ENGLEWOOD – When a team loses, and loses repeatedly, the tension in the locker room is palpable.
So, yes, one win like the one the Broncos picked up in dramatic, last-second fashion Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers can change things. Based on the looser, friendly atmosphere at UCHealth Training Center on Victory Monday, it already has.
“I think it changes guys – it changes the week, obviously,’’ said Broncos’ head coach Vance Joseph. “When you win in this league, you have great weeks. When you lose, you have horrible weeks. I think the work that we put in and the games that we’ve played, it’s been close. It’s been field-goal games. To win one obviously assures guys that the hard work is being rewarded. It’s good for our football team to win one.”
The Broncos rallied for a 23-22 win Sunday afternoon at the buzzer to snap the Chargers’ six-game winning streak in Los Angeles. This week, the Broncos play the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will also bring in a six-game winning streak.
McManus continues anti-bullying campaign
As a kicker, Brandon McManus knows what it’s like to get chastised on social media. But as a 27-year-old professional from Philadelphia who’s had his share of ups and downs, he’s developed some thick skin.
It’s not always so easy for our teenagers. McManus is again partnering with a Boulder-based clothing company, Shinesty to create their own fashion line this year. Part of the proceeds will go to Colorado anti-bullying initiatives.
“Colorado’s leading death for kids between 10-14 is suicide and the state of Colorado is ranked 48th in access to pediatric mental health help,’’ McManus said Monday. “Obviously, missing a big kick two weeks ago, you get a lot of grief and rightfully so. People will tell you on Twitter—it’s not just young kids that are facing bullying or cyber bullying. ... To people out there: Trust me, a lot of people will want to bring you down and never let that happen.’’
What does that say about guards?
It was pointed out to Garett Bolles that with tackle-oriented Billy Turner and Elijah Wilkinson now starting at the guard spots, the Broncos’ offensive line is comprised of four tackles and a center.
“We’re athletic and we’re fast,’’ Bolles said. “That’s what it is. You put a tackle on an inside three, it messes them up because we’re quick and fast and agile.’’
The other two tackles were Bolles and Jared Veldheer. The center is Connor McGovern.
Roby has concussion
Starting cornerback Bradley Roby missed most of the fourth quarter Sunday to get evaluated for a concussion. It was determined he did have one and is in the concussion protocol this week.
The Broncos feel better about receiver DaeSean Hamilton bouncing back after he aggravated his knee injury.
Roster spot
The Broncos are working out five players Tuesday. The audition winner – likely an offensive lineman – is to get the 53-man roster spot Max Garcia must surrender because of his season-ending ACL injury.
Secondary needs work
In the first half, Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers converted third downs with completions of 27, 27, 27, 32 and 29 yards. Rivers had one more third-down conversion with a 25-yard completion to Antonio Gates in the fourth quarter.
Six, third-down conversions of 25 yards or more? That can’t happen. In fact, it hasn’t happened to an NFL team in at least 20 years. That’s right, no NFL team has allowed six plays of at least 25 yards on third down since at least 1998. (The dubious feat may go back longer, but such segmented stats don’t go back further than 20 years).
