thedenverpost--2020-11-23--Rapids’ season comes to end in MLS Cup Playoffs loss at Minnesota

Minnesota United FC had not lost a game in 2020 when scoring first entering Sunday night ’ s do-or-die matchup against the Colorado Rapids — and the Loons still haven ’ t .
Minnesota netted an early goal in the MLS Cup Playoffs match at Allianz Field , then sat back and countered any Rapids chances to claim a 3-0 victory that ended Colorado ’ s season .
The Loons used the Rapids ’ youth against them and outworked Colorado .
Emanuel Reynoso assisted on all three scores and Kevin Molino scored twice to send the Rapids packing .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the field turned disastrous in the 22nd minute when sloppy defending let a ball squirt through .
Molino won the loose ball to Reynoso , who dribbled to the top of the box before being taken off the ball .
It was left for Molino straight away and he sent it past William Yarbrough .
The play originated on the left side of the field where Sam Vines normally would be .
The Rapids ironman started the game on the bench because of a hamstring injury .
Less than 10 minutes later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A three-on-one rush for the Loons ended with Reynoso hitting the post .
Just after the break , the Rapids came out on fire .
Getting top-notch scoring chances , the Rapids were not able to score .
Cole Bassett had a few opportunities in a several-minute span , including one where goalie Dayne St. Clair was on the ground but Bakaye Dibassy cleared it off the goaline .
There was a sequence that ended with Nico Benezet being dragged down in the box but no foul was called .
The Rapids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not earn a penalty kick this year .
• Traded away two months ago , Kei Kamara gets chance to end Rapids ’ season in MLS playoffs • The mastermind behind the Colorado Rapids ’ set-piece brilliance • Rapids down Dynamo late behind Diego Rubio in 2-1 win • Rapids looking for third straight win on Decision Day , chance to improving playoff seeding The pressure without punctuation was costly .
An errant pass from Jack Price was intercepted in the midfield which led to a 3-on-3 counter the other way .
Reynoso @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Finnish attacker finished the rush by catching Yarbrough out of position , making Minnesota ’ s lead 2-0 .
A tired Rapids team could not do much when Molino found a loose ball in the box in the 79th minute .
Molino chipped it over Yarbrough , giving the Loons their third goal .
A good passing play from Reynoso and Jan Gregus led to the insurance score .
The Rapids had a fantastic end to their season collecting three wins over five matches in 15 days .
The chaotic 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future is bright .
Colorado fielded one of the youngest teams in MLS this season and got most of their production from the kids .
The club ’ s goal is to become an annual playoff team , which can not happen unless you make the postseason the first time .
The Rapids seem to have found their leader as Robin Fraser is the winningest coach in club history through his first 25 games .
There are moves to be made this offseason to help the young core , but ultimately the Rapids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development of their younger players .
Minnesota United plays at Children ’ s Mercy Park on Dec. 1 or Dec. 2 against Western Conference top-seed Sporting Kansas City , which won its first-round game Sunday against San Jose in a wild match that went to penalty kicks .

Minnesota United FC had not lost a game in 2020 when scoring first entering Sunday night’s do-or-die matchup against the Colorado Rapids — and the Loons still haven’t.
Minnesota netted an early goal in the MLS Cup Playoffs match at Allianz Field, then sat back and countered any Rapids chances to claim a 3-0 victory that ended Colorado’s season.
“It’s not very often you lose a game 3-0 and you think that you should have won,” Rapids coach Robin Fraser said. “This is a young team going through this experience for the first time. You have to be able to be solid, which we were throughout most of night, but not as consistently as we needed.”
The Loons used the Rapids’ youth against them and outworked Colorado. Emanuel Reynoso assisted on all three scores and Kevin Molino scored twice to send the Rapids packing.
A benign throw-in on the Rapids’ side of the field turned disastrous in the 22nd minute when sloppy defending let a ball squirt through. Molino won the loose ball to Reynoso, who dribbled to the top of the box before being taken off the ball. It was left for Molino straight away and he sent it past William Yarbrough. The play originated on the left side of the field where Sam Vines normally would be. The Rapids ironman started the game on the bench because of a hamstring injury. He subbed on late and Kellyn Acosta played left back for the first time in years.
“Vines was hurt, we were being cautious and didn’t want to play him,” Fraser said. “Kellyn did a really good job, his decision making was very good.”
Less than 10 minutes later Reynoso tried to capitalize on the counter-attack. A three-on-one rush for the Loons ended with Reynoso hitting the post.
Just after the break, the Rapids came out on fire. Getting top-notch scoring chances, the Rapids were not able to score. Cole Bassett had a few opportunities in a several-minute span, including one where goalie Dayne St. Clair was on the ground but Bakaye Dibassy cleared it off the goaline. There was a sequence that ended with Nico Benezet being dragged down in the box, but no foul was called. The Rapids are the only team in MLS to not earn a penalty kick this year.
The pressure without punctuation was costly. An errant pass from Jack Price was intercepted in the midfield which led to a 3-on-3 counter the other way. Reynoso grounded a pass wide to Robin Lod. The Finnish attacker finished the rush by catching Yarbrough out of position, making Minnesota’s lead 2-0.
“There’s times where we turned over too easily. We knew the pressure was coming, we just have to be better individually at times,” Price said. “The second goal to give the ball away in the midfield, it’s unlike me and I shouldn’t ever do that but I’ll learn from it, I won’t do it again.”
A tired Rapids team could not do much when Molino found a loose ball in the box in the 79th minute. Molino chipped it over Yarbrough, giving the Loons their third goal. A good passing play from Reynoso and Jan Gregus led to the insurance score.
“We’re obviously proud of making the playoffs, but we’re still very disappointed. We felt like we deserved more tonight,” Price said. “Being more clinical and execution, that was the difference between them and us. They have a more experienced team. We’ll come back stronger and we will be the experienced team.”
Bigger picture
The Rapids had a fantastic end to their season collecting three wins over five matches in 15 days. The chaotic 2020 has come to an end but the future is bright.
Colorado fielded one of the youngest teams in MLS this season and got most of their production from the kids. The club’s goal is to become an annual playoff team, which cannot happen unless you make the postseason the first time.
The Rapids seem to have found their leader as Robin Fraser is the winningest coach in club history through his first 25 games. There are moves to be made this offseason to help the young core, but ultimately the Rapids’ future will be based on the development of their younger players.
What’s ahead
Minnesota United plays at Children’s Mercy Park on Dec. 1 or Dec. 2 against Western Conference top-seed Sporting Kansas City, which won its first-round game Sunday against San Jose in a wild match that went to penalty kicks.


thedenverpost--2020-11-23--Woman dies after auto-pedestrian crash in Aurora

A woman died after sustaining injuries from an auto-pedestrian crash Sunday night in Aurora , according to Aurora police .
@ @ @ @ @ Colfax Avenue and Clinton Street .
The westbound lanes of Colfax are closed due to @ @ @ @ @ not been announced when the road will be reopened .

A 75-year-old woman has died after sustaining injuries from an auto-pedestrian crash Sunday in Aurora, according to Aurora police.
At 5:22 p.m., police responded to the crash, which occurred near East Colfax Avenue and Clinton Street. According to the investigation, the woman did not use a crosswalk when she was struck by the black GMC Yukon. She later died at a hospital.
The woman’s identity will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office “after a positive identification has been made, and her next-of-kin has been notified,” according to police.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash cam footage is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.


thedenverpost--2020-11-23--Running wild — Melvin Gordon, Phillip Lindsay lead Broncos offense in win over Miami

Broncos quarterback Drew Lock had no reason to be confident when offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur ’ s game plan began to download onto his iPad last week .
Lock had thrown 10 interceptions in the last five games and the offense was mired in a season-long funk .
Plus , he was nursing an injury to his chest .
“ When I saw the game plan come rolling in , a little on Monday , a little on Tuesday , you ’ re like , ‘ OK , here we go .
We ’ re going to roll this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it or not , the Broncos ’ offense did get on a roll , the kind of roll envisioned when running back Melvin Gordon was signed this past season to join Phillip Lindsay .
A two-pronged running game .
Yards after contact .
Chunk plays .
Steady gains .
Led by a season-high 189 yards rushing , the Broncos overcame Gordon ’ s goal-line fumble to post a 20-13 upset win over surging Miami when safety Justin Simmons intercepted quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick ’ s pass in the end zone with 1:03 remaining .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and two touchdowns .
Lindsay , limited to four carries in last week ’ s loss at Las Vegas , had 16 attempts for 82 yards .
“ ( Running it ) was a big part of winning that game , obviously , ” coach Vic Fangio said after the Broncos improved to 4-6 and gained a season-best 459 yards .
“ I ’ ve always said a quarterback ’ s two best friends are a running game and a good defense and for the most part , we had that going.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-and-outs and sealed the game after Fitzpatrick , who replaced rookie Tua Tagovailoa with 10:44 remaining , led the Dolphins from their 1-yard line into the red zone .
And Lindsay/Gordon — it only took until the 10th game to see the Broncos ’ plan of a 1-1A running back tandem in full force .
“ When you ’ re running it decently and playing good defense , the whole complexion of the game is different , ” Fangio said .
Big-time different .
The Broncos didn ’ t have to chase the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan .
Gordon/Lindsay had seven first-quarter carries , five in the second , 11 in the third and eight in the fourth .
Lindsay ’ s 20-yard carry sparked the first scoring drive .
Gordon had a 25-yard carry and a 20-yard touchdown .
Lindsay had second-half rushes of 18 and 20 yards .
The Broncos finished with five explosive rushes ( gain of at least 12 yards ) — they had only 17 in the first nine games combined .
“ ( Teams ) all do the same thing ; it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There ’ s no science to it .
Can you get five yards ?
Can you get the touchdown ?
Can you get a first down ?
That ’ s all it is .
We , as people , make things too complicated .
It ’ s Point A to Point B.
” Lindsay ’ s theory is well-taken .
Simplicity and attempting to go from Point A to Point B was also Plan A , but Fangio said Shurmur used a “ couple ” of new run plays , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with it , too , and that ’ s two-fold , ” Fangio said .
“ Part of the problem in the Atlanta game , we got too far behind .
The Raiders game , we would run it and go three-and-out a bunch and that cuts down on your opportunities.
” The Broncos sent home the announced crowd of 5,351 with something to cheer about .
The remaining home games against New Orleans , Buffalo and Las Vegas will not have fans present .
When the Mile High stands are ( hopefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will look different , but how much so ?
What beating Miami could show general manager John Elway is that maybe , just maybe , staying the course after a wacky 2020 is the most prudent move .
You know , show some patience .
Beating the Dolphins should serve as the proper barometer for Elway and Fangio .
Are the Broncos still flawed ?
Absolutely .
They were minus-1 in turnover differential .
Lock ’ s interception led to Miami ’ s only touchdown and Gordon ’ s goal-line fumble cost the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finish line .
“ It ’ s something I work on every week and something I think about and something I try and be really cautious about , ” said Gordon , who has lost four fumbles this year .
“ I was happy as hell , ” Gordon said with a laugh .
Are the Broncos turning a positive corner ?
Next week ’ s game against New Orleans will tell .
Remember , the operation appeared to be humming after the Broncos won at the Jets and New England to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to beat the Los Angeles Chargers to move to 3-4 .
Even the average teams find a way to stack two wins together .
Miami ( 6-4 ) was the first team the Broncos beat this year with a winning record .
Is Denver showing it can be all-around functional ?
Yes and that should be the key evidence for Elway .
The offense controlled the line of scrimmage , the defense had six sacks and five three-and-outs and the maligned special teams did their part .
A great team win at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broncos increasing in volume with every stinker .
This was a team that wasn ’ t competitive at Atlanta in the first half and at Las Vegas in the second half .
Another bad loss and the chatter would have intensified .
But if the Broncos have found the elixir — running game , pass rush and timely throws from Lock — at least they ’ ll be interesting down the stretch .
“ It ’ s good we can lean on the run game , let it develop and have the linebackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have open receivers , ” Lindsay said .
“ ( This ) lets him know he doesn ’ t have to take the world on by himself .
We ’ re doing this as a unit .
”

Broncos quarterback Drew Lock had no reason to be confident when offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s game plan began to download onto his iPad last week.
Lock had thrown 10 interceptions in the last five games and the offense was mired in a season-long funk. Plus, he was nursing an injury to his chest.
But …
“When I saw the game plan come rolling in, a little on Monday, a little on Tuesday, you’re like, ‘OK, here we go. We’re going to roll this week,’” Lock said.
Believe it or not, the Broncos’ offense did get on a roll, the kind of roll envisioned when running back Melvin Gordon was signed this past season to join Phillip Lindsay. A two-pronged running game. Yards after contact. Chunk plays. Steady gains.
And a win.
Led by a season-high 189 yards rushing, the Broncos overcame Gordon’s goal-line fumble to post a 20-13 upset win over surging Miami when safety Justin Simmons intercepted quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s pass in the end zone with 1:03 remaining.
Gordon rushed 15 times for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Lindsay, limited to four carries in last week’s loss at Las Vegas, had 16 attempts for 82 yards.
“(Running it) was a big part of winning that game, obviously,” coach Vic Fangio said after the Broncos improved to 4-6 and gained a season-best 459 yards. “I’ve always said a quarterback’s two best friends are a running game and a good defense and for the most part, we had that going.”
The defense produced six sacks and five three-and-outs and sealed the game after Fitzpatrick, who replaced rookie Tua Tagovailoa with 10:44 remaining, led the Dolphins from their 1-yard line into the red zone.
And Lindsay/Gordon — it only took until the 10th game to see the Broncos’ plan of a 1-1A running back tandem in full force.
“When you’re running it decently and playing good defense, the whole complexion of the game is different,” Fangio said.
Big-time different. The Broncos didn’t have to chase the game so Shurmur could stick with his plan. Gordon/Lindsay had seven first-quarter carries, five in the second, 11 in the third and eight in the fourth.
Lindsay’s 20-yard carry sparked the first scoring drive. Gordon had a 25-yard carry and a 20-yard touchdown. Lindsay had second-half rushes of 18 and 20 yards. The Broncos finished with five explosive rushes (gain of at least 12 yards) — they had only 17 in the first nine games combined.
“(Teams) all do the same thing; it’s about executing,” Lindsay said. “There’s no science to it. Can you get five yards? Can you get the touchdown? Can you get a first down? That’s all it is. We, as people, make things too complicated. It’s Point A to Point B.”
Lindsay’s theory is well-taken. Simplicity and attempting to go from Point A to Point B was also Plan A, but Fangio said Shurmur used a “couple” of new run plays, too.
“We were able to stay with it, too, and that’s two-fold,” Fangio said. “Part of the problem in the Atlanta game, we got too far behind. The Raiders game, we would run it and go three-and-out a bunch and that cuts down on your opportunities.”
Said Lock: “Our run game exploded.”
The Broncos sent home the announced crowd of 5,351 with something to cheer about. The remaining home games against New Orleans, Buffalo and Las Vegas will not have fans present. When the Mile High stands are (hopefully) filled next year, the Broncos will look different, but how much so?
What beating Miami could show general manager John Elway is that maybe, just maybe, staying the course after a wacky 2020 is the most prudent move. You know, show some patience. Beating the Dolphins should serve as the proper barometer for Elway and Fangio.
Are the Broncos still flawed? Absolutely. They were minus-1 in turnover differential. Lock’s interception led to Miami’s only touchdown and Gordon’s goal-line fumble cost the Broncos a chance to coast to the finish line.
“It’s something I work on every week and something I think about and something I try and be really cautious about,” said Gordon, who has lost four fumbles this year.
Gordon’s reaction when Simmons intercepted Fitzpatrick?
“I was happy as hell,” Gordon said with a laugh.
Are the Broncos turning a positive corner? Next week’s game against New Orleans will tell. Remember, the operation appeared to be humming after the Broncos won at the Jets and New England to improve to 2-3 and certainly after they rallied to beat the Los Angeles Chargers to move to 3-4. Even the average teams find a way to stack two wins together. Miami (6-4) was the first team the Broncos beat this year with a winning record.
Is Denver showing it can be all-around functional? Yes and that should be the key evidence for Elway. The offense controlled the line of scrimmage, the defense had six sacks and five three-and-outs and the maligned special teams did their part.
“It was a great team win,” Fangio said.
A great team win at a great time with the noise surrounding the Broncos increasing in volume with every stinker. This was a team that wasn’t competitive at Atlanta in the first half and at Las Vegas in the second half. Another bad loss and the chatter would have intensified. But if the Broncos have found the elixir — running game, pass rush and timely throws from Lock — at least they’ll be interesting down the stretch.
“It’s good we can lean on the run game, let it develop and have the linebackers move up so (Lock) can have open receivers,” Lindsay said. “(This) lets him know he doesn’t have to take the world on by himself. We’re doing this as a unit.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-23--Broncos rack up six sacks in upset win over Dolphins, sending Tua Tagovailoa to bench

Tua Tagovailoa came into Denver riding a rookie high as the first Miami quarterback to start his career 3-0 .
He left Empower Field on Sunday having been benched , his momentum checked thanks to a dominating , disrupting performance by the Broncos defensive front .
Denver tied a season-high with six sacks , and a frazzled Tagovailoa was replaced early in the fourth quarter of Denver ’ s 20-13 victory .
“ We knew ( Tagovailoa ) had been doing a good job the past three weeks running that offense , so we knew it was going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back there and make him uncomfortable , ” Broncos ’ outside linebacker Malik Reed said .
“ We wanted to get a rush at him , so it ’ s amazing to see us end up with six sacks , because that ’ s what we strive for as a defensive front .
To really get after him , that was the goal.
” • Broncos game balls and gassers : Justin Simmons seals win with interception after Melvin Gordon ’ s critical fourth-quarter fumble • Broncos hold on for gritty win against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game posts season-high • Getting Bradley Chubb ’ s pass-rush game restarted should be priority for Broncos ’ defense • Broncos Insider : What Denver players are most deserving of a Pro Bowl nod ?
• Broncos scouting report : How Denver matches up against Dolphins and predictions The Broncos ’ sacks took away 33 yards from the Miami offense , starting with one by Dre ’ Mont Jones in the first quarter and culminating with Bradley Chubb ’ s sack in the final quarter .
That sack resulted in Tagovailoa ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a move Dolphins coach Brian Flores said was not injury-related .
Journeyman DeShawn Williams , promoted to Denver ’ s active roster Sept. 25 after a four-year NFL hiatus , paced the Broncos ’ rush with two sacks .
Reed had 1.5 sacks , Chubb and Jones each had one , and DeMarcus Walker chipped in with a half-sack .
The Broncos also had five tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits .
“ We did pressure some more ( than we have before this year ) , but I was actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we did , ” coach Vic Fangio said .
Fangio was pleased with the sack total , calling them “ hard to get ” while crediting the secondary ’ s role in Sunday ’ s success up front .
“ The sacks came a little bit later in the down , so our coverage was good and we had to keep grinding , ” Fangio said .
“ We had our chance at a couple other ones , but Tua and ( Ryan ) Fitzpatrick are elusive guys and good scramblers.
” Chubb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Miami ’ s first possession , a three-and-out where Tagovailoa was hurried into two overthrows downfield , set the tone .
“ We wanted to get to him early , rattle him up a little bit early , and I feel like we did that , ” Chubb said .
“ For the rest of the game , we kept getting back there .
The key was keeping him in the pocket , and once we did that , the hits started adding up.
” The offensive side took notice of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ball .
Running back Phillip Lindsay , who ran for 82 yards , acknowledged the offense settling in during the second half accelerated the defense ’ s domination .
“ It ’ s hard when we go three-and-out and put the defense in a bad spot ( like we ’ ve been doing ) , ” Lindsay said .
“ If we can do this every game , you ’ ll see a defense that ’ s top two , top three .
When you put them in a situation where their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall , it ’ s not a good thing .
But when we ’ re doing our thing , and moving the ball and driving and keeping them off the field to get rest , you ’ re going to see a better defense out there , a more confident defense out there , and the Denver defense that ( fans ) are used to.
” Denver also held Miami to 56 rushing yards on 17 carries , about half of the 98.7 rush yards the Dolphins had been averaging .
The secondary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety Justin Simmons pacing the team with seven tackles , while Reed and inside linebacker Alexander Johnson both had six tackles apiece .
Tagovailoa , meanwhile , never found any rhythm in the passing game following his first-quarter touchdown pass to DeVante Parker .
The No .
5 overall pick in this year ’ s draft finished 11-of-20 through the air for 83 yards , with one touchdown .
And a seat on the bench .

Tua Tagovailoa came into Denver riding a rookie high as the first Miami quarterback to start his career 3-0.
He left Empower Field on Sunday having been benched, his momentum checked thanks to a dominating, disrupting performance by the Broncos defensive front. Denver tied a season-high with six sacks, and a frazzled Tagovailoa was replaced early in the fourth quarter of Denver’s 20-13 victory.
“We knew (Tagovailoa) had been doing a good job the past three weeks running that offense, so we knew it was going to be a battle and a challenge to get back there and make him uncomfortable,” Broncos’ outside linebacker Malik Reed said. “We wanted to get a rush at him, so it’s amazing to see us end up with six sacks, because that’s what we strive for as a defensive front. To really get after him, that was the goal.”
The Broncos’ sacks took away 33 yards from the Miami offense, starting with one by Dre’Mont Jones in the first quarter and culminating with Bradley Chubb’s sack in the final quarter. That sack resulted in Tagovailoa’s benching on Miami’s next series, a move Dolphins coach Brian Flores said was not injury-related.
Journeyman DeShawn Williams, promoted to Denver’s active roster Sept. 25 after a four-year NFL hiatus, paced the Broncos’ rush with two sacks. Reed had 1.5 sacks, Chubb and Jones each had one, and DeMarcus Walker chipped in with a half-sack.
The Broncos also had five tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits.
“We did pressure some more (than we have before this year), but I was actually planning on doing it even more than we did,” coach Vic Fangio said.
Fangio was pleased with the sack total, calling them “hard to get” while crediting the secondary’s role in Sunday’s success up front.
“The sacks came a little bit later in the down, so our coverage was good and we had to keep grinding,” Fangio said. “We had our chance at a couple other ones, but Tua and (Ryan) Fitzpatrick are elusive guys and good scramblers.”
Chubb felt like the pressure the Broncos generated on Miami’s first possession, a three-and-out where Tagovailoa was hurried into two overthrows downfield, set the tone.
“We wanted to get to him early, rattle him up a little bit early, and I feel like we did that,” Chubb said. “For the rest of the game, we kept getting back there. The key was keeping him in the pocket, and once we did that, the hits started adding up.”
The offensive side took notice of the sack party on the other side of the ball. Running back Phillip Lindsay, who ran for 82 yards, acknowledged the offense settling in during the second half accelerated the defense’s domination.
“It’s hard when we go three-and-out and put the defense in a bad spot (like we’ve been doing),” Lindsay said. “If we can do this every game, you’ll see a defense that’s top two, top three. When you put them in a situation where their backs are (constantly) against the wall, it’s not a good thing. But when we’re doing our thing, and moving the ball and driving and keeping them off the field to get rest, you’re going to see a better defense out there, a more confident defense out there, and the Denver defense that (fans) are used to.”
Denver also held Miami to 56 rushing yards on 17 carries, about half of the 98.7 rush yards the Dolphins had been averaging. The secondary’s sound tackling helped, with safety Justin Simmons pacing the team with seven tackles, while Reed and inside linebacker Alexander Johnson both had six tackles apiece.
Tagovailoa, meanwhile, never found any rhythm in the passing game following his first-quarter touchdown pass to DeVante Parker. The No. 5 overall pick in this year’s draft finished 11-of-20 through the air for 83 yards, with one touchdown.
And a seat on the bench.


thedenverpost--2020-11-23--PHOTOS: Denver Broncos 20, Miami Dolphins 13, Nov. 20, 2020.

Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock ( 3 ) stretches out for a ew more inches on a scramble for 15-yards @ @ @ @ @ Miami Dolphins cornerback Jomal Wiltz ( 33 ) in the first quarter at Empower Field @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 .

Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) stretches out for a ew more inches on a scramble for 15-yards and a first down against Miami Dolphins cornerback Jomal Wiltz (33) in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High Nov. 20, 2020.


thedenverpost--2020-11-23--Broncos game balls and gassers: Justin Simmons seals win with interception after Melvin Gordon’s cri

Broncos game balls and gassers: Justin Simmons seals win with interception after Melvin Gordon’s critical fourth-quarter fumble

Analysis from the Broncos ’ 20-13 win over the Dolphins on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High .
Justin Simmons — The safety continued to make his Pro Bowl case with another big game Sunday , which culminated with an interception of Ryan Fitzpatrick in the end zone on Miami ’ s final drive to preserve the Broncos ’ 20-13 win .
Simmons also had an interception wiped out in the first half due to a questionable holding penalty on A.J .
Bouye .
Simmons finished with a team-high seven tackles , including six solo , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four picks in 2020 .
Malik Reed — Like the rest of the Broncos ’ 3-4 front , Reed turned in a monster game as Denver tied a season-high with six sacks overall .
The second-year outside linebacker , who continues to assert himself as an every-down NFL player after going undrafted out of Nevada last year , finished with 1.5 sacks for 12 yards plus three quarterback hits , two tackles for loss and six tackles overall .
Reed is not Von Miller alongside Bradley Chubb , but he certainly is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The unit that ’ s been the subject of much critique this season — especially over the past two weeks as Denver suffered decisive road defeats — pulled more than its weight Sunday .
The Broncos set a season-high with 189 rushing yards , and in the second half , the likes of Garett Bolles and Dalton Risner were pulling to perfection as the offense settled in .
The Broncos also didn ’ t allow a sack for the third time this year .
Melvin Gordon — Yes , Gordon did lead the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including two touchdown runs .
But his fumble at the Miami 1-yard line with 5:13 to play , which set the Dolphins up for a potential game-tying touchdown drive , is inexcusable .
All the Broncos needed was a field goal on that drive to ice the game , but instead , Gordon ’ s blunder put the Broncos in position to blow another game .
Simmons ’ pick averted that , but Gordon has to take better care of the ball : He now has four fumbles in 141 total touches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bouye had two tackles and one pass defensed , but he also struggled in man coverage against the Dolphins ’ top receiving threat , DeVante Parker .
Bouye gave up three catches for 25 yards , while fellow cornerback Bryce Callahan was also victimized by Parker .
Bouye was also flagged for two penalties : a holding call that wiped out Simmons ’ interception in the first half , and a pass interference in the third quarter that led to a Miami first down .
Parker finished with six catches for 61 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-on-one coverage against Bouye .
Drew Lock — The quarterback improved in the second half , but another slow , error-prone start had Broncos fans booing at Empower Field and groaning in front of their TV sets .
Lock tried to force a pass into coverage on Denver ’ s opening drive , leading to an interception by Xavien Howard and then a quick Miami touchdown .
Lock started 0-for-6 overall , but then completed seven straight passes and finished 18-of-30 for 270 yards .
It ’ s a bad sign for Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play on the night came in garbage time : Tim Patrick ’ s 61-yard catch on the final snap of regulation .

Analysis from the Broncos’ 20-13 win over the Dolphins on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.
Game Balls
Justin Simmons — The safety continued to make his Pro Bowl case with another big game Sunday, which culminated with an interception of Ryan Fitzpatrick in the end zone on Miami’s final drive to preserve the Broncos’ 20-13 win. Simmons also had an interception wiped out in the first half due to a questionable holding penalty on A.J. Bouye. Simmons finished with a team-high seven tackles, including six solo, as well as two passes defensed. He now has four picks in 2020.
Malik Reed — Like the rest of the Broncos’ 3-4 front, Reed turned in a monster game as Denver tied a season-high with six sacks overall. The second-year outside linebacker, who continues to assert himself as an every-down NFL player after going undrafted out of Nevada last year, finished with 1.5 sacks for 12 yards plus three quarterback hits, two tackles for loss and six tackles overall. Reed is not Von Miller alongside Bradley Chubb, but he certainly is an above-grade replacement.
Broncos offensive line — The unit that’s been the subject of much critique this season — especially over the past two weeks as Denver suffered decisive road defeats — pulled more than its weight Sunday. The Broncos set a season-high with 189 rushing yards, and in the second half, the likes of Garett Bolles and Dalton Risner were pulling to perfection as the offense settled in. The Broncos also didn’t allow a sack for the third time this year.
Gassers
Melvin Gordon — Yes, Gordon did lead the team with 84 yards on 15 carries, including two touchdown runs. But his fumble at the Miami 1-yard line with 5:13 to play, which set the Dolphins up for a potential game-tying touchdown drive, is inexcusable. All the Broncos needed was a field goal on that drive to ice the game, but instead, Gordon’s blunder put the Broncos in position to blow another game. Simmons’ pick averted that, but Gordon has to take better care of the ball: He now has four fumbles in 141 total touches with Denver.
A.J. Bouye — Bouye had two tackles and one pass defensed, but he also struggled in man coverage against the Dolphins’ top receiving threat, DeVante Parker. Bouye gave up three catches for 25 yards, while fellow cornerback Bryce Callahan was also victimized by Parker. Bouye was also flagged for two penalties: a holding call that wiped out Simmons’ interception in the first half, and a pass interference in the third quarter that led to a Miami first down. Parker finished with six catches for 61 yards and a touchdown, which came in one-on-one coverage against Bouye.
Drew Lock — The quarterback improved in the second half, but another slow, error-prone start had Broncos fans booing at Empower Field and groaning in front of their TV sets. Lock tried to force a pass into coverage on Denver’s opening drive, leading to an interception by Xavien Howard and then a quick Miami touchdown. Lock started 0-for-6 overall, but then completed seven straight passes and finished 18-of-30 for 270 yards. It’s a bad sign for Denver’s passing attack when its biggest play on the night came in garbage time: Tim Patrick’s 61-yard catch on the final snap of regulation.


thedenverpost--2020-11-23--Broncos Report Card: All facets contribute to 20-13 win over Miami to break two-game losing streak

The Broncos started poorly ( again ) when quarterback Drew Lock threw an opening-series interception and followed with a three-and-out .
From there , though , the offense finished the first half by going touchdown , field goal and field goal for a 13-10 lead .
The run game showed its long-awaited burst ( having a lead helped ) .
Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay had rushes of 25 and 20 yards , respectively , in the first half , and the story of this game offensively was the running game .
The Broncos carried 33 times for a season-high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it with a fourth-quarter fumble at the goal line .
Lock overcame the early interception to complete 18-of-30 passes for 270 yards .
The third-down work wasn ’ t great ( 4-of-12 ) , but the offense was ignited by Lock ’ s 15-yard pass to KJ Hamler on third-and-10 during the third drive .
That led to Gordon ’ s touchdown and settled the whole unit down .
The Broncos tied a season high with six sacks , set a season high by forcing five three-and-outs and capped the game with safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left .
Miami had only 105 yards offense through three quarters and Dolphins coach Brian Flores turned to Ryan Fitzpatrick after rookie Tua Tagovailoa took a big hit from outside linebacker Bradley Chubb ( although Flores said the decision was performance-related ) .
Miami ’ s only touchdown capped a 22-yard drive after Lock ’ s interception .
An iffy holding penalty on A.J .
Bouye negated Simmons ’ interception on that possession .
The Dolphins , though , found the going difficult .
Miami had four three-and-outs in the first half as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dolphins ’ third drive elapsed 7 minutes , 21 seconds ( second-longest allowed by Broncos this year ) , but Miami settled for a field goal .
The Dolphins had only 56 yards rushing .
Miami reached the Broncos ’ 15 before Simmons ’ interception .
A smart move by special teams coordinator Tom McMahon and terrific execution by kicker Brandon McManus and punter Sam Martin to neutralize standout returner Jakeem Grant .
McManus boomed four kickoffs into the end zone .
Martin punted well directionally to allow the Broncos to use the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whopping 50-yard net average .
Diontae Spencer ’ s decision making on returns was smarter than last week — he took a kickoff out from a yard deep in the end zone ( 22-yard return ) .
Two penalties on returns , one apiece by Michael Ojemudia and Alijah Holder , cost the Broncos field position .
McManus connected on field goals of 29 and 47 yards .
Arguably the best special teams performance of the year .
Fangio played the end of the first half well , making sure Miami didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Broncos started at their 11 and converted a third-and-10 ( 22 yards to receiver Jerry Jeudy ) and then ran only two plays from scrimmage from the 1:31 mark to the five-second mark before McManus hit a 47-yard field goal to end the half .
Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur seemed to introduce more wrinkles in the run game , chiefly getting Gordon/Lindsay around the edges .
We had no problem with Fangio going for it on fourth-and-1 from the Miami 14 to open the third quarter .
Should trust his offense to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t ) .
Throughout the second half , Shurmur stuck with two tight ends as his base personnel , which helped open holes in the run game .

Offense — B
The Broncos started poorly (again) when quarterback Drew Lock threw an opening-series interception and followed with a three-and-out. From there, though, the offense finished the first half by going touchdown, field goal and field goal for a 13-10 lead. The run game showed its long-awaited burst (having a lead helped). Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay had rushes of 25 and 20 yards, respectively, in the first half, and the story of this game offensively was the running game. The Broncos carried 33 times for a season-high 189 yards. Gordon kept Miami in it with a fourth-quarter fumble at the goal line. Lock overcame the early interception to complete 18-of-30 passes for 270 yards. The third-down work wasn’t great (4-of-12), but the offense was ignited by Lock’s 15-yard pass to KJ Hamler on third-and-10 during the third drive. That led to Gordon’s touchdown and settled the whole unit down.
Defense — A
The Broncos tied a season high with six sacks, set a season high by forcing five three-and-outs and capped the game with safety Justin Simmons’ end-zone interception with 1:03 left. Miami had only 105 yards offense through three quarters and Dolphins coach Brian Flores turned to Ryan Fitzpatrick after rookie Tua Tagovailoa took a big hit from outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (although Flores said the decision was performance-related). Miami’s only touchdown capped a 22-yard drive after Lock’s interception. An iffy holding penalty on A.J. Bouye negated Simmons’ interception on that possession. The Dolphins, though, found the going difficult. Miami had four three-and-outs in the first half as the Broncos created three sacks. The Dolphins’ third drive elapsed 7 minutes, 21 seconds (second-longest allowed by Broncos this year), but Miami settled for a field goal. The Dolphins had only 56 yards rushing. Miami reached the Broncos’ 15 before Simmons’ interception.
Special Teams — A
A smart move by special teams coordinator Tom McMahon and terrific execution by kicker Brandon McManus and punter Sam Martin to neutralize standout returner Jakeem Grant. McManus boomed four kickoffs into the end zone. Martin punted well directionally to allow the Broncos to use the sideline as a 12th defender and had a whopping 50-yard net average. Diontae Spencer’s decision making on returns was smarter than last week — he took a kickoff out from a yard deep in the end zone (22-yard return). Two penalties on returns, one apiece by Michael Ojemudia and Alijah Holder, cost the Broncos field position. McManus connected on field goals of 29 and 47 yards. Arguably the best special teams performance of the year.
Coaching — A
Fangio played the end of the first half well, making sure Miami didn’t get a possession back. The Broncos started at their 11 and converted a third-and-10 (22 yards to receiver Jerry Jeudy) and then ran only two plays from scrimmage from the 1:31 mark to the five-second mark before McManus hit a 47-yard field goal to end the half. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur seemed to introduce more wrinkles in the run game, chiefly getting Gordon/Lindsay around the edges. We had no problem with Fangio going for it on fourth-and-1 from the Miami 14 to open the third quarter. Should trust his offense to get a yard (which they didn’t). Throughout the second half, Shurmur stuck with two tight ends as his base personnel, which helped open holes in the run game.


thedenverpost--2020-11-23--Colorado veteran suicide rate higher than national average

COLORADO SPRINGS — Suicide among U.S. military veterans reached record numbers in Colorado last year , with more than one former service member dying by suicide every week , a new report said .
A 2020 National Veteran Suicide Prevention report from the Department of Veterans Affairs said Colorado ’ s rate was “ significantly higher ” than the national rate , The Gazette reported Saturday .
Colorado recorded 43 deaths by suicide of male and female veterans per 100,000 in 2019 , compared with 32 deaths nationally per 100,000 in 2018 , the most current year for national statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado last year was an all-time high and a 25 % increase over 2018 , according to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and state violent-crime statistics .
There were 46,510 American adults who died by suicide in 2018 , including 6,435 veterans , an increase of 36 veteran deaths by suicide over 2017 , the VA report said .
Firearms accounted for 64.7 % of Colorado veteran suicide deaths in 2018 , compared to 51 % nationwide , the VA said .
“ There are people really struggling , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs .
“ There are a lot of compounding factors .
”

COLORADO SPRINGS — Suicide among U.S. military veterans reached record numbers in Colorado last year, with more than one former service member dying by suicide every week, a new report said.
Suicide prevention resources Colorado Crisis Line : 1-844-493-8255, coloradocrisisservices.org. Chat online or text TALK to 38255.
: 1-844-493-8255, coloradocrisisservices.org. Chat online or text TALK to 38255. Mental Health First Aid : mhfaco.org. Get trained to recognize the signs and how to respond.
: mhfaco.org. Get trained to recognize the signs and how to respond. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention : afsp.org. Join one of their upcoming walks for awareness in Colorado.
: afsp.org. Join one of their upcoming walks for awareness in Colorado. Crisis Text Line : crisistextline.org. Text 741741 from anywhere in the nation to reach a counselor.
: crisistextline.org. Text 741741 from anywhere in the nation to reach a counselor. Second Wind Fund: thesecondwindfund.org. Links students to mental health professionals and pays for up to 12 counseling sessions.
A 2020 National Veteran Suicide Prevention report from the Department of Veterans Affairs said Colorado’s rate was “significantly higher” than the national rate, The Gazette reported Saturday.
Colorado recorded 43 deaths by suicide of male and female veterans per 100,000 in 2019, compared with 32 deaths nationally per 100,000 in 2018, the most current year for national statistics.
The 217 veteran suicide deaths in Colorado last year was an all-time high and a 25% increase over 2018, according to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and state violent-crime statistics.
There were 46,510 American adults who died by suicide in 2018, including 6,435 veterans, an increase of 36 veteran deaths by suicide over 2017, the VA report said.
Firearms accounted for 64.7% of Colorado veteran suicide deaths in 2018, compared to 51% nationwide, the VA said.
“There are people really struggling,” said Kirsten Belaire, behavioral health director at Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs. “There are a lot of compounding factors.”
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thedenverpost--2020-11-23--Broncos up-down drill: Highs and lows for Denver against the Dolphins

Up : First with Phil .
A week after carrying the ball just four times in a blowout loss to the Raiders , Phillip Lindsay got the call on the Broncos ’ very first offensive snap of the game .
Sure , it went for no gain , but that ’ s sending the right message to a running back Denver desperately needs to retain this offseason .
Down : Ticky-tack flag .
Justin Simmons made an incredible leaping grab to secure what should have been his fourth interception of the season .
Instead , it was negated by what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ weak ” flag on A.J .
Bouye .
If that ’ s holding , we might as well throw hankies on the turf after every pass play .
( Of course , Simmons got the last laugh in the fourth quarter . )
Up : Hamler-handed .
The Broncos ’ first touchdown drive doesn ’ t happen if rookie wide receiver KJ Hamler doesn ’ t make a tough grab on third-and-10 under extreme pressure .
The ball and Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham arrived at the same time , but Hamler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver moved the chains to spark a six-minute march down the field .
Down : Clotheslines allowed ?
DeMarcus Walker will get credit for a drive-ending sack of Tua Tagovailoa near the end of the second quarter , but Bradley Chubb made it happen with his bulldog rush up the middle — one impeded only by a WWE-style clothesline hold from Dolphins left guard Ereck Flowers that somehow went unflagged .
Couldn ’ t have been more obvious .
Up : Push from Cush .
A great deal has been made about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far this season , but the LSU product showed great agility pulling and springing Lindsay for a 20-yard run on Denver ’ s first scoring drive of the game .
Of course , the rookie was responsible for a false start on the very next play .
So , still a work in progress .
Up : Seeing Reed .
After being nearly invisible in the Broncos ’ two losses at Atlanta and Las Vegas ( four total tackles ) , outside linebacker Malik Reed was a force of nature in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , notching one sack , two tackles for loss and two QB hits .
An undrafted rookie just two seasons ago , the Nevada grad is making a case as a long-term piece to the Broncos puzzle .
Down : Poetic justice .
Called up from the practice squad this week , second-year defensive back Alijah Holder lived up to his surname with a completely unnecessary hold on a Miami punt that pushed the Broncos back to their own 19-yard line to begin their second drive of the third quarter .
Up : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Demar Dotson at right tackle — coupled with some explosive pull blocks from Broncos O-line counterparts Garett Bolles , Dalton Risner and Cushenberry — opened up big holes for the run game on the right side that continually produced chunk yardage for Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon .
Down : Fourth and short .
Yet up the middle on fourth-and-1 at the Miami 14-yard line on Denver ’ s first drive of the second half ?
Nothing doing for Melvin Gordon .
Love the decision to go for it from Vic Fangio .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just need better execution .
Up : Downdfield dog .
On the first play of a got ta -have-it drive midway through the fourth quarter , KJ Hamler helped spring Noah Fant for a 29-yard gain on a short pass play with a great downfield block .
The 5-foot-9 , 178-pound wide receiver may be small , but he is mighty .
Down : Cardinal sin .
Melvin Gordon ’ s fumbling issues seem to arise at the worst possible time — like with Denver driving inside the Miami 10-yard line and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late in the fourth quarter .
Justifiably , Gordon didn ’ t touch the ball again when the Broncos got the ball back .
• Broncos rack up six sacks in upset win over Dolphins , sending Tua Tagovailoa to bench • Broncos game balls and gassers : Justin Simmons seals win with interception after Melvin Gordon ’ s critical fourth-quarter fumble • Broncos Report Card : All facets contribute to 20-13 win over Miami to break two-game losing streak • Broncos hold on for gritty win against Dolphins as defense shows up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pre-game music .
Once the Broncos completed their warm-ups , leaving the Dolphins to themselves , the music selection detoured to Wham !
, El DeBarge and Men At Work .
Down : Duke Dawson ’ s role .
The Broncos ’ core special teams player and dime defensive back was a healthy scratch for the first time this year .
Dawson allowed a long completion last week to Las Vegas tight end Darren Waller .
Up : Last game with fans .
Let us get this straight : No fan who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowingly gotten coronavirus as a result ?
Allowing 5,700 fans into a huge stadium is a health risk ?
Oh well , see you in 2021 , Broncos Country .
Down : Dolphins uniforms .
The white jerseys were fine , but the aqua-teal-something-or-other pants and aqua-teal-something-or-other socks ?
No thanks .
Here ’ s hoping Miami goes back to the old-school uniforms they wore last week .

Up: First with Phil. A week after carrying the ball just four times in a blowout loss to the Raiders, Phillip Lindsay got the call on the Broncos’ very first offensive snap of the game. Sure, it went for no gain, but that’s sending the right message to a running back Denver desperately needs to retain this offseason.
Down: Ticky-tack flag. Justin Simmons made an incredible leaping grab to secure what should have been his fourth interception of the season. Instead, it was negated by what could only generously be described as a “weak” flag on A.J. Bouye. If that’s holding, we might as well throw hankies on the turf after every pass play. (Of course, Simmons got the last laugh in the fourth quarter.)
Up: Hamler-handed. The Broncos’ first touchdown drive doesn’t happen if rookie wide receiver KJ Hamler doesn’t make a tough grab on third-and-10 under extreme pressure. The ball and Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham arrived at the same time, but Hamler held on for a 15-yard gain and Denver moved the chains to spark a six-minute march down the field.
Down: Clotheslines allowed? DeMarcus Walker will get credit for a drive-ending sack of Tua Tagovailoa near the end of the second quarter, but Bradley Chubb made it happen with his bulldog rush up the middle — one impeded only by a WWE-style clothesline hold from Dolphins left guard Ereck Flowers that somehow went unflagged. Couldn’t have been more obvious.
Up: Push from Cush. A great deal has been made about the rookie mistakes made by center Lloyd Cushenberry so far this season, but the LSU product showed great agility pulling and springing Lindsay for a 20-yard run on Denver’s first scoring drive of the game. Of course, the rookie was responsible for a false start on the very next play. So, still a work in progress.
Up: Seeing Reed. After being nearly invisible in the Broncos’ two losses at Atlanta and Las Vegas (four total tackles), outside linebacker Malik Reed was a force of nature in the first half against the Dolphins on Sunday, notching one sack, two tackles for loss and two QB hits. An undrafted rookie just two seasons ago, the Nevada grad is making a case as a long-term piece to the Broncos puzzle.
Down: Poetic justice. Called up from the practice squad this week, second-year defensive back Alijah Holder lived up to his surname with a completely unnecessary hold on a Miami punt that pushed the Broncos back to their own 19-yard line to begin their second drive of the third quarter.
Up: The right stuff. The return of Demar Dotson at right tackle — coupled with some explosive pull blocks from Broncos O-line counterparts Garett Bolles, Dalton Risner and Cushenberry — opened up big holes for the run game on the right side that continually produced chunk yardage for Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon.
Down: Fourth and short. Yet up the middle on fourth-and-1 at the Miami 14-yard line on Denver’s first drive of the second half? Nothing doing for Melvin Gordon. Love the decision to go for it from Vic Fangio. Don’t even hate the call. Just need better execution.
Up: Downdfield dog. On the first play of a gotta-have-it drive midway through the fourth quarter, KJ Hamler helped spring Noah Fant for a 29-yard gain on a short pass play with a great downfield block. The 5-foot-9, 178-pound wide receiver may be small, but he is mighty.
Down: Cardinal sin. Melvin Gordon’s fumbling issues seem to arise at the worst possible time — like with Denver driving inside the Miami 10-yard line and on the verge of icing the game late in the fourth quarter. Justifiably, Gordon didn’t touch the ball again when the Broncos got the ball back.
Up: Pre-game music. Once the Broncos completed their warm-ups, leaving the Dolphins to themselves, the music selection detoured to Wham!, El DeBarge and Men At Work.
Down: Duke Dawson’s role. The Broncos’ core special teams player and dime defensive back was a healthy scratch for the first time this year. Dawson allowed a long completion last week to Las Vegas tight end Darren Waller.
Up: Last game with fans. Let us get this straight: No fan who has attended a Broncos game this year has knowingly gotten coronavirus as a result? Allowing 5,700 fans into a huge stadium is a health risk? Oh well, see you in 2021, Broncos Country.
Down: Dolphins uniforms. The white jerseys were fine, but the aqua-teal-something-or-other pants and aqua-teal-something-or-other socks? No thanks. Here’s hoping Miami goes back to the old-school uniforms they wore last week.


thedenverpost--2020-11-23--3rd major COVID-19 vaccine shown to be effective and cheaper

LONDON — Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its coronavirus vaccine was up to 90 % effective , giving public health officials hope they may soon have access to a vaccine that is cheaper and easier to distribute than some of its rivals .
The results are based on interim analysis of trials in the U.K. and Brazil of a vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca .
No hospitalizations or severe cases of COVID-19 were reported in those receiving the vaccine .
AstraZeneca is the third major drug company to report late-stage results for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxiously waits for scientific breakthroughs that will bring an end to a pandemic that has wrought economic devastation and resulted in nearly 1.4 million confirmed deaths .
Pfizer and Moderna last week reported preliminary results from late-stage trials showing their vaccines were almost 95 % effective .
But , unlike its rivals , the AstraZeneca vaccine doesn ’ t have to be stored at ultra-cold temperatures , making it easier to distribute , especially in developing countries .
“ I think these are really exciting results , ” Dr. Andrew Pollard , chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a news conference .
“ Because the vaccine can be stored at fridge temperatures , it can be distributed around the world using the normal immunization distribution system .
And so our goal … to make sure that we have a vaccine that was accessible everywhere , I think we ’ ve actually managed to do that.
” The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is also cheaper .
AstraZeneca , which has pledged it won ’ t make a profit on the vaccine during the pandemic , has reached agreements with governments and international health organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.50 a dose .
Pfizer ’ s vaccine costs about $ 20 a dose , while Moderna ’ s is $ 15 to $ 25 , based on agreements the companies have struck to supply their vaccines to the U.S. government .
All three vaccines must be approved by regulators before they can be widely distributed .
Oxford researchers and AstraZeneca stressed that they aren ’ t competing with other projects , and that multiple vaccines will be needed to reach enough of the world ’ s population and end the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinations working in terms of one person at a time .
We have to think about vaccinating communities , populations , reducing transmission within those populations , so that we really get on top of this pandemic , ” said Sarah Gilbert , a leader of the Oxford research team .
“ And that ’ s what it now looks like we ’ re going to have the ability to contribute to in a really big way.
” The results come as a second wave of COVID-19 hits many countries , once again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pummeling the world economy .
AstraZeneca said it will immediately apply for early approval of the vaccine where possible , and it will seek an emergency use listing from the World Health Organization , so it can make the vaccine available in low-income countries .
The AstraZeneca trial looked at two different dosing regimens .
A half-dose of the vaccine followed by a full dose at least one month later was 90 % effective .
Another approach , giving patients two full doses one month apart , was 62 % effective .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 70 % .
The vaccine uses a weakened version of a common cold virus that is combined with genetic material for the characteristic spike protein of the virus that causes COVID-19 .
After vaccination , the spike protein primes the immune system to attack the virus if it later infects the body .
The vaccine can be transported under “ normal refrigerated conditions ” of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius ( 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit ) , AstraZeneca said .
By comparison , Pfizer plans to distribute its vaccine using specially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dry ice to maintain temperatures of minus-70 degrees Celsius ( minus-94 degrees Fahrenheit ) .
Peter Openshaw , professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London , said the finding that a smaller initial dose is more effective than a larger one is good news because it may reduce costs and mean more people can be vaccinated .
“ The report that an initial half-dose is better than a full dose seems counterintuitive for those of us thinking of vaccines as normal drugs : With drugs , we expect that higher doses have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ But the immune system does not work like that.
” The results reported Monday come from trials in the U.K. and Brazil that involved 23,000 people .
Late-stage trials are also underway in the U.S. , Japan , Russia , South Africa , Kenya and Latin America , with further trials planned for other European and Asian countries .
AstraZeneca has been ramping up manufacturing capacity , so it can supply hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccine starting in January , Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Oxford vaccine ’ s simpler supply chain and AstraZeneca ’ s commitment to provide it on a nonprofit basis during the pandemic mean it will be affordable and available to people around the world .
“ This vaccine ’ s efficacy and safety confirm that it will be highly effective against COVID-19 and will have an immediate impact on this public health emergency , ’ Soriot said .
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he felt “ a great sense of relief ” at the news from AstraZeneca .
Britain has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine , and the government says several million doses can be produced before the end of the year if it is approved by regulators .
Just months ago , “ the idea that by November we would have three vaccines , all of which have got high effectiveness … I would have given my eye teeth for , ” Hancock said .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

LONDON — Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its coronavirus vaccine was up to 90% effective, giving public health officials hope they may soon have access to a vaccine that is cheaper and easier to distribute than some of its rivals.
The results are based on interim analysis of trials in the U.K. and Brazil of a vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca. No hospitalizations or severe cases of COVID-19 were reported in those receiving the vaccine.
AstraZeneca is the third major drug company to report late-stage results for a potential COVID-19 vaccine as the world anxiously waits for scientific breakthroughs that will bring an end to a pandemic that has wrought economic devastation and resulted in nearly 1.4 million confirmed deaths.
Pfizer and Moderna last week reported preliminary results from late-stage trials showing their vaccines were almost 95% effective. But, unlike its rivals, the AstraZeneca vaccine doesn’t have to be stored at ultra-cold temperatures, making it easier to distribute, especially in developing countries.
“I think these are really exciting results,” Dr. Andrew Pollard, chief investigator for the trial, said during a news conference. “Because the vaccine can be stored at fridge temperatures, it can be distributed around the world using the normal immunization distribution system. And so our goal … to make sure that we have a vaccine that was accessible everywhere, I think we’ve actually managed to do that.”
The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is also cheaper. AstraZeneca, which has pledged it won’t make a profit on the vaccine during the pandemic, has reached agreements with governments and international health organizations that put its cost at about $2.50 a dose. Pfizer’s vaccine costs about $20 a dose, while Moderna’s is $15 to $25, based on agreements the companies have struck to supply their vaccines to the U.S. government.
All three vaccines must be approved by regulators before they can be widely distributed.
Oxford researchers and AstraZeneca stressed that they aren’t competing with other projects, and that multiple vaccines will be needed to reach enough of the world’s population and end the pandemic.
“We’re not thinking about vaccinations working in terms of one person at a time. We have to think about vaccinating communities, populations, reducing transmission within those populations, so that we really get on top of this pandemic,” said Sarah Gilbert, a leader of the Oxford research team. “And that’s what it now looks like we’re going to have the ability to contribute to in a really big way.”
The results come as a second wave of COVID-19 hits many countries, once again shutting businesses, restricting social interaction and pummeling the world economy.
AstraZeneca said it will immediately apply for early approval of the vaccine where possible, and it will seek an emergency use listing from the World Health Organization, so it can make the vaccine available in low-income countries.
The AstraZeneca trial looked at two different dosing regimens. A half-dose of the vaccine followed by a full dose at least one month later was 90% effective. Another approach, giving patients two full doses one month apart, was 62% effective. The combined results showed an average efficacy rate of 70%.
The vaccine uses a weakened version of a common cold virus that is combined with genetic material for the characteristic spike protein of the virus that causes COVID-19. After vaccination, the spike protein primes the immune system to attack the virus if it later infects the body.
The vaccine can be transported under “normal refrigerated conditions” of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit), AstraZeneca said. By comparison, Pfizer plans to distribute its vaccine using specially designed “thermal shippers” that use dry ice to maintain temperatures of minus-70 degrees Celsius (minus-94 degrees Fahrenheit).
Peter Openshaw, professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London, said the finding that a smaller initial dose is more effective than a larger one is good news because it may reduce costs and mean more people can be vaccinated.
“The report that an initial half-dose is better than a full dose seems counterintuitive for those of us thinking of vaccines as normal drugs: With drugs, we expect that higher doses have bigger effects, and more side-effects,” he said. “But the immune system does not work like that.”
The results reported Monday come from trials in the U.K. and Brazil that involved 23,000 people. Late-stage trials are also underway in the U.S., Japan, Russia, South Africa, Kenya and Latin America, with further trials planned for other European and Asian countries.
AstraZeneca has been ramping up manufacturing capacity, so it can supply hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccine starting in January, Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said earlier this month.
Soriot said Monday that the Oxford vaccine’s simpler supply chain and AstraZeneca’s commitment to provide it on a nonprofit basis during the pandemic mean it will be affordable and available to people around the world.
“This vaccine’s efficacy and safety confirm that it will be highly effective against COVID-19 and will have an immediate impact on this public health emergency,’ Soriot said.
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he felt “a great sense of relief” at the news from AstraZeneca.
Britain has ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine, and the government says several million doses can be produced before the end of the year if it is approved by regulators.
Just months ago, “the idea that by November we would have three vaccines, all of which have got high effectiveness … I would have given my eye teeth for,” Hancock said.
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thedenverpost--2020-11-23--New incline trail with 132 steps opening for adventurous hikers this Thanksgiving

PARKER — Not much is opening these days as COVID-19 continues propagating across Colorado , prompting closure or imposing further restrictions on recreation centers , gyms and other gathering spots in an effort to slow the relentless spread of the coronavirus .
But on Thanksgiving Day , the Rueter-Hess Incline Challenge will debut in the midst of this historic pandemic , offering up 132 steps of huff and puff exertion that takes the user 232 feet closer to the sky .
And the reward for making it to the top ain ’ t bad .
A spectacular view awaits of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peak to the south , with the gleaming skyscrapers of downtown Denver visible between .
On one side stretches the seemingly endless subdivisions of Denver ’ s south suburbs , while on another the shimmering waters of the still-filling Rueter-Hess reservoir peek over the dam .
RELATED : Can you travel to the mountains to hike , ski under the new COVID-19 restrictions ?
“ If there is anything that is welcome during COVID it ’ s this , ” said Maleia Good , manager for Rueter-Hess Recreation .
“ How do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this ?
” Coloradans have shown an unbridled enthusiasm for the outdoors and outdoor recreation since the pandemic struck in March , taking advantage of activities where fresh air and social distancing are both prevalent and possible .
The incline ’ s debut comes amid another round of restrictions on the operation of gyms and recreation centers in Colorado counties that have fallen into Level Red “ Severe Risk ” category , which encompasses the entire metro area with the exception of Weld County .
The rules , which reduce occupancy in gyms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went into effect Friday .
“ The timing is great , ” said Mary Colton , Parker ’ s director of parks and recreation .
“ With restrictions in place , it ’ s a great amenity and option for people to get outside.
” Not that there won ’ t be coronavirus rules in place for the incline .
Visitors will only be able to ascend the 10-inch by 10-inch , 6-foot-long timber steps — the trip back down to the parking lot will be via a gravel trail on the east @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Incline Challenge is the latest outdoor stair-step facility to open in Colorado , following the launch of The Challenge Hill in Castle Rock ’ s Philip S. Miller Park in 2018 .
While the Rueter-Hess incline has a greater elevation gain than Castle Rock ’ s offering ( even while it has 68 fewer steps ) , neither comes close to the granddaddy of them all — the Manitou Incline .
Manitou boasts more than 2,700 steps and a 2,000-foot elevation gain over less than a mile .
It closed in the spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struck the state .
Retired South Metro Fire District firefighter Randy Capra , 58 , was giving the Rueter-Hess incline an early workout last week ahead of its opening .
He said The Challenge Hill in Castle Rock can get crowded , often leaving him feeling like a “ bowling pin ” on the ascent as users come down the steep pitch toward him .
“ I like that it ’ s just over a mile ( the full loop ) — you can do it five times and get in a five-mile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rueter-Hess Challenge Incline .
“ It ’ s just a plain good workout.
” Jeff Bauer , parks and recreation director for Castle Rock , doesn ’ t view the new incline in Parker as a threat to his town ’ s stairs .
“ We don ’ t see it as competition — we see it as complementary to our system in Castle Rock , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a great relief for people in a pandemic.
” Bauer last week rolled out plans to further limit occupancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recreation facilities , and also instituted a reservation system to keep crowding to a minimum .
He and Colton both sit on the board of the Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority , which was formed six years ago .
While the authority has a long-term master plan that calls for building miles of hiking trails , camping spots and expanding water activities to include fishing , Bauer said the new incline is the first permanent feature to open at the reservoir .
Construction on the incline began in June and wrapped up earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot , which officials hope to triple in size when funding becomes available .
The trailhead is located next to the Rueter-Hess Water Purification Facility at 11865 Heirloom Parkway .
“ We look at it as an outdoor training obstacle , ” Bauer said .
“ It ’ s something that can push your training level right away.
” But it will also be fun for the less rigorous of mind , said recreation manager Good .
Families , older people , kids — anyone with dozens of steps worth of energy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
And then soak in the impressive vista at the top of step 132 , surrounded by yucca and prairie grass .
“ It ’ s a jewel in the prairie , ” she said .
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , The Adventurist , to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox .

PARKER — Not much is opening these days as COVID-19 continues propagating across Colorado, prompting closure or imposing further restrictions on recreation centers, gyms and other gathering spots in an effort to slow the relentless spread of the coronavirus.
But on Thanksgiving Day, the Rueter-Hess Incline Challenge will debut in the midst of this historic pandemic, offering up 132 steps of huff and puff exertion that takes the user 232 feet closer to the sky. And the reward for making it to the top ain’t bad.
A spectacular view awaits of Longs Peak to the north and Pikes Peak to the south, with the gleaming skyscrapers of downtown Denver visible between. On one side stretches the seemingly endless subdivisions of Denver’s south suburbs, while on another the shimmering waters of the still-filling Rueter-Hess reservoir peek over the dam.
RELATED: Can you travel to the mountains to hike, ski under the new COVID-19 restrictions?
“If there is anything that is welcome during COVID it’s this,” said Maleia Good, manager for Rueter-Hess Recreation. “How do you argue that we don’t do this?”
Coloradans have shown an unbridled enthusiasm for the outdoors and outdoor recreation since the pandemic struck in March, taking advantage of activities where fresh air and social distancing are both prevalent and possible.
The incline’s debut comes amid another round of restrictions on the operation of gyms and recreation centers in Colorado counties that have fallen into Level Red “Severe Risk” category, which encompasses the entire metro area with the exception of Weld County.
The rules, which reduce occupancy in gyms to 10% of maximum capacity, went into effect Friday.
“The timing is great,” said Mary Colton, Parker’s director of parks and recreation. “With restrictions in place, it’s a great amenity and option for people to get outside.”
Not that there won’t be coronavirus rules in place for the incline. Visitors will only be able to ascend the 10-inch by 10-inch, 6-foot-long timber steps — the trip back down to the parking lot will be via a gravel trail on the east side of the hill.
The Rueter-Hess Incline Challenge is the latest outdoor stair-step facility to open in Colorado, following the launch of The Challenge Hill in Castle Rock’s Philip S. Miller Park in 2018. While the Rueter-Hess incline has a greater elevation gain than Castle Rock’s offering (even while it has 68 fewer steps), neither comes close to the granddaddy of them all — the Manitou Incline.
Manitou boasts more than 2,700 steps and a 2,000-foot elevation gain over less than a mile. It closed in the spring for several months after the COVID-19 pandemic struck the state.
Retired South Metro Fire District firefighter Randy Capra, 58, was giving the Rueter-Hess incline an early workout last week ahead of its opening. He said The Challenge Hill in Castle Rock can get crowded, often leaving him feeling like a “bowling pin” on the ascent as users come down the steep pitch toward him.
“I like that it’s just over a mile (the full loop) — you can do it five times and get in a five-mile workout,” he said of the Rueter-Hess Challenge Incline. “It’s just a plain good workout.”
Jeff Bauer, parks and recreation director for Castle Rock, doesn’t view the new incline in Parker as a threat to his town’s stairs.
“We don’t see it as competition — we see it as complementary to our system in Castle Rock,” he said. “It’s a great relief for people in a pandemic.”
Bauer last week rolled out plans to further limit occupancy in the Douglas County town’s recreation facilities, and also instituted a reservation system to keep crowding to a minimum.
He and Colton both sit on the board of the Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority, which was formed six years ago. While the authority has a long-term master plan that calls for building miles of hiking trails, camping spots and expanding water activities to include fishing, Bauer said the new incline is the first permanent feature to open at the reservoir.
Construction on the incline began in June and wrapped up earlier this month. It comes with a 28-space parking lot, which officials hope to triple in size when funding becomes available. The trailhead is located next to the Rueter-Hess Water Purification Facility at 11865 Heirloom Parkway.
“We look at it as an outdoor training obstacle,” Bauer said. “It’s something that can push your training level right away.”
But it will also be fun for the less rigorous of mind, said recreation manager Good.
Families, older people, kids — anyone with dozens of steps worth of energy in them — will be able to tackle it. And then soak in the impressive vista at the top of step 132, surrounded by yucca and prairie grass.
“It’s a jewel in the prairie,” she said.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-11-23--Colorado weather: Snow returns Monday night and Tuesday. How much can you expect?

The mountains have seen several light snowfall events over the past week , but the next storm impacting Colorado will deliver snow to almost everyone .
The high country straddling I-70 is set for a 6- to 10-inch snowstorm , with 3 to 6 inches likely for the Foothills and Palmer Divide .
The I-25 urban corridor and eastern Plains can generally expect 1 to 4 inches of snow by the end of the storm .
Moisture will quickly begin to increase after dark Monday evening .
Snow levels at the onset of this event will generally sit around 9,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snow , while the urban corridor and eastern Plains will start off with periods of rain .
Cold air will continue to take hold into Tuesday , which will allow snow levels to rapidly lower after midnight .
By daybreak , the entire urban corridor and adjacent Plains should see snow falling .
Most forecast guidance suggests that the height of the storm is Tuesday morning .
This is when several intense snow bands could set up across northeast Colorado , as a low pressure system starts to intensify over the southeastern corner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then taper off from north to south into Tuesday afternoon .
The snowfall forecast for this particular storm is a tad trickier than normal , especially in the Denver area .
The timing of the changeover from rain to snow is the biggest wild card .
An earlier changeover would yield higher snow totals .
A changeover later Tuesday morning would yield very low snow amounts , as most of the moisture from this storm would fall as rain .
The other challenge revolves around the banded nature of the snowfall .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area for most of Tuesday morning , locally higher amounts will accumulate .
Denver has an outside chance of seeing snow amounts approach 6 inches , should these heavier bands set up over the city .
In any case , roads around Denver on Tuesday will be on the slick side .
Mountain roads will be snow-packed and icy with the higher totals and the lower temperatures .
Denver International Airport still has not seen measurable snow this November .
The normal monthly snowfall is 7.4 inches .
Now we need to wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut into the November snowfall deficit in the next 36 hours .

The mountains have seen several light snowfall events over the past week, but the next storm impacting Colorado will deliver snow to almost everyone.
The high country straddling I-70 is set for a 6- to 10-inch snowstorm, with 3 to 6 inches likely for the Foothills and Palmer Divide. The I-25 urban corridor and eastern Plains can generally expect 1 to 4 inches of snow by the end of the storm.
Moisture will quickly begin to increase after dark Monday evening. Snow levels at the onset of this event will generally sit around 9,000 feet. The mountains will start with snow, while the urban corridor and eastern Plains will start off with periods of rain.
Cold air will continue to take hold into Tuesday, which will allow snow levels to rapidly lower after midnight. By daybreak, the entire urban corridor and adjacent Plains should see snow falling.
Most forecast guidance suggests that the height of the storm is Tuesday morning. This is when several intense snow bands could set up across northeast Colorado, as a low pressure system starts to intensify over the southeastern corner of the state. The snow will then taper off from north to south into Tuesday afternoon.
The snowfall forecast for this particular storm is a tad trickier than normal, especially in the Denver area. The timing of the changeover from rain to snow is the biggest wild card. An earlier changeover would yield higher snow totals. A changeover later Tuesday morning would yield very low snow amounts, as most of the moisture from this storm would fall as rain.
The other challenge revolves around the banded nature of the snowfall. If heavy snow bands sit over the same area for most of Tuesday morning, locally higher amounts will accumulate. Denver has an outside chance of seeing snow amounts approach 6 inches, should these heavier bands set up over the city.
In any case, roads around Denver on Tuesday will be on the slick side. Mountain roads will be snow-packed and icy with the higher totals and the lower temperatures.
Denver International Airport still has not seen measurable snow this November. The normal monthly snowfall is 7.4 inches. Now we need to wait and see how much the city can cut into the November snowfall deficit in the next 36 hours.


thedenverpost--2020-11-23--Superintendent turnover expected to increase in Colorado due to pandemic pressure

When Denver Public Schools Superintendent Susana Cordova resigned earlier this month , she became the third superintendent in Colorado to do so since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic .
Now the state ’ s three largest districts , including Jeffco Public Schools and Douglas County School District , are all in search of a leader to take the helm during one of the most unpredictable and challenging school years in history .
According to experts , the local exodus is a reflection of broader nationwide trends .
In a normal year , superintendents are tasked with managing parent expectations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget for operations .
COVID-19 has only compounded these challenges , leading to what many anticipate will soon be higher-than-average turnover in school administrative positions .
“ There is no doubt about it that there has been a significant rise in the number of superintendents that are retiring , resigning or just leaving their post .
And that ’ s without doubt due to the pandemic and the tremendous pressure that they ’ re working under , ” said Dan Domenech , executive director of the American Association of School Administrators .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The problems facing school leaders during the pandemic are not new .
Staffing , for example , has been an ongoing issue , as enrollment in teacher preparation programs declines and Colorado struggles to retain existing educators .
In 2017 , the state legislature went as far as to pass a bill intended to measure and address the educator shortage .
But if one issue underscores the challenges of the 2020-21 school year , it ’ s the debate about how students should be learning , said Bret Miles , executive director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How — or whether — to reopen schools has sown deep division among communities .
District plans for in-person , hybrid or remote learning have changed monthly and even weekly as superintendents and public health experts continually assess the risk of hosting classes against the prevalence of COVID-19 .
A lack of solid guidance from the state has led to a patchwork of approaches among neighboring districts , which in turn increases blowback from parents and teachers .
“ The divides that our superintendents have faced have been unique compared to other business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Miles said .
“ Whether or not we should be making adjustments for COVID , or that it ’ s a hoax or that it ’ s scary — that divide in the communities has also been exhausting.
” That three local superintendents have resigned this semester is a mere coincidence to Miles , despite the fact they represented 243,465 students , or about 27 % of public school enrollment in 2019-2020 .
Superintendent turnover happens about every three years in urban districts and about every five to six years in suburban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He considers that already “ significant.
” Miles is more concerned about turnover in the spring — and not just among the top executives in the system .
In an August survey of 1,020 U.S. principals , the National Association of Secondary School Principals found 45 % are considering or have sped up plans to leave the profession .
About 5 % of those respondents said they decided to leave as soon as possible due to COVID-19 working conditions .
Locally , there ’ s already been a ripple effect .
Following Cordova @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DPS officials — Deputy Superintendent of Operations Mark Ferrandino and Associate Chief of Portfolio Management Jennifer Holladay — announced their departures last week .
“ I ’ m concerned about it through all of our levels .
I think we are going to see more teacher retirements this year than typical .
We saw some teachers just not come back in the fall , too , ” Miles said .
“ We could see a real stress on the system of people ready to walk away.
” Despite all the challenges facing school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are still professionals ready to step up to the plate .
Applicant pools have steadily shrunk over the years , he said , but “ there ’ s no lack of people being interested in the challenge.
” Denver Public Schools heard from several people who want to be considered for Cordova ’ s job in the week since she resigned , said Carrie Olson , president of the board of education .
The district hopes to announce who will step into the interim role by early December and have a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school year .
Jeffco Public Schools is in the process of hiring a firm to conduct a nationwide search for its next leader , who board members hope will be in place by fall 2021 .
Douglas County School District is also in the initial stages of its search , saying in a statement the details of the process have yet to be determined .
Board members from DPS and Jeffco acknowledged COVID-19 would change how they connect with potential candidates — they ’ re expecting more virtual interviews than is typical — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic might affect who applies .
Susan Miller , treasurer of the Jeffco board , said the search could go beyond the education sphere .
“ I think we may need to spread our net further and make it a little bit wider because of the environment we ’ re in .
We may need to be seeking leaders that have navigated some of these challenges , not necessarily COVID , but have seen dynamics in an industry that they ’ ve had to address , ” said Miller .
“ Some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come forward , and that ’ s what I ’ m hoping for.
” Kallie Leyba , president of Douglas County Federation teachers union , is hoping the board will choose someone who ’ s willing to work collaboratively with teachers to solve the problems they see in classrooms .
For example , the expectations of staff vary widely between Dougco buildings , Leyba said , as does the way students currently experience remote learning .
The circumstances are not equitable for teachers or students , she said , and it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of problems to solve , ” said Leyba .
“ We don ’ t want a superintendent to come solve all the problems .
We want a superintendent who wants to sit down at the table with us where we all roll up our sleeves and figure out together what ’ s best for kids .
”

When Denver Public Schools Superintendent Susana Cordova resigned earlier this month, she became the third superintendent in Colorado to do so since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Now the state’s three largest districts, including Jeffco Public Schools and Douglas County School District, are all in search of a leader to take the helm during one of the most unpredictable and challenging school years in history.
According to experts, the local exodus is a reflection of broader nationwide trends. In a normal year, superintendents are tasked with managing parent expectations and teacher concerns while balancing a shrinking budget for operations. COVID-19 has only compounded these challenges, leading to what many anticipate will soon be higher-than-average turnover in school administrative positions.
“There is no doubt about it that there has been a significant rise in the number of superintendents that are retiring, resigning or just leaving their post. And that’s without doubt due to the pandemic and the tremendous pressure that they’re working under,” said Dan Domenech, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators. “It’s a tough job.”
The problems facing school leaders during the pandemic are not new. Staffing, for example, has been an ongoing issue, as enrollment in teacher preparation programs declines and Colorado struggles to retain existing educators. In 2017, the state legislature went as far as to pass a bill intended to measure and address the educator shortage.
But if one issue underscores the challenges of the 2020-21 school year, it’s the debate about how students should be learning, said Bret Miles, executive director of the Colorado Association of School Executives.
How — or whether — to reopen schools has sown deep division among communities. District plans for in-person, hybrid or remote learning have changed monthly and even weekly as superintendents and public health experts continually assess the risk of hosting classes against the prevalence of COVID-19. A lack of solid guidance from the state has led to a patchwork of approaches among neighboring districts, which in turn increases blowback from parents and teachers.
“The divides that our superintendents have faced have been unique compared to other business leaders because school is so personal,” Miles said. “Whether or not we should be making adjustments for COVID, or that it’s a hoax or that it’s scary — that divide in the communities has also been exhausting.”
That three local superintendents have resigned this semester is a mere coincidence to Miles, despite the fact they represented 243,465 students, or about 27% of public school enrollment in 2019-2020. Superintendent turnover happens about every three years in urban districts and about every five to six years in suburban and rural districts, Domenech said. He considers that already “significant.”
Miles is more concerned about turnover in the spring — and not just among the top executives in the system.
In an August survey of 1,020 U.S. principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals found 45% are considering or have sped up plans to leave the profession. About 5% of those respondents said they decided to leave as soon as possible due to COVID-19 working conditions.
Locally, there’s already been a ripple effect. Following Cordova’s resignation, two other top DPS officials — Deputy Superintendent of Operations Mark Ferrandino and Associate Chief of Portfolio Management Jennifer Holladay — announced their departures last week.
“I’m concerned about it through all of our levels. I think we are going to see more teacher retirements this year than typical. We saw some teachers just not come back in the fall, too,” Miles said. “We could see a real stress on the system of people ready to walk away.”
Looking for pandemic-era leaders
Despite all the challenges facing school leaders during the pandemic, Domenech maintains there are still professionals ready to step up to the plate. Applicant pools have steadily shrunk over the years, he said, but “there’s no lack of people being interested in the challenge.”
Denver Public Schools heard from several people who want to be considered for Cordova’s job in the week since she resigned, said Carrie Olson, president of the board of education. The district hopes to announce who will step into the interim role by early December and have a new superintendent by the start of the next school year.
Jeffco Public Schools is in the process of hiring a firm to conduct a nationwide search for its next leader, who board members hope will be in place by fall 2021. Douglas County School District is also in the initial stages of its search, saying in a statement the details of the process have yet to be determined.
Board members from DPS and Jeffco acknowledged COVID-19 would change how they connect with potential candidates — they’re expecting more virtual interviews than is typical — but it’s unclear how the pandemic might affect who applies.
Susan Miller, treasurer of the Jeffco board, said the search could go beyond the education sphere.
“I think we may need to spread our net further and make it a little bit wider because of the environment we’re in. We may need to be seeking leaders that have navigated some of these challenges, not necessarily COVID, but have seen dynamics in an industry that they’ve had to address,” said Miller. “Some people rise to the occasion and strong leaders come forward, and that’s what I’m hoping for.”
Kallie Leyba, president of Douglas County Federation teachers union, is hoping the board will choose someone who’s willing to work collaboratively with teachers to solve the problems they see in classrooms. For example, the expectations of staff vary widely between Dougco buildings, Leyba said, as does the way students currently experience remote learning. The circumstances are not equitable for teachers or students, she said, and it’s eroding morale.
“We have a lot of problems to solve,” said Leyba. “We don’t want a superintendent to come solve all the problems. We want a superintendent who wants to sit down at the table with us where we all roll up our sleeves and figure out together what’s best for kids.”