I got some really nice things for Christmas. Some cool video games, some fun Batman stuff, and some other cool toys. However, that distracted me from getting to our Madden 10 sim on time. Still, when I did finally get around to it, I was reminded of one that that I would really like for Christmas that I haven’t received; some solid play by the Broncos and a couple more wins. Maybe because I was so relaxed and rested, but whatever the reason I was in the zone running the Broncos on Madden 10 this week. Both the offense and the defense were clicking and they looked like a team ready for the playoffs. If only the real Broncos would do the same. Orton threw 18 of 21 for 197 yards and 3 TDs. He also threw one interception that led to an Eagles TD; their only score of the game by the way. Meanwhile, Moreno had 82 yards on 21 carries and 1 TD, plus he also had 32 yards receiving. Buckhalter contributed an extra 10 yards on 2 carries. Marshall picked up 80 yards on just 4 catches and he also had 2 TDs. You see what I mean? This is the way the Broncos need to play in December. This is what I really want for Christmas. Will I get it? I hope so, but I don’t have my hopes up too high.
[Update] The Broncos almost had me believing in Christmas miracles…almost. They came storming back from seventeen points down only to bobble things once again and lose by three. Whereas the Eagles had their way with Denver in the first half, the Broncos suddenly seemed to realize their playoff hopes were on the line here and the rallied to the cause. Orton threw for 27 of 41 for 189 yards, 3 TDs and and 1 INT. Moreno had 18 yards on 9 carries while Buckhalter had 42 yards on 5 carries, and I think it’s this lack of a running game that really hurt Denver in the long run (no pun intended). Meanwhile, the Denver D was able to cause turnovers and keep Philly out of the end zone the entire second half, but once again depsite being on the positive side of the turnover battle, the Broncos just couldn’t finish off the game and lost 27-30.
So once again the Broncos have relinquished control of the playoffs. Just as last season when all they needed was one win to clinch the division, the Broncos only needed a couple wins these past few games to get a wild card. Now, not only do they have to win, but they have to rely on other teams lose. Yeah, the Broncos started 6-0, so what? Down the stretch they’ve shown what kind of team they really are, and it isn’t a big of an improvement as we were led to believe early in the season. Now it all comes down to what happens next week. Will Broncopalooza continue into the post season? It’d be pretty wild if it did, but then, that’s what this whole season has been; one wild ride.
