A Chance to Prove Ourselves

The weekend is here, and the wildcard playoff games are right around the corner.  Each game this weekend will probably take around 3-1/2 hours to complete, and I am pretty sure that the amount of time “analyzing” those games, whether by professionals or die-hard fans, greatly exceeds the actual time spent playing the game.

For the Denver Broncos, that analysis finds them on the short side of the stick when it comes to their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.  I don’t have any specific data, but from what I have seen and read this week, it definitely appears that most people feel the Broncos have no shot at all to win and advance to the next round.  I tend to agree with that analysis based on the way the Broncos have played the last three weeks, but I bleed orange and blue, so there is a part of my heart that has a small glimmer of hope.

Don’t forget this is a game and, in order to win, all you have to do is score one more point than the opposition – there are no specific requirements to follow, as long as you play within the rules of the game.  No other season in recent Bronco history supports that notion than the regular season just ending.

Thank goodness the Broncos actually have an opportunity in the playoffs. Even though the Broncos are limping into the playoffs on a three game losing streak, they still made the twelve team tournament.  It is probably safe to say that the Raiders, Chargers, and Chiefs would gladly change places with the Broncos if they could.  I expect the Broncos to strap on their helmets, line up against the powerful, playoff experienced Steelers, and give it their best shot.  When it is all said and done, no one knows what the outcome of the game will be.

If the Broncos lose, I am sure some analysts will say “we told you so.” Bronco fans, though it will be difficult to accept the season ending, can reflect on a truly entertaining season where many of our expectations were greatly exceeded.  If the Broncos win…. anti-Bronco/Tebow analysts will have no choice but to recognize that the Broncos proved them wrong, and Bronco fans can definitely stand proud and relish the fact that the season continues.

In closing, I urge all Bronco fans to take a moment before kickoff, and remind yourself to enjoy this game.  Regardless of the outcome, savor the return of playoff football to the Rocky Mountains, the competition, the strategizing, the fight in both teams, the playoff atmosphere, the experienced quarterback, the quarterback in his first NFL playoff game, our struggling offense against one of the NFL’s best defensive units, Rocky Mountain Thunder, etc.

The anticipation is almost too much to handle.

Go Broncos! Go Broncos! Go Broncos!

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