Denver Broncos: Fanzone interview with Lisa Markley

In our 2018 return to the Denver Broncos Fanzone, I talk to Lisa Markley and get her takes on the state of the Denver Broncos.

The Denver Broncos square off against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday afternoon. A win will give the Broncos a small glimmer of hope to reach the postseason. A loss will just about end any hope that they will reach the postseason. It will also turn into the Broncos possibly looking to the future.

It is tough to see the Denver Broncos where they are now. Almost three years ago, they won a Super Bowl. Now they could be in danger of not only missing the playoffs but having back to back losing seasons for the first time in the Pat Bowlen era.

Whatever happens, John Elway will have to make some decisions going forward. Some of the pieces that have been put into place are not exactly working out. If things do not get fixed, it will be back to the drawing board.

But for now, let us turn our attention to the Los Angeles Chargers. And for this week in the Denver Broncos Fanzone, we chat with a newcomer. Lisa Markley is a Broncos fan. She and I have had a few discussions regarding the team.

Now you all will get a chance to see what she has to say about the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos emerge from the bye with a 3-6 record. What would you say has been the biggest issue for the team in their first nine games?

Not to be completely obvious, but coaching has been the biggest issue this season. 

This has been especially apparent with the misuse of the rookie class. I knew the season was in trouble when the Broncos played Baltimore. They were finding success with running the ball, and right before half, they were in scoring position. It was 2nd and 2, and instead of running with Lindsay, a pass play was called.

Keenum was strip sacked, Lindsay got ejected after being involved in the scrum, and the whole game went downhill. They could have and should have beat the Rams and Chiefs at home, but questionable coaching decisions kept that from happening. Keenum has been less than stellar, but the coaching staff hasn’t exactly put him in ideal situations for his skillset.

Do you still believe that the Denver Broncos could win enough games down the stretch to secure a playoff spot?

The short answer is, no, I don’t. The longer answer is that they are facing three tough games out of the bye, which they may lose all of them. If that happens, I just can’t see many of the vets giving it their all. It may be a matter of playing for draft position at that point. Even winning 2 of the next 3, probably won’t do it at this point. 

As a Denver Broncos fan, what is your favorite memory of all time?

I’d have to say going to my first Broncos game when I was 14. My family had just moved back to Colorado after about seven years living in other states and a friend of a family offered my sister and me tickets to the Seahawks game (when they were still in our division). The seats were in the south stands and it was cold and glorious.  The Broncos won in a low scoring game, and it was one of the best times of my life.

The Broncos travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers. What does Denver need to do to get the win?

Get after crybaby Rivers. He doesn’t do well when he is hit and hit often. There’s no reason they can’t get to him. They can force a couple of turnovers and feed Lindsay the ball to win. Keenum finally showed he can protect the ball better their last game, but they need some short, quick passes to make it easier on him. It’s winnable if Joseph and company actually stick to running if it’s working.

Who is your mid-season MVP for the Broncos and why?

Lindsay. He’s been a spark. While Miller and Chubb have played well, especially lately, Lindsay is the one I can’t wait to see with the ball in his hands. Just wish they would utilize him more!

Thank You Lisa for taking the time to chat with me. Hopefully all goes well on Sunday. Go Broncos!