Happy New Year and if you just flipped the calendar to to 2008--the Broncos had you beat by a month.

Sure, they talked about winning the last four games and controlling their playoff lives, but as we all know, talk is cheap (even if the Broncos free agent spending sprees aren't).

When you split with the Raiders, kick and punt to Devin Hester, and lose by 37 to the Lions--sorry, you don't deserve to go to the playoffs.

Even Mike Shanahan himself said as much. The Mastermind knew that even if his team made the playoffs, they wouldn't do much when they got there.

Did injuries cost this team? Sure, they did, though every team in the NFL is constantly dealing with that issue. For example, the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts had arguably more injury issues to top-flight personnel than the Broncos, yet they won their division, and it just happened to be a division in which no team finished with a losing record. That's called perseverance--something all of us in Broncos Nation need to have at the moment, as this organization decides what steps it will take to try and reclaim it spot among the NFL elite.

I am not sure what their plans are in that regard but here are five things that I think that hindered them this past season. Some are fixable,others aren't, primarily for financial reasons, though let's take a look back and see what might be the plan going forward.

1) YOUTH IS SERVED
With yesterday's retirement of Matt Lepsis, the offensive line, always such a strength of this team, is in as much a state of flux as other key positions. The Broncos always seemingly had a different running back carrying the load year after year, but the line each of those individuals ran behind was the same--until now. It is no coincidence, to me, that a year in which the team lost both center Tom Nalen (triceps) and guard Ben Hamilton (concussion), that the running game seemingly stalled as well. Now, even if Nalen returns (likely) and Hamilton comes back (still questionable), there will be a youth movement on the offensive line. In a way that's good. Eventually the Broncos need to give their young interior lineman a chance to learn and grow into the position. The bad news? The 2008 campaign might be a crossroads season for this team. They have missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons. Can they afford to again? The bottom line: Ryan Harris and Chris Kuper, it's time to step into the spotlight.

2) YOUTH IS SERVED, PART II

The biggest question about this team regards the future of their defensive guru Jim Bates. More on him below, but whether it's Bates, Bob Slowik, or somebody else running the defense---this much we know: much like the offensive line, the defensive line will also have to rely on young players. Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder, and Marcus Thomas need to become playmakers. Is that fair to ask of would-be second year players? It depends on the situation, but the circumstances with this team, dictate that they do. Much has been made of Shanahan's drafting. From 2001 through 2004, only one player he has selected remains on their roster: middle linebacker D.J. Williams. The draft of those years gone by should be the core of this team, but there is only one guy even left. That's why Shanahan's drafting the last two years becomes so extremely critical to the future success of the team. In 2006 he picked Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, and Elvis Dumvervil. Well done, for sure, especially on offense. However, as we saw this past season, offense alone is not going to do it for this team. Therefore, he can only hope his 2007 selections--Moss, Crowder, and Thomas--can match his success from 2006.

3) THE BATES DILEMMA

If the Broncos are not going to run the defense that Bates made so successful and earned his genuis reputation on, then why have him back? Let me say, I think he is a great coach and I blame the players more than Bates for their inability to grasp his defensive scheme Players in Green Bay and Miami flourished under his tutelage. To me, that says, the issue isn't the system, it's those trying to learn the system. However, since the team has already put an extra defender in the box to help stuff the run, his principles are already being deviated from. Bates is a good man but seems like a bad fit here.

4) SPENDING FREELY (AND STRANGELY)

Looking at this team and it's lack of talent, how much better off would they be if they spent the $30 million they are giving Daniel Graham, possibly elsewhere? I like Graham and his skills. I realize Shanahan wants to have the tight end become a part of the offense once again. However, the year before they paid Graham, they drafted Scheffler to be their tight end of the next decade. He caught 49 passes this year. You want a two-tight-end set? That's fine, but can you justify spending that much on a second tight end when you have so many other areas of concern?

5) TWO SUPERSTARS WITH TOO MUCH BAGGAGE

On Monday, Javon Walker said he would like to be gone. (At least, I think he said that. It was a confusing interview session, for sure.) There is only one sure thing with Walker, though. He may want to play elsewhere, though this is the rare case where outright cutting Walker would be more expensive than having him on the roster. Finances always play a part. Can Walker regain his form? Do the Broncos want to pay to find out? Could he play in the shadow of Brandon Marshall? Who knows? Travis Henry is another concern. Will he be back? Can Selvin Young be the team's lead running back? Henry did not carry the ball against Minnesota. Young got most of the work and even Andre Hall got carries. Meanwhile, your $12 million man sits. Why? Shanahan said that Henry runs well between the tackles and due to Minnesota's tough run defense, they wanted to attack the edges with Young as well as Hall. I can see that. Though not one carry at all? That I can't understand...unless they have decided his future already.

A lot of questions, though, so far, few answers. It should be quite the off-season.

Have a great Wednesday.

-"Z"

The Nuggets keep telling anyone who will listen that they want to emulate the Phoenix Suns.

Although, what they--and every other team should be doing--is trying to mimic Denver's opponent tonight: the Spurs.

In a way, the Nuggets are correct. Since Phoenix has never won an NBA title, I guess the Nuggets are just like the Suns. (Sorry, that was too easy.)

The Nuggets have the the desire to win it all. They just don't have the personnel or front office savvy to get it done.

I do believe that team owner "Silent" Stan Kroenke wants to hoist the Larry O' Brien Trophy even more than yet another Stanley Cup. However, I can't confirm that because as his nickname suggests, Stan doesn't like talking to any of us in the media.

We do know this much though: the man has went above and beyond the luxury tax to try to bring Denver an NBA Championship.

Last season, he opened up the vault to check off on the Allen Iverson trade. He has now listened to "The Answer" ask him for a multi-year contract extension--at the age of 32. Iverson continues to defy age and does not appear to have lost a step. He is the heart and soul of this team, especially because Carmelo Anthony refuses to be for whatever reason. However, let's be real here--the Nuggets attendance is up four percent with Iverson, but the team's win total, his real barometer of success, is at best, lukewarm, I think. Since his arrival the team is 49-40, not great by any stretch.

On the other hand, Marcus Camby is 33 and was supposedly the first player to go last off-season, despite winning Defensive Player Of The Year honors. Keeping him is what put the Nuggets over the cap, instituting their luxury tax payments.

To Kroenke, it was fine. It was all part of the plan--a plan to win. They had Carmelo, Camby, Iverson, a wildly overpaid Kenyon Martin, and a wildly overhyped and overpaid guy who thinks he's good enough to go by one name, Nene.

Nene? How about, No Way.

Even still, with a bad contract or two, he believed in this team.

However, until they believe in valuing every possession, like the Spurs, and playing defense--like the Spurs, the Nuggets are in the words of Dennis Green "who we thought they were"...just first round fodder.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets at 18-12, yesterday said they could give their season a whole new meaning if they defeat the Spurs tonight.

It could happen, I guess. The Nuggets have the talent.

The bottom line is this, though: In one game, sure, I can see the Nuggets playing with some emotion and a boisterous home court advantage helping them to a win tonight.

Though, in a best- of -five or best -of- seven series who do you like? Let's face it, even some of the Nuggets players themselves would pick the Spurs.

This is not the way Denver thought their season would play out.

Some players said the Nuggets would win 60 games this season. They are on pace to win 47, maybe 48 games.

For that possible output, let's look at the input. This season Anthony will make $13.04 million, Iverson will check in at $19.01 million, Camby at $11.25 million, Martin is at $13.25 million, and the one-named wonder is at $8.84 million. All of that for 48 wins, maybe?

About that 18-12 beginning, well let's just say that 60-victory optimism is about as prevalent now as the team's outside shooting touch.

Anthony on being 18-12 simply said we're "not 12-18".

Camby, who always brings thoughtful insight to the table, offfered this rather realistic viewpoint. He said, "I just want for us to play well enough, hopefully, to get the home-court advantage in the first round."

The Nuggets play 15 games in January. In addition to the defending NBA champions, this month they face the Suns, the Hornets, the Jazz, the Magic, the Lakers, and the Mavericks.

I am beginning to think 48 victories might be a little too high.

San Antonio meanwhile has won four NBA titles since 1999 and has won with class.

The Nuggets have J.R. Smith while the Spurs have Bruce Bowen. One is a nuisance on and off the court and the other is just a nuisance to Anthony, when he is defending him. I think we know which is which.

The Spurs produced a guy named Sam Presti. He is 30 years old and is now general manager of the Sonics. His main contribution in San Antonio, while serving as Assistant GM was convincing the team to draft some French player named Tony Parker. How did that work out? Well, just like everything else the Spurs have done since Tim Duncan came aboard in 199, it has been fruitful.

The Spurs have a great core and a bunch undervalued and unselfish role players combined with a great coach. The Nuggets are selfish, not unselfish. Their coach? Well, he wants to be like Phoenix, not like San Antonio. What exactly does that tell you about him?

-"Z"

The title of this entry is rather specific because unfortunately there will be no follow-up called "Playoff Report Card."

Here we go, let me begin on offense. Look for the defensive grades on Monday.

QUARTERBACK: B
Jay Cutler at times looked dazzling, and at times looked like a second-year player, but more often than not, he looked pretty soild. That bodes well. His quarterback rating was 88.1--it took John Elway 11 years to post a number that high. Of course, quarterback rating is more of a mechanical measurement than anything--it does not account for spontaneity and other intangibles, which were Elway's calling card. Nevertheless, it's something for Cutler to build on as he heads into his third year. Make no mistake, this team has a lot of problems, but the quarterback position does not seem to be one of them. Cutler should continue to progress, but if his offensive line doesn't give him adequate protection, we may not see his true colors shine.

OFFENSIVE LINE: D
Well, they were hit hard by injuries. Tom Nalen was out with a triceps issue. Ben Hamilton never seemed to recover from a concussion, and Matt Lepsis retired after an admitted rough year at tackle. That would affect any team, but since every team deals with injuries, I can't give the Broncos any slack here. This means that even if Nalen and Hamilton return, the line will have to be infused with new parts. The Broncos have young players they believe can step into the fold, but potential is great. Reality is something else. We'll have to wait and see if the faith the coaches have put in Chris Myers, Ryan Harris, and Chris Kuper is rewarded. A poor running game is also a direct reflection of the line. This season the Broncos, who almost always have a 1,000-yard rusher under Coach Mike Shanahan, failed to do so in 2007.

RUNNING BACKS: C
Selvin Young was a bright spot. However, that was mostly because Travis Henry was, in large part, a disappointment. He led the League in rushing after four weeks but his legal issues affected his performance. In the final regular season game against Minnesota, he had no rushing attempts. What does that say about his place in the pecking order? I was there in Kansas City to witness Young's first 100-yard game. It was special, though as many have pointed out, he is an injury-prone player, so while he is dependable in one sense, is he reliable in another?

WIDE RECEIVERS: C
A aggregate score for this grade. Brandon Marshall gets an "A" after a sensational season. Javon Walker gets a "D". He rarely played due to injury, and when he did return, he was not a factor. He looked good in the season opening win over the Bills, but when you heard the injury was to the same knee he blew out in Green Bay, you had to wonder. Now the Broncos are wondering what to do with him in 2008. Javon, as you may have heard, has offered his own thoughts on the matter. The team got more out of Brandon Stokley than it could have imagined, so that is a plus, however, he had injury issues as well. Cutler loved looking his way to bail him out and that cannot be overstated. The team signed Stokley to a contract extension. Then again, they signed to Walker to one as well...

TIGHT ENDS: A
The most depth on the offense is at this spot. Tony Scheffler had 49 catches. Daniel Graham had a much more clandestine role but his value should not be diminished. Since the offensive line was so maligned, he helped out the unit by blocking. All indications are, he did great. He complained a little about being taken out of the passing game to block, especially since he said he came to Denver to catch more and block less, though injuries changed that formula. He did well and kept his displeasure to a minimum. If the Broncos were set at other positions like they are at tight end, they would be in very good shape.

OVERALL: C
Cutler had an above-average season, Marshall had a season anyone would envy, and the future seems bright. However, the line was in flux all year. As a result, the running game suffered. They were 11th in yards per game at 346.3 but were only 21st in scoring. Not excatly the offensive numbers "The Mastermind" is used to having. They scored a total of 320 points. They gave up 409 points. Tells you everything you need to know right there.

Enjoy the weekend and I hope to see back here on Monday as we look back on the defense.

-"Z"

If you saw the speed at which Denver's defensive players were moving, you wouldn't necessarily argue with today's headline.

Simply put: only one defense in the AFC was worse: The Miami Dolphins--and they finished 1-15 this season.

Here we go with our grades on defense. Our grades for the offense are in the previous blog entry which you can access by clicking here.

DEFENSIVE LINE: D
There are only two reasons why this unit does not receive an "F" (which many of you that e-mail me say they should receive):

1) Only utter and complete ineptitude could get them a failing grade and while at times this part of the defense looked like its weakest component--I still reserve a little judgment. Mainly because they deviated from their scheme after week six, too early in my opinion. They are used to playing a 3-4 defense under their defensive mastermind (pardon the irony here) Jim Bates. After giving up on his scheme and moving an eighth player into the box, they gave up on Bates. Clearly, the system wasn't working but I am one of the few individuals who lays more blame on the players than on Bates. No doubt, Bates is culpable, but if his work was magic in Green Bay and Dallas, why was it tragic here? The only answer I see is personnel. Those two teams had players that understood what they were doing. Champ Bailey, this team's best player, said the meltdown on defense should not be pinned on Bates. Will that resonate with the real "Mastermind"? That remains to be seen.

2) Elvis Dumervil is a great player. He had 12.5 sacks and, without him, this unit doesn't even cause what I would refer to as even minimal disruption. Great season for him--a nice follow-up to a strong first year in which he opened a lot of eyes. Look for him to get even better.

LINEBACKERS: D

Much like the defensive line, two reasons for this grade, and the first one is, well, I guess I would have to say...

1) The Defensive Line. If those players can't get adequate leverage, the job of the linebackers becomes more difficult. So, their performance is an overall function of how the linebackers and secondary play. A weak start by them leaves everybody else in tough spots.

2) Much like Dumervil, this group had one star, middle linebacker D.J. Williams. Only one player in the NFL had more tackles than him. He started slowly as he learned a new position, though he rarely complained and by the season's end was making plays, not to mention, as previously noted, a bunch of tackles.

SECONDARY: B

Most of the opposition the Broncos saw this past season, decided (wisely) to keep their passing game away from testing Champ Bailey. He is the only player on this squad at the moment that gets that kind of respect. His interception totals were down, but once again, almost nobody risks going in his direction, so he gets very few chances. That also, however, puts more of a onus on the other cornerback, in this particular case, Dre' Bly, to make plays, as much of the action will be coming his way. He is a gambler by nature and his prowess helped save Denver in Week 2 against Oakland. However, he cost them the game with Green Bay after watching Greg Jennings motor by him on the first play from scrimmage in the extra session. Even the normally reliable Bailey wore down in the game at Chicago, a loss this team never recovered from.

At safety, John Lynch played well but Nick Ferguson went from opening game starter to not even playing by season's end. The team found some energy with Hamza Abdullah, although they need to fill out the position here, because the question remains--how much longer will Lynch play?

OVERALL GRADE: D
The play of the secondary could have given them a little bit of a higher grade but there was a point this season where every unit, including them, wore down. Two years ago, the Broncos had a defense that was ranked number three in the League points allowed. That eventually got Larry Coyer fired. This year, they were ranked 28th in that category. That says it all.

Mike Shanahan holds his year-end review Tuesday afternoon. We will be there and offer our thoughts Wednesday morning.

-"Z"

Sure, it's the name of a magazine for teenage girls...not sure how I know that, but I digress...it's also the theme of LSU's magical year.

The Tigers have been the cardiac kids of 2007, which is ironic, since their first game of 2008 was anything but a nail-biter.

When Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman was sacked in the second quarter, it was 7:49 P.M. However, you could say, at that moment it struck "midnight" for the Buckeyes.

After watching the game, I could only think that Georgia, Tennessee, and even Florida and Kentucky on a good day could have easily been better opponents for the Tigers, and dare I say, in some cases, with the exception of the Wildcats--would be more deserving.

In fact, Kentucky defeated LSU in triple overtime this season. In fact, both of LSU's losses came in Double OT. In fact, they were the first team with two losses in the BCS era to play for the National Title, but you could argue, that the effort the Tigers put forth in two defeats, was still more impressive than Ohio State's lone loss to Illinois. LSU lost twice in heartbreaking fashion, on the road, in hostile environments. The Buckeyes lost once, at home, in a blowout, to Illinois.

To me, the plight of the Buckeyes was similar to that of Hawaii. Sure, the Warriors were 12-0 during the regular season, but against mostly middling competition. They had never seen anything like their opponent, Georgia, all season long. In addition, there is no way to replicate the speed of the Bulldogs or teams of their athletic ilk, in practice. It seemed like an easy call to make: Georgia, all the way. The talent disparity was so great and the roads traveled by each team were so divergent, you wondered how Georgia wasn't insulted they had to share the field with Hawaii. Or put another way, how long a night the Warriors knew the Sugar Bowl had the potential to become.

To me, the situation last night, was more or less the same. Ohio State played the part of Hawaii and LSU came dressed as Georgia, figuratively speaking, of course.

The Buckeyes weren't as fast and even with a 10-point edge early could not sustain much--as evidenced by the 24 straight LSU scored after that to take a commanding lead.

Ohio State spent the season playing mediocre competition. Not their fault, it was a down year for the Big 10, but pick up the phone and give me a ring the next time there is a down year in the SEC. I won't be expecting your call for years.

The Tigers earned their way to New Orleans. To me, Ohio State, got in by default. One by one, the contenders fell--USC lost, Oregon lost Dennis Dixon, and West Virginia lost in their final regular season contest. To me, Ohio State didn't play themselves in, they merely got here because everyone else played their way out.

The only problem I have today is, what precisely will be the fallout next season? I think every year, each team should be judged upon its individual merits, but voters have long memories. I mean, after all, the Preseason Poll is essentially determined, in large part, by the finish of the previous season. That said, if Ohio State is 11-1 again in 2008 and there are a bunch of two-loss teams once again, what are the odds OSU slips past them one more time? In my mind, not good.

Sure, next year, the Buckeyes could finish first in what looks to be a strong Big 10 Conference, but I just think after getting burned two times in a row by Ohio State as an overmatched opponent, the voters will think longer and harder about the way they rank the Buckeyes. In essence, their standing as a national title contender in 2008, could be determined by their Championship Game woes in 2006 and 2007. Fair? Not at all. As I mentioned, each year should based on the achievement of that particular team. That would make sense.

Although, in a year where four teams were ranked number one and 17 programs were ranked in the top five, has much of anything in college football this season made sense?

-"Z"

The talk around Broncos Country today will revolve around their failed stay at the "Bates Motel." Safe to say, most of the residents (wait, make that "players") checked out of the "Bates Motel" in week six. Then, in week 19 of the season, Jim Bates himself got the boot.

Just like Larry Coyer before him.

Just like Ray Rhodes resigned prior to Coyer.

Just like Greg Robinson was shown the door before that.

I am guessing that there will much written about Bates today, so I will switch to a topic that doesn't directly involve him, though, one that is residual in nature.

I know Mike Shanahan has won two Super Bowls. He has taken Denver to four AFC Championship Games. He has only had two losing seasons in 13 years on the sidelines here.

All of that should give him an enormous sense of gratification. However, all of that does not make him immune from criticism.

Shanahan coaches the team, picks the players, and picks the coaches. If he does the latter-and none of his defensive coaching choices work out, isn't he partly culpable? Sure, the position coach has to directly answer for the performance of his unit, but what about the guy who hires him to supervise? Isn't he partly responsible, too?

Sure he is, especially if this is a perennial problem and coaches are being shuttled in and out of Dove Valley, like its some sort of timeshare that everybody eventually has to vacate.

Put it this way: You are a fan of a certain college program. The last five coaches have not gotten you to a bowl game. Who do you blame? Those five coaches? Yeah. Although, how about blaming the athletic director that is making one hiring mistake after another? In a way, Shanahan is that athletic director.

Yesterday, while on the way to work, two radio hosts on our partner, KKFN-AM, were discussing the 2008 Broncos. The prediction from one host was 11-12 wins while the other went with nine victories. They, of course, were basing their thoughts on...well, nothing.

The only place to bring an adequate assessment of the program is to scrutinize everything Shanahan does. Many might disagree and feel he is above reproach because of his tremendous success. I don't think anyone is above evaluation, at the most, and self-introspection, at the least. You can most likely bet Shanahan is doing a little of each.

In regards to coaching, it is fair to say that Chargers head man Norv Turner did a better job--and did it under far more pressure.

It is more than obvious to say that Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith is more savvy than Shanahan when it comes to personnel decisions. Sure, Denver's 2006 draft class looks promising. Though, do you also want to discuss how he did in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004?

The draft picks that Denver has made since 2001 that look to be the core of their team consist of Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, D.J. Williams, and Elvis Dumvervil. All but one was drafted in 2006. A combined zero Pro Bowls among them.

In that same time frame, the Chargers have selected LaDanian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Shawne Merriman, Luis Castillo, Philip Rivers, and Antonio Cromartie.

This is not meant to be some sort of rudimentary analysis of Denver and their new bitter rival (thanks to both Cutler and Rivers for that).

The bigger picture here is that just because you have been a great coach, doesn't give you a lifetime exemption from accountability. Two Super Bowls are great memories. Those are for reliving the glorious past. We, however,are living in the present, in 2008, not 1998. Why else do you think the NFL is half-jokingly referred to as the "Not For Long"?

What I am saying is that not only is Shanahan slipping a bit across the board, now, he doesn't even appear to be the best in his own division.

So is that a fair statement? Maybe.

Is it fair to actually just state that? Yes, no matter who you are and no matter how many Super Bowls you've won.

-"Z"

I wanted to write something positive about CSU basketball today, until I saw the Rams lose to some school called Oklahoma Panhandle State.

Not Oklahoma State. No, I said Oklahoma Panhandle State.

The Aggies. Not the Texas A & M Aggies. The Aggies of Oklahoma Panhandle State.

At this point, you know more than you ever wanted to know about Oklahoma Panhandle State University--and you only most likely know one thing: their nickname.

So, let's make that two. The school is in Goodwell, Oklahoma.

The zip code of Goodwell is 73939. See, you now know three things.

Enough of that, let's move on. If only it was so easy for Colorado State.

On Tuesday night, the Rams lost at home to Oklahoma Panhandle State University, from here on out referred to as OPSU.

They fell to the Aggies 97-91 in OT. The Aggies are a Division II team. Hard to describe just how much of an upset that was...and how upset Rams head coach Tim Miles must be.

Colorado State led by eight at the half, and let a Division II team barge right back on their own floor. Good thing almost nobody goes to CSU basketball games or this would be really sad.

I will take nothing away from OPSU, they play in the Heartland Conference and they showed plenty of heart on Tuesday night.

As for the Rams, time to get some heart and start playing with it.

-"Z"

Mike Shanahan yesterday at Dove Valley said the Broncos should have won at least 10 games this past season.

They finished with seven victories.

He clearly knows that with his strong backing from owner Pat Bowlen, Shanahan can take the heat and not have to get out of the kitchen. So, in that regard, he can take the criticism and keep the pressure off of the players.

I think that is admirable, but wrong.

He spent $12 million in guaranteed salary for Travis Henry but would not commit to him being the 2008 starter at running back.

He said that Selvin Young would not be able to carry the load as the primary ball carrier next season. (Something tells me that message was motivational in nature and was being aimed at one person specifically.)

He said he was willing to let things cool off with Javon Walker before addressing Walker's concerns. That is, unless, Walker decides to spout off a third time.

Those are merely the issues addressed on the offensive side of the ball.

Two of those three players will count heavily against the salary cap and their future completely remains up in the air for this upcoming season. Both have proven to be headaches--sometimes worth the aggravation, and sometimes not. The bottom line is, as of now there is no resolution regarding either player. If that sort of indecision doesn't tell you how much Bowlen trusts Shanahan, then nothing will.

Shanahan kept saying the phrase "it all starts with me" as if he was trying to set a Guiness Book of World records for the amount of time those five words could be used together.

So here is the question I have: If it all starts with Shanahan, and the team was talented enough to win 10 games, then it can't be the fault of the personnel, right?

In essensce, that's what Shanahan is saying. He said the players on his roster underachieved and that is why the bulk of the blame, at least, Shanahan thinks, is on him. I do like him taking the blame on Thursday and deflecting it off of the players, but does anyone really think personnel is not an issue?

I think Shanahan has a valid point that perhaps the coaching could have been better, but the staff can only call plays they feel the talent on their roster can execute. Quarterback Jay Cutler has a cannon of an arm, so why didn't the Broncos go deep more often? Well, who besides Brandon Marshall is a big-play threat and can stay healthy? A personnel problem, right here.

My point is that this team needs a huge talent upgrade more than a coaching upgrade. For Shanahan, taking the blame is nice, but fixing the gap in personnel--that would be better.

They may have at least two new players on the offensive line and the player Shanahan calls "the greatest center" ever in the NFL, Tom Nalen, will be entering his 15th season in 2008. Filling those needs is a personnel issue.

As mentioned, Shanahan has two running backs, though he doesn't seemed really thrilled with either. Another issue that centers on personnel, not coaching.

His highest-paid wide receiver wants to be traded. I think. Actually, even he doesn't know, so how can I? Personnel issue at wide receiver.

His defense was among the most defenseless in the League. They merely didn't have the personnel to cause any sort of disruption to the opposition's offense.

So while Shanahan saysyou can blame him, the 53 guys who comprise his locker room should share a little accountability in this as well.

-"Z"

Fact: Of the 53 players on San Diego's roster, a whopping 31 of them were drafted by the Chargers.

Fact: Of the 53 players on New England's roster, the team personally selected 25 of them.

Fact: The Chargers and the Patriots will meet for the AFC title this Sunday.

Not a fact, though an educated guess with some emperical evidence to boot: These days, success in the NFL depends on solid drafting, not off-season spending sprees.

Teams that value the draft and realize its long and short-term benefits tend to reap the rewards.

Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan announced in his end of the season press conference, that better coaching could have elevated the Broncos from seven wins to 10.

He later conceded that better draft evaluation could have put the win total at 13.

Wait a minute. Better coaching and draft picks would have equaled SIX extra victories?

I don't agree with that--though I do concur with his assessment that his poor player personnel moves have driven this team from the NFL's elite to the outskirts of mediocrity.

Fact: Of all of the picks Mike Shanahan made from 2001-2004, only one player remains: middle linebacker D.J. Williams. That's it.

Here are some of the memorable (all right, memorable for a week) names that Shanahan drafted and thought would be the core of this team: Willie Middlebrooks, George Foster, Tatum Bell, Darius Watts, Triandos Luke, Josh Sewell, Bradlee Van Pelt, Matt Mauck--and everybody's favorite and all around high-character guy: Maurice Clarett.

All of them are gone.

Though, as any good infomercial would say about its product--wait, there's more--Quinten Griffen, Terry Pierce, Ben Claxton, Adrian Madise, and Aaron Hunt--seriously, somebody stop me if any of these names have ever done ANYTHING with ANY team.

You want more, you got more: Ashley Lelie, Dorsett Davis, Nick Harris, and Kevin Kaspar. You get the idea.

A quick analysis shows that in that timespan from 2001-2004, the Broncos had 34 draft choices. As mentioned, only Williams still has a locker at Dove Valley. However, a deeper look inside shows only five players that have even had an impact in the NFL. The best of the bunch are clearly Clinton Portis (2002-2nd Round) and Williams (2004-1st Round). Ben Hamilton has been a stalwart on Denver's offensive line and Deltha O'Neal had a few electric moments in both Denver and Cincinnati. Ashley Lelie was decent for a season here. Other than that? Nothing.

The draft day misses would be equivalent to a baseball player, striking out on 30 of every 35 plate appearances. That would equate to a very willowy .147 average.

In that same timespan, the Chargers have caught--and passed--the Broncos on the field, mostly due to their prowess off the field. San Diego General Manager A.J. Smith has lapped the entire AFC West in his pursuit of talent.

The Broncos and their troubles are noted. The Raiders have many problems that are inhibiting a return to their glory years and poor drafting is among them. The Chiefs have similar problems.

San Diego has no such problems. Players they have drafted and cultivated into core team talent include: linebacker Shawne Merriman, defensive end Luis Castillo, safety Eric Weddle, cornerback Antonio Cromartie (Pro Bowl as a rookie), running back Michael Turner, kicker Nate Kaeding, and of course, running back LaDanian Tomlinson.

To show even more of Smith's keen evaluating eye at work, consider that two of the Chargers biggest playmakers aren't even on that list. Quarterback Philip Rivers was brought to San Diego in a draft-day trade involving Eli Manning and tight end Antonio Gates, a formidable weapon in San Diego's dynamic offense, wasn't even drafted by any team.

The Broncos have chosen the free agent and trade route to improve talent. A trade brought Champ Bailey, which by all accounts, has been a brilliant move. However, it cost them Portis, their last running back that truly consumed the opposing team's defensive gameplan.

The trade for Dre' Bly is too early to evaluate but when you see the Patriots were able to acquire Randy Moss for much less than it took Denver to trade for and then sign Bly, relatively speaking, that looks like a poor move.

The free agent acquisition of Travis Henry started well; he led the NFL in rushing after four weeks. However, his drug test issue was a distraction and he didn't even carry the football a single time in the final regular season game against Minnesota. The Broncos have more-or- less admitted Henry was not worth the headache, and it is said he will have to restructure his 2008 salary--by almost two-thirds--from about $6 million to around $2 million, if he wants to come back.

Javon Walker was signed to an extension worth $40 million after the 2006 season. He wants out now. Or does he? Who knows? Apparently, after his comments and subsequent radio apology, not even he knows.

The future of the Broncos are in the collective hands of quarterback Jay Cutler, wide receiver Brandon Marshall, tight end Tony Scheffler, and defensive end Elvis Dumervil.

Where did the Broncos get those players?

The 2006 NFL Draft.

-"Z"

Here's all you need to know about the direction of the CU men's basketball program:
Last season under Ricardo Patton, the Buffs finished with a 7-20 record.

This year, just one game into conference play, they have already eclipsed last season's win total. With still a month-and-a-half to play in the regular season, they are 8-7.

Patton, seemingly, was just good enough to keep saving his job. However, CU Athletic Director Mike Bohn wanted the program to thrive----not just survive---so Patton knew he was gone and seemingly launched a pre-emptive strike against a school who let him define basketball mediocrity. The day he introduced his 2006-07 team to the media, he also had another message for the press: After this season I'm gone.

It surprised those in attendance, especially Bohn. Patton had not even told his own boss that he was leaving. If that doesn't tell you how betrayed he felt at not being offered a contract extension prior to last season, nothing will.

So, Patton is gone and Jeff Bzdelik, who did far more with a lot less talent at the Air Force Academy, made the drive from Colorado Springs to Boulder. Speaking of drive, whether it's getting a car or driving to the basket, nothing will come easy to CU's opponents.

Bzdelik is known for his "Princeton offense," but defense is where he feels this team can make its biggest strides, at least for now.

The talent level in this program will have to be significantly upgraded, but until then, you have to play with what you have. In that regard, Bzdelik can't do much with his roster, but defense isn't about talent, it's more about effort---and Coach Bzdelik will not settle for anything less than maximum effort.

The numbers bear it out. Last season, CU's opposition gave up 80.1 points per game. This year, through 15 games, they have surrendered an average of 60.1 points per game.

Fun basketball to watch? Not really, they move slowly on offense--but at least they are slowly moving in a direction, and this time, it's actually forward.

-"Z"

I know--you, as a Broncos fan, dislike Philip Rivers.

Any doubt you had about that was replaced with certainity on Christmas Eve night when he and Jay Cutler were exchanging some, shall we say, holiday jeer. I mean, Jay is from Santa Claus Indiana, so Rivers couldn't leave any coal in his stocking...but did anyway.

Safe to say that after Sunday's win in Indianapolis, Colts fans feel a kinship with Broncos Country. In his latest adventure, Philips wasn't just challenging Cutler, but the entire Colts crowd. Love the moxie, though I'm not so not sure about his odds at taking on about 60,000 fans. Then again, after winning nine in a row with a fire and brimstone attitude and fire-in-his-belly quarterback, the Chargers feel they can stand up to anyone, including the Patriots.

San Diego will get their chance to do just that on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game. A win puts them in the Super Bowl and Rivers will then have two weeks to talk, possibly meaning everyone might need earplugs after the second day.

Let's face it: Rivers will get feisty with anyone. It is a trait that many people wish was different about him However, I'll take the contrarian viewpoint--I like his demonstrative behavior.

The night he was yapping with Cutler--two quarterbacks, that at that point, between them had won zero playoff games--was an event that brought an incredulous but correct reaction from the broadcasting crew. They wondered aloud whether Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, two far more accomplished quarterbacks, would act this way. Of course, the answer is no; those two do their talking on the field (well, I guess Manning does talk in his commercial spots), and their four combined Super Bowls prove it.

However, fast forward three weeks. Cutler still has no playoff wins but Rivers has two. The Chargers, not coincidentally, are now thriving because a quarterback that had supposedly regressed in the regular season is being reborn in the postseason, and that's what matters.
Nobody knows this better than San Diego.

After all, last year during the regular season they were a League best 14-2, but come playoff time, were one and painfully done, at the hands of the Patriots. This year, it's different for the quarterback and the organization that has pinned its hopes on his shoulders--and mouth.

Prior to this season, the Chargers had not won a playoff contest in 13 years. They have now won two playoff games in a span of one week.

Rivers can talk all he wants, and he should.

The NFL continues to evolve at a very rapid pace. Just a few years ago, there was significantly less pressure to throw quarterbacks into the fray. You could let them develop, you could watch them mature and pick up the nuances of an offense.These days, not a chance. After all, time is not a luxury for anybody, especially that quarterback and his coach.

The pressure is on from all avenues to win, and win now. You're paying your franchise quarterback a lot of money and the fans want to see him play. Ownership wants to see if their investment is worth it. The media is applying the heat. Everyone knows that the NFL has been a place where parity is currently parked. You can go from a division worst to first in the span of a year. With such rapid progress, coaches can't use the "patience is a virtue" phrase to placate the fans. If your rival can turn it around quickly, why can't you? Therefore, coaches have to do whatever it takes to win, even if it means possibly recklessly mortgaging your future by rushing players in.

If that is the way business is run, and players are labeled busts in their mid 20s, when years ago quarterbacks weren't judged until they were in their 30s, then I would much rather have a guy like Rivers. Young, cocky, and brash. He may not always be right, but he thinks he is--he exudes confidence and that is what other players rally around.

Champ Bailey let it be known doesn't care much for Rivers. However, I think if he played with him, his opinion would be different.

-"Z"

The New England Patriots, as you may have heard, are really good.

They are two wins away from joining the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only undefeated teams in NFL history. First step towards getting there involves defeating the San Diego Chargers on Sunday in the AFC Title Game.

Though, if you listen to the Chargers, it's the Patriots that should be afraid of them.

Huh?

You can't make this stuff up. I applaud San Diego for not backing down and not being in awe of a team that is on the verge of creating a little history. However, their outright defiant attitude isn't just a little shocking, I think it's kind of crazy.

Said Chargers (perhaps slightly delusional) ringleader Igor Olshansky, of the Patriots: "Seriously, I mean, they are more worried than we are."

This may be a good time to remind Olshansky that when the two teams met in week two, the Patriots won 38-14, but I guess that doesn't matter.

After all, the Chargers have won nine in a row so they can "talk the talk."

Then again, the Patriots have won 17 in a row, so they can "walk the walk."

You get the feeling the Chargers like talking and come Sunday they very well might be walking...right out of the playoffs.

Trust me, Igor. You're right, there is one team that should be worried--you should know better than anyone, after all, you're on that team.

-"Z"

The Nuggets have been been saying it all season long: The only team that is capable of beating the Nuggets is ...the Nuggets.

If last night was any indication, they may finally be moving from Western Conference pretender to Western Conference contender.

The 120-109 victory over the Jazz will count as one "W" in the standings, though from a tangential viewpoint, the effects of just that lone win, may have numerous long term and short term benefits. Here are a few.

JUST WIN, BABY
I know, wrong sport, and I'm quoting the Oakland Raiders. Kind of a double whammy. Sorry about that. However, it's not as sorry as the Nuggets looked earlier this week in losses in Charlotte and Atlanta. They were hoping to win both games on their short road trip and in a worst case sceanrio, split the games. What's worse than a worst case scenario? Well, whatever that may be is what the Nuggets were feeling. Instead of sweeping, the Nuggets had the brooms broughttout on them. Charlotte and Atlanta? Great cities in the south? You bet. Is losing to them both a sure sign that the Nuggets may be heading south? Possibly. That is why the win Thursday was so crucial. The Nuggets have fought through injuries, but no injury excuses could compensate for losses to the Bobacts and Hawks. A win over Utah alleviates a little of the sting.

NORTH BY NORTHWEST
Going Alfred Hitchcock on you, though there is nothing to be scared of. A look at the Western Conference standings shows around 10 teams in the hunt for eight playoff spots. So winning a division becomes crucial. It's an automatic postseason qualiifer and with Utah and Portland both battling Denver for the Northwest title, it was beneficial for the Nuggets to knock off one of those teams. Sure, you can still make the playoffs without winning your division, after all, five teams in the Western Conference will do just that. The problem is, there could be seven teams fighting for five spots. You do the math. Win the division and you don't have to concern yourself with any number crunching.

BENCHWARMERS
Funny movie, yeah. A problem for the Nuggets. Maybe. With the injury to Chucky Atkins and a health scare to Nene, the Nuggets need their reserves to step up. On Thursday, Linas Kleiza scored 41 points. I don't think anybody is really expecting him to do that nightly, but getting solid bench production is vital down the stretch.

For one night, everything went well for the Nuggets. The question remains, is this the start of something big or the start of yet another inconsistent stretch?

-"Z"

Earlier this season, there were few players in the NFL who would have wanted to trade places with Denver special teams player Domenik Hixon.

It seemed like "Hix" had a "hex" --on himself.

The Broncos took him in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He promptly broke his leg and missed his rookie season.

In his second year in Denver, he lasted all of two months. As usual, when something goes wrong, head coach Mike Shanahan, instead of looking in the mirror, looks for a scapegoat. Special teams was anything but special and as a result, in October, Hixon got a one-way ticket out of Dove Valley.

Today, Hixon is healed from his broken leg, while Denver fans are mending a broken heart over yet another non-playoff season.

At this point, you might expect Hixon to gloat. After all, the Broncos thought such stalwarts as Glenn Martinez and Andre Hall could return kicks better than Hixon, so he became expendable. Martinez did something that Hixon never did in a Broncos uniform: he took a punt back to the house for a touchdown. Small victory for Denver. Domenik is going to the Super Bowl---huge win for the Giants, thanks to a huge postseason contribution from a player they claimed off of Denver's scrap heap.

In fairness to Shanahan, when they released Hixon, they were hoping to put him on the practice squad. Then again, if you have somebody on the practice squad as opposed to the active roster, how much confidence do you really have in him?

What bothered me more than anything about this story is how dour Shanahan has become over Hixon's success. Instead of crediting Hixon--a player Shanahan saw potential in when nobody else did--he chose to instead take a skeptical approach to Hixon's accomplishments since leaving Denver.

For the record, in a Week 17 loss to the Patriots, a game the Giants can seek revenge on in the Super Bowl, Hixon had eight returns for 221 yards. Included in that total was a 74-yard touchdown kick return for a score.

This could be one of those rare occasions when Shanahan, a questionable evaluator of talent, could say, "I knew Hixon had it in him and that is why we drafted him."

Instead he said this: "Just because a guy has an 85-yard kickoff return [actually, 74 yards as stated above] doesn't mean that guy's arrived." Come on, Mike, be happy for the guy.

"I still think he's got a ways to go before he arrives," he added.

Hixon summed up Shanahan's thoughts on him by saying, "I can tell how he feels."

Shanahan saw something in Hixon that others didn't. Though, by listening to him, it seems like his reaction is nothing but sour grapes. Too bad because ask anyone who covers this team, Hixon is a good guy, and what's that saying again? "Good things happen to good people."

Congrats to Hixon, good luck in the Super Bowl, kid.

Mike Shanahan, like the rest of America, will be sitting home and watching....and wondering what could have been.

-"Z"

When you play in a sport that has a 17-week regular season, and you, as a team, "turn the corner" in week 17, it might be a little late.

Well, then, it's better late than never for the New York Giants.

Through the first two weeks of the 2007 regular season, the New York defense gave up 80 points. Better late than never, their defense regrouped, and is, in large part, the reason they are back in the Super Bowl for the first time in seven years.

Since the day he was drafted, Eli Manning was questioned on everything from his demeanor to his dedication. Better late than never, despite shaky regular season statistics, all of those questions have been squelched about him--thanks to one glorious postseason ride.

So how did this glorious ride begin? Would you believe, with a loss?

On December 22, the Patriots arrived in New Jersey and departed as the first team in NFL history with a perfect 16-win regular season.

The Patriots were playing for history that night. On the other hand, the Giants were playing with house money. They had their playoff seed wrapped up, they had nothing to gain with a win or a loss--except momentum--and it turned out that, quest for momentum is why a "Manning" might win the Super Bowl for the second conscutive year...probably not the one you thought, though.

Never have I really seen a team gain so much from a loss. Has a team ever lost their regular
season finale after playing as hard as they possibly could and saw that development as a positive?

The Giants did not concern themselves with risk of injuries in that final regular season game---they could have rested their starters. The Bucs and Cowboys did just that, and look where it got them: A first-round ticket out of the postseason, courtesy of the Giants.

A game down to the wire against the so-called greatest team in NFL history gave the Giants the confidence they needed. After all, if the Patriots are perhaps the best ever and the Giants came within a whisker of defeating them, so how tough could seriously flawed Tampa Bay and Dallas, be as opponents?

So do the Giants have a chance in the Super Bowl? I think so. After all, the closest the Patriots came to being defeated this season came at the hands of the Ravens. The same Ravens that lost nine in a row this past season. If a team that didn't win a game for more than two straight months takes you to the wire, why can't New York?

-"Z"

I know that baseball is the sport where statistics matter the most. That is, until Petitte, McGwire, Fehr, Palmeiro, Clemens, Tejada, Dykstra, Selig,McNamee, Radomski, Vina, Neagle...you get the point.

In football, the numbers often lie, and there is no better proof than the Google IPO-like rise of Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

Do not get me wrong. Manning's postseason has been about as perfect as his brother's reputation. Three games, 85 passes, zero interceptions. That would, of course, lead to a pretty good number as far as quarterback ratings are concerned.

Then again, pro sports is all about postseason performance, although, to truly gauge the long-term prognosis for any player, a body of work perspective is needed.

That being said, let's look at the numbers behind the numbers for Manning.

Interceptions: 20 (tied for most in the NFL).

Completion percentage: 56.1 percent (tied for 29th in the NFL).

Yards per game: 208.1 (16th in the NFL).

Quarterback rating: 73.9 (25th in the NFL).

To be fair, Manning was in the top half of the NFL in touchdown passes and passing yards.

I think Manning has a bright future, if for no other reason than he has withstood a tremendous amount of criticism to just get to this point. His mental toughness now cannot be questioned. After all, three playoff games are more pressure-packed than an entire 16-game regular season.

That said, one more playoff win for Manning and those mediocre regular season statistics I metioned will mean nothing. One more playoff win on February 3 and he ties his brother for number of Super Bowl victories. Now, there is a statistic I don't think anyone anticipated.

-"Z"

I guess it seems a bit strange to say this but I believe it to be true.

So here goes: The Rockies cut Troy Tulowitzki a check for $31 million yesterday and I actually think, by doing just that, they saved themselves a lot of money.

That may sound a little crazy. Then again, that's probably not the first time you've thought that reading this blog.

That said, just hear me out a bit on this topic.

The Rockies knew that their organization has two cornerstones that need to be retained. One is Matt Holliday, and the other is T.R.O.Y, the runner up for the National League R.O.Y.

They took care of Holliday with a short-term deal earlier this week. That does not necessarily increase the percentage of a long term contract for the NLCS MVP, but it may be a step in the right direction. If anything, it's a good faith gesture from the organization and it could be the first salvo or at least the extension of an olive branch to the Holiday camp, .i.e , "Hey, we may not be your highest bidder but we're doing everything we can to be competitive and hope you value that when you decide what your future will be starting in 2009."

So what is doing"everything we can do?"

Well, how about signing our 22-year old shortstop to the "richest contract ever given to a player with less than two years experience?"

The Rockies knew two things regarding Tulowitzki before they completed this deal:

1) Waiting to sign Tulowitzki would have only cost them more each and every year they chose not to lock him up.

2) It was not going to take a gigantic offer to lock him up. After all,Tulowitzki is not that far removed from five-hour bus rides throughout the minor leagues. Now, with $31 million in hand, he might as well buy a fleet of buses to compete with Greyhound.

Sure, this deal is a record setter but let's keep in mind, Alex Rodriguez, next season, will make almost as much as Tulowitzki will earn combined through the year 2014.

That is a great deal for the Rockies and with Tulowitzki in Denver for at least another six years, that may be great news to Holliday. The question remains: if they are saving a bit now with Tulowitzki, will they end up spending it later on Holliday?

-"Z"

Don't want to go too "old school" on you, but Adam West and Burt Ward may have morphed from superheroes to superstar athletes.

West and Ward starred in the 1960s television series "Batman." POW! (Sorry, I can't help it). However, these days, Denver's own "dynamic duo" isn't fighting crime, but, instead, for a spot in the NBA's Western Conference Playoffs.

The Nuggets are off to a 25-16 start, their best run out of the gate ever halfway into a season--and have done it despite injury woes aplenty.

Their efforts were rewarded yesterday when forward Carmelo Anthony and guard Allen Iverson were selected as starters for the Western Conference at the NBA All-Star Game later this month in New Orleans.

The announcement came as a testament to the popularity of the men Denver hopes will bring them to basketball heights higher than the top floor of the Wells Fargo Building downtown on Sherman Street and 17th Avenue.

Anthony has been a hugely popular figure since he splashed onto the scene five years ago. Iverson's popularity, much like his game, continues to evolve.

I can tell you that Iverson is cheered in every arena throughout the NBA. Basketball fans everywhere appreciate his combination of hustle, gritty play, and sheer jaw-dropping talent.

You may not relate to him off the court (though many do), but on the hardwood, most fans are in unison about his ability--still dangerous as ever, at age 32. He shows no signs of slowing down. However, signs of his growing maturity are becoming self-evident to those who have followed his career in Denver.

He has stayed true to his roots, especially in the form of toughness. He is always hurting--but always playing. If the heart is the strongest muscle in the human body, then Iverson is a cardiologist's dream, for sure.

Regarding the subject of heroes, Iverson once proudly proclaimed, "My hero doesn't wear a suit." That's the old Iverson talking. I'm not saying you're going to see him a tuxedo now, but many of his past transgressions--much like a leisure suit--have been left behind by society for good. (As an aside, if Iverson does decide to wear a suit, let's hope it's not actually a leisure suit).

These days in Denver, Iverson enjoys talking about his four kids.

Last Saturday night, before an interview with Jon Saraceno of USA Today, that you can check out by clicking here, Iverson got a call from his manager. He was asking Iverson about the rules regarding the board game "Monopoly." You think Iverson was taking calls that mundane in nature a decade ago?

After dealing with the press as far back as his days as a high school star in Virginia, Iverson knows how the drill with us. He has said virtually all of the right things since coming to Denver. His most important statement to date, may have been saying something that was deferential in tones.

Let's face it: before coming to Denver, the words "Iverson" and "deferential" were used in the same sentence about as often as "Brady" and "underachiever." When asked if the Nuggets were "his" team, "The Answer" has always answered "no." He says, this team belongs to Anthony and Marcus Camby, a point he later stressed to Saraceno.

Once again, the evolving persona of Iverson emerges. Ten years ago, the answer to that question would have been a defiant "yes." Today, he's casually demurring. However, it appears even though they have two All-Stars, they have one leader, and it's not Carmelo.

Iverson, to borrow a phrase from Reggie Jackson, is for the Nuggets, "the straw that stirs the drink." His effort and hustle are legendary, just like his career. Even Anthony, one of the brightest young players in the game, admitted that he is still sometimes in awe of Iverson.

In his first game in a Nuggets uniform in December of 2006, one Nuggets player even admitted he was nervous to be on the same floor, as a teammate, with Iverson. When other NBA players are starstruck to be around you, safe to say, you have arrived.

Yesterday, a large cotingent of media, myself included, raced around to the side exit of the Pepsi Center to get Iverson's reaction to making the All Star team. The way we running after him and snapping pictures, you would have thought Allen had a "boot" on his right foot and was walking to the house of his supermodel girlfriend. He stopped. He talked. He was gracious. He was appreciative to the fans for voting him in as a starter.

Shortly after, a car pulled up. It was a black Maybach, a vehicle that has a suggested sticker price of $426,000. Yeah, I said $426,000. He got in the passenger seat, though it's safe to say the Nuggets aren't going anywhere if Iverson is riding "shotgun." It's time for him to get in the driver's seat of the Maybach--and the Nuggets.

-"Z"

This morning, my guess is that the sports conversation of the day may center around Ines Gomez-Mits. She is the reporter for TV Azteca, who dressed in a wedding gown, on Tuesday at Super Bowl Media Day, asked that guy who was wearing the boot on his right foot last week, to marry her.

You ready for a real letdown? So, instead of discussing the TV Azteca reporter, we are going to talk about the Aztecs.

Yeah, I know, many of you just logged off of your computer.

To those of you still with us, the entry today is more about who the Aztecs defetaed last night.

The Rams of Colorado State have yet to win a game in the Mountain West Conference under new head coach Tim Miles, and, as the headline says, he has a ways to go before this program becomes a real factor again.

Since taking the job, Miles has seen his roster go bone dry.

The school's best player in recent memory, Jason Smith, left for the NBA.

Their second-best player, Tyler Smith, a cousin of Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, is gone.

The best player Miles currently has, center Stuart Creason, is out with a foot injury.

Yet, despite those setbacks, the Rams have been gritty and seem to play hard despite their numerous hardships and defections that have gutted the roster significantly.

Just how barren is the bench? Last year, Adam Nigon was watching games in the crowd; this year, he's on the team.

You have to just think better days are ahead, because Miles didn't move about 851 miles to Fort Collins just to struggle like he has.

-"Z"

Back in 2006, none of the local college football teams in our area were invited to a bowl game.

It marked the first time in a quarter-century that the Front Range was shut out of college football's wildly expanding postseason party. To not be invited to a bowl, back when getting an invitation meant something, was hard to accept, but easy to explain. Too many good teams, for few open spots.

Although, these days, there are 32 bowl games, so 64 teams get a taste of the postseason. There are 119 teams in Division I-A College Football--so a staggering 53 percent of teams go to bowl games. Where's the incentive to proclaim an invitation as a reward for a job well done, when more than half of the teams eligible get that same privilege?

Apparently, that mediocrity is not just confined to helmets and shoulder pads. Barring an unforseen occurence, the guys who don jerseys and shorts around here will be joining the rest of us on the couch watching the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Has the scene for collegiate basketball been any more bleak around here recently?

The answer, hopefully, is no. That means there is nowhere to go but up, and for some of these athletic programs, that's what they need to keep reminding themselves.

The better days are hopefully ahead because it really can't get much worse.

A quick review (and considering none of these teams has done much of anything, it will be quick):

We will look at the Buffs and Rams today. A look at the Falcons and Cowboys on Friday morning.

CU Buffs (9-11 Overall, 1-5 In Conference)
The positive: the team is playing much better defense than it did a year ago and it has shown. Their tenacity seems to be a notch or two above a year ago, which is a good sign because a team that loses five of its first six games in conference, normally suffers a loss in morale that could harm the rest of their year.

The negative: Well, everything else. On offense, the team is clearly adjusting to the new system installed by first-year head man Jeff Bzdelik. The progression has been slow. It's just year one for Bzdelik, but with four ranked teams still left to play in the regular season, it could get more bleak.

The prognosis: Bzdelik turned Air Force into a big winner so he has what it takes. However, even though his recruitment avenues will be more open in Boulder than in Colorado Springs, the ability to get top shelf recruits will be tougher because of the stiff competition from within the league for the services of those same players. At Air Force, he won without winning the recruiting battle. Hard to imagine he wins at Colorado doing that.

CSU Rams (6-14 Overall, 0-8 In Conference)
The positive: Despite not winning a game in the Mountain West Conference yet under new head coach Tim Miles, the team continues to play extremely hard. That says a lot about their heart. Not a lot of talent, but still a lot of grit. Hard to not root for these guys at this point.

The negative: They have lost their best player from a year ago, Jason Smith, to to the NBA . They have lost their best returning player, Stuart Creason, to a foot injury. Miles has a rather depleted roster, so what can you reasonably expect from them anyway here?

The prognosis: Miles has won with a lot less, he took his North Dakota State team to Madison, Wisconsin and beat the Badgers, a win that got him on the map. Now, his job is to try and figure out how to get the Rams back on the map.

-"Z"

As we were discussing on Thursday, Front Range basketball this year has been on the backburner. CU is a lower tier team in their conference and CSU wishes they could be good enough to be lower tier. They are 0-8 in the Mounatin West Conference, which is where our next two teams to evaluate, are also located.

Air Force (11-8 Overall, 3-3 In Conference)
The positive: They are the only one of the major teams on the Front Range with a winning record. They have a first year coach in Jeff Reynolds, who is trying to win without the core of players that gave the Academy its recent success and so far he hasn't been a big success but he has not been a large disappointment either.

The negative: They used to be one of the best home teams at home in the MWC. They have lost twice at home thus far.

The prognosis: Good, mostly due to the work ethic of his players. You can never question this team in regards to work and desire.

Wyoming Cowboys (8-11 Overall, 2-5 In Conference)

The positive: They have won two straight games in the Mountain West Conference, after losing their first five games under new head man Heath Schroyer. They also have Brandon Ewing, one of the top players on the Front Range.

The negative: At his press conference on Saturday afternoon in Laramie, I heard him say he has eight players on scholarship.

The prognosis: Good, Schroyer was an assistant at Wyoming, so in a way, it's a trip home. Hopefully, he'll get to stay as long as he likes.

-"Z"