thedenverpost--2020-09-27--Ginsburg vacancy adds urgency to abortion fight in Colorado

The death of a U.S. Supreme Court justice has thrust proposed abortion restrictions in Colorado to the forefront as advocates grapple with what comes next for abortion access across the country .
As one of only seven states without abortion restrictions and a state considered a safe haven for abortion-seeking residents of other states , Colorado ’ s abortion rights advocates are keeping a close eye on who replaces liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
Colorado law neither restricts nor specifically allows abortion , and state courts haven ’ t weighed in , either .
Still , the Center for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain accessible in Colorado if a new Trump appointee helped overturn Roe v. Wade — the decision that established a right to abortion .
Neither opponents or supporters of legal abortion expect the state ’ s voters or lawmakers to change that , given the increasingly blue tilt of both .
Voters have rejected abortion limitations three times in recent years .
But Proposition 115 , which will be on the ballot Nov. 3 , could be a different story .
It would make it illegal for medical professionals to perform abortions after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother is at an immediate risk of death .
Public polling across the country shows that voters are more likely to support bans later in pregnancy .
“ Proposition 115 would be in line with the vast majority of other states that restrict abortion at any time in pregnancy , ” said Erin Behrens , one of the backers of the measure .
“ It does not interfere in any way before 22 weeks , about 5 months into pregnancy.
” Abortion rights advocates are fighting Prop 115 , which makes no exceptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or for the health of the mother , as another attempt to chip away at a woman ’ s right to choose .
“ The stakes are even higher right now , ” said Karen Middleton , president of Cobalt , a group dedicated to abortion access and reproductive rights in Colorado .
“ Stopping 115 is important because we know if we stop this , we can protect access to care here in Colorado at a time when there are so many unknowns.
” Fawn Bolak of ProgressNow Colorado says she always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one election away from banning abortion in Colorado.
” “ We never know what the state of the nation or the situation of our state is going to be , ” Bolak said .
“ That ’ s why fighting for this access is essential at every point.
” The weekend after Ginsburg ’ s death , the No on 115 campaign nearly tripled its engagement from the prior week , said spokesperson Stefanie Clarke .
Over a 24-hour period Monday , the campaign received the most individual online donations since its inception @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arguments for and against remain the same .
For women like Christina Taylor , who had an abortion later in pregnancy because of a fetal abnormality diagnosis , defeating restrictions is critical .
Taylor ’ s family moved to Colorado from Texas two years before her abortion in 2017 .
She was excited for her pregnancy , but the diagnosis of missing organs meant a baby couldn ’ t survive .
Taylor could either choose to have an abortion or wait out the rest of the pregnancy , which seemed like an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing about these bans , it ’ s horrifying to me , ” she said .
“ It ’ s a difficult experience like mine being made worse by laws getting in the way.
” Taylor has since joined the campaign to oppose the 22-week ban .
She and other advocates believe Proposition 115 flies in the face of Roe v. Wade , and they ’ re concerned Ginsburg ’ s replacement will make it harder to remove such curbs on abortion rights in the future .
“ We know that it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this passes , then there could be no federal firewall that could overturn this ban , ” she said .
Taylor also points to Trump ’ s comments about later abortions in his State of the Union address , which advocates say spread misinformation and demonized abortions .
And last week , Trump announced he planned to sign an executive order that would require medical care be given to babies “ born alive ” after a failed abortion .
Proponents of Proposition 115 are depending on voters who agree with such sentiments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to high grassroots engagement as a good sign .
“ We have broad-based support for a late-term abortion limit in Colorado that will help moms and save babies , ” wrote Deacon Geoff Bennett in a statement .
“ Even before the Supreme Court vacancy , the opponents of Prop 115 in Colorado were worried about citizens taking action at the ballot and also what the courts might do .
Prop 115 in Colorado will win and be part of that national conversation.
” Behrens said the group has received support from “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines and said she believes public opinion is on their side , citing 2019 Gallup polling .
“ There are multiple polls that show the vast majority of Americans want limitations on abortion at some point in pregnancy , ” she said .
Behrens and other proponents of Proposition 115 say they don ’ t intend to propose bans that go much further in Colorado because they don ’ t think Colorado voters will support them .
But some anti-abortion organizations support an all-or-nothing approach , and they aren ’ t confident that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to overturn Roe v. Wade and make all abortion illegal .
“ Without a single justice on the Supreme Court who acknowledged the unborn ’ s right to life , how is abortion about to end ?
” asked Bob Enyart of Colorado Right to Life .
“ The Republicans have to gin up their base and say this is our opportunity to end abortion.
” Abortion rights groups also are focused on the big picture as the country potentially heads toward a key decision point .
Bolak and other advocates worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Coloradans but about those in surrounding states .
Ten states — including North Dakota , South Dakota , Utah and Missouri — have “ trigger ” laws that would outlaw abortions in their states if Roe v. Wade were overturned , according to the Guttmacher Institute .
“ Folks in those states would be impacted pretty quickly , and we know that in Colorado , we would see a lot more people coming in for care , and that puts additional pressure on our state , ” Bolak said .
Expanding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country would highlight health care inequities , only making abortions feasible for those who are wealthy enough to take time off work and travel .
Karla Gonzales Garcia , of Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights , credits the fact that so many women have been elected to the statehouse for making Colorado a safe haven .
She and other abortion advocates say they may look to add more legal protections for abortion in Colorado in the future , but their first order of business is defeating Proposition 115 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure people have the tools and knowledge and education to make informed decisions about this ballot initiative , ” she said .

The death of a U.S. Supreme Court justice has thrust proposed abortion restrictions in Colorado to the forefront as advocates grapple with what comes next for abortion access across the country.
As one of only seven states without abortion restrictions and a state considered a safe haven for abortion-seeking residents of other states, Colorado’s abortion rights advocates are keeping a close eye on who replaces liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Colorado law neither restricts nor specifically allows abortion, and state courts haven’t weighed in, either. Still, the Center for Reproductive Rights projects that abortion would likely remain accessible in Colorado if a new Trump appointee helped overturn Roe v. Wade — the decision that established a right to abortion.
Neither opponents or supporters of legal abortion expect the state’s voters or lawmakers to change that, given the increasingly blue tilt of both. Voters have rejected abortion limitations three times in recent years.
But Proposition 115, which will be on the ballot Nov. 3, could be a different story. It would make it illegal for medical professionals to perform abortions after 22 weeks except in cases where the mother is at an immediate risk of death. Public polling across the country shows that voters are more likely to support bans later in pregnancy.
“Proposition 115 would be in line with the vast majority of other states that restrict abortion at any time in pregnancy,” said Erin Behrens, one of the backers of the measure. “It does not interfere in any way before 22 weeks, about 5 months into pregnancy.”
Abortion rights advocates are fighting Prop 115, which makes no exceptions for rape or incest, fetal abnormalities or for the health of the mother, as another attempt to chip away at a woman’s right to choose.
“The stakes are even higher right now,” said Karen Middleton, president of Cobalt, a group dedicated to abortion access and reproductive rights in Colorado. “Stopping 115 is important because we know if we stop this, we can protect access to care here in Colorado at a time when there are so many unknowns.”
Fawn Bolak of ProgressNow Colorado says she always reminds people that “we’re one election away from banning abortion in Colorado.”
“We never know what the state of the nation or the situation of our state is going to be,” Bolak said. “That’s why fighting for this access is essential at every point.”
The weekend after Ginsburg’s death, the No on 115 campaign nearly tripled its engagement from the prior week, said spokesperson Stefanie Clarke. Over a 24-hour period Monday, the campaign received the most individual online donations since its inception.
The urgency has increased, but the arguments for and against remain the same.
For women like Christina Taylor, who had an abortion later in pregnancy because of a fetal abnormality diagnosis, defeating restrictions is critical. Taylor’s family moved to Colorado from Texas two years before her abortion in 2017. She was excited for her pregnancy, but the diagnosis of missing organs meant a baby couldn’t survive. Taylor could either choose to have an abortion or wait out the rest of the pregnancy, which seemed like an even more traumatic option.
“When hearing about these bans, it’s horrifying to me,” she said. “It’s a difficult experience like mine being made worse by laws getting in the way.”
Taylor has since joined the campaign to oppose the 22-week ban. She and other advocates believe Proposition 115 flies in the face of Roe v. Wade, and they’re concerned Ginsburg’s replacement will make it harder to remove such curbs on abortion rights in the future.
“We know that it’s a very real possibility that if this passes, then there could be no federal firewall that could overturn this ban,” she said.
Taylor also points to Trump’s comments about later abortions in his State of the Union address, which advocates say spread misinformation and demonized abortions. And last week, Trump announced he planned to sign an executive order that would require medical care be given to babies “born alive” after a failed abortion.
Proponents of Proposition 115 are depending on voters who agree with such sentiments to pass their measure, and they point to high grassroots engagement as a good sign.
“We have broad-based support for a late-term abortion limit in Colorado that will help moms and save babies,” wrote Deacon Geoff Bennett in a statement. “Even before the Supreme Court vacancy, the opponents of Prop 115 in Colorado were worried about citizens taking action at the ballot and also what the courts might do. Prop 115 in Colorado will win and be part of that national conversation.”
Behrens said the group has received support from “unexpected groups” in Colorado across party lines and said she believes public opinion is on their side, citing 2019 Gallup polling.
“There are multiple polls that show the vast majority of Americans want limitations on abortion at some point in pregnancy,” she said.
Behrens and other proponents of Proposition 115 say they don’t intend to propose bans that go much further in Colorado because they don’t think Colorado voters will support them. But some anti-abortion organizations support an all-or-nothing approach, and they aren’t confident that replacing Ginsburg with a conservative would be enough to overturn Roe v. Wade and make all abortion illegal.
“Without a single justice on the Supreme Court who acknowledged the unborn’s right to life, how is abortion about to end?” asked Bob Enyart of Colorado Right to Life. “The Republicans have to gin up their base and say this is our opportunity to end abortion.”
Abortion rights groups also are focused on the big picture as the country potentially heads toward a key decision point. Bolak and other advocates worry not just about the effects of restrictions on Coloradans but about those in surrounding states. Ten states — including North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Missouri — have “trigger” laws that would outlaw abortions in their states if Roe v. Wade were overturned, according to the Guttmacher Institute.
“Folks in those states would be impacted pretty quickly, and we know that in Colorado, we would see a lot more people coming in for care, and that puts additional pressure on our state,” Bolak said.
Expanding the patchwork of restrictions in different parts of the country would highlight health care inequities, only making abortions feasible for those who are wealthy enough to take time off work and travel.
Karla Gonzales Garcia, of Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, credits the fact that so many women have been elected to the statehouse for making Colorado a safe haven.
She and other abortion advocates say they may look to add more legal protections for abortion in Colorado in the future, but their first order of business is defeating Proposition 115.
“We are focused right now to make sure people have the tools and knowledge and education to make informed decisions about this ballot initiative,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-09-27--Post Premium: Top stories for Sept. 21-27, 2020

Long before the pandemic put new and unprecedented strain on teen mental health , youth suicide became a crisis in Colorado — the No .
1 cause of death for those between the ages of 10 and 17 in this state .
Knowing this , a group of Denver Post journalists led by health reporter Jessica Seaman spent much of the last year immersed in the subject of teen mental health and suicide , and today we ’ re publishing the results of that project , called Crisis Point , with support from the Fund for Journalism on Child Well-Being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southern California ’ s Annenberg Center for Health Journalism .
We began last year by traveling across the state , holding community conversations in five counties an effort to learn about and better understand youth suicide from the teenagers , parents , teachers and mental health professionals most affected .
We believed it was crucial to include teen voices in whatever we did , and to that end we solicited essays from middle- and high-school students across Colorado for a contest , the results of which were published in January .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publishing today , beginning with Jessica ’ s in-depth look at Safe2Tell , Colorado ’ s widely used student tip line that is still deeply rooted in law enforcement even though suicide threats and mental health concerns now make up the largest share of reports .
Jessica found there ’ s little public accountability since the Colorado Attorney General ’ s Office doesn ’ t collect or track data showing what happens after officials respond to these tips .
We ’ ve also assembled a moving collection of teens ’ thoughts on mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words paired with beautiful portrait photography by The Post ’ s Hyoung Chang .
And we ’ ve shared a series of videos created by Amy Brothers that look at how different programs such as the Second Wind Fund are working to help children and teens struggling with mental health issues .
We hope you ’ ll spend some time today with this important project , both the work assembled by The Post ’ s journalists and the stark words of Colorado teens on the front line of this crisis .
Crisis Point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suicide , mental health emergencies .
But Colorado doesn ’ t track what happens next .
Five don ’ t-miss stories from last week Polis warns of “ third wave ” as Colorado sees acceleration of COVID-19 spread across all age groups Though Colorado ’ s rising number of COVID-19 cases has been fueled by the “ significant outbreak ” among college-aged people , state officials warned Tuesday that all age groups now are seeing increased infections .
Gov .
Jared Polis cautioned that Colorado risks “ a big third wave ” of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay vigilant by wearing masks , keeping their distance from others and avoiding large gatherings — especially indoors .
Read More… CSU quarantines 900 students after wastewater monitoring detects COVID-19 in two dorms Nearly 1,000 students living in two dormitories at Colorado State University have been quarantined after wastewater monitoring revealed a “ significantly high level ” of COVID-19 within those campus residences .
Five hundred students living in Braiden Hall and 400 in Summit Hall are under a mandatory quarantine of unspecified length , meaning students are not allowed to leave their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials announced Thursday night .
Read More… Cameron Peak fire grows to third-largest in Colorado history , chokes Denver and Front Range with smoke Hot and dry conditions fueled growth of the Cameron Peak fire — now the third-largest wildfire in Colorado ’ s recorded history — to 120,251 acres Saturday , threatening a Buddhist retreat near Red Feather Lakes and choking Denver and the northern Front Range with smoke .
The wildfire burning in the Roosevelt National Forest now sits at about 188 square miles in size , and containment remained at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped to that level after Friday ’ s growth .
Read More… The painful , humbling ending did nothing to erase the ride .
For 82 days , the Nuggets stayed confined inside the NBA bubble , living and breathing basketball each and every day .
Only one family member made the trip .
For the most part , it was almost exclusively the team themselves .
For nearly three months , they stuck together , authoring gripping comebacks , re-writing NBA history and changing how the Nuggets were perceived around the league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an end Saturday night , when the Lakers ousted the Nuggets , 117-107 , in Game 5 , concluding Denver ’ s magical run .
For weeks , the Nuggets were the talk of the bubble .
Their resiliency and toughness , at times , left their coach searching for words .
Read More… Guest Commentary : I served under six presidents — four Republicans , two Democrats — only one has failed to serve U.S. national security interests I can personally attest that Americans were very well served by those they elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is one important exception to that statement — our current president .
Read More… See more great photos like this on The Denver Post ’ s Instagram account .

Long before the pandemic put new and unprecedented strain on teen mental health, youth suicide became a crisis in Colorado — the No. 1 cause of death for those between the ages of 10 and 17 in this state.
Knowing this, a group of Denver Post journalists led by health reporter Jessica Seaman spent much of the last year immersed in the subject of teen mental health and suicide, and today we’re publishing the results of that project, called Crisis Point, with support from the Fund for Journalism on Child Well-Being, a program of the University of Southern California’s Annenberg Center for Health Journalism.
We began last year by traveling across the state, holding community conversations in five counties an effort to learn about and better understand youth suicide from the teenagers, parents, teachers and mental health professionals most affected. We believed it was crucial to include teen voices in whatever we did, and to that end we solicited essays from middle- and high-school students across Colorado for a contest, the results of which were published in January.
There are several components to what we’re publishing today, beginning with Jessica’s in-depth look at Safe2Tell, Colorado’s widely used student tip line that is still deeply rooted in law enforcement even though suicide threats and mental health concerns now make up the largest share of reports. Jessica found there’s little public accountability since the Colorado Attorney General’s Office doesn’t collect or track data showing what happens after officials respond to these tips.
We’ve also assembled a moving collection of teens’ thoughts on mental health and suicide, using their own words paired with beautiful portrait photography by The Post’s Hyoung Chang. And we’ve shared a series of videos created by Amy Brothers that look at how different programs such as the Second Wind Fund are working to help children and teens struggling with mental health issues.
We hope you’ll spend some time today with this important project, both the work assembled by The Post’s journalists and the stark words of Colorado teens on the front line of this crisis.
Thank you.
— Matt Sebastian, The Denver Post
Five don’t-miss stories from last week
Though Colorado’s rising number of COVID-19 cases has been fueled by the “significant outbreak” among college-aged people, state officials warned Tuesday that all age groups now are seeing increased infections.
Gov. Jared Polis cautioned that Colorado risks “a big third wave” of coronavirus cases if people don’t stay vigilant by wearing masks, keeping their distance from others and avoiding large gatherings — especially indoors. Read More…
Nearly 1,000 students living in two dormitories at Colorado State University have been quarantined after wastewater monitoring revealed a “significantly high level” of COVID-19 within those campus residences.
Five hundred students living in Braiden Hall and 400 in Summit Hall are under a mandatory quarantine of unspecified length, meaning students are not allowed to leave their residence halls for any reason, CSU officials announced Thursday night. Read More…
Hot and dry conditions fueled growth of the Cameron Peak fire — now the third-largest wildfire in Colorado’s recorded history — to 120,251 acres Saturday, threatening a Buddhist retreat near Red Feather Lakes and choking Denver and the northern Front Range with smoke.
The wildfire burning in the Roosevelt National Forest now sits at about 188 square miles in size, and containment remained at 25% on Saturday evening, having dropped to that level after Friday’s growth. Read More…
The painful, humbling ending did nothing to erase the ride.
For 82 days, the Nuggets stayed confined inside the NBA bubble, living and breathing basketball each and every day. Only one family member made the trip. For the most part, it was almost exclusively the team themselves.
For nearly three months, they stuck together, authoring gripping comebacks, re-writing NBA history and changing how the Nuggets were perceived around the league.
But their storied ride came to an end Saturday night, when the Lakers ousted the Nuggets, 117-107, in Game 5, concluding Denver’s magical run. For weeks, the Nuggets were the talk of the bubble. Their resiliency and toughness, at times, left their coach searching for words. Read More…
I can personally attest that Americans were very well served by those they elected to fill critical national security positions. There is one important exception to that statement — our current president. Read More…
Photo of the week
See more great photos like this on The Denver Post’s Instagram account.


thedenverpost--2020-09-27--After numerous twists and turns, Colorado high school football players return to game they love: “Th

After numerous twists and turns, Colorado high school football players return to game they love: “This is what we’ve waited all year for”

HIGHLANDS RANCH — The boys wore masks and carried football helmets as they walked down the hill toward their grassy 100-yard sanctuary .
No more drama , delays , or false promises .
The game they love , finally , was back .
“ This is what we ’ ve waited all year for , ” said Kyle Lindbloom , Highlands Ranch High School ’ s new starting quarterback , in between deep-masked breaths after the team ’ s first practice Thursday .
“ You get to come out here and play with all your brothers.
” The Colorado High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Polis paved the way for fall high school football , with games starting Oct. 8 , after initially pushing the season to spring .
The reversal was celebrated with nearly 80 percent of all schools opting for autumn .
But at what cost ?
For Highlands Ranch , the season indecision prompted head coach TJ Rubley and his Kansas State-bound starting quarterback son , Jake , to move their family to Iowa — where prep football practice started back on Aug. 10 .
“ From a parent ’ s lens , they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing around the country — finding different outlets for their kids to compete , ” Highlands Ranch athletic director Darren Withey told The Denver Post .
“ But one of the greatest benefits we have at Highlands Ranch is that we come together .
Our roots are strong .
Our families are tight.
” It spelled new opportunity for Lindbloom — a former Highlands Ranch safety now playing QB .
“ It feels good to finally be able to step up , ” he said .
The same for new head coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Highlands Ranch graduate ( ’ 97 ) — whose familiarity gives the Falcons confidence amid so much uncertainty .
Lundquist called his promotion a “ dream come true.
” On Thursday , players broke out into well-spaced position groups for the team ’ s first practice , with timed water breaks to avoid mass gatherings and constant chatter to enforce health guidelines amid the pandemic : Put your mask on !
… I know it stinks , but I ’ d rather be playing !
… Space out !
For some Falcons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future as scholarship hopefuls .
A fall season is expected to increase their exposure to college programs , especially for late bloomers , with more time for players to choose their school .
For many others , it ’ s simply a chance to play out their senior seasons .
“ There are two kids in particular that wouldn ’ t be able to play had the season gone to the spring because of their college commitments , ” Lundquist said .
“ I can think of six players already that colleges are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are playing in the fall , so they ’ re going to have a great opportunity.
” Andy Lowry embarks on his 27th season this fall as head football coach at Columbine High School .
Nothing could prepare him for 2020 , but a semblance of normalcy returned Thursday for the start of practice .
“ The intensity level picked up a lot coaching and for the kids , ” Lowry said .
“ Maybe it was putting on a helmet for the first time of the year .
It actually felt like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Completing the season as scheduled will be difficult if the spread of the virus is not curbed among Colorado high schoolers .
Teams are required to administer daily temperature and symptom checks , but it is up to the athletes and their families to get tested for coronavirus .
A positive result triggers a series of quarantine or isolation procedures for the affected student and those within close contact .
Lowry said his daughter , a Columbine student , was forced into a quarantine period after unknowingly sharing the library with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift to remote learning does not spell trouble for the football season — so long as players and coaches have not been exposed to the virus .
“ If I had a dollar for how many times that I ’ ve told our kids to social distance , I ’ d be very rich right now , ” Lowry said .
“ We ’ ve been telling the kids that it ’ s in their hands , and they have to help us out , so that coaches can actually coach .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard the kids telling each other ( Thursday ) to social distance .
“ I think we ’ re going to need a lot of help from God and a lot of luck in keeping us healthy .
We can have all the plans in the world that we want until somebody ends up testing positive.
” Drive roughly 100 miles east from Colorado Springs toward the Kansas border to discover a tiny Colorado town that lives and breathes 6-man high school football : Kit Carson .
“ In our small area , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theater or really anything for people to do if they don ’ t have sports to go watch , ” said Sara Crawford , athletics director at the K-12 school .
“ Having those Friday night lights on is everything for this community .
It ’ s been so missed.
” Kit Carson senior Sullivan Farmer is one of four brothers to have played football for the school , and with about 30 students in his graduating class , he said : “ It ’ s like a big family.
” Minus football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have struggled .
“ We ’ re so sports-oriented in this small community , that without it , a lot of kids have been kind of lost , ” Farmer said .
The pendulum swinging back and forth from spring to fall football proved exceedingly difficult .
“ The kids would get so excited , run to my office , and ask : ‘ Is it true ?
’ Then we find out , nope , it ’ s not happening , ” Crawford said .
“ It was bursting their bubbles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that happen .
When it did finally come down , it was almost like they were afraid to get too excited.
” Not anymore .
This week marked the end of their long football drought .
“ The boys take a lot of pride in their team and representing their community , ” Crawford said .
“ They ’ re really excited to be a part of something that ’ s bigger than themselves again — it ’ s been a while .
”

HIGHLANDS RANCH — The boys wore masks and carried football helmets as they walked down the hill toward their grassy 100-yard sanctuary.
No more drama, delays, or false promises. The game they love, finally, was back.
“This is what we’ve waited all year for,” said Kyle Lindbloom, Highlands Ranch High School’s new starting quarterback, in between deep-masked breaths after the team’s first practice Thursday. “You get to come out here and play with all your brothers.”
The Colorado High School Activities Association and Gov. Jared Polis paved the way for fall high school football, with games starting Oct. 8, after initially pushing the season to spring. The reversal was celebrated with nearly 80 percent of all schools opting for autumn.
But at what cost?
For Highlands Ranch, the season indecision prompted head coach TJ Rubley and his Kansas State-bound starting quarterback son, Jake, to move their family to Iowa — where prep football practice started back on Aug. 10.
“From a parent’s lens, they’re doing what a lot of parents are doing around the country — finding different outlets for their kids to compete,” Highlands Ranch athletic director Darren Withey told The Denver Post. “But one of the greatest benefits we have at Highlands Ranch is that we come together. Our roots are strong. Our families are tight.”
It spelled new opportunity for Lindbloom — a former Highlands Ranch safety now playing QB. “It feels good to finally be able to step up,” he said. The same for new head coach Tyson Lundquist — a longtime assistant and Highlands Ranch graduate (’97) — whose familiarity gives the Falcons confidence amid so much uncertainty. Lundquist called his promotion a “dream come true.”
On Thursday, players broke out into well-spaced position groups for the team’s first practice, with timed water breaks to avoid mass gatherings and constant chatter to enforce health guidelines amid the pandemic: Put your mask on! … I know it stinks, but I’d rather be playing! … Space out!
For some Falcons, it marked another investment in their football future as scholarship hopefuls. A fall season is expected to increase their exposure to college programs, especially for late bloomers, with more time for players to choose their school.
For many others, it’s simply a chance to play out their senior seasons.
It’s a positive spin on a strange situation.
“There are two kids in particular that wouldn’t be able to play had the season gone to the spring because of their college commitments,” Lundquist said. “I can think of six players already that colleges are excited to come and see because they are playing in the fall, so they’re going to have a great opportunity.”
***
Andy Lowry embarks on his 27th season this fall as head football coach at Columbine High School. Nothing could prepare him for 2020, but a semblance of normalcy returned Thursday for the start of practice.
“The intensity level picked up a lot coaching and for the kids,” Lowry said. “Maybe it was putting on a helmet for the first time of the year. It actually felt like football.”
Lowry is also a realist. Completing the season as scheduled will be difficult if the spread of the virus is not curbed among Colorado high schoolers. Teams are required to administer daily temperature and symptom checks, but it is up to the athletes and their families to get tested for coronavirus. A positive result triggers a series of quarantine or isolation procedures for the affected student and those within close contact.
Lowry said his daughter, a Columbine student, was forced into a quarantine period after unknowingly sharing the library with a COVID-19 positive student. However, a shift to remote learning does not spell trouble for the football season — so long as players and coaches have not been exposed to the virus.
“If I had a dollar for how many times that I’ve told our kids to social distance, I’d be very rich right now,” Lowry said. “We’ve been telling the kids that it’s in their hands, and they have to help us out, so that coaches can actually coach. That makes a huge difference. I actually heard the kids telling each other (Thursday) to social distance.
“I think we’re going to need a lot of help from God and a lot of luck in keeping us healthy. We can have all the plans in the world that we want until somebody ends up testing positive.”
***
Drive roughly 100 miles east from Colorado Springs toward the Kansas border to discover a tiny Colorado town that lives and breathes 6-man high school football: Kit Carson.
“In our small area, we don’t have a movie theater or really anything for people to do if they don’t have sports to go watch,” said Sara Crawford, athletics director at the K-12 school. “Having those Friday night lights on is everything for this community. It’s been so missed.”
Kit Carson senior Sullivan Farmer is one of four brothers to have played football for the school, and with about 30 students in his graduating class, he said: “It’s like a big family.” Minus football, though, many of his teammates have struggled.
“We’re so sports-oriented in this small community, that without it, a lot of kids have been kind of lost,” Farmer said.
The pendulum swinging back and forth from spring to fall football proved exceedingly difficult.
“The kids would get so excited, run to my office, and ask: ‘Is it true?’ Then we find out, nope, it’s not happening,” Crawford said. “It was bursting their bubbles and it was a sad thing to see that happen. When it did finally come down, it was almost like they were afraid to get too excited.”
Not anymore. This week marked the end of their long football drought.
“The boys take a lot of pride in their team and representing their community,” Crawford said. “They’re really excited to be a part of something that’s bigger than themselves again — it’s been a while.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-28--Broncos offensive line dominated for second straight week in blowout loss to Tampa Bay

After the Broncos offensive line was dominated for a second straight week , coach Vic Fangio minced no words about how the unit ’ s struggles are sinking the team ’ s young offense .
Fangio ’ s message : The blocking up front has to be better or opponents will continue to find themselves dancing in Denver ’ s backfield , as Tampa Bay consistently did in a 28-10 blowout of the Broncos on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High .
“ ( The Buccaneers ) were bringing a lot of people , ” Fangio said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right people .
I think most of the time we were , and we were either getting beat or we weren ’ t getting ( the ball ) out quick enough .
It was a combination of everything .
Until we solve that problem , teams are going to continue to pressure us down after down until we can make people pay for it.
” Denver allowed six sacks and 10 quarterback hits , a performance that had Jeff Driskel on his back for much of the day .
The Broncos gave up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week in Pittsburgh , and right guard Graham Glasgow acknowledged the line ’ s inconsistencies stem from communication lines that are still forming , especially with a rookie center in Lloyd Cushenberry .
Cushenberry was beat numerous times Sunday , including by ex-Broncos linebacker — and 2019 NFL sack champ — Shaquil Barrett for a safety in the third quarter .
The team ’ s running backs didn ’ t offer much in terms of auxiliary protection throughout the game , either .
“ We ’ ve had a tough couple weeks here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the type of blitzes we ’ ve been getting , ” Glasgow said .
“ Stuff that requires a lot of people to bump stuff up , come back , pick up guys that aren ’ t their guys to help make the quarterback not ( under pressure ) .
And when you ’ re running into that type of stuff , 10 , 12 , 15 times a game , that ’ s something that ’ s very tough for us and that ’ s something that we ’ re working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his part , Driskel — who was benched in favor of Brett Rypien in the fourth quarter — took responsibility for some of the sacks , as Drew Lock ’ s substitute consistently held onto the ball too long while under duress .
“ It ’ s ( about ) getting the ball out on time and getting it into your playmakers ’ hands , ” Driskel said .
In addition to the litany of pass-protection issues , the Broncos weren ’ t able to get anything going on the ground , either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 14 carries , with 26 yards on eight carries from Melvin Gordon .
The past two weeks have been a sharp drop-off since the Week 1 loss to the Titans , when the Denver offensive line allowed no sacks and five quarterback hits while the Broncos ran for 107 yards .

After the Broncos offensive line was dominated for a second straight week, coach Vic Fangio minced no words about how the unit’s struggles are sinking the team’s young offense.
Fangio’s message: The blocking up front has to be better or opponents will continue to find themselves dancing in Denver’s backfield, as Tampa Bay consistently did in a 28-10 blowout of the Broncos on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.
“(The Buccaneers) were bringing a lot of people,” Fangio said. “Sometimes we weren’t on the right people. I think most of the time we were, and we were either getting beat or we weren’t getting (the ball) out quick enough. It was a combination of everything. Until we solve that problem, teams are going to continue to pressure us down after down until we can make people pay for it.”
Denver allowed six sacks and 10 quarterback hits, a performance that had Jeff Driskel on his back for much of the day. The Broncos gave up seven sacks and 19 quarterback hits last week in Pittsburgh, and right guard Graham Glasgow acknowledged the line’s inconsistencies stem from communication lines that are still forming, especially with a rookie center in Lloyd Cushenberry.
Cushenberry was beat numerous times Sunday, including by ex-Broncos linebacker — and 2019 NFL sack champ — Shaquil Barrett for a safety in the third quarter. The team’s running backs didn’t offer much in terms of auxiliary protection throughout the game, either.
“We’ve had a tough couple weeks here in regards to the amount of blitzes and the type of blitzes we’ve been getting,” Glasgow said. “Stuff that requires a lot of people to bump stuff up, come back, pick up guys that aren’t their guys to help make the quarterback not (under pressure). And when you’re running into that type of stuff, 10, 12, 15 times a game, that’s something that’s very tough for us and that’s something that we’re working through and getting better at.”
The Buccaneers rushed five or more players on 30 of the Broncos’ 51 drop-backs, including were nine six-man pressures. For his part, Driskel — who was benched in favor of Brett Rypien in the fourth quarter — took responsibility for some of the sacks, as Drew Lock’s substitute consistently held onto the ball too long while under duress.
“It’s (about) getting the ball out on time and getting it into your playmakers’ hands,” Driskel said.
In addition to the litany of pass-protection issues, the Broncos weren’t able to get anything going on the ground, either. Denver was held to 42 yards on 14 carries, with 26 yards on eight carries from Melvin Gordon.
The past two weeks have been a sharp drop-off since the Week 1 loss to the Titans, when the Denver offensive line allowed no sacks and five quarterback hits while the Broncos ran for 107 yards. Since sacks became an official statistic in 1982, the Broncos have allowed at least six sacks in consecutive games just twice — October 2011 (a combined 13 by Detroit and then Miami) and then the last two weeks.


thedenverpost--2020-09-28--Broncos again providing little reason for hope after falling to 0-3 with loss to Buccaneers

They are worse than Washington and Carolina , teams starting over with first-year coaches .
They are worse than Jacksonville and Detroit , teams who are undoubtedly flawed .
And they are worse than Miami , a team starting a 37-year-old quarterback .
Ladies and gentleman , let us introduce you to the 2020 Broncos , an NFL also-ran whose season is spiraling down the drain before the first significant Denver metropolitan area snow sticks to the pavement .
Sunday ’ s 28-10 snoozer-of-a-loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Empower Field at Mile High dropped the Broncos to 0-3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in franchise history .
Their offense can ’ t protect the quarterback ( 13 sacks allowed in the last two games ) .
Their defense struggles to harass the quarterback ( four sacks in three games ) .
Their special teams is uniquely awful ( a safety allowed last week and a blocked punt allowed this week to the Buccaneers ) .
And their coaching staff needs to quickly act or , gulp , this season could be headed toward a 3-13/4-12 train-wreck that results in myriad pink slips .
The Tennessee loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late lead .
The Pittsburgh loss was bad — the Broncos lost Drew Lock and Courtland Sutton in the first half and spotted the Steelers a 17-3 lead .
But the Tampa Bay loss was different — a different kind of bad since the Broncos did little to get the 5,700 fans out of their seats .
As soon as Tampa Bay turned a blocked punt into a 7-0 lead just 5:02 into the game , a feeling of inevitably gripped the stadium .
“ We just have to all look in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re way too talented to be 0-3 and we ’ re way too talented to be losing these games , ” said receiver Tim Patrick , who scored the Broncos ’ only touchdown .
“ Thank God we have this quick turnaround.
” The Broncos will board their charter plane Wednesday afternoon for the trip to New Jersey and Thursday night ’ s game against the winless and hapless New York Jets .
The positive of a quick turnaround : The Broncos can begin grinding on the next opponent instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The negative of a quick turnaround : The Broncos don ’ t have a starting quarterback for the game .
Even last year , when the Broncos ’ offense was consistently impotent , coach Vic Fangio never made an in-game quarterback change .
After practice Friday , Fangio said Jeff Driskel was his starter “ right now.
” Right now lasted less than a game .
Driskel ( 17-of-30 for 176 yards , one touchdown and one interception ) was benched with 9:56 remaining for Brett Rypien .
“ We were struggling with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get a new guy in there and see if he could get the ball out of his hands a little quicker , direct the protections and provide a little spark there , ” Fangio said .
Said Driskel : “ As a competitor , you want to be out there and finish the game .
But ( Fangio ) made a decision and we rolled with it.
” Rypien completed his first eight passes before a fourth-down interception at the goal line .
In Broncos Country , that counts as a spark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fangio returning to Driskel .
So will it be Rypien ( called up from the practice squad Friday ) or Blake Bortles ( two Broncos practices under his belt ) ?
Bortles , even though he ’ s new to town , may be the best option because of his experience in general and his experience in playing on short weeks in particular .
But at least Rypien gave the coaches something to think about .
He looked in command while directing a no-huddle situation .
“ I ’ ve been preparing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Rypien said .
“ The drive went pretty well .
Obviously , I wanted to finish it better on fourth down.
” Once Fangio answers the question about his Thursday night quarterback , issues that are just as serious need to be addressed .
What does their defense do well ?
They allowed Tampa Bay to convert 8-of-16 third downs , failed to create a takeaway to acquire any momentum and allowed three Tom Brady completions of at least 30 yards .
Can their offensive line be salvaged ?
The Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 knockdowns and five pressures ) to Pittsburgh and six sacks , including a safety , to Tampa Bay .
Who can the Broncos actually beat ?
The Jets will be looking at Thursday as their Homecoming Game .
After that for the Broncos is a trip to New England and home games against Miami and Kansas City before the bye .
Yes , it ’ s possible : The Broncos could be 0-7 at their bye .
Play like they did against Tampa Bay and a goose-egg entering November is on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in building leads of 10-0 , 17-3 and 23-3 .
They spent the second half in semi-cruise control .
The Broncos ’ first six possessions : Blocked punt , punt , punt , field goal and punt .
Driskel ’ s only bright spot was a two-minute drill to end the first half with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Patrick .
• “ I ’ m prepared to cry today ” : Limited Broncos fans allowed at Empower Field for first time this season in “ eerie ” loss to Tampa Bay • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disarray during loss to Tampa Bay • Broncos game balls and gassers : Buccaneers pass rush feasts as Denver offensive line is leaky once again • Broncos up-down drill : Best and worst performances against the Buccaneers • Broncos dominated by Buccaneers , fall to 0-3 for second consecutive season “ I know we have a young group on the offense as a whole and I think we aren ’ t where we can be , ” Glasgow said .
“ Frankly , that is a case for optimism , but at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation is we ’ re underperforming and underachieving .
That ’ s something we have to work through as an offense.
” The Broncos have a lot of things to work through and a short time to work through them .
Already in the AFC West cellar , the Broncos are on the cusp of taking up residence in the NFL cellar .
That ’ s how bad September has been … and how bad October could get .

They are worse than Washington and Carolina, teams starting over with first-year coaches.
They are worse than Jacksonville and Detroit, teams who are undoubtedly flawed.
And they are worse than Miami, a team starting a 37-year-old quarterback.
Ladies and gentleman, let us introduce you to the 2020 Broncos, an NFL also-ran whose season is spiraling down the drain before the first significant Denver metropolitan area snow sticks to the pavement.
Sunday’s 28-10 snoozer-of-a-loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Empower Field at Mile High dropped the Broncos to 0-3 in consecutive years for the first time in franchise history.
Their offense can’t protect the quarterback (13 sacks allowed in the last two games). Their defense struggles to harass the quarterback (four sacks in three games). Their special teams is uniquely awful (a safety allowed last week and a blocked punt allowed this week to the Buccaneers). And their coaching staff needs to quickly act or, gulp, this season could be headed toward a 3-13/4-12 train-wreck that results in myriad pink slips.
The Tennessee loss was bad — the Broncos blew a late lead. The Pittsburgh loss was bad — the Broncos lost Drew Lock and Courtland Sutton in the first half and spotted the Steelers a 17-3 lead. But the Tampa Bay loss was different — a different kind of bad since the Broncos did little to get the 5,700 fans out of their seats.
As soon as Tampa Bay turned a blocked punt into a 7-0 lead just 5:02 into the game, a feeling of inevitably gripped the stadium.
“We just have to all look in the mirror and just figure this out because we’re way too talented to be 0-3 and we’re way too talented to be losing these games,” said receiver Tim Patrick, who scored the Broncos’ only touchdown. “Thank God we have this quick turnaround.”
The Broncos will board their charter plane Wednesday afternoon for the trip to New Jersey and Thursday night’s game against the winless and hapless New York Jets.
The positive of a quick turnaround: The Broncos can begin grinding on the next opponent instead of wallowing in the first three losses.
The negative of a quick turnaround: The Broncos don’t have a starting quarterback for the game.
No, really.
Even last year, when the Broncos’ offense was consistently impotent, coach Vic Fangio never made an in-game quarterback change. After practice Friday, Fangio said Jeff Driskel was his starter “right now.”
Right now lasted less than a game.
Driskel (17-of-30 for 176 yards, one touchdown and one interception) was benched with 9:56 remaining for Brett Rypien.
“We were struggling with our pass offense and I just wanted to get a new guy in there and see if he could get the ball out of his hands a little quicker, direct the protections and provide a little spark there,” Fangio said.
Said Driskel: “As a competitor, you want to be out there and finish the game. But (Fangio) made a decision and we rolled with it.”
Rypien completed his first eight passes before a fourth-down interception at the goal line. In Broncos Country, that counts as a spark.
It’s hard to imagine Fangio returning to Driskel. So will it be Rypien (called up from the practice squad Friday) or Blake Bortles (two Broncos practices under his belt)?
“We’ll make that call quickly,” Fangio said.
Bortles, even though he’s new to town, may be the best option because of his experience in general and his experience in playing on short weeks in particular. But at least Rypien gave the coaches something to think about. He looked in command while directing a no-huddle situation.
“I’ve been preparing to be ready to go at any time,” Rypien said. “The drive went pretty well. Obviously, I wanted to finish it better on fourth down.”
Once Fangio answers the question about his Thursday night quarterback, issues that are just as serious need to be addressed.
What does their defense do well? They allowed Tampa Bay to convert 8-of-16 third downs, failed to create a takeaway to acquire any momentum and allowed three Tom Brady completions of at least 30 yards.
Can their offensive line be salvaged? The Broncos allowed 24 disruptions (seven sacks, 12 knockdowns and five pressures) to Pittsburgh and six sacks, including a safety, to Tampa Bay.
Who can the Broncos actually beat? The Jets will be looking at Thursday as their Homecoming Game. After that for the Broncos is a trip to New England and home games against Miami and Kansas City before the bye.
Yes, it’s possible: The Broncos could be 0-7 at their bye.
Play like they did against Tampa Bay and a goose-egg entering November is on the table.
The Buccaneers were never threatened in building leads of 10-0, 17-3 and 23-3. They spent the second half in semi-cruise control.
The Broncos’ first six possessions: Blocked punt, punt, punt, field goal and punt. Driskel’s only bright spot was a two-minute drill to end the first half with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Patrick.
“I know we have a young group on the offense as a whole and I think we aren’t where we can be,” Glasgow said. “Frankly, that is a case for optimism, but at the same time, the reality of the situation is we’re underperforming and underachieving. That’s something we have to work through as an offense.”
The Broncos have a lot of things to work through and a short time to work through them.
Already in the AFC West cellar, the Broncos are on the cusp of taking up residence in the NFL cellar. That’s how bad September has been … and how bad October could get.


thedenverpost--2020-09-28--Military suicides up as much as 20% in COVID era

WASHINGTON — Military suicides have increased by as much as 20 % this year compared to the same period in 2019 , and some incidents of violent behavior have spiked as service members struggle under COVID-19 , war-zone deployments , national disasters and civil unrest .
While the data is incomplete and causes of suicide are complex , Army and Air Force officials say they believe the pandemic is adding stress to an already strained force .
And senior Army leaders — who say they ’ ve seen about a 30 % jump in active duty suicides so far this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are looking at shortening combat deployments .
Such a move would be part of a broader effort to make the wellbeing of soldiers and their families the Army ’ s top priority , overtaking combat readiness and weapons modernization .
The Pentagon refused to provide 2020 data or discuss the issue , but Army officials said discussions in Defense Department briefings indicate there has been up to a 20 % jump in overall military suicides this year .
The numbers vary by service .
The active Army ’ s 30 % spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year — pushes the total up because it ’ s the largest service .
The Army Guard is up about 10 % , going from 78 last year to 86 this year .
The Navy total is believed to be lower this year .
Army leaders say they can ’ t directly pin the increase on the virus , but the timing coincides .
“ I can ’ t say scientifically , but what I can say is – I can read a chart and a graph , and the numbers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said in an AP interview .
Pointing to increases in Army suicides , murders and other violent behavior , he added , “ We can not say definitively it is because of COVID .
But there is a direct correlation from when COVID started , the numbers actually went up.
” Preliminary data for the first three months of 2020 show an overall dip in military suicides across the active duty and reserves , compared to the same time last year .
Those early numbers , fueled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths , gave hope to military leaders who have long struggled to cut suicide rates .
But in the spring , the numbers ticked up .
“ COVID adds stress , ” said Gen. Charles Brown , the Air Force chief , in public remarks .
“ From a suicide perspective , we are on a path to be as bad as last year .
And that ’ s not just an Air Force problem , this is a national problem because COVID adds some additional stressors – a fear of the unknown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Force and reserves had 98 suicides as of Sept. 15 , unchanged from the same period last year .
But last year was the worst in three decades for active duty Air Force suicides .
Officials had hoped the decline early in the year would continue .
Navy and Marine officials refused to discuss the subject .
Civilian suicide rates have risen in recent years , but 2020 data isn ’ t available , so it ’ s difficult to compare with the military .
A Pentagon report on 2018 suicides said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of the U.S. general population , after adjusting for the fact that the military is more heavily male and younger than the civilian population .
The 2018 rate for active duty military was 24.8 per 100,000 , while the overall civilian rate for that year was 14.2 , but the rate for younger civilian men ranged from 22.7 to 27.7 per 100,000 , according to the National Institute of Mental Health .
James Helis , director of the Army ’ s resilience programs , said virus-related isolation , financial disruptions , remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening almost overnight has strained troops and families .
“ We know that the measures we took to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID could amplify some of the factors that could lead to suicide , ” said Helis , who attended department briefings on suicide data .
Army leaders also said troops have been under pressure for nearly two decades of war .
Those deployments , compounded by the virus , hurricane and wildfire response and civil unrest missions , have taken a toll .
Soldiers ’ 10-month deployments have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-week coronavirus quarantines at the beginning and end .
McCarthy said the Army is considering shortening deployments .
Gen. James McConville , Army chief of staff , said there ’ s new attention to giving service members “ the time that they need to come back together and recover.
” “ We were very focused on readiness four years ago because we had some readiness challenges , and we did a great job .
The force is very , very ready now .
But I think it ’ s time now to focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AP .
McConville and Army Sgt .
Maj. Michael Grinston said units have begun “ stand-up ” days , where commanders focus on bringing people together , making sure they connect with each other and their families and ensuring they have strong values in how they treat each other .
The isolation is also taking a toll on veterans , particularly the wounded .
Sergio Alfaro , who served in the Army for 4 1/2 years , said fears associated with the virus intensified his PTSD and suicidal thoughts .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things a bit more chaotic , trying to plan for the future , do things together , ” said Alfaro , who deployed near Baghdad in 2003 , facing daily mortar rounds , including one that killed his commander .
“ It ’ s almost like adding more trash on the heap.
” While he once feared that strangers passing by might hurt him , now he fears people may have COVID and not show symptoms .
Others in support groups , he said , “ are just sick of living this way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the next hill , what next horrible thing are we going to be confronted with.
” Roger Brooks , a senior mental health specialist at the Wounded Warrior Project , said veterans are reporting increased suicidal symptoms and anxiety .
Between April and the end of August , the group saw a 48 % jump in referrals to mental health providers and a 10 % increase in mental health calls and virtual support sessions , compared to the previous five months .
Brooks said there ’ s anecdotal evidence that the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more isolated , unable to connect as well with support groups .
He said injured vets have seen disruptions in medical visits for pain management and other treatments .
Within the Army , Helis said the virus has forced an increase in telehealth calls and online visits with mental health providers .
That has generated some positive results , such as fewer missed appointments .
“ And we also think there was a reduction in the stigma of seeking behavioral health because you can do it from the privacy of your home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are encouraging troops to keep a closer eye on their buddies and ensure that those who need help get it .
That message was conveyed in a remarkable public statement this month by Gen. John Hyten , vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff .
He said he sought help while heading U.S. Strategic Command from 2016 to 2019 .
He didn ’ t reveal details but said he saw a psychiatrist – a rare public admission by a senior officer .
“ I felt like I needed to get some help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message .
“ I felt like I needed to talk to somebody.
” He encouraged others to do the same , if needed , without fear of hurting their career .

WASHINGTON — Military suicides have increased by as much as 20% this year compared to the same period in 2019, and some incidents of violent behavior have spiked as service members struggle under COVID-19, war-zone deployments, national disasters and civil unrest.
While the data is incomplete and causes of suicide are complex, Army and Air Force officials say they believe the pandemic is adding stress to an already strained force.
And senior Army leaders — who say they’ve seen about a 30% jump in active duty suicides so far this year — told The Associated Press that they are looking at shortening combat deployments. Such a move would be part of a broader effort to make the wellbeing of soldiers and their families the Army’s top priority, overtaking combat readiness and weapons modernization.
Need help? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) Military veterans press 1. Individuals can also go to: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now and veterans can go to woundedwarriorproject.org or call the project’s resource center at: 888-997-2586.
The Pentagon refused to provide 2020 data or discuss the issue, but Army officials said discussions in Defense Department briefings indicate there has been up to a 20% jump in overall military suicides this year. The numbers vary by service. The active Army’s 30% spike — from 88 last year to 114 this year — pushes the total up because it’s the largest service. The Army Guard is up about 10%, going from 78 last year to 86 this year. The Navy total is believed to be lower this year.
Army leaders say they can’t directly pin the increase on the virus, but the timing coincides.
“I can’t say scientifically, but what I can say is – I can read a chart and a graph, and the numbers have gone up in behavioral health related issues,” Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said in an AP interview.
Pointing to increases in Army suicides, murders and other violent behavior, he added, “We cannot say definitively it is because of COVID. But there is a direct correlation from when COVID started, the numbers actually went up.”
Preliminary data for the first three months of 2020 show an overall dip in military suicides across the active duty and reserves, compared to the same time last year. Those early numbers, fueled by declines in Navy and Air Force deaths, gave hope to military leaders who have long struggled to cut suicide rates. But in the spring, the numbers ticked up.
“COVID adds stress,” said Gen. Charles Brown, the Air Force chief, in public remarks. “From a suicide perspective, we are on a path to be as bad as last year. And that’s not just an Air Force problem, this is a national problem because COVID adds some additional stressors – a fear of the unknown for certain folks.”
The active duty Air Force and reserves had 98 suicides as of Sept. 15, unchanged from the same period last year. But last year was the worst in three decades for active duty Air Force suicides. Officials had hoped the decline early in the year would continue.
Navy and Marine officials refused to discuss the subject.
Civilian suicide rates have risen in recent years, but 2020 data isn’t available, so it’s difficult to compare with the military. A Pentagon report on 2018 suicides said the military rate was roughly equivalent to that of the U.S. general population, after adjusting for the fact that the military is more heavily male and younger than the civilian population. The 2018 rate for active duty military was 24.8 per 100,000, while the overall civilian rate for that year was 14.2, but the rate for younger civilian men ranged from 22.7 to 27.7 per 100,000, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
James Helis, director of the Army’s resilience programs, said virus-related isolation, financial disruptions, remote schooling and loss of child care all happening almost overnight has strained troops and families.
“We know that the measures we took to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID could amplify some of the factors that could lead to suicide,” said Helis, who attended department briefings on suicide data.
Army leaders also said troops have been under pressure for nearly two decades of war. Those deployments, compounded by the virus, hurricane and wildfire response and civil unrest missions, have taken a toll.
Soldiers’ 10-month deployments have been stretched to 11 months because of the two-week coronavirus quarantines at the beginning and end. McCarthy said the Army is considering shortening deployments.
Gen. James McConville, Army chief of staff, said there’s new attention to giving service members “the time that they need to come back together and recover.”
“We were very focused on readiness four years ago because we had some readiness challenges, and we did a great job. The force is very, very ready now. But I think it’s time now to focus on people,” he told the AP.
McConville and Army Sgt. Maj. Michael Grinston said units have begun “stand-up” days, where commanders focus on bringing people together, making sure they connect with each other and their families and ensuring they have strong values in how they treat each other.
The isolation is also taking a toll on veterans, particularly the wounded.
Sergio Alfaro, who served in the Army for 4 1/2 years, said fears associated with the virus intensified his PTSD and suicidal thoughts.
“It’s definitely something that’s made things a bit more chaotic, trying to plan for the future, do things together,” said Alfaro, who deployed near Baghdad in 2003, facing daily mortar rounds, including one that killed his commander. “It’s almost like adding more trash on the heap.”
While he once feared that strangers passing by might hurt him, now he fears people may have COVID and not show symptoms. Others in support groups, he said, “are just sick of living this way, worried about what’s coming over the next hill, what next horrible thing are we going to be confronted with.”
Roger Brooks, a senior mental health specialist at the Wounded Warrior Project, said veterans are reporting increased suicidal symptoms and anxiety. Between April and the end of August, the group saw a 48% jump in referrals to mental health providers and a 10% increase in mental health calls and virtual support sessions, compared to the previous five months.
Brooks said there’s anecdotal evidence that the pandemic has made wounded warriors like amputees feel more isolated, unable to connect as well with support groups. He said injured vets have seen disruptions in medical visits for pain management and other treatments.
Within the Army, Helis said the virus has forced an increase in telehealth calls and online visits with mental health providers. That has generated some positive results, such as fewer missed appointments.
“And we also think there was a reduction in the stigma of seeking behavioral health because you can do it from the privacy of your home,” he said.
Military leaders also are encouraging troops to keep a closer eye on their buddies and ensure that those who need help get it.
That message was conveyed in a remarkable public statement this month by Gen. John Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He said he sought help while heading U.S. Strategic Command from 2016 to 2019. He didn’t reveal details but said he saw a psychiatrist – a rare public admission by a senior officer.
“I felt like I needed to get some help,” Hyten said in a video message. “I felt like I needed to talk to somebody.” He encouraged others to do the same, if needed, without fear of hurting their career.


thedenverpost--2020-09-28--Pandemic playoffs: Brewers, Astros in despite losing records

Christian Yelich and the Milwaukee Brewers got off to a ragged start this year .
They never got above .500 .
And they dropped their last game to finish with a losing record .
Guess what ?
They ’ re going to the playoffs .
“ Weird .
I guess that ’ s the only way to describe it .
It ’ s fitting for 2020 , ” Yelich said Sunday .
A pandemic-altered , 60-game regular season that many believed would never get completed and saw games postponed because of virus outbreaks , racial injustice protests and a hurricane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single playoff matchup set .
Then , in a flurry and fury , the entire , expanded 16-team postseason field was full .
Not a bad way to start , either : Gerrit Cole vs. Shane Bieber in a mega-watt duel as the New York Yankees face the Cleveland Indians in the best-of-three wild-card round Tuesday .
On Wednesday , the NL gets going .
That ’ s when the Brewers , at 29-31 , open their series against Los Angeles ace Walker Buehler at Dodger Stadium .
In a win-and-you ’ re-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milwaukee 5-2 .
But the Brewers also made it when San Francisco lost 5-4 to San Diego for the last wild-card spot .
Yelich , the former MVP who hit .205 this year after winning the last two NL batting titles , and the Brewers happily posed for a team picture in their playoff-clinch T-shirts on the Busch Stadium field .
The Astros and first-year manager Dusty Baker also are in at 29-31 .
Houston got its spot by finishing second in the AL West , drawing an automatic berth .
The only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach the playoffs with a losing record was the 1981 Kansas City Royals — at 50-53 overall , they made it by winning the second half in a strike-split season .
“ It ’ s a celebration .
We ’ re in .
We ’ re in the playoffs .
That ’ s how you see it , ” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said .
“ There ’ s no reason to apologize for getting into the playoffs.
” “ The record ’ s kind of irrelevant in my opinion , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Top-seeded Tampa Bay-No .
8 Toronto , No .
2 Oakland-No .
7 Chicago White Sox and No .
3 Minnesota-No .
6 Houston , with all openers Tuesday .
In the NL , it ’ s No .
1 Dodgers-No .
8 Brewers , No .
2 Atlanta-No .
7 Cincinnati , No .
3 Chicago Cubs-No .
6 Miami and No .
4 San Diego-No .
5 St. Louis on Wednesday .
Yadier Molina and the Cardinals claimed their spot despite missing 2 1/2 weeks into August after the club was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louis played a total of 58 games — it was prepared for a doubleheader in Detroit on Monday if needed to settle the playoff picture .
“ You had to throw some of the expectations out the window not knowing what to expect after taking those couple weeks off and all those doubleheaders and so many new guys , ” Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt said .
“ It was very different , very fulfilling to make the playoffs.
” All matchups are best-of-three , with every game hosted by the top seed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days off , pitching strategies will be paramount , particularly how managers use their bullpens .
Following the wild-card rounds , the remaining clubs will move to neutral site bubbles in Texas and Southern California to crown a champion .
The biggest losers Sunday were Philadelphia and the Giants .
As it turned out , either team would ’ ve gotten in with a win .
“ It ’ s tough sitting here and not thinking ( about the playoffs ) , ” Phillies slugger Bryce Harper said after a 5-0 loss at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win games and we just didn ’ t get it done.
” October on deck means the end of seven-inning games and no more automatic runners at second base to begin the 10th , but other new rules implemented this season apply : designated hitters in the National League and relievers must face three batters or end the inning .
Nothing else kooky in this 16-team tournament , though .
Like , no penalty at-bats to decide extra long games .
“ It ’ s going to be wild , everything about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said as the playoffs approached .
“ Anything can happen , we all know that , and that ’ s why I think it ’ s going to be must-see TV throughout both leagues .
It is .
I think there ’ s going to be a lot of surprises , American League , National League , just with the three-game format for the first round , ” he said .
Nothing scheduled for Monday , but the day after the season is typically busy , too , especially for managers on shaky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Ron Roenicke won ’ t be back next year , and the Angels fired general manager Billy Eppler .
Every team , meanwhile , hopes to be healthy .
Star outfielders Mookie Betts of the Dodgers and Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Braves are ailing , Marlins outfielder Starling Marte and pitcher José Ureña left Sunday ’ s game with injuries .
“ Kind of your biggest fear on a day like today , ” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said after a 5-0 win at Yankee Stadium .
“ You hate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newcomer David Price , Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks and White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech are among the players who opted out before the season began and will be absent in the playoffs .
Atlanta outfielder Nick Markakis chose not to play , then returned in early August .
NL batting champion Juan Soto and the World Series champion Washington Nationals missed the playoffs , as did three-time AL MVP Mike Trout .
The most dynamic player of his generation , Trout has reached the postseason just once in a 10-year career , getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It could have been a different story if we ’ d have a full season , ” the 29-year-old Angels star offered .
Said with 20-20 hindsight , of course .

Christian Yelich and the Milwaukee Brewers got off to a ragged start this year. They never got above .500. And they dropped their last game to finish with a losing record.
Guess what? They’re going to the playoffs.
“Weird. I guess that’s the only way to describe it. It’s fitting for 2020,” Yelich said Sunday.
A pandemic-altered, 60-game regular season that many believed would never get completed and saw games postponed because of virus outbreaks, racial injustice protests and a hurricane went into the final day without a single playoff matchup set.
Then, in a flurry and fury, the entire, expanded 16-team postseason field was full.
Not a bad way to start, either: Gerrit Cole vs. Shane Bieber in a mega-watt duel as the New York Yankees face the Cleveland Indians in the best-of-three wild-card round Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the NL gets going. That’s when the Brewers, at 29-31, open their series against Los Angeles ace Walker Buehler at Dodger Stadium.
In a win-and-you’re-in game, St. Louis clinched by beating Milwaukee 5-2. But the Brewers also made it when San Francisco lost 5-4 to San Diego for the last wild-card spot.
Yelich, the former MVP who hit .205 this year after winning the last two NL batting titles, and the Brewers happily posed for a team picture in their playoff-clinch T-shirts on the Busch Stadium field.
The Astros and first-year manager Dusty Baker also are in at 29-31. Houston got its spot by finishing second in the AL West, drawing an automatic berth.
The only other team in major league history to reach the playoffs with a losing record was the 1981 Kansas City Royals — at 50-53 overall, they made it by winning the second half in a strike-split season.
“It’s a celebration. We’re in. We’re in the playoffs. That’s how you see it,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. “There’s no reason to apologize for getting into the playoffs.”
“The record’s kind of irrelevant in my opinion,” he said.
The other AL pairings: Top-seeded Tampa Bay-No. 8 Toronto, No. 2 Oakland-No. 7 Chicago White Sox and No. 3 Minnesota-No. 6 Houston, with all openers Tuesday.
In the NL, it’s No. 1 Dodgers-No. 8 Brewers, No. 2 Atlanta-No. 7 Cincinnati, No. 3 Chicago Cubs-No. 6 Miami and No. 4 San Diego-No. 5 St. Louis on Wednesday.
Yadier Molina and the Cardinals claimed their spot despite missing 2 1/2 weeks into August after the club was hit by a virus outbreak. St. Louis played a total of 58 games — it was prepared for a doubleheader in Detroit on Monday if needed to settle the playoff picture.
“You had to throw some of the expectations out the window not knowing what to expect after taking those couple weeks off and all those doubleheaders and so many new guys,” Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt said. “It was very different, very fulfilling to make the playoffs.”
All matchups are best-of-three, with every game hosted by the top seed in ballparks without fans. With no days off, pitching strategies will be paramount, particularly how managers use their bullpens. Following the wild-card rounds, the remaining clubs will move to neutral site bubbles in Texas and Southern California to crown a champion.
The biggest losers Sunday were Philadelphia and the Giants. As it turned out, either team would’ve gotten in with a win.
“It’s tough sitting here and not thinking (about the playoffs),” Phillies slugger Bryce Harper said after a 5-0 loss at Tampa Bay. “We had opportunities to win games and we just didn’t get it done.”
October on deck means the end of seven-inning games and no more automatic runners at second base to begin the 10th, but other new rules implemented this season apply: designated hitters in the National League and relievers must face three batters or end the inning.
Nothing else kooky in this 16-team tournament, though. Like, no penalty at-bats to decide extra long games.
“It’s going to be wild, everything about it,” Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier said as the playoffs approached.
“Anything can happen, we all know that, and that’s why I think it’s going to be must-see TV throughout both leagues. It is. I think there’s going to be a lot of surprises, American League, National League, just with the three-game format for the first round,” he said.
Nothing scheduled for Monday, but the day after the season is typically busy, too, especially for managers on shaky ground. The Red Sox said Sunday that Ron Roenicke won’t be back next year, and the Angels fired general manager Billy Eppler.
Every team, meanwhile, hopes to be healthy.
Star outfielders Mookie Betts of the Dodgers and Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Braves are ailing, Marlins outfielder Starling Marte and pitcher José Ureña left Sunday’s game with injuries.
“Kind of your biggest fear on a day like today,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said after a 5-0 win at Yankee Stadium. “You hate to be playing your guys almost.”
Dodgers newcomer David Price, Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks and White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech are among the players who opted out before the season began and will be absent in the playoffs. Atlanta outfielder Nick Markakis chose not to play, then returned in early August.
NL batting champion Juan Soto and the World Series champion Washington Nationals missed the playoffs, as did three-time AL MVP Mike Trout. The most dynamic player of his generation, Trout has reached the postseason just once in a 10-year career, getting swept in his lone appearance.
“It could have been a different story if we’d have a full season,” the 29-year-old Angels star offered.
Said with 20-20 hindsight, of course.


thedenverpost--2020-09-28--“I’m prepared to cry today”: Limited Broncos fans allowed at Empower Field for first time this seaso

“I’m prepared to cry today”: Limited Broncos fans allowed at Empower Field for first time this season in “eerie” loss to Tampa Bay

About an hour before Sunday ’ s kickoff , when the parking lots of Empower Field at Mile High would normally be packed and buzzing with tailgating fans , a few boys threw a football and the sound of a missed catch echoed off the pavement .
Inside the stadium , it was more of the same eeriness as fans were allowed at a Broncos game for the first time this year under COVID-19 restrictions .
The 5,700 on hand to witness the loss to the Buccaneers , however , experienced a decidedly subdued atmosphere as Denver fell to 0-3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in franchise history .
“ It ’ s like being at a high school track meet , ” said longtime season-ticket holder Jessy Kohleck , 33 , of Denver .
“ It ’ s just weird in here.
” Seating was done in “ pods ” of one to six tickets , and sections were separated into smaller groups with designated entry , concessions and restroom areas .
There was also artificial crowd noise still being piped in to make up for the lack of bark from the 7.49 % capacity crowd in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hard to see , ” said Carmen Beall , 55 , whose family has had season tickets since 1968 .
“ I ’ m not in my dad ’ s chair he ’ s been in since this stadium was built .
I ’ m glad there ’ s fans , but I just don ’ t understand how we got here as a country that we can ’ t go to a football game.
” “ The seat is better , 13 rows up from ( Broncos ) bench , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m prepared to cry today ( because of the mixed emotions ) .
I just want my ( normal ) seat , I want my Broncos , I want my season in the stadium with my fellow fans.
” The lack of pregame energy caused by COVID restrictions translated into a dead stadium during the game .
The subdued atmosphere wasn ’ t helped by the fact the Broncos had a punt blocked on their opening drive that led to a quick Tampa Bay touchdown , and the Buccaneers never trailed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ orange-clad diehards on hand were simply grateful to be able to witness the NFL in person this year , such as Jeff Zinovich , who flew in from New Jersey with his friend for the game .
“ Normally there ’ d be people doing back hand-springs in the parking lot , getting drunk , ” the 54-year-old said .
“ Now it ’ s just me and my friend… Still , we ’ re going to enjoy it , because we didn ’ t know if we ’ ll get to.see another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year.
” The human fans in the stands on Sunday were complemented by a couple hundred cutouts of Broncos fans , which were also on display during the season opener Sept. 14 .
That included cutouts of characters from the cartoon comedy “ South Park ” ( the show was created by two Coloradans ) .
• Broncos Report Card : All facets in disarray during loss to Tampa Bay • Broncos game balls and gassers : Buccaneers pass rush feasts as Denver offensive line is leaky once again • Broncos up-down drill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buccaneers • Broncos dominated by Buccaneers , fall to 0-3 for second consecutive season The stadium also had guest relations personnel monitoring the “ pods ” to make sure proper COVID protocols were being followed , including mask reminders for fans who didn ’ t have their face covered .
It was “ eerie all around , ” said Denver resident Deanna Gniadek , 34 , but she also emphasized that there ’ s nowhere she ’ d rather be on an autumn Sunday — even if she was witnessing the latest quarterbacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeff Driskel became the 20th Denver quarterback to start since John Elway retired in 1999 .
Brett Rypien then followed him in the fourth quarter after Driskel was benched in the blowout loss .
“ We ’ ve been through ( Kyle ) Orton , ( Tim ) Tebow , ( Joe ) Flacco , all of those quarterbacks and more , none of them worth much besides ( Peyton ) Manning , ” said Gniadek .
“ But this team is what I love and if I can be at the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the games going forward.
” In Gov .
Jared Polis ’ Sept. 8 announcement about fans being allowed at the stadium for the Tampa Bay game , he indicated there will be more than 5,700 fans allowed for the next home game , Oct. 18 against Miami .

About an hour before Sunday’s kickoff, when the parking lots of Empower Field at Mile High would normally be packed and buzzing with tailgating fans, a few boys threw a football and the sound of a missed catch echoed off the pavement.
Inside the stadium, it was more of the same eeriness as fans were allowed at a Broncos game for the first time this year under COVID-19 restrictions. The 5,700 on hand to witness the loss to the Buccaneers, however, experienced a decidedly subdued atmosphere as Denver fell to 0-3 in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history.
“It’s like being at a high school track meet,” said longtime season-ticket holder Jessy Kohleck, 33, of Denver. “It’s just weird in here.”
Seating was done in “pods” of one to six tickets, and sections were separated into smaller groups with designated entry, concessions and restroom areas. There was also artificial crowd noise still being piped in to make up for the lack of bark from the 7.49% capacity crowd in the 76,125-seat stadium.
“It’s hard to see,” said Carmen Beall, 55, whose family has had season tickets since 1968. “I’m not in my dad’s chair he’s been in since this stadium was built. I’m glad there’s fans, but I just don’t understand how we got here as a country that we can’t go to a football game.”
“The seat is better, 13 rows up from (Broncos) bench, but the sentimental part is worse. I’m prepared to cry today (because of the mixed emotions). I just want my (normal) seat, I want my Broncos, I want my season in the stadium with my fellow fans.”
The lack of pregame energy caused by COVID restrictions translated into a dead stadium during the game. The subdued atmosphere wasn’t helped by the fact the Broncos had a punt blocked on their opening drive that led to a quick Tampa Bay touchdown, and the Buccaneers never trailed.
Still, though, many of the orange-clad diehards on hand were simply grateful to be able to witness the NFL in person this year, such as Jeff Zinovich, who flew in from New Jersey with his friend for the game.
“Normally there’d be people doing back hand-springs in the parking lot, getting drunk,” the 54-year-old said. “Now it’s just me and my friend… Still, we’re going to enjoy it, because we didn’t know if we’ll get to.see another (NFL) game in person this year.”
The human fans in the stands on Sunday were complemented by a couple hundred cutouts of Broncos fans, which were also on display during the season opener Sept. 14. That included cutouts of characters from the cartoon comedy “South Park” (the show was created by two Coloradans).
The stadium also had guest relations personnel monitoring the “pods” to make sure proper COVID protocols were being followed, including mask reminders for fans who didn’t have their face covered.
It was “eerie all around,” said Denver resident Deanna Gniadek, 34, but she also emphasized that there’s nowhere she’d rather be on an autumn Sunday — even if she was witnessing the latest quarterbacks in the team’s carousel. Jeff Driskel became the 20th Denver quarterback to start since John Elway retired in 1999. Brett Rypien then followed him in the fourth quarter after Driskel was benched in the blowout loss.
“We’ve been through (Kyle) Orton, (Tim) Tebow, (Joe) Flacco, all of those quarterbacks and more, none of them worth much besides (Peyton) Manning,” said Gniadek. “But this team is what I love and if I can be at the game, I’m going to be at the games going forward.”
In Gov. Jared Polis’ Sept. 8 announcement about fans being allowed at the stadium for the Tampa Bay game, he indicated there will be more than 5,700 fans allowed for the next home game, Oct. 18 against Miami.


thedenverpost--2020-09-28--Trevor Story, Kyle Freeland and Bud Black weigh in on Rockies’ future

In the immediate aftermath of their disappointing , truncated , 60-game season , the Rockies pretty much said what you ’ d expect them to say .
The big questions about the team ’ s future and how the club might be constructed for 2021 were deferred to owner Dick Monfort , general manager Jeff Bridich and the front office .
Still , after an 11-3 loss at Arizona on Sunday that left them with a 26-34 record , there were hints about what must happen in order for the Rockies to turn things around .
Here ’ s what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and left-hander Kyle Freeland had to say : — Story spoke about his future with the team .
He ’ s scheduled to become a free agent after next season , when he would be in for a huge payday .
And there have been early rumors about an offseason trade should the Rockies decide it needs to cut payroll in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic : “ I ’ m aware of the situation that ’ s coming up .
I love being here .
These guys drafted and developed me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
So I try not to think too far ahead .
I ’ m always the guy who ’ s going to cross that bridge when it gets here.
” — Black made it clear that the Rockies have to improve their offense , particularly when it comes to clutch hitting .
But he seems most concerned about fixing a bullpen that finished with a 6.74 ERA and a .299 batting average against : “ If you look at our club , we ’ ve got to see what went wrong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the bullpen goes .
We had some guys who had some off years after coming off great years .
… Some of our guys had off years … whether it ’ s Carlos Estevez or Jairo Diaz .
Those names come to the forefront because they ’ re good pitchers.
” — Freeland , who rebounded with a strong season despite getting beat up in Sunday ’ s finale , insisted that the basic pieces are in place , despite the Rockies ’ two consecutive losing seasons : “ I believe the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starters and the core starting nine that ’ s put out there on a regular basis , is a team that can do extraordinary things .
But you can talk all you want about it : How great Trevor Story is ; how great Nolan ( Arenado ) is ; the up-and-coming guys ( Garrett Hampson , Josh Fuentes , Sam Hilliard ) .
“ But it all falls back on our shoulders .
We have to go out there every single day and get the job done .
It just can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has to be executed.
” — Story echoed Freeland ’ s sentiments about the current makeup of the team : “ We , obviously , have really good players .
But it hasn ’ t equated to wins the last two seasons like we thought it would .
It ’ s hard to say exactly where to go , or what to do , or who to add , and things like that .
“ But I always have confidence in the group that we have here .
Just because I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of mentality they have .
( I know ) the preparation that they put in each day is second to none .
”

In the immediate aftermath of their disappointing, truncated, 60-game season, the Rockies pretty much said what you’d expect them to say.
The big questions about the team’s future and how the club might be constructed for 2021 were deferred to owner Dick Monfort, general manager Jeff Bridich and the front office.
Still, after an 11-3 loss at Arizona on Sunday that left them with a 26-34 record, there were hints about what must happen in order for the Rockies to turn things around. Here’s what manager Bud Black, shortstop Trevor Story and left-hander Kyle Freeland had to say:
— Story spoke about his future with the team. He’s scheduled to become a free agent after next season, when he would be in for a huge payday. And there have been early rumors about an offseason trade should the Rockies decide it needs to cut payroll in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic:
“I’m aware of the situation that’s coming up. I love being here. These guys drafted and developed me, and it’s fun playing here. So I try not to think too far ahead. I’m always the guy who’s going to cross that bridge when it gets here.”
— Black made it clear that the Rockies have to improve their offense, particularly when it comes to clutch hitting. But he seems most concerned about fixing a bullpen that finished with a 6.74 ERA and a .299 batting average against:
“If you look at our club, we’ve got to see what went wrong, especially on the pitching side as far as the bullpen goes. We had some guys who had some off years after coming off great years. … Some of our guys had off years … whether it’s Carlos Estevez or Jairo Diaz. Those names come to the forefront because they’re good pitchers.”
— Freeland, who rebounded with a strong season despite getting beat up in Sunday’s finale, insisted that the basic pieces are in place, despite the Rockies’ two consecutive losing seasons:
“I believe the core group of guys, the core starters and the core starting nine that’s put out there on a regular basis, is a team that can do extraordinary things. But you can talk all you want about it: How great Trevor Story is; how great Nolan (Arenado) is; the up-and-coming guys (Garrett Hampson, Josh Fuentes, Sam Hilliard).
“But it all falls back on our shoulders. We have to go out there every single day and get the job done. It just can’t be talked about on paper. It has to be executed.”
— Story echoed Freeland’s sentiments about the current makeup of the team:
“We, obviously, have really good players. But it hasn’t equated to wins the last two seasons like we thought it would. It’s hard to say exactly where to go, or what to do, or who to add, and things like that.
“But I always have confidence in the group that we have here. Just because I know the guys that we have and the type of mentality they have. (I know) the preparation that they put in each day is second to none.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-28--Broncos Report Card: All facets in disarray during loss to Tampa Bay

They couldn ’ t pass protect — six more sacks allowed after seven in the loss at Pittsburgh .
They couldn ’ t run it — 14 rushes for 42 yards and the longest carry was nine yards by quarterback Jeff Driskel on the opening drive .
They couldn ’ t convert on third down — 5-of-14 .
And Driskel looked every bit the career backup he is and didn ’ t even make it to the finish line .
The Broncos had two good drives – Driskel at the end of the first half ( touchdown ) and Brett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both were in no-huddle situations , which is what the Broncos should consider more of going forward .
The most telling statistic is the offense averaged a measly 3.8 yards per snap ; only five plays gained at least 16 yards .
So much for creating a snowball of takeaways .
The Broncos had two in last week ’ s second half , but none on Sunday .
That and allowing the Buccaneers to go 8-of-16 on third down meant Tampa Bay had a time of possession advantage of more than six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 287 yards and three touchdowns .
Tight end Rob Gronkowski caught six passes for 48 yards and eight Bucs caught at least two passes .
It ’ s tough to see where the play-making is going to come from on this defense .
Defensive end Shelby Harris had two sacks , but after the game was in hand .
The only thing the Broncos can hang their hat on : Their defensive line knows how to bat down passes .
Only kicker Brandon McManus ’ 56-yard field goal and Joe Jones ’ blocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a failing grade on special teams .
Before the 5,700 fans could even settle into their seats , Sam Martin ’ s punt was blocked when Tampa Bay ’ s Patrick O ’ Connor burst through the middle of the protection and the Buccaneers turned that into a touchdown .
Martin had a sub-par game with a net average of 34.2 yards and none of his five punts landed inside the 20-yard line .
The return game produced nothing — three fair catches on punts and six touchbacks on kickoffs .
The next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jets/Patriots ) , which plays into more return opportunities .
It ’ s time to give rookie KJ Hamler a shot .
One play summarizes how the Broncos ’ coaching staff fell short .
To start a second-half drive , Tampa Bay receiver Chris Godwin was in the right slot … and covered by outside linebacker Malik Reed .
Godwin easily gained separation for a 30-yard catch .
How does that happen ?
On offense , the Broncos need to reshuffle their offensive line ( Demar Dotson at right tackle/Austin Schlottmann at center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass protection .
But they obviously felt Driskel was the problem in holding onto to the football too long and he was benched for Rypien .
Injuries have put a dent in this season , but the coaches need to think outside the box starting Monday morning to find a way to make do with the available players .

Offense — F
They couldn’t pass protect — six more sacks allowed after seven in the loss at Pittsburgh. They couldn’t run it — 14 rushes for 42 yards and the longest carry was nine yards by quarterback Jeff Driskel on the opening drive. They couldn’t convert on third down — 5-of-14. And Driskel looked every bit the career backup he is and didn’t even make it to the finish line. The Broncos had two good drives – Driskel at the end of the first half (touchdown) and Brett Rypien near the end (interception). Both were in no-huddle situations, which is what the Broncos should consider more of going forward. The most telling statistic is the offense averaged a measly 3.8 yards per snap; only five plays gained at least 16 yards.
Defense — F
So much for creating a snowball of takeaways. The Broncos had two in last week’s second half, but none on Sunday. That and allowing the Buccaneers to go 8-of-16 on third down meant Tampa Bay had a time of possession advantage of more than six minutes. Tom Brady was 25-of-38 for 287 yards and three touchdowns. Tight end Rob Gronkowski caught six passes for 48 yards and eight Bucs caught at least two passes. It’s tough to see where the play-making is going to come from on this defense. Defensive end Shelby Harris had two sacks, but after the game was in hand. The only thing the Broncos can hang their hat on: Their defensive line knows how to bat down passes.
Special teams — D
Only kicker Brandon McManus’ 56-yard field goal and Joe Jones’ blocked extra point saved the Broncos from getting a failing grade on special teams. Before the 5,700 fans could even settle into their seats, Sam Martin’s punt was blocked when Tampa Bay’s Patrick O’Connor burst through the middle of the protection and the Buccaneers turned that into a touchdown. Martin had a sub-par game with a net average of 34.2 yards and none of his five punts landed inside the 20-yard line. The return game produced nothing — three fair catches on punts and six touchbacks on kickoffs. The next two games are on the road (Jets/Patriots), which plays into more return opportunities. It’s time to give rookie KJ Hamler a shot.
Coaching — F
One play summarizes how the Broncos’ coaching staff fell short. To start a second-half drive, Tampa Bay receiver Chris Godwin was in the right slot … and covered by outside linebacker Malik Reed. Godwin easily gained separation for a 30-yard catch. How does that happen? On offense, the Broncos need to reshuffle their offensive line (Demar Dotson at right tackle/Austin Schlottmann at center?) to help shore up the pass protection. But they obviously felt Driskel was the problem in holding onto to the football too long and he was benched for Rypien. Injuries have put a dent in this season, but the coaches need to think outside the box starting Monday morning to find a way to make do with the available players.