thedenverpost--2020-09-09--Former Kmart lot now a drive-through coronavirus testing site in south Denver

This is the time of year Spirit Halloween stores tend to materialize in empty retail spaces .
While the metro area is still sporting plenty of those in 2020 , the short-term operator open outside a vacant former Kmart in south Denver is a more apt reflection of the times .
CO Covid-19 Drive-Up set up a coronavirus testing site in the parking lot of the long-vacant store at 2150 S. Monaco Parkway , near the intersection of Monaco and East Evans Avenue , last month .
Dr. Stephen Volin founded the company in Thornton earlier this year as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group medical practice , Chief Operating Officer Jeff Hoffman said .
At its two Colorado locations , 9195 Grant St. and the former Kmart lot , it offers both nasal swab testing for active COVID-19 infections and antibody testing for people who may have had the disease and recovered .
“ We can see up to 200 people , ” in a day , Hoffman said of the capacity at the Kmart lot .
“ That would be a busy day , but certainly we could handle it.
” CO Covid-19 Drive-Up works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though not Kaiser Permanente or Centura , according to its website , cocoviddriveup.com .
Testing usually costs customers nothing out of pocket if they have applicable insurance .
Those who aren ’ t covered will be charged $ 145 for a swab test .
Dr. Volin personally checks in with people who test positive , Hoffman said .
CO Covid-19 Drive-Up says it can get customers ’ results in 24 to 48 hours , a turnaround it says is twice as fast as most free testing sites .
That is made possible by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , UniPath , Hoffman said .
The lab is just a few blocks away from the vacant Kmart , which is what led the company to seek a short-term lease there .
“ It ’ s a little closer to the middle part of town , ” Hoffman said .
“ A lot of people that would come to Thornton would say , ‘ Gosh , it sure was a long drive up there . '
” The company is considering further expansion with eyes on Highlands Ranch or Lakewood , Hoffman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former Kmart and the 13 acres it sits on for $ 10.5 million last September with aims to build hundreds of units of multifamily housing there .
While plans for that project ’ s first phase make their way through the city ’ s review processes , Forum has kept the site active with short-term users .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

This is the time of year Spirit Halloween stores tend to materialize in empty retail spaces. While the metro area is still sporting plenty of those in 2020, the short-term operator open outside a vacant former Kmart in south Denver is a more apt reflection of the times.
CO Covid-19 Drive-Up set up a coronavirus testing site in the parking lot of the long-vacant store at 2150 S. Monaco Parkway, near the intersection of Monaco and East Evans Avenue, last month.
Dr. Stephen Volin founded the company in Thornton earlier this year as a spinoff from his Women’s Health Group medical practice, Chief Operating Officer Jeff Hoffman said. At its two Colorado locations, 9195 Grant St. and the former Kmart lot, it offers both nasal swab testing for active COVID-19 infections and antibody testing for people who may have had the disease and recovered.
“We can see up to 200 people,” in a day, Hoffman said of the capacity at the Kmart lot. “That would be a busy day, but certainly we could handle it.”
CO Covid-19 Drive-Up works with a number of insurance providers, though not Kaiser Permanente or Centura, according to its website, cocoviddriveup.com. Testing usually costs customers nothing out of pocket if they have applicable insurance. Those who aren’t covered will be charged $145 for a swab test.
Dr. Volin personally checks in with people who test positive, Hoffman said.
CO Covid-19 Drive-Up says it can get customers’ results in 24 to 48 hours, a turnaround it says is twice as fast as most free testing sites. That is made possible by a close relationship with its lab partner, UniPath, Hoffman said. The lab is just a few blocks away from the vacant Kmart, which is what led the company to seek a short-term lease there.
“It’s a little closer to the middle part of town,” Hoffman said. “A lot of people that would come to Thornton would say, ‘Gosh, it sure was a long drive up there.'”
The company is considering further expansion with eyes on Highlands Ranch or Lakewood, Hoffman said.
Glendale-based Forum Real Estate Group bought the former Kmart and the 13 acres it sits on for $10.5 million last September with aims to build hundreds of units of multifamily housing there.
While plans for that project’s first phase make their way through the city’s review processes, Forum has kept the site active with short-term users.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-09-09--Denver weather: Light snow, rain expected to fall Wednesday before ending cold front

More light snow and a mix of rain and snow is forecast for Wednesday in the Denver area , according to the National Weather Service .
After light snowfall Tuesday night and record low temperature , the weather on Wednesday is expected to be slightly warmer , with the forecast calling for mostly cloudy skies and a high of 41 degrees .
The area is under a freeze warning until noon , so commuters should beware while driving Denver roads early Wednesday morning .
Conditions are expected to improve throughout the day .
Forecasters predict a chance of snow and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rain in the afternoon .
Less than an inch of snow is expected to accumulate , according to the weather service .
A 20 % chance of showers is possible Wednesday night before midnight , with continued cloudy skies and a low around 35 degrees .
East-northeast winds of 5 to 7 mph during the day are predicted to become calmer in the evening .
Thursday will likely bring a gradual warming to the area , with expected mostly sunny skies and a high of 56 degrees , according to the weather service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with warmer temperatures into Friday with an expected high of 70 degrees , and even higher this weekend .

More light snow and a mix of rain and snow is forecast for Wednesday in the Denver area, according to the National Weather Service.
After light snowfall Tuesday night and record low temperature, the weather on Wednesday is expected to be slightly warmer, with the forecast calling for mostly cloudy skies and a high of 41 degrees.
[9:30 PM] – 4.6" of snow measured at NWS Boulder office. Snow is beginning to shift east across the plains, with light snow continuing across the Denver metro. Snow will continue to wind down through the night. #cowxhttps://t.co/F7M8Br41R0 pic.twitter.com/oA5vEulUtQ — NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) September 9, 2020
The area is under a freeze warning until noon, so commuters should beware while driving Denver roads early Wednesday morning. Conditions are expected to improve throughout the day.
Forecasters predict a chance of snow and rain until 2 p.m., with more rain in the afternoon. Less than an inch of snow is expected to accumulate, according to the weather service.
A 20% chance of showers is possible Wednesday night before midnight, with continued cloudy skies and a low around 35 degrees. East-northeast winds of 5 to 7 mph during the day are predicted to become calmer in the evening.
Thursday will likely bring a gradual warming to the area, with expected mostly sunny skies and a high of 56 degrees, according to the weather service. The trend will likely continue, with warmer temperatures into Friday with an expected high of 70 degrees, and even higher this weekend.


thedenverpost--2020-09-09--Used car prices increase during pandemic

Used car prices are marching sharply higher this summer , largely because of the pandemic , and the models with the biggest price gains aren ’ t necessarily the most practical .
The average price for a used vehicle , between one to five years of age , rose 4.1 % nationally and 1.9 % in metro Denver between July and August , according to an analysis of nearly 1 million used car sales by iSeeCars .
Of the 10 models with the biggest increase nationally , all were luxury or sports cars , led by the Dodge Challenger , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the price that buyers were willing to pay in August versus July .
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport wasn ’ t far behind with an 8.9 % gain in just one month .
The Volvo S60 came in third with an 8.6 % gain .
Metro Denver buyers also had an affinity for the Dodge Challenger , which had the biggest gain at 10.7 % .
That worked out to $ 3,434 more paid in August than July for the muscle car .
But on the whole they were more practical .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which had a 9 % gain in sales price in metro Denver versus 3 % nationally .
“ It is interesting that the CR-V ranks so highly in Denver , as it is a practical small SUV .
In this case , it shows that there is demand and likely not a high supply , ” said Julie Blackley , the report ’ s author .
The Chevy Silverado 1500 grabbed the third spot in metro Denver with an 8.8 % gain , and the RAM Pickup 1500 was fifth with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nissan Titan and Ford 150 had the biggest monthly price appreciation among trucks in August .
It wouldn ’ t be Colorado without a Subaru somewhere in the vicinity .
Prices for a used WRX popped 8.4 % in just one month , which ranked fourth overall .
Manufacturing shutdowns during the early weeks of the pandemic have left many truck models in short supply and boosted demand .
And while those might represent vanity purchases , they can also earn their keep as work trucks .
Besides manufacturing shortages , another reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used car prices this summer is that people who relied on transit or ridesharing services shifted to owning as a safer option .
But Blackley said those buyers are more likely to drive a tougher bargain .
“ People looking for cars in the $ 30,000 range aren ’ t as discerning in price as those looking for $ 10,000 range .
We saw in the national data that many of the most popular cars didn ’ t have as significant price increases .
And supply plays a role as well because there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market right now , ” Blackley said .
Harder to explain is why so many buyers are willing to pay up for the privilege of owning a luxury or sports vehicle during the worst recession the world has seen since the 1930s .
The pandemic could be triggering a carpe diem mindset , especially in purchases of the Challenger and the Ford Mustang , another popular sports car right now .

Used car prices are marching sharply higher this summer, largely because of the pandemic, and the models with the biggest price gains aren’t necessarily the most practical.
The average price for a used vehicle, between one to five years of age, rose 4.1% nationally and 1.9% in metro Denver between July and August, according to an analysis of nearly 1 million used car sales by iSeeCars.
Of the 10 models with the biggest increase nationally, all were luxury or sports cars, led by the Dodge Challenger, which experienced a 9% increase in the price that buyers were willing to pay in August versus July. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport wasn’t far behind with an 8.9% gain in just one month. The Volvo S60 came in third with an 8.6% gain.
Metro Denver buyers also had an affinity for the Dodge Challenger, which had the biggest gain at 10.7%. That worked out to $3,434 more paid in August than July for the muscle car. But on the whole they were more practical. In second place was the Honda CR-V, which had a 9% gain in sales price in metro Denver versus 3% nationally.
“It is interesting that the CR-V ranks so highly in Denver, as it is a practical small SUV. In this case, it shows that there is demand and likely not a high supply,” said Julie Blackley, the report’s author.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 grabbed the third spot in metro Denver with an 8.8% gain, and the RAM Pickup 1500 was fifth with an 8% gain. Nationally, the Nissan Titan and Ford 150 had the biggest monthly price appreciation among trucks in August.
It wouldn’t be Colorado without a Subaru somewhere in the vicinity. Prices for a used WRX popped 8.4% in just one month, which ranked fourth overall.
Manufacturing shutdowns during the early weeks of the pandemic have left many truck models in short supply and boosted demand. And while those might represent vanity purchases, they can also earn their keep as work trucks.
Besides manufacturing shortages, another reason often given for the big jump in used car prices this summer is that people who relied on transit or ridesharing services shifted to owning as a safer option. But Blackley said those buyers are more likely to drive a tougher bargain.
“People looking for cars in the $30,000 range aren’t as discerning in price as those looking for $10,000 range. We saw in the national data that many of the most popular cars didn’t have as significant price increases. And supply plays a role as well because there is a shortage of used cars in the market right now,” Blackley said.
Harder to explain is why so many buyers are willing to pay up for the privilege of owning a luxury or sports vehicle during the worst recession the world has seen since the 1930s. The pandemic could be triggering a carpe diem mindset, especially in purchases of the Challenger and the Ford Mustang, another popular sports car right now.


thedenverpost--2020-09-09--How to combat the pandemic of work-from-home injuries

Elizabeth Cuthrell , a Manhattan-based film producer , used to work in an ergonomic office space : comfortable desk chair , monitor at eye level , external keyboard .
Then came COVID-19 .
During stay-at-home she worked on a laptop from a wicker chair , or sometimes on a couch with “ cushions like marshmallows.
” A month later she felt pain in her neck , wrist and shoulders that sent her to a chiropractor .
“ It ’ s hard to quantify , but this has been a really , really big issue for a lot of my patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chiropractor who treated Cuthrell .
Chiropractors report a surge of injuries and discomfort stemming from the nationwide push to work from home , as millions of workers have spent months clacking away on sofas and beds and awkward kitchen counters .
Out with ergonomics , in with hunching over laptops .
According to an April Facebook survey from the American Chiropractic Association , 92 % of chiropractors ( out of 213 respondents ) said that patients report more neck pain , back pain or other musculoskeletal issues since the stay-at-home guidance began .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people thought they would work from home for just a couple of weeks , so it was no problem to work from the couch .
Or perhaps their spouse or roommate , also working from home , claimed the one serviceable desk .
At first they felt only mild discomfort .
Then , gradually , the pain sharpened .
This is most commonly an “ overuse injury ” that stems from repetitive trauma , said Dr. Michael Fredericson , professor of orthopedic surgery at Stanford University , adding , “ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on you .
It wasn ’ t necessarily one incident ; the tread was wearing down over time.
” While some offices have reopened , for many people , what they thought would be a temporary work-from-home arrangement has become the norm .
And with many schools and colleges opening remotely this fall , the problem is even more widespread .
Laptops are a big culprit .
You ’ re forced to either look down to see the screen , or ( if it ’ s elevated ) raise your hands to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chronic looking down , Erickson said , puts us in a “ forward head position ” that loads pressure on the discs and joints of the spine , as well as causing muscle imbalance in the neck .
Then there ’ s the chair .
When we morph our kitchen stools or sofas into desk chairs they ’ re often the wrong height , preventing us from sitting in what Nikki Weiner , an ergonomics consultant , calls the neutral posture , or “ ears over shoulders over hips ” : hips slightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at your side , neck relaxed and straight , forearms parallel to the ground , feet resting on the floor .
Many of us haven ’ t just changed where we work ; we ’ ve also changed how we work .
We no longer walk down the hall for a meeting , dart across the street for a coffee , or even walk to the subway for a commute .
Instead we just sit .
“ My workstation is in the bedroom .
I get up from bed — and if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even bother showering — and then literally move to the chair , and I sit there for most of the day , ” said Ryan Taylor , a New York-based software engineer , who now has pain behind his shoulder .
“ The body needs movement , ” said Heidi Henson , an Oregon-based chiropractor , who , like the other chiropractors interviewed , said that pandemic-fueled inactivity has caused injuries and pain .
“ Even if you have perfect , perfect ergonomics , if you ’ re in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not going to respond well.
” Increased screen-time on our phones — such as doom-scrolling Twitter — only inflames the inactivity .
“ Cellphones are a huge deal , ” said Erickson , explaining that we tend to bend our necks to look down at our phones .
She instead recommends holding your phone up to eye level , resting your elbow on your body for support .
Scott Bautch , the president of the American Chiropractic Association ’ s Council on Occupational Health , says that as screen time has exploded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ Text Neck ” and “ Selfie Elbow.
” College students , teenagers and even younger kids are also at risk .
“ Teenagers are already prone to being on their screens a lot , ” Henson said .
“ And then we ’ ve taken away everything that is good for them in terms of movement — sports are gone , gyms are gone.
” She calls teens and college students an “ overlooked population ” from a health perspective .
Erickson agrees , adding that college students are “ absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tension , shoulder pain and headaches .
Most middle school to college-age students , said Erickson , “ are doing their work in bed , sitting rounded over like Linus on the piano , leaning over their laptop or phone for hours.
” Thanks to increased screen time and inactivity , young children are also reporting more headaches and discomfort .
“ It ’ s not normal for an 8-year-old to have neck pain , ” said Erickson , but now she ’ s seeing that in her practice .
How to fix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news : The solutions can be simple and cheap .
For laptop users , the one purchase that the experts resoundingly recommend is an external keyboard and mouse ; you can get basic ones for about $ 20 , and then place your laptop on a stack of books , raising the monitor to eye level .
If your chair is too high for your feet to comfortably rest on the floor , use a footstool ; if it ’ s too low , make it higher with pillows .
Two other important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more movement .
Bautch suggests setting a timer for every 15 to 30 minutes to remind yourself to move , and recommends three different types of breaks : frequent “ microbreaks ” of just five seconds , in which you change your posture in the opposite direction of where it had been ( so if you were looking down at the screen , for example , look up at the ceiling for five seconds ) ; then periodic “ macro breaks ” of three to five minutes , such as deep breathing or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the big workout ” of at least 30 minutes of exercise ( ideally in one session ) , whether it ’ s riding a bike or the elliptical .
“ It doesn ’ t always take that much , ” said Fredericson , adding that because increased stress can boost the risk of injury , we should do what we can to relax .
“ It ’ s really the simple things .
Get out .
Take a walk.
” Cuthrell is a convert .
She now has an alarm on her phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her to stand or walk .
She tries to take an hourlong walk every day .
She rests her laptop on a boxed game of Balderdash , bringing it to eye level .
“ It ’ s incredible , the shift , ” she said .
“ I was in a lot — a lot — of pain .
Now I ’ m not.
” Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , The Adventurist , to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox .

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

By Jeff Wilser, The New York Times
Elizabeth Cuthrell, a Manhattan-based film producer, used to work in an ergonomic office space: comfortable desk chair, monitor at eye level, external keyboard. Then came COVID-19. During stay-at-home she worked on a laptop from a wicker chair, or sometimes on a couch with “cushions like marshmallows.” A month later she felt pain in her neck, wrist and shoulders that sent her to a chiropractor.
“It’s hard to quantify, but this has been a really, really big issue for a lot of my patients,” said Karen Erickson, the chiropractor who treated Cuthrell. Chiropractors report a surge of injuries and discomfort stemming from the nationwide push to work from home, as millions of workers have spent months clacking away on sofas and beds and awkward kitchen counters. Out with ergonomics, in with hunching over laptops.
According to an April Facebook survey from the American Chiropractic Association, 92% of chiropractors (out of 213 respondents) said that patients report more neck pain, back pain or other musculoskeletal issues since the stay-at-home guidance began.
The typical pattern: In March, people thought they would work from home for just a couple of weeks, so it was no problem to work from the couch. Or perhaps their spouse or roommate, also working from home, claimed the one serviceable desk.
At first they felt only mild discomfort. Then, gradually, the pain sharpened. This is most commonly an “overuse injury” that stems from repetitive trauma, said Dr. Michael Fredericson, professor of orthopedic surgery at Stanford University, adding, “It’s kind of like when a tire blows out on you. It wasn’t necessarily one incident; the tread was wearing down over time.”
While some offices have reopened, for many people, what they thought would be a temporary work-from-home arrangement has become the norm. And with many schools and colleges opening remotely this fall, the problem is even more widespread.
Laptops are a big culprit. You’re forced to either look down to see the screen, or (if it’s elevated) raise your hands to type. Both options are bad. Chronic looking down, Erickson said, puts us in a “forward head position” that loads pressure on the discs and joints of the spine, as well as causing muscle imbalance in the neck.
Then there’s the chair. When we morph our kitchen stools or sofas into desk chairs they’re often the wrong height, preventing us from sitting in what Nikki Weiner, an ergonomics consultant, calls the neutral posture, or “ears over shoulders over hips”: hips slightly higher than the knees, arms relaxed at your side, neck relaxed and straight, forearms parallel to the ground, feet resting on the floor.
Many of us haven’t just changed where we work; we’ve also changed how we work. We no longer walk down the hall for a meeting, dart across the street for a coffee, or even walk to the subway for a commute. Instead we just sit.
“My workstation is in the bedroom. I get up from bed — and if I’m being honest, sometimes don’t even bother showering — and then literally move to the chair, and I sit there for most of the day,” said Ryan Taylor, a New York-based software engineer, who now has pain behind his shoulder.
“The body needs movement,” said Heidi Henson, an Oregon-based chiropractor, who, like the other chiropractors interviewed, said that pandemic-fueled inactivity has caused injuries and pain. “Even if you have perfect, perfect ergonomics, if you’re in the same position for too long, your body is not going to respond well.”
Increased screen-time on our phones — such as doom-scrolling Twitter — only inflames the inactivity. “Cellphones are a huge deal,” said Erickson, explaining that we tend to bend our necks to look down at our phones. She instead recommends holding your phone up to eye level, resting your elbow on your body for support. Scott Bautch, the president of the American Chiropractic Association’s Council on Occupational Health, says that as screen time has exploded, we’re more at risk of “Text Neck” and “Selfie Elbow.”
College students, teenagers and even younger kids are also at risk. “Teenagers are already prone to being on their screens a lot,” Henson said. “And then we’ve taken away everything that is good for them in terms of movement — sports are gone, gyms are gone.” She calls teens and college students an “overlooked population” from a health perspective.
Erickson agrees, adding that college students are “absolutely at risk,” particularly for neck tension, shoulder pain and headaches. Most middle school to college-age students, said Erickson, “are doing their work in bed, sitting rounded over like Linus on the piano, leaning over their laptop or phone for hours.” Thanks to increased screen time and inactivity, young children are also reporting more headaches and discomfort. “It’s not normal for an 8-year-old to have neck pain,” said Erickson, but now she’s seeing that in her practice.
There is some good news: The solutions can be simple and cheap. For laptop users, the one purchase that the experts resoundingly recommend is an external keyboard and mouse; you can get basic ones for about $20, and then place your laptop on a stack of books, raising the monitor to eye level. If your chair is too high for your feet to comfortably rest on the floor, use a footstool; if it’s too low, make it higher with pillows.
Two other important fixes are free: More breaks and more movement. Bautch suggests setting a timer for every 15 to 30 minutes to remind yourself to move, and recommends three different types of breaks: frequent “microbreaks” of just five seconds, in which you change your posture in the opposite direction of where it had been (so if you were looking down at the screen, for example, look up at the ceiling for five seconds); then periodic “macro breaks” of three to five minutes, such as deep breathing or stretching your shoulders; and finally “the big workout” of at least 30 minutes of exercise (ideally in one session), whether it’s riding a bike or the elliptical.
“It doesn’t always take that much,” said Fredericson, adding that because increased stress can boost the risk of injury, we should do what we can to relax. “It’s really the simple things. Get out. Take a walk.”
Cuthrell is a convert. She now has an alarm on her phone that pings every 30 minutes, reminding her to stand or walk. She tries to take an hourlong walk every day. She rests her laptop on a boxed game of Balderdash, bringing it to eye level. “It’s incredible, the shift,” she said. “I was in a lot — a lot — of pain. Now I’m not.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-09--No COVID-19 spike yet from Colorado school reopenings, but experts say it’s too early to celebrate

So far there ’ s no sign of a COVID-19 spike from the first schools in Colorado returning to in-person classes in mid-August , but it ’ s too early to declare the reopening experiment was successful , experts said .
Cases and hospitalizations last week remained roughly level with the previous week , suggesting Colorado ’ s coronavirus epidemic has plateaued for now .
It ’ s uncertain what direction the virus will take , though , as more large events are allowed , additional schools reopen and winter approaches .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 31 fewer than the week before .
The small decrease fit with a pattern of leveling out since the state ’ s coronavirus cases reached a second peak in late July .
Hospitalizations also were roughly stable .
As of Tuesday , 137 people were hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 in Colorado , and 81 others were being treated for coronavirus-like symptoms , but didn ’ t have testing results .
Deaths have not followed any clear pattern recently , ranging from 18 to 38 per week in August .
It typically takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show up in the data when conditions on the ground change .
The first schools in Colorado reopened on Aug. 17 , and so far there haven ’ t been enough cases reported for a signal to come through .
Three schools and more than a dozen child care facilities have reported outbreaks , though most only involved a handful of cases .
It ’ s a positive sign that there hasn ’ t been a spike so far , but we haven ’ t yet seen the impact of any infections over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weather that force people indoors , said Dr. Jonathan Samet , dean of the Colorado School of Public Health .
“ I wish we could say it ’ s OK , but we have to keep waiting and watching , ” he said .
Local health departments will need to continue watching for small outbreaks , which may get drowned out at the state level , Samet said .
While statewide case counts have stayed level , Boulder County had its largest number of cases yet in early September , with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The five-day average also exceeded the previous high point , which was reached in mid-June and blamed on large student gatherings .
“ What goes on in the state ( data ) may not reflect what ’ s going on in Boulder County , ” he said .
In a written statement , the state health department said the continuing decrease in cases and low rate of positive tests is a “ hopeful sign ” that social distancing and mask wearing are containing the virus in Colorado .
About 2.5 % of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is within the range experts recommend .
Still , it ’ s too early to draw conclusions about the effect of reopening schools , because so many are still engaged in remote learning , the health department ’ s statement said .
“ We will continue to monitor our data closely , ” it said .
Since March , 59,674 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Colorado , and 7,161 have been hospitalized .
A total of 1,868 people have died of the disease , and 105 others died with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jared Polis announced Tuesday afternoon that three counties had driven their cases low enough to move into the “ Protect Our Neighbor ” phase of reopening : Gilpin , Mesa and Rio Blanco .
That phase allows events with up to 500 people .
Gilpin County reported only one new case in the last two weeks , and Rio Blanco County had three .
Mesa County had 84 new cases .
Mesa County health officials didn ’ t return messages seeking to clarify the numbers .
Polis said those three counties could loosen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference at which he announced limited numbers of fans would be allowed to attend Broncos ’ games in person .
Just days earlier , public health officials had asked Coloradans to avoid large events over Labor Day weekend , to try to avert a spike in cases like the one that followed Independence Day .
It ’ s too early to know how the weekend will affect case counts , since most people don ’ t show symptoms immediately .
“ We ’ re hopeful that Coloradans learned our lessons , ” Polis @ @

So far there’s no sign of a COVID-19 spike from the first schools in Colorado returning to in-person classes in mid-August, but it’s too early to declare the reopening experiment was successful, experts said.
Cases and hospitalizations last week remained roughly level with the previous week, suggesting Colorado’s coronavirus epidemic has plateaued for now. It’s uncertain what direction the virus will take, though, as more large events are allowed, additional schools reopen and winter approaches.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 1,986 cases last week, which was 31 fewer than the week before. The small decrease fit with a pattern of leveling out since the state’s coronavirus cases reached a second peak in late July.
Hospitalizations also were roughly stable. As of Tuesday, 137 people were hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 in Colorado, and 81 others were being treated for coronavirus-like symptoms, but didn’t have testing results. Deaths have not followed any clear pattern recently, ranging from 18 to 38 per week in August.
It typically takes about two weeks for a spike to show up in the data when conditions on the ground change. The first schools in Colorado reopened on Aug. 17, and so far there haven’t been enough cases reported for a signal to come through. Three schools and more than a dozen child care facilities have reported outbreaks, though most only involved a handful of cases.
It’s a positive sign that there hasn’t been a spike so far, but we haven’t yet seen the impact of any infections over Labor Day, or of changes in the weather that force people indoors, said Dr. Jonathan Samet, dean of the Colorado School of Public Health.
“I wish we could say it’s OK, but we have to keep waiting and watching,” he said.
Local health departments will need to continue watching for small outbreaks, which may get drowned out at the state level, Samet said. While statewide case counts have stayed level, Boulder County had its largest number of cases yet in early September, with more than 60 reported in one day. The five-day average also exceeded the previous high point, which was reached in mid-June and blamed on large student gatherings.
“What goes on in the state (data) may not reflect what’s going on in Boulder County,” he said.
In a written statement, the state health department said the continuing decrease in cases and low rate of positive tests is a “hopeful sign” that social distancing and mask wearing are containing the virus in Colorado. About 2.5% of coronavirus tests were positive over the long weekend, which is within the range experts recommend.
Still, it’s too early to draw conclusions about the effect of reopening schools, because so many are still engaged in remote learning, the health department’s statement said.
“We will continue to monitor our data closely,” it said.
Since March, 59,674 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Colorado, and 7,161 have been hospitalized. A total of 1,868 people have died of the disease, and 105 others died with it in their system.
Gov. Jared Polis announced Tuesday afternoon that three counties had driven their cases low enough to move into the “Protect Our Neighbor” phase of reopening: Gilpin, Mesa and Rio Blanco. That phase allows events with up to 500 people.
Gilpin County reported only one new case in the last two weeks, and Rio Blanco County had three. Mesa County had 84 new cases. Mesa County health officials didn’t return messages seeking to clarify the numbers.
Polis said those three counties could loosen restrictions on events during the same news conference at which he announced limited numbers of fans would be allowed to attend Broncos’ games in person.
Just days earlier, public health officials had asked Coloradans to avoid large events over Labor Day weekend, to try to avert a spike in cases like the one that followed Independence Day. It’s too early to know how the weekend will affect case counts, since most people don’t show symptoms immediately.
“We’re hopeful that Coloradans learned our lessons,” Polis said.


thedenverpost--2020-09-09--Broncos Journal: If 2020 season isn’t success, major changes on defense likely

Enjoy this year ’ s defense and their personalities and resumes , Broncos fans , because it could be overhauled next March if the team ’ s playoff drought extends to five consecutive years .
Appreciate Jurrell Casey ’ s overall effectiveness , Kareem Jackson ’ s thunderous hits , Shelby Harris ’ batted passes and A.J .
Bouye ’ s tight coverage .
Entering the season opener against Tennessee , nine of the Broncos ’ 11 projected starters on defense have expiring contracts or have 2021 salary cap numbers that may not be in-line with their production .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of $ 98,846,664 , highest in the NFL by a whopping $ 14,340,377 , according to overthecap.com , a partial product of using the draft to build the offense ( cheaper salaries — league-low $ 54,627,119 collective cap charge ) .
Play well and return to the playoffs and general manager John Elway may be compelled to keep the band together .
Watch the postseason again and , hooboy , changes should be in the offing .
Before the season starts , a look ahead to some of the decisions Elway and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season : Analysis : Miller is likely going to miss all of the 2020-21 season after suffering an ankle injury on Tuesday at practice .
With Miller unable to play , the Broncos will have a tough decision because they need to allocate big dollars for outside linebacker Bradley Chubb ’ s second contract ( he ’ s eligible for an extension after the season ) .
With Miller coming off an injury and rehab Elway may need to negotiate so Miller can retire as a Bronco in exchange for a reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-year , $ 33 million contract signed in March 2019 was standard fare in this era of free agency — easy to get out of after the second season .
But don ’ t underestimate Jackson ’ s impact off the field as well as on the field .
A cornerback-turned-safety once he left Houston , this year will be key for him to show he still has the range and physicality to play into his mid-30s .
Analysis : The Broncos were proactive , choosing to give up a fourth-round pick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the retooling Jaguars to release him .
It could end up being a smart move if he can flourish in a new environment .
The Broncos drafted Michael Ojemudia in this year ’ s third round with an eye toward him playing outside in 2021 .
Even so , if Bouye is productive , he could earn a contract extension that lowers his ’ 21 cap number .
Analysis : The Broncos absorbed the final two years of Casey ’ s contract in exchange for a seventh-round pick , but like Bouye , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the third round of the past two drafts , the Broncos have selected defensive linemen Dre ’ Mont Jones and McTelvin Agim .
Analysis : Callahan will make his Broncos debut on Monday after missing all of 2019 with a bent screw in his foot that eventually required surgery .
Of the five cap-related moves , Callahan is the most likely to move on if a pay cut isn ’ t on the table .
Problem is , there isn ’ t so much as a developmental nickel back under contract .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would release all five players , it would create more than $ 61 million in salary cap space .
Elway is not about to start a from-the-basement-up rebuild .
But maybe a few cuts and a few salary haircuts ?
Possible .
And then there ’ s the free agents , a mix of viewed-as-building-block players and worker bees .
Simmons is playing under the franchise tag and as long as coach Vic Fangio is around , Simmons will be one of his top players even if it means signing him to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward free agency are Harris , inside linebacker Todd Davis and nose tackle Mike Purcell .
Inside linebacker Alexander Johnson is a restricted free agent .
If these players want to stay under contract next year or be re-signed , they have 16 games to make their case .

Enjoy this year’s defense and their personalities and resumes, Broncos fans, because it could be overhauled next March if the team’s playoff drought extends to five consecutive years.
Appreciate Jurrell Casey’s overall effectiveness, Kareem Jackson’s thunderous hits, Shelby Harris’ batted passes and A.J. Bouye’s tight coverage.
Entering the season opener against Tennessee, nine of the Broncos’ 11 projected starters on defense have expiring contracts or have 2021 salary cap numbers that may not be in-line with their production.
The Broncos’ defense has a collective cap number of $98,846,664, highest in the NFL by a whopping $14,340,377, according to overthecap.com, a partial product of using the draft to build the offense (cheaper salaries — league-low $54,627,119 collective cap charge).
Play well and return to the playoffs and general manager John Elway may be compelled to keep the band together. Watch the postseason again and, hooboy, changes should be in the offing.
Before the season starts, a look ahead to some of the decisions Elway and his football cabinet will be mulling after the season:
OLB Von Miller
Age when next season starts: 32
2021 salary cap number: $22,125,000
Savings if released: $18,000,000
Analysis: Miller is likely to miss all of the 2020 season after suffering an ankle injury on Tuesday in practice. The Broncos will face a tough decision because they need to ear-mark big dollars for outside linebacker Bradley Chubb’s second contract (he’s eligible for an extension after the season) and a long-term deal for safety Justin Simmons. With Miller coming off an injury and rehab, Elway may opt to approach Miller about an extension that will lower his cap number.
S Kareem Jackson
Age when next season starts: 33
2021 salary cap number: $12,882,000
Savings if released: $10,000,000
Analysis: Jackson’s three-year, $33 million contract signed in March 2019 was standard fare in this era of free agency — easy to get out of after the second season. But don’t underestimate Jackson’s impact off the field as well as on the field. A cornerback-turned-safety once he left Houston, this year will be key for him to show he still has the range and physicality to play into his mid-30s.
CB A.J. Bouye
Age when next season starts: 30
2021 salary cap number: $13,500,000
Savings if released: $13,500,000
Analysis: The Broncos were proactive, choosing to give up a fourth-round pick to Jacksonville for Bouye instead of waiting for the retooling Jaguars to release him. It could end up being a smart move if he can flourish in a new environment. The Broncos drafted Michael Ojemudia in this year’s third round with an eye toward him playing outside in 2021. Even so, if Bouye is productive, he could earn a contract extension that lowers his ’21 cap number.
DE Jurrell Casey
Age when next season starts: 31
2021 salary cap number: $12,281,000
Savings if released: $12,281,000
Analysis: The Broncos absorbed the final two years of Casey’s contract in exchange for a seventh-round pick, but like Bouye, this is an easy one-year-and-say-so-long arrangement. In the third round of the past two drafts, the Broncos have selected defensive linemen Dre’Mont Jones and McTelvin Agim.
CB Bryce Callahan
Age when next season starts: 29
2021 salary cap number: $8,715,000
Savings if released: $7,382,000
Analysis: Callahan will make his Broncos debut on Monday after missing all of 2019 with a bent screw in his foot that eventually required surgery. Of the five cap-related moves, Callahan is the most likely to move on if a pay cut isn’t on the table. Problem is, there isn’t so much as a developmental nickel back under contract.
Although it’s unlikely the Broncos would release all five players, it would create more than $61 million in salary cap space. Elway is not about to start a from-the-basement-up rebuild. But maybe a few cuts and a few salary haircuts? Possible.
And then there’s the free agents, a mix of viewed-as-building-block players and worker bees.
Simmons is playing under the franchise tag and as long as coach Vic Fangio is around, Simmons will be one of his top players even if it means signing him to a franchise tag next March.
Also heading toward free agency are Harris, inside linebacker Todd Davis and nose tackle Mike Purcell. Inside linebacker Alexander Johnson is a restricted free agent.
If these players want to stay under contract next year or be re-signed, they have 16 games to make their case.


thedenverpost--2020-09-09--Ask Amy: Woman being “ghosted” goes back for more

Dear Amy : I ’ m a smart , well-educated woman in my mid-50s .
I ’ ve been dating “ Chas , ” ( in his mid-60s ) for five years .
This is my first relationship after over 30 years with my ex .
( My ex-husband abruptly left me and our kids for another woman ) .
Chas and I have maintained a long-distance relationship .
He tells me daily how much he loves me .
He got a tattoo with my initials .
I have a great job in health care .
Before the pandemic we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks ( usually I was the one traveling to see him — an 8-hour drive ) .
We ’ ve discussed moving in together .
I have been looking for a job closer to him ( he ’ s retired ) .
I love him , although he is very moody and has been verbally abusive .
Recently over the phone , we had a small argument ; I suggested that we cool off and talk again before the end of the day .
Well , I have not heard from him since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I apologized via email , voicemail and text .
Nothing .
Unfortunately , this has happened before — one time , he simply never showed up at the airport when I flew in .
Some of these “ off ” periods have lasted as long as six months , and I am always the one to reach out .
This behavior mirrors the end of my marriage and I feel betrayed , stunned and shocked all over again .
Friends say this is “ ghosting , ” and is widespread in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on self-esteem with a therapist .
If this behavior is common , I ’ m not sure I ’ ll ever be strong enough to start dating again .
How do I move forward ?
Dear Blind-sided : “ Ghosting ” is when someone ignores you , without explanation .
I don ’ t believe the behavior is new , but the ubiquity of technology makes it feel more visceral .
Yes , he is ghosting you .
He has done this before , and you have always coaxed him back .
Over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have done the heavy lifting — traveling a great distance to see him , even though you are working and he is retired , staying with him even though you have felt degraded , and forgiving him after he ditched you .
You could use this man ’ s behavior as an excuse to avoid all men .
You could claim that you ’ ve been spooked by “ ghosting , ” but — this is actually about you .
Chas was abandoning you the whole time , especially when there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time he was abusive , didn ’ t show up , or avoided you after a conflict , he was leaving the relationship .
I suspect that your choices now are related to your self-worth ( possibly a legacy of your ex-husband ’ s abandonment ) .
When you truly believe you are worthy ( and you are ! )
, your relationships will reflect it .
Dear Amy : I am a man , happily married ( second marriage ) to a wonderful woman .
We have four young-adult children in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our time together , I have taken on many of the household duties that women are usually saddled with .
My wife and I both work full-time and when the kids were younger , she took on most kid-related stuff ( doctor ’ s appointments , driving them everywhere , homework , etc . )
and I did everything else — shopping , cooking , cleaning , laundry , household , lawn and vehicle maintenance .
That balance totally worked for us , and I think it was great for our kids to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ m good at it .
Now that our children are grown , however , I ’ ve noticed that my wife and I have maintained our roles , which means that I keep the household running and she … enjoys my efforts .
Amy , I ’ m tired .
Dear Tired : You and your wife need to acknowledge that the dynamic in your household has changed .
In my house , we tackled a similar issue by assigning days of the week where each spouse is responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your day — you handle it .
Dear Amy : “ K ” described her very difficult pregnancy and wondered about having a baby shower .
You suggested that she should have one quickly .
I disagree .
I had a similar experience , and we enjoyed our shower after the baby was born ( early ) and in the NICU .
I was much less fearful and distracted , and was able to experience the joy of receiving congratulations and gifts .
Dear Been There : Several women responded with this advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn out well for “ K ” and her baby .

Dear Amy: I’m a smart, well-educated woman in my mid-50s. I’ve been dating “Chas,” (in his mid-60s) for five years. This is my first relationship after over 30 years with my ex. (My ex-husband abruptly left me and our kids for another woman).
Chas and I have maintained a long-distance relationship. He tells me daily how much he loves me. He got a tattoo with my initials.
I have a great job in health care. Before the pandemic we managed to meet every four to six weeks (usually I was the one traveling to see him — an 8-hour drive). We’ve discussed moving in together. I have been looking for a job closer to him (he’s retired).
I love him, although he is very moody and has been verbally abusive.
Recently over the phone, we had a small argument; I suggested that we cool off and talk again before the end of the day.
Well, I have not heard from him since (more than two months ago). I apologized via email, voicemail and text. Nothing.
Unfortunately, this has happened before — one time, he simply never showed up at the airport when I flew in.
Some of these “off” periods have lasted as long as six months, and I am always the one to reach out. This behavior mirrors the end of my marriage and I feel betrayed, stunned and shocked all over again.
Friends say this is “ghosting,” and is widespread in the dating world now.
I am working on self-esteem with a therapist. If this behavior is common, I’m not sure I’ll ever be strong enough to start dating again. How do I move forward?
— Blind-sided
Dear Blind-sided: “Ghosting” is when someone ignores you, without explanation. I don’t believe the behavior is new, but the ubiquity of technology makes it feel more visceral.
Yes, he is ghosting you. He has done this before, and you have always coaxed him back. Over the course of your five-year relationship, you have done the heavy lifting — traveling a great distance to see him, even though you are working and he is retired, staying with him even though you have felt degraded, and forgiving him after he ditched you.
You could use this man’s behavior as an excuse to avoid all men. You could claim that you’ve been spooked by “ghosting,” but — this is actually about you. Chas was abandoning you the whole time, especially when there was an uncomfortable moment to confront. Every time he was abusive, didn’t show up, or avoided you after a conflict, he was leaving the relationship.
I suspect that your choices now are related to your self-worth (possibly a legacy of your ex-husband’s abandonment). When you truly believe you are worthy (and you are!), your relationships will reflect it.
Dear Amy: I am a man, happily married (second marriage) to a wonderful woman. We have four young-adult children in our blended family.
Over the course of our time together, I have taken on many of the household duties that women are usually saddled with.
My wife and I both work full-time and when the kids were younger, she took on most kid-related stuff (doctor’s appointments, driving them everywhere, homework, etc.) and I did everything else — shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, household, lawn and vehicle maintenance. That balance totally worked for us, and I think it was great for our kids to see me be so domestic. Honestly, I’m good at it.
Now that our children are grown, however, I’ve noticed that my wife and I have maintained our roles, which means that I keep the household running and she … enjoys my efforts. Amy, I’m tired.
Any suggestions?
— Tired
Dear Tired: You and your wife need to acknowledge that the dynamic in your household has changed.
In my house, we tackled a similar issue by assigning days of the week where each spouse is responsible for providing dinner. When it’s your day — you handle it.
I also hired a bi-weekly cleaner. Smartest move I ever made.
Dear Amy: “K” described her very difficult pregnancy and wondered about having a baby shower. You suggested that she should have one quickly.
I disagree. I had a similar experience, and we enjoyed our shower after the baby was born (early) and in the NICU. I was much less fearful and distracted, and was able to experience the joy of receiving congratulations and gifts.
— Been There
Dear Been There: Several women responded with this advice — along with the hope that things turn out well for “K” and her baby.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-09-09--Douglas County Schools superintendent resigns, citing personal and family reasons

The superintendent of Colorado ’ s third-largest school district has stepped down .
The Douglas County School Board accepted Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ S. Tucker , who cited personal and family reasons for offering his resignation .
Tucker @ @ @ @ @ that contrary to some reports , he decided to step down on his own , @ @ @ @ @ asked him to resign .
The district told Denver7 Saturday that Tucker was on leave @ @ @ @ @ Arkansas .
Tucker said Tuesday that taking care of his family was his top priority @ @ @ @ @ the Douglas County Federation wish Dr. Tucker the best and our thoughts are with his @ @ @ @ @ his mother ” said Kallie Leyba , President of the Douglas County Federation on the @ @ @ @ @ “ Fortunately , due to the professionalism of our teachers and staff , our students @ @ @ @ @ notice any negative impacts on instruction as educators will continue to teach and guide our @ @ @ @ @ their building leadership .

The superintendent of Colorado’s third-largest school district has stepped down.
The Douglas County School Board accepted Tuesday the resignation of Dr. Thomas S. Tucker, who cited personal and family reasons for offering his resignation.
Tucker stressed during the online meeting that contrary to some reports, he decided to step down on his own, and the board had not asked him to resign.
The district told Denver7 Saturday that Tucker was on leave visiting his ailing mother in Arkansas. Tucker said Tuesday that taking care of his family was his top priority.
“The members of the Douglas County Federation wish Dr. Tucker the best and our thoughts are with his family and in particular, his mother” said Kallie Leyba, President of the Douglas County Federation on the resignation of the Superintendent. “Fortunately, due to the professionalism of our teachers and staff, our students and community shouldn’t notice any negative impacts on instruction as educators will continue to teach and guide our students with the support of their building leadership.
Read the full story here.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Kiszla: Broncos must find way to make playoffs without Von Miller, or coach Vic Fangio will find him

Kiszla: Broncos must find way to make playoffs without Von Miller, or coach Vic Fangio will find himself on hot seat

Will linebacker Von Miller ever play another snap for the Broncos ?
And can coach Vic Fangio keep his job in Denver without him ?
“ It ’ s a punch in the gut for everybody , ” Broncos quarterback Drew Lock said Wednesday , facing the grim reality of trying to make the NFL playoffs without Miller .
One small twist of an ankle turned into a cruel twist of fate .
Just like that , you can probably flush Miller ’ s season .
Will the Broncos ’ lofty aspirations for 2020 follow down the same drain ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I don ’ t know if he had Miller ’ s fluky injury in mind , but the Broncos ’ playoff hopes are now on life support .
Unless your favorite NFL team is blessed with a sure-fire Hall of Fame quarterback , the difference between finishing any season with 10 victories or 10 losses is fragile .
What just happened to the fragility of success in Denver ?
That egg has been dropped on the kitchen floor .
But there ’ s no crying in football .
And no putting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broncos ’ stated plan to lean on its defense until Lock can gel with rookie receiver Jerry Jeudy and young talent on the offensive side of the football ?
Well , forget that noise .
The Broncos need to go big now , starting with their first offensive play against Tennessee on opening night .
Let Lock come out firing from the first snap .
Let him fake a hand-off to running back Melvin Gordon , then throw deep to Courtland Sutton or Jerry Jeudy .
Drop the reins on the second-year QB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far he can take this team .
“ I can ’ t put an extra amount of pressure on myself .
It really comes down to this whole team making one more play , because Von isn ’ t there to make that play , ” Lock said .
He insists being merely good is no longer good enough for himself or anybody else in the offensive huddle , for that matter .
“ It ’ s just going to come down to us playing at that ‘ A ’ level , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Lock said .
All the major upside on this team is found on Lock ’ s side of the football .
So let ’ s bury all the misty-colored memories of Super Bowl 50 .
For the Broncos to have a winning identity , they must be defined by Lock and the offense going forward .
Prior to Miller ’ s injury , what concerned me most about Denver ’ s defense was the age that John Elway has added to the unit .
Although excellent players , safety Kareem Jackson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already on the wrong side of age 30 in a young man ’ s game , while cornerback A.J .
Bouye is 29 .
The veteran additions all screamed : Win now !
After losing Miller , there will be a temptation to give Fangio a mulligan in 2020 .
Sorry .
Can ’ t do it .
The franchise built by the late , great Mr. B demanded excellence and refused excuses .
I would remind you of the last time Denver suffered through at least four consecutive losing seasons , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get the regrettable 1970s hits “ Brandy ” or “ Song Sung Blue ” out of your head for days .
With the NFL salary cap expected to take a hit from the pandemic in 2021 , it makes no sense for the Broncos to accept a cap hit of $ 22 million on a 32-year-old linebacker coming off a serious injury .
So unless Miller is willing to take a major paycut , it ’ s hard to envision him being a member of the team in 2021 .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other in NFL history , Fangio said : “ The great ones can I & A , which means improvise and adjust .
We want to be a bunch of great ones here , and excel at improvising and adjusting .
There ’ s no wiggle room here.
” Well , without Miller , wiggle has left Broncos Country and hope is packing its bags .
If Fangio can make the playoffs with this young offense and a high-mileage defense , he deserves to be NFL coach of the year .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 5-10 record , the disgruntled peeps of Broncos Country will want to run Uncle Vic out of town .
Life in 2020 isn ’ t fair for any of us , whether you ’ re a football coach who loses his best player before the season begins , or a grandma who hasn ’ t been able to hug her grandkids in months .
So to the Vonster , we say : Get well .
And to this messed-up year : Get lost .
Hey , 2021 : Are we there yet @

Will linebacker Von Miller ever play another snap for the Broncos? And can coach Vic Fangio keep his job in Denver without him?
“It’s a punch in the gut for everybody,” Broncos quarterback Drew Lock said Wednesday, facing the grim reality of trying to make the NFL playoffs without Miller.
One small twist of an ankle turned into a cruel twist of fate. Just like that, you can probably flush Miller’s season. Will the Broncos’ lofty aspirations for 2020 follow down the same drain?
Fangio calls losing football death by inches. I don’t know if he had Miller’s fluky injury in mind, but the Broncos’ playoff hopes are now on life support.
Unless your favorite NFL team is blessed with a sure-fire Hall of Fame quarterback, the difference between finishing any season with 10 victories or 10 losses is fragile. What just happened to the fragility of success in Denver? That egg has been dropped on the kitchen floor. But there’s no crying in football. And no putting the yolk back in the shell.
The Broncos’ stated plan to lean on its defense until Lock can gel with rookie receiver Jerry Jeudy and young talent on the offensive side of the football? Well, forget that noise.
The Broncos need to go big now, starting with their first offensive play against Tennessee on opening night. Let Lock come out firing from the first snap. Let him fake a hand-off to running back Melvin Gordon, then throw deep to Courtland Sutton or Jerry Jeudy.
Drop the reins on the second-year QB. Set Lock free and see how far he can take this team.
“I can’t put an extra amount of pressure on myself. It really comes down to this whole team making one more play, because Von isn’t there to make that play,” Lock said.
He insists being merely good is no longer good enough for himself or anybody else in the offensive huddle, for that matter.
“It’s just going to come down to us playing at that ‘A’ level, but playing at an ‘A+’ level,” Lock said.
All the major upside on this team is found on Lock’s side of the football. So let’s bury all the misty-colored memories of Super Bowl 50. For the Broncos to have a winning identity, they must be defined by Lock and the offense going forward.
Prior to Miller’s injury, what concerned me most about Denver’s defense was the age that John Elway has added to the unit. Although excellent players, safety Kareem Jackson and defensive end Jurrell Casey are both already on the wrong side of age 30 in a young man’s game, while cornerback A.J. Bouye is 29.
The veteran additions all screamed: Win now!
After losing Miller, there will be a temptation to give Fangio a mulligan in 2020.
Sorry. Can’t do it.
The franchise built by the late, great Mr. B demanded excellence and refused excuses. I would remind you of the last time Denver suffered through at least four consecutive losing seasons, but then you wouldn’t be able to get the regrettable 1970s hits “Brandy” or “Song Sung Blue” out of your head for days.
With the NFL salary cap expected to take a hit from the pandemic in 2021, it makes no sense for the Broncos to accept a cap hit of $22 million on a 32-year-old linebacker coming off a serious injury. So unless Miller is willing to take a major paycut, it’s hard to envision him being a member of the team in 2021.
At the outset of this training camp, unlike any other in NFL history, Fangio said: “The great ones can I&A, which means improvise and adjust. We want to be a bunch of great ones here, and excel at improvising and adjusting. There’s no wiggle room here.”
Well, without Miller, wiggle has left Broncos Country and hope is packing its bags.
If Fangio can make the playoffs with this young offense and a high-mileage defense, he deserves to be NFL coach of the year.
But should Denver wake up Christmas morning with a 5-10 record, the disgruntled peeps of Broncos Country will want to run Uncle Vic out of town.
Fair?
Life in 2020 isn’t fair for any of us, whether you’re a football coach who loses his best player before the season begins, or a grandma who hasn’t been able to hug her grandkids in months.
So to the Vonster, we say: Get well.
And to this messed-up year: Get lost.
Hey, 2021: Are we there yet?


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Two more Colorado K-12 schools, two Greek organizations report COVID-19 outbreaks

Two more K-12 schools have reported COVID-19 outbreaks in Colorado , bringing the total to five since some districts resumed in-person classes in August .
Outbreaks also were linked to two fraternities – including one that previously had nine cases among its residents and guests in July .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment defines an outbreak as two or more cases linked to the same place or event , within two weeks .
If multiple students tested positive on the first day of classes , it wouldn ’ t count as a school outbreak .
The two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in El Paso County .
GOAL High School reported two staff cases , and Jordahl Elementary School reported two attendee cases .
In schools , attendees most likely refer to students , though the state health department data doesn ’ t specifically list student cases .
One new outbreak also was linked to a private preschool , Primrose School at Lowry in Denver .
Two staff members and one attendee tested positive .
An additional 17 outbreaks have been linked to child care facilities around the state .
The three existing school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases reported last week .
The only new college-level outbreaks over the last week were linked to Greek-life organizations .
Pi Beta Phi , a sorority at University of Colorado Boulder , reported nine confirmed or probable cases among its residents .
Cases are considered probable if students had coronavirus-like symptoms but didn ’ t have a positive test .
Kappa Sigma , a fraternity at Colorado State University , reported its second outbreak last week , with 13 confirmed or probable cases among people who visited their house .
The previous outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors , was only declared over on Aug. 19 .
Colorado College ’ s reported cases grew over the last week , with 11 confirmed cases and 21 probable cases .
The college switched to online learning on Sept. 1 after identifying 10 student infections .
The largest active outbreaks in the state remained largely unchanged , except for a Denver nursing home replacing a Colorado Springs nursing home in the top 10 : • Sterling Correctional Facility : 615 cases , three deaths ( four new cases since last week ) • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , six deaths ( no new cases ) • Buena Vista Correctional Complex : 213 cases , no deaths ( one new case ) • People experiencing homelessness in Denver : 156 cases , no deaths ( no new cases ) • Steven Roberts Original Desserts , Aurora : 141 cases , one death ( two new cases ) • Elms Haven Center , Thornton : 95 cases , 10 deaths ( cases are lower than reported last week ; three new deaths ) • Denver County Jail : 83 cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The totals include both confirmed and probable cases .
The state health department declares an outbreak over when a location has gone four weeks without any new cases .

Two more K-12 schools have reported COVID-19 outbreaks in Colorado, bringing the total to five since some districts resumed in-person classes in August.
Outbreaks also were linked to two fraternities – including one that previously had nine cases among its residents and guests in July.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment defines an outbreak as two or more cases linked to the same place or event, within two weeks. If multiple students tested positive on the first day of classes, it wouldn’t count as a school outbreak.
The two newly reported outbreaks were both in Fountain, in El Paso County. GOAL High School reported two staff cases, and Jordahl Elementary School reported two attendee cases. In schools, attendees most likely refer to students, though the state health department data doesn’t specifically list student cases.
One new outbreak also was linked to a private preschool, Primrose School at Lowry in Denver. Two staff members and one attendee tested positive. An additional 17 outbreaks have been linked to child care facilities around the state.
The three existing school outbreaks remained stable, with no new cases reported last week.
The only new college-level outbreaks over the last week were linked to Greek-life organizations. Pi Beta Phi, a sorority at University of Colorado Boulder, reported nine confirmed or probable cases among its residents. Cases are considered probable if students had coronavirus-like symptoms but didn’t have a positive test.
Kappa Sigma, a fraternity at Colorado State University, reported its second outbreak last week, with 13 confirmed or probable cases among people who visited their house. The previous outbreak, which infected seven residents and two visitors, was only declared over on Aug. 19.
Colorado College’s reported cases grew over the last week, with 11 confirmed cases and 21 probable cases. The college switched to online learning on Sept. 1 after identifying 10 student infections.
The largest active outbreaks in the state remained largely unchanged, except for a Denver nursing home replacing a Colorado Springs nursing home in the top 10:
Sterling Correctional Facility: 615 cases, three deaths (four new cases since last week)
615 cases, three deaths (four new cases since last week) Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center, Denver: 582 cases, no deaths (14 new cases)
582 cases, no deaths (14 new cases) JBS meatpacking plant, Greeley: 293 cases, six deaths (no new cases)
293 cases, six deaths (no new cases) Buena Vista Correctional Complex: 213 cases, no deaths (one new case)
213 cases, no deaths (one new case) People experiencing homelessness in Denver: 156 cases, no deaths (no new cases)
156 cases, no deaths (no new cases) Pikes Peak Center nursing home, Colorado Springs: 146 cases, 26 deaths (no new cases)
146 cases, 26 deaths (no new cases) Steven Roberts Original Desserts, Aurora: 141 cases, one death (two new cases)
141 cases, one death (two new cases) Elms Haven Center, Thornton: 95 cases, 10 deaths (cases are lower than reported last week; three new deaths)
95 cases, 10 deaths (cases are lower than reported last week; three new deaths) Manorcare Health Services, Denver: 83 cases, 14 deaths (no new cases)
Denver: 83 cases, 14 deaths (no new cases) Denver County Jail: 83 cases, no deaths (no new cases)
The totals include both confirmed and probable cases. The state health department declares an outbreak over when a location has gone four weeks without any new cases.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Denver police officers shot a man they say was threatening people with gun

Two Denver police officers shot a man they said was waving a handgun and threatening people Wednesday evening in the @ @ @ @ @ .
It was unclear how many times the suspect was shot .
Officers were responding @ @ @ @ @ threatening people with a weapon after 5 p.m. in the area of 11th Avenue and @ @ @ @ @ Chief Ron Thomas at a news conference .
The man was allegedly holding a handgun @ @ @ @ @ people in a stopped car , potentially attempting to hijack the car , Thomas said @ @ @ @ @ the man allegedly turned and began advancing toward them in what Thomas said was a @ @ @ @ @ the man and gave him commands to stop and drop his weapon , but he @ @ @ @ @ said .
The officers then shot the man .
He was transported to a hospital @ @ @ @ @ released his condition .
No officers were injured in the shooting .
Thomas said the @ @ @ @ @ be conducted with the Aurora Police Department .

Two Denver police officers shot a man they said was waving a handgun and threatening people Wednesday evening in the area of West High School.
It was unclear how many times the suspect was shot.
Officers were responding to reports of a man threatening people with a weapon after 5 p.m. in the area of 10th Avenue and Inca Street, said Division Chief Ron Thomas at a news conference.
The man was allegedly holding a handgun and threatening a group of people in a stopped car, potentially attempting to hijack the car, Thomas said.
When officers arrived, the man allegedly turned and began advancing toward them in what Thomas said was a threatening manner. Officers confronted the man and gave him commands to stop and drop his weapon, but he didn’t, Thomas said. The officers then shot the man.
He was transported to a hospital, but police have not released his condition. No officers were injured in the shooting.
Thomas said the investigation is ongoing and will be conducted with the Aurora Police Department.
ALERT: DPD on scene of an Officer involved shooting near W 10th Ave / N Inca St . 1 person transported to the hospital; condition unknown. No officers injured. Updates posted as it becomes Available pic.twitter.com/1m8Mx0tMdp — Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) September 9, 2020
Story updated at 10 a.m., Sept. 10, 2020: The location of the police shooting was corrected.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Rockies’ Nolan Arenado missing energy fans provide in ballparks: “That gets you going”

No Rockies player , it seems , misses fans more than Nolan Arenado .
Almost every time the all-star third baseman speaks to the media , he mentions it .
Clearly , Arenado feeds off fans ’ energy , something that ’ s been non-existent during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ It ’ s nice to have that energy , that little pick me up , ” Arenado said before Wednesday night ’ s game at San Diego .
“ Sometimes it ’ s hard to find , within yourself , when you are going day-to-day .
So it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because that gets you going.
” A prime example came Monday night vs. the Padres .
Arenado made a rare throwing error , sailing the ball high and wild to first to open the Padres ’ half of the seventh inning .
But Arenado redeemed himself with a beautiful play on a bunt , then closed out the inning by snaring Manny Machado ’ s line drive and then firing the ball to first to double-up Fernando Tatis Jr. at first to keep San Diego off the scoreboard .
“ On that error @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been pretty fired up , they would have been really happy about it , ” Arenado said .
“ But then , to make that double play would have been great , too , to hear them get quiet .
You miss those little things .
“ But I know my teammates appreciate me and they get fired up , so it ’ s all good.
” Dahl returns .
Outfielder David Dahl returned from the injured list Wednesday , though he wasn ’ t in the starting lineup .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with lower-back and side soreness .
Dahl was in the midst of an 0-for-17 slump and batting .189 with a .481 OPS when he went on the IL .
In 74 at-bats he had no home runs and seven RBIs .
Manager Bud Black , hoping Dahl can provide a spark on offense , said he will try to work Dahl into the lineup soon .
“ David ’ s been down for a while , ” Black said .
“ Hopefully he can make a contribution in some way .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it looks as though he ’ s healthy , he ’ s ready to go , he ’ s got a good frame of mind.
” Honoring Clemente .
Major League Baseball celebrated Roberto Clemente Day on Wednesday , and all Puerto Rican players were permitted to wear Clemente ’ s uniform No .
21 in honor of the late Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame outfielder .
Arenado ’ s mother , Millie , was born in Queens , N.Y. , but has deep family roots in Puerto Rico , so Arenado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reliever Mychal Givens , whose great grandparents are from the island , also donned Clemente ’ s number .
On social media , there was a wave of support for MLB to retire Clemente ’ s number the way it retired Jackie Robinson ’ s No .
42 .
Black is on board with that .
“ It ’ s a great call .
It really is , ” Black said .
“ We ( all ) know what he meant to baseball , what he meant to the Latin community , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person , all of those things.
” Footnotes .
Black said that if injured right-hander Jon Gray ( shoulder strain ) comes off the IL before the end of the season , Gray would still be able to work as a starter .
… In other moves Wednesday , the club recalled right-handed pitcher Ashton Goudeau from the alternate training site .
Additionally , the Rockies optioned right-handed pitchers José Mujica and Antonio Santos to the alternate training site .
Trending : Entering Wednesday night ’ s game , Nolan Arenado was hitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run , four doubles , and nine RBIs over his past eight road games .
The third baseman hit .119 ( 5-for-42 ) with no extra-base hits over his first 11 road games of the season .
At issue : Colorado ’ s bullpen has a 6.95 ERA , second-worst in the majors .
Only Philadelphia ’ s 7.24 ERA is higher .
The WHIP for Rockies relievers is 1.62 , third-highest behind the Phillies ( 1.89 ) and Boston ( 1.66 ) .
Pitching Probables Thursday : Off Friday : Angels RHP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Rockies RHP German Marquez ( 2-5 , 4.58 ) , 6:40 p.m. , ATTRM Saturday : Angels Jamie Barria ( 0-0 , 3.38 ) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland ( 2-1 , 3.60 ) , 6:10 p.m. , ATTRM Sunday : Angels LHP Andrew Heaney ( 3-3 , 4.40 ) at Rockies RHP Ryan Castellani ( 1-2 , 5.34 ) , 1:10 p.m. , ATTRM

No Rockies player, it seems, misses fans more than Nolan Arenado.
Almost every time the all-star third baseman speaks to the media, he mentions it. Clearly, Arenado feeds off fans’ energy, something that’s been non-existent during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s nice to have that energy, that little pick me up,” Arenado said before Wednesday night’s game at San Diego. “Sometimes it’s hard to find, within yourself, when you are going day-to-day. So it’s fun to play in good environments because that gets you going.”
A prime example came Monday night vs. the Padres. Arenado made a rare throwing error, sailing the ball high and wild to first to open the Padres’ half of the seventh inning. But Arenado redeemed himself with a beautiful play on a bunt, then closed out the inning by snaring Manny Machado’s line drive and then firing the ball to first to double-up Fernando Tatis Jr. at first to keep San Diego off the scoreboard.
“On that error, (the fans) probably would have been pretty fired up, they would have been really happy about it,” Arenado said. “But then, to make that double play would have been great, too, to hear them get quiet. You miss those little things.
“But I know my teammates appreciate me and they get fired up, so it’s all good.”
Dahl returns. Outfielder David Dahl returned from the injured list Wednesday, though he wasn’t in the starting lineup. He was placed on the IL on Aug. 19 with lower-back and side soreness. Dahl was in the midst of an 0-for-17 slump and batting .189 with a .481 OPS when he went on the IL. In 74 at-bats he had no home runs and seven RBIs.
Manager Bud Black, hoping Dahl can provide a spark on offense, said he will try to work Dahl into the lineup soon.
“David’s been down for a while,” Black said. “Hopefully he can make a contribution in some way. We’ll see how it plays out. But it looks as though he’s healthy, he’s ready to go, he’s got a good frame of mind.”
Honoring Clemente. Major League Baseball celebrated Roberto Clemente Day on Wednesday, and all Puerto Rican players were permitted to wear Clemente’s uniform No. 21 in honor of the late Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame outfielder.
Arenado’s mother, Millie, was born in Queens, N.Y., but has deep family roots in Puerto Rico, so Arenado wore No. 21 Wednesday night. Reliever Mychal Givens, whose great grandparents are from the island, also donned Clemente’s number.
On social media, there was a wave of support for MLB to retire Clemente’s number the way it retired Jackie Robinson’s No. 42. Black is on board with that.
“It’s a great call. It really is,” Black said. “We (all) know what he meant to baseball, what he meant to the Latin community, his philanthropy, who he was as a person, all of those things.”
Footnotes. Black said that if injured right-hander Jon Gray (shoulder strain) comes off the IL before the end of the season, Gray would still be able to work as a starter. … In other moves Wednesday, the club recalled right-handed pitcher Ashton Goudeau from the alternate training site. Additionally, the Rockies optioned right-handed pitchers José Mujica and Antonio Santos to the alternate training site.
On Deck
Trending: Entering Wednesday night’s game, Nolan Arenado was hitting .367 (11-for-30) with one home run, four doubles, and nine RBIs over his past eight road games. The third baseman hit .119 (5-for-42) with no extra-base hits over his first 11 road games of the
season.
At issue: Colorado’s bullpen has a 6.95 ERA, second-worst in the majors. Only Philadelphia’s 7.24 ERA is higher. The WHIP for Rockies relievers is 1.62, third-highest behind the Phillies (1.89) and Boston (1.66).
Pitching Probables
Thursday: Off
Friday: Angels RHP Griffin Canning (0-3, 4.54) at Rockies RHP German Marquez (2-5, 4.58), 6:40 p.m., ATTRM
Saturday: Angels Jamie Barria (0-0, 3.38) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (2-1, 3.60), 6:10 p.m., ATTRM
Sunday: Angels LHP Andrew Heaney (3-3, 4.40) at Rockies RHP Ryan Castellani (1-2, 5.34), 1:10 p.m., ATTRM


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Four teens arrested in connection with fatal shooting of 17-year-old in Wheat Ridge

Wheat Ridge police and other agencies ’ SWAT units arrested four teens Wednesday in connection to a shooting that killed @ @ @ @ @ ago in Wheat Ridge .
Nimijah Pimentel was fatally shot April 13 at Panorama Park @ @ @ @ @ said , and a 16-year-old boy was arrested April 17 .
Two of the four @ @ @ @ @ boy and a 17-year-old girl , Wheat Ridge police said in a news release .
@ @ @ @ @ 19-year-old Estaban Lucero and 18-year-old Sincere Trujillo .
Lucero , Trujillo and the unnamed teen @ @ @ @ @ first-degree murder , first-degree criminal attempt to commit murder and three counts of aggravated robbery @ @ @ @ @ police .
The teen girl is facing first-degree murder and aggravated robbery charges .
Police @ @ @ @ @ a confrontation that involved selling a pair of designer jeans , but they later discovered @ @ @ @ @ the purposes of an unlawful transaction , ” according to the release .
The agency @ @ @ @ @ transaction was .

Wheat Ridge police and other agencies’ SWAT units arrested four teens Wednesday in connection to a shooting that killed a 17-year-old nearly five months ago in Wheat Ridge.
Nimijah Pimentel was fatally shot April 13 at Panorama Park in Wheat Ridge, police said, and a 16-year-old boy was arrested April 17.
Two of the four arrested Wednesday are a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl, Wheat Ridge police said in a news release. The other two arrested are 19-year-old Estaban Lucero and 18-year-old Sincere Trujillo.
Lucero, Trujillo and the unnamed teen boy are facing charges of first-degree murder, first-degree criminal attempt to commit murder and three counts of aggravated robbery, according to Wheat Ridge police. The teen girl is facing first-degree murder and aggravated robbery charges.
Police thought the shooting started with a confrontation that involved selling a pair of designer jeans, but they later discovered the meeting was for “the purposes of an unlawful transaction,” according to the release. The agency did not identify what the transaction was.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Previewing the 2020 AFC North: Lamar Jackson and Ravens poised for another big offensive season

A look at the AFC North .
2019 record : 14-2 ( first in AFC North ; lost to Tennessee in AFC divisional round ) Quarterback situation : The Ravens boast the reigning MVP in Lamar Jackson , and he figures to carry over the momentum into 2020 from a season that saw Jackson record an NFL-best 43 touchdowns .
There ’ s no reason to believe Jackson can ’ t have that kind of season once again .
Young skill-position players : Marquise Brown , a first-round pick from 2019 , is complemented by another dynamic 23-year-old wideout Miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third round last year .
And third-year tight end Mark Andrews , 23 , had 10 touchdown catches last year .
Key statistic : 3,296 .
Behind Jackson and tailback Mark Ingram , the Ravens set an NFL single-season rushing record last year while also becoming the first team ever to average 200 yards passing and 200 yards rushing per game .
• Where Broncos ’ Melvin Gordon ranks among NFL running backs since 2015 • Los Angeles Chargers Preview : New quarterback Tyrod Taylor holding seat until rookie Justin Herbert is ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Super Bowl last year , Tennessee has emerged as division favorite • Broncos Journal : If 2020 season isn ’ t success , major changes on defense likely Quarterback situation : Two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger was limited to just two starts last year after he underwent season-ending surgery to reattach three flexor tendons in his elbow .
The 38-year-old is healthy once again , and Pittsburgh must hope he stays healthy ahead of backup Mason Rudolph .
Young skill-position players : JuJu Smith-Schuster , 23 , is one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and is poised to bounce back to a Pro Bowl level ( he had 1,426 yards receiving in 2018 ) after injuries limited his production in 2019 .
The 25-year-old James Connor also brings an edge in the backfield , if he can stay healthy .
Key statistic : 38 .
That ’ s how many turnovers the Steelers ’ defense forced last year to rank first in the NFL , and it was a big reason why Pittsburgh was able to stay in the playoff hunt down the stretch despite not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayfield followed up his strong rookie season with a subpar second year as the former Oklahoma star threw 21 interceptions to 22 touchdowns , with one game-winning drive as opposed to the four he engineered in 2018 .
Ex-Bronco Case Keenum is the backup .
Young skill-position players : The Browns don ’ t have any shortage of talent here , as running back Nick Chubb , 24 , scampered for 1,494 yards last year en route to his first Pro Bowl nod .
And Cleveland has ex-CSU star Rashard Higgins , 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also 25 , around veteran wideouts Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry .
Key statistic : 15 .
That ’ s how many years it ’ s been since the Browns won their season opener , which is Sept. 13 against the Ravens .
Cleveland ’ s last Week 1 win came in 2004 over Baltimore .
Quarterback situation : The Andy Dalton era came to a close in April , when the Bengals drafted LSU quarterback Joe Burrow at No .
1 overall .
Now , Burrow will be tasked with reviving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playoff game since 1991 .
No pressure on the young gunslinger .
Young skill-position players : Rookie wideout Tee Higgins , 21 , was selected in the second round of this year ’ s draft , and will figure to provide an immediate weapon for Burrow alongside Tyler Boyd , 25 , and seven-time Pro Bowl veteran A.J .
Green .
Key statistic : -14 .
The Bengals had the third-worst turnover differential last year .
Below-average teams have little chance of winning in the NFL when the differential is that much in @ @ @

A look at the AFC North.
1. Baltimore Ravens
Coach: John Harbaugh (13th year — 118-74 regular season, 10-7 playoffs)
2019 record: 14-2 (first in AFC North; lost to Tennessee in AFC divisional round)
Offensive play-caller: Coordinator Greg Roman (second year)
Quarterback situation: The Ravens boast the reigning MVP in Lamar Jackson, and he figures to carry over the momentum into 2020 from a season that saw Jackson record an NFL-best 43 touchdowns. There’s no reason to believe Jackson can’t have that kind of season once again.
Young skill-position players: Marquise Brown, a first-round pick from 2019, is complemented by another dynamic 23-year-old wideout Miles Boykin, who was selected in the third round last year. And third-year tight end Mark Andrews, 23, had 10 touchdown catches last year.
Key statistic: 3,296. Behind Jackson and tailback Mark Ingram, the Ravens set an NFL single-season rushing record last year while also becoming the first team ever to average 200 yards passing and 200 yards rushing per game.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Coach: Mike Tomlin (14th year — 133-74-1 regular season, 8-7 playoffs)
2019 record: 8-8 (second in AFC North)
Offensive play-caller: Coordinator Randy Fitchner (third year)
Quarterback situation: Two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger was limited to just two starts last year after he underwent season-ending surgery to reattach three flexor tendons in his elbow. The 38-year-old is healthy once again, and Pittsburgh must hope he stays healthy ahead of backup Mason Rudolph.
Young skill-position players: JuJu Smith-Schuster, 23, is one of the most exciting young wideouts in the NFL, and is poised to bounce back to a Pro Bowl level (he had 1,426 yards receiving in 2018) after injuries limited his production in 2019. The 25-year-old James Connor also brings an edge in the backfield, if he can stay healthy.
Key statistic: 38. That’s how many turnovers the Steelers’ defense forced last year to rank first in the NFL, and it was a big reason why Pittsburgh was able to stay in the playoff hunt down the stretch despite not having Roethlisberger.
3. Cleveland Browns
Coach: Kevin Stefanski (first year)
2019 record: 6-10 (third in AFC North)
Offensive play-caller: Stefanski or coordinator Alex Van Pelt (first year)
Quarterback situation: Baker Mayfield followed up his strong rookie season with a subpar second year as the former Oklahoma star threw 21 interceptions to 22 touchdowns, with one game-winning drive as opposed to the four he engineered in 2018. Ex-Bronco Case Keenum is the backup.
Young skill-position players: The Browns don’t have any shortage of talent here, as running back Nick Chubb, 24, scampered for 1,494 yards last year en route to his first Pro Bowl nod. And Cleveland has ex-CSU star Rashard Higgins, 25, and tight end Austin Hooper, also 25, around veteran wideouts Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.
Key statistic: 15. That’s how many years it’s been since the Browns won their season opener, which is Sept. 13 against the Ravens. Cleveland’s last Week 1 win came in 2004 over Baltimore.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Coach: Zac Taylor (second year — 2-14 regular season)
2019 record: 2-14 (fourth in AFC North)
Offensive play-caller: Taylor
Quarterback situation: The Andy Dalton era came to a close in April, when the Bengals drafted LSU quarterback Joe Burrow at No. 1 overall. Now, Burrow will be tasked with reviving a franchise that has not won a playoff game since 1991. No pressure on the young gunslinger.
Young skill-position players: Rookie wideout Tee Higgins, 21, was selected in the second round of this year’s draft, and will figure to provide an immediate weapon for Burrow alongside Tyler Boyd, 25, and seven-time Pro Bowl veteran A.J. Green.
Key statistic: -14. The Bengals had the third-worst turnover differential last year. Below-average teams have little chance of winning in the NFL when the differential is that much in the red.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Where Broncos’ Melvin Gordon ranks among NFL running backs since 2015

Where new Broncos running back Melvin Gordon ranks in the NFL since he was drafted in the first round by @ @ @ @ @ The Broncos signed Melvin Gordon to a two-year , $ 16 million contract in March @ @ @ @ @ top running back contracts based on average salary :

Where new Broncos running back Melvin Gordon ranks in the NFL since he was drafted in the first round by the Chargers in 2015:
Most carries
Player, Team Carries 1. Todd Gurley, L.A. Rams 1,265 2. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas 1,169 3. Frank Gore, Ind./Mia./Buf. 1,106 4. Melvin Gordon, L.A. Chargers 1,059 5. Carlos Hyde, SF/Cle./Jax./Hou 989
Most rushing yards
Player, Team Rush Yards 1. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas 5,405 2. Todd Gurley, L.A. Rams 5,404 3. Mark Ingram, N.O./Balt. 4,599 4. LeSean McCoy, Buf./K.C. 4,279 6. Melvin Gordon, L.A. Chargers 4,240
Most rushing touchdowns
Player, Team Rush TDs 1. Todd Gurley, L.A. Rams 58 T2. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas 40 T2. Mark Ingram, N.O./Balt. 40 4. Derrick Henry, Tennessee 38 6. Melvin Gordon, L.A. Chargers 36
Most 100-yard rushing games
Player, Team 100-yard games 1. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas 26 2. Todd Gurley, L.A. Rams 17 3. LeSean McCoy, Buf./K.C. 15 T4. Jordan Howard, Chicago 14 T4. Mark Ingram, N.O./Balt. 14 T4. Adrian Peterson, Min./Ari./Was. 14 T14. Melvin Gordon, L.A. Chargers 9
Most catches by a running back
Player, Team Catches 1. James White, New England 315 2. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina 303 3. Duke Johnson, Cle./Hou. 279 4. Le’Veon Bell, Pit./NYJ 250 5. Theo Riddick, Detroit 247 8. Melvin Gordon, L.A. Chargers 224
Big Money Addition
The Broncos signed Melvin Gordon to a two-year, $16 million contract in March. A list of the top running back contracts based on average salary: