Denver Native (Carol)
01-17-2015, 10:01 PM
John Elway didn't want this audience in November, standing in front of players and coaches after an ugly loss to the New England Patriots.
From the moment the Broncos collapsed in the Super Bowl nearly a year ago, unable to offer resistance against the Seattle Seahawks, Elway went about assembling a roster he believed was capable of snarling in big games.
Then came Denver's road game against New England on Nov. 2.
The Broncos trailed 27-7 at halftime before falling 43-21. They were embarrassed in a matchup to determine early AFC supremacy, if not home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Elway didn't like what he saw. He addressed the coaches and players the following week. He demanded better, telling them he wanted a greater sense of urgency and a tougher attitude.
That the message came from Elway and not coach John Fox foreshadowed the upheaval after the Broncos' 24-13 playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday that led to Elway parting ways with Fox.
Multiple players said they enjoyed playing for Fox, but they conceded that he never made them feel uncomfortable. That was in stark contrast to Elway's raw assessment of the team. He criticized the team's "lack of fire," and lamented that the Broncos didn't "go out kicking and screaming."
rest - http://www.dailycamera.com/top-sports/ci_27342107/john-elway-remains-excited-about-broncos-next-step
From the moment the Broncos collapsed in the Super Bowl nearly a year ago, unable to offer resistance against the Seattle Seahawks, Elway went about assembling a roster he believed was capable of snarling in big games.
Then came Denver's road game against New England on Nov. 2.
The Broncos trailed 27-7 at halftime before falling 43-21. They were embarrassed in a matchup to determine early AFC supremacy, if not home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Elway didn't like what he saw. He addressed the coaches and players the following week. He demanded better, telling them he wanted a greater sense of urgency and a tougher attitude.
That the message came from Elway and not coach John Fox foreshadowed the upheaval after the Broncos' 24-13 playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday that led to Elway parting ways with Fox.
Multiple players said they enjoyed playing for Fox, but they conceded that he never made them feel uncomfortable. That was in stark contrast to Elway's raw assessment of the team. He criticized the team's "lack of fire," and lamented that the Broncos didn't "go out kicking and screaming."
rest - http://www.dailycamera.com/top-sports/ci_27342107/john-elway-remains-excited-about-broncos-next-step