These are the types of games that really sting the most. Its easier to take the Super Bowl blowouts because in the end you just knew you were over matched and overpowered. But these types, like in 96' vs the Jags it just kind of leaves you thinking "what the **** just happened"? It makes you walk around in a daze for a day or two like a zombie hoping that what you just saw wasnt real. I guess in hindsight you kind of understand what it was like for opponents who watched Elway do all the crazy things he did as a player.
I know that the officiating was truly bad, for both teams last night and it played a role throughout the course of the game. But we were still in it with many many chances to right the ship or come through. I know this team is still young in a lot of areas and most of all i knew we would have to play perfect football and not get sloppy with it in order to win. Sadly, that didnt happen although im quite surprised that we were not only outplayed but out coached as badly as we were. This isnt just about McCoy, Fox and Del Rio share equally the amount of blame as the defense looked utterly lost out there on any given play.
Offensively, we were predictable and only tried to stretch the field once that i can remember. Sure, we more than eclipsed my expectations for the season and for that i am happy. But, as i said last night these opportunities dont come by very often. Obviously, we could see a similiar repeat of what we saw after the 96' game but the reality is that team was much different and built much differently than what we have here. My greatest problem with this game at this point is just how lost the entire team seemed. If not for Holliday we may have even been blown out of the building.
While the postseason history of Manning does make one raise their eyebrows it isnt nearly a concern that it is that i have for Fox. Mainly because two of the turnovers Peyton had "technically" shouldnt of been. While at this time i dont see anyone (available) that would be a better replacement i do kind of feel that we have our own "Shotty or Norv" here with this coach. This is the same guy not too long ago that allowed a Cardinal team to go into Carolina and wax them when they were heavy favorites at that time.
In the end, its football and not the end of the world. As with many of you ive seen and experienced far worse. Maybe im not nearly as devastated because of that experience or because my greatest concern at that time was seeing John finally get his ring after so many disappointments. But I dont have nearly the same invested in Champ or Manning (emotionally) despite my want and desire to see Denver keep winning championships because they are my favorite team. My only hope in all this is that John while running the team will continue to make the moves necessary whether through the draft or in free agency to get this team in a position to at least get one championship before Manning retires. Because deep down he has to know how difficult it is to get back what we eventually gave up yesterday.
Been a Bronco fan for 30 years, its not going to change regardless of what happened yesterday. For those who said we were "disallusioned" by the thoughts of being a Super Bowl contender you can shove it up your ass. No, its not disalllusion at all. We've all seen it when this team plays to its capabilities they can contend and beat ANYONE. That team didnt show up yesterday and it cost them but they certainly had the ability and chance to be in the Super Bowl had they maintained their focus as a team. There was no illusion about that whatsoever. But in the end, both as team and as fans you regroup and hope that 2013 (just like 1997) has a better outcome.
GO BRONCOS!