Rocky Mountain Stampede

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa to all Bronco fans!   The Broncos gave us loyal supporters an early present today locking up the #2 seed with a 22-3 convincing victory over the rival Oakland Raiders.  Even before they set foot on their home field, Denver clinched the AFC West division title after Larry Johnson and the Chiefs pounded the Chargers out of the postseason picture.  Thanks to Terrance McGee and the Bills' upset of the Bengals, the Broncos had an opportunity to finish the rest of their business Saturday with a victory over their battered rivals.  Denver was in control of the game from start to finish.  The Raiders had their opportunities but dropped passes, penalties and a critical Kerry Collins interception in the red zone doomed them in a game where they had little room for error.

I feel the most joy for Broncos such as Al Wilson, Mike Anderson, Ben Hamilton, Cooper Carlisle, Ian Gold and Ashley Lelie.  These players have been loyal, hard working contributors of this franchise and they weren't around during the Super Bowl rides.  After years of wild card trips and just missing the playoffs, they finally get their first taste of a division championship. 

For all the Broncomaniacs out there, it is an end to seven long years without an AFC West Championship.  We were a little spoiled by the Super Bowls, but we should all feel fortunate and thankful that we have a first class owner in Pat Bowlen and a Hall of Fame head coach in Mike Shanahan.  They have put this franchise in a strong position for another Super Bowl run.   

Other observations and perspectives on today:

-Denver won their 10th AFC West division title.  They also accomplished this feat in 1977, 1978, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1996 and 1998. 

-With the exception of an interception off Rod Smith's finger tips, Jake Plummer enjoyed a successful day throwing the football in the pocket.  He completed 19 of 29 passes for 269 yards and added 16 rushing yards with a quarterback sneak TD.  Pro Bowler Rod Smith was tackled just yards short of the endzone on three different receptions as he finished with 5 catches and 91 yards. 

-Statisically, Ashley Lelie has played a reduced role this season after his breakout 1,000 yard receiving campaign of 2004.  Hawai'i 50 has been mostly involved in the occasional vertical, big pass play this season.  On Saturday, Lelie enjoyed his finest game of the season with 6 grabs for 110 yards.  Lelie was more involved in the short-to-intermediate passing game which Rod Smith has mastered all sesaon long.  Lelie's emergence today was the biggest individual player storyline of the game.

-Dominique Foxworth did a terrific job covering Oakland's physically imposing receivers.  The third round rookie showed tremendous closing speed and timing on Kerry Collins' passes.  His best play was disrupting Moss' attempt to catch a pass in the corner in the endzone and preventing a touchdown late in the 2nd quarter.  Safety Nick Ferguson intercepted a pass on the next play which stalled Oakland's best opportunity of the day.  Champ Bailey, the best corner in the league, also saved a potential Raiders touchdown.  Randy Moss beat Curome Cox on a corner pattern and Champ closed in at the last second to swat the ball out of the All-Pro receiver's hands. 

-Mike Shanahan improved his record to 17-5 against his former team.  Shanahan is also 9-2 at home against Oakland.    Before 1995, the Raiders owned the Broncos even in the Dan Reeves' era.  That doesn't happen anymore.  Just ask John Ralston, Broncos coaches have been fired in the past for not beating the Raiders. 

-I don't have any sympathy for the Raiders and their 13-34 downward spiral since their 2002 AFC Championship.  They got swept in the AFC West for the first time since Al Davis took over the franchise in 1963.  I thank Davis for trading his fine head coach for a bundle of draft picks.  

Forget the potential postseason matchups, I encourage all Bronco fans to soak in this great moment and enjoy their Christmas Day.  2005 AFC West Champions!  Nobody gave them a chance but us. 

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