thedenverpost--2020-12-24--Nuggets’ Will Barton accepts role, has Michael Porter Jr.’s back

Will Barton ’ s always been in Michael Porter Jr. ’ s corner .
Even if he happens to be starting in his position .
Before Wednesday ’ s dramatic loss to the Kings , Barton greeted all of Denver ’ s starters before they took the court .
The message he told Porter wasn ’ t anything he hadn ’ t told him before .
Arms wrapped around him , Barton told Porter he ’ s going to be a star .
“ Me and him talk all the time , got a good relationship , we text all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scoring 16 points in his first real game in nine months .
“ Mike ’ s going to be a hell of a player .
He talks to me , I talk to him , and we just try to keep boosting each other ’ s confidence.
” That answer was as good of evidence as any that Barton , regardless of role , will be a consummate pro even if he comes off the bench .
Besides , it wasn ’ t like Barton didn ’ t play an integral role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he never saw De ’ Aaron Fox coming when the Kings ’ star swatted him with 10 seconds remaining on a shot that could ’ ve sealed Denver ’ s win .
Barton got his block back on the other end before Buddy Hield ended the game on a crazy tip-in .
Alongside the starting unit , Porter finished with 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting , five rebounds , three blocks and two steals .
Though his offensive numbers were gaudy , neither he nor coach Michael Malone were pleased with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kings beat Denver up Wednesday night .
“ I can ’ t get five rebounds in 30 minutes , ” Porter said .
“ I ’ ll take care of it .
… I know how to rebound.
” Malone also saw the Kings targeting him on defense .
“ I thought in the first half he got in foul trouble , ” Malone said .
“ He didn ’ t rebound .
… They went right at him to start the game , and I ’ m sure other teams are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s going to have to figure that out .
We have to help him with that.
” The defensive lapses , which included at least one instance where Porter broke for the offensive end before the Nuggets had secured the defensive rebound , are part of the growing pains and lessons he ’ ll learn in a more consistent role .
In being transparent , Malone has talked with Barton , too .
“ He told me , the team still needs me and just be ready to go out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Barton said of their conversation .
And as for whether he might eventually be in the starting unit as the season progresses , Barton said that ’ s far from his mind .
“ My concern is not about ( starting ) any more once I channel my energy to where it has to be , ” Barton said .
“ That ’ s where I am , so I ’ m locked in right now , I ’ m coming off the bench .
I ’ m not trying to worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start again .
Right now I ’ ve got a job to do , and that ’ s my focus is to come off the bench and try to change the game for us and still help us win games .
”

Will Barton’s always been in Michael Porter Jr.’s corner. Even if he happens to be starting in his position.
Before Wednesday’s dramatic loss to the Kings, Barton greeted all of Denver’s starters before they took the court. The message he told Porter wasn’t anything he hadn’t told him before.
Arms wrapped around him, Barton told Porter he’s going to be a star.
“Just keep believing that,” Barton told his understudy.
“Me and him talk all the time, got a good relationship, we text all the time,” Barton said after scoring 16 points in his first real game in nine months. “Mike’s going to be a hell of a player. He talks to me, I talk to him, and we just try to keep boosting each other’s confidence.”
That answer was as good of evidence as any that Barton, regardless of role, will be a consummate pro even if he comes off the bench. Besides, it wasn’t like Barton didn’t play an integral role in Wednesday’s wild finish.
Barton said he never saw De’Aaron Fox coming when the Kings’ star swatted him with 10 seconds remaining on a shot that could’ve sealed Denver’s win. Barton got his block back on the other end before Buddy Hield ended the game on a crazy tip-in.
Alongside the starting unit, Porter finished with 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting, five rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Though his offensive numbers were gaudy, neither he nor coach Michael Malone were pleased with his rebounding numbers considering that’s where the Kings beat Denver up Wednesday night.
“I can’t get five rebounds in 30 minutes,” Porter said. “I’ll take care of it. … I know how to rebound.”
Malone also saw the Kings targeting him on defense.
“I thought in the first half he got in foul trouble,” Malone said. “He didn’t rebound. … They went right at him to start the game, and I’m sure other teams are going to do the same thing. He’s going to have to figure that out. We have to help him with that.”
The defensive lapses, which included at least one instance where Porter broke for the offensive end before the Nuggets had secured the defensive rebound, are part of the growing pains and lessons he’ll learn in a more consistent role.
In being transparent, Malone has talked with Barton, too.
“He told me, the team still needs me and just be ready to go out there and play like you always do,” Barton said of their conversation.
And as for whether he might eventually be in the starting unit as the season progresses, Barton said that’s far from his mind.
“My concern is not about (starting) any more once I channel my energy to where it has to be,” Barton said. “That’s where I am, so I’m locked in right now, I’m coming off the bench. I’m not trying to worry about if I’m gonna start again. Right now I’ve got a job to do, and that’s my focus is to come off the bench and try to change the game for us and still help us win games.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-24--Nuggets lose heartbreaker in overtime on Buddy Hield’s buzzer-beating tip-in

The look of disbelief on the faces of the Nuggets said everything .
An overtime game the Nuggets appeared to have in hand flipped in a millisecond , with the Kings storming off the court having stolen Wednesday night ’ s opener right from Denver ’ s grasp .
The Kings ran out of Ball Arena with a stunning 124-122 win .
Tied at 122 with seconds left , Will Barton blocked Harrison Barnes ’ layup attempt only to have Kings sharpshooter Buddy Hield tip in the miss at the buzzer .
Sacramento ’ s players stormed the court then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nikola Jokic ’ s triple-double was spoiled , as was the Nuggets ’ once-promising season opener .
Jokic finished with 29 points , 15 rebounds and 14 assists , his spectacular overtime play undermined by Hield ’ s tip .
Michael Porter Jr. added 24 points , three blocks and two steals , seemingly firming up his spot in the starting lineup , while veteran wing Will Barton added 16 off the bench in the loss .
“ A real determining factor for our success is rebounding , ” said Nuggets coach Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I ’ m sure it always will be .
They outrebounded us by eight , gave up 17 offensive rebounds , which is not going to allow you to win games.
” Porter only had five rebounds , a number that ’ s not acceptable for 30 minutes of playing time .
Up 122-120 with 10 seconds left , Barton appeared to have an easy basket at the hoop before Sacramento ’ s speedy PG De ’ Aaron Fox flew out of nowhere to swat the shot .
Had he made it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been sealed .
Instead , the Kings immediately tied it on another Barnes basket .
A Jokic turnover with two seconds remaining left the door open for Hield ’ s wild sequence to win it .
Nothing worked for Jamal Murray on Wednesday as he began his uphill climb for an all-star bid in the West .
Murray , whose lone field goal came in the fourth quarter off a punctuation dunk , fouled out on a questionable offensive foul late in the fourth quarter .
His night ended with nine points on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kings blitzed the Nuggets to start the third quarter .
They opened on a 19-10 run , flipping their deficit into a 72-70 lead .
Denver ’ s defense looked porous and disconnected during Sacramento ’ s 36-point quarter .
“ We relaxed , ” Jokic said .
“ … They came out in the second half really aggressive , with a lot of energy , they were running on misses and makes .
They picked up the tempo of the game , and we didn ’ t match it.
” Offensively , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris all struggled with their rhythm .
Veteran Paul Millsap added several timely buckets in the quarter , and PJ Dozier was a factor playing in small-ball lineups in place of the injured JaMychal Green , but the Nuggets still trailed 89-84 heading into the fourth .
As strong as the Nuggets looked in their final two preseason games against Portland , one of the lone questions heading into Wednesday night was who ’ d start at small forward .
That answer came about 30 minutes before tip when the team announced Porter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulars .
Despite early foul trouble and several missed defensive assignments , Porter flashed his sweet shooting numerous times .
His length and anticipation even added several clutch plays on the defensive end .
That left Barton as a reserve , at least for Wednesday night .
At the start of the game , Barton made a point to greet every Nuggets starter before they hit the floor .
He shared a few extra words of encouragement for Porter .
“ We have more than five starters on our team , let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Whoever I decide to start tonight , it ’ s not set in stone that that will be the lineup throughout the season.
” Malone also hammered another point he ’ s made multiple times throughout preseason : Last season ’ s success has no bearing , whatsoever , on this year ’ s version of the Nuggets .
“ As great as last season was , I ’ m gon na keep saying this , that season is over , ” Malone said .
“ That ’ s a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back .
We have seven new players .
As great as it was to win our division , to get to the Western Conference Finals , to come back from two 3-1 deficits , starting tonight , who cares ?
That ’ s over .
“ We can ’ t rely on that , ” he added .
“ That ’ s ancient history in my eyes .
So now Jamal has the challenge of being that player for 72 games .
… Can Jamal Murray bring it every night and help this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Typically a slow starter to begin seasons , Murray had a quiet first half offensively .
The Nuggets took a 60-53 lead into halftime that felt like it should ’ ve been bigger .
Despite holding the Kings to only 39 % shooting over the first two quarters , Sacramento hung around by crashing the offensive glass and limiting their turnovers .
Outside of Jokic and Barton , there wasn ’ t much cohesion or shape to the rest of the offense .
Jokic stuffed the box score with 10 points , 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocks , serving as the primary focal point of Denver ’ s attack while Murray found his footing Alongside the second unit , Barton looked fantastic .
More importantly , he looked comfortable as the lead playmaker , finishing the half with a team-high 12 points on 5-of-7 from the field .

The look of disbelief on the faces of the Nuggets said everything.
An overtime game the Nuggets appeared to have in hand flipped in a millisecond, with the Kings storming off the court having stolen Wednesday night’s opener right from Denver’s grasp. The Kings ran out of Ball Arena with a stunning 124-122 win.
Tied at 122 with seconds left, Will Barton blocked Harrison Barnes’ layup attempt only to have Kings sharpshooter Buddy Hield tip in the miss at the buzzer. Sacramento’s players stormed the court then chased Hield down the opposing tunnel.
Nikola Jokic’s triple-double was spoiled, as was the Nuggets’ once-promising season opener. Jokic finished with 29 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists, his spectacular overtime play undermined by Hield’s tip.
Michael Porter Jr. added 24 points, three blocks and two steals, seemingly firming up his spot in the starting lineup, while veteran wing Will Barton added 16 off the bench in the loss.
“A real determining factor for our success is rebounding,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “It always has been and I’m sure it always will be. They outrebounded us by eight, gave up 17 offensive rebounds, which is not going to allow you to win games.”
Porter only had five rebounds, a number that’s not acceptable for 30 minutes of playing time.
Up 122-120 with 10 seconds left, Barton appeared to have an easy basket at the hoop before Sacramento’s speedy PG De’Aaron Fox flew out of nowhere to swat the shot. Had he made it, the game likely would’ve been sealed. Instead, the Kings immediately tied it on another Barnes basket.
A Jokic turnover with two seconds remaining left the door open for Hield’s wild sequence to win it.
Nothing worked for Jamal Murray on Wednesday as he began his uphill climb for an all-star bid in the West. Murray, whose lone field goal came in the fourth quarter off a punctuation dunk, fouled out on a questionable offensive foul late in the fourth quarter. His night ended with nine points on 1-for-9 shooting with four rebounds.
The Kings blitzed the Nuggets to start the third quarter. They opened on a 19-10 run, flipping their deficit into a 72-70 lead. Denver’s defense looked porous and disconnected during Sacramento’s 36-point quarter.
“We relaxed,” Jokic said. “… They came out in the second half really aggressive, with a lot of energy, they were running on misses and makes. They picked up the tempo of the game, and we didn’t match it.”
Offensively, guards Murray, Monte Morris and Gary Harris all struggled with their rhythm. Veteran Paul Millsap added several timely buckets in the quarter, and PJ Dozier was a factor playing in small-ball lineups in place of the injured JaMychal Green, but the Nuggets still trailed 89-84 heading into the fourth.
As strong as the Nuggets looked in their final two preseason games against Portland, one of the lone questions heading into Wednesday night was who’d start at small forward. That answer came about 30 minutes before tip when the team announced Porter would start alongside last year’s regulars.
Despite early foul trouble and several missed defensive assignments, Porter flashed his sweet shooting numerous times. His length and anticipation even added several clutch plays on the defensive end.
That left Barton as a reserve, at least for Wednesday night. At the start of the game, Barton made a point to greet every Nuggets starter before they hit the floor. He shared a few extra words of encouragement for Porter.
“We have more than five starters on our team, let’s be honest,” said Malone. “Whoever I decide to start tonight, it’s not set in stone that that will be the lineup throughout the season.”
Malone also hammered another point he’s made multiple times throughout preseason: Last season’s success has no bearing, whatsoever, on this year’s version of the Nuggets.
“As great as last season was, I’m gonna keep saying this, that season is over,” Malone said. “That’s a different team. Yes we have the core back. We have seven new players. As great as it was to win our division, to get to the Western Conference Finals, to come back from two 3-1 deficits, starting tonight, who cares? That’s over.
“We can’t rely on that,” he added. “That’s ancient history in my eyes. So now Jamal has the challenge of being that player for 72 games. … Can Jamal Murray bring it every night and help this team reach even greater heights?”
Typically a slow starter to begin seasons, Murray had a quiet first half offensively.
The Nuggets took a 60-53 lead into halftime that felt like it should’ve been bigger. Despite holding the Kings to only 39% shooting over the first two quarters, Sacramento hung around by crashing the offensive glass and limiting their turnovers.
Outside of Jokic and Barton, there wasn’t much cohesion or shape to the rest of the offense. Jokic stuffed the box score with 10 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three first-half blocks, serving as the primary focal point of Denver’s attack while Murray found his footing
Alongside the second unit, Barton looked fantastic. More importantly, he looked comfortable as the lead playmaker, finishing the half with a team-high 12 points on 5-of-7 from the field.


thedenverpost--2020-12-25--PHOTOS: Santa visits Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children on Christmas Eve

Merrie Sanders , left , rests her hand on her two-month-old daughter Eleanor as Santa visits patients at Rocky Mountain @ @ @ @ @ , Dec. 24 , 2020 .
Eleanor has been hospitalized since birth and was just @ @ @ @ @ Her parents Merrie and Sean are hopeful that she can come home in a couple @ @ @

Rachel Ellis, The Denver Post
Merrie Sanders, left, rests her hand on her two-month-old daughter Eleanor as Santa visits patients at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020. Eleanor has been hospitalized since birth and was just taken off oxygen yesterday. Her parents Merrie and Sean are hopeful that she can come home in a couple of weeks.


thedenverpost--2020-12-25--Hawaii beats Houston 28-14 in New Mexico Bowl — in Texas

FRISCO , Texas — Chevan Cordeiro threw three first-half touchdown passes and Calvin Turner had two long scoring plays to help Hawaii beat Houston 28-14 on Thursday in the New Mexico Bowl .
The game was moved to Frisco from its usual location in Albuquerque because of COVID-19 restrictions in New Mexico .
Hawaii ( 5-4 ) gave first-year coach Todd Graham his 100th career victory .
He previously coached at Rice , Tulsa , Pittsburgh and Arizona State .
The Rainbow Warriors had a winning record for the third season in a row , the first time they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 3-5 ) has consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 2000-02 .
Cordeiro completed 15 of 23 passes for 136 yards and had eight carries for 33 yards .
Houston ’ s Clayton Tune was 20 of 38 for 216 yards with two touchdown and three interceptions .
Hawaii raced to a 21-0 lead in the first half , with Cordeiro throwing scoring passes of 3 yards to Dae Dae Hunter , 75 yards to Turner , and 4 yards to Jonah Laulu .
Houston rallied with two touchdowns in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7-yard scoring pass to Nathaniel Dell and a 26-yarder to Christian Trahan .
After Trahan ’ s score , Turner returned the kickoff 92 yards to cap the scoring .

FRISCO, Texas — Chevan Cordeiro threw three first-half touchdown passes and Calvin Turner had two long scoring plays to help Hawaii beat Houston 28-14 on Thursday in the New Mexico Bowl.
The game was moved to Frisco from its usual location in Albuquerque because of COVID-19 restrictions in New Mexico.
Hawaii (5-4) gave first-year coach Todd Graham his 100th career victory. He previously coached at Rice, Tulsa, Pittsburgh and Arizona State.
The Rainbow Warriors had a winning record for the third season in a row, the first time they’ve done that since 2001-04. Houston (3-5) has consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 2000-02.
Cordeiro completed 15 of 23 passes for 136 yards and had eight carries for 33 yards.
Houston’s Clayton Tune was 20 of 38 for 216 yards with two touchdown and three interceptions.
Hawaii raced to a 21-0 lead in the first half, with Cordeiro throwing scoring passes of 3 yards to Dae Dae Hunter, 75 yards to Turner, and 4 yards to Jonah Laulu.
Houston rallied with two touchdowns in the third quarter, with Tune throwing a 7-yard scoring pass to Nathaniel Dell and a 26-yarder to Christian Trahan.
After Trahan’s score, Turner returned the kickoff 92 yards to cap the scoring.


thedenverpost--2020-12-24--NHL: Canadian teams able to start season in home arenas

TORONTO ( AP ) — The NHL believes all seven Canadian teams will be able to start the season playing in their home arenas .
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said Thursday the league believes it is clear to play in Canada during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic after discussions with the five provincial governments that have NHL teams to try to gain approval to start Jan. 13 .
“ On the basis of our discussions in the past week , as well as our exchange of correspondence over the last 24 hours , we believe we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on which each of our Canadian franchises can begin play in their own buildings , ” Daly said .
The NHL realigned its divisions for the season so that the North Division — which features all seven Canadian teams — would not have to cross the U.S.-Canada border , which remains closed to non-essential travel until at least Jan. 21 .
The league released its schedule Wednesday , with each team playing 56 games instead of the usual 82 .
The Toronto Maple Leafs are scheduled to host the Montreal Canadiens , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the visiting Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 13 as part of a five-game schedule on opening night .
The Winnipeg Jets open Jan. 14 against the visiting Calgary Flames , while the Oilers and Canucks meet again in Edmonton .
The Ottawa Senators start their season Jan. 15 against visiting Toronto , the first of two games in two days between the Ontario rivals in the nation ’ s capital .
Baseball-style series are common as the league attempts to reduce travel .
For example , the Canadiens and Senators are each scheduled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January .

TORONTO (AP) — The NHL believes all seven Canadian teams will be able to start the season playing in their home arenas.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said Thursday the league believes it is clear to play in Canada during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic after discussions with the five provincial governments that have NHL teams to try to gain approval to start Jan. 13.
“On the basis of our discussions in the past week, as well as our exchange of correspondence over the last 24 hours, we believe we are aligned and in agreement on the conditions on which each of our Canadian franchises can begin play in their own buildings,” Daly said.
The NHL realigned its divisions for the season so that the North Division — which features all seven Canadian teams — would not have to cross the U.S.-Canada border, which remains closed to non-essential travel until at least Jan. 21.
The league released its schedule Wednesday, with each team playing 56 games instead of the usual 82.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are scheduled to host the Montreal Canadiens, while the Edmonton Oilers are slated to face the visiting Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 13 as part of a five-game schedule on opening night.
The Winnipeg Jets open Jan. 14 against the visiting Calgary Flames, while the Oilers and Canucks meet again in Edmonton.
The Ottawa Senators start their season Jan. 15 against visiting Toronto, the first of two games in two days between the Ontario rivals in the nation’s capital.
Baseball-style series are common as the league attempts to reduce travel. For example, the Canadiens and Senators are each scheduled to play three straight games in Vancouver in January.


thedenverpost--2020-12-24--COVID-19 grind nearly over for CU Buffs, Texas

By the time the Colorado football team kicked off its season on the night of Nov. 7 , Texas had seven games in the books .
Since then , Texas has played just twice , while CU has played five times .
Despite the different start dates , the staggered schedules and Texas ( 6-3 ) getting four more games than the Buffaloes ( 4-1 ) because of the coronavirus pandemic , the two teams will reach the finish line at the same time .
They meet Tuesday in the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio to wrap up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , TV : ESPN ) .
“ We ’ re all up and down ; it ’ s been a struggle for all of us , ” CU head coach Karl Dorrell said Thursday .
While both teams want to win the game , the first task is actually kicking off .
Texas has had some COVID-19 issues on its team , and Dorrell said the Buffs had a “ few positive ” tests last weekend .
“ We kind of got ourselves in a pretty good space , though , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not going to stop us from playing .
But we ’ re in pretty good health.
” Texas coach Tom Herman said Wednesday that the Longhorns are slowly getting players back from COVID-19 protocols , but , “ Unfortunately there ’ s still going to be a couple that won ’ t be out in time to safely put out on the field for the Alamo Bowl , which is disheartening , but we have to follow the rules.
” Both teams have been following the rules for months , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , the COVID-19 pandemic caused sports around the country to shut down .
While some teams around the country got a few spring practices in before the shutdown , CU and Texas did not .
Eventually the teams returned to workouts , although often in small groups , and they ’ ve all been through numerous COVID-19 tests .
The Big 12 and Pac-12 both utilize Quidel rapid antigen tests , with Big 12 players tested at least three times per week and Pac-12 players at least six times per week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ began its season Sept. 12 .
At that time , the Pac-12 still had plans of postponing until spring .
It was on Sept. 24 that the Pac-12 decided to play this fall , albeit with a shortened schedule that began in November .
The Pac-12 was the last of the Power 5 conferences to get going .
CU was slated to play seven games without a bye , but COVID-19 issues at other schools caused three of those games to be canceled ; the Buffs replaced one with a non-conference contest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s first game in 17 days .
The Longhorns played each of their first seven games as scheduled , with a couple of planned bye weeks mixed in .
Then , their Nov. 21 matchup with Kansas was postponed to Dec. 12 .
The Dec. 12 game wound up being canceled .
After beating Baylor on Nov. 7 , the Longhorns went 20 days before playing again .
By the time the Alamo Bowl kicks off , it will have been a 24-day layoff .
“ Fired up to be back on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of days , ” Herman said Wednesday .
“ We haven ’ t played a whole lot of football in a while.
” Herman said that because of Texas ’ issues with COVID-19 , which led the Dec. 12 cancellation , the Longhorns haven ’ t practiced much lately either .
Still , he said the idea of not playing in a bowl game was never discussed .
Although Texas has four more games of experience this fall , Dorrell doesn ’ t believe that will matter Tuesday .
“ I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a factor as it normally would be just because of all the things dealing with COVID , ” Dorrell said .
“ They ’ ve been hit , just like we ’ ve been hit .
They had guys opt out , they had injuries .
They ’ re still a very good team.
” Herman said the Longhorns are excited to play in the Alamo Bowl , but the end of the season will be welcomed .
“ ( After the game ) , just to not have to get tested as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be just so isolated will definitely be a relief for them , ” Herman said .
“ It ’ s been a long 10 months for these guys .
They ’ re plowing through here this last week .
I ’ m sure the day after the Alamo Bowl is over , on Dec. 30 , you might be able to hear a giant , collective sigh of relief from the entire team.
” Texas won ’ t be the only team relieved to have the daily COVID-19 grind in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
“ It ’ s like the end of the tunnel of all this stuff we ’ ve been managing and monitoring for day-to-day purposes , ” Dorrell said .
“ As soon as this game ’ s over – hopefully with a victory – and we can put this year behind us , I ’ d like to exhale .
I ’ d like to be able to finally exhale and digest .
“ I ’ m still nervous as all get out with trying to stay healthy .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

By the time the Colorado football team kicked off its season on the night of Nov. 7, Texas had seven games in the books.
Since then, Texas has played just twice, while CU has played five times.
Despite the different start dates, the staggered schedules and Texas (6-3) getting four more games than the Buffaloes (4-1) because of the coronavirus pandemic, the two teams will reach the finish line at the same time. They meet Tuesday in the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio to wrap up a long, difficult season (7:05 p.m., TV: ESPN).
“We’re all up and down; it’s been a struggle for all of us,” CU head coach Karl Dorrell said Thursday.
While both teams want to win the game, the first task is actually kicking off. Texas has had some COVID-19 issues on its team, and Dorrell said the Buffs had a “few positive” tests last weekend.
“We kind of got ourselves in a pretty good space, though,” he said. “I think it’s not going to stop us from playing. But we’re in pretty good health.”
Texas coach Tom Herman said Wednesday that the Longhorns are slowly getting players back from COVID-19 protocols, but, “Unfortunately there’s still going to be a couple that won’t be out in time to safely put out on the field for the Alamo Bowl, which is disheartening, but we have to follow the rules.”
Both teams have been following the rules for months, and it’s been a grind.
In March, the COVID-19 pandemic caused sports around the country to shut down. While some teams around the country got a few spring practices in before the shutdown, CU and Texas did not.
Eventually the teams returned to workouts, although often in small groups, and they’ve all been through numerous COVID-19 tests. The Big 12 and Pac-12 both utilize Quidel rapid antigen tests, with Big 12 players tested at least three times per week and Pac-12 players at least six times per week.
Texas, from the Big 12, began its season Sept. 12. At that time, the Pac-12 still had plans of postponing until spring. It was on Sept. 24 that the Pac-12 decided to play this fall, albeit with a shortened schedule that began in November. The Pac-12 was the last of the Power 5 conferences to get going.
CU was slated to play seven games without a bye, but COVID-19 issues at other schools caused three of those games to be canceled; the Buffs replaced one with a non-conference contest. The Alamo Bowl will be CU’s first game in 17 days.
The Longhorns played each of their first seven games as scheduled, with a couple of planned bye weeks mixed in. Then, their Nov. 21 matchup with Kansas was postponed to Dec. 12. The Dec. 12 game wound up being canceled.
After beating Baylor on Nov. 7, the Longhorns went 20 days before playing again. By the time the Alamo Bowl kicks off, it will have been a 24-day layoff.
“Fired up to be back on the field with the guys these last couple of days,” Herman said Wednesday. “We haven’t played a whole lot of football in a while.”
Herman said that because of Texas’ issues with COVID-19, which led the Dec. 12 cancellation, the Longhorns haven’t practiced much lately either. Still, he said the idea of not playing in a bowl game was never discussed.
Although Texas has four more games of experience this fall, Dorrell doesn’t believe that will matter Tuesday.
“I don’t think it’s as big a factor as it normally would be just because of all the things dealing with COVID,” Dorrell said. “They’ve been hit, just like we’ve been hit. They had guys opt out, they had injuries. They’re still a very good team.”
Herman said the Longhorns are excited to play in the Alamo Bowl, but the end of the season will be welcomed.
“(After the game), just to not have to get tested as frequently as they get tested and not have to be just so isolated will definitely be a relief for them,” Herman said. “It’s been a long 10 months for these guys. They’re plowing through here this last week. I’m sure the day after the Alamo Bowl is over, on Dec. 30, you might be able to hear a giant, collective sigh of relief from the entire team.”
Texas won’t be the only team relieved to have the daily COVID-19 grind in the rearview mirror – at least until next month.
“It’s like the end of the tunnel of all this stuff we’ve been managing and monitoring for day-to-day purposes,” Dorrell said. “As soon as this game’s over – hopefully with a victory – and we can put this year behind us, I’d like to exhale. I’d like to be able to finally exhale and digest.
“I’m still nervous as all get out with trying to stay healthy. We’ve got five days to go.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-24--PHOTOS: Downtown Denver lights up for the holidays

The Mile High Tree is lit up for passers-by at Welton Street on the 16th Street mall on December 22 @ @ @ @ @ Colorado .
The Mile High Tree stands at impressive 110 feet and people can walk @ @ @ @ @ installation .

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
The Mile High Tree is lit up for passers-by at Welton Street on the 16th Street mall on December 22, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Mile High Tree stands at impressive 110 feet and people can walk inside the brilliantly lit art installation.


thedenverpost--2020-12-24--Hark the Highlands. As a historic neighborhood lights up for the holidays, a rare listing comes on a

Hark the Highlands. As a historic neighborhood lights up for the holidays, a rare listing comes on at $625,000

Denver ’ s historic Highlands neighborhood , where hopes run high for its reemergence as a dining hub after coronavirus moves into the rearview mirror , is suffering both sides of the pandemic ’ s economic effects this holiday season—lights-out at its legendary restaurants ; and absolute pandemonium in its real estate market .
“ It ’ s insane , ” says Amy Berglund , managing broker of RE/MAX Professionals ’ City Properties office , in the heart of the Highlands ’ Berkeley neighborhood .
“ We ’ re seeing less attractive properties going for larger amounts of money than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s depressing for buyers ; I feel for them.
” Berglund has a home that ’ s a rare bright light back on the market this week , one that shows just how intense the competition has been : At 2724 W. 37th Avenue in Potter Highlands , she ’ ll arrange to show you a remodeled bungalow , four bedrooms , and two baths , 1,964 sq .
feet on an oversized lot .
It had come on the market three weeks ago at $ 625,000—drew 70 showings that weekend and went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then saw the deal fall through .
It ’ s back on now— “ A chance , ” says Berglund , “ for somebody who lost out before to have another try at it.
” Potter Highlands , north of W. 32nd Avenue ’ s restaurant row and east of Federal Boulevard , shows some of the best of Highlands ’ appeal , says Berglund .
The neighborhood inside a protected historic district lies adjacent to LoHi , the area that slopes east down the hill toward the Platte River , with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the two areas are known as Highland .
Berglund and other neighbors have arranged a tour of holiday lights in Highland , on you can map out via their neighborhood association site at DenverHighland.org .
Berglund says that buyers , many of them from out of state , arrive already knowing about Highlands and its restaurant districts—not just in Potter Highlands and LoHi , but Highland Square at W. 32nd and Lowell ; along Tennyson Street in Berkeley ; and in the new Sloans area south of Sloan ’ s Lake .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ agents are moving into 4272 Lowell Boulevard in Berkeley—another emerging restaurant area , already with Ginger Pig , Tocabe American Indian Eatery , Cafe Brazil , Ragin ’ Hog Barbecue , and Billy ’ s Inn .
Berglund , who is noticing an uptick in calls from those out-of-state buyers , many who have already done scouting trips to Denver , says 2021 will do nothing to change the upbeat market , even as the virus ebbs .
“ The vaccine will shift the economy , ” Berglund says , “ but with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave high-priced areas and migrate to where can get more space for the money .
Denver will continue to be a destination.
” • December 18 , 2020 Sponsored : Holiday shopping : As an Arvada ranch comes on market , not enough homes to meet demand from outside buyers • December 18 , 2020 Sponsored : Picture spending your next holiday in these glamorous homes • December 11 , 2020 Sponsored : Colorado ’ s real estate market can ’ t be stopped as home sales continue to rise • December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets in Colorado are starving for inventory but what does that mean for consumers ?
That Bungalow on W. 37th , a five-block walk from dining at 32nd and Zuni , is at the lower end of the Highlands market , but shows features that support the price , Berglund says .
You ’ ll see brick construction from 1922—well within Potter Highlands ’ historic period of significance ranging from the 1880s to 1943 , and well protected by the sellers , who have held it for nearly three decades .
The home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently updated kitchen , a family room addition off the back with a gas fireplace that opens to a big backyard with pergola , and a one-car alley-load garage that can be expanded under the building code ; even have an accessory dwelling unit added on .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

Denver’s historic Highlands neighborhood, where hopes run high for its reemergence as a dining hub after coronavirus moves into the rearview mirror, is suffering both sides of the pandemic’s economic effects this holiday season—lights-out at its legendary restaurants; and absolute pandemonium in its real estate market.
If you go… What: Holiday tour of lights in East Highlands; and a bungalow listing on the market in historic Potter Highlands
Holiday tour of lights in East Highlands; and a bungalow listing on the market in historic Potter Highlands Where: 2724 W 37th Avenue, Denver; take Speer Blvd northwest from I-25 1 block to Zuni St., north on Zuni 5 blks to W. 32nd Ave, turn left, west, on 32nd 3 blks to Clay St., right on Clay, 5 blks to W. 37th, turn left
2724 W 37th Avenue, Denver; take Speer Blvd northwest from I-25 1 block to Zuni St., north on Zuni 5 blks to W. 32nd Ave, turn left, west, on 32nd 3 blks to Clay St., right on Clay, 5 blks to W. 37th, turn left Price: $625,000
$625,000 When: Open by appointment only; East Highland Holiday tour runs thru January 20
Open by appointment only; East Highland Holiday tour runs thru January 20 Phone: 720-560-6674
720-560-6674 More Info: LoveWhereYouLiveDenver.com DenverHighland.org
“It’s insane,” says Amy Berglund, managing broker of RE/MAX Professionals’ City Properties office, in the heart of the Highlands’ Berkeley neighborhood. “We’re seeing less attractive properties going for larger amounts of money than we could have imagined. It’s depressing for buyers; I feel for them.”
Berglund has a home that’s a rare bright light back on the market this week, one that shows just how intense the competition has been: At 2724 W. 37th Avenue in Potter Highlands, she’ll arrange to show you a remodeled bungalow, four bedrooms, and two baths, 1,964 sq. feet on an oversized lot. It had come on the market three weeks ago at $625,000—drew 70 showings that weekend and went under contract for tens-of-thousands more; but then saw the deal fall through. It’s back on now—“A chance,” says Berglund, “for somebody who lost out before to have another try at it.”
Potter Highlands, north of W. 32nd Avenue’s restaurant row and east of Federal Boulevard, shows some of the best of Highlands’ appeal, says Berglund. The neighborhood inside a protected historic district lies adjacent to LoHi, the area that slopes east down the hill toward the Platte River, with its own hub of dining attractions. Collectively, the two areas are known as Highland.
Berglund and other neighbors have arranged a tour of holiday lights in Highland, on you can map out via their neighborhood association site at DenverHighland.org.
Berglund says that buyers, many of them from out of state, arrive already knowing about Highlands and its restaurant districts—not just in Potter Highlands and LoHi, but Highland Square at W. 32nd and Lowell; along Tennyson Street in Berkeley; and in the new Sloans area south of Sloan’s Lake.
Next week, Berglund and her 15 agents are moving into 4272 Lowell Boulevard in Berkeley—another emerging restaurant area, already with Ginger Pig, Tocabe American Indian Eatery, Cafe Brazil, Ragin’ Hog Barbecue, and Billy’s Inn.
Berglund, who is noticing an uptick in calls from those out-of-state buyers, many who have already done scouting trips to Denver, says 2021 will do nothing to change the upbeat market, even as the virus ebbs.
“The vaccine will shift the economy,” Berglund says, “but with work-from-home a reality, people will continue to leave high-priced areas and migrate to where can get more space for the money. Denver will continue to be a destination.”
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That Bungalow on W. 37th, a five-block walk from dining at 32nd and Zuni, is at the lower end of the Highlands market, but shows features that support the price, Berglund says.
You’ll see brick construction from 1922—well within Potter Highlands’ historic period of significance ranging from the 1880s to 1943, and well protected by the sellers, who have held it for nearly three decades.
The home has the characteristic bungalow porch, a recently updated kitchen, a family room addition off the back with a gas fireplace that opens to a big backyard with pergola, and a one-car alley-load garage that can be expanded under the building code; even have an accessory dwelling unit added on.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-12-24--Broncos Briefs: Tom McMahon happy to have kicker Brandon McManus back after missing one game

The two people who are most relieved to have Broncos kicker Brandon McManus back for Sunday ’ s game at the Los Angeles Chargers : McManus and special teams coordinator Tom McMahon .
McManus missed last week ’ s loss to Buffalo because he was on the COVID-19/reserve list as a close contact .
In McManus ’ stead was Taylor Russolino , who was called up from the practice squad and missed one field goal and two extra points in the 48-19 loss to Buffalo .
“ Taylor was terrible , ” McMahon said before practice Thursday .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little big for him with the wind — he didn ’ t handle it right .
It shows how happy we are getting Brandon back .
This is a tough league .
It took Brandon McManus two years to kick a football in this league with failures and this , that and the other .
You see how valuable those players are and it showed up in that game , not just on field goals but on kickoffs.
” Russolino remains on the practice squad , but isolated away from the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The hard part is to get a guy ready for those winds , ” McMahon said .
“ The only way you can do it is you have to have practice and ( we ) got only two practices with him .
… It ’ s one of those where you keep working with him and if something comes up , he ’ s learned from ( last week ) .
“ I want to see Brandon ( kick ) for every single week for the next four years , every single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour of the day .
I want to see Brandon because he ’ s established himself.
” Chubb , Lindsay sit .
Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb ( ankle ) and running back Phillip Lindsay ( hip/knee ) missed a second consecutive practice on Thursday .
“ We ’ ll see how they progress through the week , ” coach Vic Fangio said .
“ Hopefully , we might be able to get them to practice on Saturday some before we take off for ( Los Angeles ) and we ’ ll see .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to go down to the wire.
” Minus Chubb , who leads the Broncos with 7 1/2 sacks , Fangio would turn to Jeremiah Attaochu to start opposite Malik Reed .
Backups Anthony Chickillo ( if active ) and Derrek Tuszka would also see their play-time increase .
If Lindsay can ’ t play , Royce Freeman , who practiced Thursday after missing Wednesday ( hip ) , would be the main backup to Melvin Gordon .
Friday off .
Fangio opted to give the players Christmas Day off , folding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday ’ s walk-through .
“ Ever since we lost our bye week , I ’ ve tried to give them a day ( off ) whenever I can , ” Fangio said .
The Broncos ’ Week 9 bye week was wiped out when they were “ off ” in Week 5 and the New England game was moved ahead seven days .
“ If the schedule works out , I think it ’ s always nice if you can give the players Christmas off to spend time with their families , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinator Ed Donatell on the Broncos allowing a 51-yard touchdown run by Buffalo ’ s Devin Singletary in last week ’ s garbage time : “ We don ’ t like seeing that and we don ’ t like see it at the end .
We were in a defense where we ’ re trying to make something happen so there is a risk-reward in it , but we have to make the plays as players and coach it better.
” … The Broncos enter Week 16 with a league-high 30 turnovers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only other team with more than 24 .

The two people who are most relieved to have Broncos kicker Brandon McManus back for Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Chargers: McManus and special teams coordinator Tom McMahon.
McManus missed last week’s loss to Buffalo because he was on the COVID-19/reserve list as a close contact.
In McManus’ stead was Taylor Russolino, who was called up from the practice squad and missed one field goal and two extra points in the 48-19 loss to Buffalo.
“Taylor was terrible,” McMahon said before practice Thursday. “He had a bad day. It got a little big for him with the wind — he didn’t handle it right. It shows how happy we are getting Brandon back. This is a tough league. It took Brandon McManus two years to kick a football in this league with failures and this, that and the other. You see how valuable those players are and it showed up in that game, not just on field goals but on kickoffs.”
Russolino remains on the practice squad, but isolated away from the team during their practices as a precaution.
“The hard part is to get a guy ready for those winds,” McMahon said. “The only way you can do it is you have to have practice and (we) got only two practices with him. … It’s one of those where you keep working with him and if something comes up, he’s learned from (last week).
“I want to see Brandon (kick) for every single week for the next four years, every single minute of the day, and every hour of the day. I want to see Brandon because he’s established himself.”
Chubb, Lindsay sit. Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (ankle) and running back Phillip Lindsay (hip/knee) missed a second consecutive practice on Thursday.
“We’ll see how they progress through the week,” coach Vic Fangio said. “Hopefully, we might be able to get them to practice on Saturday some before we take off for (Los Angeles) and we’ll see. But I do think it’s going to go down to the wire.”
Minus Chubb, who leads the Broncos with 7 1/2 sacks, Fangio would turn to Jeremiah Attaochu to start opposite Malik Reed. Backups Anthony Chickillo (if active) and Derrek Tuszka would also see their play-time increase.
If Lindsay can’t play, Royce Freeman, who practiced Thursday after missing Wednesday (hip), would be the main backup to Melvin Gordon.
Friday off. Fangio opted to give the players Christmas Day off, folding that work into Thursday’s practice and Saturday’s walk-through.
“Ever since we lost our bye week, I’ve tried to give them a day (off) whenever I can,” Fangio said.
The Broncos’ Week 9 bye week was wiped out when they were “off” in Week 5 and the New England game was moved ahead seven days.
“If the schedule works out, I think it’s always nice if you can give the players Christmas off to spend time with their families,” Fangio said.
Footnotes. Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell on the Broncos allowing a 51-yard touchdown run by Buffalo’s Devin Singletary in last week’s garbage time: “We don’t like seeing that and we don’t like see it at the end. We were in a defense where we’re trying to make something happen so there is a risk-reward in it, but we have to make the plays as players and coach it better.” … The Broncos enter Week 16 with a league-high 30 turnovers. San Francisco is (29) the only other team with more than 24.


thedenverpost--2020-12-24--Broncos podcast: Pro Bowl picks, offseason decisions and Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Chargers

In this edition of the 1st-and-Orange podcast sponsored by SportsBetting.com , Denver Post deputy sports editor Matt Schubert and Broncos @ @ @ @ @ Halloran preview the Broncos ’ Week 16 showdown against the Chargers in Los Angeles .
@ @ @ @ @ leading into game , plus analysis on the Broncos ’ Pro Bowl selections announced earlier @ @ @ @ @ between Denver ’ s depleted secondary and Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert , and what Drew @ @ @ @ @ these last two games to prove to the front office he ’ s still their @ @ @ @ @ Subscribe to our Broncos Insider newsletter to get the latest team news sent straight to @ @ @

In this edition of the 1st-and-Orange podcast sponsored by SportsBetting.com, Denver Post deputy sports editor Matt Schubert and Broncos beat writer Ryan O’Halloran preview the Broncos’ Week 16 showdown against the Chargers in Los Angeles.
The duo provides injury updates leading into game, plus analysis on the Broncos’ Pro Bowl selections announced earlier this week, the matchup between Denver’s depleted secondary and Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, and what Drew Lock needs to do in these last two games to prove to the front office he’s still their QB of the future.
Subscribe to the podcast
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thedenverpost--2020-12-24--U.S. military confirms pandemic won’t sideline Santa Claus

DENVER — The U.S. military is tracking an elderly man with a white beard and a large belly who goes by the name of Saint Nicholas .
There ’ s no reason for alarm though , Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck said .
In fact , this is a Christmas tradition going on its 65th year .
The North American Aerospace Defense Command , a joint U.S.-Canadian operation that protects the skies over both countries , has tracked the fabled jolly old man since a child mistakenly called the base in 1955 , asking to speak to Santa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitor for signs of a nuclear attack .
But this year , officers at the base are making sure the coronavirus pandemic won ’ t sideline Santa Claus and his reindeer from , as the storybooks say , delivering gifts to children around the world .
While the Santa tracking operations center usually has around 1,500 volunteers fielding calls from around the world , this year they have scaled back because of COVID-19 concerns with few people in the center and many taking calls remotely .
With the smaller operation , they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t reach an operator .
But as cases continue to rise across the globe , it begs the question : Will Santa be able to bring our gifts to us safely ?
“ Santa Claus has been doing this for many , many years , as you know , and he ’ s been through pandemics before and challenges all around the globe .
I ’ m one hundred percent confident that Santa Claus knows exactly how to stay safe , ” VanHerck said .
Despite a unique Christmas season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t expect any disruptions to the storybook Santa ’ s schedule .
“ We expect Santa Claus will be on time , arrives somewhere between 9:00 p.m. and midnight to each house .
I would encourage all children to make sure they ’ re in bed by 9:00 p.m. so Santa Claus can stay on time , ” he said .
His other important message : You can still leave out cookies .
This is VanHerck ’ s first year tracking Santa .
The commander said it ’ s an honor to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world and be part of a tradition that spans generations .
“ Prior to being the Commander of NORAD , I didn ’ t have an idea of really how popular this really is and how many people have done this for decades from the time they were children until now , ” VanHerck said .
“ And so to continue that tradition is really important.
” VanHerck said he hopes that tracking Santa will bring happiness to families during an unprecedented holiday season and after months of being stuck at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unable to see their friends because of COVID-19 .
“ We hope it brings some normalcy to their lives and some cheer during the holiday season , ” VanHerck said .
“ So as much as we can bring good tidings , enjoyment to the family and all the children — it ’ ll be a big success.
” To get live updates on Santa ’ s location , families can call 1-877-HI-NORAD ( 1-877-446-6723 ) and visit noradsanta.org .
Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues .

DENVER — The U.S. military is tracking an elderly man with a white beard and a large belly who goes by the name of Saint Nicholas.
There’s no reason for alarm though, Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck said.
In fact, this is a Christmas tradition going on its 65th year. The North American Aerospace Defense Command, a joint U.S.-Canadian operation that protects the skies over both countries, has tracked the fabled jolly old man since a child mistakenly called the base in 1955, asking to speak to Santa.
The base in Colorado Springs used to monitor for signs of a nuclear attack. But this year, officers at the base are making sure the coronavirus pandemic won’t sideline Santa Claus and his reindeer from, as the storybooks say, delivering gifts to children around the world.
While the Santa tracking operations center usually has around 1,500 volunteers fielding calls from around the world, this year they have scaled back because of COVID-19 concerns with few people in the center and many taking calls remotely. With the smaller operation, they have also added a voicemail for callers who don’t reach an operator.
But as cases continue to rise across the globe, it begs the question: Will Santa be able to bring our gifts to us safely?
“Santa Claus has been doing this for many, many years, as you know, and he’s been through pandemics before and challenges all around the globe. I’m one hundred percent confident that Santa Claus knows exactly how to stay safe,” VanHerck said.
Despite a unique Christmas season, the NORAD Commander said they don’t expect any disruptions to the storybook Santa’s schedule.
“We expect Santa Claus will be on time, arrives somewhere between 9:00 p.m. and midnight to each house. I would encourage all children to make sure they’re in bed by 9:00 p.m. so Santa Claus can stay on time,” he said.
His other important message: You can still leave out cookies.
This is VanHerck’s first year tracking Santa. The commander said it’s an honor to be able to interact with people from around the world and be part of a tradition that spans generations.
“Prior to being the Commander of NORAD, I didn’t have an idea of really how popular this really is and how many people have done this for decades from the time they were children until now,” VanHerck said. “And so to continue that tradition is really important.”
VanHerck said he hopes that tracking Santa will bring happiness to families during an unprecedented holiday season and after months of being stuck at home — especially for children attending school remotely and unable to see their friends because of COVID-19.
“We hope it brings some normalcy to their lives and some cheer during the holiday season,” VanHerck said. “So as much as we can bring good tidings, enjoyment to the family and all the children — it’ll be a big success.”
To get live updates on Santa’s location, families can call 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) and visit noradsanta.org.
Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.


thedenverpost--2020-12-25--“It’s a double whammy:” Colorado courts facing unprecedented backlog now hobbled by COVID-19 budget

“It’s a double whammy:” Colorado courts facing unprecedented backlog now hobbled by COVID-19 budget cuts

Colorado ’ s courts will face an unprecedented backlog of cases next year with reduced staff and resources because of budget cuts prompted by the coronavirus pandemic .
The statewide court system cut 111 employees this summer and eliminated 95 empty positions in order to reduce its general fund budget by about $ 34 million amid a statewide shortfall , according to information the judicial branch provided to the legislature ’ s Joint Budget Committee .
“ It ’ s going to be bad enough if we were fully staffed , but actually being cut , we ’ re really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do a lot of this , ” Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Coats told the committee last week .
He ’ s set to retire in January .
In the 20th Judicial District in Boulder County , officials made what appears to be an unprecedented move to eliminate all court reporters .
In the 18th Judicial District , which covers Arapahoe , Douglas , Elbert and Lincoln counties , 16 law clerks and three others lost their jobs , according to a list of reductions provided by the Office of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gilpin counties , morale dipped after 11 employees were laid off , two retired and other positions were ended or reduced to part-time in order to meet a $ 980,000 budget reduction , court executive Gail Pickarts said — all while the coronavirus has slowed court proceedings and brought nearly all jury trials to a complete stop , with many trials piling up on the spring and summer schedules .
About 13,000 trials are scheduled to take place in the next 12 months across Colorado ’ s courts , including jury and bench @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most districts that paused jury trials this fall during rising coronavirus cases aren ’ t restarting until mid-January at the earliest .
So far in 2020 , only about 661 jury trials in criminal cases have been held , according to the Office of the State Court Administrator .
In 2019 , about 1,700 such trials were conducted across the state .
“ That backlog has mounted significantly , and we ’ re trying to get out from underneath that with less people to do it , ” Pickarts said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s extremely difficult right now .
The staff is extraordinarily resilient and resourceful , but they are stressed out .
They ’ re overloaded right now with no real sense of help coming in the future.
” Each judicial district was given the flexibility to meet its reduced budget as it saw fit , Coats said .
“ You ’ ll see in our department vastly different solutions because of the different problems we have throughout our state , ” he told the committee .
Court reporters , law clerks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , state records show , and some districts also cut magistrates or legal researchers .
Each judicial district was asked to reduce its staffing to 80 % of normal levels , according to information provided to the committee .
Some districts already at that level of staffing did not have to make additional cuts .
In Jefferson and Gilpin counties , Pickarts said she tried to spread out the cuts across her department so no one team was heavily impacted .
Officials in Boulder took a different approach , targeting some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters — the people responsible for transcribing what happens in the courtroom — in what appears to be a unique approach across the country , said Christine Phipps , president of the National Court Reporters Association .
“ In a country that is equally facing , and actually in some areas facing more devastating cases than Colorado is , no one else has done this , ” she said .
In all , Boulder ’ s judicial district laid off at least 10 people , according to a list provided by the Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about four court reporters , as well as law clerks and judicial assistants .
Courts on the Front Range routinely use recording software instead of court reporters to make the official record during some proceedings , but usually the software is used only for lower-level offenses or minor proceedings .
Cutting all of its staff court reporters means the 20th Judicial District will need to rely on the software even for felony cases , unless those involved hire a freelance court reporter .
Recording systems are not as reliable as trained professionals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stenographer , it defies logic , because I hang onto every word , ” she said .
“ And every word I take down means something .
The words I take down are the difference between life and death , a mother losing her children… all that stuff matters.
” The situation in Boulder is just one of many crunches state courts are facing because of reduced funds as they head into the new year .
State Court Administrator Steven Vasconcellos told legislators on the budget committee last week that the court system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at its current staffing levels , and at some point will need more money .
“ Timely access to justice is why we exist , period , ” he said .
“ And we currently don ’ t have the adequate resources to address that , even when the pressures of COVID are off us , because of the budget impacts .
”

Colorado’s courts will face an unprecedented backlog of cases next year with reduced staff and resources because of budget cuts prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The statewide court system cut 111 employees this summer and eliminated 95 empty positions in order to reduce its general fund budget by about $34 million amid a statewide shortfall, according to information the judicial branch provided to the legislature’s Joint Budget Committee.
“It’s going to be bad enough if we were fully staffed, but actually being cut, we’re really worried about how we’re going to do a lot of this,” Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Coats told the committee last week. He’s set to retire in January.
In the 20th Judicial District in Boulder County, officials made what appears to be an unprecedented move to eliminate all court reporters. In the 18th Judicial District, which covers Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties, 16 law clerks and three others lost their jobs, according to a list of reductions provided by the Office of the State Court Administrator.
In Jefferson and Gilpin counties, morale dipped after 11 employees were laid off, two retired and other positions were ended or reduced to part-time in order to meet a $980,000 budget reduction, court executive Gail Pickarts said — all while the coronavirus has slowed court proceedings and brought nearly all jury trials to a complete stop, with many trials piling up on the spring and summer schedules.
About 13,000 trials are scheduled to take place in the next 12 months across Colorado’s courts, including jury and bench trials for both criminal and civil proceedings. Most districts that paused jury trials this fall during rising coronavirus cases aren’t restarting until mid-January at the earliest.
So far in 2020, only about 661 jury trials in criminal cases have been held, according to the Office of the State Court Administrator. In 2019, about 1,700 such trials were conducted across the state.
“That backlog has mounted significantly, and we’re trying to get out from underneath that with less people to do it,” Pickarts said. “It’s a double whammy. It’s extremely difficult right now. The staff is extraordinarily resilient and resourceful, but they are stressed out. They’re overloaded right now with no real sense of help coming in the future.”
Each judicial district was given the flexibility to meet its reduced budget as it saw fit, Coats said.
“You’ll see in our department vastly different solutions because of the different problems we have throughout our state,” he told the committee. Court reporters, law clerks and judicial assistants were frequently among those cut, state records show, and some districts also cut magistrates or legal researchers.
Each judicial district was asked to reduce its staffing to 80% of normal levels, according to information provided to the committee. Some districts already at that level of staffing did not have to make additional cuts. In Jefferson and Gilpin counties, Pickarts said she tried to spread out the cuts across her department so no one team was heavily impacted.
Officials in Boulder took a different approach, targeting some of the cuts at the district’s court reporters — the people responsible for transcribing what happens in the courtroom — in what appears to be a unique approach across the country, said Christine Phipps, president of the National Court Reporters Association.
“In a country that is equally facing, and actually in some areas facing more devastating cases than Colorado is, no one else has done this,” she said.
In all, Boulder’s judicial district laid off at least 10 people, according to a list provided by the Office of the State Court Administrator, including about four court reporters, as well as law clerks and judicial assistants.
Courts on the Front Range routinely use recording software instead of court reporters to make the official record during some proceedings, but usually the software is used only for lower-level offenses or minor proceedings. Cutting all of its staff court reporters means the 20th Judicial District will need to rely on the software even for felony cases, unless those involved hire a freelance court reporter.
Recording systems are not as reliable as trained professionals, Phipps said.
“As a 27-year stenographer, it defies logic, because I hang onto every word,” she said. “And every word I take down means something. The words I take down are the difference between life and death, a mother losing her children… all that stuff matters.”
The situation in Boulder is just one of many crunches state courts are facing because of reduced funds as they head into the new year. State Court Administrator Steven Vasconcellos told legislators on the budget committee last week that the court system can’t meet its obligations long-term at its current staffing levels, and at some point will need more money.
“Timely access to justice is why we exist, period,” he said. “And we currently don’t have the adequate resources to address that, even when the pressures of COVID are off us, because of the budget impacts.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-25--Oil paintings by Colorado native included new book on Colorado 14ers

The artwork of a Colorado native who painted American West landscapes for more than four decades has been revived in a newly published book , and the 94-year-old artist is enjoying the newfound notoriety .
Robert L. Wogrin ’ s oil paintings helped photographer John Fielder include an image of all 58 of Colorado ’ s 14ers in his latest book “ Colorado ’ s Highest : The History of Naming the 14,000-Foot Peaks , ” written by Jeri L. Norgren .
Wogrin began painting landscapes , including Colorado mountains and peaks , in the late 1970s after a career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was all fine and dandy until I began to realize something , I ’ m not the type of person who could sit around in big groups and kick around ideas , ” Wogrin said , with a chuckle , of his business life .
In his painting world , Wogrin would hike and climb to backcountry locations , sometimes accompanied by a family member , where he would draw pencil sketches and take photographs .
He often camped , especially at more remote , difficult to reach sites .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mountains , ” he said .
Wogrin would transform the sketches and photos at his home and art studio , above Aspen Park in the Hilldale Pines area where the elevation is 8,500-feet .
The view from the studio — Mount Evans and north to Longs Peak and beyond — inspired the artist and was an ideal setting from which to paint .
An additional bonus of the home studio was that it allowed Wogrin to be close to his wife Irene , and their five children .
“ It allowed me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school , ” Wogrin said .
The family enjoyed the Colorado outdoors together , including skiing at Geneva Basin , a now-closed small , family-owned ski area just south of Guenalla Pass .
Wogrin ’ s wife of 66 years , Irene , died in 2019 .
“ The things we did as a family together , it was a lovely , lovely life , ” Wogrin said .
“ I ’ ve been very fortunate.
” Fielder , the renowned Colorado photographer and publisher , was working on his book , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he realized he was a bit shy of capturing all of Colorado ’ s 14ers .
“ I had about 60 % of the peaks , ” Fielder said .
“ To take care of the others , I remembered Bob and his paintings.
” Between Fielder ’ s photos and Wogrin ’ s paintings , completion of the book was just two peaks short .
Fielder tapped Jon Kedrowski , a Colorado ski mountaineer , to fill in the last two slots .
The 160-page coffee table book also incorporates historical sketches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Hayden Survey .
“ I ’ ve always been a fan of historical journals and historical arts , ” Fielder said .
“ Bob ’ s work reminds me a lot of both ( Albert ) Bierstadt and ( Thomas ) Moran , without the hyperbole .
The light , the moment , the weather is extraordinary.
” Beyond Colorado and the 14ers , Wogrin has painted landscapes across the West .
A 1944 graduate of Manual High School and a 1949 graduate of the University of Denver , Wogrin taught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s art gained public attention in 1980 when he produced a poster using his oil paintings titled “ Fourteeners Adventure Poster.
” Collectors who have purchased Wogrin ’ s work include the George Phippen Memorial Museum , Forbes Magazine Collection and the Anschutz Collection .
He has received awards from the American Artists Grand National Show and the Knickerbocker Artists Show , both in New York City .
Wogrin , who lives in Littleton , retired from painting about a year ago .
“ I no longer have the ability ; it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ painter said .
“ I still have paintings all around me I remember painting , wherever it was .
Sometimes I ’ m tempted to go back to the studio .
”

The artwork of a Colorado native who painted American West landscapes for more than four decades has been revived in a newly published book, and the 94-year-old artist is enjoying the newfound notoriety.
Robert L. Wogrin’s oil paintings helped photographer John Fielder include an image of all 58 of Colorado’s 14ers in his latest book “Colorado’s Highest: The History of Naming the 14,000-Foot Peaks,” written by Jeri L. Norgren.
Wogrin began painting landscapes, including Colorado mountains and peaks, in the late 1970s after a career in advertising and architectural art.
“It was all fine and dandy until I began to realize something, I’m not the type of person who could sit around in big groups and kick around ideas,” Wogrin said, with a chuckle, of his business life.
In his painting world, Wogrin would hike and climb to backcountry locations, sometimes accompanied by a family member, where he would draw pencil sketches and take photographs. He often camped, especially at more remote, difficult to reach sites.
“I was interested in the beauty of the mountains,” he said.
Wogrin would transform the sketches and photos at his home and art studio, above Aspen Park in the Hilldale Pines area where the elevation is 8,500-feet. The view from the studio — Mount Evans and north to Longs Peak and beyond — inspired the artist and was an ideal setting from which to paint. An additional bonus of the home studio was that it allowed Wogrin to be close to his wife Irene, and their five children.
“It allowed me to be there when they came home from school,” Wogrin said.
The family enjoyed the Colorado outdoors together, including skiing at Geneva Basin, a now-closed small, family-owned ski area just south of Guenalla Pass. Wogrin’s wife of 66 years, Irene, died in 2019.
“The things we did as a family together, it was a lovely, lovely life,” Wogrin said. “I’ve been very fortunate.”
Fielder, the renowned Colorado photographer and publisher, was working on his book, which included reviewing some 20,000 images, when he realized he was a bit shy of capturing all of Colorado’s 14ers.
“I had about 60% of the peaks,” Fielder said. “To take care of the others, I remembered Bob and his paintings.”
Between Fielder’s photos and Wogrin’s paintings, completion of the book was just two peaks short. Fielder tapped Jon Kedrowski, a Colorado ski mountaineer, to fill in the last two slots. The 160-page coffee table book also incorporates historical sketches made in the 1870s by the artists of the Hayden Survey.
“I’ve always been a fan of historical journals and historical arts,” Fielder said. “Bob’s work reminds me a lot of both (Albert) Bierstadt and (Thomas) Moran, without the hyperbole. The light, the moment, the weather is extraordinary.”
Beyond Colorado and the 14ers, Wogrin has painted landscapes across the West.
A 1944 graduate of Manual High School and a 1949 graduate of the University of Denver, Wogrin taught at the Colorado Art Institute. Wogrin’s art gained public attention in 1980 when he produced a poster using his oil paintings titled “Fourteeners Adventure Poster.”
Collectors who have purchased Wogrin’s work include the George Phippen Memorial Museum, Forbes Magazine Collection and the Anschutz Collection. He has received awards from the American Artists Grand National Show and the Knickerbocker Artists Show, both in New York City.
Wogrin, who lives in Littleton, retired from painting about a year ago.
“I no longer have the ability; it’s my hands,” the painter said. “I still have paintings all around me I remember painting, wherever it was. Sometimes I’m tempted to go back to the studio.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-25--Colorado employers struggle with require vs. encourage when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations

Employers can require their employees to take a vaccine against the novel coronavirus , but the question many are struggling with is should they force the issue .
“ The easy way out is to strongly encourage it but don ’ t mandate it , ” said Christine Samsel , an employment law attorney at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck in Denver .
Employers have a duty to ensure a safe working environment and that no individual posses a “ direct threat to the health or safety ” of others in the workplace .
They could be held liable if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results .
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently clarified that employers can make vaccination for COVID-19 mandatory , with limited exceptions based on sincerely-held religious beliefs or to accommodate a health concern , say an allergy to what is in the vaccine .
While many people can ’ t wait to get immunized , a sizeable share of the population remains hesitant or opposed .
Only 55 % of adults with private health insurance said they would be willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine , with 24 % opposed , according to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research Institute Another survey from the Pew Research Center found nearly four in 10 adults opposed to taking a COVID-19 vaccine and Gallup puts the U.S. acceptance rate at only 63 % , assuming shots are free and easy to obtain .
Granted , people will get more comfortable as more doses are administered with minimal side effects and they prove their protective powers .
But even then , some people will still pass .
Employers could find themselves balancing a worker ’ s right to choose against the need to protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It is now clear that an employer may require proof of vaccination without implicating the ADA , Title VII or Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act .
On its surface , this makes it simpler for employers to mandate vaccinations and require that employees provide proof of vaccination , ” said Elizabeth Wylie , a partner at Snell & Wilmer in Denver .
But she said mandating vaccinations will be burdensome .
Exemptions must be made because of disability or religious beliefs .
Workers who refuse to provide proof of vaccination can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine ’ s efficacy , the longevity of the protection provided , side effects and availability .
Plus there are broader issues of employee morale and retention if the issue is forced .
“ Most of my clients are keeping it on a voluntary basis while taking steps to encourage employees to take it , ” Wylie said .
Not making vaccinations mandatory raises a potential liability for outbreaks .
Although workers infected on the job should be covered under workers ’ compensation policies , what happens if they bring the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent ?
The Denver-based Employers Council is advising its members to study their workplaces , looking at specific job duties and the risks of exposure of each before crafting a vaccine policy .
“ Are they frontline and exposed , are they a danger to others if they are not vaccinated ?
” asked Tina Harkness , director of the council ’ s Northern Regional Office .
“ It is about balancing the level of threat and individual interest .
They are tough questions.
” Harkness said if proof of vaccination is made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied except for the legally permitted exceptions .
Samsel adds employers also need to be careful not to single out workers they might view as more vulnerable to COVID-19 for vaccination , say those over age 55 or who are overweight .
And they need to be flexible as things shift .
“ Once the vaccine becomes more readily available , there will be decisions and cases in the context of the first wave of folks who are getting the vaccine .
There will be some development in the law and in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under a more flexible approach , policies still need to be put in place to accommodate those who aren ’ t vaccinated .
They could be required to work remotely until cases reach a very low level or to wear masks even after public health orders requiring them are loosened , Harkness said .
Liability concerns also play the other way .
COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly under emergency use authorizations and some groups weren ’ t tested , like pregnant women .
Although the approved vaccines were deemed safe and effective in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handful of severe allergic reactions .
“ Given the new nature of the vaccine and the way it has been rushed through quickly , that creates additional issues , ” Samsel said .
Republicans had pushed for broad business liability protections related to COVID-19 , but Congress stripped that out of the $ 900 billion aid package it just passed .
Pfizer and Moderna vaccines just started rolling out in Colorado to health care workers , but it could be months before doses are available for the working-age population in good health .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans yet , but employment law experts suggest they should be thinking about the topic .
A survey from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce released on Dec. 15 found only 3 in 10 businesses had started developing a vaccination policy for employees or customers .
Most were leaning toward encouraging but not requiring vaccinations .
Employment law attorneys agreed that the best route for employers is to have a third-party administer the vaccine rather than providing it in-house , because of the pre-screening questions and medical information an employer would have to gather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covering the cost of shots , employers who require them should pay for them , as well as the time required to get them , Harkness advises .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

Employers can require their employees to take a vaccine against the novel coronavirus, but the question many are struggling with is should they force the issue.
“The easy way out is to strongly encourage it but don’t mandate it,” said Christine Samsel, an employment law attorney at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck in Denver.
Employers have a duty to ensure a safe working environment and that no individual posses a “direct threat to the health or safety” of others in the workplace. They could be held liable if they let their guard down and an outbreak results.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently clarified that employers can make vaccination for COVID-19 mandatory, with limited exceptions based on sincerely-held religious beliefs or to accommodate a health concern, say an allergy to what is in the vaccine.
While many people can’t wait to get immunized, a sizeable share of the population remains hesitant or opposed. Only 55% of adults with private health insurance said they would be willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine, with 24% opposed, according to a survey last month from the Employee Benefit Research Institute
Another survey from the Pew Research Center found nearly four in 10 adults opposed to taking a COVID-19 vaccine and Gallup puts the U.S. acceptance rate at only 63%, assuming shots are free and easy to obtain.
Granted, people will get more comfortable as more doses are administered with minimal side effects and they prove their protective powers. But even then, some people will still pass. Employers could find themselves balancing a worker’s right to choose against the need to protect the health of other employees and customers.
“It is now clear that an employer may require proof of vaccination without implicating the ADA, Title VII or Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. On its surface, this makes it simpler for employers to mandate vaccinations and require that employees provide proof of vaccination,” said Elizabeth Wylie, a partner at Snell & Wilmer in Denver.
But she said mandating vaccinations will be burdensome. Exemptions must be made because of disability or religious beliefs. Workers who refuse to provide proof of vaccination can’t be automatically fired. Uncertainties remain around the vaccine’s efficacy, the longevity of the protection provided, side effects and availability. Plus there are broader issues of employee morale and retention if the issue is forced.
“Most of my clients are keeping it on a voluntary basis while taking steps to encourage employees to take it,” Wylie said.
Not making vaccinations mandatory raises a potential liability for outbreaks. Although workers infected on the job should be covered under workers’ compensation policies, what happens if they bring the virus home and infect a spouse or elderly parent?
The Denver-based Employers Council is advising its members to study their workplaces, looking at specific job duties and the risks of exposure of each before crafting a vaccine policy.
“Are they frontline and exposed, are they a danger to others if they are not vaccinated?” asked Tina Harkness, director of the council’s Northern Regional Office. “It is about balancing the level of threat and individual interest. They are tough questions.”
Harkness said if proof of vaccination is made mandatory, the requirement should be consistently applied except for the legally permitted exceptions.
Samsel adds employers also need to be careful not to single out workers they might view as more vulnerable to COVID-19 for vaccination, say those over age 55 or who are overweight. And they need to be flexible as things shift.
“Once the vaccine becomes more readily available, there will be decisions and cases in the context of the first wave of folks who are getting the vaccine. There will be some development in the law and in the guidance,” Samsel said.
Even under a more flexible approach, policies still need to be put in place to accommodate those who aren’t vaccinated. They could be required to work remotely until cases reach a very low level or to wear masks even after public health orders requiring them are loosened, Harkness said.
Liability concerns also play the other way. COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly under emergency use authorizations and some groups weren’t tested, like pregnant women. Although the approved vaccines were deemed safe and effective in trials, they have triggered a rare handful of severe allergic reactions.
“Given the new nature of the vaccine and the way it has been rushed through quickly, that creates additional issues,” Samsel said.
Republicans had pushed for broad business liability protections related to COVID-19, but Congress stripped that out of the $900 billion aid package it just passed.
Pfizer and Moderna vaccines just started rolling out in Colorado to health care workers, but it could be months before doses are available for the working-age population in good health. Most Colorado employers haven’t drafted plans yet, but employment law experts suggest they should be thinking about the topic.
A survey from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce released on Dec. 15 found only 3 in 10 businesses had started developing a vaccination policy for employees or customers. Most were leaning toward encouraging but not requiring vaccinations.
Employment law attorneys agreed that the best route for employers is to have a third-party administer the vaccine rather than providing it in-house, because of the pre-screening questions and medical information an employer would have to gather.
If health plans aren’t covering the cost of shots, employers who require them should pay for them, as well as the time required to get them, Harkness advises.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-12-25--Broncos scouting report: How Denver matches up against Chargers and predictions

1 .
All hail Herbert .
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is a leading candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with 3,781 yards passing and 31 total touchdowns ( four rushing ) through 13 games started .
The No .
6 overall pick from last year ’ s NFL draft is liable to make mistakes – he ’ s thrown 10 interceptions – but Herbert gives L.A. the clear quarterback advantage on Sunday .
2 .
CHJ revenge game .
Chargers cornerback Chris Harris Jr. spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Broncos before leaving in free agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Week 8 game in Denver with a foot injury , but he ’ s now healthy and motivated to face his old team .
Harris returned a pick 51 yards against the Raiders last week to mark his 21st career interception .
The 31-year-old has still got it .
3 .
Get out the broomsticks .
Amid yet another brutal Broncos season , a silver lining is Denver ’ s ongoing dominance over one of their AFC West rivals .
The Broncos are aiming for their second consecutive season sweep of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 31-30 , in a dramatic comeback victory .
Denver ’ s last defeat on the road against the Chargers came in 2017. Who has the edge ?
Eaton native Austin Ekeler hasn ’ t flourished this season in his first year as the Chargers ’ featured running back while dealing with several lower-body injuries .
Ekeler has one rushing touchdown without a single 100-yard game .
That ’ s good news for a Broncos defense that ranks fifth-worst in the NFL allowing 134.6 rushing yards per game .
Justin Herbert set the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven 300-yard passing games in his first season , and with one more touchdown pass , he ’ ll eclipse the single-season rookie record set by Baker Mayfield ( 27 ) .
A depleted Broncos secondary that got torched by Bills quarterback Josh Allen in Week 15 isn ’ t getting reinforcements Sunday .
It all sets up for another gawdy Herbert stat line .
Melvin Gordon ran for a pair of touchdowns last week in a game that saw the Broncos exceed their average team rushing total with 140 yards .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mark rushing this season but gave up 173 yards on the ground against Las Vegas a week ago .
The Broncos struggled to protect Drew Lock against the Bills ( three sacks allowed ) as Denver ’ s passing offense sputtered to 132 yards .
Lock hasn ’ t thrown an interception in the past two games , but he needs a cast of young Broncos wide receivers to grow up fast .
The Chargers tout a top-10 passing defense with 10 interceptions on the year .
Broncos kicker Brandon McManus , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list , is back this week .
The Chargers rank inside the NFL ’ s bottom-10 in almost every special teams statistical category .
Justin Herbert against the embattled Broncos ’ cornerback corps ?
Uh-oh .
Herbert breaks the record for most touchdown passes by a rookie ( now at 27 ) with three scores and 321 yards .
As of now , the standard by which Drew Lock is measured ?
Chargers QB Justin Herbert .
Keep firing your best shot , Drew .
Under Uncle Vic , the Broncos are 4-2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming off a loss of 17 points or more .
If Drew Lock can ’ t pull a dead cat bounce out of this one , The Trevor Lawrence Bandwagon is gon na be standing room only .

Denver Broncos (5-9) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-9), Sunday, 2:05 p.m. MT, SoFi Stadium, CBS, 850 AM, 94.1 FM, 103.5 FM
Three things to watch
1. All hail Herbert. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is a leading candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with 3,781 yards passing and 31 total touchdowns (four rushing) through 13 games started. The No. 6 overall pick from last year’s NFL draft is liable to make mistakes – he’s thrown 10 interceptions – but Herbert gives L.A. the clear quarterback advantage on Sunday.
2. CHJ revenge game. Chargers cornerback Chris Harris Jr. spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Broncos before leaving in free agency last offseason. Harris missed L.A.’s Week 8 game in Denver with a foot injury, but he’s now healthy and motivated to face his old team. Harris returned a pick 51 yards against the Raiders last week to mark his 21st career interception. The 31-year-old has still got it.
3. Get out the broomsticks. Amid yet another brutal Broncos season, a silver lining is Denver’s ongoing dominance over one of their AFC West rivals. The Broncos are aiming for their second consecutive season sweep of the Chargers after beating LA earlier this year, 31-30, in a dramatic comeback victory. Denver’s last defeat on the road against the Chargers came in 2017.
Who has the edge?
When the Chargers run
Eaton native Austin Ekeler hasn’t flourished this season in his first year as the Chargers’ featured running back while dealing with several lower-body injuries. Ekeler has one rushing touchdown without a single 100-yard game. That’s good news for a Broncos defense that ranks fifth-worst in the NFL allowing 134.6 rushing yards per game.
Edge: Even
When the Chargers pass
Justin Herbert set the NFL’s all-time rookie record with seven 300-yard passing games in his first season, and with one more touchdown pass, he’ll eclipse the single-season rookie record set by Baker Mayfield (27). A depleted Broncos secondary that got torched by Bills quarterback Josh Allen in Week 15 isn’t getting reinforcements Sunday. It all sets up for another gawdy Herbert stat line.
Edge: Chargers
When the Broncos run
Melvin Gordon ran for a pair of touchdowns last week in a game that saw the Broncos exceed their average team rushing total with 140 yards. The Chargers held four opponents under the century mark rushing this season but gave up 173 yards on the ground against Las Vegas a week ago.
Edge: Even
When the Broncos pass
The Broncos struggled to protect Drew Lock against the Bills (three sacks allowed) as Denver’s passing offense sputtered to 132 yards. Lock hasn’t thrown an interception in the past two games, but he needs a cast of young Broncos wide receivers to grow up fast. The Chargers tout a top-10 passing defense with 10 interceptions on the year.
Edge: Chargers
Special teams
Broncos kicker Brandon McManus, after missing the Bills game on the reserve/COVID-19 list, is back this week. The Chargers rank inside the NFL’s bottom-10 in almost every special teams statistical category.
Edge: Broncos
Post predictions
Ryan O’Halloran, beat writer: Chargers 31, Broncos 24
Justin Herbert against the embattled Broncos’ cornerback corps? Uh-oh. Herbert breaks the record for most touchdown passes by a rookie (now at 27) with three scores and 321 yards.
Mark Kiszla, columnist: Chargers 31, Broncos 30
As of now, the standard by which Drew Lock is measured? Chargers QB Justin Herbert. Keep firing your best shot, Drew.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 27, Chargers 26
Under Uncle Vic, the Broncos are 4-2 straight up and 6-0 against the spread coming off a loss of 17 points or more. If Drew Lock can’t pull a dead cat bounce out of this one, The Trevor Lawrence Bandwagon is gonna be standing room only.


thedenverpost--2020-12-25--Pick 6: Odds CU Buffs win Alamo Bowl, Vic Fangio is next NFL coach fired, Jamal Murray is NBA’s most

Pick 6: Odds CU Buffs win Alamo Bowl, Vic Fangio is next NFL coach fired, Jamal Murray is NBA’s most improved player

Jamal Murray averaged 18.5 points , 4.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists during the regular season last year , but oddsmakers think he ’ s going to make a huge leap in the 2020-21 NBA season .
And with good reason .
BetMGM has Murray as the second favorite at +1,200 — meaning a $ 100 bet would win $ 1,200 — to win the NBA most improved player award .
The 23-year-old Nuggets guard exploded in the postseason , averaging 26.5 points , 4.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists in 19 playoff games .
He ’ s not the only Nuggets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jr. is third at +1,400 .
Here ’ s a look at some of the current odds in the world of sports .
The odds Nuggets guard Jamal Murray will win the NBA most improved player of the year award this season , according to BetMGM .
He is the second favorite , behind Houston ’ s Christian Wood ( +800 ) and just ahead of Chicago ’ s Coby White ( +1,400 ) and Denver teammate Michael Porter Jr. ( +1,400 ) .
The odds the Colorado Buffaloes will beat Texas in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Longhorns are 9.5-point favorites .
The odds Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar will win the 2021 James Norris Memorial Trophy , according to Bovada .
He has the sixth-best odds .
Nashville ’ s Roman Josi ( +450 ) is the favorite .
The odds Khabib Nurmagomedov will defeat Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a sanctioned UFC bout , according to Bovada .
The odds Broncos head coach Vic Fangio will be the next NFL head coach fired , according to BetOnline .
He is tied for fourth with the Chargers ’ Anthony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gase ( +200 ) , Bears ’ Matt Nagy ( +225 ) and Jaguars ’ Doug Marrone ( +250 ) .
The odds the Rockies will win the National League pennant — tied for 12th of 15 — according to BetOnline .
The Dodgers ( +200 ) are favored .

Jamal Murray averaged 18.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists during the regular season last year, but oddsmakers think he’s going to make a huge leap in the 2020-21 NBA season. And with good reason.
BetMGM has Murray as the second favorite at +1,200 — meaning a $100 bet would win $1,200 — to win the NBA most improved player award. The 23-year-old Nuggets guard exploded in the postseason, averaging 26.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists in 19 playoff games.
He’s not the only Nuggets player on the list. Michael Porter Jr. is third at +1,400.
Here’s a look at some of the current odds in the world of sports.
+1,200
The odds Nuggets guard Jamal Murray will win the NBA most improved player of the year award this season, according to BetMGM. He is the second favorite, behind Houston’s Christian Wood (+800) and just ahead of Chicago’s Coby White (+1,400) and Denver teammate Michael Porter Jr. (+1,400).
+310
The odds the Colorado Buffaloes will beat Texas in the Alamo Bowl, according to BetMGM. The Longhorns are 9.5-point favorites.
+1,000
The odds Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar will win the 2021 James Norris Memorial Trophy, according to Bovada. He has the sixth-best odds. Nashville’s Roman Josi (+450) is the favorite.
-1,100
The odds Khabib Nurmagomedov will defeat Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a sanctioned UFC bout, according to Bovada.
+500
The odds Broncos head coach Vic Fangio will be the next NFL head coach fired, according to BetOnline. He is tied for fourth with the Chargers’ Anthony Lynn and behind the Jets’ Adam Gase (+200), Bears’ Matt Nagy (+225) and Jaguars’ Doug Marrone (+250).
+5,000
The odds the Rockies will win the National League pennant — tied for 12th of 15 — according to BetOnline. The Dodgers (+200) are favored.