Well, this is my final post here at Mile High Sports. Long story short, my family and I are heading back to Michigan, as my wife has taken a new job out there.

We count ourselves lucky, as roughly 7% of that state currently has no employment. But that’s politics and economy, and this is a sports site - so we’ll save that discussion for another time.

As I depart from this amazing city and state, I just wanted to reassure you, my seven loyal readers, that I’ll still be pulling for these teams here even though my address will no longer show me as a Colorado resident.

I’ve loved the Broncos since I was a kid. And during the 18 years I’ve lived away from Colorado, They’ve always been my #2 team. I think Iverson is one of the straight coolest players in the NBA. Though Melo I’m still not sure about. Hockey? Noting that I’m moving back to a Detroit burb, I’ll have to say I hate the Avs, and the Wings rule. But I will say that Joe Sakic and Peter Budaj are two of the nicest, and most humble guys I’ve ever met. And to be here for the Rockies amazing run was truly an honor.

So, as I move on and head back to the land I call home, know that I’ll still be watching and following these teams, cheering them on, feeling bad when they lose, and smiling when they win. Because even though where I get my mail will change, I’ll always be a Denver sports fan.

Thanks for the two+ years of “reading” my “blogs”, and I hope you all hear more from me soon.

Take care, all.

Well, 2007 certainly sucked, didn’t it?

I won’t take the time to do the math here, but I think the Lions, Chargers and Jaguars combined to beat the Broncos by a total score of 478 – 13 in four losses this season. At times, this has been a downright ugly campaign.

There have been issues on all sides of the field – offense, defense and special teams. Unfortunately for the Broncos, these issues often all presented themselves at the same time, resulting in the ugly losses mentioned above.

It’s been a hard, long season for the Broncos and their fans. We aren’t used to missing the playoffs in consecutive years. This isn’t a good trend. The team – maybe the entire organization – took one giant step backwards last year. Going backwards is only good when … you know what? Going backwards is actually never good.

The defense took a step in the right direction by firing Jim Bates, but I want to focus on the other side of the ball right now.

And so, though they are a week late, I thought the Broncos could use some offensive resolutions.

Resolution No. 1: Get Brandon Marshall Involved Early and Often
It’s obvious, at least to me, that this guy has game. Lots and lots of game. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s quick, and he’s got great hands. In short, he could be the AFC’s next great receiver. He’s proven that he can be a No. 1 receiving option in the NFL. Mark my words: If the Broncos use him the right way, he will make the Pro Bowl inside of two years.

Resolution No. 2: Involve Tony Scheffler in the Offense More
He’s no Tony Gonzalaez – yet – but Schleffer has shown signs of being a play-making tight end. His hands have improved dramatically since last season, and he just seems quicker out there. In the later weeks of the 2007 season, he scored two of the most amazing touchdowns of the year. First, his acrobatic catch in the endzone against Chicago, then his long catch and run, ending with a dive across the goalline against Houston. He’s not a Gonzalez, yet. But he’s probably the best tight end the Broncos have employed since a certain Mr. Sharp roamed the INVESCO sidelines.

Resolution No. 3: Get a Name Behind Jay Cutler
Sorry, but Travis Henry wasn’t a “name” running back. I’m talking about a name we all know. Some names that come to mind: Michael Turner, Marion Barber and Fred Taylor. I think the NFL has adjusted to the Mike Shanahan and his “everybody gets 1,000 yards” running attack. No longer does the running scheme perplex opponents. Now it’s time to put a star behind Cutler, and let him do his thing.

And having a major threat at running back will make Cutler’s life easier in other ways, as well. His stats will go up, he’ll face less blitzing, and he’ll have one more option to get the ball to.

It just makes sense.

Resolution No. 4: Follow Resolutions One Through Three
Listen, as scary as it may seem, the offense was the best thing about this team last year. On the surface, it would seem that they only need a few tweaks and an off season to mature a little bit to come back as an improved unit.

This was not an awful team. At times they played like one, but the talent they had – on paper – was impressive. The key now is to adjust what wasn’t working, have the courage to make some tough decisions, and come back with a little bit of an attitude as they get set to take the field.

Will they be Super Bowl caliber next year? Probably not. But this is the NFL, and anything can happen. What matters now is that they take steps forward, and forget about all this backwards nonsense.

Oh, and follow my instructions. Because I know everything.

I know the holidays are behind us, but we’re not far from an entirely different kind of shopping season.

The NFL free agency signing period will be on us before you know it, and I’ve compiled a list of names I’d like a certain Mr. Shanahan to take a look at.

We all know the weaknesses on this team - the defensive line, and linebacker. The O-line and running back situations could stand some improvement, as well. So, with that in mind, here are the names I’d like to see added to the Broncos’ roster soon.

DL - Terrell Suggs
Dude is young, strong, and he can drop back into pass coverage as well as pull down 10 sacks per year. At just 25, he’s one of the brightest young DL talents in the league. Put him in the middle next to Dumervil, and you’ve got some issues if you’re an offensive line coach. Problem is, he’s going to cost somebody some big money.

LB - Lance Briggs
I’m not sure if he’s this good because of who he plays next to, or because he just really is this good. Briggs is fast, can cover most opposing RB’s, and is good enough to pressure the QB. He might be one of the top 3 weakside LB’s in the game, and he’d be a great fit in Denver.

RB - Michael Turner
Turner has served as the understudy for the best back in the game today over the last few years. He’s good enough to start for most NFL teams, but when you’re camp competition is LT, you know you’re going to be a back up. Turner’s combination of speed and elusiveness would serve him well in the Denver running scheme. And it’d be nice to have somebody to give the Chargers the headaches they’ve been giving Denver in recent years.

OL - Flozell Adams
2008 will be Adams’ 10th year in the league, but he’s still got some good ones left. He’s not an A+ O-lineman, so he won’t demand the big money, but he’s a solid and accomplished veteran, and he’s smart. He’s an equally solid pass blocker and run blocker, which is always a good thing.

What are the chances the Broncos can snag any of these players? It’s hard to say. The Broncos have a lot going for them on the offensive side of the ball, and if free agents see that the defense is only a few players away from being a solid unit, they may be drawn in. Mike Shanahan is still a coach players like to play for, which is always a good draw.

As a longtime Lions fan, I know that the free agency signing period is like our Super Bowl. Denver doesn’t have it quite that bad at this point, but going after players who could turn a team from a 7-9 also-ran into an 11-5 contender is something to get excited about.

Damn.

As I was getting ready for Christmas morning, I found myself sitting in front of the TV to watch the Broncos and Chargers, even though the game meant nothing, and I knew it was going to be ugly.

This team is need of some MAJOR changes.

Offensive line? Three new bodies would help. Preferably those with a knowledge of QB protection.
Running back? I think this team needs a stud. Selvin Young shows promise, but I think it’s time to put a name behind Jay Cutler.
Receiver? Well, that may be the strong point of the team, though Javon Walker needs to get and stay healthy. Brandon Marshall is going to be a force in this league.
Tight End? I think it’s clear that Tony Scheffler is going to be one of the AFC’s best soon.

What about the defensive side of the ball? I’d be here all day jotting down things that need to change. I’ll keep it simple. Champ Bailey, Elvis Dumervil, and DJ Williams can stay. Jarvis Moss gets a pass, too. Everybody else, in my opinion, is expendable.

Special teams? Start with the coaches, and work your way down. Everybody can go. Forgive me for saying this, but I wouldn’t mind a new leg to replace the aging Jason Elam, either.

And, let’s be honest, I think there are some major questions on the coaching staff, as well. Top to bottom, there is all kinds of room for improvement. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: A coaching change might be just what this team needs.

There’s a lot to take care of this spring and summer for the organization, and it should be fun to watch the changes being made. But, I guess anything is better than having to watch any more redonkulous losses like these guys have put up this season.

Here’s to 2008. May it be much better than 2007.

You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
You really are a heel.
You had me convinced that all was well
With the team you’d put on the field.

You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
You really got me pissed.
Your target was the playoffs
Yet once again, you missed.

You may be washed up, Mr. Grinch.
The league has figured you out.
With no more John and no TD,
Your genius is in doubt.

You’re a lucky one, Mr. Grinch.
Mr. Bowlen is your friend.
If you coached in any other town
Your tenure would be at an end.

You’re a nice guy, Mr. Grinch.
We can all admit that’s true.
But you haven’t won in several years,
So what are we supposed to do?

You should be canned, Mr. Grinch.
It’s time to shake things up.
Get your ass kicked by the Lions and Texans?
It’s like getting kicked without a cup.

You should resign, Mr. Grinch.
Do what’s best for the team.
You’ve done as much as you can with what you have,
Gone as far as you can, it would seem.

We will miss you, Mr. Grinch.
And thanks for all you’ve done.
And you could have stayed a few more years,
If only you could have won.

This is a strange year. The following is a list of D-I jobs currently looking for somebody to lead their programs:

• Michigan
• Nebraska
• Arkansas
• Baylor
• SMU
• Duke
• Georgia Tech
• Northern Illinois
• Colorado State
• Washington State
• Southern Miss

Which job is the best? What makes it the best?

Here are my thoughts, because you asked…

Top Job: Michigan
No offense to “Michigan Men,” but if the Wolverines could get an exciting, offensive-minded coach who isn’t afraid to recruit outside of the Midwest, it’s a National Title waiting to happen.

Best ‘Next Step’ Job: Duke
One thing I’ve never understood is why some young, cocky coach wouldn’t want to go in, shake things up, and try to get the football program on par with the basketball program. Ride Coach K’s coattails! It’s OK!

Most Fun Job: CSU
The team has proven it can win. They have a solid fan base. Sonny will end up being an amazing mentor (assuming he stays around).

The ‘Stay Away; Job: Nebraska
With Tom Osbourne on campus, I’d be as intimidated as a guy could be. Unreal pressure, all eyes on you…no thanks.

Your turn. Chime in. If you were a coach, which job would be the best/worst/most exciting?

Not a very original idea, but it seemed appropriate given that tomorrow is the day widely known as the day where we all give thanks.

So, what is Kevin Antcliff thankful for?

> An amazing wife and two gorgeous daughters - one of which barely made it out of the NICU.
> A job that allows me to think about sports all the time, and have my wife be OK with it.
> Living somewhere that allows you to experience 76 degrees one day, and six inches of snow the next.
> Taking off 90 freaking pounds and taking my life back.
> Comfy couches. I like soft seats. Sue me.
> Progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s - the disease that stole my mom from me at too young of an age.
> For the 50+ readers who stop by here everyday. Thanks, whoever you are.

The list could go on forever, but I’ll keep it short. Make it a point this holiday - if you don’t already - to take a moment and think about all of the things in your life that you have to be thankful for. You may be surprised to see how long the list gets.

Speaking of which, I forgot one:

I’m thankful that the AFC West sucks this year. The Broncos still have hope.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Who is it?

This isn’t like the late 90’s when Elway, Davis, Smith, Sakic, and Roy were on top of the sports world in Denver. The state has a good number of high-profile athletes these days, but is there one name that stands out above the rest?

Sakic is still here, but - as great as he still is - his best days could be behind him.
Cutler is a rising star (we think) in the NFL, but he’s not top-tier, yet.
Champ Bailey is a top-10 NFL player, but he’s having a quiet year.
Tulowitzky and Holliday made a name for themselves this year. Rising stars, for sure.
Of course, there’s Iverson and Anthony. Two of the game’s best.

My take is that Melo is the Mile High Man these days. He’s young, he’s talented, he’s marketable, and he hasn’t come close to playing to his potential, yet. If his defense and outside shooting both improve, he could be one of the NBA’s top five or ten players. Right now, he still has a long way to go.

Melo is the easy choice, I know. But being easy doesn’t make it any less correct.

But I’m curious who you think is currently the King of Colorado Sports? Feel free to speak out in the comments section if the blog.

Listen, I have no problem admitting that I was rooting for the Lions on Sunday. I even told my wife before the game that I would LOVE to see the Lions lay down a 40-point win on the Broncos. I got my wish, and I loved every second of it. I like seeing my Lions win.

But now things have settled down, and I’m back into my routine of caring more about the Broncos than any other football team in the world. As I look back on this game from my Denver-focused angle, I’m realizing that things are pretty scary with the Broncos right now.

On paper, there’s enough talent on that roster that this team should be at least 5-3, not 3-5. I know that’s “why we play the games,” but it’s still something that needs to be taken into consideration when trying to figure out what ails this team.

Jay Cutler is a top-10 QB, in my opinion. Travis Henry, while no Walter Payton, is a solid back, and he seems to fit this system well. The receivers are good without being great, and the Tight End position may be the strongest on the team.

The defense? I know, that’s a different story. I could have told you in September that Dre’ Bly was incredible overrated and is apt to give up a big play once per game. Champ Bailey has been alright, but nothing spectacular. The front seven have been awful, and I’m hoping the draft and free agency brings some new names and faces.

Special teams has improved in recent weeks, but is still “special” only in the sense that they are likely still riding the short bus to practice.

For those of you keeping track at home, that leaves the coaching staff. James wrote a Daily on it on Monday, and he was 100% correct. There’s nothing to lose this season. Open up the Shanahan bag of tricks, let the offense go nuts, and see if you can make things happen. It’s time for the coaches to realize that the NFL is an ever-changing game, and they’ll need to change with it if they hope to be successful.

If I’m Pat Bowlen sitting up in my owner’s box watching this all transpire, I’m doing one of two things. I’m either thinking of a pep talk to give to Shanahan that will get him fired up enough try to salvage this season, or I’m thinking of names of head coaches who may be looking for work come February.

The scary thing here is that the Broncos, sitting at 3-5, aren’t out of the playoff picture. The AFC West is a mess, and a mini win streak could win the the Division by three games. A win at Kansas City, here against the Titans and then another in Chicago, and the Broncos are 6-5 with four of their last five games against division opponents.

It’s not too late now, but it will be soon. Something’s gotta give, and Shanahan’s job could depend on it.

(NSFW - Language)