Denver Broncos: Three Reasons the Broncos Defense Needs Boot Camp Training in 2014

COMMENTARY: Flashback to January 2012. Broncos loose at home to the Baltimore Ravens in a rough and tumble AFC Divisional Playoff game; final score, 35-38.

The Broncos defense fared much better in 2012 as they ranked 4^th in the NFL.

The Broncos powerhouse defenders included a mix of well-disciplined players that were on top of their game in 2012. Fast forward to the 2103 season, the Broncos defense have given up a large amount of points, keeping scores much too close for comfort. 

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Minus 3 -- Fifteen Things Rookie Quarterbacks Can Learn from Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning experienced two losing seasons in his storied NFL career thus far. During 1998, Peyton Manning led the league with 575 pass attempts, but the rookie signal-caller would also throw a league high 28 interceptions. The Colts 3-13 record in 1998 and their 6-10 record in 2001 were Peyton Mannings’ two seasons of loses during his tenure as an Indianapolis Colts top-notch signal-caller.

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Peyton Manning's Record Breaking Touchdown:

NFL Week 15 Hot Pick Predictions

NFL Week 15 Hot Pick Predictions - Yahoo Voices - voices.yahoo.com

Peyton Manning helped his Broncos team celebrate a victory over the Chargers in week 10 by winning a thrilling game by 8 points. The Chargers play in unfamiliar territory as they face a hostile Denver crowd at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Denver defense, offense, coaching staff, and Peyton Manning are playing for Coach John Fox as he is on the road to recovery from heart surgery. 

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NFL Week 8 AFC West Power Rankings: Which Team Is Movin’ Like a Ninja?

The Kansas City Chiefs are a team on a mission and Coach Andy Reid has literally come back from the dead to resurrect his passion for the game of pro football. I have mentioned many times in several of my articles posted on Blogger that Alex Smith is a game manager. Alex Smith contagious energy has translated into a perfect season thus far.

Coach Andy Reid has overcome personal tragedy and managed to turn it into a successful prescription in his first year as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Eat crow Philadelphia, Coach Andy Reid was once criticized in Philly for his play calling schemes, but now his play book is leading the Chiefs to an impressive 2013 season.

Will the Chiefs continue to move like a ninja, and remain undefeated in 2013?

Peyton Manning played a brilliant game in the fourth quarter against his former team in week 7. Even though the Broncos remain one game behind the Chiefs, a good number of fantasy polls have Peyton Manning way ahead of Alex Smith in the QB power ranking category.

A bye-week for the Chargers is a good time for Phillip Rivers to recharge his offensive play-making skills. The chargers are a dangerous team despite a sluggish start of the 2013 season.

Do the Chargers have the offensive fire power to move like a ninja in week 9? 

Don’t feel sorry for the Raiders, “they are who we thought they were.”

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Week 7 NFL Hot Pick Predictions

As NFL fans gear up for week 7, the second half of the season is right around the corner. There are a few NFL teams that are in desperate need of another win to stay above 500. The Raiders and the Saints both have this week off and that means trouble for the Saints next opponent, but the Raiders may not fare as well in their next match up.

Seattle Seahawks 31 – Arizona Cardinals 17

Russell Wilson, in his second year is still in a learning mode, but he is steadily improving with each game he plays and this means trouble for an unpredictable Arizona defense. The Seahawks D will make it a long night for Carson Palmer.

New England Patriots 28 – New York Jets 19

Tom Brady keeps finding ways to win close games, and the Pats D is playing consistent power football. Inexperience will hurt Gino Smith as he has to face Coach Bill Belichick's unforgiving defense.

St. Louis Rams 26 – Carolina Panthers 31

Cam Newton is starting to click on all cylinders at the right time and playing error free football will help the Panthers get back to 500.

Chicago Bears 23 – Washington Redskins 20

Is this the year Jay Cutler finally gets the proverbial monkey off his back? RG3 will make it a close game, but a costly interception will make it a heartbreaking loss for the Redskins.

Cincinnati Bengals 28 – Detroit Lions 31

Two evenly matched teams pair up for what is to be a battle royal. Matthew Stafford has matured at his position and he is beginning to play smart great football. The Lions key receivers are clicking at the right time. This win will help keep the Lions remain even in the NFC North.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17 – Atlanta Falcons 28

The Atlanta Falcons will win a game against the disintegrating Buccaneers that will mean nothing until they prove they can win the big one.

Dallas Cowboys 31 – Philadelphia Eagles 27

Tony Romo and the Dallas defense are hungry for another win, and this means trouble for Nick Foles and the Birds

Buffalo Bills 21 – Miami Dolphins 28

One more win for the Dolphins keep them on the heels of the Patriots in a competitive race in the AFC East.

San Diego Chargers 35 – Jacksonville Jaguars 14

Phillip Rivers deals a knockout blow to a depleted, awful Jacksonville Jaguars team.

San Francisco 49ers 31 – Tennessee Titans 23

Colin Kaepernick has taken some heat lately for not winning more fantasy points, but all-in-all, with each game Kaepernick plays - he is becoming a great game manager.

Cleveland Browns 27 – Green Bay Packers 35

Aaron Rodgers will not be denied in week 7..,-enough said.

Baltimore Ravens 27 – Pittsburgh Steelers 20

Both of these teams are familiar with each others respective game plans. This will be a knock down slug fest. Joe Flacco plays almost error-free football to gain a victory over a still struggling Pittsburgh team.

Houston Texans 13 – Kansas City Chiefs 31

Another win places the Kansas City Chiefs neck and neck with the Broncos in the AFC West.

Denver Broncos 42 – Indianapolis Colts 31

GAME OF THE WEEK. Peyton Manning returns to his old stomping ground, and Andrew Luck faces his new rival. This game will be a battle on both fronts, and Peyton Manning has quietly awaited this match up, even if he will not admit this to be true. The Colts former signal caller will dish out a little payback to Colts owner Jim Irsay by defeating his former team in a place he once called home.

Minnesota Vikings 23 – New York Giants 28

The Giants finally get their first win of the season due to the Eli Manning’s patience in the pocket. “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", Manning will help his Giants get a feel good win for the G-Men fans everywhere.

Peyton Manning Stats

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Week 6 NFL Hot Finger Louie Top Pick Predictions

Is Eli Manning a Giant Killer, or are the New York Giants just that bad? Despite the Giants team as a whole not playing productive football, Eli Manning is leading the league in Attempts-229 to be precise, and he has thrown for 1,721 yards. The Giants recent loss to the Bears in week 5 places them dead last in the NFC East.

St. Louis Rams 27 – Houston Texans 23

Interception troubles in week 5 sum up bad news for Matt Schaub in week 6. The Rams D is hungry for a definitive win to help them get back to 500.

Cincinnati Bengals 22 – Buffalo Bills 17

One more win in week 6 will help the Bengals stay on top of the torrid AFC North.

Oakland Raiders 19 – Kansas City Chiefs 28

Head Coach Andy Reid has found new life in Kansas City, and QB Alex Smith is leading his team in mistake free football. The Chiefs are the sleeper team this season, and each win places them one step closer to a playoff contention birth.

Detroit Lions 28 – Cleveland Browns 21

Two powerhouse defenses duke it out in what is to be a slug-fest. Matthew Stafford game management will help the Lions keep one step ahead of the Packers in the NFC North.

Pittsburgh Steelers 17 – New York Jets 24

Gino Smith is getting better with each game he plays, and his decision making will help him overcome the mad rush of the angry Pittsburgh defense.

Philadelphia Eagles 28 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13

It may be a game time decision if Michael Vick plays in week 6, but his back-up Nick Foles is a security blanket just in case Vick does not suit up against the Buccaneers.

Carolina Panthers 21 - Minnesota Vikings 35

Due to the untimely death of his 2 year old son, Adrian Peterson will suit up to play against the 1-3 Panthers. Both of these disappointing fantasy teams have something to prove in week 6. This will be an emotional game for Adrian Peterson and his Vikings team, with that being said, a victory may help turn around the Vikings dismal season.

Green Bay Packers 31 – Baltimore Ravens 28

The Packers defense may not be able to shut down Joe Flacco’s air attack, but Aaron Rodgers is seeking redemption for the Packers two ugly loses in week 1 and 2.

Jacksonville Jaguars 17 – Denver Broncos 48

The high powered offense of the Denver Broncos with Peyton Manning at the helm is on a record breaking streak this season. With the addition of a running game, and a defense that gets back Champ Bailey in week 6, this is a no contest - that is too much for the Jaguars to handle.

Tennessee Titans 31 – Seattle Seahawks 30

The Titans D has studied the film on Russell Wilson playmaking abilities, and the battle in the trenches will prove too much for the second year QB to handle.

Arizona Cardinals 24 – San Francisco 49ers 27

Colin Kaepernick will to manage the game much more efficient than he has in his last two outings.

New Orleans Saints 38 – New England Patriots 17

Drew Brees is playing lights out football again in 2013; Brees is right on the footsteps of Peyton Manning in several QB statistics. The Pats D will have their hands full in their efforts to contain the Saints high powered offense, even though Brady gets back two of his key receivers, the Saints will prove their dominance over a struggling Pats team.

Washington Redskins 22 – Dallas Cowboys 35

A disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos in week 5 force Tony Romo game management skills to the limit in his week 6 matchup against the Redskins. The return of Miles Austin will be an added plus to help the Cowboys get back to 500.

Indianapolis Colts 31 – San Diego Chargers 27

This Monday Night Football showdown will be a thriller on both sides of the ball, but the standout player of the evening will be Andrew Luck. Luck has become a fourth quarter game manager, very similar to Peyton Manning fourth quarter theatrics while he played in Indy. The Colts D is rising up in the ranks, and this proves to be a fatal blow for Phillip Rivers and his key receivers.  

Eye on Sports

NFL Week 5 Hot Finger Louie Top Prediction Picks

Week 5 of the NFL comes with a variety of top-notch teams that are 5-0, and several notable players are on the hot seat once again, in addition to that – several QB’s are seeking greener pastures. It has been a power packed start to the 2013 NFL season. This 2013 season has been filled with drama, misery, and speculations. Several star veteran players are on the verge of breaking a few cherished NFL records that have stood the test of time.

Buffalo Bills 24 – Cleveland Browns 27

Two teams fighting to stay above 500. Fantasy Leagues have the Browns as favorites due to the Bills QB situation.

Detroit Lions 28 – Green Bay Packers 33

The Packers are well rested coming off of a bye-week. This matchup is going to be a rough and tough game, as well as it will be a test of will for the Packers going against a shut down Lions defense. Aaron Rodgers needs to play a picture perfect game. Matthew Stafford will have to deal with a Packers defense that is mad and disgusted on how they let two games be decided by close scores.

Philadelphia Eagles 27 – New York Giants 19

The problems of the Giants offensive and defensive troubles rear their ugly head, and it will not get any better for the defending Super Bowl Champs in this week 5 matchup. Eli Manning has gotten off to a slow in each of his 4 games. The Eagles 111 yards allowed are the most in the NFL. This is a must win game for the Eagles, and a victory would help them share the division – especially if Dallas falls to the Broncos.

Kansas City Chiefs 30 – Tennessee Titans 27

There are no apparent weaknesses on offense or defense that neither team can expose to gain a win in this week 5 ferocious matchup. Alex Smith is quietly putting up a Pro Bowl season, and his leadership can be felt on the field - which translates to a perfect season thus far.

New Orleans Saints 38 – Chicago Bears 28

The Saints with Drew Brees at the helm are playing lights out football once again, and their 2013 4-0 start is no fluke. There is only one other NFL teams that previous 0-4 start of the season gone on to play in the playoffs. The Bears last week beat down loss to the Detroit Lions - made devout critics of Jay Cutler question his skill to win big games.

Baltimore Ravens 24 – Miami Dolphins 27

The Super Bowl champs are struggling both on offense and defense, and it has become quite evident that the retirement of Ray Lewis and the Ed Reed trade has made a negative impact in the win category. The Miami O and their D will help them keep on top of the AFC East division.

Jacksonville Jaguars 13 – St. Louis Rams 23

Two teams that are literally fighting for respect in the NFL, but the struggles remain the same dismal at best. It has been a most disappointing start of the season for the St. Louis Rams, and their fantasy stock is no longer valid at this point in time.

New England Patriots 31 – Cincinnati Bengals 18

The Patriots may have lost big Vince Wolford to a foot injury, but Tom Brady and his wide receiver young corp. are coming into their own. The Patriots defense is improving within each and every game they play, in addition to this means nothing but big trouble for the Bengals QB.

Seattle Seahawks 28 – Indianapolis Colts 31

Russell Wilson faces a Indy defense that game day mission is pass rush all day. Andrew Luck has similar QB skills like Russell Wilson, and he will need all of his sophomore skills to pull off a victory against a stingy Seattle D.

Carolina Panthers 24 – Arizona Cardinals 23

The Panthers are coming off a much needed rest from the bye-week, and Cam Newton will have the edge in a game the Panthers need en route to get back at 500.

Denver Broncos 41 – Dallas Cowboys 28

Too much drama in close games has kept the Cowboys at a stale 500 in the NFC East division. The Broncos are slowly but surely becoming the next greatest show on turf. Peyton Manning’s field generalship will be too much for the Dallas D to handle.

Houston Texans 22 – San Francisco 49ers 28

The 49ers overcame a disappointing loss in week 2 and 3, but would later overcome those key losses by going on to beat down the St. Louis Rams in week 4. Colin Kaepernick is taking his lumps along the way, and fantasy players will keep him a favorite in this week 5 matchup.

San Diego Chargers 31 – Oakland Raiders 19

The woeful raiders D will give Phillip Rivers the opportunity to have a pass happy air attack – despite throwing 2 costly interceptions.

New York Jets 28 – Atlanta Falcons 31

The Jets D will rise to the occasion and keep the game very close, but Gino Smith 2 rookie interceptions will be in favor of an Atlanta Falcons much needed win. Fantasy players put down Gino Smith this week and rise up Matt Ryan on their 3^rd tier level.

A magnificent game for Tony Romo through 3 quarters turned into an early Halloween nightmare - as the Dallas QB threw a costly interception in the 4th quarter. The talk of the town in Dallas will continue about Tony Romo's very bad 4th quarter judgment on losing big games. With one minute and 49 seconds left in the game, and no time outs gave Peyton Manning the opportunity to run down the clock, and with 2 seconds remaining, Matt Prater kicked a game winning field goal. It was a painful loss for the Dallas Cowboys, and the 51 - 48 loss to the Broncos is a game that Tony Romo would rather not remember.
 Peyback Foundation

Week 3 NFL Hot Quick Pick: Oakland Raiders 19 – Denver Broncos 38

If you are a last minute NFL quick pick fantasy player like I am, then this is a must week 3 quick pick posts that will make many fantasy players proud.

If Peyton Manning stays healthy for the remainder of the 2013 NFL season, he may have the opportunity to break a couple of NFL records that will set a new standard in the NFL.

Many fantasy players know this game is all about what Peyton Manning brings to the Broncos table, and it is an undeniable fact that the acquisition of Manning has given the Broncos the edge in a competitive AFC West Division.

The Raiders defense without Von Miller and Champ Bailey is still clicking on 6 cylinder overdrive. There are two bright spots that many Indianapolis Colts fans remember when Peyton was a Colt; his uncanny knack to tear down a defense, and know when to hand the ball off in key situations of duress.

My prediction is that Wes Welker will have another standout game, and his 2 TD scores will help seal a Bronco victory.

I’m going out on a limb to predict that Peyton Manning will throw 5 TD passes, have 1 INT, complete 32 out of 45 passes, and have a 99.9 QB rating. If Peyton is able to throw 3 TD passes in this game against the Raiders, it will set a new NFL record.

Another key to a victory for the Broncos will fall on the shoulders of their young Tight End Julius Thomas. The Broncos Tight End knows the importance of defeating the Raiders - in a game that means more to the Broncos from a division standing.

Even though the Broncos got off to a sluggish start in the beginning first 3 games, this game will prove to be a work in progress as the Broncos improve on their first half scoring percentage.

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Hot Finger Louie Week 2 NFL Predictions

Cleveland Browns 14 – Baltimore Ravens 21

Joe Flacco has a brand new baby boy, and with their heartbreaking loss to the Broncos last week, the Ravens defense and Flacco’s air attack will be much too much for the baby Browns to handle.

Minnesota Vikings 31 – Chicago Bears 28

Another big game for Adrian Peterson and the offense will do a better job at protecting Christian Ponder.

St. Louis Rams 27 – Atlanta Falcons 34

The Atlanta Falcons home game will be a must needed win to keep pace with their NFC rival – the New Orleans Saints.

Miami Dolphins 24 – Indianapolis Colts 27

This will be a hard fought battle on both defense and offense for both teams, and a key turnover in the game will help Indianapolis get their second victory of the season.

Dallas Cowboys 33 – Kansas City Chiefs 20

First year Coach Andy Reid play calling will not be enough fire power to help defeat Tony Romo no huddle high powered offense. Dallas will incorporate more no huddle plays designed this week for the sneaky Kansas City defense.

Tennessee Titans 20 – Houston Texans 29

Jake Locker will have success in the 1^st half of the game, but the QB will be contained by a stout Texans Defense. Matt Schaub will have a better 1^st half, and will manage the game in the 2^nd half to help the Titans keep pace with the AFC South Division.

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Carolina Panthers 24 – Buffalo Bills 20

A must need win for the Panthers.

San Diego Chargers 24 – Philadelphia Eagles 35

This will be a close game in the 1^st half, but the Eagles new high powered offense of Coach Chip Kelly will wear down the Chargers defense in the 2^nd half.

Washington Redskins 26 – Green Bay Packers 31

RG3 dust off his sluggish 1^st game against the Eagles to make it a competitive close game, but the skill set of Aaron Rodgers will help the Packers get their 1^st win of the season.

Detroit Lions 24 – Arizona Cardinals 17

Matthew Stafford versus Carson Palmer proves to be too much to handle – as the Lions get their second win of the season. The NFC North will be one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL this season.

New Orleans Saints 33 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17

The Saints will dominate this game both on offense and defense.

Denver Broncos 38 – New York Giants 31

This game will be the third time the Manning brother face off, and this may turn out to be another great shootout. Peyton will have another great game to help the Broncos remain a favorite in the AFC West.

Jacksonville Jaguars 19 – Oakland Raiders 17

Two teams with a not so bright future for the 2013 season, but the Jaguars offense will help gain a victory over the sluggish Oakland defense.

San Francisco 49ers 34 – Seattle Seahawks 28

Colin Kaepernick brings excitement and new energy to the San Francisco team, and Russell Wilson does the same for the Seahawks. Both teams are evenly matched on both offense and defense. Russell Wilson’s interception turnover – leading to a touchdown will seal their fate in losing to their NFC rival.

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Tim Tebow vs. the NFL: Top 10 Reasons Tebow will never be an NFL QB

The drama and debate about Tim Tebow’s current decision to opt out of the Patriots organization probably will be a very bad move pertaining to his learning curve as an NFL QB. Tebow has without the shadow of a doubt has squandered away an opportunity to play with one of the best teams in the NFL, and he may have ruined his chance of ever becoming a first string QB in the ranks of the NFL.

Tim Tebow may not fully become conscious that he lacks the skill to be converted into a starting quarterback in the NFL, until teams no longer accept his offers at the QB position. Tim Tebow does not have the skill set to be an NFL QB, and he will never be a starting QB in the NFL for a prolonged period of time. My top 10 reasons why Tim Tebow is not an NFL QB is based on his prior performances, and a 10 step analysis on why he should reconsider playing football in the NFL.

#1 Tim Tebow under pressure; bad decisions lead to bad throws, and this is where Tebow has not improved or impressed other NFL teams to give him the opportunity to play quarterback in the NFL.

#2 Given the opportunity Tebow has not proven to be a reliable QB under pressure that is why Coach Belichick decided not to invest time in trying to improve on something that is not there. This may be one of the harshest realities for Tebow to consider.

#3 Time is running out for Tebow. Even though Tim Tebow is twenty five years old, his biological clock to play in the NFL is winding down.

#4 Tebow is not the only NFL player who has been slighted to play another position besides what they were groomed for. Tebow should have felt privileged that the Patriots organization chose him to play for a team that had so much to offer. Tebow blown opportunity may have cost him one of the best opportunities of his life; simply put, learning from Tom Brady, one of the greatest QB’s to play the game today.

#5 What Tebow should have learned from other QB’s who have had little to no success in the NFL. Tim Tebow will not be the last quarterback who had an opportunity to switch positions for the better good of their NFL career.

#6 Quarterback efficiency means success in the NFL. Can Tim Tebow look himself in the mirror and honestly feel that he can be a successful QB in the NFL?

#7 Size does matter in the NFL, and despite Tebow’s dream to play quarterback, his size suggest he would be a better fit at the running back or tail back position.

#8 NFL coaches know best, and after reviewing Tebow’s quarterback skills, only a team in desperation will let Tebow play at the QB position in 2013, even that option would be no guarantee for an extended period of time.

#9 Durability in the NFL equals success. Tebow’s unpredictable style of play invites the fate of injury - that places him on a short list as first string QB nominees. Tebow should consider playing in the Arena Football League for a year or two at the quarterback position. Change may be just what Tebow needs to reevaluate his quarterback skills, and if his faith in God is as he says it is, then just maybe he will accept what God has in store for his NFL future.

#10 What does the future hold for Tim Tebow? There may come a time this season when Tim Tebow has the opportunity to play at the quarterback position, but the reality remains, Tebow will never be an NFL QB.

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Hot Finger Louie Week 1 Sports Pick: Broncos 31 - Ravens 24

There is only one thing in the back of Peyton Manning’s mind; the taste of revenge for losing to the Ravens last season playoff game at Mile High Stadium. As the Denver Broncos host the Baltimore Ravens in Thursday night’s super season opener, the majority of fantasy odd makers have Denver as 8.5 favorites over the Ravens.

The two key elements in this game will depend on how well Manning can have success on third down conversions, and if the Broncos can muster up a running game that will confuse the Ravens defense. The acquisition of Wes Welker helps in Peyton Manning’s air attack, and this may be a breakout game for Welker in his first game as a Bronco.

Even though The Ravens no longer have the supporting cast of Anquan Boldin and Ed Reed, Joe Flacco does have some young receiving corps that will make this a closer game than first anticipated by fantasy players. According to six out of eight CBS sports analyst have predicted the Broncos to win.

My prediction analysis leans towards Peyton Manning throwing 4 touchdowns, in comparison to Joe Flacco’s 3 touchdowns. This will be an interesting match up – as Dallas Clark faces his former QB from the glorious Colts era. Both teams have something to prove, but the Broncos want nothing more than to open the season with a win.  

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