Lonestar
09-16-2010, 03:52 PM
McDaniels wants Broncos to earn home-field advantage in opener
Denver Broncos cornernback Syd-Quan Thompson interacts with fans during a preseason game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
Given the Broncos' struggles late last season, coach Josh McDaniels doesn't expect Denver fans to automatically create a hostile environment for the visiting Seattle Seahawks in his team's home opener. He wants his players to that earn home-field advantage.
"When we play well early at home it's a huge advantage, certainly, and we're going to always focus on trying to get off to a great start and giving our fans a great deal of energy and helping them become a major factor in the game, because that's what they were in a lot of our wins last year," McDaniels said this morning.
The Broncos finished 4-4 at home last season after starting 3-0. They lost their final two home games by a combined score of 64-43, including an unsightly 44-24 setback to the Kansas City Chiefs in the season finale.
"We know the people will show up and give us the great support that they always do, but we have play well early, continue to play well, and then I think the advantage will be decidedly in our favor," McDaniels said.
Maroney recovering. Newly acquired running back Laurence Maroney, who was obtained from the New England Patriots on Tuesday, did not practice Wednesday because of a thigh injury.
It was rumored that Maroney's trade wasn't finalized, but McDaniels said he didn't practice because the former first-round draft pick from the University of Minnesota isn't healthy.
"He just has a thigh (injury)," McDaniels said. "When he's ready to roll we'll put him out there and get him going."
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Read more: McDaniels wants Broncos to earn home-field advantage in opener - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_16092300?source=rsssimplepiebroncos#ixzz0zjC4am Vp
Denver Broncos cornernback Syd-Quan Thompson interacts with fans during a preseason game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
Given the Broncos' struggles late last season, coach Josh McDaniels doesn't expect Denver fans to automatically create a hostile environment for the visiting Seattle Seahawks in his team's home opener. He wants his players to that earn home-field advantage.
"When we play well early at home it's a huge advantage, certainly, and we're going to always focus on trying to get off to a great start and giving our fans a great deal of energy and helping them become a major factor in the game, because that's what they were in a lot of our wins last year," McDaniels said this morning.
The Broncos finished 4-4 at home last season after starting 3-0. They lost their final two home games by a combined score of 64-43, including an unsightly 44-24 setback to the Kansas City Chiefs in the season finale.
"We know the people will show up and give us the great support that they always do, but we have play well early, continue to play well, and then I think the advantage will be decidedly in our favor," McDaniels said.
Maroney recovering. Newly acquired running back Laurence Maroney, who was obtained from the New England Patriots on Tuesday, did not practice Wednesday because of a thigh injury.
It was rumored that Maroney's trade wasn't finalized, but McDaniels said he didn't practice because the former first-round draft pick from the University of Minnesota isn't healthy.
"He just has a thigh (injury)," McDaniels said. "When he's ready to roll we'll put him out there and get him going."
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Read more: McDaniels wants Broncos to earn home-field advantage in opener - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_16092300?source=rsssimplepiebroncos#ixzz0zjC4am Vp