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	<title>ProSportsColorado.com &#187; Ian Cerveny</title>
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	<description>A community for fans of all Colorado professional sports teams</description>
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		<title>Nuggets suffer under wave of injuries</title>
		<link>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/02/07/5296-nuggets-suffer-under-wave-of-injuries/</link>
		<comments>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/02/07/5296-nuggets-suffer-under-wave-of-injuries/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:53:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ian Cerveny</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arron Afflalo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chauncey billups]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dallas Mavericks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Danilo Gallinari]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Basketball Association]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Timofey Mozgov]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.prosportscolorado.com/?p=5296</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Nuggets also lost Nene (heel) and Arron Afflalo (ankle/toe) on Saturday and have been without center Timofey Mozgov (ankle) through a brutal stretch of three straight losses.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/TimofeyMozgov.jpeg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-5298" title="TimofeyMozgov" src="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/TimofeyMozgov.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="240" /></a></p>
<p>The National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Player’s Association certainly were not concerning themselves with the health of their players when they signed off on a condensed 66-game schedule in December.  As the bitter lockout burned through the traditional free agency period, training camp, and then a good chunk of season, it became apparent that the league’s players would pay the price for a failure to negotiate with appropriate urgency.</p>
<p>Now a wave of injuries and exhaustion is robbing the game of its punch.  Chicago’s Derrick Rose (back spasms) and New York’s Carmelo Anthony (groin) both went down on Monday night.  Then it was Danilo Gallinari – the prime piece that NYC traded to Denver for Melo – going down in Denver with a bone chip fracture in his foot.  Finally it was former Nugget/Knick and current LA Clipper Chauncey Billups limping out of a rare Clipper victory in Orlando with an achilles injury.  And this is just one night in the 2012 NBA.</p>
<p>The Nuggets also lost Nene (heel) and Arron Afflalo (ankle/toe) on Saturday and have been without center Timofey Mozgov (ankle) through a brutal stretch of three straight losses.  In fact, Denver has lost 5 of 6 games over a packed 9-day stretch that had them playing in four cities, including a back-to-back-to-back flying to Los Angeles, returning home to Denver, and then departing immediately for Portland.</p>
<p>Even the Nuggets – who began the season with the best depth in the league – are now struggling to put a quality NBA product on the court.  Charles Barkley loudly proclaimed on TNT last week that the league’s product had been diluted, saying he was <em>“embarrassed” </em>about the state of the NBA.  Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban lashed out at Commissioner David Stern for failing to hire more referees to offset the frantic schedule.</p>
<p><em>“Some of these guys are having really bad nights, and it&#8217;s having an impact,”</em> said Cuban after a tough loss to the West-best Thunder in Dallas last Wednesday that featured some truly atrocious officiating.  <em>“The league&#8217;s got to come out and say, &#8216;OK, look, we understand they&#8217;re going through some tough travel or whatever. It&#8217;s just the way it is.’”</em>  Cuban was fined $75,000 by the NBA the following day.</p>
<p>Most teams have only played 25 games out of the 66 contests packed into a four-month window.  The wave of injuries has just begun.  As this harsh season wears on, the league will have to face the very real possibility that the “best” team will simply be the one that can stay healthy into early May.  Hopefully the NBA and NBPA hammered out a very lucrative Collective Bargaining Agreement in December 2011, because it may end up costing them the quality of their on-court product in 2012.</p>
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		<title>Broncos’ Miller wins ROY, Tebow grabs comeback award</title>
		<link>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/02/06/5289-broncos-miller-wins-roy-tebow-grabs-comeback-award/</link>
		<comments>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/02/06/5289-broncos-miller-wins-roy-tebow-grabs-comeback-award/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:36:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ian Cerveny</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Broncos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[afc west]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cam Newton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver Broncos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Matt Prater]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miller]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[never say never award]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rookie of the year]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tim Tebow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Von Miller]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.prosportscolorado.com/?p=5289</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tebow could have singled out Von Miller as a particularly important cog in the Broncos’ comeback machine.  After a 1-4 start, Miller sparked a defensive resurgence in six Broncos wins by averaging a sack, a defensive stuff, and almost 7 tackles per game.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Miller-Von.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-5290" title="Miller-Von" src="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Miller-Von.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="440" /></a></p>
<p>The Denver Broncos appear to have struck draft gold with 2011 #2 Overall Pick – outside linebacker Von Miller.  On Saturday Miller was named the NFL Rookie of the Year on defense.  Panthers quarterback Cam Newton joined Miller on the pedestal, bringing home Offensive Rookie of the Year after being drafted with the #1 Pick .</p>
<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s special because you only get one rookie season,&#8221; Miller said. &#8220;You don&#8217;t get two tries at it. It&#8217;s really a one-and-done thing. That was probably the most special thing about it – you only get one shot to accomplish this feat.&#8221;</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Tim Tebow was awarded GMC Never Say Never honors for his breathtaking comeback performances through a 6-1 Broncos streak that elevated them to the top of the AFC West.  The Never Say Never is given for, “the best moment or play of the year that represents determination and perseverance.”</p>
<p>Tebow rose above other candidates with two gutsy drives for a touchdown and then a 59-yard field goal in the final three minutes of a crucial win over the Chicago Bears in Week 14.  The Tebow-led Broncos ground out 33 hard-fought yards over 9 plays in overtime, and Matt Prater was true from 51 yards to seal the victory.</p>
<p>At the time Tebow commented, &#8220;If you believe, then unbelievable things can sometimes be possible.&#8221;</p>
<p>After he accepted the award this weekend in Indianapolis, Tim was sure to give more credit to his team.  “No matter how bad it looked or how bleak it was, we continued to fight and show a lot of courage.  So I’m very thankful for my teammates and my coaches.”</p>
<p>Tebow could have singled out Von Miller as a particularly important cog in the Broncos’ comeback machine.  After a 1-4 start, Miller sparked a defensive resurgence in six Broncos wins by averaging a sack, a defensive stuff, and almost 7 tackles per game.  And it was when Miller was slowed by a massive cast on his surgically repaired hand that Denver returned to earth, finishing the regular season on a three game losing streak.</p>
<p>For sure, the Broncos will need both Tebow and Miller to hold form and even improve if Denver hopes to play beyond the divisional round of the playoffs next season.</p>
<p>For his part, Miller swore to improve drastically in 2012.  &#8220;I have no doubt that I&#8217;ll be a totally different player next year. It will be night and day.&#8221;  Von will have a chance to improve under <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/28/5220-jack-del-rio-lands-broncos-defensive-coordinator-gig/">new Broncos Defensive Coordinator Jack del Rio</a>.</p>
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		<title>Nuggets run Clippers ragged in LA</title>
		<link>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/02/03/5259-nuggets-run-clippers-ragged-in-la/</link>
		<comments>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/02/03/5259-nuggets-run-clippers-ragged-in-la/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:24:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ian Cerveny</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Paul]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Danilo Gallinari]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Los Angeles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Los Angeles Clippers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Timofey Mozgov]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.prosportscolorado.com/?p=5259</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Paul and Griffin slowed down after a hot first quarter on Thursday night at Staples Center.  LA was playing their third game in as many nights, and the Denver fast break quickly stretched the Clippers thin.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/griffinpaul-la.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-5261" title="griffinpaul-la" src="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/griffinpaul-la.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="324" /></a></p>
<p>On the day that Chris Paul and Blake Griffin were named to the NBA Western Conference All Star Team, the Denver Nuggets ran the Clippers out of their own building in Los Angeles.  The Nuggets outscored LA in each of the last three quarters, finishing up 112-91.</p>
<p>Paul and Griffin slowed down after a hot first quarter on Thursday night at Staples Center.  LA was playing their third game in as many nights, and the Denver fast break quickly stretched the Clippers thin.  The Nuggets’ deep bench spurred a series of Denver runs through the second and third quarters that saw LA outscored 35-67.  Without any reliable depth past their starting five, the Clippers simply could not keep up.</p>
<p>The Cardiac Nuggets were in need of a win after consecutive losses by a total of 7 points – the last an OT heartbreaker in Memphis that saw Denver give up a sizeable second half lead.  Both teams came out swinging in the first half Thursday night, and the Nuggets made no qualms about roughing up Chris Paul on the perimeter.   Aaron Afflalo and Ty Lawson took turns playing physical defense on the Clippers’ point man, and Paul had trouble creating plays off the drive during a third quarter dominated by Denver.</p>
<p>This win was doubly important for the Nuggets as they begin their own run of three straight games.  Tomorrow night they will play a marquee matchup against the Lakers in Denver before heading right back to the coast for a Saturday night divisional brawl in Portland.  The Lakers – A.K.A “LA’s Second-Best Team” – have played very poorly on the road so far this season, racking up 7 losses in 9 tries away from home.  The Trailblazers have also struggled on the road, but are 11-1 at home.  Portland will get a day to rest up at home after a tough loss in Sacramento on Thursday.</p>
<p>Perhaps the best part of this victory for the Nuggets (15-7) is that it propelled them back in front of the Clippers (13-7) in the Western Conference standings by a full game.  Denver returns to second place in the West just 2.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p>
<p>Denver’s Danilo Gallinari – fresh off a new five year contract – led all scorers with 21 points in just 27 minutes.  Gallo shot 70% from the field and was a game-changing 5 of 5 from three point range.  Afflalo and Lawson put up 15 and 18 points respectively, and the Nuggets also got double digit contributions from Timofey Mozgov and Rudy Fernandez.</p>
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		<title>Jack del Rio lands Broncos defensive coordinator gig</title>
		<link>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/28/5220-jack-del-rio-lands-broncos-defensive-coordinator-gig/</link>
		<comments>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/28/5220-jack-del-rio-lands-broncos-defensive-coordinator-gig/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:30:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ian Cerveny</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Broncos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bronco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dennis Allen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver Broncos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jack Del Rio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jacksonville Jaguars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Fox]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oakland Raiders]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.prosportscolorado.com/?p=5220</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Broncos will look to Del Rio to provide stability at defensive coordinator.  Jack is Denver’s 7th new defensive coordinator in as many seasons.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 107px"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0fYOeYS6Fi29S?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=0fYOeYS6Fi29S&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" title="KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24:  Head coach Jack..." src="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/97x1502.jpg" alt="KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24:  Head coach Jack..." width="97" height="150" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image by Getty Images via @daylife</p></div>
<p>Just a couple years removed from an ill-fated attempt to turn Denver into Patriots West, head coach John Fox is turning the Broncos into Panthers West.  John’s old pal Jack Del Rio will be the Denver Broncos’ next defensive coordinator.</p>
<p>Late Friday the Broncos came to terms with Del Rio, who served as defensive coordinator under John Fox in Carolina in 2002.  With Del Rio, the Panthers went from the #31 defense in the league to the 2<sup>nd</sup> best in a single season before Jack was hired away by the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Del Rio was fired in November after 9 years as Jacksonville’s head coach.</p>
<p>The Broncos turned to Del Rio just days after the Oakland Raiders poached defensive coordinator Dennis Allen from Denver and installed him as their new head coach.  Under Allen and Fox the Broncos improved from the NFL’s worst defense to 20<sup>th</sup>.  Denver’s overhauled D played extremely well during an 8 game stretch that saw Tim Tebow and the Broncos grab 7 wins.</p>
<p>There is no doubt that Jack Del Rio is an exceptional defensive mind.  Even as the Jaguars’ offense plummeted to worst in the league, Jacksonville still rolled out the 6<sup>th</sup> best defense in 2011.  Del Rio looks like a perfect pickup by the Elway/Fox Administration fresh off a shocking playoff win and division title.</p>
<p>The Broncos will look to Del Rio to provide stability at defensive coordinator.  Jack is Denver’s 7<sup>th</sup> new defensive coordinator in as many seasons.  He inherits a young Broncos defense that will need to add talent through the draft or free agency to shore up its porous secondary and lack of depth at interior lineman.</p>
<p>Jack Del Rio is 48 years old and played 11 seasons in the NFL as a linebacker.  He earned a Pro Bowl nod as a Miami Dolphin in 1994, but retired in 1996 after losing his roster spot to rookie Zach Thomas.  Del Rio was a linebackers coach with the Ravens and a conditioning coach in New Orleans before joining Fox in Carolina.</p>
<p>Tweeted Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins from Hawaii, “Love the hire, just hope we can keep him around.”</p>
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<h2  class="related_post_title">Articles similar to this:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>January 12, 2012 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/12/5073-living-large-in-broncos-country/" title="Living Large in Broncos Country">Living Large in Broncos Country</a> (1)<br /><small>Don’t count these Broncos out.  Whatever it is, they’ve...</small></li><li>November 11, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2010/11/11/3720-denver-broncos-2010-season-preview-part-two/" title="Denver Broncos 2010 Season Preview: PART TWO">Denver Broncos 2010 Season Preview: PART TWO</a> (0)<br /><small>Just because the Chiefs have the best view on the compo...</small></li><li>September 9, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2010/09/09/3509-denver-broncos-2010-season-preview-part-one/" title="Denver Broncos 2010 Season Preview: PART ONE">Denver Broncos 2010 Season Preview: PART ONE</a> (0)<br /><small>And now Ianâ€™s annual Broncos prediction piece, which ...</small></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Nuggets sign Gallinari for four years $42 million</title>
		<link>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/25/5212-nuggets-sign-gallinari-for-four-years-42-million/</link>
		<comments>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/25/5212-nuggets-sign-gallinari-for-four-years-42-million/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:38:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ian Cerveny</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Andre Miller]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arron Afflalo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carmelo anthony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chauncey billups]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Danilo Gallinari]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver Nuggets]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Nugget]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.prosportscolorado.com/?p=5212</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just four days after Danilo Gallinari outplayed Carmelo Anthony in a Nuggets win in New York City, the Italian forward has signed a four-year $42 million dollar extension to stay in Denver.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/03ufbH4buqfNn?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=03ufbH4buqfNn&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" title="DENVER, CO - APRIL 25:  Danilo Gallinari #8 of..." src="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/150x114.jpg" alt="DENVER, CO - APRIL 25:  Danilo Gallinari #8 of..." width="150" height="114" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image by Getty Images via @daylife</p></div>
<p>Just four days after Danilo Gallinari outplayed Carmelo Anthony in a Nuggets win in New York City, the Italian forward has signed a four-year $42 million dollar extension to stay in Denver.</p>
<p>Gallinari was the key piece in a trade that sent Melo to the Knicks last season.  On Saturday night Gallo showed himself to be the superior player by outscoring, outrebounding, outdefending and generally outplaying Carmelo at Madison Square Gardens.  Apparently, the Nuggets have seen enough of Danilo that they are willing to build their future around his burgeoning talents.</p>
<p>At 23 years old, Gallinari is just hitting his stride in the NBA.  (<a href="http://www.examiner.com/denver-nuggets-in-denver/danilo-gallinari-player-card-denver-nuggets">Learn more about Danilo Gallinari</a>)  He leads the Democratically-oriented Denver offense with 17.4 points per game – one of six Nuggets averaging double-digit points.  But what sets Gallo apart from Melo and most other NBA forwards is his commitment to improving his defensive game.  Danilo has put in more minutes this season than any other Nugget, and the big reason coach George Karl keeps him on the court is his stalwart defense.  Gallinari is +74 in 17 games so far.</p>
<p>Nuggets General Manager Masai Ujiri can count the Gallinari extension as another feather in his cap following the successful trade of Anthony to New York and the re-signing of restricted free agent shooting guard Arron Afflalo in the abbreviated offseason.  Ujiri was also responsible for the Nuggets exercising their option on young point guard Ty Lawson late last season, and for the decision to retain sixth man Al Harrington instead of amnestying his contract per the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.  The youthful core that Ujiri and young owner Josh Kroenke are building – combined with their willingness to stick with resurgent veterans like Al Harrington and Andre Miller – has made the Nuggets a contender now and into the foreseeable future.</p>
<p>This extension represents a considerable raise for Gallinari, who will make $4,190,182 this season and roughly $10.5 million next season.  Thanks to the trade that got Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups’ sizeable contracts off the books, Denver will still have the cap space to consider signing restricted free agent small forward Wilson Chandler when he returns from playing in China this March.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=b460020b-fb34-414e-a0ff-147fe0144286" alt="" /></div>
<h2  class="related_post_title">Articles similar to this:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>January 22, 2012 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/22/5161-nuggets-trump-melo-in-new-york/" title="Nuggets trump Melo in New York">Nuggets trump Melo in New York</a> (3)<br /><small>The Nuggets managed to grind out a 119-114 double-overt...</small></li><li>February 22, 2011 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2011/02/22/4546-bye-bye-melo-a-memoir-of-the-anthony-era-in-denver/" title="Bye Bye Melo: a memoir of the Anthony Era in Denver">Bye Bye Melo: a memoir of the Anthony Era in Denver</a> (2)<br /><small>Anthony took his shots here, and either through circums...</small></li><li>February 21, 2011 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2011/02/21/4507-breaking-carmelo-anthony-traded-to-new-york-knicks/" title="BREAKING: Carmelo Anthony traded to New York Knicks">BREAKING: Carmelo Anthony traded to New York Knicks</a> (0)<br /><small>The Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks nearly swapped t...</small></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Karl has Nuggets humming atop West</title>
		<link>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/24/5207-karl-has-nuggets-humming-atop-west/</link>
		<comments>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/24/5207-karl-has-nuggets-humming-atop-west/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:36:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ian Cerveny</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carmelo anthony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[george karl]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milwaukee Bucks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Basketball Association]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.prosportscolorado.com/?p=5207</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With Carmelo Anthony slowing the offense to a crawl in New York, the Nuggets have the cap space and floor time to run the most dynamic, team-oriented style in the league.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0f5uaQx7Zgbq7?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=0f5uaQx7Zgbq7&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" title="DENVER, CO - APRIL 23:  Head coach George Karl..." src="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/150x102.jpg" alt="DENVER, CO - APRIL 23:  Head coach George Karl..." width="150" height="102" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image by Getty Images via @daylife</p></div>
<p>Looking healthy and energetic following his second defeat of cancer, Denver Nuggets coach George Karl finally has the team he has always wanted.  On any given night, the Nuggets could dominate with their starting five or cobble together a win with contributions all the way down the bench.</p>
<p>The Nuggets currently lead all NBA teams in points per game at 105.5 – a tick better than the Miami Heat’s 105.4 – and are perched firmly at second place in the Western Conference.  Only the division rival OKC Thunder are better in the West right now, but watching these young Nuggets you get the feeling that they are still a month or two away from playing their best basketball.</p>
<p>George is living in a coaching dreamland in Denver.  He’s got the kind of depth and athleticism that even most big market NBA teams lack.  Karl just has to decide who has the hot hand, who makes the best matchup, and which of his ten floor-worthy players get time each night.</p>
<p>Coming over from the Milwaukee Bucks in 2005, George was heralded as a matchups guru with the ability to challenge the best coaches in the league.  Now that Phil Jackson has retired from Lakerland, Coach Karl may be the best matchups coach in the league.  And with Carmelo Anthony slowing the offense to a crawl in New York, the Nuggets have the cap space and floor time to run the most dynamic, team-oriented style in the league.</p>
<p>In his early years with the Nuggets, Karl had the pitiable task of making sure Melo got his points every game.  Now George can watch five players score double-digits and have a half-dozen guys geared up to make big shots in the final minutes.  Plus, an increased load on the bench means the Nuggets can throw a relentless up-tempo attack at their opponents for 48 minutes.  No wonder Denver leads the league at 24.5 assists per game.</p>
<p>On Wednesday night Karl’s Nuggets will have a chance to close out an undefeated five-game road swing.  Four victories so far include overtime triumphs versus the surprising 76ers and the <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/22/5161-nuggets-trump-melo-in-new-york/">struggling Knicks</a>.  Now Denver draws the defensively challenged Kings in Sacramento.  With six Nuggets averaging 10+ points per game, Denver looks strong to return home Friday with one of the best records in the NBA.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=b3fbf61e-78ce-44ae-af34-bf98fcee46f7" alt="" /></div>
<h2  class="related_post_title">Articles similar to this:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>January 19, 2012 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/19/5143-at-10-wins-nuggets-taking-shape/" title="At 10 wins Nuggets taking shape">At 10 wins Nuggets taking shape</a> (0)<br /><small>With a healthy and energized George Karl at the helm, t...</small></li><li>March 9, 2011 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2011/03/09/4637-karl-signs-contract-extension-with-nuggets/" title="Karl signs contract extension with Nuggets">Karl signs contract extension with Nuggets</a> (0)<br /><small>â€œIâ€™ve always said Denver is the place I want to end...</small></li><li>March 3, 2011 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2011/03/03/4617-melo-pens-love-letter-to-nuggets-fans/" title="Melo pens love letter to Nuggets fans">Melo pens love letter to Nuggets fans</a> (0)<br /><small>There are no words to express the gratitude and appreci...</small></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Nuggets trump Melo in New York</title>
		<link>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/22/5161-nuggets-trump-melo-in-new-york/</link>
		<comments>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/22/5161-nuggets-trump-melo-in-new-york/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:02:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ian Cerveny</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carmelo anthony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chauncey billups]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Danilo Gallinari]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kosta Koufos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Madison Square Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Knick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Raymond Felton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Timofey Mozgov]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.prosportscolorado.com/?p=5161</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Nuggets managed to grind out a 119-114 double-overtime win in NYC thanks to Gallinari’s dominant play. Gallo outplayed Melo in virtually every aspect of the game on Saturday night in Manhattan.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/040xe3mdadfE0?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=040xe3mdadfE0&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" title="DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 28:  (L-R) Danilo Gallin..." src="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/150x1002.jpg" alt="DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 28:  (L-R) Danilo Gallin..." width="150" height="100" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image by Getty Images via @daylife</p></div>
<p>The Denver Nuggets committed highway robbery when they sent Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks in return for a full complement of up-and-coming talent last season.  That fact was never more apparent than it was on Saturday night after Danilo Gallinari finished trumping Carmelo Anthony at Madison Square Gardens.</p>
<p>The Nuggets managed to grind out a 119-114 double-overtime win in NYC thanks to Gallinari’s dominant play.  In a game that pitted superstar Carmelo Anthony against two of the guys he was traded for – Gallinari and center Timofey Mozgov – it was the Nuggets’ new stars that won the day.  Even if Denver had not landed Mozgov, Kosta Koufos, Raymond Felton and Wilson Chandler in the deal that sent Melo and Chauncey Billups to New York, the Nuggets may have gotten their money’s worth with Gallinari.</p>
<p>Gallo outplayed Melo in virtually every aspect of the game on Saturday night in Manhattan.  Danilo scored more points – 37 to 25 – pulled down more rebounds – 11 to 10 – and played better defense than his New York counterpart.  While defensive prowess is sometimes difficult to demonstrate with statistics, it was wicked simple in this case.  Carmelo finished with a plus/minus of -9 over 45 minutes.  Gallinari finished with a +5… the exact margin of victory for the Nuggets.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, center Timofey Mozgov – who was the final piece in the trade that sent Melo to the Knicks – managed a +5 rating as well.  Mozgov paired that with 16 points and 3 big blocks in a tight game that saw 14 lead changes and 15 ties.</p>
<p>The win was the fourth in a row for the Nuggets – all on the road – who now stand firmly in second place in the Western Conference behind the division-rival Oklahoma City Thunder.  While the season is still in its early stages, Denver has weathered a tough opening schedule and come out on top.  They will enjoy a rare three day break before heading to Sacramento on Wednesday night.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Knicks drop to 6-10 and have lost six consecutive games.  They are one of two teams with losing records in the top-heavy Eastern Conference that would make the playoffs if the season ended today.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=43eec945-1ca3-415d-91a1-aa7da4779cd6" alt="" /></div>
<h2  class="related_post_title">Articles similar to this:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>February 21, 2011 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2011/02/21/4507-breaking-carmelo-anthony-traded-to-new-york-knicks/" title="BREAKING: Carmelo Anthony traded to New York Knicks">BREAKING: Carmelo Anthony traded to New York Knicks</a> (0)<br /><small>The Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks nearly swapped t...</small></li><li>January 25, 2012 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/25/5212-nuggets-sign-gallinari-for-four-years-42-million/" title="Nuggets sign Gallinari for four years $42 million">Nuggets sign Gallinari for four years $42 million</a> (0)<br /><small>Just four days after Danilo Gallinari outplayed Carmelo...</small></li><li>April 4, 2011 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2011/04/04/4744-nuggets-power-to-playoff-spot-3rd-best-in-nba/" title="Nuggets power to playoff spot, 3rd Best in NBA">Nuggets power to playoff spot, 3rd Best in NBA</a> (8)<br /><small>The Denver Nuggets powered past the Lakers on Sunday af...</small></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>At 10 wins Nuggets taking shape</title>
		<link>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/19/5143-at-10-wins-nuggets-taking-shape/</link>
		<comments>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/19/5143-at-10-wins-nuggets-taking-shape/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:31:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ian Cerveny</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Andre Miller]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chauncey billups]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[george karl]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Raymond Felton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ty lawson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Utah Jazz]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.prosportscolorado.com/?p=5143</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With a healthy and energized George Karl at the helm, the Nuggets may not be far off from realizing their potential as an elite Western Conference contender.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 112px"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/05vw24ybM14YC?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=05vw24ybM14YC&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" title="PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 14:  Andre Miller #24 of..." src="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/102x1501.jpg" alt="PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 14:  Andre Miller #24 of..." width="102" height="150" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image by Getty Images via @daylife</p></div>
<p>By knocking off the 76ers in Philly on Wednesday night the Denver Nuggets grabbed their 10<sup>th</sup> win in 15 games played and handed Philadelphia its first home loss.  The improved 76ers were 6-0 at home this season, and have played as well as any team in the NBA to this point.  The final score in overtime read 108-104 in favor of the Nuggets thanks to a breakout 28-point effort by backup point guard Andre Miller.</p>
<p>Denver’s 10-5 record locks them into a four-way tie for the third best winning percentage in the Western Conference.  That group includes the LA Lakers and Clippers plus the San Antonio Spurs, with Denver legend Chauncey Billups <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=320118012" target="_blank">keeping the Clippers afloat</a> while Chris Paul recuperates from an injury.</p>
<p>In a topsy, turvy NBA season the Nuggets are still getting their footing like most other clubs.  On Wednesday it was great to see the guard duo of Lawson and Miller pick up where Lawson and the departed Raymond Felton left off last year.  Against the 76ers Lawson and Miller combined for 84 minutes of floor time, 41 points and 17 assists.  Nene chipped in 14 rebounds and 20 points, including 4 of the Nuggets’ 12 points in overtime.</p>
<p>Denver still sits behind the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder in both the Conference and Northwest Division standings.  But the Jazz are playing over their heads thanks to a favorable opening schedule where 14 of their first 20 games will be played at home.  Brutal February and March road trips will bring Utah back down to earth.</p>
<p>The Thunder are another story entirely.  OKC stands at the top of the NBA with a 12-3 record following their first bad loss last night in Washington.  The young, athletic Thunder are primed for this fast-paced season, and it will take some incredible consistency from the Nuggets to keep pace.  Oklahoma City is bound to have its share of off nights – like losing to the 12 loss Wizards – but stand to be the NBA’s best club barring major setbacks or a surprise run by another young team like the Clippers.</p>
<p>Luckily Denver has a pretty smooth schedule through the rest of January.  If the Nuggets can keep ahead of both Los Angeles-es and the Spurs, they can put pressure on these depth-challenged squads as the unusual 2011-2012 NBA Season wears on.  Just as younger teams have a chance to jump ahead in the standings, older clubs like the Lakers and Spurs will be dropping winnable games come March and April.</p>
<p>For the Nuggets – who have a nice blend of veteran presence and ample young talent – it will simply be a matter of building offensive chemistry and playing the brand of aggressive defense that made Denver a tough out in last season’s NBA Playoffs.  With a healthy and energized George Karl at the helm, the Nuggets may not be far off from realizing their potential as an elite Western Conference contender.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=9c241341-a166-4357-b801-be45ce7cb558" alt="" /></div>
<h2  class="related_post_title">Articles similar to this:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>January 24, 2012 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/24/5207-karl-has-nuggets-humming-atop-west/" title="Karl has Nuggets humming atop West">Karl has Nuggets humming atop West</a> (0)<br /><small>With Carmelo Anthony slowing the offense to a crawl in ...</small></li><li>March 11, 2011 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2011/03/11/4649-nuggets-lawson-dominate-suns-in-phoenix/" title="Nuggets, Lawson dominate Suns in Phoenix">Nuggets, Lawson dominate Suns in Phoenix</a> (0)<br /><small>The Nuggets won in Phoenix for the first time in seven ...</small></li><li>April 15, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2010/04/15/2415-denver-nuggets-vs-utah-jazz-playoff-series-preview/" title="Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz Playoff Series Preview">Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz Playoff Series Preview</a> (7)<br /><small>As dominant as the Nuggets were throughout the regular ...</small></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Living Large in Broncos Country</title>
		<link>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/12/5073-living-large-in-broncos-country/</link>
		<comments>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/12/5073-living-large-in-broncos-country/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:59:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ian Cerveny</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Broncos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[belichick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bronco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Demaryius]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver Broncos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foxborough]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Fox]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New England]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New England Patriots]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tim Tebow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tom Brady]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Willis McGahee]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.prosportscolorado.com/?p=5073</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Don’t count these Broncos out.  Whatever it is, they’ve got it.  The Patriots are a mirage drawn up on a chalkboard.  Denver is in town to play some real wild football.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0elP2SZ7hkb4T?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=0elP2SZ7hkb4T&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" title="DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 18: Denver Broncos fans ..." src="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/150x1001.jpg" alt="DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 18: Denver Broncos fans ..." width="150" height="100" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image by Getty Images via @daylife</p></div>
<p>Throughout the NFL world folks are wondering what the Denver Broncos will do next.  With a battle against the AFC-best New England Patriots on the horizon, that seems like a fair question.</p>
<p>Denver started the season with a new coach, a boring quarterback, and a defense that finished last in the league a year ago.  The Broncos had moved on from a 4-12 season by hiring the only coach whose team finished worse than Denver in the 2010 NFL standings.  They picked up a running back named McGahee that was supposed to be three years past washed up, and plugged in a rookie linebacker to spark a non-existent pass rush.</p>
<p>Four months later the Broncos are two wins from the Super Bowl, and their quarterback is the <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7456341/tim-tebow-denver-broncos-humble-topping-espn-sports-poll" target="_blank">most popular sports figure in America</a>.  Tim Tebow’s Broncos came off a 1-4 start to win 7 of their next 8 before stumbling through a 3-game winning streak and into the playoffs.</p>
<p>For Denver sports fans that was enough.  In Broncos Country the word “playoffs” was so sweet after years of mediocrity that Colorado engaged in a sort of statewide revelry.  When Denver beat Pittsburgh in a Mile High slugfest it was gravy, and the way Tebow-to-Thomas won in OT was nothing short of epic.</p>
<p>Now it’s the high-and-mighty Patriots standing between Tebow and an AFC Championship Game.  So what will the Broncos look like on Saturday evening in Foxborough?  Would you be surprised if Denver came out hot and blasted off to a quick lead?  Would it really be a shocker if they outplayed the Pats?</p>
<p>For the record, it doesn’t matter.  This passionate football fan base is rocking the town no matter what.  We’re living large here in Broncos Country and even Tom Brady can’t spoil the party.</p>
<p>That said &#8211; the Denver Broncos can beat New England.  The Patriots are a white collar football team dependent upon tricks and schemes.  The Jets and Ravens have shown the world how soft New England is by knocking them out of the playoffs the last two seasons.  Both New York and Baltimore went on the road to beat the Patriots, and a charged Broncos team can do the same on Saturday.</p>
<p>Denver came out of their win over Pittsburgh with an energy that started two months ago and took weeks to solidify.  The Broncos were already playing hard for John Fox, and then Tebow elevated the whole team to another level.  John and Timmy are the kind of guys football players go to war for.  You cannot scheme for momentum and willpower.  The robotic Bill Belicheck is a great coach, but he is no great leader.</p>
<p>In an era of football that has been defined by spread offenses and big blitzes, the Broncos play traditional football.  They hammer away at opponents as a team for four quarters, and that is the root of all their late game heroics.  Tim Tebow is a warrior, and so are his teammates.  From a bruising offensive line to a smash-mouth defense to a no-nonsense defensive head coach, Denver is playing with a different kind of consistency.  The Broncos play with a brand of determination that is rare and powerful.</p>
<p>So when sports pundits tell me that the Broncos don’t stand a chance against the powerhouse Patriots, I chuckle and wonder how well Tom Brady will play if Denver can get after him early.  I laugh out loud and ponder Tim Tebow, Demaryius Thomas and a healthy Willis McGahee exploiting the AFC’s worst defense.  I break into gut-busting guffaws thinking about how easy it is to take the Patriots’ fair-weather fans out of a game in New England.</p>
<p>Should Denver go down at Foxborough on Saturday, it will still be a nightcap on a fantastic season.  But don’t count these Broncos out.  Whatever it is, they’ve got it.  The Patriots are a mirage drawn up on a chalkboard.  Denver is in town to play some real wild football.</p>
<p>The question is not, “Do the Broncos stack up?”</p>
<p>The real question is this… “Is New England ready for war?”</p>
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		<title>Therapy for the Tebow Haters</title>
		<link>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/09/5044-therapy-for-the-tebow-haters/</link>
		<comments>http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/09/5044-therapy-for-the-tebow-haters/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:42:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ian Cerveny</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Broncos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ben Roethlisberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver Broncos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Detroit Lions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[drew brees]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Orleans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pittsburgh Steelers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tim Tebow]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.prosportscolorado.com/?p=5044</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Now, with Tebow doing exactly what was asked of him and winning a playoff game, what is left to hate? Is it his insistence on communicating with the almighty on national TV?  What’s that got to do with Tim Tebow's game, and why is it his problem that his faith makes others uncomfortable?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 119px"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/06we1QNeNZfva?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=06we1QNeNZfva&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" title="DENVER, CO - JANUARY 08:  Tim Tebow #15 of the..." src="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/109x1502.jpg" alt="DENVER, CO - JANUARY 08:  Tim Tebow #15 of the..." width="109" height="150" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image by Getty Images via @daylife</p></div>
<p>Everybody has an opinion on Tim Tebow.  From ESPN talking heads to water cooler conversationalists to old friends swearing vendettas, everybody is talking Tebow.  Following the Broncos’ big Wild Card Round win over the defending AFC Champion Steelers on Sunday, the argument has reached a fever pitch.</p>
<p>With Denver moving on to a Divisional Round playoff game in New England this weekend, the Tebow haters will need to dig deep to find new complaints.  It will be exhausting, but the will to hate Tim Tebow is strong.  As a refresher, let’s take a therapeutic journey through Tebow anti-fandom…</p>
<p>You would think that Tebow’s first 300 yard throwing day – including an 80 yard game-winning toss on the first play of overtime – would silence Timmy’s many haters.  Tebow’s defenders expected to spend today basking in their supreme rightness for having stuck by the erratic quarterback with the winning touch through a couple of tough games.  Any other quarterback with a more traditional approach would be getting nothing but kudos right now for his otherworldly leadership and poise.</p>
<p>But, hark!  What’s that I hear?  He only completed ten passes?  Tim Tebow pitched a few into the dirt?  His completion percentage was sub-.500?  So what if the Steelers were without superb free safety Ryan Clark?  Did Pittsburgh forget to send an 11<sup>th</sup> man onto the field to replace him?</p>
<p>The criticisms now border on ridiculous, and the hating can now best be termed ridicule.  Haters gotta hate, and that’s the name of the game for now.  Because Tebow draws so much public attention off the field, everybody feels obligated to manufacture an opinion of his on-field play.  And the easiest opinion to have is that this quarterback doesn’t do it “right”.  The knee-jerk reaction is that Tim Tebow does not look like the gunslinger QB’s we’ve been trained to worship.</p>
<p>What is so astounding is that this knee-jerk reaction has lasted for three months.</p>
<p>Make no mistake – this is not a complaint.  The Pittsburgh Steelers bought into the anti-hype and played arrogant defense.  Hall of Fame Defensive Coordinator Dick Lebeau must have listened to a little too much talk radio last week, because he bit hard on the notion that Tim Tebow could not beat single press coverage on his receivers.  Every pregame chorus of ex-players echoed each other; stack the box and take away the run and the Broncos are done before the halftime break.</p>
<p>Obviously Tebow did beat the coverage.  Against the league’s best passing defense Tim Tebow beat the coverage repeatedly, and the Steelers failed to make adjustments even heading into overtime.  Demaryius Thomas had the game of his life recording 200+ yards on just four catches.  The Broncos played home run football and mashed their way to victory.  So what’s left to say?</p>
<p>Apparently there is plenty of room left for criticism.  Because in this hyper-analytical era of sports, just winning isn’t enough.  And because “football insiders” simply refuse to acknowledge that Tim Tebow is not playing their game.</p>
<p>When Drew Brees is putting up 466 yards in a playoff pitch, it’s easy to foster a skewed perspective.  When the ideal for success is throwing the ball 43 times per game, then a ten-completion effort by Tim Tebow looks paltry by comparison.  But why is this suddenly the only way to play?  The only way to win?</p>
<p>Let’s dig a little deeper for some much-needed perspective&#8230;</p>
<p>The Detroit Lions only rushed the ball 10 times against the Saints on Saturday in New Orleans and they lost badly.  The contest was close until the fourth quarter, and the Lions actually led throughout the first half.  But without clock-sapping run plays to limit the scope of the game New Orleans was allowed to run 81 offensive plays to the Lions’ 53.  The imbalance led to a 15-minute difference in time of possession in the Saints’ favor.  That’s a whole extra quarter of offense for New Orleans!</p>
<p>Now where is the criticism of Detroit coaches and players for their over-commitment to throwing the ball?  Is it possible for the Broncos to run the ball “too much” and win?</p>
<p>In Denver on Sunday the Broncos ran the ball 34 times on 55 offensive plays.  The Steelers rushed 23 times on 68 offensive plays.  Yet the difference in time of possession was just 2:01.  The Broncos were more efficient as an offense, outgaining the Steelers 447 yards to 400.  The average Denver pass play went for 15 yards versus 6.1 for Big Ben and the Steelers.  Tebow threw for 72 more yards in half as many attempts.  The Broncos and Tim Tebow (125.6 passer rating) outplayed the Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger (75.9 passer rating) hands down.</p>
<p>More importantly, though, the Denver Broncos’ coordinators and coaches put together a better game plan than their Pittsburgh counterparts.  That game plan only required Timmy to complete 10 magnificent throws for an upset victory.  Now, with Tebow doing exactly what was asked of him and winning a playoff game, what is left to hate?</p>
<p>Is it his insistence on communicating with the almighty on national TV?  What’s that got to do with his game, and why is it his problem that his faith makes others uncomfortable?</p>
<p>Is it the way he thanks God for the strength to play football at the highest level and come away with a win?  What is so offensive about a good man carrying the strength of his convictions onto a football field?  Would you rather root for Ben Roethlisberger and his disgusting history of forcing himself on women?  Would you rather root for an assassin like James Harrison who plays to take his opponents out of games?</p>
<p>In the end, the Tim Tebow Hater phenomenon is an exercise in self-loathing.  Tebow is too good, as a man and as a player.  Tim is a constant reminder of how good each of us could be.  He is the sum of his convictions and it makes lesser men froth with jealous rage.  His passionate, sincere belief reminds us where we have failed to follow our own convictions.  He is an example of true heroism in a culture that worships false heroes.  And that is the source of the hatred.  And Tim Tebow just weathers the storm.</p>
<p>So before all you Tebow Haters spend another precious week of life spitting on a righteous man, take a moment in the mirror to ponder just what about Tim Tebow makes you so uncomfortable.  Remember that while you are doing that, Tim Tebow is challenging the established mold for NFL passers on the field and he is challenging the mold for NFL players off the field.  Whether you wish to follow his faith or not is not important.  He is an example of a very successful man, and we should all strive to carry the full force of our own righteous beliefs (religious or otherwise) with us wherever we go.</p>
<p>Now I’ve got to get going.  I’ve been driving this Tebow bandwagon for a few months and its due for a tune up.  While we’ve got it in the shop, I think we’ll add a few thousand extra square feet of carrying capacity.  You know… just in case some haters come around.</p>
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<h2  class="related_post_title">Articles similar to this:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>February 6, 2012 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/02/06/5289-broncos-miller-wins-roy-tebow-grabs-comeback-award/" title="Broncos’ Miller wins ROY, Tebow grabs comeback award">Broncos’ Miller wins ROY, Tebow grabs comeback award</a> (1)<br /><small>Tebow could have singled out Von Miller as a particular...</small></li><li>January 12, 2012 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2012/01/12/5073-living-large-in-broncos-country/" title="Living Large in Broncos Country">Living Large in Broncos Country</a> (1)<br /><small>Don’t count these Broncos out.  Whatever it is, they’ve...</small></li><li>October 24, 2011 -- <a href="http://www.prosportscolorado.com/2011/10/24/4961-the-simple-mystery-of-tim-tebow/" title="The simple mystery of Tim Tebow">The simple mystery of Tim Tebow</a> (2)<br /><small>Denver is a football town despite supporting a wide var...</small></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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