In a season ripe with unpredictable happenings, the Broncos did exactly what was predicted, for once. They went on the road and lost to a superior team.

Backed by Steve Smith and Jake Delhomme playing backyard football, the Panthers never slowed down and cruised to a relatively easy 20 point win. Early, it looked like a shootout might occur, as both teams matched each other with first quarter scoring drives. The Broncos dialed up their PopeMobile as PJ Pope scored his first NFL touchdown on a swing pass from Jay Cutler.

The Broncos were hanging and only down by 7 right before the half. They called a timeout with 14 seconds left on their own 30 and looked to be in a hurry-up, pass-happy 14-seconds-left-on-the-clock mode. Which is exactly why they called a pitch play to Selvin Young. Young evoked the spirit of Joe Pisarchik (almost 30 years and 1 month to the day) and promptly fumbeld the ball. The Panthers recovered and kicked a field goal (Matt Prater: take note) right before the half.

Those 3 points were apparently a killing blow to the Donkeys. They seemed to lose their confidence and never sniffed the end zone again. 3-and-out was the norm until the game was out of hand in the fourth quarter. Ryan Clady stumbled a bit and surrendured two sacks. Clady's been outstanding all year long, so it was inevtiable that he'd give up a sack or two somewhere down the road. Unofficially, he's only given up about four sacks all year long. Considering the previous Bronco Rookie Tackle Sack Surrendering Mark was something like 86, set by Russell Freeman in 1992, it's still a terrific year for Clady. Eddie Royal has the "sexier" stats, being a wideout, but Clady for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year isn't too far-fetched. It's been awhile since an offensive lineman has won the AP Offensive Rookie of the year. A quick Google search tells me it has never happened...yet I seem to recall Bill Fralic (guard) winning something in 1985, plus Pat Harlow (tackle) somewhere around 1991. The NFL awards aren't as revered --or cited as much--- as MLB's, but Clady should definitely be considered for some type of "ROY" award. Heck, it might even make his football cards jump in value by 5 cents.

There's been some grumbling around town that the Broncos "gave one away" or "missed their opportunity" in Charlotte. The Chargers also beat the Chiefs, so the Broncos' "Magic Number" for winning the AFC Worst is still at one. But only the dimmest orange-and-blue tool realistically believed the Broncos would win in Carolina. And it's really not that surprising that the Chargers won in KC. This weekend is the biggie. If the Broncos lose, at home, to the Buffalo Bills, it's time to contact Dr. Kevorkian and end their existence. If they win, then Darrel Hackney can start the season finale and the Broncos can prepare for their first round home playoff game. Yes...home. Be afraid.

Chop Blocks
..||.. Pittsburgh Steelers punter Mitch Berger has complained that the Baltmore Ravens' Frank Walker spit-- not just in his face-- but in his mouth. Really? In your mouth? That's some precision loogie-lobbing. If it's true, then Walker should spend the offseason in Texas, where he could win several Watermelon Seed Spitting contests. Also, how the hell does someone else spit in your mouth? Especially if they're of the same sex and on an opposing football team. My recommendation to Berger: get a real helmet with more bars on the facemask. More bars, more obstacles for an opponent's spittle to get through.

..||.. Well heck, despite Putzier's signing, it seems the Broncos did NOT "Cut the Mustard". Chad Mustard is still around and even returned a squib kick against the Panthers.

..||.. Other things that I couldn't squeeze into my shitty article: S Josh Barrett got his first INT on a deflected pass. DJ Williams returned. Wesley Woodyard actually started at safety.

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