Tebow is one of the hardest working athletes that they’ve come across. That can be seen in the film as Tebow worked out to prepare for the NFL scouts and his first NFL season. He started his days at 7:30 a.m. with a speed workout followed by a throwing session. Then, he would ice himself and lift weights before his second throwing session of the day.

The documentary captured Tebow’s willingness and hard work in changing his throwing motion to make it more “NFL acceptable.” The work came in the form of getting the ball up higher, and taking the loop out of his throws, so the ball comes out quicker. Read More.

1. Ultimate Denver Broncos Pre-Combine Mock Draft (Author: Christopher McClean)

It is important to look at the methodology used by the Broncos when trying to determine their drafting strategies.  The Broncos are one of the few teams that use the Parcell’s personnel method for scouting and drafting.  This means extremely detail oriented reports on not only the players but also the positions and responsibilities required of the head coach’s scheme.  With that being said, it is important to note the Broncos recent switch in their defensive set. Read More. 

We know that you have many options in terms of Broncos news and views so thank you for making PO part of your routine. Our New Year’s resolution is to continually improve our coverage of the Broncos through print, radio, and social media.

Stay tuned for great things to come as we embark on a new year.

Go Broncos!

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