Happy Thursday, Denver Broncos fans. Here’s tonight’s Broncos Insider newsletter. Countdown to kickoff: Three days.
Pressure is on John Fox
Even if he can’t feel it, Broncos coach John Fox is on the hot seat, writes Mark Kiszla. “Win, and Fox drives the Broncos Bandwagon rolling down the road to the Super Bowl. Lose, and all credibility Fox had in Denver would be rubble in the ditch.”
Mike McCoy has the hottest team in the NFL
Joan Niesen takes a close look at the guy in charge of the Chargers, Mike McCoy. “Some jobs are a multiyear project. Others are just a piece or two away. Looking at the 2012 Chargers, with their 7-9 record and quarterback Philip Rivers’ good reputation, but lagging stats, it was hard to tell where they fell.” We’ll be able to tell on Sunday.
Julius Thomas was supposed to be a nobody
“A year ago the Denver tight end thought about dropping his football experiment, cutting his losses and putting to use that business degree from Portland State—the one he earned on a basketball scholarship,” Robert Klemko writes at MMQB. And yet the Broncos’ tight end is one of Peyton Manning’s most dangerous weapons.
Love him or hate him… or love to hate him… or just hate him
Philip Rivers is the emotional heart of the San Diego Chargers. They will win or lose on his back, writes Mike Klis. “Rivers is all heart and facial expressions. He led all NFL quarterbacks this season in smirks, scolds, chuckles and a 49.4 percent third-down conversion rate.”
“Stinger” is a fake diagnosis anyway
Did the Chargers try to pull a fast one with Nick Hardwick? Mike Klis explains how the Chargers tried to hide Hardwick’s concussion. “CBS showed a replay of Hardwick, San Diego’s veteran center, clearly staggering, much like a boxer who has been knocked woozy in the ring… The Chargers can’t deny a concussion after that replay.”
Want two tickets to the Broncos’ game Sunday?
They’re easy to get. The secondary market (re-sold tickets) is a buyers market right now — with more tix available than buyers. SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! GET YOUR DEALS NOW! Mike Klis explains how and why.
Broncos 27, Chargers 23
Don Banks at SI picks the Broncos, saying: “If the Broncos don’t turn the ball over and give San Diego some easy scores, I can’t see the wild-card Chargers scraping up enough points to beat them.”
Peyton Manning’s Xs and Os
Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are among the best quarterbacks ever, writes Andy Benoit at MMQB. But what makes them different? A screen-grab look at Manning’s pass progressions and quick thinking.
Who are the Denver defensive heroes?
Benjamin Hochman points to two players who could step into the hero role for the Broncos’ defense on Sunday.
Nebraksa QB to referee Broncos game
The NFL assigned controversial referee Clete Blakeman to work the Broncos-Chargers playoff game.
Saints and Seahawks and Colts and Pats
Bill Barnwell previews Saturday’s games for Grantland. His Sunday game preview, including Broncos-Chargers, is en route Friday.
Your lawn is not like the Broncos’ turf
The Denver Post’s Susan Clotfelter digs into just what happens to get the grass and turf at Sports Authority Field at Mile High ready for a playoff game — and the team of who’s behind it all. And how, yes, it’s important that it looks good, but ultimately how it plays.
AND A HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY to Broncos defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson, who turned 31 on Wednesday.
SCOUT THE ENEMY CAMP
Top 3 keys for the Chargers defense vs. Manning
The Chargers were able to disrupt Peyton Manning the last time the Broncos and Chargers played. What does San Diego NEED to do this time to stop him? Kirk Kenney at the Union-Tribune in San Diego has three things to look for.
Can the Chargers turn the playoffs into a new stadium?
San Diegans are wondering if success in this year’s playoffs can move the needle on approval of a new stadium for the Chargers. Nick Canepa explains.
Fear not
Here’s why John Gennaro at Bolts From the Blue is NOT afraid of the Denver Broncos: “Want to know how they played the Broncos tight both games this season? In two full games against Denver, the Chargers have turned the ball over zero times.”
We’ll leave you with, uh, this from Chargers headquarters … Because who hasn’t had enough of bolo ties?
Like what you see? Did we miss something? Tweet us comments, tips, thoughts, and pictures of bolo ties to @PostBroncos or email sports@denverpost.com. This letter is edited by The Denver Post’s Nick Groke and Daniel Petty.