In depth 2013: Denver Broncos

by | Apr 19, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

The Denver Broncos got off to a slow start in 2012 as Peyton Manning shook off the rust associated with a year away from the game. But when he got back on track with his new teammates in the Rocky Mountain region, he took off on one of his all-time best seasons.

Denver went 13-3, securing home field advantage in the playoffs before succumbing in overtime to an emotionally-charged Baltimore Ravens team.

The offseason has included the high profile defection of linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who took off for Baltimore after a confusing contract snafu left him a free agent. But Ian Henson, a writer with the Mile High Report, says the additions of Wes Welker, Louis Vasquez and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie ensure that this team will continue being a force to be reckoned with in 2013.

Zoneblitz: The 2012 regular season led to Denver being the top seed overall in the AFC but the season ended early with a comeback loss to Baltimore. How would you assess the season as a whole? (more…)

NFL Picks, 2012 Season, Week 15

by | Dec 13, 2012 | 2012 season, NFL Picks

The sense heading into the 2012 season was that if Peyton Manning could come back to anything resembling his earlier years, the Denver Broncos would be in position to have a pretty good season.

Manning has answered any doubters he may have had to the tune of 3,800 yards and 30 touchdowns heading into week 15. And the Broncos have won eight in a row, running away with a division that in recent years often has been won by whatever team can reach eight or nine wins for the season.

Kim Constantinesco, senior editor of Predominantly Orange, thinks the best is yet to come.

“When all three phases are playing well, this is undoubtedly the best team in the NFL,” she says. “If everyone stays healthy and takes care of business, the Broncos team is Super Bowl bound.”

I’m not sure the separation is that great yet. New England is playing well and, when on its game, Houston can play with anyone. But the Broncos are right in the mix to be playing for the town’s first title since John Elway retired.

Constantinesco joined Zoneblitz as our guest blogger for week 15. She follows Greg Cowan, managing editor and senior writer with Colts Authority. I’m not sure we’ll be inviting him back again – Cowan destroyed both of us by going 11-5. Andy was a brutal 6-10 and Tony finished a paltry 8-8. Tony maintains the lead as we head into the final three weeks of the season.

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NFL Picks, 2012 Season, Week 13

by | Nov 28, 2012 | 2012 season, NFL Picks

In what should surprise nobody, the NFL Network just reported that the San Francisco 49ers will start Colin Kaepernick this weekend against the St. Louis Rams. Kaepernick’s passing numbers haven’t been overwhelming in the two games he has started since Alex Smith suffered his concussion. But he’s unquestionably jolted an already strong team into another gear.

Smith has developed into a very solid quarterback and he really doesn’t deserve yet another downside to a career that got off to a slow start, in part due to coaching and system changes. But keeping the athletic Kaepernick in the lineup makes all the sense in the world, agrees Steve Spooner, team editor at 49ers Gab.

“The 49ers are making the right move by sticking with Kaepernick,” he says. “He has the hot hand right now and has added an extra spark to the offense.”

Spooner joined Zoneblitz.com as guest picker for week 13. He follows Richard Hill from Pats Pulpit, who went 9-7 in week 12. It was a tough week with a couple of real upsets and a bunch more close calls. Tony and Andy both went 10-6, leaving Tony with a three-game lead for the season.

Week 12 Season
Tony 10-6 115-60-1
Andy 10-6 112-63-1
Celebrity Bloggers 9-7 109-66-1

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