Our fine show, Next, was curious about what it’s like to cover a Denver Broncos team that is in such a depressed state after years of winning.
For times like this, it’s good to wake up with a healthy dose of perspective. First, it’s worth noting that I’m not on an eight-game streak; only the team I cover is going through it.
Second, turn on the 6 o’clock news and the fine people of Next will cover their share of tragedies, injustices, natural disasters, political controversies, arrests and so many other gloomy story angles that the sports beat of a downtrodden team pales in comparison.
Win or lose -- and lose, and lose, and lose -- and it is still sports. A diversion, even a frustrating diversion, is not life and death.
As for looking through the prism of covering a sports team that is clearly in the dumps, it is kind of a drag.
It’s difficult to care about the offensive vs. defensive matchups of the game Sunday against the New York Jets knowing that win or lose, the Broncos are not going to the playoffs. Some games you win. Some games you lose. And some games don’t matter.
Where have you gone, Super Bowl 50 champs?
In times like these, I take a big picture view rather than the focus on this week’s game. As I read it, there are two primary topics of interest among the Bronco fan base: Why did it go so wrong this year? And what changes will be made after this season in attempt to compete for the playoffs next year?
In defeat and turbulence, the issues are usually of greater significance, even if they aren’t as much fun to delve into.
There is often more news to report on during times of trouble than in days of glory – even if there is less interest from the populace.
When the team is down, I do try to be respectful of sore feelings. Our job is to present the truth and these days for the Broncos, the truth hurts. There is a way to ask tough questions in a sensitive manner.
Soon there will be coverage of coaches fired (yes, it appears Vance Joseph is on the proverbial hot seat), changes in the personnel department and players released. This is when the job spikes the adrenaline of a reporter, but can conflict a reporter’s soul.
