It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the Rocky Mountains.  A crisp 70 degrees after about a foot and a half of snow earlier in the week.  And conforming to standard, it was all melted.  Rather than rake the 12 inches of leaves I have piled up in my front yard, I decided to pick up the telephone when it rang.  I have three tickets to the Broncos-Colts game...You want them?  Hell yes!

So after having a few pregame beverages, I make way to my seat witha great view in the first level.  The festivities before the game were great, as usual.  The National Anthem was tremendous, and capped by the fly over.  A great start I say to myself.  After grabbing a brewski before the kick-off, I settle in for a great game and hopefully a bronco victory.  The Colts elect to receive.  They are going to be on the end that I am on.  I am going to stand up and cheer my #### off, in an attempt to throw off Mannings audibles.  I stand and cheer on first down.  I stand and cheer on second down.  I stand and cheer on third down.  I then get tacpped on the shoulder..."Excuse me, we are all season ticket holders and aren't use to standing, could you please sit down so we can see".  Quitely in my mind without being disrespectful I say to myself "Are you #### kidding me?  This is the first series of the game between the 5-1 Broncos and 6-0 Colts and I can't try to help my team out with a little noise?"  But, I consent to the "season ticket holder" who should probably have season tickets for the opera if he wants to warm his hands all day.  This is another issue to address, but I digress.

The first half is somewhat of the defensive battle I expected, with a halftime score of 14-6, Broncos.  I am starting to think we have a good shot to win this game, but in my heart I know the offense is going to have to move the ball in the second half.    You can't sit on an 8 point lead against the Colts like we could as if we were playing Oakland.  To my surprise, the Bronco Offense came to play today.  They put up 31 points total, Can't remember the last time that happened.  Anyway, during the second half, I threw caution to the wind and stood and cheered for my team.  The way I figure, if the stadium were full of fans like myself, instead of the wine and cheese crowd, we would not just be good, but great.  

So, on to my final point.  The Broncos are down 31-28.  I am a little nervous just because the offense has struggled all season long, but has looked good today.  So let's see what happens.  First play from scrimmage, Mike Bell, who is having the game of his life tears off a huge run...We are in Elam FG position.  First down, a conservative run.  Second Play, Conservative run.  Is it me or are we playing for the tie?  Two minute warning time.  Get up and stretch, pound the rest of my beer.  I am ready for the win!  I lean to my good friend sitting next to me and say, "we are playing for the tie, I think that is ####.  Expect a running play to the middle to set up the field goal, or a screen pass.  Something that will keep the clock running. "  Boy was I wrong.  After two conservative up the middle run plays, Shanny calls a 3rd and 10 pass, which almost winds up in a sack out of FG range, but ends up in an incomplete pass.  We make the FG.  YES!  We are tied.  With all of the so called "season ticket" holders happier than a dog with two ####, I sit in frustration. 

Why didn't we make more of an effort to score a touchdown and win this damn game?  If we are playing for OT, then why did we decide to leave the greatest QB in the game currently, 1:50 worth of time to operate.  Well, you know what happened next.  Manning marches down the field, and the Colts kick a field goal.  Game Over.  El Fin.  Did I mention that Manning had approximately all day to throw the ball  at this game?  I dont think we pressured him once. 

I am upset about the loss, but at least we found some offense to be optimistic about.  And hey, we are still better than the Raiders and Chiefs.  But what a shame that Plummer finally shows worthy in a game and when it matters, on a drive at the end to win the game potentially, Shanny shows no confidence in the offense and we play conservative, and we lose. 

Hopefully we can rebound against the Steelers, who lost to a miserable Oakland team.  Both teams should be pissed off going in to this one.  WE will see.  Later.

The last post, “having the world by the balls and throwing it away”, was a negative post on athletes that literally have the worl by the gonads and flush it down the toilet.  Since we all agree there are many of these morons out there, let’s move on.  I am in a people related business, and a salesman, therefore I try to look at life through a half full glass and think positively.  So let’s look at some of the athletes that we SHOULD be hearing more about, rather than T.O.’s $9,500 fine, or the latest Vikings player arrest.  Let’s take a look at the good citizens in sports.  I am sure there a ton of them out there, so I am sure I will miss some, but I am listing some here that I have read about and enjoyed.  I encourage anyone else with a story about an athlete who is a good citizen, and made the most out of their situation.  

I am starting with the hometown receiver here in Denver.  Rod Smith, an unheard of wideout from Central Missourri State, came into Denver, only to not make the roster and get placed on the practice squad.  While some would fold like a cheap suit, Rod worked even harder.  He sucked it up, said to himself “it’s just not my time” and worked his tail off.  He is now one of the best WR’s in the NFL.  If you went to every GM in the game, they would want Smith on their team.  Always producing, and on top of that a good citizen in the community.  He was nominated for  the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which celebrates being a good citizen off the field.  He is well respected and is never on the news for possession of cocaine or getting caught with a gun in his car.  He is getting older and instead of ####ing about not getting as many touches, he takes the opportunity to help the younger wideouts and help his team.  Rod Smith is definitely someone who sucked it up and made the most out of their situation.  

 The second athlete that I will tell you about is a local Denver NBA player, by the name of Dermarr Johnson.  DJ had it all going for him, an exceptional athlete at the University of Cincinnati, and part of the Freshman All-American team his rookie season in the NCAA’s.  He declared for the NBA draft after his freshman year, and was drafted by Atlanta with the 6th draft pick in the 2000 NBA draft.  He struggled his first year as a Hawk, the he improved in his second year.  Then he had a twist of fate, a horrible car accident.  He broke 4 vertabrae in his neck, and was forced into wearing a “halo” to have the bones correct themselves.  Many doubted that he would play basketball ever again.  However, DJ had second thoughts.  Rehabbing himself back into shape after his bones healed, and working hard, Johnson played in some semi pro leagues to try to get a chance to play in the NBA once again.  He eventually made it and now is a guard/forward here in Denver(assuming he resigns).  At any rate, rather than giving up after his accident that nearly cost him his life, he remained positive and made the comeback.  Rather than be a victim, or as I like to call them, victocrats, he sucked it up, and worked hard and made the most out of his situation, and made it back to the NBA.  

 The last athlete I will discuss is the Ex-Avalanche player, Steve Moore.  We all remember the Mob like hit from Bertuzzi to Moore on the Ice on that dreaded day in Vancouver, no need to rehash that ridiculous event.  Moore suffered several injuries to his neck, deemed doubtful to ever play hockey again, let alone in the NHL.  Now, to be honest with everyone, I am not sure what Moore is up to these days.  But what I was able to find out is that as of February of ’06, he is doing full workouts and skating again.  That is good enough for me for an athlete who sucked it up and worked hard.   

 So you see, it isn’t all about being one of the best, like Rod Smith.  It isn’t about being an NBA Journeyman like Dermarr Johnson is likely and has been.  It isn’t about playing in the NHL like Steve Moore probably will never do.  It is about being positive and making the most out of your life.  This is the credo I attempt to live by on a daily basis.  The people and athletes you hear little about are the ones that need to be talked about.  They are doing the right things and working hard, not out sniffing cocaine and getting hookers, and raping women.  

 These examples are obviously from my hometown of Denver.  So I ask you, who are the people in your city who have sucked it up worked hard and made the most out of their situation?

If you are like me, you might have a Sunday ritual of going down to your local watering hole for a good round of NFL action.  I am often seen there on Saturdays as well.  Many of us that enjoy a beer here and there, or 20 over the course of the day, all have a favorite sports bar that we are patrons at. 

I travel on business a fair amount, and have been to many cities, such as Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Las Vegas and a few others.  I always try to find the good sports bars to take in a game and a few beverages after closing whatever deal I am working on.

I have a few favorite sports bars here in Denver for any of you visiting.

If I am watching NFL on Sunday, then I go to the chain sports bar, Champps Bar & Grill.  These are located in several states, but provide a good atmosphere, plus it is centrally located between myself and my friends.   My most memorable moment there was watching the Broncos vs. Patriots in last years playoffs, and watching Champ Bailey return the interception thrown by Tom Brady back about 105 yards.  The DJ then threw on "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey and the bar was singing in unison and jumping up and down.  Beer was going everywhere. It was like being at a rock concert, and I will never forget it.

If I am going to a Rockies game, then I enjoy a refreshing beverage at Above the Dove(former name, now referred to as The Tavern Rooftop).  Not really a sports bar, but it is right accross the street from Coors Field and you can sit on the rooftop and often catch a player from the Avalanche, Nuggets, or Broncos there.  My most memorable moment was getting to shake the hand of Luis Gonzalez, of the Arizona D-Backs, after a game they had with the Rockies.  How many of us can say we shook a world series champions hand?  Pretty neat in my opinion.

If I am watching NBA action, I sit on the couch.  I have the League Pass, and hey, plenty of beer in the fridge, plus it is cheaper.  My most memorable moment, well, I can't say or my wife would kill me.

If I am going to a Nuggets game, i always go to Brooklyn's.  Good drinks, good food and a ton of people on game nights, plus plenty of screens for the other games that are going on currently.  There is another Brooklyn's next to Invesco field, which is my favorite if i am going to a Broncos game.  On game day, they have an outdoor area with a grill going, plenty of brats, hotdogs, or burgers with sides for $5.  A great deal. All of the Sunday morning games are on many different TV's and the atmosphere is excellent.  I can recall being there at 10 am many sundays when I was a season ticket holder.

So, there you go.  Those are my favorite local sports bars.   So please let me know what you favorite is, and next time I am traveling to your city, I will try to be a customer.  Thanks for your reading,

RP

I recently read a post saying that the Broncos have no chance to make the playoffs because of their difficult schedule.  Well, I disagree, and here is their entire schedule and how I believe each game will shake out.  And yes, I am probably biased since I live here in Denver, but I feel I am being fairly impartial.

Week 1-@ Rams-????-Not sure about the rams team this year, on the road, could be a tough opener.  I would probably give the nod to Denver but not sure so will leave at the ???? status

Week2-home vs. Cheifs-Broncos Win-We typically beat KC at home, no reason to change that now.

Week 3- @ Patriots- ????-same reasoning as week 1, but I would probably give the nod to New England, unfortunately on this one.

Week 4-Home vs Ravens-Broncos Win-Broncos have traditionally faired well against the ravens, at home at least.  if this game were in Baltimore, it would be a "L" but since we are at home, we will wrap this one up.

Week 5-Home vs. Raiders-Broncos Win-Raiders are in a down year, as they were last year.  We win this one at home.

Week 6- @ Browns- Broncos Win-If we can't beat the Browns, then we have issues.

Week 7- Home vs. Colts-????-Colts are a strong team, but how will they be minus James?  Plus this is a home game, were it at the RCA dome, I would give the Colts the hands down victory, but in Denver, we will have to see.  Possibly some snow on the ground as well.

Week 8- @Steelers-Broncos Loss-Probably will drop this game, tough to beat the Super Bowl champ on the road.

Week 9- @ Raiders- Broncos Win, Raiders in down year, Aaron Brooks.

Week 10- home vs Chargers- Broncos Win- Chargers are going to be starting a new QB in Rivers, he won't come out on track.  Worst thing this franchise did was letting Brees go. 

Week 11-@ Chiefs-Broncos Loss-Although it's not December, the broncos rarely win in KC.

Week 12-Home vs. Seahawks-????-this should be an interesting game. Not sure which way the coin will flip.

Week 13- @ Chargers-Broncos Win-See previous comments on Chargers

Week 14- @ Cardinals- Broncos Win- While it appears the cardinals are improving, they will not be hitting on all cylinders this season, maybe next year, but not this year.

Week 15- Home vs Bengals-????-not sure how this one will go. 

Week 16- Home vs. 49er's-Broncos Win-Alex Smith, must I say more as to why the broncos will win this one?

So, I have 9 guaranteed victories, 5 ???? games, and 2 losses.  Therefore if the Broncos win 2 of the 5 ???? swing games, which is highly possible, then they make the playoffs with an 11-5 record.  See? Piece of Cake. 

Disclaimer:  All predictions assume Jake Plummer doesn't thow any left handed passes.