Josh McDaniels during warm-ups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)

In this post of the absurd, I’m here to tell you that former Denver Broncos head coach, Josh McDaniels, is reportedly having his name tossed around in the 2013 head-coaching pool.

Yup, the same guy that led the Broncos to an 11-17 record in less than two seasons before being canned could be getting his second chance as a head coach in the NFL. This is the same guy that took the 2011 St. Louis Rams (2-14) to a 32nd ranked scoring offense (12.1 points per game), and a 31st ranked offense in yards per game as offensive coordinator.

The first rumor that has landed on our radar screen links McDaniels to Cleveland.  Coincidentally, that’s where Belichick ultimately failed as a first-time NFL head coach, before becoming regarded as one of the best ever in New England. – Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk)

If the rumor holds any truth, we can all tip our orange and blue hats to nauseated Browns fans. They haven’t had a head coach with a winning tenure since Marty Schottenheimer (1984-1988). Shortly after the Browns were led to losing season after losing season by Belichick followed by Butch Davis, Romeo Crennel, and Eric Magini among others.

McDaniels in Cleveland would be a like fish out of water. McDaniels anywhere but New England would be like a fish out of water. The slimy record flopping and stinky coach-player interaction begins on day No. 1 with him.

After two different teams took a risk on the Belichick-prodigy, McDaniels went back to the New England Patriots with his tail in between his legs before their playoff run last season to basically oversee a part of the team that already runs itself under Tom Brady.

Back as New England’s offensive coordinator in 2012, McDaniels has resumed success with the coaching reins. The Pats are ranked first in both points and yards per game.

Being a successful head coach in the NFL goes beyond X’s and O’s. As much as developing schemes and implementing plays, coaches have to develop healthy relationships with their players and staff. After butchering a few seasons for two different teams, and shattering relationships with star players of the Broncos, McDaniels doesn’t deserve another head coaching job.

Unless it’s in San Diego.

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The Broncos defeated the Bengals 24-22 on September 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos will travel to Cincinnati in Week 9 of the 2012 season. (Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

In 60 days the Broncos will kick off the 2012 regular season when the Pittsburgh Steelers visit Denver on Sunday Night Football.  To help Bronco Country get through the offseason, I am continuing to look back at some past games against opponents the Broncos will face in 2012.  After appearing on Sunday Night Football in Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints, the Broncos will once again pack their suitcases.  The fourth road trip of the season will take the Broncos to Cincinnati to face the Bengals.  The Broncos have played in Cincinnati a total of twelve times and have won six of those contests.  Let’s hope after the 2012 game in Cincinnati the Broncos will have a winning record when it comes to playing the Bengals on the road.  Please continue reading for a brief summary of the last five games the Broncos have played in Cincinnati.

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Justin Bannan is thrilled to be a Bronco again. (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

Broncos defensive tackle Justin Bannan knows all about the ups an downs of the NFL. He sandwiched his winning years in Baltimore with some tough years in Buffalo, Denver, and St. Louis.

Bannan came to Denver in 2010 when the team went 4-12. He then followed Josh McDaniels to St. Louis where that team won just two games in 2011. Now he’s got another chance in Denver where things look mighty fine, at least on paper.

“I couldn’t be more excited and driven to have a great year than I am today,” Bannan said.

Bannan played in McDaneils’ 3-4 defense during his first stint in Denver and racked up 35 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. However, the Broncos switched over to a 4-3 when John Fox got into town.

“I feel more comfortable in a 4-3,” Bannan said. “I think a 4-3 is more attacking. I’ve always played an attack style type defense…Whether it’s a 4-3 or 3-4, they have their pros and cons. I’ve been fortunate to learn both of them. It’s not really a big change for me.”

Bannan will begin his eleventh year in the NFL, and you can tell he’s wise just as his experience would suggest.

“If you look around the league, you’re going to have 32 teams out there that have the same buzz, the same excitement, and everybody thinks they’re going to win the Super Bowl,” Bannan explained.

For lineman, Bannan cautions against getting too hyped this time of year.

“As a lineman, it’s hard to develop your game without pads on,” Bannan said. “Obviously the truth gets told in training camp. That’s when you put the pads on, that’s when you find out who’s who.”

Bannan will be competing for a starting job with Ty Warren returning to the lineup and the Broncos No. 1 overall draft pick Derek Wolfe looking to make an immediate impact.

That’s been the storyline of Bannan’s career, however. Early in Bannan’s carrer, he backed up Sam Adams in Buffalo. Once he got the chance to start, he never looked back.

“Every guy has their point where they either blossom or they don’t,” Bannan explained.

Until Derek Wolfe blossoms or until Ty Warren fizzles out, Bannan is just the kind of guy the Broncos need on the line.

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