thedenverpost--2020-10-30--Fresh off suspension, AJ Hinch takes over as Tigers manager

DETROIT — As he waited out his suspension this year , AJ Hinch knew he wanted to return to baseball .
The question was whether anyone in the sport would be ready to welcome him .
“ About 30 minutes after the World Series ’ last out , my phone rang , ” Hinch said .
It was Detroit general manager Al Avila , telling Hinch to get on a plane .
The Tigers quickly hired Hinch as their new manager , giving him a chance to return to a major league dugout after he was fired by Houston in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scandal .
It may take a while for Hinch to overcome the stigma of what happened in Houston , but he and his new bosses were ready to address the topic Friday .
“ I understand the question and I understand how wrong it was , and I ’ m sorry for that , ” Hinch said .
“ I ’ ve said that before , I ’ ll say it again , I ’ ll continue to say it .
I ’ ll never forget the feeling that I ’ ve had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve navigated this with my family , but you quickly get to the exciting time of getting back and leading a group of men again , and establishing what Tigers baseball ’ s going to be all about .
“ I ’ m sorry that today , that has to be a topic , and I understand why.
” The 46-year-old Hinch replaces Ron Gardenhire , who retired late this season .
He takes over a team that has been rebuilding for the past few years .
Hinch guided Houston to the 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and a lot of what he accomplished there — is now viewed in a different light after an investigation found the Astros used a video feed from a center field camera to decode the opposing catcher ’ s signs , and players banged on a trash can to signal to hitters what was coming .
In January , Major League Baseball suspended Hinch and Astros GM Jeff Luhnow for the season and the Astros immediately fired both .
Hinch said then that he hadn ’ t endorsed the sign stealing but had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started thinking right then and there , when AJ and Jeff got suspended , what ’ s going to happen to those two guys ?
Are those two guys going to be back in the sport ?
Would they be welcomed back in the sport ?
” said Christopher Ilitch , the Tigers ’ chairman and CEO .
“ As time went on , and I just sort of watched from afar , how everybody that was involved with that handled themself , I really admired the way AJ handled himself.
” Hinch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season was able to start , and he also went on a couple family trips .
He also said he contracted the coronavirus , which made for some scary times in September .
He knew , however , that he didn ’ t want to be away from the game for long .
“ I always knew that I wanted to get back into baseball , ” he said .
“ It was a matter of , I think the game and the people within the game will tell you where that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going to be anywhere.
” Hinch said he was counting down the outs to the end of the postseason , when he could start having serious interviews with any interested teams .
On Thursday , the Chicago White Sox announced the hiring of Hall of Famer Tony La Russa for that managerial opening .
Hinch said he never interviewed for that position .
On Friday , the Tigers announced a multiyear deal with Hinch .
He had a connection with the organization , having played for Detroit in 2003 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AJ , of who he was , ” Avila said .
“ There was never a doubt in my mind of his character , honesty — he ’ s one of the better guys that you ’ re going to meet in the game , or in life in general .
One mistake does not determine a man.
” Detroit went 23-35 in this shortened season , finishing last in the AL Central .
That ’ s been a familiar spot for the Tigers recently — Detroit lost 114 games in 2019 — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick high in the draft during this stretch .
Casey Mize , the top overall pick in 2018 , reached the majors this year , and Detroit used this year ’ s No .
1 selection on infielder Spencer Torkelson .
Left-hander Tarik Skubal made his big league debut this season along with Mize .
While these youngsters have yet to prove they can make the Tigers contenders again , Detroit will hope Hinch can replicate what he did in Houston .
Hinch , a former big league catcher , managed Arizona from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he took over the Astros before the 2015 season , they had not finished above .500 since 2008 .
Houston then had a winning record in all five years under Hinch , including that 2017 World Series title and the 2019 American League pennant .
Hinch is 570-452 as a major league manager .
He played from 1998-2004 , spending time with Oakland , Kansas City , Detroit and Philadelphia .

DETROIT — As he waited out his suspension this year, AJ Hinch knew he wanted to return to baseball. The question was whether anyone in the sport would be ready to welcome him.
His answer came pretty quickly.
“About 30 minutes after the World Series’ last out, my phone rang,” Hinch said.
It was Detroit general manager Al Avila, telling Hinch to get on a plane. The Tigers quickly hired Hinch as their new manager, giving him a chance to return to a major league dugout after he was fired by Houston in the wake of the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.
It may take a while for Hinch to overcome the stigma of what happened in Houston, but he and his new bosses were ready to address the topic Friday.
“I understand the question and I understand how wrong it was, and I’m sorry for that,” Hinch said. “I’ve said that before, I’ll say it again, I’ll continue to say it. I’ll never forget the feeling that I’ve had throughout the past year as I’ve navigated this with my family, but you quickly get to the exciting time of getting back and leading a group of men again, and establishing what Tigers baseball’s going to be all about.
“I’m sorry that today, that has to be a topic, and I understand why.”
The 46-year-old Hinch replaces Ron Gardenhire, who retired late this season. He takes over a team that has been rebuilding for the past few years.
Hinch guided Houston to the 2017 World Series title, but that championship — and a lot of what he accomplished there — is now viewed in a different light after an investigation found the Astros used a video feed from a center field camera to decode the opposing catcher’s signs, and players banged on a trash can to signal to hitters what was coming. In January, Major League Baseball suspended Hinch and Astros GM Jeff Luhnow for the season and the Astros immediately fired both.
Hinch said then that he hadn’t endorsed the sign stealing but had failed to stop it.
“I started thinking right then and there, when AJ and Jeff got suspended, what’s going to happen to those two guys? Are those two guys going to be back in the sport? Would they be welcomed back in the sport?” said Christopher Ilitch, the Tigers’ chairman and CEO. “As time went on, and I just sort of watched from afar, how everybody that was involved with that handled themself, I really admired the way AJ handled himself.”
Hinch said he was very happy when the season was able to start, and he also went on a couple family trips. He also said he contracted the coronavirus, which made for some scary times in September.
He knew, however, that he didn’t want to be away from the game for long.
“I always knew that I wanted to get back into baseball,” he said. “It was a matter of, I think the game and the people within the game will tell you where that’s going to be, if it’s going to be anywhere.”
Hinch said he was counting down the outs to the end of the postseason, when he could start having serious interviews with any interested teams. On Thursday, the Chicago White Sox announced the hiring of Hall of Famer Tony La Russa for that managerial opening. Hinch said he never interviewed for that position.
On Friday, the Tigers announced a multiyear deal with Hinch. He had a connection with the organization, having played for Detroit in 2003.
“We had a pretty good knowledge of AJ, of who he was,” Avila said. “There was never a doubt in my mind of his character, honesty — he’s one of the better guys that you’re going to meet in the game, or in life in general. One mistake does not determine a man.”
Detroit went 23-35 in this shortened season, finishing last in the AL Central. That’s been a familiar spot for the Tigers recently — Detroit lost 114 games in 2019 — but the team has been able to pick high in the draft during this stretch. Casey Mize, the top overall pick in 2018, reached the majors this year, and Detroit used this year’s No. 1 selection on infielder Spencer Torkelson.
Left-hander Tarik Skubal made his big league debut this season along with Mize. While these youngsters have yet to prove they can make the Tigers contenders again, Detroit will hope Hinch can replicate what he did in Houston.
Hinch, a former big league catcher, managed Arizona from May 2009 until July 2010. When he took over the Astros before the 2015 season, they had not finished above .500 since 2008. Houston then had a winning record in all five years under Hinch, including that 2017 World Series title and the 2019 American League pennant.
Hinch is 570-452 as a major league manager. He played from 1998-2004, spending time with Oakland, Kansas City, Detroit and Philadelphia.


thedenverpost--2020-10-30--Colorado COVID-19 hospitalizations on track to top April in 11 days if nothing changes

Colorado could exceed the April peak of COVID-19 hospitalizations as soon as Nov. 10 if current trends continue , according to a new report .
At the peak on April 14 , 888 people were hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
On Friday , 663 people were receiving hospital care for the new coronavirus , and the number could approach 900 in the second week of November if the current pattern of ever-increasing hospitalizations continues , according to a report from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado School of Public Health .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in intensive-care units , which is about 1,800 beds , in January if current trends continue .
Longer-term projections have more inherent uncertainty because there ’ s more time for people to change their behavior , either by buckling down and slowing transmission or by further spreading the virus during upcoming holidays .
The report looks at hospitalization data through Monday , but there haven ’ t been any signs of improvement this week , said Beth Carlton , an associate professor of environmental and occupational health at the Colorado School of Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are seeing increases in hospitalizations , though people in middle age or their senior years are most affected , she said .
“ If anything , things may have gotten slightly worse , ” she said .
Dr. Jonathan Samet , dean of the Colorado School of Public Health , said the state has a “ small window ” to reduce transmission through social distancing , mask wearing , moving events outside , and tracing and quarantining infected people and their contacts .
“ To limit increasing infections and avoid peaks that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , a substantial increase in transmission control is needed , ” he said in a news release .
The report estimated that one in 219 Coloradans is currently contagious with the virus , up from one in 292 a week earlier .
The estimated number of people each infected person gave the virus to , on average , also rose .
Cases have been rising statewide , as has the percentage of tests that are positive .
As of Friday , the state health department had ordered 12 of 64 counties to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to try to control the virus ’ spread .
Policy changes take about two weeks to show up in hospitalization numbers , so we ’ ll know if those measures were effective in early to mid-November , Carlton said .
It ’ s particularly important to avoid high-risk interactions , such as indoor settings where people are close together and unmasked , for the next few weeks , she said .
“ We ’ re heading into uncharted waters , ” she said .
“ The time to prevent that is now @ @

Colorado could exceed the April peak of COVID-19 hospitalizations as soon as Nov. 10 if current trends continue, according to a new report.
At the peak on April 14, 888 people were hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19. On Friday, 663 people were receiving hospital care for the new coronavirus, and the number could approach 900 in the second week of November if the current pattern of ever-increasing hospitalizations continues, according to a report from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado School of Public Health.
It’s also possible Colorado could hit capacity in intensive-care units, which is about 1,800 beds, in January if current trends continue. Longer-term projections have more inherent uncertainty because there’s more time for people to change their behavior, either by buckling down and slowing transmission or by further spreading the virus during upcoming holidays.
The report looks at hospitalization data through Monday, but there haven’t been any signs of improvement this week, said Beth Carlton, an associate professor of environmental and occupational health at the Colorado School of Public Health. All age groups over 20 are seeing increases in hospitalizations, though people in middle age or their senior years are most affected, she said.
“If anything, things may have gotten slightly worse,” she said.
Dr. Jonathan Samet, dean of the Colorado School of Public Health, said the state has a “small window” to reduce transmission through social distancing, mask wearing, moving events outside, and tracing and quarantining infected people and their contacts.
“To limit increasing infections and avoid peaks that could strain healthcare capacity over the next three months, a substantial increase in transmission control is needed,” he said in a news release.
The report estimated that one in 219 Coloradans is currently contagious with the virus, up from one in 292 a week earlier. The estimated number of people each infected person gave the virus to, on average, also rose.
Cases have been rising statewide, as has the percentage of tests that are positive. As of Friday, the state health department had ordered 12 of 64 counties to adopt tighter restrictions on businesses and events, to try to control the virus’ spread.
Policy changes take about two weeks to show up in hospitalization numbers, so we’ll know if those measures were effective in early to mid-November, Carlton said. It’s particularly important to avoid high-risk interactions, such as indoor settings where people are close together and unmasked, for the next few weeks, she said.
“We’re heading into uncharted waters,” she said. “The time to prevent that is now.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-30--The final round of luxury residences at Bergen Place at Hiwan are now available but won’t last long

Mountain living doesn ’ t have to mean seclusion and time-consuming home maintenance .
Experience modern , turn-key , mountain living in the newly constructed residences of Bergen Place at Hiwan .
These luxury condominium homes , in gorgeous Evergreen , Colorado , are listed by LIV Sotheby ’ s International Realty brokers , Heather Graham and Sean Endsley .
Buyers looking for the perfect combination of access to the outdoors and convenience to amenities now have the chance to own one of the brand-new units within the recently completed Building Four .
This just-released building offers eight spectacular units @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bathrooms .
All of the residences within Building Four enjoy their own storage unit as well as a single-car garage and a secure , private front-door entry .
These features provide the feeling of living in a single-family home while enjoying the conveniences of the maintenance-free condominium lifestyle .
“ Tucked into the hillside , this building offers a more private location across from the other three buildings , ” explained Graham .
“ Some units have an exceptional walk-out location while others offer private patios .
At a modest price point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , these units are the only new construction condominiums in Evergreen with exceptional light , open floorplan , and modern , clean finishes.
” When it comes to contemporary Colorado living , there is nothing that compares to these residences .
The airy , open floor plan makes each space feel bright .
Sleek , timeless finishes , such as quartz or granite countertops , soft-close cabinetry , and hard flooring , make these homes stand out from the rest .
Diverging from the typical mountain aesthetic , the residences at Bergen Place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifestyle they want without compromising on style .
One of the best parts of living in the Foothills is the nearness to nature .
Savor mornings in the crisp Colorado air on the private deck or patio that each unit within Bergen Place at Hiwan features .
When the call of the wild beckons , explore trails and open spaces just steps from your front door .
Shopping and dining are all within walking distance as well .
And when the snow begins to fall , grab your skis from the storage unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to some of the world ’ s finest ski slopes .
Some things you have to see to believe .
Visit the incredible residences at Bergen Place at Hiwan during the open house hours on Sundays , from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM .
If you prefer to check out these homes online , visit bergenplaceathiwan.com to view the floor plans , take a virtual tour , take a look at pricing , and browse through the expansive photo gallery .
• October 23 , 2020 Sponsored : Colorado ’ s real estate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has surpassed 2019 ’ s performance • October 23 , 2020 Sponsored : Beside RiNo ’ s restaurant row , see a sustainable 1-bedroom condo in Denver ’ s only ‘ agrihood ’ These rare , luxury residences in the Foothills community won ’ t last long .
While all units are currently available in Building Four , Building One and Three are sold out , and there are just two units left for purchase within Building Two .
Make your maintenance-free , mountain living dreams a reality at Bergen Place at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help selling your current home , please contact Heather Graham directly at 720.201.4187 or Sean Endsley at 303.895.4663 .
For all of your real estate needs , contact LIV Sotheby ’ s International Realty by calling 303.893.3200 or visiting livsothebysrealty.com .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

Mountain living doesn’t have to mean seclusion and time-consuming home maintenance. Experience modern, turn-key, mountain living in the newly constructed residences of Bergen Place at Hiwan. These luxury condominium homes, in gorgeous Evergreen, Colorado, are listed by LIV Sotheby’s International Realty brokers, Heather Graham and Sean Endsley.
Buyers looking for the perfect combination of access to the outdoors and convenience to amenities now have the chance to own one of the brand-new units within the recently completed Building Four. This just-released building offers eight spectacular units, each with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. All of the residences within Building Four enjoy their own storage unit as well as a single-car garage and a secure, private front-door entry. These features provide the feeling of living in a single-family home while enjoying the conveniences of the maintenance-free condominium lifestyle.
“Tucked into the hillside, this building offers a more private location across from the other three buildings,” explained Graham. “Some units have an exceptional walk-out location while others offer private patios. At a modest price point, in the mid-to-high $500,000’s, these units are the only new construction condominiums in Evergreen with exceptional light, open floorplan, and modern, clean finishes.”
When it comes to contemporary Colorado living, there is nothing that compares to these residences. The airy, open floor plan makes each space feel bright. Sleek, timeless finishes, such as quartz or granite countertops, soft-close cabinetry, and hard flooring, make these homes stand out from the rest. Diverging from the typical mountain aesthetic, the residences at Bergen Place at Hiwan allow homebuyers to live the lifestyle they want without compromising on style.
One of the best parts of living in the Foothills is the nearness to nature. Savor mornings in the crisp Colorado air on the private deck or patio that each unit within Bergen Place at Hiwan features. When the call of the wild beckons, explore trails and open spaces just steps from your front door. Shopping and dining are all within walking distance as well. And when the snow begins to fall, grab your skis from the storage unit and take a short drive up I-70 to some of the world’s finest ski slopes.
Some things you have to see to believe. Visit the incredible residences at Bergen Place at Hiwan during the open house hours on Sundays, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. If you prefer to check out these homes online, visit bergenplaceathiwan.com to view the floor plans, take a virtual tour, take a look at pricing, and browse through the expansive photo gallery.
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Sponsored: Denver homebuyers see some relief as closed price-to-list price ratio drops August 4, 2023 Sponsored: Real Estate Voices | Sponsored: How adding a butler’s pantry enhances your home’s value and efficiency
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These rare, luxury residences in the Foothills community won’t last long. While all units are currently available in Building Four, Building One and Three are sold out, and there are just two units left for purchase within Building Two.
Make your maintenance-free, mountain living dreams a reality at Bergen Place at Hiwan. For more information or for help selling your current home, please contact Heather Graham directly at 720.201.4187 or Sean Endsley at 303.895.4663. For all of your real estate needs, contact LIV Sotheby’s International Realty by calling 303.893.3200 or visiting livsothebysrealty.com.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-10-30--Jackson: Broncos’ defense-vs.-offense sideline tiff shows team lacks chemistry needed to win in NFL

Bright football minds grace the Broncos coaching staff .
Ed Donatell , Pat Shurmur and Vic Fangio have 83 years of NFL coaching experience among them .
But football acumen is only half the battle .
Football coaches can drill you with X ’ s and O ’ s and prepare you for any football scenario you encounter , but they can ’ t teach you how to be a family .
That you have to learn on your own .
And that ’ s exactly what the Broncos appear to be lacking .
Battling on the field together is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting to know each other as people off the field .
Eating together .
Sitting around the locker room .
Enduring endless meetings .
Weight room sessions .
Hot tub .
Bus rides .
Airplanes .
Opposing locker rooms .
Hotels .
Restaurants .
Parties .
Charity events .
Trips to Vegas .
Afterparties .
Gentlemen ’ s clubs .
Shared experiences align the spirit , and spirit helps win football games .
The Broncos need to find some of that , and fast .
Tensions boiled over between the Broncos ’ defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Chiefs , revealing a fissure in the team that was bound to crack open eventually .
The Broncos have a top-tier defense , while the offense is at the bottom of the league in nearly every statistical category .
It ’ s the highest paid defense in the NFL and one of the youngest , most inexperienced offenses .
Fangio ’ s expertise is on defense and the team was built in his image — set up to dominate the offense every day at practice .
This might appease the defensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , but on game day , it results in lopsided performances .
Competitive football teams have balance .
They are good in all phases because the standard is the same throughout the team .
Every practice is competitive .
Anyone can win depending on the day .
They cut their teeth on one another with equal ferocity .
So if the defense is markedly better , which appears to be the case for the Broncos at the moment , then it ’ s on them to bring the offense up to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at them , but by demanding more at practice , in meetings , and amid the daily grind .
So , how do you recalibrate a lopsided team ?
Only those in that building know how to address that , because only they know the intricacies of their work week .
I have no idea where Coach Fangio spends his time during the day .
In his office ?
In the defensive meeting room ?
I do know that the offense needs some love .
Maybe Vic could lend some of his valuable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most — Pat Shurmur and the struggling Broncos offense .
And while he ’ s at it , maybe spend some time in special teams meetings , too .
Ed , you ’ ve got the fellas this week , I ’ m going to sit with Pat and Drew .
It is already a tall task for a new coach to unify a young team .
Add COVID-19 restrictions to the landscape , and you get what you had last week — an uneven team in search of an identity .
League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the offseason .
And although they are on the field together now , off the field , they ’ re still separated .
Meetings at home on Zoom , socially distanced at the facility , eating lunch in their cars .
No parties .
No dinners .
No nothing .
Just show up wearing a mask , keep your distance from each other and go play football .
Unfortunately for the Broncos , it ’ s not that easy .
Nate Jackson is a former wide receiver/tight end for the Broncos who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 104.3 FM The Fan .

Bright football minds grace the Broncos coaching staff. Ed Donatell, Pat Shurmur and Vic Fangio have 83 years of NFL coaching experience among them. But football acumen is only half the battle.
Football coaches can drill you with X’s and O’s and prepare you for any football scenario you encounter, but they can’t teach you how to be a family. That you have to learn on your own. And that’s exactly what the Broncos appear to be lacking.
Battling on the field together is one part. The other key is getting to know each other as people off the field. Eating together. Sitting around the locker room. Enduring endless meetings. Weight room sessions. Hot tub. Bus rides. Airplanes. Opposing locker rooms. Hotels. Restaurants. Parties. Charity events. Trips to Vegas. Afterparties. Gentlemen’s clubs. Shared experiences align the spirit, and spirit helps win football games.
The Broncos need to find some of that, and fast.
Tensions boiled over between the Broncos’ defense and offense last week in the loss to the Chiefs, revealing a fissure in the team that was bound to crack open eventually. The Broncos have a top-tier defense, while the offense is at the bottom of the league in nearly every statistical category.
It’s the highest paid defense in the NFL and one of the youngest, most inexperienced offenses. Fangio’s expertise is on defense and the team was built in his image — set up to dominate the offense every day at practice. This might appease the defensive ethos of the coaching staff during the week, but on game day, it results in lopsided performances.
Competitive football teams have balance. They are good in all phases because the standard is the same throughout the team. Every practice is competitive. Anyone can win depending on the day. They cut their teeth on one another with equal ferocity.
So if the defense is markedly better, which appears to be the case for the Broncos at the moment, then it’s on them to bring the offense up to their standard of play. Not by yelling at them, but by demanding more at practice, in meetings, and amid the daily grind.
So, how do you recalibrate a lopsided team? Only those in that building know how to address that, because only they know the intricacies of their work week. I have no idea where Coach Fangio spends his time during the day. In his office? In the defensive meeting room? I do know that the offense needs some love.
Maybe Vic could lend some of his valuable expertise to the wing that needs it most — Pat Shurmur and the struggling Broncos offense. And while he’s at it, maybe spend some time in special teams meetings, too. Ed, you’ve got the fellas this week, I’m going to sit with Pat and Drew.
It is already a tall task for a new coach to unify a young team. Add COVID-19 restrictions to the landscape, and you get what you had last week — an uneven team in search of an identity.
League protocol kept players away from each other during the offseason. And although they are on the field together now, off the field, they’re still separated. Meetings at home on Zoom, socially distanced at the facility, eating lunch in their cars. No parties. No dinners. No nothing. Just show up wearing a mask, keep your distance from each other and go play football.
Unfortunately for the Broncos, it’s not that easy.
Nate Jackson is a former wide receiver/tight end for the Broncos who lives in Denver. He works part-time for 104.3 FM The Fan.


thedenverpost--2020-10-30--In Castle Rock’s Pinon Soleil, custom main-floor master offers outdoor living in a pine forest

Despite Denver ’ s very-low-inventory market , Douglas County has numbers of luxury homes available now over $ 1.5 million—generally more dated ones from the 1980s and 1990s .
But Castle Rock expert-agent Kay Watson with Metro Brokers will show you a contemporary European styled custom home with a near-ranch-type layout that ’ s only four years old , with that newer , wide-open look that buyers are wanting now .
Castle Rock ’ s Pinon Soleil neighborhood is wrapped in ponderosa forest a mile down Founders Parkway from I-25 , making it one of the closest-in areas to Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residential setting .
There are just two homes on the market in the enclave—2130 Avenida del Sol being the largest , almost 6,800 sq .
feet finished , including a walkout level that opens to the one-acre site .
The main-floor master-suite plan offers another three bedrooms on the main , and a guest suite on the story-and-a-half level—lots of options , says Watson , for creating two very private home offices at a time when buyers are wanting that .
The price is $ 2,082,000 , for five bedrooms , six baths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gourmet kitchen with alder cabinets and a double oven , a master with private deck and a heated marble bath floor , and lots of custom detailing .
There ’ s a 4-car finished garage ; and the outdoor living spaces are exceptional , including a private courtyard with a fireplace and a vast wrap-around deck overlooking a piney gulch .
Watson raves about Pinon Soleil .
“ It ’ s neighborly , ” she says .
“ Everybody is out walking.
” The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s preparation .

Despite Denver’s very-low-inventory market, Douglas County has numbers of luxury homes available now over $1.5 million—generally more dated ones from the 1980s and 1990s. But Castle Rock expert-agent Kay Watson with Metro Brokers will show you a contemporary European styled custom home with a near-ranch-type layout that’s only four years old, with that newer, wide-open look that buyers are wanting now.
If you go… Where: 2130 Avenida Del Sol, Castle Rock. From I-25 take Exit 184, Founders/Meadows Pkwy, turn east on Founders 1.3 mi. to Avenida Del Sol
2130 Avenida Del Sol, Castle Rock. From I-25 take Exit 184, Founders/Meadows Pkwy, turn east on Founders 1.3 mi. to Avenida Del Sol Price: $2,082,000
$2,082,000 When: Sun Nov 1 and this week by appointment
Sun Nov 1 and this week by appointment Phone: 303-880-6300
Castle Rock’s Pinon Soleil neighborhood is wrapped in ponderosa forest a mile down Founders Parkway from I-25, making it one of the closest-in areas to Denver where you can find a naturally treed residential setting. There are just two homes on the market in the enclave—2130 Avenida del Sol being the largest, almost 6,800 sq. feet finished, including a walkout level that opens to the one-acre site. The main-floor master-suite plan offers another three bedrooms on the main, and a guest suite on the story-and-a-half level—lots of options, says Watson, for creating two very private home offices at a time when buyers are wanting that.
The price is $2,082,000, for five bedrooms, six baths, entertaining areas with forest views, a gourmet kitchen with alder cabinets and a double oven, a master with private deck and a heated marble bath floor, and lots of custom detailing. There’s a 4-car finished garage; and the outdoor living spaces are exceptional, including a private courtyard with a fireplace and a vast wrap-around deck overlooking a piney gulch.
Watson raves about Pinon Soleil. “It’s neighborly,” she says. “Everybody is out walking.”
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-10-31--Grateful Dead inspired bars will continue in Denver as Bianchi empire enters new chapter

In the 25 years since the Grateful Dead ’ s frontman and cultural icon Jerry Garcia died , perhaps no one has been as central to the Denver-area sizeable Deadhead scene as Jay Bianchi .
Bianchi , working with partners including his late brother Phil , has opened more than half a dozen Grateful Dead themed bars and music venues around town since 1996 , including Quixote ’ s True Blue , Cervantes ’ Masterpiece Ballroom and Sancho ’ s Broken Arrow , creating centers of gravity that pulled in like-minded people in Steal Your Face tie-dyes and others .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the law this spring when the city of Denver shut down two of his businesses , Sancho ’ s at 741 E. Colfax Ave. and Be on Key Psychedelic Ripple , 1700 Logan St. , within weeks of one another for violating public health orders barring on-site consumption .
That was the start of a new chapter for Bianchi and the Deadhead bar genre he ’ s cultivated in town .
As first reported by Westword , Bianchi agreed to sell Sancho ’ s earlier this year to Tyler Bishop , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who spent plenty of time in Bianchi ’ s bars over the years .
Bishop was also going to buy Be on Key but the landlord had other plans so it is no more , Bianchi said .
Sancho ’ s reopened in September , something the city allowed contingent on Bianchi transferring the liquor license to someone else , records show .
Bianchi still owns Quixote ’ s , 2014 S. University Blvd .
“ We agreed it would stay the same and if doesn ’ t , I can take my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s sale .
“ That ’ s kind of the agreement , so it doesn ’ t feel like it ’ s really lost .
It ’ s like it ’ s continuing.
” Bianchi is also helping Bishop open So Many Roads Museum and Brewery , a sprawling bar , restaurant , venue and , pending licensing , Bishop and Bianchi say , brewery at 918 W. First Ave .
The 15,000-square-foot project , taking over a brewing setup and canning line once owned by Renegade Brewing , is primed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dead-inspired bar and venue in Denver yet .
“ I bought into the brand , and it ’ s huge shoes to fill , ” Bishop , 42 , said Thursday night from behind the bar at So Many Roads , the Grateful Dead , naturally , playing on the jukebox .
“ But we ’ re providing a place for our community to hang out.
” Sancho ’ s is home to about 300 pieces of art and memorabilia owned by Bianchi , most of it Grateful Dead but with a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acts mixed in .
So Many Roads meanwhile has around 1,200 pieces in it , Bianchi estimates , thus the “ museum ” name .
Some of his brother ’ s ashes are encased in a marble that sits above the bar .
“ I designed it and I used all my artwork to help open it up , and I basically put my influence there .
I ’ m the historian , ” Bianchi said .
“ I feel like I am pretty good at creating good environments , but I kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and maybe I am not built for these ( COVID-19 ) restrictions .
I think it ’ s good for me to let other people deal with all the hassles.
” On Friday night , So Many Roads was set to welcome a public health order-capped capacity crowd for its grand opening celebration with live music from local band Three Days in the Saddle .
The kitchen isn ’ t fully set up yet , but Bianchi said sandwiches , fries and soup would be available as part of the festivities with Bishop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come .
Bishop and Bianchi have high hopes for the place named , of course , for a Dead song but also as an homage to the paths they both took to get to this point .
“ We ’ re proud of this .
We put a lot of work into it , ” Bishop said .
They ’ re already tossing around beer names like Sancho ’ s Broken Ale and Quixote ’ s True Brew .
They noted the project would not even have been available to them if not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
“ It ’ s been , like , not the best year but I think what it did do is it allowed the art that I had to be seen in a most positive light , in a museum atmosphere , ” Bianchi said .
“ I think everything works out .
”

In the 25 years since the Grateful Dead’s frontman and cultural icon Jerry Garcia died, perhaps no one has been as central to the Denver-area sizeable Deadhead scene as Jay Bianchi.
Bianchi, working with partners including his late brother Phil, has opened more than half a dozen Grateful Dead themed bars and music venues around town since 1996, including Quixote’s True Blue, Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom and Sancho’s Broken Arrow, creating centers of gravity that pulled in like-minded people in Steal Your Face tie-dyes and others.
The 52-year-old ran afoul of the pandemic and the law this spring when the city of Denver shut down two of his businesses, Sancho’s at 741 E. Colfax Ave. and Be on Key Psychedelic Ripple, 1700 Logan St., within weeks of one another for violating public health orders barring on-site consumption.
That was the start of a new chapter for Bianchi and the Deadhead bar genre he’s cultivated in town.
As first reported by Westword, Bianchi agreed to sell Sancho’s earlier this year to Tyler Bishop, a 20-year restaurant industry veteran and Colorado native who spent plenty of time in Bianchi’s bars over the years.
Bishop was also going to buy Be on Key but the landlord had other plans so it is no more, Bianchi said. Sancho’s reopened in September, something the city allowed contingent on Bianchi transferring the liquor license to someone else, records show. Bianchi still owns Quixote’s, 2014 S. University Blvd.
“We agreed it would stay the same and if doesn’t, I can take my stuff,” Bianchi said of Sancho’s sale. “That’s kind of the agreement, so it doesn’t feel like it’s really lost. It’s like it’s continuing.”
Bianchi is also helping Bishop open So Many Roads Museum and Brewery, a sprawling bar, restaurant, venue and, pending licensing, Bishop and Bianchi say, brewery at 918 W. First Ave. The 15,000-square-foot project, taking over a brewing setup and canning line once owned by Renegade Brewing, is primed to be maybe the biggest and most ambitious Dead-inspired bar and venue in Denver yet.
“I bought into the brand, and it’s huge shoes to fill,” Bishop, 42, said Thursday night from behind the bar at So Many Roads, the Grateful Dead, naturally, playing on the jukebox. “But we’re providing a place for our community to hang out.”
Sancho’s is home to about 300 pieces of art and memorabilia owned by Bianchi, most of it Grateful Dead but with a few other jam bands and other classic rock acts mixed in. So Many Roads meanwhile has around 1,200 pieces in it, Bianchi estimates, thus the “museum” name. Some of his brother’s ashes are encased in a marble that sits above the bar.
“I designed it and I used all my artwork to help open it up, and I basically put my influence there. I’m the historian,” Bianchi said. “I feel like I am pretty good at creating good environments, but I kind of like to let stuff run itself and maybe I am not built for these (COVID-19) restrictions. I think it’s good for me to let other people deal with all the hassles.”
On Friday night, So Many Roads was set to welcome a public health order-capped capacity crowd for its grand opening celebration with live music from local band Three Days in the Saddle. The kitchen isn’t fully set up yet, but Bianchi said sandwiches, fries and soup would be available as part of the festivities with Bishop working on a more eclectic menu to come.
Bishop and Bianchi have high hopes for the place named, of course, for a Dead song but also as an homage to the paths they both took to get to this point.
“We’re proud of this. We put a lot of work into it,” Bishop said.
They’re already tossing around beer names like Sancho’s Broken Ale and Quixote’s True Brew. They noted the project would not even have been available to them if not for previous occupants leaving because of the pandemic.
“It’s been, like, not the best year but I think what it did do is it allowed the art that I had to be seen in a most positive light, in a museum atmosphere,” Bianchi said. “I think everything works out.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-31--Denver yet to open sanctioned homeless encampment 4 months after announcing idea

Four months and more than four inches of snow since Mayor Michael Hancock announced that Denver would create its first sanctioned homeless encampment , that promise has yet to materialize .
Numerous setbacks have left advocates frustrated and disappointed .
Some blame Hancock for failing to lock down a location in the face of predictable opposition .
Still , as winter approaches , they aren ’ t giving up on creating legal places for people experiencing homelessness to camp in Denver .
Two sites have been proposed , only to be scuttled after residents and businesses objected .
Hancock could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t , said Cathy Alderman , of the Colorado Coalition for the homeless .
“ This wasn ’ t a priority for him , ” she said .
“ He was reluctant to endorse the idea , never put a lot of political will behind it.
” And the weather ’ s only growing colder .
“ We ’ re running out of options for people , ” Alderman said .
But that ’ s not a reason to give up hope or stop working toward Denver ’ s first sanctioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s as much a concrete goal as a symbolic one .
City officials maintain they ’ re working diligently to find the first encampment site and point to new shelter space and other efforts as signs of progress .
“ At each point we ’ re learning more , ” said Britta Fisher , Denver ’ s chief housing officer .
“ We ’ ve opened up temporary shelters to meet the need .
… We want to continue to invite our unhoused neighbors to come inside , and they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Generally there ’ s support in the community but once a specific site is named , nearby residents and businesses balk , Fisher said .
While the first encampment has yet to materialize , Denver will likely need several to substantially help the homeless population , many have said .
Each is sure to face opposition .
Hancock spokesperson Theresa Marchetta said the mayor is fully committed to supporting the encampments , called safe outdoor spaces .
The work is part of the administration ’ s broader coronavirus response strategy , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last few months that more community engagement is needed to explain that these sites are not the unsafe and unregulated kinds of encampments that we will not allow to persist , ” Marchetta said .
When the mayor announced that he would allow sanctioned encampments — stressing their temporary nature — on July 1 , he also unveiled local measure 2B with City Councilwoman Robin Kniech .
That measure , on the 2020 ballot , would increase city sales and use taxes , raising millions each year to combat homelessness .
Kniech has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat , creative solutions like the encampments .
But when asked about a lack of progress on the issue in October , the councilwoman — through a spokesperson — declined to comment .
Cole Chandler , executive director of the Colorado Village Collaborative , remains optimistic that the first encampment could still be ready before Christmas .
Since August , the nonprofit has had the money and staffing ready to operate a site for six months once the city selects it .
“ I ’ m disappointed in Denver , in our ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of inclusivity , belonging , health and stability to lead us forward on this issue , ” Chandler said .
The first proposed encampment location at the Denver Coliseum parking lot drew significant pushback from neighbors , while the second in the Blair-Caldwell plaza drew more opposition from the business community .
The second location , in Five Points , had been endorsed by the Curtis Park Neighborhood organization , Chandler has noted .
Plus , people experiencing homelessness were already living in the area and a sanctioned encampment would have cleaned up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What does it say about us as a people that we can ’ t make space in our neighborhoods for people who are already living there ?
” he said .
Five CEOs of Denver-based oil and gas companies wrote Hancock this month expressing concern for the homeless population downtown , signaling likely opposition to any sanctioned encampment in the city center .
“ Collectively , we urge you to increase police presence downtown , enforce the Urban Camping Ordinance , and drive forward policies that will restore Downtown Denver — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — to the vibrant center of commerce it once was , ” the letter said .
Any location proposed will have pushback , and Hancock is the only one who can overcome that obstacle directly , said City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca .
She pointed to a lack of leadership from the administration — with which she frequently clashes — and said that Hancock even delegated selecting the sites to council members when his administration should have taken the lead .
Both of the rejected sites sit inside CdeBaca ’ s district .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other about where it ’ s going to go , ” she said .
“ This is the one instance where the unilateral power that we ’ ve concentrated in the mayor ’ s hands should be worth something.
” At the same time , Hancock ’ s administration has continued to clear out illegal encampments around town , contrary to the recommendations of federal and other public health experts .
CdeBaca questioned why city-owned properties like parking lots or recreation centers — which have been closed since March and will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be used as temporary shelters .
She estimated that each time the city clears an unsanctioned encampment — colloquially called a sweep — the cost is at least $ 10,000 .
That money could be spent more wisely and effectively , she said .
“ It blows my mind that we ’ d rather sit on empty space than allow that space to be a safe place for people to go , ” CdeBaca said .
“ We ’ d rather spend the money shuffling them around.
” Fisher said City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow officials to grant emergency zoning waivers on lots owned by the government and nonprofits to quickly erect an encampment .
Recreation centers , however , pose a difficulty because of their designation as parks , she said .
And the city published a new request for proposals Wednesday , Fisher said , that could bring to light new site possibilities .
She declined to discuss the sweeps .
Chandler said he ’ s focusing less on city-owned properties now and looking more toward private property owners .
“ We ’ re down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve got to do something different , ” Chandler said .
Opening the first encampment is important because not only are people already sleeping on the streets and in need of a safe place to stay , but it will set a precedent that hopefully makes subsequent encampments easier to launch , Chandler said .
He , Alderman and CdeBaca continue to express optimism that the city ’ s first encampment could still open this year .

Four months and more than four inches of snow since Mayor Michael Hancock announced that Denver would create its first sanctioned homeless encampment, that promise has yet to materialize.
Numerous setbacks have left advocates frustrated and disappointed. Some blame Hancock for failing to lock down a location in the face of predictable opposition. Still, as winter approaches, they aren’t giving up on creating legal places for people experiencing homelessness to camp in Denver.
Two sites have been proposed, only to be scuttled after residents and businesses objected. Hancock could have stood strong on those sites but didn’t, said Cathy Alderman, of the Colorado Coalition for the homeless.
“This wasn’t a priority for him,” she said. “He was reluctant to endorse the idea, never put a lot of political will behind it.”
And the weather’s only growing colder.
“We’re running out of options for people,” Alderman said.
But that’s not a reason to give up hope or stop working toward Denver’s first sanctioned encampment, Alderman and others said. It’s as much a concrete goal as a symbolic one.
City officials maintain they’re working diligently to find the first encampment site and point to new shelter space and other efforts as signs of progress.
“At each point we’re learning more,” said Britta Fisher, Denver’s chief housing officer. “We’ve opened up temporary shelters to meet the need. … We want to continue to invite our unhoused neighbors to come inside, and they have been coming. Our numbers are up.”
Generally there’s support in the community but once a specific site is named, nearby residents and businesses balk, Fisher said.
While the first encampment has yet to materialize, Denver will likely need several to substantially help the homeless population, many have said. Each is sure to face opposition.
Hancock spokesperson Theresa Marchetta said the mayor is fully committed to supporting the encampments, called safe outdoor spaces. The work is part of the administration’s broader coronavirus response strategy, she said.
“We learned over the last few months that more community engagement is needed to explain that these sites are not the unsafe and unregulated kinds of encampments that we will not allow to persist,” Marchetta said.
When the mayor announced that he would allow sanctioned encampments — stressing their temporary nature — on July 1, he also unveiled local measure 2B with City Councilwoman Robin Kniech. That measure, on the 2020 ballot, would increase city sales and use taxes, raising millions each year to combat homelessness.
Kniech has urged Denverites to welcome, rather than combat, creative solutions like the encampments. But when asked about a lack of progress on the issue in October, the councilwoman — through a spokesperson — declined to comment.
Cole Chandler, executive director of the Colorado Village Collaborative, remains optimistic that the first encampment could still be ready before Christmas. Since August, the nonprofit has had the money and staffing ready to operate a site for six months once the city selects it.
“I’m disappointed in Denver, in our ability to think creatively and allow our values of inclusivity, belonging, health and stability to lead us forward on this issue,” Chandler said.
The first proposed encampment location at the Denver Coliseum parking lot drew significant pushback from neighbors, while the second in the Blair-Caldwell plaza drew more opposition from the business community.
The second location, in Five Points, had been endorsed by the Curtis Park Neighborhood organization, Chandler has noted. Plus, people experiencing homelessness were already living in the area and a sanctioned encampment would have cleaned up the space and kept it safer.
“What does it say about us as a people that we can’t make space in our neighborhoods for people who are already living there?” he said.
Five CEOs of Denver-based oil and gas companies wrote Hancock this month expressing concern for the homeless population downtown, signaling likely opposition to any sanctioned encampment in the city center.
“Collectively, we urge you to increase police presence downtown, enforce the Urban Camping Ordinance, and drive forward policies that will restore Downtown Denver — the economic hub of the Rocky Mountain West — to the vibrant center of commerce it once was,” the letter said.
Any location proposed will have pushback, and Hancock is the only one who can overcome that obstacle directly, said City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca. She pointed to a lack of leadership from the administration — with which she frequently clashes — and said that Hancock even delegated selecting the sites to council members when his administration should have taken the lead.
Both of the rejected sites sit inside CdeBaca’s district.
“We shouldn’t have to fight each other about where it’s going to go,” she said. “This is the one instance where the unilateral power that we’ve concentrated in the mayor’s hands should be worth something.”
At the same time, Hancock’s administration has continued to clear out illegal encampments around town, contrary to the recommendations of federal and other public health experts.
CdeBaca questioned why city-owned properties like parking lots or recreation centers — which have been closed since March and will remain closed at least until April — couldn’t be used as temporary shelters.
She estimated that each time the city clears an unsanctioned encampment — colloquially called a sweep — the cost is at least $10,000. That money could be spent more wisely and effectively, she said.
“It blows my mind that we’d rather sit on empty space than allow that space to be a safe place for people to go,” CdeBaca said. “We’d rather spend the money shuffling them around.”
Fisher said City Council recently passed a measure that would allow officials to grant emergency zoning waivers on lots owned by the government and nonprofits to quickly erect an encampment. Recreation centers, however, pose a difficulty because of their designation as parks, she said.
And the city published a new request for proposals Wednesday, Fisher said, that could bring to light new site possibilities. She declined to discuss the sweeps.
Chandler said he’s focusing less on city-owned properties now and looking more toward private property owners.
“We’re down 0-2 in the count now; we’ve got to do something different,” Chandler said.
Opening the first encampment is important because not only are people already sleeping on the streets and in need of a safe place to stay, but it will set a precedent that hopefully makes subsequent encampments easier to launch, Chandler said.
He, Alderman and CdeBaca continue to express optimism that the city’s first encampment could still open this year.


thedenverpost--2020-10-31--Jared Polis: Proposition EE will help our schools, economy and public health

Coloradans have the opportunity this year to help our schools , fight the teen vaping crisis , and make our state more affordable for families — all by marking “ yes ” on Proposition EE on our ballots .
This ballot measure will provide free preschool access to every four-year-old in Colorado .
Prop .
EE also restores crucial public school funding that was lost due to COVID-19 budget cuts — money that will go a long way to help our schools return to full-time in-person learning as quickly and safely as possible .
I encourage every Coloradan to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature to bring together business , health care , and education leaders from across Colorado to advise us as we crafted the bipartisan Proposition EE and referred the measure to the voters .
The result is that at a time when our country is more divided than ever politically , Prop .
EE has far-reaching support from across the ideological spectrum .
Its endorsers range from the American Heart Association to teachers unions , from the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce to the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s because Prop .
EE helps Colorado families in ways we can all agree are worthwhile — paid for in a manner that is thoughtful , practical and science-driven .
Let ’ s start with how it will be paid for .
Prop .
EE closes a tax loophole whose greatest beneficiary is tobacco executives .
Currently , Colorado has among the lowest cigarette taxes in the country — and vaping products are excluded from the tax altogether .
It ’ s no coincidence that we ’ re also among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaping .
Prop .
EE gradually brings our cigarette tax into line with other states , while closing the vape tax loophole so that vaping products are taxed like every other tobacco product .
Health experts from the American Lung Association to Children ’ s Hospital Colorado agree that these changes will reduce teen vaping , helping our kids avoid the harmful long-term health consequences of nicotine use and , in the long run , reducing health care costs .
In addition , all Prop .
EE funds will be audited every year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that the money is going exactly where the voters say .
Prop EE will also provide free , universal preschool access for every Colorado family .
Study after study has shown that quality preschool narrows the achievement gap and improves educational , economic , and health outcomes throughout a child ’ s life .
Kids who go to preschool are more likely to read at grade level in elementary school , graduate high school on time , avoid contact with the criminal justice system , and earn better wages as adults .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Equally clear are the benefits to parents and families .
Preschool in Colorado can easily exceed $ 1,000 per month .
That ’ s money that could instead go toward paying for essentials , starting a business , or saving for the future .
And providing preschool opportunities enables parents to return to work faster if they choose , move forward in their careers , and earn better wages .
Prop .
EE is a win-win solution : by closing a special interest tax loophole that is harmful to our kids ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for every four-year-old , healthier families , and better schools .
Let ’ s come together and turn that vision into reality , Colorado .
Yes on Prop EE .
Jared Polis is the governor of Colorado .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Coloradans have the opportunity this year to help our schools, fight the teen vaping crisis, and make our state more affordable for families — all by marking “yes” on Proposition EE on our ballots.
This ballot measure will provide free preschool access to every four-year-old in Colorado. Prop. EE also restores crucial public school funding that was lost due to COVID-19 budget cuts — money that will go a long way to help our schools return to full-time in-person learning as quickly and safely as possible. I encourage every Coloradan to vote yes.
This spring, I worked with the Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature to bring together business, health care, and education leaders from across Colorado to advise us as we crafted the bipartisan Proposition EE and referred the measure to the voters. The result is that at a time when our country is more divided than ever politically, Prop. EE has far-reaching support from across the ideological spectrum. Its endorsers range from the American Heart Association to teachers unions, from the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce to the state’s most conservative newspaper editorial board.
That’s because Prop. EE helps Colorado families in ways we can all agree are worthwhile — paid for in a manner that is thoughtful, practical and science-driven.
Let’s start with how it will be paid for. Prop. EE closes a tax loophole whose greatest beneficiary is tobacco executives.
Currently, Colorado has among the lowest cigarette taxes in the country — and vaping products are excluded from the tax altogether. It’s no coincidence that we’re also among the states with the highest rate of teen vaping. Prop. EE gradually brings our cigarette tax into line with other states, while closing the vape tax loophole so that vaping products are taxed like every other tobacco product.
Health experts from the American Lung Association to Children’s Hospital Colorado agree that these changes will reduce teen vaping, helping our kids avoid the harmful long-term health consequences of nicotine use and, in the long run, reducing health care costs. In addition, all Prop. EE funds will be audited every year — so the people of Colorado will know that the money is going exactly where the voters say.
Prop EE will also provide free, universal preschool access for every Colorado family. Study after study has shown that quality preschool narrows the achievement gap and improves educational, economic, and health outcomes throughout a child’s life. Kids who go to preschool are more likely to read at grade level in elementary school, graduate high school on time, avoid contact with the criminal justice system, and earn better wages as adults. Every child in Colorado deserves this opportunity.
Equally clear are the benefits to parents and families. Preschool in Colorado can easily exceed $1,000 per month. That’s money that could instead go toward paying for essentials, starting a business, or saving for the future. And providing preschool opportunities enables parents to return to work faster if they choose, move forward in their careers, and earn better wages.
Prop. EE is a win-win solution: by closing a special interest tax loophole that is harmful to our kids’ health, we gain free preschool access for every four-year-old, healthier families, and better schools.
Let’s come together and turn that vision into reality, Colorado. Yes on Prop EE.
Jared Polis is the governor of Colorado.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-10-31--Frederick auto dealership adds canopies, solar panels to guard against hail and produce electricity

To avoid the fallout from one aspect of Colorado weather — hail — and take advantage of another — abundant sun — an auto dealership in Frederick has combined protective canopies with doubled-sided solar panels .
Stapp Interstate Toyota collaborated with VPS , which produces structures for outside parking , and IPOWER Alliance , made up of companies and organizations that service the auto industry .
The new structures provide more than 53,000 square feet of protection for vehicles on the 9-acre dealership .
It ’ s believed that the coupling of the protective canopies and solar panels is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Brion Stapp , the dealership ’ s owner .
At the start , the primary motivation behind the project was to reduce the hail damage and try to cut insurance costs , which have shot up with increasingly destructive storms .
“ Our weather patterns have changed dramatically over the last three or four years , ” Stapp said .
The dealership , which opened in 1974 in Longmont , has suffered millions of dollars in hail damage and insurance premiums have skyrocketed , Stapp added .
Colorado is second after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Carole Walker , executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association , said in an email .
The Front Range is in the heart of what ’ s called “ Hail Alley ” because it receives the highest frequency of large hail in North America and most of the world , according to the association .
In the last 10 years , hailstorms have caused more than $ 5 billion in insured damage in Colorado .
Stapp said more car dealerships are installing protective coverings .
The canopies at his business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special mesh fabric .
The 720 double-sided solar panels are installed on metal poles above and at the edge of the canopies .
Stapp said the panels will generate enough electricity to meet 100 % of the dealership ’ s needs .
The investment in the project was substantial , Stapp said , but solar tax credits and other benefits “ helped us take the leap of faith.
” And Stapp isn ’ t worried about hail damage to the panels .
The panels are tilted , so blows from the hail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stapp said , replacing solar panels should cost considerably less than paying for damaged vehicles .

To avoid the fallout from one aspect of Colorado weather — hail — and take advantage of another — abundant sun — an auto dealership in Frederick has combined protective canopies with doubled-sided solar panels.
Stapp Interstate Toyota collaborated with VPS, which produces structures for outside parking, and IPOWER Alliance, made up of companies and organizations that service the auto industry. The new structures provide more than 53,000 square feet of protection for vehicles on the 9-acre dealership.
It’s believed that the coupling of the protective canopies and solar panels is the first of its kind in the U.S., said Brion Stapp, the dealership’s owner. At the start, the primary motivation behind the project was to reduce the hail damage and try to cut insurance costs, which have shot up with increasingly destructive storms.
“Our weather patterns have changed dramatically over the last three or four years,” Stapp said.
The dealership, which opened in 1974 in Longmont, has suffered millions of dollars in hail damage and insurance premiums have skyrocketed, Stapp added.
Colorado is second after Texas for insurance losses from hail damage, Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, said in an email.
The Front Range is in the heart of what’s called “Hail Alley” because it receives the highest frequency of large hail in North America and most of the world, according to the association. In the last 10 years, hailstorms have caused more than $5 billion in insured damage in Colorado.
Stapp said more car dealerships are installing protective coverings. The canopies at his business are made of powder-coated steel structures and a special mesh fabric.
The 720 double-sided solar panels are installed on metal poles above and at the edge of the canopies. Stapp said the panels will generate enough electricity to meet 100% of the dealership’s needs.
The investment in the project was substantial, Stapp said, but solar tax credits and other benefits “helped us take the leap of faith.”
And Stapp isn’t worried about hail damage to the panels. The panels are tilted, so blows from the hail will be somewhat deflected. Besides, Stapp said, replacing solar panels should cost considerably less than paying for damaged vehicles.


thedenverpost--2020-10-31--Week 8 NFL Picks: Pittsburgh takes unbeaten record to Baltimore for AFC North showdown

The Ravens are a 3 1/2-point home favorite despite looking up at Pittsburgh in the AFC North .
But Sunday is when the Ravens take control of the division .
Yes , the Steelers were impressive in last week ’ s win at Tennessee , but we ’ re thinking Baltimore used the bye week to fix its 31st-ranked passing game .
The Packers are a 6 1/2-point home favorite .
Minnesota traded pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue and officially lost Danielle Hunter for the season ( neck surgery ) during its bye .
Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers will face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from Chicago in the NFC North .
The Dolphins are coming off their bye .
The Rams are working on a short week .
The Dolphins are debuting a new quarterback ( Tua Tagovailoa ) .
And the Rams are flying from the West Coast and playing at 10 a.m. body-clock time .
Add it all up and it leads us to a Dolphins win as a 4-point home underdog .
Around the AFC : Dolphins turn to Tua despite Fitzpatrick ’ s mostly solid play Broncos ’ record safe .
Back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they were a 26 1/2-point favorite over Jacksonville in October 2013 .
The Broncos won 35-19 .
Their record is safe even though the 0-7 Jets play at 6-1 Kansas City Sunday .
That line opened at 20 1/2 points and was 19 1/2 at midweek .
Only eight games in modern NFL history have had a point spread of at least 20 points .
Tua debuts for Dolphins .
Miami was 3-3 last week heading into its bye when coach Brian Flores made the call to start rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , seven interceptions and a 95.0 rating ) .
This must have been the Dolphins ’ plan all along .
Remember , Miami ’ s bye was originally Week 11 , which would have given Tagovailoa plenty of time to get prepared .
The time table has been pushed up , though , and Tagovailoa joins Cincinnati ’ s Joe Burrow and the Chargers ’ Justin Herbert as starting 2020 first-round quarterbacks .
Marrone “ fired up.
” It was great to hear Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone ’ s zeal during his bye-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have allowed at least 30 points in each loss .
They ’ re not very good .
But Marrone said , “ I ’ m not going to bull- ( bleep ) anyone — I ’ m kind of fired up .
… I want to go a little bit outside the box .
I want to challenge these coaches and challenge these players.
” Our take on Marrone ’ s optimism : Owner Shad Khan told him early in the week he would remain on the job for the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well below .500 , Eagles , Cowboys face off for first place in division NFC Least .
Some team has to win the awful NFC East and that team will get to host a first-round playoff game … as it should be .
The national media are up in arms over the putrid performance of Philadelphia ( 2-4-1 ) , Dallas/Washington ( 2-5 ) and the New York Giants ( 1-6 ) , but we guarantee the division winner will have at least eight wins .
The Eagles are a 7 1/2-point home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an indictment on the state of the Cowboys .
It was a bad look that nobody on the Cowboys ’ offense confronted Washington linebacker Jon Bostic last week after his dirty and reckless hit on quarterback Andy Dalton ( who was injured ) .
The Cowboys don ’ t have a pulse .
Yards , not wins .
Atlanta defeated Carolina on Thursday night and will get the weekend to rest up for the Broncos .
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is a classic example of how passing yards don ’ t equal wins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three passers in yards were Ryan ( 2,181 ) , Houston ’ s Deshaun Watson ( 2,095 ) and Cincinnati ’ s Joe Burrow ( 2,023 ) .
Their teams ’ combined record was 3-17-1 .
If the Falcons bottom out to the No .
1 pick , which will be difficult so long as the Jets keep being the Jets , Atlanta could be an attractive destination for Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence .
San Francisco surging .
We may have written off the 49ers too early after they were routed at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 2-3 .
The 49ers beat the Los Angeles Rams 24-16 and New England 33-6 to get back to .500 .
Now comes a trip to Seattle .
We ’ ll pick San Francisco for the upset because the Seahawks ’ defense remains horrible — they ’ re on pace to allow the most yards , first downs and passing yards in NFL history .

Game of the week
Pittsburgh at Baltimore
The Ravens are a 3 1/2-point home favorite despite looking up at Pittsburgh in the AFC North. But Sunday is when the Ravens take control of the division. Yes, the Steelers were impressive in last week’s win at Tennessee, but we’re thinking Baltimore used the bye week to fix its 31st-ranked passing game.
Ravens 31, Steelers 27
Lock of the week
Minnesota at Green Bay
The Packers are a 6 1/2-point home favorite. Minnesota traded pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue and officially lost Danielle Hunter for the season (neck surgery) during its bye. Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers will face little-to-no-resistance as the Packers start to pull away from Chicago in the NFC North.
Packers 41, Vikings 20
Upset of the week
L.A. Rams at Miami
The Dolphins are coming off their bye. The Rams are working on a short week. The Dolphins are debuting a new quarterback (Tua Tagovailoa). And the Rams are flying from the West Coast and playing at 10 a.m. body-clock time. Add it all up and it leads us to a Dolphins win as a 4-point home underdog.
Dolphins 24, Rams 20
Around the AFC: Dolphins turn to Tua despite Fitzpatrick’s mostly solid play
Around the AFC
Broncos’ record safe. Back in the glory days of Broncos football, they were a 26 1/2-point favorite over Jacksonville in October 2013. The Broncos won 35-19. Their record is safe even though the 0-7 Jets play at 6-1 Kansas City Sunday. That line opened at 20 1/2 points and was 19 1/2 at midweek. Only eight games in modern NFL history have had a point spread of at least 20 points.
Tua debuts for Dolphins. Miami was 3-3 last week heading into its bye when coach Brian Flores made the call to start rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and sit Ryan Fitzpatrick (10 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 95.0 rating). This must have been the Dolphins’ plan all along. Remember, Miami’s bye was originally Week 11, which would have given Tagovailoa plenty of time to get prepared. The time table has been pushed up, though, and Tagovailoa joins Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow and the Chargers’ Justin Herbert as starting 2020 first-round quarterbacks.
Marrone “fired up.” It was great to hear Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone’s zeal during his bye-week press conference. The Jaguars are 1-6 and have allowed at least 30 points in each loss. They’re not very good. But Marrone said, “I’m not going to bull-(bleep) anyone — I’m kind of fired up. … I want to go a little bit outside the box. I want to challenge these coaches and challenge these players.” Our take on Marrone’s optimism: Owner Shad Khan told him early in the week he would remain on the job for the rest of the season.
Around the NFC: Well below .500, Eagles, Cowboys face off for first place in division
Around the NFC
NFC Least. Some team has to win the awful NFC East and that team will get to host a first-round playoff game … as it should be. The national media are up in arms over the putrid performance of Philadelphia (2-4-1), Dallas/Washington (2-5) and the New York Giants (1-6), but we guarantee the division winner will have at least eight wins. The Eagles are a 7 1/2-point home favorite over Dallas on Sunday night, an indictment on the state of the Cowboys. It was a bad look that nobody on the Cowboys’ offense confronted Washington linebacker Jon Bostic last week after his dirty and reckless hit on quarterback Andy Dalton (who was injured). The Cowboys don’t have a pulse.
Yards, not wins. Atlanta defeated Carolina on Thursday night and will get the weekend to rest up for the Broncos. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is a classic example of how passing yards don’t equal wins. Entering Week 8, the top three passers in yards were Ryan (2,181), Houston’s Deshaun Watson (2,095) and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow (2,023). Their teams’ combined record was 3-17-1. If the Falcons bottom out to the No. 1 pick, which will be difficult so long as the Jets keep being the Jets, Atlanta could be an attractive destination for Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence.
San Francisco surging. We may have written off the 49ers too early after they were routed at home by Miami in Week 5 to fall to 2-3. The 49ers beat the Los Angeles Rams 24-16 and New England 33-6 to get back to .500. Now comes a trip to Seattle. We’ll pick San Francisco for the upset because the Seahawks’ defense remains horrible — they’re on pace to allow the most yards, first downs and passing yards in NFL history.


thedenverpost--2020-10-31--A plan for Broncos QB Drew Lock after the first roadblock of his NFL career

The NFL is in the midst of another offensive revolution .
Teams have combined for 5,329 points and 588 offensive touchdowns — the most in league history through seven weeks .
Quarterbacks have a collective passer rating of 94.5 and completion percentage of 68.5 , also records .
Seven teams are averaging at least 30 points per game , the most in 50 years .
And punts are down 20 % compared to last year ( 911 to 733 ) .
And then there are the Broncos .
The mistake-prone Broncos — tied for second in turnovers ( 14 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lock ranks 32nd in passer rating ( 63.3 ) .
Lock is where it all starts .
If he gets well , the offense has a chance to define itself in a new light , beginning Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers .
If he stays the same , the 2-4 Broncos will slide into sole possession of the AFC West basement by game ’ s end .
But the conundrum facing coach Vic Fangio and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is also clear : The Broncos are leaning on an army of NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t provide the luxury of having growing pains .
“ I looked out on the field ( last week ) and there were five guys that a year ago were playing college football , ” said Shurmur , referring to center Lloyd Cushenberry , tight end Albert Okwuegbunam and receivers Jerry Jeudy , KJ Hamler and Tyrie Cleveland .
“ It ’ s a young team and they have to grow quickly because we have to put a plan together and execute in a way to win games each week.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a combined two offensive touchdowns in the last two games ?
Here are some suggestions : Lock ’ s completion percentage is 55.9 % — lowest of the 32 quarterbacks with at least 100 pass attempts this year .
By calling some shorter passes , Shurmur will get Lock in a rhythm and create open-space plays for his running backs .
The Broncos ’ screen game has been non-existent , period .
In training camp , the defense regularly snuffed out screen passes , but that part of the scheme should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good weapon for the offense , ” Fangio said .
“ Ours hasn ’ t been really successful yet the few times we ’ ve done it , and like anything else when it hasn ’ t worked , you ’ re a little reluctant to call it .
It ’ s definitely something that we ’ ve looked at each and every week.
” In Week 1 , Lock was 8-of-8 on pass attempts that didn ’ t travel across the line of scrimmage , but for only 24 yards ( three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lock completed six passes that didn ’ t cross the line and only one gained more than five yards ( 11 yards by Melvin Gordon , who fumbled on the play ) .
A veteran offensive assistant was asked how the Broncos should get Lock on track against the Chargers .
“ Easy completions and quick game to tight ends and running backs , ” the assistant coach said .
“ That will slow the rush .
Screens are good if down and distance dictate it .
Allow those things to set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lock ’ s most telling comments during his Wednesday video conference was saying he has to “ trust ” his offensive line more .
Lock must trust his offensive tackles to contain the edges and must train/trust himself to stay in the pocket instead of throwing on the run , which needlessly increases the degree of difficulty .
“ My whole life , I ’ ve just kind of been a run-around , go-make-plays ( quarterback ) , ” he said .
“ The Chiefs played big zones against us and forced me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t doing it .
I was running around and , in turn , forcing balls downfield a little bit.
” Staying in the pocket will allow Lock to go through his route progression — 1 to 2 to 3 — instead of 1 to scrambling .
The Broncos shouldn ’ t take the athleticism out of Lock ’ s game , but continue to harp that at this level , the players pursuing him are also athletic and the best strategy is to stay put .
“ You want to be aggressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the defense presents down the field ; it ’ s also important that you get completions , ” Shurmur said .
Another assistant , who studied Lock during the offseason , suggested not using the shotgun formation .
“ He has better footwork when he ’ s under center , ” the assistant said .
“ It keeps him from retreating in the pocket.
” On the flip side of climbing the pocket , the assistant said planned movements like naked bootlegs are “ good ” for Lock .
It is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have caused issues .
Lock has been sacked six times this year and The Denver Post ’ s game charting booked him for 1 1/2 of those , not counting those by unblocked rushers .
Extending the play has a risk ( Lock was injured at Pittsburgh ) and reward ( he threw 27 yards to Tim Patrick last week on a planned rollout that took 3.63 seconds ) .
“ I can be a lot better ( at managing the game ) and that ’ s a big goal of mine this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts into his NFL career , Lock hit his first real roadblock last Sunday .
“ When you play quarterback , you ’ re going to get criticized , ” he said .
“ I was criticized plenty of times at the University of Missouri .
It ’ s what we signed up to do , but this is also what we love to do.
” The Broncos ’ coaches need to keep Lock confident ( that shouldn ’ t be a problem ) , but also keep giving him shots downfield .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is chunk plays .
The Broncos have 37 “ explosive ” completions this year ( gain of at least 16 yards ) .
On attempts of at least 16 “ air ” yards at New England , Lock was 4-of-11 passing for 109 yards and two interceptions .
Against Kansas City , he was 1-of-5 for 27 yards .
“ We ’ re going to keep that explosive mentality , ” Lock said .
“ Attack downfield , mix in the run game , be great in both run and pass .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can , but with a real attacking mindset.
” Outside of the deep shots , the Broncos would be wise to work Jeudy in on the type of crossing routes he excelled at in camp .
And why not put in a sixth offensive lineman like Calvin Anderson to add some heft to the run game and an extra pass protector for a deep shot ?
At 2-4 and averaging 19.3 points per game , everything should be on the table .
But it starts with Lock .
General manager John Elway entrusted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offseason and Sunday will be his first true opportunity to show how he responds to adversity .
“ We still have ( 10 games left ) and I think he ’ ll bounce back , ” Fangio said .
“ A thing I like about Drew is that after a bad play — or in this case , a so-called ‘ bad game ’ — he doesn ’ t let himself get dragged down .
He plays the next play and the next game with the same confidence and energy as he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better.
” Where the Broncos ’ offense ranks in the NFL through Week 7 ’ s games :

The NFL is in the midst of another offensive revolution.
Teams have combined for 5,329 points and 588 offensive touchdowns — the most in league history through seven weeks. Quarterbacks have a collective passer rating of 94.5 and completion percentage of 68.5, also records. Seven teams are averaging at least 30 points per game, the most in 50 years. And punts are down 20% compared to last year (911 to 733).
And then there are the Broncos.
The offensively-challenged Broncos — 28th in scoring (119 points).
The struggle-on-third-down Broncos — 29th in conversions (35.9%).
The mistake-prone Broncos — tied for second in turnovers (14).
And the young-quarterback-is-searching Broncos — Drew Lock ranks 32nd in passer rating (63.3).
Lock is where it all starts. If he gets well, the offense has a chance to define itself in a new light, beginning Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. If he stays the same, the 2-4 Broncos will slide into sole possession of the AFC West basement by game’s end.
But the conundrum facing coach Vic Fangio and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is also clear: The Broncos are leaning on an army of NFL youngsters. Thing is, this league doesn’t provide the luxury of having growing pains.
“I looked out on the field (last week) and there were five guys that a year ago were playing college football,” said Shurmur, referring to center Lloyd Cushenberry, tight end Albert Okwuegbunam and receivers Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler and Tyrie Cleveland. “It’s a young team and they have to grow quickly because we have to put a plan together and execute in a way to win games each week.”
So what should the plan look like after a combined two offensive touchdowns in the last two games? Here are some suggestions:
Short, easy throws
Lock’s completion percentage is 55.9% — lowest of the 32 quarterbacks with at least 100 pass attempts this year.
By calling some shorter passes, Shurmur will get Lock in a rhythm and create open-space plays for his running backs.
The Broncos’ screen game has been non-existent, period. In training camp, the defense regularly snuffed out screen passes, but that part of the scheme should be revisited.
“Screens are always a good weapon for the offense,” Fangio said. “Ours hasn’t been really successful yet the few times we’ve done it, and like anything else when it hasn’t worked, you’re a little reluctant to call it. It’s definitely something that we’ve looked at each and every week.”
In Week 1, Lock was 8-of-8 on pass attempts that didn’t travel across the line of scrimmage, but for only 24 yards (three completions lost yardage). Last week, Lock completed six passes that didn’t cross the line and only one gained more than five yards (11 yards by Melvin Gordon, who fumbled on the play).
A veteran offensive assistant was asked how the Broncos should get Lock on track against the Chargers.
“Easy completions and quick game to tight ends and running backs,” the assistant coach said. “That will slow the rush. Screens are good if down and distance dictate it. Allow those things to set up the play-action shots.”
Improve pocket presence
One of Lock’s most telling comments during his Wednesday video conference was saying he has to “trust” his offensive line more.
Lock must trust his offensive tackles to contain the edges and must train/trust himself to stay in the pocket instead of throwing on the run, which needlessly increases the degree of difficulty.
“My whole life, I’ve just kind of been a run-around, go-make-plays (quarterback),” he said. “The Chiefs played big zones against us and forced me to check it down and I wasn’t doing it. I was running around and, in turn, forcing balls downfield a little bit.”
Staying in the pocket will allow Lock to go through his route progression — 1 to 2 to 3 — instead of 1 to scrambling. The Broncos shouldn’t take the athleticism out of Lock’s game, but continue to harp that at this level, the players pursuing him are also athletic and the best strategy is to stay put.
“You want to be aggressive and you want to take advantage of what the defense presents down the field; it’s also important that you get completions,” Shurmur said.
Another assistant, who studied Lock during the offseason, suggested not using the shotgun formation.
“He has better footwork when he’s under center,” the assistant said. “It keeps him from retreating in the pocket.”
On the flip side of climbing the pocket, the assistant said planned movements like naked bootlegs are “good” for Lock. It is the unscheduled trips out of the pocket that have caused issues.
Lock has been sacked six times this year and The Denver Post’s game charting booked him for 1 1/2 of those, not counting those by unblocked rushers. Extending the play has a risk (Lock was injured at Pittsburgh) and reward (he threw 27 yards to Tim Patrick last week on a planned rollout that took 3.63 seconds).
“I can be a lot better (at managing the game) and that’s a big goal of mine this week,” Lock said.
Stay positive, stay aggressive
Nine starts into his NFL career, Lock hit his first real roadblock last Sunday.
“When you play quarterback, you’re going to get criticized,” he said. “I was criticized plenty of times at the University of Missouri. It’s what we signed up to do, but this is also what we love to do.”
The Broncos’ coaches need to keep Lock confident (that shouldn’t be a problem), but also keep giving him shots downfield. The way to ignite a struggling offense is chunk plays. The Broncos have 37 “explosive” completions this year (gain of at least 16 yards).
On attempts of at least 16 “air” yards at New England, Lock was 4-of-11 passing for 109 yards and two interceptions. Against Kansas City, he was 1-of-5 for 27 yards.
“We’re going to keep that explosive mentality,” Lock said. “Attack downfield, mix in the run game, be great in both run and pass. Just try to be as balanced as we can, but with a real attacking mindset.”
Outside of the deep shots, the Broncos would be wise to work Jeudy in on the type of crossing routes he excelled at in camp. And why not put in a sixth offensive lineman like Calvin Anderson to add some heft to the run game and an extra pass protector for a deep shot? At 2-4 and averaging 19.3 points per game, everything should be on the table.
But it starts with Lock. General manager John Elway entrusted him with the starting spot during the offseason and Sunday will be his first true opportunity to show how he responds to adversity.
“We still have (10 games left) and I think he’ll bounce back,” Fangio said. “A thing I like about Drew is that after a bad play — or in this case, a so-called ‘bad game’ — he doesn’t let himself get dragged down. He plays the next play and the next game with the same confidence and energy as he would if things were going much, much better.”
Wanted: Offensive improvement
Where the Broncos’ offense ranks in the NFL through Week 7’s games:


thedenverpost--2020-10-31--Every week a learning experience for Broncos rookie cornerback Michael Ojemudia

Broncos rookie cornerback Michael Ojemudia is six weeks into a challenging lab project that features something new in every game , every practice and every film session .
“ I have to adjust and make sure I don ’ t make the same mistakes , ” he said in a phone interview with The Denver Post after practice Thursday .
Ojemudia ’ s season of adjustments continues Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers when he will likely see time against receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams .
The six-game verdict on how Ojemudia is playing includes plays that suggest the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third round last spring and plays that suggest he has a long way to go .
Ojemudia has four pass break-ups , two forced fumbles and 23 tackles while playing 361 of the Broncos ’ 399 defensive snaps .
“ I ’ ve been pretty impressed , but at the same time , it ’ s not a shock or surprise , ” said safety Kareem Jackson , a 10-year veteran .
“ He showed a lot of ability in camp so we kind of expected him to come in and play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well out of necessity .
The No .
3 cornerback when the Broncos opened the season against Tennessee , Ojemudia was thrust into every-down duty when A.J .
Bouye sustained a shoulder injury .
Bouye returned against Kansas City last Sunday , meaning Ojemudia is exclusively a sub-package player .
“ It was definitely great to get thrown into the fire early because it got my nerves out and I got comfortable with every game so things started to slow down and I was able to see things better , ” Ojemudia said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charting , Ojemudia has been targeted in man coverage 36 times and has allowing 21 completions ( two touchdowns ) for 301 yards .
Ojemudia committed a 16-yard pass interference penalty against the Titans and was beat for two touchdowns at Pittsburgh .
In the past four games , Ojemudia has allowed 11 completions , but for only 144 yards , which suggests he ’ s keeping the receiver in front of him and improving .
“ I would say I ’ m on a good track , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I try to have a short memory .
And my technique is definitely progressing.
” From the mental side , Ojemudia said the Broncos ’ scheme isn ’ t as taxing as the one he played at Iowa .
“ Our defense here is , ‘ Just focus on your man and get your job done , ’ ” he said .
Ojemudia examines every play — good and bad — for intel on what went right or wrong .
He just banks the knowledge and moves on .
The latest exhibit/lesson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ojemudia was assigned to receiver Mecole Hardman , who ran a long over route .
Patrick Mahomes threw in 3.68 seconds and Hardman gained 38 yards .
“ You have to stick with your man , especially against a guy like Mahomes , ” said Ojemudia , who was in off coverage at the snap and didn ’ t close the gap by the time Hardman turned across the field .
Said Jackson : “ He has all the tools .
It ’ s just a matter of him paying attention to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he does on a daily basis.
” Jackson , due to his cornerback experience , is regularly answering questions and offering advice to Ojemudia .
The same with Bouye and Callahan .
“ They definitely have a lot of wisdom , ” Ojemudia said .
“ They ’ re all helpful and nobody has an ego in that room .
They ’ re always willing to give a lending hand.
” It will take everybody ’ s wisdom to contain Allen , who has 44 catches for 481 yards and two touchdowns .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to trust what he sees on video and his overall fundamentals .
“ We tell him every week he ’ s got to work really hard and it ’ s a new task this week — ( the Chargers ) have a heck of a receiver group , ” defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said .
“ To say where he ’ s improved , he ’ s just fitting in with the flow of the defense and being able to operate .
”

Broncos rookie cornerback Michael Ojemudia is six weeks into a challenging lab project that features something new in every game, every practice and every film session.
“I have to adjust and make sure I don’t make the same mistakes,” he said in a phone interview with The Denver Post after practice Thursday.
Ojemudia’s season of adjustments continues Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers when he will likely see time against receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. The six-game verdict on how Ojemudia is playing includes plays that suggest the Broncos were wise to draft him in the third round last spring and plays that suggest he has a long way to go.
Ojemudia has four pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and 23 tackles while playing 361 of the Broncos’ 399 defensive snaps.
“I’ve been pretty impressed, but at the same time, it’s not a shock or surprise,” said safety Kareem Jackson, a 10-year veteran. “He showed a lot of ability in camp so we kind of expected him to come in and play well.”
Ojemudia has needed to play well out of necessity.
The No. 3 cornerback when the Broncos opened the season against Tennessee, Ojemudia was thrust into every-down duty when A.J. Bouye sustained a shoulder injury. Bouye returned against Kansas City last Sunday, meaning Ojemudia is exclusively a sub-package player.
“It was definitely great to get thrown into the fire early because it got my nerves out and I got comfortable with every game so things started to slow down and I was able to see things better,” Ojemudia said.
According to Post’s game charting, Ojemudia has been targeted in man coverage 36 times and has allowing 21 completions (two touchdowns) for 301 yards. Ojemudia committed a 16-yard pass interference penalty against the Titans and was beat for two touchdowns at Pittsburgh.
In the past four games, Ojemudia has allowed 11 completions, but for only 144 yards, which suggests he’s keeping the receiver in front of him and improving.
“I would say I’m on a good track,” he said. “My mental side, even getting beat, I try to have a short memory. And my technique is definitely progressing.”
From the mental side, Ojemudia said the Broncos’ scheme isn’t as taxing as the one he played at Iowa. “Our defense here is, ‘Just focus on your man and get your job done,’” he said.
Ojemudia examines every play — good and bad — for intel on what went right or wrong. He just banks the knowledge and moves on.
The latest exhibit/lesson came last week against Kansas City. Ojemudia was assigned to receiver Mecole Hardman, who ran a long over route. Patrick Mahomes threw in 3.68 seconds and Hardman gained 38 yards.
The lesson?
“You have to stick with your man, especially against a guy like Mahomes,” said Ojemudia, who was in off coverage at the snap and didn’t close the gap by the time Hardman turned across the field.
Said Jackson: “He has all the tools. It’s just a matter of him paying attention to the little details and being consistent in what he does on a daily basis.”
Jackson, due to his cornerback experience, is regularly answering questions and offering advice to Ojemudia. The same with Bouye and Callahan.
“They definitely have a lot of wisdom,” Ojemudia said. “They’re all helpful and nobody has an ego in that room. They’re always willing to give a lending hand.”
It will take everybody’s wisdom to contain Allen, who has 44 catches for 481 yards and two touchdowns. The key point to Ojemudia each week is to trust what he sees on video and his overall fundamentals.
“We tell him every week he’s got to work really hard and it’s a new task this week — (the Chargers) have a heck of a receiver group,” defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said. “To say where he’s improved, he’s just fitting in with the flow of the defense and being able to operate.”