1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:01,040 Speaker 1: What's a Broncos Country. 2 00:00:01,080 --> 00:00:03,440 Speaker 2: Welcome back to the Broncos podcast Network in YouTube for 3 00:00:03,520 --> 00:00:06,120 Speaker 2: the latest episode of Broncos Now. As always from your 4 00:00:06,120 --> 00:00:08,720 Speaker 2: host of Sidney Jones. Coming up on today's episode, the 5 00:00:08,720 --> 00:00:11,640 Speaker 2: Denver Broncos are set to host the Los Angeles Chargers 6 00:00:11,640 --> 00:00:14,000 Speaker 2: for their final home game of the season. We'll hear 7 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:16,560 Speaker 2: today from head coach Sean Pan, plus Broncos lead writer 8 00:00:16,680 --> 00:00:18,960 Speaker 2: Eric Delala joins the show for a game preview a 9 00:00:19,079 --> 00:00:27,480 Speaker 2: lot more coming out as a never Broncos return home 10 00:00:27,520 --> 00:00:29,840 Speaker 2: to Empower Field at a Mile High this Sunday to 11 00:00:29,840 --> 00:00:32,560 Speaker 2: host the Los Angeles Chargers for the final home game 12 00:00:32,640 --> 00:00:35,000 Speaker 2: of the season. Head coach Sean Pan talk today about 13 00:00:35,040 --> 00:00:37,760 Speaker 2: how quarterback dried Stidham has looked at practice this week. 14 00:00:38,040 --> 00:00:38,839 Speaker 3: Had a good week. 15 00:00:39,680 --> 00:00:39,920 Speaker 1: Look. 16 00:00:41,600 --> 00:00:44,200 Speaker 3: So, when you're the two, you take all the scout 17 00:00:44,200 --> 00:00:51,239 Speaker 3: team reps and you know, you see, you could see it. 18 00:00:52,040 --> 00:00:54,600 Speaker 3: He's going against the you know, he's running card at plays. 19 00:00:54,600 --> 00:00:56,640 Speaker 3: But when you start looking at the schemes in our 20 00:00:56,680 --> 00:00:58,000 Speaker 3: leg there are a lot of you know, you say, 21 00:00:58,040 --> 00:01:00,680 Speaker 3: this is our, this is our this is just like 22 00:01:01,240 --> 00:01:05,080 Speaker 3: and so, and I think we're pretty deep at receiver 23 00:01:05,200 --> 00:01:07,839 Speaker 3: with some of the guys we have on the practice squad, 24 00:01:08,000 --> 00:01:09,840 Speaker 3: and there's a chance one or two of them might 25 00:01:09,840 --> 00:01:13,880 Speaker 3: come up for this game. But I think I think 26 00:01:13,880 --> 00:01:14,960 Speaker 3: he was sharp this week. 27 00:01:14,880 --> 00:01:16,560 Speaker 2: And had coat. Jean Payton went on to talk about 28 00:01:16,600 --> 00:01:18,360 Speaker 2: how he was able to get Jared's did him up 29 00:01:18,400 --> 00:01:20,480 Speaker 2: to speed this week as he's not started in a 30 00:01:20,520 --> 00:01:22,959 Speaker 2: regular season game since the end of last season. 31 00:01:23,319 --> 00:01:27,200 Speaker 3: Like with Russ, the same way where you do a 32 00:01:27,240 --> 00:01:29,520 Speaker 3: whole study on man are what are the things that 33 00:01:30,319 --> 00:01:33,680 Speaker 3: you see him excel in throws? And what are the 34 00:01:33,680 --> 00:01:37,679 Speaker 3: things that what are his strengths, and then you know, 35 00:01:37,760 --> 00:01:41,400 Speaker 3: you you kind of build this whole look. And I 36 00:01:41,760 --> 00:01:45,039 Speaker 3: know I had a stretch with Drew, but yet, man, 37 00:01:45,080 --> 00:01:49,600 Speaker 3: there was five weeks with Teddy, you know where well 38 00:01:49,640 --> 00:01:53,680 Speaker 3: it wasn't the same type of plan and you know, fortunately, 39 00:01:53,800 --> 00:01:55,280 Speaker 3: you know, we won five and zero with him, and 40 00:01:55,320 --> 00:01:57,760 Speaker 3: then we had a stretch with Taysom and it was different, 41 00:01:58,200 --> 00:02:02,160 Speaker 3: completely different from either those two. And then you know 42 00:02:03,560 --> 00:02:07,560 Speaker 3: Trevor Simeon and then Jamis for the until he got 43 00:02:07,560 --> 00:02:07,880 Speaker 3: his a C. 44 00:02:08,320 --> 00:02:10,880 Speaker 1: So part of that is. 45 00:02:11,120 --> 00:02:14,440 Speaker 3: The same way was steady, you know, what are these 46 00:02:14,480 --> 00:02:17,960 Speaker 3: things that we feel like our strengths and certainly what 47 00:02:18,040 --> 00:02:21,280 Speaker 3: are the things maybe that and then build build the plan, 48 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:24,239 Speaker 3: but also around the strengths of the receivers the time, 49 00:02:24,280 --> 00:02:28,799 Speaker 3: you know that kind of thing. So, but the language, 50 00:02:29,960 --> 00:02:34,720 Speaker 3: the terminology is just you know, Apple or Mac or 51 00:02:36,240 --> 00:02:38,880 Speaker 3: it's just the program you're on, how you call it. 52 00:02:39,200 --> 00:02:41,959 Speaker 2: And lastly, Sean Payton talked about the importance of winning 53 00:02:42,000 --> 00:02:42,760 Speaker 2: Sunday's game. 54 00:02:43,280 --> 00:02:44,760 Speaker 3: Listen, we're playing for something. 55 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:47,040 Speaker 1: We're playing for something. 56 00:02:47,840 --> 00:02:51,079 Speaker 3: And you remember when I use that analogy, and I'm 57 00:02:51,120 --> 00:02:54,000 Speaker 3: just again referencing a team I know the coach well, 58 00:02:54,440 --> 00:02:56,880 Speaker 3: and I referenced, you know, the one and six Lions, 59 00:02:57,600 --> 00:03:00,840 Speaker 3: and they flipped the script. And then you know, the 60 00:03:00,880 --> 00:03:03,359 Speaker 3: final week of the season, they're trying to get their 61 00:03:03,440 --> 00:03:07,720 Speaker 3: ninth win, and an hour before kickoff they get eliminated. 62 00:03:07,760 --> 00:03:11,160 Speaker 3: Before the Packer game, they're eliminated from the postseason. They 63 00:03:11,200 --> 00:03:13,600 Speaker 3: went out, won that game, finished nine and eight. Now 64 00:03:14,200 --> 00:03:17,600 Speaker 3: do you think that mattered? It mattered a lot. And 65 00:03:19,080 --> 00:03:25,160 Speaker 3: these these games matter a lot, a lot, and especially 66 00:03:25,440 --> 00:03:30,560 Speaker 3: as you're building and like we are, but this game 67 00:03:30,639 --> 00:03:32,720 Speaker 3: is the one, you know, to get to nine, you 68 00:03:32,720 --> 00:03:34,920 Speaker 3: gotta get dated first. So I think it matters a lot, 69 00:03:35,000 --> 00:03:36,360 Speaker 3: and I think they understand. 70 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:37,480 Speaker 2: That now it's time to take a look at it. 71 00:03:37,480 --> 00:03:41,040 Speaker 2: This week's the final injury report. Outside linebacker Baron Browning, 72 00:03:41,200 --> 00:03:45,080 Speaker 2: tight end Greg Dolcic, wide receiver Courtland Sutton, and tackle 73 00:03:45,160 --> 00:03:48,600 Speaker 2: Alex Polceski have all been ruled out of Sunday's game. 74 00:03:49,160 --> 00:03:52,640 Speaker 2: Plus wide receiver Jerry Judy, wide receiver Marvin Mims Junior, 75 00:03:52,880 --> 00:03:56,320 Speaker 2: and running back Dwayne Washington are all listed as questionable 76 00:03:56,760 --> 00:03:59,360 Speaker 2: now genuine here inside the Broncos podcast studio for a 77 00:03:59,400 --> 00:04:02,240 Speaker 2: game preview is Broncos lead writer Eric Delalai. Eric, thanks 78 00:04:02,280 --> 00:04:04,880 Speaker 2: for joining me in week seventeen. Only two more game 79 00:04:04,880 --> 00:04:06,240 Speaker 2: previous left of the regular season. 80 00:04:06,520 --> 00:04:09,920 Speaker 4: I know, yeah, last the regular season home finale. Yeah, 81 00:04:10,320 --> 00:04:14,200 Speaker 4: been an up and down home slate, sid it has 82 00:04:14,480 --> 00:04:17,359 Speaker 4: had three losses to start, four wins in a row, 83 00:04:17,440 --> 00:04:20,680 Speaker 4: and obviously a tough one last week against the Patriots. 84 00:04:20,680 --> 00:04:23,839 Speaker 4: So hopefully we can end the home schedule here regular 85 00:04:23,880 --> 00:04:27,120 Speaker 4: season home schedule on a high note, sweep the Chargers 86 00:04:27,160 --> 00:04:31,120 Speaker 4: for the first time since twenty nineteen, have this, you know, 87 00:04:31,760 --> 00:04:35,200 Speaker 4: a better divisional record, and definitely move a step closer 88 00:04:35,279 --> 00:04:38,839 Speaker 4: toward a nine to eight record for sure. 89 00:04:39,200 --> 00:04:41,359 Speaker 2: Eric, We just finished looking at the injury report and 90 00:04:41,360 --> 00:04:43,120 Speaker 2: one guy I want to talk about specifically as wide 91 00:04:43,120 --> 00:04:45,880 Speaker 2: receiver Courland Setton. He was ruled out for Sunday's game 92 00:04:45,920 --> 00:04:48,640 Speaker 2: as he's been dealing with that concussion. You know, first off, 93 00:04:48,640 --> 00:04:50,680 Speaker 2: how does this impact the offense? And then who do 94 00:04:50,680 --> 00:04:52,120 Speaker 2: you want to see step up in his place? 95 00:04:52,720 --> 00:04:55,479 Speaker 4: Yeah, well, it sounded earlier in the week like Cortland 96 00:04:55,560 --> 00:04:58,960 Speaker 4: was making progress, So that's good to hear. Obviously, concussion 97 00:04:59,000 --> 00:05:00,600 Speaker 4: protocol is different for everybody. 98 00:05:01,000 --> 00:05:01,479 Speaker 1: Takes time. 99 00:05:01,560 --> 00:05:03,240 Speaker 4: You want it to take to take time and make 100 00:05:03,279 --> 00:05:05,560 Speaker 4: sure these guys are are okay before they come back. 101 00:05:06,320 --> 00:05:09,119 Speaker 4: So what we'll see about his status moving forward next week. 102 00:05:09,160 --> 00:05:13,560 Speaker 4: But certainly the Broncos missed him against the Patriots, right 103 00:05:13,600 --> 00:05:15,680 Speaker 4: and he went out. I believe it was that that 104 00:05:15,800 --> 00:05:18,280 Speaker 4: second drive where he tried to make a catch down 105 00:05:18,320 --> 00:05:20,680 Speaker 4: the sideline ended up pitting his head that kind of 106 00:05:20,680 --> 00:05:22,440 Speaker 4: the back of his head went and back and hit 107 00:05:22,520 --> 00:05:27,080 Speaker 4: the grass. And Joel Lombardi said, you know, I think 108 00:05:27,120 --> 00:05:29,520 Speaker 4: it was what Thursday that that was a big deal 109 00:05:29,680 --> 00:05:31,520 Speaker 4: that Courtland Sutton went out. And there's some guys you 110 00:05:31,560 --> 00:05:33,360 Speaker 4: can you know, they can miss some time and you're 111 00:05:33,400 --> 00:05:36,039 Speaker 4: able to adjust and move forward, and some guys it 112 00:05:36,080 --> 00:05:40,080 Speaker 4: really has a big impact on your offense, on your defense, 113 00:05:40,080 --> 00:05:42,400 Speaker 4: you know, whatever the unit might be. And Courtland Sutton's 114 00:05:42,440 --> 00:05:43,920 Speaker 4: one of those guys where a lot of plays, a 115 00:05:43,960 --> 00:05:47,320 Speaker 4: lot of packages are designed around him. He's the he's 116 00:05:47,320 --> 00:05:50,880 Speaker 4: been the number one receiver all year, really, and so 117 00:05:51,240 --> 00:05:52,440 Speaker 4: it was an adjustment. 118 00:05:52,480 --> 00:05:52,800 Speaker 1: Obviously. 119 00:05:52,839 --> 00:05:55,000 Speaker 4: I think we saw the some of the struggles that 120 00:05:55,360 --> 00:05:57,680 Speaker 4: resulted from Courtland not being in there, having to move 121 00:05:57,720 --> 00:05:59,640 Speaker 4: guys around. And it's not to say that there's not 122 00:05:59,680 --> 00:06:02,360 Speaker 4: a play in place, right and they're able to they 123 00:06:02,360 --> 00:06:04,880 Speaker 4: do know what to do, but it's still I think 124 00:06:04,920 --> 00:06:07,440 Speaker 4: takes some time for these guys to work through all 125 00:06:07,480 --> 00:06:09,880 Speaker 4: of that, and by the fourth quarter maybe they were 126 00:06:09,920 --> 00:06:11,800 Speaker 4: able to do that a little bit. But I think 127 00:06:11,839 --> 00:06:14,000 Speaker 4: you could tell what the absence of Courtland Sutton meant 128 00:06:14,040 --> 00:06:17,400 Speaker 4: to that offense. They'll be without him again this week. 129 00:06:18,640 --> 00:06:21,760 Speaker 4: Hopefully knowing or at least having maybe an idea that 130 00:06:21,800 --> 00:06:24,840 Speaker 4: he might not be available throughout the week can help 131 00:06:24,880 --> 00:06:27,280 Speaker 4: the Broncos get a plan together, know that they might 132 00:06:27,320 --> 00:06:28,680 Speaker 4: not have him. How do you get some of these 133 00:06:28,720 --> 00:06:33,719 Speaker 4: other guys involved? Now you might be without more receivers, right, 134 00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:36,800 Speaker 4: because Marvin Mims is also questionable. He was added with 135 00:06:36,839 --> 00:06:40,599 Speaker 4: a hamstring injury on Thursday, was limited Thursday, did not 136 00:06:40,680 --> 00:06:45,000 Speaker 4: practice on Friday, which is never great, but still listened 137 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:47,440 Speaker 4: as questionable. Maybe there's a chance he goes. And then 138 00:06:47,520 --> 00:06:50,400 Speaker 4: Jerry Judy did not practice Friday with an illness that 139 00:06:50,560 --> 00:06:53,080 Speaker 4: is kind of sweeping its way around the locker room. 140 00:06:53,080 --> 00:06:56,479 Speaker 4: I guess yeah, and so we'll just have to see 141 00:06:56,640 --> 00:06:59,640 Speaker 4: with him if he's able to play. Justin Simmons missed 142 00:06:59,640 --> 00:07:01,800 Speaker 4: Thursday with an illness. He was back Friday as a 143 00:07:01,800 --> 00:07:05,520 Speaker 4: full participant. Dwayne Washington missed all three practices this week 144 00:07:05,560 --> 00:07:08,640 Speaker 4: with an illness, So just hard to know how each 145 00:07:08,680 --> 00:07:12,200 Speaker 4: guy's impacted, how severe it is, you know. Sean Payton 146 00:07:12,200 --> 00:07:14,680 Speaker 4: did say kind of he hasn't seen it in a while, 147 00:07:14,920 --> 00:07:16,560 Speaker 4: going to sweep through the locker room the way that 148 00:07:16,600 --> 00:07:20,520 Speaker 4: this has. So let's maybe assume that Jerry Judy is 149 00:07:20,560 --> 00:07:22,080 Speaker 4: able to go, and if he is, I think he'll 150 00:07:22,120 --> 00:07:25,520 Speaker 4: be a big part of what you look to do offensively. 151 00:07:25,600 --> 00:07:27,880 Speaker 4: You know, hopefully he feels better and is able to play. 152 00:07:29,160 --> 00:07:29,640 Speaker 1: You know, we. 153 00:07:31,240 --> 00:07:33,640 Speaker 4: I think one of the goals for Jared Stidham on 154 00:07:33,720 --> 00:07:36,920 Speaker 4: offense is to make these in rhythm throws, timing throws, 155 00:07:36,960 --> 00:07:39,520 Speaker 4: get the ball out quick. We know that kind of 156 00:07:39,520 --> 00:07:42,640 Speaker 4: plays in those anticipatory throws, play into what Jerry Judy 157 00:07:43,040 --> 00:07:46,080 Speaker 4: does well. Without Courtland Sutton, you could maybe see him 158 00:07:46,320 --> 00:07:49,760 Speaker 4: take a step forward play a big role for this offense. 159 00:07:50,080 --> 00:07:51,960 Speaker 4: If he can't go, said, then you've got to start 160 00:07:52,000 --> 00:07:56,240 Speaker 4: looking elsewhere. Obviously, if Marvin can't go, you know, Brandon 161 00:07:56,280 --> 00:08:00,240 Speaker 4: Johnson is a guy who is probably exceeded expectations here 162 00:08:00,280 --> 00:08:02,280 Speaker 4: in terms of the number of touchdowns he's been able 163 00:08:02,320 --> 00:08:05,360 Speaker 4: to score. But then do you look at some practice 164 00:08:05,360 --> 00:08:08,360 Speaker 4: squad guys, some guys Sean Payton mentioned that could be 165 00:08:08,400 --> 00:08:12,440 Speaker 4: an option. Philip Dorsett still in the practice squad, David Sills, 166 00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:15,840 Speaker 4: Trey Kwan Smith, you know, Lil Jordan Humphrey is on 167 00:08:15,880 --> 00:08:18,520 Speaker 4: the active roster, but is he able to make an impact. 168 00:08:18,800 --> 00:08:20,440 Speaker 1: And there's some other guys as well. 169 00:08:20,480 --> 00:08:24,640 Speaker 4: But it could be a situation where you need some 170 00:08:24,760 --> 00:08:27,840 Speaker 4: unhralded guys to step up this week. And obviously the 171 00:08:27,840 --> 00:08:29,560 Speaker 4: guys on the practice squad, some of them have done 172 00:08:29,560 --> 00:08:32,160 Speaker 4: it before. Philip dor Set, former first round pick, He's 173 00:08:32,160 --> 00:08:34,199 Speaker 4: done it before. Some of the other guys, maybe a 174 00:08:34,200 --> 00:08:36,080 Speaker 4: little bit younger, haven't done it as much. 175 00:08:36,120 --> 00:08:37,000 Speaker 1: So you gotta. 176 00:08:37,640 --> 00:08:40,040 Speaker 4: It'll be a little bit of a a waiting game 177 00:08:40,080 --> 00:08:42,520 Speaker 4: probably to see who plays who doesn't, and then it's 178 00:08:42,520 --> 00:08:44,559 Speaker 4: about who can step up and who can make a play. 179 00:08:44,679 --> 00:08:47,680 Speaker 2: Definitely, Eric, you mentioned Jared stood him there. He's going 180 00:08:47,679 --> 00:08:49,880 Speaker 2: to make his third career start on his Sunday. What 181 00:08:49,960 --> 00:08:51,400 Speaker 2: are just your expectations for him? 182 00:08:51,840 --> 00:08:57,800 Speaker 4: Yeah, Diddy didy, it's time. I'm excited for Jared. It's 183 00:08:57,800 --> 00:09:00,679 Speaker 4: obviously a big opportunity he recognized, is it even though 184 00:09:00,679 --> 00:09:03,480 Speaker 4: his focus is on this week. Sean Payton, you know, 185 00:09:03,520 --> 00:09:04,959 Speaker 4: kind of said that that he knows what sort of 186 00:09:05,000 --> 00:09:08,200 Speaker 4: opportunity this is for him. And we know that just 187 00:09:08,240 --> 00:09:11,400 Speaker 4: two games last year caught Sean Payton's attention at least 188 00:09:11,840 --> 00:09:15,520 Speaker 4: and helped him land a spot here as the backup quarterback. 189 00:09:15,920 --> 00:09:18,679 Speaker 4: It's possible that these two games could be could meet 190 00:09:18,720 --> 00:09:21,480 Speaker 4: a lot for him again. And so he played really 191 00:09:21,480 --> 00:09:23,679 Speaker 4: well against the San Francisco forty nine ers last year, 192 00:09:23,760 --> 00:09:27,319 Speaker 4: the top defense in the NFL. Threw for over three 193 00:09:27,400 --> 00:09:31,839 Speaker 4: hundred and fifty yards, three touchdowns, one hundred and eight 194 00:09:31,920 --> 00:09:36,760 Speaker 4: quarterback ratings, So a good performance there. I think with Jared, 195 00:09:36,800 --> 00:09:38,719 Speaker 4: you want to make sure that you're getting the ball 196 00:09:38,720 --> 00:09:41,360 Speaker 4: out quickly. That second game that he played against the 197 00:09:41,440 --> 00:09:44,240 Speaker 4: Chiefs did take I think six sacks, and obviously some 198 00:09:44,280 --> 00:09:46,679 Speaker 4: of that's on protection, right, but you want to get 199 00:09:46,679 --> 00:09:49,280 Speaker 4: the ball out quick, still want to avoid turning the 200 00:09:49,280 --> 00:09:52,480 Speaker 4: ball over if possible. Had three interceptions over those two 201 00:09:52,520 --> 00:09:57,240 Speaker 4: games last year. And look the Broncos when they've turned 202 00:09:57,240 --> 00:09:59,120 Speaker 4: the ball over and lost a turnover battle their own 203 00:09:59,200 --> 00:10:01,839 Speaker 4: seven seven and one when they win the turnover battle. 204 00:10:01,880 --> 00:10:03,760 Speaker 4: So that's still gonna be important no matter who's in 205 00:10:03,800 --> 00:10:07,120 Speaker 4: there at quarterback. And we heard Sean Payton say earlier 206 00:10:07,120 --> 00:10:08,840 Speaker 4: in the week, the balls out all the time now, 207 00:10:08,920 --> 00:10:11,440 Speaker 4: So you've got to figure that that's a focus here 208 00:10:11,480 --> 00:10:13,840 Speaker 4: this week of taking care of the football. But if 209 00:10:13,880 --> 00:10:17,200 Speaker 4: your Jared's did him Sean Payton loves his footwork, his 210 00:10:17,280 --> 00:10:20,480 Speaker 4: ability to have command at the line of scrimmage. There 211 00:10:20,520 --> 00:10:22,319 Speaker 4: is some athleticism there and in terms of being able 212 00:10:22,360 --> 00:10:24,439 Speaker 4: to get outside the pocket. He had some rushing yards 213 00:10:24,559 --> 00:10:27,880 Speaker 4: against San Francisco last year. So just play his game, 214 00:10:28,040 --> 00:10:30,720 Speaker 4: don't try to do too much. And he kind of 215 00:10:30,720 --> 00:10:33,200 Speaker 4: emphasized that that he didn't feel like he needed to 216 00:10:33,440 --> 00:10:36,320 Speaker 4: do anything differently this week or go outside kind of 217 00:10:36,679 --> 00:10:40,000 Speaker 4: how he normally hopes to play and you just go 218 00:10:40,040 --> 00:10:41,720 Speaker 4: out and operate the offense, see if he can score 219 00:10:41,760 --> 00:10:44,120 Speaker 4: some points and see where it takes you. 220 00:10:44,200 --> 00:10:46,840 Speaker 2: Definitely, how do you think maybe that this offense will 221 00:10:47,040 --> 00:10:49,720 Speaker 2: change or how will it look different? Obviously different quarterback, 222 00:10:49,800 --> 00:10:52,880 Speaker 2: but just how do you think this offense will be 223 00:10:53,000 --> 00:10:54,560 Speaker 2: different on Sunday with Jared there? 224 00:10:54,600 --> 00:10:56,880 Speaker 4: Yeah, well, I think it just everybody does things a 225 00:10:56,920 --> 00:10:59,960 Speaker 4: little bit differently. There's plays that guys, some guys like 226 00:11:00,080 --> 00:11:02,839 Speaker 4: that others might not. And so Joe Lombardi talked about 227 00:11:02,840 --> 00:11:05,680 Speaker 4: that of how can you prepare things that you know, 228 00:11:05,720 --> 00:11:08,839 Speaker 4: maybe Jared prefers doing these things and Russell prefers doing 229 00:11:08,880 --> 00:11:12,040 Speaker 4: these things, so you know it'll probably be you know, 230 00:11:12,120 --> 00:11:15,240 Speaker 4: Joe Lombardi said, it might not look that different just 231 00:11:15,400 --> 00:11:18,400 Speaker 4: kind of stylistically if you're watching, but there will be 232 00:11:18,720 --> 00:11:23,080 Speaker 4: small tweaks that are designed to kind of emphasize what 233 00:11:23,320 --> 00:11:25,240 Speaker 4: jareded does well, what he likes to do, what he's 234 00:11:25,280 --> 00:11:28,600 Speaker 4: comfortable with. And you know, I'm excited to see what 235 00:11:28,640 --> 00:11:31,160 Speaker 4: the Broncos are able to do because Sehn Payton's had 236 00:11:31,200 --> 00:11:35,959 Speaker 4: a history of succeeding with backup quarterbacks and sometimes or 237 00:11:35,960 --> 00:11:37,680 Speaker 4: a lot of time it's been due to injury that 238 00:11:37,679 --> 00:11:40,680 Speaker 4: that guys have gone in but Teddy Bridgewater down in 239 00:11:40,679 --> 00:11:43,000 Speaker 4: New Orleans went five and zero. They played well with 240 00:11:43,040 --> 00:11:46,360 Speaker 4: Taysom Hill, Trevor Simon went in there and won and 241 00:11:46,400 --> 00:11:49,320 Speaker 4: so and then obviously Jamis had a lot of success 242 00:11:49,360 --> 00:11:52,720 Speaker 4: before he suffered a season ending knee injury. So you know, 243 00:11:53,320 --> 00:11:55,440 Speaker 4: Sean Payton has a track record of putting guys in 244 00:11:55,480 --> 00:11:58,640 Speaker 4: position to succeed at that position. And I'm excited to 245 00:11:58,640 --> 00:12:01,480 Speaker 4: see if the same thing happens this week with Jared 246 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:02,400 Speaker 4: said I'm under center. 247 00:12:02,960 --> 00:12:06,439 Speaker 2: Yeah, Eric, I feel like the tone in the locker room, 248 00:12:06,480 --> 00:12:08,800 Speaker 2: everyone you know is doing well given the news, and 249 00:12:08,840 --> 00:12:11,120 Speaker 2: I know Mike Wilunji he even talked about that this week, 250 00:12:11,360 --> 00:12:14,160 Speaker 2: so you know, everyone is focused on this week, like 251 00:12:14,200 --> 00:12:15,240 Speaker 2: they all said, yeah, you. 252 00:12:15,200 --> 00:12:17,600 Speaker 4: Got to still be a professional, right And it's tough 253 00:12:17,640 --> 00:12:21,440 Speaker 4: and I think people Sean Payton said this on Wednesday 254 00:12:21,440 --> 00:12:22,920 Speaker 4: when he talked about the news for the first time, 255 00:12:22,960 --> 00:12:25,880 Speaker 4: of everybody wishes they'd done a little bit more that 256 00:12:25,920 --> 00:12:27,440 Speaker 4: you know, you look at yourself and say, oh, well, 257 00:12:27,640 --> 00:12:30,280 Speaker 4: could I have helped this be better? And it is 258 00:12:31,200 --> 00:12:35,480 Speaker 4: obviously a high profile player at a high profile position. 259 00:12:36,000 --> 00:12:39,640 Speaker 4: If I could get that out, but it's really about 260 00:12:39,640 --> 00:12:42,600 Speaker 4: the offense in general being better and finding a spark. 261 00:12:42,640 --> 00:12:45,360 Speaker 4: And again Sean Payton emphasized that on Friday, this is 262 00:12:45,360 --> 00:12:47,400 Speaker 4: about winning a football game. This is about getting to 263 00:12:47,400 --> 00:12:51,520 Speaker 4: that eighth win. It's about continuing or getting back to 264 00:12:51,600 --> 00:12:54,400 Speaker 4: some of the momentum you had earlier this season. It's 265 00:12:54,440 --> 00:12:57,640 Speaker 4: about finding a way to have success. And he talks 266 00:12:57,640 --> 00:13:00,920 Speaker 4: about the Lions right that last year they have that 267 00:13:00,960 --> 00:13:05,120 Speaker 4: big run. Sewan's referenced them many times and again on 268 00:13:05,160 --> 00:13:09,240 Speaker 4: Friday saying, hey, they were eliminated from the playoffs before 269 00:13:09,240 --> 00:13:10,760 Speaker 4: they ever went out there for their final game in 270 00:13:10,800 --> 00:13:12,959 Speaker 4: the regular season, and they still won the football game. 271 00:13:13,000 --> 00:13:14,800 Speaker 4: They you know, they knocked the Packers out of the 272 00:13:14,840 --> 00:13:18,559 Speaker 4: playoffs and now they're look at them. They've won their division. 273 00:13:19,280 --> 00:13:21,760 Speaker 4: They're still alive for a top seed kind of on 274 00:13:21,800 --> 00:13:26,360 Speaker 4: the NFC side. And so I think Sean Payton sees 275 00:13:26,440 --> 00:13:29,120 Speaker 4: the value and this team sees the value in winning out, 276 00:13:29,280 --> 00:13:31,840 Speaker 4: getting to nine to eight, having your first winning season 277 00:13:31,880 --> 00:13:34,920 Speaker 4: since twenty sixteen, and is that what you want? Like 278 00:13:34,960 --> 00:13:36,720 Speaker 4: at the end of the day. Justin Simmons talked about 279 00:13:36,720 --> 00:13:38,680 Speaker 4: that earlier this week. Hey, I want to be in 280 00:13:38,679 --> 00:13:41,440 Speaker 4: the playoffs. That's what matters to me. But that doesn't 281 00:13:41,480 --> 00:13:44,559 Speaker 4: mean that there's also he recognized this, there's not kind 282 00:13:44,559 --> 00:13:46,319 Speaker 4: of that in between where okay, well, it can be 283 00:13:46,360 --> 00:13:48,600 Speaker 4: a good step and it can build positive momentum to 284 00:13:48,640 --> 00:13:51,640 Speaker 4: go eating three down the stretch and have a winning record. 285 00:13:51,800 --> 00:13:54,720 Speaker 4: So these guys are professionals, they're still bought in. Both 286 00:13:55,280 --> 00:13:58,960 Speaker 4: teams have ruled out some important players, and it will, 287 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:01,360 Speaker 4: I think, in some to some degree, be about who 288 00:14:01,600 --> 00:14:05,320 Speaker 4: executes better, but who wants it more on Sunday, right, Eric. 289 00:14:05,240 --> 00:14:07,880 Speaker 2: You mentioned both teams having ruled out, you know, important players. 290 00:14:07,920 --> 00:14:11,520 Speaker 2: Looking at the Chargers, Keenan Allen and Josh Palmer Joey 291 00:14:11,559 --> 00:14:13,680 Speaker 2: both said they've all been ruled out for Sunday too, So, 292 00:14:13,760 --> 00:14:15,920 Speaker 2: like you said, I mean a lot of guys out 293 00:14:15,960 --> 00:14:16,360 Speaker 2: in this game. 294 00:14:16,480 --> 00:14:19,960 Speaker 4: Yeah, and they've got some other guys doubtful as well. Yeah, 295 00:14:20,080 --> 00:14:23,920 Speaker 4: you know, I think Kenneth Murdy among them. Again, this 296 00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:27,520 Speaker 4: is a Los Angeles team, and we've seen kind of 297 00:14:27,520 --> 00:14:30,600 Speaker 4: with interim coaches sometimes you get a boost. They played 298 00:14:30,600 --> 00:14:35,160 Speaker 4: the Bills really close, not able to score touchdowns really 299 00:14:35,240 --> 00:14:37,400 Speaker 4: in the second half, so they ultimately fall short to 300 00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:39,880 Speaker 4: the Bills at home last week. But this is a 301 00:14:39,920 --> 00:14:42,280 Speaker 4: team that despite having a game, yeah they're they're in 302 00:14:42,320 --> 00:14:45,760 Speaker 4: the game. They bounced back really well from that tough 303 00:14:45,800 --> 00:14:48,040 Speaker 4: game against the Raiders a couple of weeks ago now, 304 00:14:48,600 --> 00:14:51,960 Speaker 4: and you know they're playing like they have nothing to lose. 305 00:14:52,080 --> 00:14:53,920 Speaker 4: Van's Joseph was talking about, Hey, they've got a young 306 00:14:54,000 --> 00:14:56,800 Speaker 4: quarterback and Easton Stick and yet they're throwing the ball 307 00:14:56,840 --> 00:14:58,920 Speaker 4: down the field. I think aggressive, Yeah, yeah, I think 308 00:14:58,920 --> 00:15:02,560 Speaker 4: Stick has six complete at least fifteen yards. And if 309 00:15:02,560 --> 00:15:05,360 Speaker 4: you look at the Broncos defense against New England, they 310 00:15:05,360 --> 00:15:07,800 Speaker 4: played really well, I think seven to three and outs, 311 00:15:08,200 --> 00:15:11,160 Speaker 4: but they were chunk plays and there was a forty 312 00:15:11,200 --> 00:15:13,520 Speaker 4: something yard or a thirty something yarder that both set 313 00:15:13,600 --> 00:15:16,040 Speaker 4: up touchdown drives and then obviously the big one at 314 00:15:16,040 --> 00:15:18,160 Speaker 4: the end of the game that allows the Patriots to 315 00:15:18,160 --> 00:15:20,440 Speaker 4: get in position to kick the game winning field goal. 316 00:15:20,520 --> 00:15:23,200 Speaker 1: So what the Broncos struggled with. 317 00:15:23,320 --> 00:15:26,840 Speaker 4: Against the Patriots is kind of what the Chargers are 318 00:15:26,840 --> 00:15:28,240 Speaker 4: trying to do, and that they're trying to take some 319 00:15:28,280 --> 00:15:31,800 Speaker 4: shots down the field. Obviously, we saw Easton Stick connect 320 00:15:31,800 --> 00:15:34,640 Speaker 4: on one to Quintin Johnson in that first meeting in 321 00:15:34,680 --> 00:15:38,640 Speaker 4: the second half, and vance Joseph said, Hey, this can 322 00:15:38,680 --> 00:15:41,040 Speaker 4: be kind of scary in a way when you face 323 00:15:41,040 --> 00:15:44,720 Speaker 4: an offense that they're defying their trends in terms of, hey, 324 00:15:44,840 --> 00:15:46,600 Speaker 4: normally you expect this team to run the ball in 325 00:15:46,600 --> 00:15:48,040 Speaker 4: this down and throw it on this down, or. 326 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:50,600 Speaker 1: You expect them to call this type of play. 327 00:15:51,040 --> 00:15:53,680 Speaker 4: They're kind of pushing all those trends away because they've 328 00:15:53,680 --> 00:15:56,400 Speaker 4: got an interim coach. There's nothing to lose. They're playing aggressive. 329 00:15:56,480 --> 00:15:59,600 Speaker 4: So vance Joseph did say, it can be a scary challenge. 330 00:16:00,240 --> 00:16:02,760 Speaker 4: I know the Broncos want to respond the right way defensively. 331 00:16:02,880 --> 00:16:05,040 Speaker 4: We'll see how they do that. Obviously, missing Keenan Allen 332 00:16:05,120 --> 00:16:07,520 Speaker 4: is a big deal with as many receptions as he has, 333 00:16:07,600 --> 00:16:09,640 Speaker 4: but it's still going to be a challenge and stick 334 00:16:09,680 --> 00:16:12,520 Speaker 4: can run around, and you know, if you don't talk 335 00:16:12,560 --> 00:16:15,040 Speaker 4: about cage rushing a guy and keeping him in the pocket, 336 00:16:15,120 --> 00:16:18,760 Speaker 4: that's going to be important. Despite the guys they are missing, 337 00:16:18,760 --> 00:16:20,360 Speaker 4: it's still not going to be a cakewalk. It could 338 00:16:20,360 --> 00:16:22,360 Speaker 4: be a kind of a back and forth game. We'll 339 00:16:22,400 --> 00:16:22,840 Speaker 4: have to see. 340 00:16:22,960 --> 00:16:25,280 Speaker 2: Yep, Eric, Like we said, final home game of the 341 00:16:25,320 --> 00:16:28,160 Speaker 2: season here for the Broncos. We've talked about how important 342 00:16:28,200 --> 00:16:30,400 Speaker 2: it is going to be to finish the season strong here. 343 00:16:30,440 --> 00:16:32,440 Speaker 2: But you know what really is just I guess the 344 00:16:32,560 --> 00:16:33,160 Speaker 2: value in that. 345 00:16:33,520 --> 00:16:37,400 Speaker 4: Yeah, well, I think two things. One, you're still alive, right, 346 00:16:37,480 --> 00:16:41,360 Speaker 4: and so that matters. The Broncos have not been alive 347 00:16:41,440 --> 00:16:44,120 Speaker 4: heading into the final weekend in a long time time. 348 00:16:44,200 --> 00:16:46,480 Speaker 4: I mean even twenty sixteen when the Broncos had their 349 00:16:46,520 --> 00:16:50,520 Speaker 4: last winning record. They were eliminated on Christmas Night playing 350 00:16:50,760 --> 00:16:55,280 Speaker 4: the Patriots in Kansas City. So they went into Week 351 00:16:55,320 --> 00:16:58,200 Speaker 4: eighteen and it was a meaningless game and obviously they won, 352 00:16:58,240 --> 00:17:00,560 Speaker 4: and Gary Kubek's final game as head co it was 353 00:17:00,800 --> 00:17:02,760 Speaker 4: kind of a nice moment, but it didn't mean anything. 354 00:17:03,240 --> 00:17:06,000 Speaker 4: And there's a chance, you know, if you need some 355 00:17:06,040 --> 00:17:08,760 Speaker 4: things to go your way, But it's still not impossible 356 00:17:08,760 --> 00:17:10,960 Speaker 4: that if you win this game and some results go 357 00:17:11,080 --> 00:17:13,920 Speaker 4: your way on a Sunday, that you could go into 358 00:17:13,920 --> 00:17:16,160 Speaker 4: Week eighteen with a chance to still make the playoffs. 359 00:17:16,160 --> 00:17:18,520 Speaker 4: And you might need two or three games to go 360 00:17:18,680 --> 00:17:23,480 Speaker 4: your way, but who knows, and anything could happen, and 361 00:17:23,480 --> 00:17:25,760 Speaker 4: you've got to put yourself in position to make it happen. 362 00:17:25,800 --> 00:17:28,280 Speaker 4: And so that's where it starts that I think these 363 00:17:28,280 --> 00:17:31,800 Speaker 4: guys know that there are opportunities earlier in the year 364 00:17:31,840 --> 00:17:34,400 Speaker 4: that if you took advantage, you know, one of those 365 00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:37,000 Speaker 4: first three home games, or just this last week against 366 00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:38,680 Speaker 4: New England, if you'd won one of those, you'd be 367 00:17:38,720 --> 00:17:41,000 Speaker 4: in a better spot and maybe you'd control your own destiny. 368 00:17:41,359 --> 00:17:43,080 Speaker 4: But as long as they're still alive, they're going to 369 00:17:43,160 --> 00:17:45,280 Speaker 4: keep fighting and to keep playing. So that's part of it. 370 00:17:45,320 --> 00:17:47,800 Speaker 4: And then the other part is just you've got to 371 00:17:47,880 --> 00:17:51,919 Speaker 4: establish this culture of winning, learning how to not lose, 372 00:17:53,440 --> 00:17:56,000 Speaker 4: you know, kind of build that positive momentum going into 373 00:17:56,040 --> 00:17:58,960 Speaker 4: the offseason and you don't know what could happen next year, 374 00:17:59,000 --> 00:18:02,400 Speaker 4: but I do think team that have built this standard 375 00:18:02,480 --> 00:18:04,680 Speaker 4: and this culture of this is how we do things, 376 00:18:04,720 --> 00:18:07,640 Speaker 4: we know how not to lose games. And Chempayne talked 377 00:18:07,640 --> 00:18:09,520 Speaker 4: about two thirds of the games in this league are 378 00:18:09,520 --> 00:18:11,800 Speaker 4: lost before they're ever won. You know, can le Broncos 379 00:18:11,920 --> 00:18:15,680 Speaker 4: keep working toward that and with some positive momentum again, 380 00:18:15,680 --> 00:18:18,280 Speaker 4: if you win these last two, you're looking at Okay, 381 00:18:18,280 --> 00:18:21,040 Speaker 4: we finished eight and three over the course of the season. 382 00:18:22,320 --> 00:18:24,440 Speaker 4: You expand that out over the course of the year 383 00:18:24,600 --> 00:18:26,879 Speaker 4: much better. You're looking at eleven twelve, you know, that 384 00:18:27,040 --> 00:18:31,760 Speaker 4: sort of kind of win category or win total. Rather 385 00:18:32,280 --> 00:18:35,159 Speaker 4: this year you'd be looking at potentially a division title, 386 00:18:35,280 --> 00:18:38,040 Speaker 4: so you've got to do it next year, right, But 387 00:18:38,400 --> 00:18:40,120 Speaker 4: I do think it puts you in a position where 388 00:18:40,160 --> 00:18:43,479 Speaker 4: you say, Okay, look what we can do. Whereas if 389 00:18:43,840 --> 00:18:45,680 Speaker 4: you lose the last couple or you split and you 390 00:18:45,760 --> 00:18:47,640 Speaker 4: end up with a losing record, it just it might 391 00:18:47,680 --> 00:18:50,320 Speaker 4: dim the momentum a little bit. And it doesn't take 392 00:18:50,359 --> 00:18:52,760 Speaker 4: away from winning five in a row and beating the 393 00:18:52,880 --> 00:18:55,480 Speaker 4: Chiefs or the Bills or the Browns at home. But 394 00:18:57,200 --> 00:18:59,320 Speaker 4: I think it just changes kind of how you feel 395 00:18:59,400 --> 00:19:00,440 Speaker 4: going into the season. 396 00:19:00,520 --> 00:19:03,120 Speaker 1: So thanks so too. Even if you don't reach. 397 00:19:02,960 --> 00:19:05,040 Speaker 4: Your ultimate goal this year of making the playoffs, of 398 00:19:05,080 --> 00:19:07,879 Speaker 4: winning some playoff games, competing for a championship, if you 399 00:19:07,880 --> 00:19:10,679 Speaker 4: can win these last two and build that momentum, it 400 00:19:10,680 --> 00:19:13,160 Speaker 4: can set you up nicely for twenty twenty four. 401 00:19:13,320 --> 00:19:15,639 Speaker 2: Yeah, definitely, I agree. Eric. Appreciate you coming on the 402 00:19:15,640 --> 00:19:17,240 Speaker 2: show today, looking forward to it on Sunday. 403 00:19:17,320 --> 00:19:19,280 Speaker 1: You got it said, Well, that's going to do it. 404 00:19:19,240 --> 00:19:21,479 Speaker 2: For today's episode of Broncos Now Broncos Country. 405 00:19:21,480 --> 00:19:22,560 Speaker 1: Thanks so much for tuning in. 406 00:19:22,800 --> 00:19:25,000 Speaker 2: Hope to see you all Adam Powerfield at a mile 407 00:19:25,119 --> 00:19:27,000 Speaker 2: high this Sunday. But if not, I'll meet you right 408 00:19:27,040 --> 00:19:29,080 Speaker 2: back here next week for a game recap.