Despite the loss to the Chiefs the Broncos are AFC West Champions (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Thoughts on the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium (In no particular order):

• The Denver Broncos are AFC West Champs! Let me repeat that: The Denver Broncos, widely picked to finish last in the division at the start of the season, have won the AFC West! They doubled their win total from the previous year, they beat every other team in the division once, and they won their first division title since 2005. That is an overwhelmingly successful 2011 season in my book.
• Every Broncos fan out there would have preferred to beat the Chiefs and celebrate the division title on the field, but the bottom line is that they still won it anyways. The Chargers, Chiefs, and Raiders are all depressed that their seasons are over today. It is much better to be in Broncos Country this week than any of those other places, so enjoy this accomplishment. And for the fans that are still disappointed with the way it happened, look at it this way: How much worse would you have felt with that loss yesterday had the Raiders gone on to win the division? Exactly. It may have been a bittersweet afternoon for the Broncos, but for the Raiders it was entirely bitter. Did you happen to catch Raiders Head Coach Hue Jackson’s post-game interview? It always can be a lot worse. There are absolutely no negatives to winning the division. It provides exposure and additional income for the franchise, it allows the youngsters on the team to gain valuable postseason experience, and it is another opportunity for veterans like Champ Bailey to enjoy the playoff atmosphere once again. Even though Denver will go into their playoff matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers as big underdogs, it will be an exciting week in Broncos Country and I’m excited for the experience as a fan.

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The Broncos constantly gave up big plays to the Bills. (Rick Stewart, Getty Images)

Thoughts on the loss to the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium (In no particular order):

• I just don’t understand why the Denver Broncos consistently put forth a listless and downright embarrassing effort once Christmas season rolls around. Since the last playoff run in 2005, the Broncos have made a habit out of fading down the stretch. They lost the season finale with a playoff berth on the line in 2006, 2008, and 2009. The “win-and-you’re-in” scenario seems to paralyze the team in recent years even though the roster and coaching staff has turned over a few times. And it’s not just that they lose games late in the season; it’s that they get steamrolled and don’t even compete. A defensive unit that has been tough all season can’t get consistent pressure on the quarterback and seemingly gives up a 1st down on every snap. An offense that looks explosive and unstoppable for a drive or 2 will suddenly produce several conservative 3-and-outs. Although I can’t explain why the Broncos are a different team now than the one we saw for 2 months in the middle of the season, I do know that by the end of the day Saturday things could have been a lot worse. Due to the other results around the AFC West, the Chargers and Chiefs have been eliminated from postseason contention despite the Denver loss. And even though the Raiders won, they still must win their season finale against the Chargers to have a chance to win the division title. If the Raiders lose that game, the Broncos will be AFC West Champions regardless of what happens at Mile High Stadium this Sunday.
• Although the Broncos can conceivably win the division despite possibly losing their final 3 games of the season (once again), I think it is very important that Denver goes out and actually WINS it. They need to play well, avoid mistakes, and actually look like a playoff football team if they are going to get into the postseason dance. Not only that, but I think a win late in the year to clinch a division championship would officially close the book on the darkest chapter in the history of the franchise and change the culture of the modern-day Denver Broncos. Lastly, a win this weekend will give Broncos Country something to be proud of, and it will allow the fans to enjoy some good times for a change, which we absolutely deserve.

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These are my “Likes and Dislikes” of this Broncos’ loss (14 – 35) to the Chargers.

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