Raiders’ backup QB Marcus Mariota to regularly feature in playoff push

The Las Vegas Raiders’ thrilling road victory in Dallas on Thanksgiving was a thing of beauty for most on a day of celebration. Quarterback Derek Carr was instrumental in the victory, while his backup Marcus Mariota also had a hand in the Raiders’ 36-33 win.

The former Tennessee signal-caller has been called upon throughout the season to mix up Vegas’ offensive schemes and it’s fair to say Mariota has been effective. The 28-year-old scored a pivotal rushing touchdown on Thanksgiving, putting the Raiders up 23-13 at Jerry World.

MARCUS MARIOTA TAKES IT HIMSELF! #RaiderNation

📺: #LVvsDAL on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/IIj0YevjSL

— NFL (@NFL) November 25, 2021

Sitting at 6-5, just outside the wildcard spots, Las Vegas will continue to use Mariota, according to interim head coach Rich Bisaccia.

“I think you saw [offensive coordinator] Greg [Olson] do a great job of this week, we had him in there multiple times and he ends up scoring a touchdown for us because of his athletic ability and what he can do in certain situations, but certainly what we are asking him to do,” Bisaccia told Vegas media on Monday. “Without giving too much away, I think he is hopefully going to be a part of the packages as we go forward. He practices like he’s preparing to play all the time. And the other thing is, it’s really hard to take No. 4 (Derek Carr) out from behind the center as well, especially if he’s playing the way he played on Thanksgiving Day.”

Some quarterbacks can become frustrated when snaps are taken away from them, though Mariota’s fellow quarterback Derek Carr isn’t most QBs. The Fresno State product is known as a standup teammate and Bisaccia echoed those sentiments Monday.

“I think on the touchdown, you saw Derek might have been the first or second guy out there to congratulate him. So, I think Derek is about the team,” he said. “Derek is about doing whatever we can do to put ourselves in position to win a game. I think you see it by the way in which he prepares, by the way in which he plays, and they certainly have a professional relationship with respect to each other’s job and what they are trying to do to help us win.

“So, I don’t feel like that’s an issue in any way. I just feel like they are certainly competitors, but I certainly think they want to do whatever they can do to help us win games.”

The Raiders, Carr and Mariota will get an opportunity to show what they can scheme when Washington arrive in Sin City on Sunday.

Fangio: This is the best Broncos team since Super Bowl 50

Broncos Country is on a high, and rightly so. It seems their head coach is also feeling pretty good ahead of Denver's Sunday night matchup against Kansas City.

The 6-5 Broncos have won two of their past three games and most recently took care of the Los Angeles Chargers in commanding fashion. It has been a rollercoaster season for the Broncos--losing Von Miller via trade, the highs of beating the Cowboys and Chargers, to the lows of losing to Las Vegas, Cleveland and Philadelphia particularly.

The truth is Sunday night could bring a euphoria not seen in Denver since Super Bowl 50, or it could quite equally be another false dawn. Broncos fans have seen plenty of those throughout the years and indeed this season too.

Fangio: This Is Our Best Team Since 2015

Fangio has been under immense pressure at various stages throughout the Broncos' 2021 campaign but his belief in the squad has never wavered. Now, with the biggest game of the past six seasons on the horizon, he believes they can break the Kansas City curse.

The Broncos have not beaten the 2020 Super Bowl champs in any of their past 11 games. Incredibly, the last Denver victory against the Chiefs was September 17, 2015 -- before their Super Bowl 50 success. Despite history well and truly residing with the Chiefs, Fangio is sure his team can overturn the tide.

“We’re better than the recent Broncos teams," Fangio told reporters, November 29. "Even the ones before I got here since the 2014 or ‘15 [season]—whenever it was. We’ve got a better team.”

Perhaps this team is better than its previous iterations, though the current Broncos are certainly in better shape than early on in the season. Much has to do with crafty work from general manager George Paton, bringing in the likes of linebacker Kenny Young from Los Angeles.

“He’s bought in from the first day I met him since he got here," Fangio said of the 26-year-old. "I mean I’m sure he was disappointed with the trade. It just upsets your daily lifestyle. You’ve got to move, this and that. I know he has a dog. He didn’t bring the dog with him, so he’s been lonely. He’s been good since he got here with trying to buy in and trying to do [well].”

Young has impressed since arriving in Denver, amassing 18 tackles, nine solo, across his four-game career in orange and blue. "He’s a very energetic guy," Fangio revealed. "He plays hard, plays fast. He likes football, likes contact, and he’s been a really good addition.”

Chiefs Are Back to Their Old Selves

Broncos fans may feel aggrieved for not getting a chance to play Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs earlier in the season during their apparent Super Bowl hangover. Now, they're a much different prospect, as the Broncos' head coach attested to.

“You’ve got to come out and play," Fangio said. "Obviously with who we’re playing this week, they know that. I didn’t get to see the Chiefs earlier in the season when they had some struggles, but they’re back to being the Chiefs again.

"It’s like you guys always ask me in May when the schedule comes out and you make these this, that, and the other. The answer I give every year [is] it depends when you play them, how they’re playing, who are they missing, who are you missing, and what kind of stretch are they going through? They’re back to being themselves now.”

If the Denver defense can replicate its suffocating performance against Los Angeles, then Mahomes and co. may return to the inconsistent Chiefs of September and October.

Broncos Country can only hope.

Mark Schlereth hopes ‘Garbage’ Broncos change it up vs. Chargers

Coming off their bye week, the Denver Broncos may be rested, but they'll also have to be ready. Division rival Los Angeles Chargers come to town Sunday as they look to continue their postseason push. A win would simultaneously end the Broncos' 2021 relevancy.

If Denver's season is to meaningfully continue beyond Week 12, Vic Fangio's men will need to revert to tactics which served them well against the similarly high-powered Dallas Cowboys offense. The Broncos' stunned the 'Boys in Arlington, 30-16, behind a brutal running attack and heavy pass rush. Rookie Javonte Williams and veteran back Melvin Gordon crushed the Cowboys on the ground, running all over them for 190 rushing yards, while dominating time of possession (41 to 19 mins).

Schlereth: Broncos Are Too Often Garbage

Former Super Bowl winning Bronco and Fox Sports Analyst, Mark Schlereth, believes the Broncos need to pound the rock if they're to stand a chance on Sunday. Though he has his concerns as to how plausible that will be with Pat Shurmur at the helm.

"This offensive staff, this offensive coordinator (Pat Shurmur) cannot wait to quit running the ball," Schlereth said on 104.3 The Fan, Nov 24. "So what do you have to do as players? You have to be successful on every run, otherwise you're not going to get to run the ball, because your coach won't allow it, and your head coach won't hold him accountable. Those are the things I look at that have to happen for the Broncos to be successful. Do I have faith? Not much. Could it happen? It might."

Broncos Country have been led on a rollercoaster this season with dominating wins over the Giants, Jets, Jaguars and Cowboys providing hope. Though they have equally let themselves down in far too many games this season. Schlereth certainly agrees, hammering the game-planning put together by Shurmur and head coach Vic Fangio.

"Every now and again, you'll fall into something where you're running the ball really well and don't get out of it, and you win a game against the Dallas Cowboys. And everybody's really excited about it, and then the next week you fall right back into the rhythm of 'Oh well, guess what. This didn't work very well so let's just get back to doing what we do--which is garbage."

Denver Must Shut Down Chargers' Offensive Weapons

Feeding Javonte Williams may be critical to Denver's first home win since October 21, but stopping L.A. quarterback Justin Herbert and his arsenal is equally crucial. Schlereth was effusive in his praise of the Chargers' weaponry which will look to ensure the Broncos are embarrassed at home again.

"On the offensive side they've got several elite players that you have to contend with," Schlereth said. "Obviously Herbert has been unbelievable and he was great last weekend. [Running back Austin] Ekeler is a phenomenal player [and] to me the guy we've always had trouble with--who's one of the most underrated players in the league, regardless of position--is Keenan Allen. You're talking about three big-time weapons right there alone.

Keenan Allen isn't the only wideout they'll have to contend with. Young stud Mike Williams has come on in leaps and bounds, including the game-winning touchdown against Pittsburgh on Sunday night.

"[Wide receiver] Mike Williams is starting to play better. You're going to have find a way to shut those weapons down, to shut that offense down and to limit them to a degree. Also Slater, the kid they drafted at left tackle, is an elite player. The key is shutting them down and obviously the key we talk about all the time--not falling out of balance. Playing with a lead and not allowing yourself to fall out of that balance.

Easier said than done, but Schlereth is right. For the Broncos to have any chance they'll need a great rushing and defensive performance.

George Paton Reveals WR Deals Aren’t Ploy For Elite QB

With the Denver Broncos sitting at 5-5 heading into the bye, exasperation reigned among the fanbase.

Though the feel-good factor is back at Englewood with news that would warm even the coldest of hearts. Fan-favorite wideouts Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick both signed long-term extensions this week, universally lifting the spirits of Broncos Country.

Teddy's Not on Thin Ice Just Yet

Broncos' General Manager George Paton was also thrilled to have tied up two of his team's best performers through 10 weeks of football. It is a significant statement from Paton, who is now well and truly putting his own stamp on a franchise in transition. With Jerry Jeudy, Sutton and Patrick now locked in for the long haul, some have suggested Paton is setting the table for a top-tier quarterback to seat themselves at Mile High.

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Seattle signal-caller Russell Wilson would undoubtedly propel the Broncos toward contention, though Paton shut down any suggestion of the deals implying they were preparing to jump into the quarterback market.

“No," Paton told local media on November 22. "We’re just trying to get better as a football team and win games. These guys help us win football games. You can’t have enough weapons and now we have two really good ones. We have three with [WR Jerry] Jeudy, and then some younger guys with [WR Kendall] Hinton, so we like where [we are] at that position.”

With Jeudy currently in the second of his four-year rookie deal, alongside Sutton and Patrick's four and three-year extensions respectively, the Broncos have one of the deepest and most talented receiving corps. Critically, their best is seemingly yet to come.

“What I really like about it is we have—they’re all a little different," Paton said. "Courtland has speed, he’s big, and he’s physical. Tim can do a little bit of everything. He’ll do the dirty work, run after [the] catch, and he can also run. Then you have Jeudy who can really separate as a route runner. Master route runner, and then [KJ] Hamler can just take the top off, and you can see we miss that a little bit.

"We’re without Hamler, and [we were] without Jeudy, but I really like the receiving group. Even  Kendall Hinton’s making big plays. He’s really come on, another testament to [Wide Receiver Coach] Zach Azzanni for developing these players. We’ve got some young guys we like who aren’t playing so we like the group as a whole.”

Paton: Broncos Have Huge Cap Flexibility

Despite their obvious talent at the skill position, the Broncos have struggled to explode on offense. Admittedly, they have feasted on some of the NFL's more insipid outfits, yet the cornerstone of their offense has been winning the time of possession battle and utilizing dynamic running backs, Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams.

Paton explained just why he believes this offense has yet to set the world on fire through the air, despite the obvious outside weaponry.

“I mean, there’s a number of things," he said. "You can look at the injuries we’ve had as a whole and again, I hate to talk about injuries because that’s not an excuse every team has them. We haven’t had all the guys together in many games. I think we lost [WR Jerry] Jeudy the first game, and [WR KJ] Hamler maybe the third game. Just keeping all our guys—we lost three linemen I think against Dallas, but that’s part of football. That’s part of the NFL. It’s not an excuse. When we’re clicking, we’re pretty good. We just haven’t clicked enough.”

Despite the big-money deals, Paton revealed the Broncos still have plenty of cap room to make the necessary moves to take Denver back toward its former glories.

"We have the resources to do whatever we want. Moving forward we’re going to have a lot of cap room and we’re going to have cash. We have 11 draft picks, so we have a lot of flexibility and I always talk about flexibility, but we do. We do have a lot of flexibility moving forward and we locked up two of our primary free agents.”

Patrick and Sutton will be cornerstones of the Paton era in Denver and if one thing is for sure, the gunslinging GM isn't going to die wondering as he tries to build the Broncos back up.

Teddy Bridgewater Reveals Disgust at His ‘Unacceptable’ Play

Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater put himself on centerstage, both Sunday and Monday. His game-day action--or lack thereof--caused viral outrage and not just from Broncos Country.

After Denver running back Melvin Gordon fumbled with the Eagles ahead 20-13, Bridgewater had an opportunity to tackle end zone-bound cornerback Darius Slay but chose to make a business--some would say cowardly--decision.

Bridgewater: My Effort Was 'Unacceptable'

Incredibly, the Broncos did not score again after Slay's play of the game. The loss itself was infuriating enough without Bridgewater's absence of physicality. His apathy to make a tackle was obvious for the world to see, including his embattled head coach.

"Coach [Vic Fangio] pointed out that my effort had to be better there," Bridgewater told reporters, Nov. 15. "I totally agree. That’s not the type of tape that I want to put out there. It’s one of those situations where you get pissed after you watch it because you know how much this game means to you. Guys are out there trying to make a play. You feel like you have a little help running towards the sideline and you try to force a cut back.

"In real time, it feels like everything is happening fast—let’s force a cutback. But when you slow it down, it’s like, ‘Man, just give more effort.’ You watch it and you walk away from it pissed at yourself. Credit Slay—he made a great play also. It’s one of those deals where we have guys that were trying to make the tackle. I just needed to lay it all out for the guys in that moment.”

The cold reality is he didn't. That can't be taken away, no matter how confused and off-guard Bridgewater may have been. He initially thought Gordon was down, expecting a whistle to be blown--bringing a halt to the runback. Unfortunately for all in orange and blue that wasn't the case.

“It kind of caught me by surprise, but at the same time, I’m right there [with an] opportunity to just dive, sacrifice and do whatever I can to help the team in that moment. I failed and I own up to it. It’s unacceptable as a football player and as a member of his team. You play this game and you lay it all on the line every week. That’s one of those moments where I just have to accept the fact that I didn’t give everything I had in me on that play. I understand that there’s going to be some backlash that comes with it."

Despite suggestions the play summed up the Broncos' season and more specifically, confirmed doubts in Bridgewater being 'the guy', he says otherwise.

"It doesn’t define me as a man and as a football player," Bridgewater told Denver media. "We get this bye week to get some time and just reflect and embrace the good, accept the bad, embrace the bad, and just move forward. We can’t let Sunday’s performance linger. We can’t let that determine the outcome of the rest of the season.”

Fangio & Teammates Call Out Bridgewater's Effort

Understandably, teammates had words with the Broncos' starting quarterback. Quitting on a play which proved so vital in the context of the game was bound to have an effect on the locker room.

“Yeah. Guys have talked to me about the play," Bridgewater admitted. "I won’t share what we talked about, but it was great that coach called it out in the team meeting. We talk about holding each other accountable. That’s a moment right there where I’m not going to sink in my chair or feel bad that coach called me out. I take full ownership in what happened. Coach called me out and I hold myself accountable. We all have a standard that we live by around here. I’m happy coached called me out to show, ‘Hey, man. We need more out of you right here.’ It happened.”

As for his overall toughness, Bridgewater doesn't believe that should be brought into question. Notwithstanding the critics he will not questioned his own character. For the 28-year-old, grit goes well beyond the gridiron.

“I’m not worried about my toughness being questioned," he said. "I know how tough I am physically, mentally. I know how tough I am physically and mentally through what I’ve gone through in life. Nothing compares to some of the things I’ve gone through in life. I’m not worried about my toughness being questioned. We have a tough group of men here on this football team. I don’t question their toughness either.

After Cowboys Upset, Broncos’ Future Looks Bright Without Miller

Vic Fangio's Denver Broncos produced the greatest performance of his era against all odds in Week 9. With Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott back after a week's absence and Von Miller being traded to Los Angeles, all seemed lost as the Broncos traveled to Jerry World. Yet they had other ideas.

Unforeseen Fangio Brilliance

Before Dallas piled on some garbage time points, Denver led 30-0 in the fourth. In no way did the score flatter the road team. Despite his own modesty, this was a showing which firmly enhanced Vic Fangio's reputation as a defensive mastermind.

Denver's defense held Prescott to the single-lowest completion percentage (35.7%) of his career during the opening half. Throughout his six years in the league, Prescott had never been so inaccurate through two quarters -- finishing 5-of-14 for 75 and 0 touchdowns, as the Broncos led 16-0 at half. Denver's ability to create pressure and remain robust in the backend proved critical. Incredibly, Pat Surtain II, Kyle Fuller and Justin Simmons allowed just one reception combined across 101 coverage snaps.

Fangio refused to single out any specific unit on his defense, choosing to praise the entire group which pitched a shutout until the fourth quarter.

“Those guys had the right mindset, which you have to when you’re playing against an offense that is that good," Fangio told reporters postgame. "I mean, they were ranked in the top three in damn near every category that there was. I don’t remember seeing such a good offense that was balanced like they were, watching them all week.

"And for us to come in here and do that, it’s just kudos to the players. They had the right mindset. They bought into what we had to do to have a chance to slow them down, and we did more than slow them down.

"The whole team just had a tremendous mindset and it was a great team win. Our offense, we ran the ball well. We moved the ball. When you’re playing that offense, now we were doing a great job defensively. I don’t think they had many first downs in the first half when they got it, but we were getting first downs, which is critical when you’re playing a team that good."

Confidence is now once again on the rise in Englewood after two straight victories. Broncos Country may have grown tired of the talk during their four-game losing streak, and it seems coach Fangio is equally focused on action.

“I’ve always said doing something and accomplishing something gives you confidence and belief," Fangio said postgame. "You don’t need to go sit outside some psychologist’s couch and get it. That’s just a bunch of b*******. You’ve got to do it on the field between the white lines. You’ve got to do it with your actions, not with your words. And we did that today.”

Life Without Miller Starts With a Bang

Many concluded the Broncos were trading away their season after last Monday's decision to deal Von Miller to the Rams but the emergence of two-sack, rookie linebacker Jonathon Cooper underlined exactly why general manager George Paton made the call.

“Your best players have to play their best games and their biggest games," safety Justin Simmons said following the victory. "Today I just think it was a culmination of guys just stepping up. I thought Coop played great. We had moving parts all around the board. I think guys just went out there and played fast. We fed off each other’s energy.

"That was a heck of an offense we went up against. They run the ball really well, Dak is having an amazing year throwing the football to amazing talents he has at the skill positions. When it comes down to it week in and week out, we have to make the plays that come to us. Today we made those plays. I think it really speaks to the guys in the locker room, you handle the trade with Von one way or another. And I think you saw today how guys responded. That is the standard.”

Judging by their performance in Dallas, Denver's best is good enough to beat anyone. Their worst? Well, we've seen how that turns out. Hello, Las Vegas.

So where exactly is the bar situated for a team which embarrassed the NFL's No. 1 offense?

“I don’t know," said Fangio. "We’re 5-4. The bar is to get to 6-4.”

We'll certainly know more when the Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) come to town in Week 10.

Shannon Sharpe believes Von Miller Trade Puts Broncos in Elite QB Race

Von Miller is officially a Los Angeles Ram.

It may take some time for both he and Broncos Country to fully comprehend their separation from one another after 11 years with the franchise. Some Broncos fans may never forgive the organization for trading away its player of the decade -- however there could be light at the end of the tunnel.

Rodgers, Wilson or Watson at Mile High?

Former Broncos legend and Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, spoke positively about the trade in which Denver acquired a second and third round pick for the Super Bowl 50 MVP. They may have traded Miller away, but his salary, in effect, is staying at Englewood. The Broncos are picking up $9 million of Miller's $9.7 million salary this season, and while on the surface it may seem dumbfounding, the decision seems rooted in logic. Sharpe, now co-starring on FS1's Undisputed, pointed out the benefits of Denver picking up the tab, suggesting it could land them one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks.

"They bought a second round pick, because basically what they got for Von Miller was a third round pick," Sharpe explained on Undisputed. "They're paying [Von] nine million dollars, so basically you spent nine million on a second half pick. That's a pretty good deal.

"They might be getting some ammo for, you know, there's a guy in Houston (Deshaun Watson). The guy in Green Bay (Aaron Rodgers) might be available, the guy up in Seattle (Russell Wilson) might be available and the guy we know in Houston is available!"

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson hasn't played a game for Houston all season. A desire to play elsewhere and pending lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct are both factors in his absence from the field. Meanwhile, Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers has continued to build on last year's MVP season, throwing 17 with only three interceptions through eight weeks. Seattle's Russell Wilson has had an interrupted year, though he has shone when healthy -- tossing 10 touchdowns and one interception in five games.

The addition of any of the elite trident above would be a seismic update on Denver's current quarterbacks; Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock.

Nick Wright: Great Trade for Broncos

FS1 sportscaster Nick Wright believes Denver will profit from the unpopular move off Miller. Naturally, Los Angeles will see the fruits of their labor earlier but Wright contends the Broncos made the right call given Miller's impending free agent status.

"I love the trade for the Broncos," Wright said on FS1's First Things First. "The Broncos were going to lose Von Miller this offseason and get a compensatory pick, instead they trade him away and get a second and a third round pick. The Broncos management knew they weren't winning anything this year, so this is a great trade for the Broncos longterm."

Former No. 2 overall draft choice LaVar Arrington believes Denver's favorite son will thrive in L.A., with the shackles set to be released given the presence of fellow All-Pro defender Aaron Donald.

"Von Miller is still a top 3, top 5 pass rushing threat in the National Football League," Arrington said on First Things First. "You have basically added a triceratops to your defensive front, where if you're triple-teaming Aaron Donald and still having issues, now you're adding Von Miller, who in a one-on-one or double-team scenario is virtually unblockable just like Aaron Donald."

Justin Simmons Delivers Statement After Offensive Implosion

Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons showed his star status when it mattered most in his team's crucial 17-10 win over Washington in Week 8.

The Broncos' All-Pro took home two interceptions as Ed Donatell's defense propelled Denver to their first victory in five weeks. In a scrappy contest, the AFC West team prevailed over the Football Team in part to Simmons' dominant performance.

The former Boston College product made arguably the game-winning play with 49 seconds remaining, picking off a Taylor Heinicke pass destined for Terry McLaurin in the end zone.

Sparing the Offense's Blushes

Although Denver's offense did its best to give the game away, Simmons' unit held out thanks to strong secondary play and a fierce pass rush. Despite justification for it, there was no fury or self-pity after the offense lost a late fumble, forcing the defense to make one final stop.

"Obviously you expect the game to be over, but stuff happens," Simmons told reporters postgame. "What are you going to do? Go out there and say, 'We’re not supposed to be out here?' You automatically are setting yourself up for failure. That’s the type of stuff I felt as a defense, I was really proud of the way that we kind of answered the bell. Guys got back out there and there were no long faces.

"Obviously upset you had to, but no long faces, no thinking we couldn’t do it. But hey, you guys want to go win the football game, it’s on us. As the defense, go out there and win it. And I was just proud of our guys. Our rush did a heck of a job. I thought our coverage was solid, a few mishaps but we’ll get those cleaned up.”

Simmons Praises Denver's Defensive Front 7

Simmons was effusive in his praise of Denver's front seven who were missing its two franchise faces, in Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. In their place, Dre'Mont Jones and Malik Reed performed in a vein you'd expect of the more experienced duo -- combining for 3.5 sacks. Thanks to Reed's sack in the game's final seconds, Washington's task was inevitably insurmountable.

“I just want to start by saying I think our front seven did a heck of a job today," Simmons said. "Obviously in the rushing game, like in sacks, but also in the run defense, and some things that spilled over. I thought our linebackers did great too. [ILB] Kenny [Young] getting in there, [ILB] Baron [Browning] getting in there.

"There are a few things communication-wise that weren’t perfect, but I just wanted to make sure I got up here, and I’m sure there’s going to be a question about it, but give them the credit that they deserve because I thought they played a heck of a game today."

Simmons isn't getting ahead of himself after the win. There are no bold proclamations, nor comparisons to greats of yesteryear. Rather, an urgency, an unbridled desire to carry this winning mentality forward into Dallas and beyond.

"By no means was it perfect," Simmons admitted. "They had some good drives down the field. When it came down to get down there and hold them to a field goal and [DE] Shelby [Harris] and ‘Dre’ (DE Dre’Mont Jones) had two big field goal blocks, that obviously helped us. There was a lot of good stuff there and that’s the type of stuff we’ll have to build on and continue getting better at.”

Make no mistake, at 4-4, Denver's season is well and truly alive.

Von Miller's Heartbreaking Goodbye to Broncos Country After Rams Trade

The unthinkable is here. The Denver Broncos all-time sack leader Von Miller will no longer be in an orange and blue uniform.

ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news of Miller's departure in a trade which shook the NFL world. The Broncos' receive a second and third round pick in the 2022 draft in exchange for the Super Bowl 50 MVP, who will now play for the Los Angeles Rams. The seven-time All-Pro's move to California stunned Broncos Country, and it seems Miller himself was still numb to the news.

Miller: I Wanted to Be a Bronco For Life

Miller was stopped by Denver7 reporter Troy Renck on his way out of the Broncos' facility in Englewood, evidently still reeling from the career-altering trade.

“Yeah, you know it was surprising," Miller said. "I love the Denver Broncos. Everything is still new and it’s hard to really put the emotions into words. This is all I know, this is all I ever knew playing pro sports here with the Denver Broncos. You know, I’ve been here through the ups and downs, it’s always tough whenever you leave though but I love all my fans, I love Broncos Country. When I said Broncos for life, I meant that and it’ll be on my heart.

"It’s an honor and privilege to play here, Jon Elway picked me and it was life changing. Ever since then been able to play with Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware, Champ Bailey, Bryan Dawkins, Tim Tebow, all of these guys, man, It’s an honor and a privilege and it’s still hard to put it into words, it’s still kind of raw. Thank you, thank everybody, [now] off to LA.”

Miller said his goodbyes to teammates, staff and coaches after George Paton informed him of a trade to the Rams this morning. The 32-year-old admitted it was incredibly difficult to separate from his football family.

“Its tough, it’s still hard," he said. "You can’t really put it into words, somebody told me once ‘If you wanna make God laugh then make plans.’ You just gotta keep going, take it one day at a time. I’ve got a beautiful baby boy and had a lot of beautiful years here, a lot of great memories here, a lot of great teammates, a lot of great coaches, a lot of great fans. I’ll never forget all of those people, 100%.

Miller Surprised By Trade

Despite some suggestion Miller may have wanted out from the mediocrity in Denver, that simply isn't true.

“No I wasn’t [my idea]. It was a surprise. You see the stuff in the media every year for the last four years but you never know. This team, they are going to start winning soon, they’ve got a lot of great players, lot of great coaches here, the staff is amazing. I wanted to be a part of it to fix it, but you just gotta keep moving.

As for his legacy with the Broncos, he and the fans will perpetually hold his dominant Super Bowl performance in their minds. That, along with 11 incredible years, will see him enter the ring of honor alongside his favorite quarterback, Peyton Manning.

“I’ll always have Super Bowl 50," Miller said. "You know, seeing the pictures when I was walking out, it just made me tear up but we’ve always got Super Bowl 50, always got Broncos Country.

Miller hopes his career in Denver will be honored like Manning when the time is right. “100% that’s what it all about, for sure."

Von Miller Vows to ‘Kill’ Browns’ Tackles on TNF

The Denver Broncos' all-time sack leader, Von Miller, usually has plenty to say but it's fair to say he took it up a few levels after the Broncos' third straight loss.

Miller, often so jovial, had an edge to him during his October 19 press conference at the team's Englewood, Colorado headquarters. Make no mistake, these were fighting words, with the 32-year-old vowing to metaphorically "kill" his opposition come Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns.

No Mercy From Miller

"I don’t know who the tackle is that I’m going against, but I’m going to kill him," Miller told reporters with a laugh. "I’m going to kill him and the other guy on the other side. I’m going to play extremely well. I’m going to make plays for my team. I’m going to set us up to win this game.”

Miller referred to himself more than normal, almost constantly, thriving in the responsibility of putting this team on his back. Perhaps internally, not that he would ever admit it, the eight-time All-Pro believes he needs to go above and beyond his lofty standards in order to give the Broncos any postseason hope.

“It’s on me," he said. "I have played in all types of games, and I have performed well in all types of games. I have to play well in this game. I will play well in this game.

"I’m going to go off. It’s going to be a good game for me. I don’t want to guarantee a win for my teammates, but I don’t want to put the pressure on those guys. I want to put the pressure on me.

"I’m going to have a great game. I’m going to go out there and play well and get a couple of sacks. If I can do that, then we will win. If you look at this season, in the first three games, I had a couple sacks, and we won those games. These last three games, I didn’t do as much. If I can play well, get sacks and find a way to disrupt the game, we’ll win. The pressure is on me to play well."

It certainly is now. Try as he might, Miller cannot take all the responsibility, he will need help from his teammates. The former Aggie's bold proclamations about his Broncos team are occasionally followed by an eye-roll from fans and become harder to believe when Denver struggles.

In keeping with the theme of the day, Miller switched it up and opted for a more individualized approach.

"When Thursday night comes around, I want to put it on me. I wanted to put the pressure on me. If it’s all on me, then I can control that. I can control it. I can handle it, and I can make s*** happen like that. It’s football. You’ve got so many different moving parts.

"I put the pressure on our guys multiple times this season. I just want to try something a little bit different. I want to put the pressure on me. I’m going to go out there, and I’m going to play well—kill whatever guy I’m going against. I think that’ll lead to a victory for us.”

Second Time Lucky?

The last time Miller made such a publicly bold promise he destroyed the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, metamorphosing into a one-man wrecking ball as the Broncos won 45-10.

Denver can only hope for similar play from No.58 and his colleagues in Week 7, as his club looks to get back above .500 and climb out of the AFC West basement. Miller made a fool of the Cardinals, and if he can add the Browns to his list, Denver will have plenty of life left in their 2021 NFL season.

Broncos Urged To Trade for Backup QB

The Denver Broncos' season is sliding toward an end before it has even got into stride. After four straight losses, holding a record of 3-4, they are inches from falling off the cliff of relevancy.

Two first downs during the opening two quarters at Cleveland last Thursday Night simply wasn't good enough for a team fighting for a playoff berth. Once more there was a spirited comeback before ultimately losing 17-14 to the backup-filled Browns. Slow starts have contributed to the Broncos' terrible past month -- losses to Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Las Vegas have spearheaded Denver's spiral toward toward ignominy.

Admittedly, the Broncos have a realistic, mathematical chance of playing in the postseason, sitting just one game outside a wildcard spot. Irrespective of where this season goes alternation is needed and it's needed quick smart.

Minshew-Mania at Mile High?

We've seen it once before. How about for the remaining 10 games this season, Broncos Country?

Former Jacksonville Jaguars starter turned Eagles backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, has been named as Denver's ideal trade target ahead of the November 2 deadline.

Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report, stopped short of anointing the 25-year-old cult figure as the Broncos' savior but suggested he could be an upgrade on current signal-callers, Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock.

"Everyone can be realistic and admit the quarterback position is probably holding the team back to some degree," Sobleski said prior to Denver's defeat at Cleveland. "Teddy Bridgewater is mostly efficient and tends to play mistake-free football, but his approach also limits the offense. He's pretty much middle of the league in passing yardage, yards per attempt, QBR and quarterback rating. He's an average quarterback, and there's nothing wrong with who he is.

"However, the Broncos can be more with the number of weapons in their offense. Gardner Minshew tends to be accurate too, and he also has a creative side, particularly when things break down around him. At worst, the Broncos would have another starting option to consider. The solution still wouldn't be on the roster. Even so, a team shouldn't stop looking for potential upgrades, particularly at the game's most important position."

Minshew eviscerated Denver at their house during his rookie campaign, throwing for 213 yards and 2 touchdowns completed 19-of-33 passes in a 26-24 road win for the Jags. Minshew showed plenty of character too, amassing a 97.2 passer rating despite being sacked five times.

It's not just Mile High where Minshew has showed promise throughout his career. The former Washington State product threw 37 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during his stint in Jacksonville, only to be replaced by Trevor Lawrence before the season began. There's no doubt Minshew has some magic left in him and could be the fire-starter Denver needs to get their season back on track.

CB Kyle Fuller Named As Trade Target

The Broncos have been loaded at corner even before taking Patrick Surtain II with the ninth pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. It's often thought of as a positive problem, having 'too many' quality players in the same position. It creates heightened competitiveness and ability, but it also can manifest  trade rumors and hysteria, such as the case currently in Denver.

Former All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl corner Kyle Fuller is on the outer and clearly isn't at the forefront of head coach Vic Fangio's plans. Despite starting in all of Chicago's 16 games last season, Fuller has become a peripheral figure under defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. He didn't play a snap against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night and only managed two during the loss to Las Vegas at home.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport named Fuller as an obvious trade target for teams, revealing Denver had fielded interest in the Virginia Tech product before the Broncos' campaign began.

"The Broncos received trade calls prior to the season, choosing instead to hang onto Fuller as added depth," Rapoport said, October 24. But now, Ronald Darby is healthy, and Fuller has been the odd man out. With so many cornerback-needy teams, could Fuller be a trade target this time? For the right price, perhaps." 

ESPN's Jermey Fowler also chimed in on the Fuller trade talk, reiterating the need for a player of Fuller's stature across the league.

"The Denver Broncos, armed with four good cornerbacks, received calls on Kyle Fuller and Bryce Callahan in the preseason," Fowler remarked, October 12. "What they wanted in return wasn't cheap -- roughly a third- or fourth-rounder, multiple teams told me. Ronald Darby's early-season injury put any trade talks on hold, but now that Darby is back, teams could try again.

"Several teams have actively monitored the cornerback market in recent months, including the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Houston Texans and New York Giants. The position has only grown in importance because of injuries across the league."

Vic Fangio Explains Denver’s Biggest Problem After Four Consecutive Losses

Denver Broncos fans can barely watch. Their season, in the space of four weeks, has fallen from optimism to a bottomless pit of doubt, misery and oh too familiar pessimism.

The 3-0 Broncos quickly became 3-4 without the luxury of 60 minutes against the league's cellar dwellers. Some may have predicted the slide while others will be crushed by the fleeting hope of rising from mediocrity.

Failure to Execute Flattens Broncos

Try as they might have, Denver could not produce when it counted most. The offense played its part in the loss with a terrible first half, though the defense -- or lack thereof -- proved most problematic. Denver allowed Cleveland to convert 9-of-15 third downs without their starting quarterback and top-two rushers.

"What’s most concerning is our fundamentals were lacking in that game, particularly on the defensive side of the ball," head coach Vic Fangio said, October 22. "When that’s lacking, that’s poor coaching on our part, and that’s starts with me. We have to do a better job of getting the fundamental things taught and executed.”

Missed tackling was a far too common sight for the Broncos. Time and time again, most noticeably on third down, Denver failed to rap up Cleveland's receivers and running backs. Failure on assignments undoubtedly contributed to the loss but Fangio believes the bigger problems lied in an inability to execute.

"It’s being where you’re supposed to be at all times and being there for the different types of plays," he said. "If they run the stretch play, you’ve got to stay in your gap. If they run a boot play, you’ve got to be there for the boot. You’ve got to have good eyes and be disciplined when you play a team that’s good with the boot game, good with the screen game, and good with the play-action game. We didn’t get that done well enough.”

Fangio was already under pressure from sections of Broncos Country and Denver media before Thursday Night's loss, and while his seat may be getting hotter in the court of public opinion, he cannot feel it -- or won't admit to it.

“I’m not worried about my coaching status," Fangio remarked. "What I’m worried about is this team and doing anything and everything we can to get our guys coached up to play better. That’s my only focus.”

Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has also been under fire for his play calling and pass-heavy offense. After defeat to Cleveland, his cause wasn't helped with yet another unbalanced attack. Denver failed to threaten the Browns with the run consistently, accumulating just three rushing first downs. All in all, the Broncos ran the football on just 14 of 49 total offensive plays.

Notwithstanding the heat, Fangio stated Shurmur and his colleagues are safe from the hook. Regardless of results, there's no internal pressure for Fangio's support staff to be going anywhere, anytime soon.

“Not at this time," Fangio said of potential coaching or operational changes. "We always try and do a better job of inspiring them. I don’t have a problem with our efforts or our intents. We just have to do a better job of coaching these guys to be more fundamentally sound.”

Is Teddy Still That Dude?

After a phenomenal start in Orange, Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater -- much like the team -- has fallen short across the past month. The 28-year-old threw a terrible interception to Browns cornerback John Johnson in the first half, making it five turnovers in the last two weeks.

Admittedly, Bridgewater fired back in the second half, steering his side on long drives, converting two into touchdowns. On each occasion, No.5 found a Broncos running back before they successfully crossed the plane.

The question remains though, who is Teddy Bridgewater? Is he still the same quarterback who led his team to a perfect start? Is he capable of righting the ship? His head coach seems to think nothing's changed with his main man under centre.

"I thought he put together a courageous effort and was out there playing," Fangio said. "I still see the same player. We just have to play better as a team, and then everybody’s performance will look a little better.

"If we can get off the field quicker on defense, we give the offense more opportunities. If we can convert some third downs, we get more opportunities that offense. If we can run it and throw it better on the early downs, we get more opportunities. It’s a team-wide issue right now, and once we can rectify some of that, everybody else’s performance will look better.”

Teddy Bridgewater Urges Broncos Fans to Believe Despite Loss

Teddy Bridgewater certainly didn't have his best day as a Denver Bronco during the Week 6, 34-24 loss to Las Vegas.

The former New Orleans and Carolina signal-caller had his first multiple-interception game since joining the Broncos, in what was a demoralizing despite a rare fast start. The Broncos scored a touchdown on their opening drive for the first time since December 2019, tying the score at 7-7. From thereon the Raiders poured on 17 unanswered points, opening up a 24-7 lead early in the third, which ultimately proved the difference in the ball game.

Broncos' Offensive Failures Reappear

When it mattered most, the Broncos couldn't produce the necessary productivity on offense to keep pace. Denver turned the ball over four times -- all committed by Bridgewater -- in Week 6, while the Raiders' avoided a single giveaway. Interestingly, Las Vegas only scored one one (a touchdown) of the four possessions succeeding a Broncos turnover.

It must be contextualized, two of Bridgewater's interceptions occurred in the final two minutes, where Denver trailed by as much as 17. Ultimately they weren't the difference but No.5 isn't taking them lightly. “That was a play where we expected a certain coverage from those guys, we expect them to play a certain way," Bridgewater said, October 17, explaining the early fourth-down interception.

"When I just got back to the tight end [Noah Fant] (in his progression), I kind of bypassed him a little too fast and just missed a throw—a throw I make every day. It definitely hurt us because when you’re talking about momentum, coach always believes in us in those fourth-down situations, and we came up short right there. I just got to be better.”

Worryingly for the Broncos, their efficacy on their opening drive -- which resulted in a touchdown -- was an aberration. Denver failed to score on their next five possessions. From there, it took an extra three drives before they crossed the plane for a touchdown.

Broncos Possessions Between First and Second Touchdowns 

• Interception

• Punt

• Punt

• Punt

• Punt

• Field Goal

• Fumble

Bridgewater: Broncos Country, Keep Supporting Us

Understandably, Broncos Country are beside themselves with their team's performance over previous weeks but Bridgewater assured media the locker room is staying strong.

“Honestly, the mood in the locker room is a group of men who are together," Bridgewater said postgame. "It’s so easy in this league for guys to distance and huddle up in little cliques and point the finger at different people, but you don’t see it here. You see a group of men who have come together and they understand how the season can go. There’s going to be ups, there’s going to be downs, and you just got to stay together through it all.

"You got to be the same person, win or loss, and I think that’s the mindset of this team. We truly believe in each other and right now we’re coming up short, but we just keep believing. We stay together, we keep executing, keep trying to find ways to get better and we’ll chase this and move this thing into the right direction.”

As for his message to the fans, the 28-year-old was refreshingly transparent before asking Broncos Country to stick behind the team as they search for a winning formula.

“It’s kind of tough when it comes to the fans," he said postgame. "When you win, you’re the best player in the world. When you lose, you got to hear how bad you are. At the end of the day, we just appreciate their support. Listen to them today on third downs or when guys were scoring touchdowns, they were all in.

"We felt their energy and things like that. We understand that fans are passionate about the Denver Broncos, and when you lose — of course you [don’t] want to hear about how bad you are at doing things — but at the end of the day, I just pray that they keep supporting us, keep believing in us, credit guys, understand how this thing works. We just focus on what is really important to us, the things we can control, how hard you work every day, the mindset that we have when we step into that facility and just trying to find ways to help this team win.”

The Broncos have just under 72 hours to turn their frustration into fortitude as they look to overcome the talented albeit wounded Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football.

Derek Carr Lavished in Praise by Longtime Rival Von Miller

Von Miller and Las Vegas quarterback Derek Carr often throughout their careers. This week, they face off in a clash more crucial than most. The Raiders, like the Denver Broncos, have lost two games in a row grinding to a halt after a 3-0 start.

Grey skies have loomed over Mile High after the Broncos lost to Baltimore and then Pittsburgh, yet the resignation of Jon Gruden, October 11, has taken most of the spotlight ahead of the Week 6 matchup. Thankfully for the Broncos, their 32-year old franchise sack leader hasn't taken his eye off the prize.

Fast Start Essential For Fluctuating Broncos

"This is a huge game for us," Miller told reporters, October 14. "Every week is a huge game for us. That’s just our mindset, but this week is a huge game for us. Then we have a short week going to play the Browns next week. The Raiders, they’re going to try to rally. They’ve got so many things that they’ve been dealing with over there, and that’s what teams do. That’s what good teams do. That’s what good pro teams do.

"Whenever you are faced with adversity, you come together with the guys in the locker room. That’s what we do here, and I’m sure they do across the National Football League. They’re going to come together—all those guys in the locker room—and they’re going to try to go out there and get a win. That’s just what teams do.

"If I were them, I would be looking forward to this game to get back on track We need this game as well to get back on track. It has all the makings for a really good game."

Miller: Carr One of My Favorite QBs

For Miller and Broncos Country, a good game will involve Derek Carr on his back early and often. Despite the renowned rivalry between Denver and Las Vegas, Miller has immense respect for their signal-caller.

"He’s one of my favorite quarterbacks in the league," Miller said of Carr. "He’s a hell of a player. I have a lot of respect for him. Over the years — at first, you just want to sack the guy. You just want to sack him, trash him, and do sack dances and stuff. Over the years, you just kind of gain respect for all these guys.

"I know for me, playing these guys for so many years, you just gain this camaraderie and this respect for guys even if they’re on other teams. I really respect their games. He said a lot of great things about me, I’m saying a lot of great things about him. I want him to do well. I want him to pass for all the yards in the world — just not against the Broncos.”

As for how to stop Carr? Well, Miller doesn't quite have every answer to the test.

“I’ve been playing this guy for years. If I had the answer, we’d win all of them. He’s able to just read defenses so quick and throw the ball so quick. Half the time, he doesn’t even need an offensive line. He can just catch it and throw it. It really hurts defenses when they throw the ball fast then they catch the ball for first downs and go for 15 or 20 yards after the catch. We can’t really do anything about them throwing the ball fast. That’s just what they do to try and combat some of the things that we do defensively like rushing the passer and the coverages that we run.

"We’ve got to get them down now. We’ve got to get them down for these two or three-yard gains. We can’t let them break tackles then go for 15 and 20 yards which they are capable of doing it with all the guys they have like [Raiders TE Darren] Waller and all of those guys. We’ve had a great week of practice. Everybody’s mentality is sharp. Mentally I feel good with where everybody’s at. We’ve just got to go out there, do our stuff, and we’ll be alright on Sunday.”

Without Gruden on the sideline, play-sheet in hand, it is undeniable the Broncos have the advantage. Some may suggest the Raiders will be harder to plan given Gruden's absence, perhaps holding an element of surprise. Miller though isn't as convinced.

“I don’t think they’ll be unpredictable," he said. "What they do is what they do. How they call the game will definitely change because they have a new play-caller. They’re not going to come out here and be an option team. They’re not going to come out here and just change their whole identity because Gruden is gone. They’re still going to do some of the things that they do well.

"We just don’t know when they’ll do it. We just don’t know when the shots will come. We don’t know the ratio—how many times they’ll run the ball and how many times they’ll pass the ball. We really don’t know, and to be honest, that’s really every week. We really don’t know what the team is going to present. It’s just one of those games where we’ve got to dust ourselves off from losing two straight and get out here in front of the fans. I know it’s going to be loud, and I know it’s going to be rocking for us. We’ve got to go out here and get a win for us.”

Pat Shurmur Offers Explanation For Broncos’ Offensive Struggles

Denver Broncos' offensive play-caller Pat Shurmur has come under fire after the Broncos' once again failed to generate much against an AFC North opponent.

Shurmur, Denver's offensive coordinator since January 2020, fronted local media on October 15 to discuss the Broncos' recent offensive inefficiencies. After a strong start to the season, Shurmur's offense registered their two lowest scores against Baltimore (7) and Pittsburgh (19) in back-to-back weeks, causing angst among Broncos Country.

Broncos' Failures at Pittsburgh Explained

Slow starts have become a constant in the young season, evidenced by three points in their last two first-quarters. Beyond that, the Broncos' are 25th in points scored during the first term. This certainly isn't anything new for Shurmur's offense, who ranked second-last in first-half points during the 2020 season.

Despite the doom and gloom surrounding Shurmur's slow starting offense, the former New York Giants head coach sees scope for change, and offered an explanation as to what went wrong at Pittsburgh.

“If you look at last week’s game, on the 13th play the game, we were on the two-yard line [with a] chance to go in and score, and we get a penalty," Shurmur told reporters. "The next play, we ran the ball and got a penalty. The next play was designed to go to Noah [Fant]. Noah was wide open, but we had a protection thing that caused the sack. We were trying to utilize Noah, and we had him for a touchdown. We were on the doorsteps of being 10-10 on the 15th play the game which would have got us a little faster start. Again, it’s just everything.

"We have a young offense. I was told today that it’s the third-youngest offense. We have some growing pains that we’ve gone through, but we’re playing better in a lot of areas. There are just some areas we have to continue to get better at. We speak to the third downs because they’re somewhat longer, but we’re 8-for-9 on fourth down. Maybe that’s what we do — get close and go for it on fourth down. That still keeps drives alive.

Shurmur Looking for Perpetual Improvement

"When you’re working with young players and a lot of new players, you just have to keep grinding and keep being very positive. We were the last play from tying the game possibly with a two-point play. We just have to keep grinding. I think that’s the message.”

Shurmur understands the frustration that comes with a loss but said he and his team are focused on improving each week irrespective of the result.

"When you win games, we talk about certain things that need to improve,' Shurmur said. "When you lose games, it’s ‘You should have run the ball more,’ or ‘You should have done this, and you should have done that.’ I get that, but we try not to respond to that. Each play needs to have success, and when we don’t have success, we want to be in a position where the third down or fourth-down play keeps us on the field.”

The offensive coordinator was also asked about his quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, and just how he's seen his progress through the first five weeks of the season. While No. 5 may not make the explosive plays of his predecessor in Drew Lock, Bridgewater does keep the Broncos steady and has ensured they've had a shot in each game thus far.

"The thing with Teddy is when he makes a mistake, sometimes it’s just a mistake, and it’s not catastrophic," Shurmur said. "That’s just like a second-down play where you just take a knee and make it third down. You’re better off doing that than getting the ball turned over, or getting the game twisted in some ways. That’s just part of his charm.”

Shurmur and Bridgewater will need to bring more than charm to Mile High this Sunday if they're to avoid a .500 record and a third-straight loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Vic Fangio provides update on Jerry Jeudy’s return

It's an enormous week in Englewood, CO. with potentially devastating consequences awaiting Denver Broncos leader Vic Fangio and his 3-2 squad.

A demoralizing 27-19 loss at Pittsburgh -- their second in a row -- has mounted pressure on the third-year head coach. With division rivals Las Vegas coming into Mile High in Week 6, only a win will suffice.

Jeudy's Return 'Getting Closer'

Denver's sputtering offense was cause for concern through three quarters in Week 5 before quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and his wideout group burst into life scoring 13 points and coming within one pass -- and a two-point conversion -- of tying the game. A slow start would be unacceptable against the division-rival Raiders.

Unfortunately, the Broncos won't be able to count on sophomore stud Jerry Jeudy, who injured his ankle in Week 1, as he is still some weeks away from a return.

When asked about Jeudy's progress, Vic Fangio provided a positive update on the former Alabama product.

"In the last 10 days to two weeks, he's made good progress," Fangio told reporters, October 11. "His return is not right around the corner, but it's getting closer.”

The Broncos' sorely missed Jeudy early on but the wideout backup brigade came through. One-time quarterback Kendall Hinton showed out with some clutch catches, including a fourth-quarter touchdown. While Tim Patrick and Courtland Sutton -- 7 receptions, 120 yards -- put the offense on their back late on to give Denver some hope.

Fangio wasn't thrilled with much during his October 11 press conference, but he was pleased with Tim Patrick's seven-catch, 89-yard performance at Heinz Field.

“That was a great play on his part, knowing where the sticks were and what we had to get," Fangio said, referencing the above fourth-and-five conversion. "He did a really good job on that. Tim is a battler. He's going to give you everything he's got. He's a guy that we have to get involved in the offense.”

Raiders Game Critical to Broncos' Playoff Hopes

For all of the positives within the receiving group, Fangio knows things need to change quickly across the board, given the state of the AFC West.

AFC West Standings After Week 5

1. Los Angeles Chargers (4-1)

2. Denver Broncos (3-2)

3. Las Vegas Raiders (3-2)

4. Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)

A loss to Las Vegas would be crippling to the Broncos' division title -- and playoff -- hopes. The Denver head coach completely understands why the game seems so pivotal to Broncos Country.

“Every game is important," Fangio said. "Obviously, this one being the next one is critical for us, especially coming off two losses. We want to get back on the right track. The Raiders are in the same boat, and they'll be feeling the same way. It's a big game for us to get back going in the right direction.”

For the Broncos to be any chance of defeating a talented Raiders team they'll need to improve on their 16.7% conversion rate on third down from Sunday's loss at Pittsburgh.

“Obviously, our first- and second-down offense has to be better — both in the run game and pass game — so we're not in so many third-and-longs," Fangio said. "When you do get in third-and-longs, you have to be able to convert some of them. You can't get shut out. It’s two-fold there. We have to throw it and run it better on the early downs, and we have to be able to convert some of the longer ones to keep drives going.”

Vic Fangio reveals Teddy Bridgewater’s Status For Pittsburgh Clash

The Denver Broncos are on the comeback trail, looking to redeem themselves in Pittsburgh after an energy-zapping loss to AFC rivals, the Baltimore Ravens.

Broncos Country are sweating on the health of starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who exited the ballgame at half during the Week 4 loss at home to Lamar Jackson and co. The former Saints signal-caller has since entered the NFL's concussion protocol and remains an even chance to participate in practice later this week.

Teddy Closing in on Return to Practice

Denver head coach Vic Fangio updated local media on his star quarterback's progress, revealing No.5 would not practice Wednesday. Though he was able to move around and complete other means of physical activity.

"He’s getting better," Fangio said during his October 6 press conference. "He was able to lift today with the group and attend meetings.”

Fangio admitted it was "possible" Bridgewater could participate, albeit in a limited capacity, during Thursday's practice. He remained typically tight-lipped otherwise, and it is a possibility that Bridgewater remains on the sidelines.

The 28-year-old quarterback didn't participate in film study or meetings on Monday but in a welcomed sign, was back engaging in those activities with teammates on Wednesday.

There's no doubt Bridgewater is making strides toward a full return yet the Broncos have a contingency plan there in case. His name is Drew Lock.

Lock and Loaded

The one-time starter turned backup quarterback has taken first-team reps in both practices in the lead up to the Week 5 clash at Pittsburgh. Coach Fangio shed some light on why Lock struggled at home to the Ravens, and just how difficult it can be to adjust from sidekick to starter.

“It’s difficult in that he doesn’t get the reps when you’re thrown in there cold, but I still think his below-average play was just a part of our whole offense that day," Fangio said. "We just weren’t very good offensively last Sunday.”

After a week of practice firmly in the driver's seat, Lock and Broncos Country should be confident of a return to his preseason form. Fangio has no doubts it is possible.

“He views himself — and I view him — as a starting quarterback in the NFL," Fangio said. "He doesn’t view himself as a career backup but he’s doing good in his role right now.”

It must have been difficult for Lock to accept and transition from being the face of the franchise, alongside Von Miller, to a backup for the first time in his life. In spite of the setback, Lock has adjusted well according to his coach.

“He’s dealt with it very well," Fangio told reporters. "I don’t say that to mean he’s accepted it and thinks he’s a backup. That’s not it at all. He just has a lot of respect for Teddy — what Teddy has done for him personally and what Teddy has done for the team. He’s all on board.”

Von Miller Explains Why He Can’t Hate Tom Brady

The Denver Broncos franchise pass rusher Von Miller has seen and done it all. Fresh off his fourth AFC Defensive Player of the Month title, the 32-year-old was in a reflective mood, speaking in-depth about some of the greatest quarterbacks of his time.

With Tom Brady heading back home to Foxboro in a Sunday Night Football game for the ages, Miller revealed to Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd his experiences on and off the gridiron with whom many consider the G.O.A.T.

Miller: Brady Is 'Such a Great Guy'

“He just has just such a handle on what’s going on and what’s about to happen," Miller said on the Colin Cowherd Podcast, September 29. "It’s kind of like he can predict what’s about to happen from the quarterback position, he can kind of predict where wide receivers are going, what coverages is about to happen and once you really learn [about] Tom Brady, he puts so much work in.

"Throughout my career, I’ve been able to play against Tom Brady but I’ve been able to get to know him off the field as well. There’s really no reason to not like Tom Brady other than he wins football games. He does everything right, he’s such a role model, he’s such a great guy."

Miller himself has been a role model for the Broncos ever since his Super Bowl 50 heroics, toppling Cam Newton and the vaunted Carolina offense of 2015. Despite starting his season off in stellar fashion with eight tackles, four sacks and six tackles-for-loss, Miller remains full of praise for his entire team. “This offensive line is the best since I’ve been with the Denver Broncos," Miller told Cowherd.

No. 58 cited the lack of weapons available to current Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater when he was in Carolina as a major factor for his uninspiring record with the Panthers. Now, the former Louisville signal-caller has a loaded arsenal to call upon in the pass and run game, which in Miller's belief, is why the Broncos are where they are after three weeks.

"When you give Teddy a team like [ours], things like this happen, we played three teams that haven’t been winning a lot but I feel like the way we beat them is the way that good teams should play teams like that," Miller told Cowherd.

"We got a real test coming this week, we’ve got a playoff team coming up this week. We’re playing a playoff game in September! That’s been the vibe around here. To get where we’re going we gotta go through the Baltimore Ravens."

Patrick Mahomes & Lamar Jackson Are Incomparable

Another fearsome AFC quarterback Miller knows well is Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes. Miller noted there was an instant awareness Kansas City's No. 15 was completely different to anything he'd ever seen.

“Patrick Mahomes he was just fearless," Miller said, recounting his memories of then-rookie Mahomes. "He just got it, he was just confident. You face other rookie quarterbacks, they’re struggling with their reads, they’re scrambling out of the pocket, struggling trying to push the ball downfield.

"When I really think about it, young guys with success, Patrick Mahomes there’s not been a young guy that had the type of success like Patrick Mahomes. Right off the bat, nobody’s like Patrick Mahomes. Lamar Jackson right off the bat, he was athletic, he did wonderful things but true quarterback nobody’s done it like Patrick Mahomes right off the bat in my eleven year career.

"Lamar Jackson, he does a lot of things well, he can throw the ball, he can run the ball, he can create separation, he’s a once-in-a-lifetime player just like Patrick Mahomes. But they’re two totally different players, you can’t compare Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, they’re just two elite players."

Miller and the stout Broncos' defense will face their first elite quarterback when Jackson rolls into Mile High on Sunday. If they are the team Miller and many others believe they are, Denver will come out victorious.

Broncos Poach Potential Starting WR From Raiders

Both the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders are flying after starting their 2021 NFL campaigns 3-0. Now the Broncos are trying to get an edge over their most bitter rivals, nabbing a talented wideout from under the nose of Jon Gruden.

David Moore was signed off the Raiders' practice squad by Broncos' GM George Paton after sophomore receiver K.J. Hamler tore his ACL in Week 3. NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed Hamler will miss the entirety of the season, even if the Broncos make a deep playoff run.

Moore Juice on Offense

Moore, a 6-foot, 215 pound fifth-year receiver, was drafted by Seattle in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The 26-year-old made plenty of plays in Seattle during his three-year stint in the Pacific North-West, despite starting just 14 of 47 games. Moore made splashes with Russell Wilson averaging 14.9 yards per reception. During the 2020 season, the East Central University man started six games, amassing six touchdowns -- ranked equal-10th across the league. For context, Moore had more touchdowns than all Broncos excluding Tim Patrick, who also had six trips to the end zone.

During the offseason, Moore signed a two-year, $4.75 million deal with Carolina, and while initially making the 53-man roster found himself released before being added to the Raiders' practice squad in early September.

Across his career Moore has totaled 78 receptions for 1,163 yards with 13 touchdowns, including career highs of 35 catches last season. He also has rushed 12 times for 91 yards (7.6-yard average).

Moore's collegiate career at East Central is one of the most prestigious in school history. He earned All-Great American Conference distinction in three different seasons and set career program records with 2,776 receiving yards and 35 touchdowns.

The former Seahawk is unlikely to find himself as one of the Broncos' top three receivers initially. Diontae Spencer currently holds the third wideout position, though Moore is expected to be ahead of one-time quarterback Kendall Hinton as the team's fourth receiver. Moore's chances over overtaking Spencer will be heightened if he's able to reproduce his form from Seattle.

Tim Patrick Ready to Fill WR Hole

Last season's leading touchdown receiver Tim Patrick showed up and showed out in the Week 3 demolition of the New York Jets, amassing 98 yards from 5 catches. Without Hamler and fellow sophomore wideout Jerry Jeudy, Patrick will need to step up and be the Robin to Denver's receiving Batman; Courtland Sutton. How dangerous could a duo of Patrick and Sutton truly be? Find out from Patrick himself.

“It’s difficult because even if we’re covered — we’re not covered," Sutton told Denver media on December 27. "You could play the perfect defense and we’ll go out there and make an amazing catch, and the coach can’t tell you, ‘Oh you’ve got to do this better.’ You were in the perfect coverage, but we wanted the ball more and we got it so it’s deflating for defense when you make plays like that.”

Patrick was an undrafted free agent out of Utah who bounced around NFL practice squads in Baltimore and San Francisco before Denver found a place for him on theirs on January 1, 2018. The rest has been history but by no means has Patrick forgotten it.

"I’m never going to get viewed as that guy just because I wasn’t drafted so they think my ceiling isn’t high — but I’m a different type of undrafted guy so my ceiling is pretty high,” Patrick said.

“I knew what my ceiling was because of the past two teams I was with before. I was playing [well] but it was non-football things that got me out of there, so I knew what my ceiling was. In college, I think almost every defense I played all their DBs got drafted, and I’m all of their bad tape so I always had the confidence it was just — I just needed an opportunity.”

That is most certainly what he has now. Patrick finally has the stage to show his worth and you'd imagine there's no team he'd rather disprove than Denver's Week 4 opponents -- his former employers -- the Baltimore Ravens.

Von Miller Hails Broncos’ GM George Paton For ‘Incredible job’

Von Miller is back, the New York Giants found out the hard way. Next, Jacksonville found themselves added to the list in Week 2. The Denver Broncos' franchise player doesn't plan on stopping either.

Amidst inclement weather, Miller collected his third sack of the season in addition to three tackles for loss, three solo tackles, three combined tackles and you guessed it, three quarterback hits.

The Sack Master and his defensive unit stifled Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence despite the rookie's promising start to the Week 2 matchup. The Broncos allowed 83 yards of offense and a touchdown on the opening drive before putting on the clamps.

The Jags were restricted to 106 yards of total offense, and importantly zero points, for the rest of the game. Lawrence, who started promisingly, was 9 of 25 for 45 yards and two interceptions, following the opening drive. So how did the Denver defense change the game so dramatically? Who better than Von Miller to let us know.

"You know how it is in the NFL, it’s just—those guys are a great team, really," Miller said on September 19, via Broncos.com. "They're full of talent. [They’re] going to make plays, we've just got to respond. We've got to respond and push through adversity and that's what we did.

It wasn't pretty at times in The Sunshine State but it's often less about the performance and more about the result. For the first time since 2018, Denver has won its opening two games of the season -- the 18th in Broncos' history.

"I know we’ve got a tough squad in there," Miller said. "We got some tough, hard-nosed coaches. And I think it really bleeds out on our team and the personnel that we have. And we just keep on fighting, we just keep on fighting no matter what adversity that we're presented with."

Teddy Bridgewater was anointed the leader of the Broncos offense by head coach Vic Fangio and general manager George Paton. A fortnight into the season and he is now well and truly the locker room commander. Miller attributed the Broncos' never-say-die attitude to Bridgewater and his calmness under pressure.

"We're following Teddy, he's our leader" Miller said. "You all are watching the same game that we watch. You see the poise; he really doesn't get flustered. He's always aware of the situation, he's always aware of what he needs to do and he does it."

Despite the offense flourishing there are concerns surrounding Denver's defense with injuries to Bradley Chubb, Josey Jewell and Ronald Darby testing their depth significantly. Though the Broncos have shown, even this early in the season, they are more than capable of covering the void. Denver's all-time sack leader believes there's one man to thank for it.

"George Paton has done an incredible job of building this roster up," Miller said post-game. "Every single player we've got on the team has a purpose and they have George Paton's touch on it. It's always good to have corners. Pat Surtain II had his first start today. His first start, [he] had an interception. It was a great day. George has been doing a great job of building this team up and it showed what type of depth that we have."

Miller is known for his tendency to praise the Broncos year in and year out despite how bleak the team looks, but this time he's not get carried away. It seems he and the entire Denver squad mean business. One thing is for sure, he's not interested whether this is or isn't the best team since the Super Bowl 50 champions.

"Just getting behind comments like that and starting to believe stuff like that, it's going to take us out of our rhythm," Miller explained. "We've been fighting hard to get to this point. We've been fighting hard. We’ve overcame so many losing situations. I don't remember the last time we’ve been 2-0. We just want to keep pushing.

"It's not really about who we're playing against, it’s not really about what type of game. We started out 7-3 starting the game, and we just kept pushing. You could see the fight in all the guys. You could see the fight in all the coaches. They continue to be aggressive and calling all types of plays, and we just kept fighting. It's a different team for sure. I've been saying that since OTAs. It's a very different team."