JO at Colorado Pols salutes Senator Mark Udall for introducing a bill to end "predatory practices of banks and other institutions issuing credit cards." Charge!
Colin at South Stands Denver wonders if Broncos coach Josh McDaniels is playing Patriot games by pretending that Kyle Orton's ankle injury is worse than it is. Pray that he is...
You don't expect much from your daily-newspaper sports columnists these days. Sentences that make sense, some well-placed punctuation, maybe a bad pun or two. But while our expectations have been lowered over the years by the likes of Woody Paige and Skip Bayless and whoever else shows up in the corners of our sports pages, this effort by the Post's Mark Kiszla made Paige look downright sober.
After the Broncos' lifeless loss to the Redskins on Sunday, Kiszla somehow came to the conclusion that quarterback Kyle Orton was hiding on the bench rather than reenter the game:
If moral victories mattered at this point (which they don't), CU's 31-28 loss to Oklahoma State last night would definitely qualify.
Yes, I know: OSU was without starting quarterback (and Chatfield High School alum) Zac Robinson, and the squad's been mildly overrated all season long, making its ranking as the twelfth best team in the country a bit suspect. But given its season to date, CU still shouldn't have been able to stick with the Cowboys, particularly with practically no rushing game. Somehow, though, the Buffs managed to go into halftime with a lead, and at one point actually held an eleven-point advantage before slowly succumbing to the inevitable.
After the game, QB Tyler Hansen, who suffered a bruised thumb that resulted in another unwanted Cody Hawkins sighting, acted as if Dan Hawkins career as CU coach didn't end for all intents and purposes several weeks ago: "We always get told that Coach Hawkins is solid right now. His job is pretty certain. He's going to be here," he said.
Doubt that in a huge way -- but some of the players Hawkins'll leave behind, including Hansen and receiver Markques Simas, have some significant upside. That probably won't be enough to convince a big-name coach that this mess can be cleaned up in a reasonable amount of time -- certainly not Mike Shanahan. But a coach who stresses offensive line play, overall discipline and other fundamentals could right this ship more quickly than CU's 3-8 mark implies.
That's what passes for optimism regarding CU football these days...
ESPN Sports Guy and Broncos bandwagon driver Bill Simmons is in Denver tonight, for the last stop on his fall book-signing tour. If you have or want a copy of his new tome, The Book of Basketball, get to the LoDo Tattered Cover sometime before 5 p.m. and stand in line with the rest of Denver's sports geeks. With any luck you'll be blowing the ink dry by tip-off of the Nuggets game.
Word is Simmons is a pretty chatty fella at these things, so you might be able to actually engage him while he draws oddly detailed photos of Teen Wolf on your book. Especially if he gets hammered. But what will you ask him? Some suggestions:
Woody Paige has opinions -- and he isn't afraid to use them.
These are some Denver-centric blogs we enjoyed reading today.
Bronco Talk's Kyle Montgomery notes that the Post's Woody Paige dismissed him as "some kid in Arizona who is a Broncos fan and writes a blog, without proper grammar or punctuation or understanding, from his mom's laundry room." Of course, Woody's the one who thought starting Chris Simms was a good idea...
NFL.com's Vic Carucci reports that Shanny's likely to talk next week with the braintrust of the Buffalo Bills, who just sacked Dick Jauron. Carucci points out that the Washington Redskins have been rumored to want Shanahan's services, too, but a "source close to the Bills" says he's "intrigued by the 'low-maintenance' situation he would have in Buffalo as opposed to Washington," where owner Daniel Snyder is basically an Al Davis-in-training when it comes to interference.
There's no guarantee Shanahan will take the Buffalo position if offered -- although, having dealt with Brandon Marshall, he'd have a leg-up when it comes to handling the Bills' most notable sideline-and-locker-room challenge, Terrell Owens. But the entreaty demonstrates that Big Mike has oodles of options more attractive than trying to put CU back together again.
These three worthy local blogs are just a click away.
Denver Stiffs' Nate Timmons makes note of Renaldo Balkman sightings during the Nuggets' evisceration of the Raptors last night -- including some in the first half! What the hell?
The folks at Coyote Gulch reports: Thanks to a decision by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, "there will soon be more water for the fish who call the Roaring Fork River basin home." Betcha they're relieved.
Would a short commute be enough to convince Mike Shanahan to stay in Colorado?
We've reached the point in the Dan Hawkins saga where no one is even pretending he can survive as coach of the CU Buffs. After this past weekend's catastrophe against the Cyclones of Iowa State, talk among members of Buffs nation has transitioned from silly discussions about bowl eligibility to fantasies about who might take Hawkins' place.
The most unlikely name to have popped up thus far? Mike Shanahan. Really.
Channel 7 led its newscast last night with a John Elway story -- not exactly a unique occurrence. Number 7 probably didn't enjoy it much, however, since it focused on Speed of Wealth LLC, an organization that paid Big John to appear at assorted events -- and which the Securities and Exchange Committee accuses of being a $30 million Ponzi scheme.
No comments from Elway yet in the report linked above or similar ones offered by Channel 4 or the Denver Post. But one look at numerous Speed of Wealth videos starring Wayde McKelvy, who's accused of being behind the scheme (along with his wife, Donna), and the average person's bullshit detector will likely go off the charts.
The one above, which continues to linger on the SpeedOfWealth.com website, tries to lure saps to seminars by offering (I'm not making this up) home sites in Eastern Tennessee allegedly worth $25,000 -- and they're going to appreciate in value, you can bet! Look below for more, including the humorously titled (unless you lost a ton of cash) "Your Wealth Building IQ Sucks," and decide if Elway should have taken one look at this guy and run the other way.
"Insurance? You don't need any stinkin' insurance."
We call this feature "Denver Blogs" for a reason. Check out these blogs from Denver.
The Colorado Independent's Kate Redding reports that the insurance lobby is promising to fight any legislation "that would force insurers to offer individual plans that would cover maternity care." Celibate good times, come on!
David Driscoll-Carignan at Mile High Hockey previews the Avs-Calgary Flames matchup. Up for grabs: The Northwest Division lead, not to mention post-game interviews that won't require any excuses.
Protest today at KIPP Denver Collegiate High School over the sudden departure of principal Rich Barrett. Education News Colorado's Alan Gottlieb shares what colleague Nancy Mitchell learned. Consider it extra credit.
The Giants aren't happy at all about spending their T-Day here.
Next Thursday, just as you're waking up from your turkey-induced coma and reaching for your fourth piece of pie, the Broncos will welcome the New York Giants into their homes and then try to slaughter them. (Just like the pilgrims! How fitting!)
But while the Broncos are surely glad to be playing at home on Thanksgiving, the Giants aren't thankful at all.
Allen Iverson stands as proof that Denver brings out the best in people.
When he was in Philadelphia, he was clearly a brilliant talent, but he could also be cranky and petulant, as demonstrated in this classic news-conference meltdown about missing a practice. Denver fans were braced for more of the same upon his arrival. However, all he did during his time with the Nuggets was play hard, share the ball more than expected (if not quite enough), say all the right things, and otherwise disprove all the haters who'd pigeonholed him as a recalcitrant egomaniac. But shortly after he was traded to Detroit for Chauncey Billups (a much better fit for the Nugs), he began reverting to his old ways, pouting when things didn't go his way and using injuries to display his displeasure. That behavior continued in Memphis -- so much so that the woeful Grizzlies just terminated his contract.
So why was Iverson so much easier to deal with in Denver? Must be the water -- and a whole lot more.
5280's Jennie Dorris offers recession-etiquette advice for former office workers now toiling at home. Tip one: "Take a shower and get dressed." As if I've ever done that...
Since late last month, it's been abundantly clear that CU coach Dan Hawkins is a dead man talking -- a man hoping against hope that his enthusiastic jabbering about his underperforming team will convince the powers that be not to give him the boot at season's end. But after the Buffs fell yet again, managing just 10 points in a loss to the not-quite-powerhouse Iowa State Cyclones, athletic director Mike Bohn, among Hawkins' prime defenders, wasn't nearly as gabby, declining post-game interviews.
Has Bohn finally realized that he's undermining his own slender chances for survival every time he offers Hawkins a vote of confidence? Maybe so -- not that it matters at this point.
Be careful what you wish for, Woody. Because what you got blew.
Yesterday, Orton had a very strong first half against the Washington Redskins, going vertical twice with Brandon Marshall and consistently making smart decisions with the ball. Were it not for the defense inexplicably allowing the 'Skins to score on a gadget play they'd telegraphed before a time out (!), the Broncos would have had a comfortable halftime lead. But Orton wrenched his ankle shortly before intermission -- and afterward, Simms had a chance to prove what he could do.
The Colorado Independent's David O. Williams reports that a tentative drilling plan in Battlement Mesa would allow "oil and gas rigs sited within 400 feet of homes." Don't you love the smell of Texas tea in the morning?
This may be the uniform Jay Cutler will be wearing if he keeps playing like he did last night.
It was just last week that we were talking about how overrated Jay Cutler is. But even we never imagined that he'd offer up a performance as embarrassing as the one the nation saw last night in the Chicago Bears' 10-6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Sweet Baby Jay threw five interceptions, instantly transforming him from Chicago's great QB hope to a complete joke.
Examples abounded during AllNight on ESPN Radio, with host Jason Smith reading a number of hilarious snaps from listeners. If Cutler was a waiter, said one, he'd deliver your dinner to the wrong table. Another noted that Bears coach Lovie Smith had managed to turn Cutler into Rex Grossman in record time -- a shot that was unfair to Grossman, Smith snickered. A third said Cutler should become the spokesman for a long-running promotion at Arby's: Pick 5.
Woody Paige may be trying to hype a quarterback controversy in Denver. But even after the past two painful losses, Kyle Orton looks pretty good compared to Cutler. Who's suddenly become a laughing matter.
Strangely (or maybe not so strangely), the coach hasn't changed much since high school.
Here's some local bloggery to peruse.
Colin over at South Stands Denver is a little skittish about Josh McDaniels benching o-lineman Ben Hamilton in favor of another former New England Patriot. But if Joshy McD can go from high-school kicker to NFL head coach in fourteen years, he's doing something right.
"Who cares if the shot was in time? Let's surf for porn!"
Finding good local blogs made easy.
Denver Stiffs' Andrew Feinstein was at Chicago's United Center last night to watch the Bulls come within a nanosecond of stealing a game from the Nuggets. Suck it, Brad Miller.
Square State's Zappatero thinks Betsy Markey's "no" vote on the healthcare bill was a strategic move that will blow up in her face. Hope the deductible's not too high.
Meanwhile, is Tom Tancredo running for governor or not? Both Colorado Pols and Rocky Mountain Right think he might be. What say you, Tommy?
Woody Paige has painted a target on Kyle Orton's back.
You had to know it'd happen about now -- and that Woody Paige would be the instigator.
When the Broncos were 6-0, Kyle Orton was the toast of the town -- or at least no one was referring to him as toast, as fans had been doing before the season started. But now, after two consecutive losses, Paige has taken up the predictable bench-the-QB chant, arguing for Chris Simms to get the start against the Washington Redskins this weekend.
Which is stupid for a lot of reasons. But here's three:
Are these women auditioning to become trophy wives?
Confession: I pay very little attention to soccer, which is only the world's most popular sport because -- well, frankly, I have no idea why it's the world's most popular sport, because it bores the hell out of me. As a result, I had no idea that the trophy for winning the Major League Soccer crown was named after none other than Denver's own gazillionaire, Phil Anschutz, a conservative fellow who might not be all that comfortable with the attire worn by the two women fondling his bauble in the shot above. "This is a photo of Las Senadoras -- of Republica Deportiva fame -- getting their mitts all over the Philip F. Anschutz trophy. For this it is The Luckiest Trophy in the World, Today™," reports The Offside Rules, a soccer blog. "Also it should be noted that there was an obvious caption for this photo but it was just too obvious, even for a blogger as hackey [as] yours truly."
Last night's Broncos-Steelers game was déjà vu all over again -- a virtual blueprint of the previous week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Close early thanks to Denver's unexpectedly staunch defense (and despite a costly turnover -- this time an interception). But the offense's inability to hold the ball for more than a few minutes at a time forced the D-squaders to stay on the field for far too long, causing them to wear down in the second half, allowing the Steelers to take over the game and turn it into a laugher.
So why shouldn't Broncos boosters astonished at how strong the team looked a few weeks back toss themselves off the nearest cliff? For one thing, the team's slated to play the Washington Redskins next week -- a cure-all if ever there was one. For another, the schedule down the stretch, while hardly a breeze (San Diego, Indianapolis and Philadelphia still await), offers a batch of very winnable contests: two against Kansas City, another opposite Oakland, plus a get-together with the dive-bombing New York Giants. As such, the Broncos have an opportunity to get their running game in gear and build on the rudimentary passing scheme when not facing two of the best defenses in the league -- and yes, I still put the Ravens in that class.
Honestly, none of us thought the Broncos would be in this position after eight weeks -- and if they're not yet at an elite level, they're still way better than we anticipated at the start of the season. So get that shotgun barrel out of your mouth, and, for God's sake, don't pull the trigger. Hope's still alive.
I admit it. I was absolutely convinced that Jay Cutler was the foundation on which the Broncos needed to build their future -- and when he threw the epic hissy-fit that preceded his trade to Chicago, I anticipated disaster. As the season has gone on, however, I've come to realize that while Cutler's skills are considerable, they tend to mask the fact that he's missing that essential, mysterious element that turns a talented quarterback into a winner.
The Arizona Cardinals' 41-21 win over the Bears yesterday demonstrated why so many of us have given Sweet Baby Jay the benefit of the doubt over the years. He put up hefty numbers without them translating into points -- which explains why he topped the 300-yard mark before the Bears scored their second touchdown. And then, when he managed to narrow the gap to 34-21, threatening to turn a blowout into a real contest, he promptly threw an interception that ended the game once and for all.
Cutler apologists are blaming his difficulties thus far this season on a weak offensive line and a subpar receiving squad, just as Broncos fans found ways to excuse away his lapses, inconsistencies and inability to step up at crucial moments on too many occasions for a myriad of other reasons. It's understandable. He's got a great arm, and he can make throws plenty of other quarterbacks can't, including the Broncos' Kyle Orton. But the more I watch him play, the more two words echo in my mind: Jeff George.
The seat under Dan Hawkins is less hot than it was -- but not by much.
Something unusual happened at Folsom Field on Saturday: CU actually won a game against a decent opponent, narrowly besting Texas A&M 35-34. In doing so, the Buffs actually racked up some impressive offensive stats, with quarterback Tyler Hansen's production essentially posing the question, "Cody who?" And at this point, even coach Dan Hawkins (Cody's dad) is probably fine with that.
Not that the victory means much in the overall scheme of things. At 3-6, the team needs nothing short of a miracle finish to become bowl eligible -- and while a victory against Iowa State next week is hardly beyond the realm of possibility, there's no guarantee the Buffs will show up two weeks in a row. (Remember what happened the week after their Kansas win? Wish I didn't.) Moreover, their schedule ends with contests against Oklahoma State and Nebraska, neither of which seem likely to cooperate by falling apart. And there's no way in hell CU's administration can justify keeping Hawkins around with a sub-.500 record and little hope for a huge improvement in 2010, no matter how good a game he talks.
Clearly, the current players have affection for Hawkins. That accounts for Saturday's rally-the-troops atmosphere. But it's too little too late, even if the Iowa State Cyclones surrender to the Hawk.
Looks like Miles has been gobbling 'roids, not cereal.
Stopped by my neighborhood King Soopers in Ken-Caryl Ranch yesterday and spotted a display guaranteed to catch the eye of any Broncomaniac: stacks of Breakfast Blitz cereal. The munch is manufactured by Triton Innovative Marketing, which makes cereals featuring assorted pro and college football squads. The Broncos version has some drawbacks -- namely the featured role of Miles, who'd be the lamest mascot in town if not for Dinger (the lamest mascot in the universe), and a recipe that's a blatant ripoff of Honey Nut Cheerios. Then again, there's a great way for true Broncos fans to spice them up: Douse them in one of retired receiver Ed McCaffrey's four mustard flavors (Creamy Dijon, Spicy Brown, Jalapeno Mustard and Honey Mustard), or maybe his Rocky Mountain Horseradish Sauce. That should give Miles, and the Broncos (who face off against the Steelers tonight) a real kick.
Following a massive breakdown of this Monday's Broncos-Steelers contest, Mile High Report's Steve Nichols predicts: "Denver wins (fingers crossed and nervous as Hell)." Right there with you, Steve.
Alan Gottlieb at Education News Colorado says that a bad decision or two by Denver's school board could doom Colorado's chances to collect federal Race to the Top funds. The reward isn't good grades; it's cash!
Colorado Pols links to Joel Warner's report about yesterday's medical-marijuana motion by declaring that anything with the headline "The Pot Wars Have Begun" will almost certainly be promoted on the site. We won't let you down!
Despite votes of confidence from his CU superiors, Hawkins' unemployment future is easily twice as terrifying as Paranormal Activity -- and the only way he won't wind up on the cutting-room floor by season's end is if he manages to string together some wins, beginning this weekend against Texas A&M. The Aggies are 5-3, with some quality wins (against Texas Tech and Iowa State) to go along with inexplicable lapses (namely, a 62-14 lay-down to Kansas State). As such, the Buffs either need an off-game from A&M talents like Von Miller, who leads the nation in sacks, or they must put together the kind of performance that they've managed only once in 2009 (against Kansas). And close won't be close enough this time. No amount of attaboy excuses from Hawkins will turn an "L" into a de facto "W." Period.
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