thedenverpost--2020-11-02--Phillip Lindsay’s 55-yard touchdown run sparks Broncos’ rally over Chargers

The Broncos needed a spark .
What they got was an explosion from running back Phillip Lindsay .
With Denver trailing the Los Angeles Chargers 24-3 with about 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter , Lindsay followed his blocks , made two cuts , found a seam and burst free for a 55-yard touchdown .
The longest rushing play by the Broncos this season was the turning point in the Broncos ’ stunning , 31-30 comeback victory .
Until that point , the offense had done nothing .
“ We are talking on the sideline about how we needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to do it , ” said Lindsay , who gained 83 yards on just six carries .
“ I was the one who was able to do it and spark us.
” Lindsay , who was in the concussion protocol last week after a hit sustained against Kansas City , hasn ’ t had a ton of carries this season due to injuries , but he ’ s made the most of them .
“ I go out there every day and I try to make explosive plays , and that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ It ’ s about making first downs , and touchdowns , and sparking .
So I go with the flow .
I don ’ t need 30 or 40 carries a game … I ’ m the type of person that , usually in the third or fourth quarter , I ’ m capable of breaking one at any time .
There is just something about it.
” In other words , the moment was right for the former CU standout to start the snowball rolling .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Shurmur ) , ” Lindsay said referring to his offensive coordinator .
“ Pretty much I was able to get one-on-one with the linebacker , make a move and explode out of there.
” On the sidelines , the Broncos felt a jolt when Lindsay burst into the clear .
“ It was like , electric , ” safety Justin Simmons said .
“ It was like , we ’ ve got a little bit of momentum going and now it ’ s the defense ’ s job to come back out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You get your running game going and it opens it up some for Drew ( Lock ) , so that ’ s the type of stuff you are looking for as a defensive guy .
You ’ re like , ‘ Wow , look !
Our offense is fighting .
Let ’ s get another stop and give them another shot . '
” In the first half , the Broncos managed only 60 yards , including minus-1 yard on two carries for Lindsay .
He ’ s one of Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterback Drew Lock , who engineered the final , game-winning drive , witnessed a different Lindsay at halftime .
“ Phillip was calm today , ” Lock said .
“ A lot of times when you have ( so few ) rushing yards at half , Phillip is going to lose his you know what .
But we are a year older , we are more experienced and we ’ re all getting better .
“ Phillip coming out , staying level-headed .. was just waiting for a play that was going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
That was just the epitome of today .
The play was there to be made and the guy ended up making it.
” For the season , Lindsay , the pride of Denver South High School , has 204 yards on 39 carries , an average of 5.2 yards per carry .
His ability to jumpstart an offense has become his trademark .
Head coach Vic Fangio , however , was quick to point out that Lock ’ s 18-yard completion to DaeSean Hamilton on a third-and-8 play kept the drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big moment .
“ DaeSean made some big plays , ” Fangio said .
“ If he doesn ’ t convert the third down there before Phillip ’ s big run there , that means that Phillip ’ s run never happens .
”

The Broncos needed a spark. What they got was an explosion from running back Phillip Lindsay.
With Denver trailing the Los Angeles Chargers 24-3 with about 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter, Lindsay followed his blocks, made two cuts, found a seam and burst free for a 55-yard touchdown. The longest rushing play by the Broncos this season was the turning point in the Broncos’ stunning, 31-30 comeback victory. Until that point, the offense had done nothing.
“We are talking on the sideline about how we needed the big plays, and that somebody needed to do it,” said Lindsay, who gained 83 yards on just six carries. “I was the one who was able to do it and spark us.”
Lindsay, who was in the concussion protocol last week after a hit sustained against Kansas City, hasn’t had a ton of carries this season due to injuries, but he’s made the most of them.
“I go out there every day and I try to make explosive plays, and that’s all you can do,” he said. “It’s about making first downs, and touchdowns, and sparking. So I go with the flow. I don’t need 30 or 40 carries a game … I’m the type of person that, usually in the third or fourth quarter, I’m capable of breaking one at any time. There is just something about it.”
In other words, the moment was right for the former CU standout to start the snowball rolling.
“It was a good play call by Pat (Shurmur),” Lindsay said referring to his offensive coordinator. “Pretty much I was able to get one-on-one with the linebacker, make a move and explode out of there.”
On the sidelines, the Broncos felt a jolt when Lindsay burst into the clear.
“It was like, electric,” safety Justin Simmons said. “It was like, we’ve got a little bit of momentum going and now it’s the defense’s job to come back out on the field and get a three-and-out.
“You get your running game going and it opens it up some for Drew (Lock), so that’s the type of stuff you are looking for as a defensive guy. You’re like, ‘Wow, look! Our offense is fighting. Let’s get another stop and give them another shot.'”
In the first half, the Broncos managed only 60 yards, including minus-1 yard on two carries for Lindsay. He’s one of Denver’s most emotional players, but quarterback Drew Lock, who engineered the final, game-winning drive, witnessed a different Lindsay at halftime.
“Phillip was calm today,” Lock said. “A lot of times when you have (so few) rushing yards at half, Phillip is going to lose his you know what. But we are a year older, we are more experienced and we’re all getting better.
“Phillip coming out, staying level-headed .. was just waiting for a play that was going to come his way. And he made it. That was just the epitome of today. The play was there to be made and the guy ended up making it.”
For the season, Lindsay, the pride of Denver South High School, has 204 yards on 39 carries, an average of 5.2 yards per carry. His ability to jumpstart an offense has become his trademark.
Head coach Vic Fangio, however, was quick to point out that Lock’s 18-yard completion to DaeSean Hamilton on a third-and-8 play kept the drive alive and set up Lindsay’s big moment.
“DaeSean made some big plays,” Fangio said. “If he doesn’t convert the third down there before Phillip’s big run there, that means that Phillip’s run never happens.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-02--KJ Hamler’s first career touchdown catch lifts Broncos to comeback victory over Chargers

KJ Hamler checked off two notable career achievements Sunday — first NFL touchdown and first-ever game-ending score at any level — with his one-yard scoring catch from Drew Lock as time expired .
Hamler ’ s grab at the right boundary of the end zone while falling backward sealed Denver ’ s improbable comeback , 31-30 over the Chargers , and also signaled the first big professional moment for the team ’ s rookie second-round draft pick from Penn State .
“ We were in the huddle ( before the final play ) , and I said to the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made right here , ' ” Hamler said .
“ We got the play and everything went blank .
As soon as I saw the ball coming to me , the first thing I thought was , ‘ Secure the catch and fall.
’ Drew put it on the money.
” Hamler finished with three receptions for 13 yards , and his game-winning catch came thanks to separation created by Lock ’ s rollout to the right , which enabled Hamler to lose Chargers safety Rayshawn Jenkins in coverage .
Hamler then found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as cornerback Tevaughn Campbell closed late to the ball , and the wideout held on as he hit the grass .
“ I always loved the option of rolling out a little bit , and making somebody take me , and if they do , then I fling it into the end zone as best as I can , ” Lock said .
“ ( Jenkins ) ended up taking me and left K.J .
( open ) .
” Hamler missed two games this season due to hamstring injuries ( the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New England ) but is starting to settle in as a main offensive threat .
And Hamler wasn ’ t the only young offensive skill player who made a critical impact in a win that the wideout said will build the Broncos “ a lot of momentum ” as Denver improved to 3-4 .
Third-year wideout DaeSean Hamilton , also from Penn State , set a career high with 82 yards receiving on four catches , while rookie wideout Jerry Jeudy ( four catches for 73 yards ) and rookie tight end Albert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) also made their presence felt .
Okwuegbunam drew a pass interference penalty in the end zone on the penultimate play of the game that set up Hamler ’ s game-winning catch .
“ That two-minute drill , I hop into the huddle and I ’ m seeing baby faces , ” Lock said .
“ Not only myself , but we ’ ve got young ( rookies ) in there where it ’ s their seventh game , and Albert , it ’ s his third .
With Tim ( Patrick ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and those guys coming in and playing in the way they did , and with DaeSean playing a massive game for us , that was huge.
” Hamler , whose acclimation into the Denver offense was slowed by his initial hamstring injury during training camp , believes Sunday can be a launching pad to bigger individual performances throughout the rest of the season .
Hamler kept himself mentally engaged in the offense during that training camp injury by journaling the offense in a notebook every day .
The 21-year-old may continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returns to the lineup next Sunday in Atlanta .
“ I think it can be a big breakthrough for me , ” Hamler said .
“ Just to show the guys that I can be a reliable guy , and always be accountable.
” Hamler now has 11 receptions for 115 yards on the season , while Jeudy has 23 catches for 359 yards .

KJ Hamler checked off two notable career achievements Sunday — first NFL touchdown and first-ever game-ending score at any level — with his 1-yard scoring catch from Drew Lock as time expired.
Hamler’s grab at the right boundary of the end zone while falling backward sealed Denver’s improbable comeback, 31-30 over the Chargers, and also signaled the first big professional moment for the team’s rookie second-round draft pick from Penn State.
“We were in the huddle (before the final play), and I said to the team, ‘This is how legends are made right here,'” Hamler said. “We got the play and everything went blank. As soon as I saw the ball coming to me, the first thing I thought was, ‘Secure the catch and fall.’ Drew put it on the money.”
Hamler finished with three receptions for 13 yards, and his game-winning catch came thanks to separation created by Lock’s rollout to the right, which enabled Hamler to lose Chargers safety Rayshawn Jenkins in coverage. Hamler then found an open spot in the end zone as cornerback Tevaughn Campbell closed late to the ball, and the wideout held on as he hit the grass.
“I always loved the option of rolling out a little bit, and making somebody take me, and if they don’t take me I just fling my body into the end zone as best as I can,” Lock said. “(Jenkins) ended up taking me and left KJ. (open).”
Hamler missed two games this season due to hamstring injuries (the season opener against Tennessee and Week 6 against New England) but is starting to settle in as a main offensive threat. And Hamler wasn’t the only young offensive skill player who made a critical impact in a win that the wideout said will build the Broncos “a lot of momentum” as Denver improved to 3-4.
Third-year wideout DaeSean Hamilton, also from Penn State, set a career high with 82 yards receiving on four catches, while rookie wideout Jerry Jeudy (four catches for 73 yards) and rookie tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (one catch for nine yards) also made their presence felt. Okwuegbunam drew a pass interference penalty in the end zone on the penultimate play of the game that set up Hamler’s game-winning catch, which withstood review.
“That two-minute drill, I hop into the huddle and I’m seeing baby faces,” Lock said. “Not only myself, but we’ve got young (rookies) in there where it’s their seventh game, and Albert, it’s his third. With Tim (Patrick) being out (with a hamstring injury) and those guys coming in and playing in the way they did, and with DaeSean playing a massive game for us, that was huge.”
Hamler, whose acclimation into the Denver offense was slowed by his initial hamstring injury during training camp, believes Sunday can be a launching pad to bigger individual performances throughout the rest of the season. Hamler kept himself mentally engaged in the offense during that training camp injury by journaling the offense in a notebook every day.
The 21-year-old may continue to see more targets, even if Patrick returns to the lineup next Sunday in Atlanta.
“I think it can be a big breakthrough for me,” Hamler said. “Just to show the guys that I can be a reliable guy, and always be accountable.”
Hamler now has 11 receptions for 115 yards on the season, while Jeudy has 23 catches for 359 yards.


thedenverpost--2020-11-02--Broncos Report Card: Tale of two halves in come-from-behind win over Chargers

It was an unforgettable first half ( for all the wrong reasons ) and an unforgettable second half ( for all the right reasons ) .
The Broncos had two first-half first downs and 60 total yards .
The offense looked broken .
They were booed off their home field .
But down 24-3 , running back Phillip Lindsay ’ s 55-yard touchdown run kick-started the come-from-behind win .
The Broncos scored touchdowns on four of their final five drives , including Drew Lock ’ s 1-yard throw to KJ Hamler as time expired .
Lock was 26-of-41 passing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interception .
Minus receiver Tim Patrick , the slack was picked up by DaeSean Hamilton ( four catches-82 yards and a 40-yard touchdown ) .
Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam drew two penalties ( including pass interference on the second-to-last snap ) and caught a 9-yard touchdown .
The Broncos ’ success in a two-minute situation should prompt coach Vic Fangio to suggest trying more of that in next week ’ s first half at Atlanta .
Justin Herbert is going to be a long-term problem for the AFC West and he was as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broncos , completing 29-of-43 passes for 278 yards , three touchdowns and two interceptions .
The takeaways were by Justin Simmons ( 46-yard return ) and Bryce Callahan ( in the end zone ) .
The Broncos had issues stopping the run ( 5.5-yard average ) and had no answer for receiver Keenan Allen ( nine catches-67 yards ) .
But the Chargers ’ final drive was the Broncos ’ exclamation point .
Leading 27-24 , the Chargers moved to the Broncos ’ 17 .
But inside linebacker Josey Jewell drew a 15-yard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Henry , outside linebacker Bradley Chubb sacked Herbert two plays later and Los Angeles had to settle for a field goal with 2:30 left , giving the offense a chance to win at the buzzer .
The Broncos didn ’ t allow a return touchdown and didn ’ t get a punt blocked .
That represents progress .
Punter Sam Martin was lights out , averaging 41.2 yards net on six attempts , a misleading statistic because he had two touchbacks that could have been downed inside the five-yard line .
Davontae Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tyrie Cleveland made a mistake , opting to return a kickoff from four yards deep in the end zone and only reaching the 19-yard line ( and using six seconds of time ) , but the offense still drove the length of the field .
The kick coverage unit included at least three new players and gave up a 26-yard return ( Brandon McManus had four touchbacks ) .
An F for the first half and A-plus for the second half ?
Because the final part of the game carries more weight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grade up to a B.
It ’ s hard to imagine a poorer first half offensively and defensively as the Chargers built a 14-3 halftime lead that eventually swelled to 24-3 midway through the third quarter .
If there was some magic halftime/sideline speech from Fangio , he deserves a hat tip .
Play-caller Pat Shurmur had a tale of two halves , too .
The offense was equal parts ineffective and tentative .
But , out of necessity , the Broncos starting using more deeper crossing routes for chunk yards and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rookie skill position players down the stretch , even if he didn ’ t have a lot of other options .

Offense – B
It was an unforgettable first half (for all the wrong reasons) and an unforgettable second half (for all the right reasons). The Broncos had two first-half first downs and 60 total yards. The offense looked broken. They were booed off their home field. But down 24-3, running back Phillip Lindsay’s 55-yard touchdown run kick-started the come-from-behind win. The Broncos scored touchdowns on four of their final five drives, including Drew Lock’s 1-yard throw to KJ Hamler as time expired. Lock was 26-of-41 passing for 248 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Minus receiver Tim Patrick, the slack was picked up by DaeSean Hamilton (four catches-82 yards and a 40-yard touchdown). Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam drew two penalties (including pass interference on the second-to-last snap) and caught a 9-yard touchdown. The Broncos’ success in a two-minute situation should prompt coach Vic Fangio to suggest trying more of that in next week’s first half at Atlanta.
Defense – B
Justin Herbert is going to be a long-term problem for the AFC West and he was as advertised in his first game against the Broncos, completing 29-of-43 passes for 278 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. The takeaways were by Justin Simmons (46-yard return) and Bryce Callahan (in the end zone). The Broncos had issues stopping the run (5.5-yard average) and had no answer for receiver Keenan Allen (nine catches-67 yards). But the Chargers’ final drive was the Broncos’ exclamation point. Leading 27-24, the Chargers moved to the Broncos’ 17. But inside linebacker Josey Jewell drew a 15-yard crackback block penalty by tight end Hunter Henry, outside linebacker Bradley Chubb sacked Herbert two plays later and Los Angeles had to settle for a field goal with 2:30 left, giving the offense a chance to win at the buzzer.
Special teams – B
The Broncos didn’t allow a return touchdown and didn’t get a punt blocked. That represents progress. Punter Sam Martin was lights out, averaging 41.2 yards net on six attempts, a misleading statistic because he had two touchbacks that could have been downed inside the five-yard line. Davontae Harris had a great tackle on punt coverage. Tyrie Cleveland made a mistake, opting to return a kickoff from four yards deep in the end zone and only reaching the 19-yard line (and using six seconds of time), but the offense still drove the length of the field. The kick coverage unit included at least three new players and gave up a 26-yard return (Brandon McManus had four touchbacks).
Coaching – B
An F for the first half and A-plus for the second half? Because the final part of the game carries more weight, we edge the Broncos’ coaching grade up to a B. It’s hard to imagine a poorer first half offensively and defensively as the Chargers built a 14-3 halftime lead that eventually swelled to 24-3 midway through the third quarter. If there was some magic halftime/sideline speech from Fangio, he deserves a hat tip. Play-caller Pat Shurmur had a tale of two halves, too. The offense was equal parts ineffective and tentative. But, out of necessity, the Broncos starting using more deeper crossing routes for chunk yards and then Shurmur wasn’t afraid to trust the rookie skill position players down the stretch, even if he didn’t have a lot of other options.


thedenverpost--2020-11-02--Game balls and gassers: Broncos defensive backs made Drew Lock’s incredible comeback possible

Phillip Lindsay — There can be no debate anymore .
The Broncos are just better when Lindsay is on the field .
The explosion , the energy , the electricity … the CU/Denver South product is the spark that ignites this Denver offense .
His 55-yard touchdown run was the play that turned everything around in Sunday ’ s 31-30 win over the Los Angeles Chargers .
Maybe this is the sort of guy you give a pay raise ?
Broncos rookies — This is what Broncos GM John Elway envisioned back in the spring when he bet big on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the field , hauling in four passes for 73 yards .
Fourth-rounder Albert Okwuegbunam going up to grab a nine-yard score in the back of the end zone , then drawing a pass interference flag on the game ’ s penultimate play .
And second-rounder KJ Hamler , alone and alert , wheeling around just in time to catch the game-winner … on his behind .
Broncos secondary — Say what you will about Drew Lock ’ s amazing comeback , none of it happens without Denver ’ s defensive backs holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ first-half interception handed a sputtering Broncos offense three points it desperately needed .
Strong safety Kareem Jackson put a hurtin ’ on anything in his area code ( even his own teammates ) .
And Bryce Callahan climbed the ladder to snatch a ball away from Mike Williams in the end zone for a huge interception that made the comeback possible .
Drew Lock — It ’ s pretty safe to say the second-year quarterback ’ s future as the franchise quarterback was in serious jeopardy after submitting a dud of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
That Lock then responded with that incredible comeback , authoring three fourth-quarter touchdown drives , says a lot about what the Broncos have under center .
The job is yours , Drew .
Let ’ s see if you can make this season interesting .
Garret Bolles — Up until Sunday , it had been a relatively clean season for the infamously flagged left tackle .
In the first half against the Chargers , however , the flags came a-flying .
The first was for a completely unnecessary block in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive of the game .
The second was a holding penalty that brought back a long completion for a first down .
Bradley Chubb — Granted , the Broncos outside linebacker kept his four-game sack streak alive with a biggie in the fourth quarter .
Great to see , especially for a franchise cornerstone coming off a season-ending injury .
But the third-year pro also had two bad personal foul flags , including one in the fourth quarter that negated a third-down stop near midfield .
The Chargers ended up getting a field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score that ultimately forced the Broncos to go for the game-winning touchdown .
So maybe it wasn ’ t all that bad after all ?

Game Balls
Phillip Lindsay — There can be no debate anymore. The Broncos are just better when Lindsay is on the field. The explosion, the energy, the electricity … the CU/Denver South product is the spark that ignites this Denver offense. His 55-yard touchdown run was the play that turned everything around in Sunday’s 31-30 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Maybe this is the sort of guy you give a pay raise?
Broncos rookies — This is what Broncos GM John Elway envisioned back in the spring when he bet big on speed: first-round pick Jerry Jeudy streaking down the field, hauling in four passes for 73 yards. Fourth-rounder Albert Okwuegbunam going up to grab a nine-yard score in the back of the end zone, then drawing a pass interference flag on the game’s penultimate play. And second-rounder KJ Hamler, alone and alert, wheeling around just in time to catch the game-winner … on his behind.
Broncos secondary — Say what you will about Drew Lock’s amazing comeback, none of it happens without Denver’s defensive backs holding things together. Free safety Justin Simmons’ first-half interception handed a sputtering Broncos offense three points it desperately needed. Strong safety Kareem Jackson put a hurtin’ on anything in his area code (even his own teammates). And Bryce Callahan climbed the ladder to snatch a ball away from Mike Williams in the end zone for a huge interception that made the comeback possible.
Drew Lock — It’s pretty safe to say the second-year quarterback’s future as the franchise quarterback was in serious jeopardy after submitting a dud of a first half in Sunday’s must-win game. That Lock then responded with that incredible comeback, authoring three fourth-quarter touchdown drives, says a lot about what the Broncos have under center. The job is yours, Drew. Let’s see if you can make this season interesting.
Gassers
Garret Bolles — Up until Sunday, it had been a relatively clean season for the infamously flagged left tackle. In the first half against the Chargers, however, the flags came a-flying. The first was for a completely unnecessary block in the back that doomed Denver’s second drive of the game. The second was a holding penalty that brought back a long completion for a first down.
Bradley Chubb — Granted, the Broncos outside linebacker kept his four-game sack streak alive with a biggie in the fourth quarter. Great to see, especially for a franchise cornerstone coming off a season-ending injury. But the third-year pro also had two bad personal foul flags, including one in the fourth quarter that negated a third-down stop near midfield. The Chargers ended up getting a field goal out of that possession — a score that ultimately forced the Broncos to go for the game-winning touchdown. So maybe it wasn’t all that bad after all?


thedenverpost--2020-11-02--Broncos storm back to beat Chargers, 31-30, with Drew Lock’s touchdown pass to KJ Hamler as time exp

Broncos storm back to beat Chargers, 31-30, with Drew Lock’s touchdown pass to KJ Hamler as time expires

Quarterback Drew Lock and the Broncos stormed back from a 21-point deficit Sunday to beat the Chargers in dramatic fashion , 31-30 , at Empower Field .
Lock connected with KJ Hamler for a 1-yard touchdown pass as time expired to tie the game , then Brandon McManus kicked the game-winning extra point .
Denver thereby avoided the first 0-4 home start in franchise history and improved to 3-4 .
The storybook finish for Lock had an ugly start , and all the makings of a blowout by the Chargers , who for the fourth consecutive game blew a lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broncos ’ offense started the game with a quick three-and-out , but Justin Simmons ’ interception and return to the Los Angeles 16-yard line set the home team up for early points .
Denver was unable to convert the break into a touchdown , and instead settled for a 35-yard McManus field goal .
The offense continued to sputter after that , while the defense did its part to keep Chargers ’ rookie quarterback Justin Herbert from settling into a rhythm early .
That was the case until late in the second quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14-point blitz to take an 11-point lead into halftime .
• KJ Hamler ’ s first career touchdown catch lifts Broncos to comeback victory over Chargers • Broncos Report Card : Tale of two halves in come-from-behind win over Chargers • Broncos up-down drill : Highs and lows for Denver against the Chargers First , a heated-up Herbert engineered a 9-play , 80-yard drive that culminated in a threaded , nine-yard touchdown strike to Keenan Allen .
The Broncos promptly went three-and-out and when the Chargers got the ball back with 1:11 left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t waste the opportunity .
A 36-yard pass to Mike Williams , who beat Michael Ojemudia in coverage , set up Herbert ’ s 2-yard touchdown pass to Gabe Nabers that extended Los Angeles ’ lead to 14-3 .
After Lock took a knee to end the Broncos ’ half with just two yards rushing , the team jogged to the locker room amid a shower of hometown boos .
And the boos would continue into the second half , as the Broncos sleepwalked into the third quarter .
The Chargers got the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for another touchdown , this time a 10-play , 75-yard drive that ended with Williams burning A.J .
Bouye for a 24-yard touchdown on a one-handed catch .
On the next drive , Denver went three-and-out again .
Lock hit the turf on all three plays ( sack , incompletion , incompletion ) , and the boos from the sparse crowd of 5,700 were unleashed once more .
Los Angeles followed with a 52-yard field goal by Michael Badgley to take a 24-3 lead midway through the third quarter , and the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lindsay got the home crowd on its feet with a 55-yard touchdown run on his fourth touch of the day , a scamper that cut the visitors ’ advantage to 24-10 and jump-started the comeback .
After the Broncos forced a punt to get the ball back , Lock ’ s bad performance got worse when he had a pass picked off by Rayshawn Jenkins to set Los Angeles up in Denver territory late in the third quarter .
But Bryce Callahan recorded Denver ’ s second takeaway of the day with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone .
The fourth quarter then brought life from the Broncos offense , as Lock led a nine-play , 80-yard drive that culminated in Albert Okwuegbunam ’ s first career touchdown catch .
That put the Broncos right back in the game , down 24-17 with 11:42 left .
Los Angeles ’ next drive was critical as the Broncos saw cornerback A.J .
Bouye exit , and undrafted rookie Essang Bassey take his place , after Bouye was injured in a friendly-fire collision involving safety Kareem Jackson .
That drive resulted in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it a two-possession game at 27-17 .
Denver ’ s response ?
A 20-yard run by Lindsay — which had a 15-yard personal foul penalty for a late hit tacked onto it — and then a 40-yard touchdown pass from Lock to DaeSean Hamilton .
It was Hamilton ’ s first TD grab of the year , and made it 27-24 with 7:30 left .
The Broncos ’ sideline was jumping around and the stadium finally had energy .
The Broncos withstood another solid drive by the Chargers to follow , holding them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles ’ lead to 30-24 with 2:30 left .
With the ball back and one timeout left , Lock engineered the 14-play , 81-yard game-winning drive that was assisted by two critical Los Angeles penalties .

En route to being blown out at Mile High for the third consecutive game and becoming the first team in franchise history to start 0-4 at home, something noticeable happened on the Broncos’ sideline Sunday: There appeared to be a strange calm as the Los Angeles Chargers built a 21-point second-half lead.
Keep grinding, the players told themselves even after the eyesore-of-a-first-half.
Keep hitting, they told each other even as the Chargers’ defense kept Drew Lock and Co., in a collective vice grip.
Keep believing, they reminded teammates and coaches even as the fourth-quarter clock began to evaporate.
And then suddenly … and semi-miraculously … and totally impressively, the Broncos’ resilience was rewarded.
The offense scored touchdowns on four of their final five possessions, capped by Lock’s 1-yard pass to receiver KJ Hamler as time expired that, after Brandon McManus’ extra point, propelled the Broncos to a 31-30 win over the Chargers.
The fans who serenaded them with boos at halftime saluted them as they ran off the field.
“We’re a bunch of fighters,” coach Vic Fangio said. “Play hard. Play physical. Play for each other. We’re going to play as a team, one for all and all for one and we had to keep doing that. If we made a couple of plays and a couple of starts, we could get it turned. And we did that.
“And by God, we won that game.”
And by God, it was improbable. The blood splattered on Fangio’s sweatshirt and a bandage covering the bridge of his nose, the result of a sideline collision? That would have been nothing compared to the figurative autopsy that would have been administered had the Chargers won in a rout.
Instead, the Broncos could celebrate their biggest comeback win (21 points) since rallying from 24 points in 2012 … also against the Chargers.
“Maybe we’re just starting to click,” Lock said after going 14-of-18 passing for 155 yards and three touchdowns — in the fourth quarter.
Said safety Justin Simmons: “It was awesome to see.”
So awesome that it requires a play-by-play recap.
Down 24-3, the Broncos (3-4) got a 55-yard touchdown run by Phillip Lindsay, a 9-yard catch by tight end Albert Okwuegbunam and a 40-yard catch by receiver DaeSean Hamilton to cut the Chargers’ lead to 27-24.
During the Chargers’ drive to make it 30-24, Fangio used two of his timeouts — at the 2:44 and 2:34 marks — so the Broncos had one timeout and 2:24 at their disposal.
“Our coaches run us through two-minute (situations) definitely once every day and sometimes twice,” Lock said. “We made a really big deal this week to be crisp and clean on it.”
Exhibit A of being crisp and clean: During the ensuing 14-play drive, the Broncos didn’t commit a penalty and didn’t have a negative play.
2:19 … 2:00 … 1:49: Melvin Gordon six-yard catch, three-yard run and 10-yard run to move the Broncos to the 38-yard line.
1:35 … 1:30 … 1:27: Gordon two-yard catch, Lock incompletion and a pass interference penalty on Chargers cornerback Tevaughn Campbell (covering Okwuegbunam). The penalty turned a third-and-8 into a first down from the 45.
1:21 … :55 … :35: Hamler seven-yard catch, Hamilton 14-yard catch and Lindsay three-yard catch. After Lindsay’s catch, the Broncos had second-and-7 from the Chargers’ 31. Hamilton had four catches for 82 yards to make up for Tim Patrick’s absence (hamstring injury).
“He hasn’t really been called on much, but the reason he’s on this team is he’s Mr. Reliable,” Lock said of Hamilton. “If guys go down, he’s going to be great for us.”
:55 … :35 … :27: Gordon two-yard catch and five-yard catch. The second reception was on third-and-5 and Gordon strained his way to the first-down line; after a review, the Broncos were given the first down at the Chargers’ 24 but had used their final timeout.
“Helluva catch by Melvin to get that first down,” Simmons said. “As a player, you always want to be the one out there when the game is coming down to its decision. It was nerve-wracking, but our offense had all of the momentum in the second half and kept making play after play.”
:21 … :13 … :07: Fant six-yard catch, Lock spike to stop the clock and Lock incompletion to the end zone.
If the Broncos had lost, Lock would have wanted the end zone incompletion back — he had Hamilton open in the end zone but underthrew him.
:01: On fourth-and-4 (seven seconds remained when the play started), Lock threw incomplete to the end zone, but Okwuegbunam drew a 17-yard pass interference penalty on cornerback Brandon Facyson.
“Albert got a 1-on-1 chance on the ‘7’ route to the back of the end zone and I just threw it up to the big guy and gave him a chance and got the flag,” Lock said.
:00: The winning play.
The Broncos had three receivers, one tight end and one running back on the field. At the snap, Hamler ran a jet motion fake from left to right across the formation. After his play action fake to Gordon, Lock rolled right.
“That’s been in our arsenal a little bit,” Lock said. “It was one of our two-point plays and we needed it right there. I always love the option of having me roll out and making (a defender) take me and if they don’t take me, I fling my body in into the end zone.”
Hamler was running parallel to him along the goal line, but turned up the field and into the end zone. Safety Rayshawn Jenkins fronted Hamler initially before peeling off to pursue Lock, who calmly flipped it to Hamler for the touchdown.
Said Hamler of his first NFL touchdown: “I went up-field a little bit and came back down to see if (Jenkins) would fall off me. Sure enough, he did.”
And sure enough, the Broncos had the kind of win that makes things interesting for at least another week.
“We had six quarters (last week against Kansas City and Sunday’s first half) where we weren’t really competitive offensively,” Fangio said. “After the first series of the second half, we caught on-fire and hopefully this will bring us to bigger and better things.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-02--Broncos up-down drill: Highs and lows for Denver against the Chargers

Up : Saved by the rear .
Two of the Broncos ’ three — three !
— fourth-quarter touchdowns were by a receiver ’ s backside landing in-bounds .
KJ Hamler might have saved this season by the seat of his pants on his game-winning catch .
Down : Broncos defending the 2-minute drill .
The Chargers drove 80 yards on six plays in just 56 seconds for their second touchdown of the day at the end of the first half .
The dagger ?
A 36-yard rainbow from Justin Herbert to Mike Williams , who tumbled out of bounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Melvin Gordon ’ s hands late .
It ’ s been an up-and-down — mostly down — month for the veteran tailback , but his finger-tip-and-helmet catch on third down with 31 seconds left and the Broncos driving ?
Clutch .
Up : Callahan ’ s hops .
The Chargers were going for the kill shot , already up 24-10 , with 1:36 left in the third quarter .
But cornerback Bryce Callahan out-jumped and outwrestled Williams in the end zone for a critical pick .
Even more impressive : Callahan is listed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Up : A.J .
Bouye walking off the field .
The Denver cornerback got sandwiched on a scary collision with teammate Kareem Jackson with 10:50 left in the contest .
The pair appeared to collide , helmet-to-helmet , while converging on Williams .
Fortunately , he was able to leave the field under his own power .
Down : Garett Bolles ’ 2019 ghosts .
There ’ s our guy !
Joey Bosa is a handful , we know , but No .
72 got in more than a few .
The Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the game ’ s first half , including a hold with 7:45 left in the second quarter .
Up : Punt yardage .
Sam Martin racked up 267 punting yards by halftime , including a pretty boot with 1:21 left in the first half that looked like it was bouncing out at the 1-yard line — only to trickle past the pylon and into the end zone .
Down : Daylight savings ?
Upon the end of the first quarter , with the Broncos up 3-0 in a sloppy offensive game , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that it was “ the end of the third quarter.
” Wishful thinking , probably .
Up : The weather .
A kickoff temperature of 63 degrees was a 49-degree jump from this time a week ago , when Chiefs-Broncos opened to a chilly 14 degrees and snow .
Down : Attendance .
Despite the sunny skies , the already sparse crowd appeared to be even thinner than the one from the previous Sunday .
Up : Voices of those in attendance .
Because that didn ’ t stop that crowd from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinator Pat Shurmur , Lock and the Broncos offense at halftime , as the team marched to the locker room accompanied by audible boos .
Up : Climate change ?
The 49-degree temperature difference between Week 8 and Week 9 is the largest temp increase , week over week for a Broncos game in franchise history .
Up : Vic Fangio ’ s choice of captain .
The Broncos ’ coach designates captains on a game-to-game basis and his choice Sunday was running back Melvin Gordon , who joined the Broncos from the @ @ @ @

Up: Saved by the rear. Two of the Broncos’ three — three! — fourth-quarter touchdowns were by a receiver’s backside landing in-bounds. KJ Hamler might have saved this season by the seat of his pants on his game-winning catch.
Down: Broncos defending the 2-minute drill. The Chargers drove 80 yards on six plays in just 56 seconds for their second touchdown of the day at the end of the first half. The dagger? A 36-yard rainbow from Justin Herbert to Mike Williams, who tumbled out of bounds at the Denver 2.
Up: Melvin Gordon’s hands late. It’s been an up-and-down — mostly down — month for the veteran tailback, but his finger-tip-and-helmet catch on third down with 31 seconds left and the Broncos driving? Clutch.
Up: Callahan’s hops. The Chargers were going for the kill shot, already up 24-10, with 1:36 left in the third quarter. But cornerback Bryce Callahan out-jumped and outwrestled Williams in the end zone for a critical pick. Even more impressive: Callahan is listed at 5-foot-9; Williams is 6-4.
Up: A.J. Bouye walking off the field. The Denver cornerback got sandwiched on a scary collision with teammate Kareem Jackson with 10:50 left in the contest. The pair appeared to collide, helmet-to-helmet, while converging on Williams. Fortunately, he was able to leave the field under his own power.
Down: Garett Bolles’ 2019 ghosts. There’s our guy! Joey Bosa is a handful, we know, but No. 72 got in more than a few. The Broncos’ left tackle picked up two flags in the game’s first half, including a hold with 7:45 left in the second quarter.
Up: Punt yardage. Sam Martin racked up 267 punting yards by halftime, including a pretty boot with 1:21 left in the first half that looked like it was bouncing out at the 1-yard line — only to trickle past the pylon and into the end zone.
Down: Daylight savings? Upon the end of the first quarter, with the Broncos up 3-0 in a sloppy offensive game, the referee turned on his microphone and announced that it was “the end of the third quarter.” Wishful thinking, probably.
Up: The weather. A kickoff temperature of 63 degrees was a 49-degree jump from this time a week ago, when Chiefs-Broncos opened to a chilly 14 degrees and snow.
Down: Attendance. Despite the sunny skies, the already sparse crowd appeared to be even thinner than the one from the previous Sunday.
Up: Voices of those in attendance. Because that didn’t stop that crowd from letting its opinion be known on offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, Lock and the Broncos offense at halftime, as the team marched to the locker room accompanied by audible boos.
Up: Climate change? The 49-degree temperature difference between Week 8 and Week 9 is the largest temp increase, week over week for a Broncos game in franchise history.
Up: Vic Fangio’s choice of captain. The Broncos’ coach designates captains on a game-to-game basis and his choice Sunday was running back Melvin Gordon, who joined the Broncos from the Chargers last year.


thedenverpost--2020-11-02--WATCH: Drew Lock connects with KJ Hamler for Broncos game-winning touchdown

With one second left on the clock and the Broncos trailing the Chargers by six points , Drew Lock rolled @ @ @ @ @ rookie wide receiver KJ Hamler in the end zone for a touchdown .
It was @ @ @ @ @ pass of the game .
Brandon McManus added the extra point to cap the Broncos @ @ @

With one second left on the clock and the Broncos trailing the Chargers by six points, Drew Lock rolled to his right and found rookie wide receiver KJ Hamler in the end zone for a touchdown.
It was Lock’s third touchdown pass of the game.
Brandon McManus added the extra point to cap the Broncos 31-30 victory.


thedenverpost--2020-11-02--Sword-wielding man arrested after Halloween deaths in Quebec

QUEBEC CITY — A man dressed in medieval clothing and armed with a Japanese sword was arrested Sunday on suspicion of killing two people and injuring five others on Halloween near the historic Château Frontenac hotel in Quebec City .
Quebec police said their initial information indicates the suspect ’ s motive was personal and not terrorism .
“ Last night we were thrust into a night of horror when a 24-year-old man who does not live in Quebec City came here with the clear intention of taking as many victims as possible , ” Quebec Police Chief Robert Pigeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was from the Montreal area , made a threat of violence in 2014 .
“ That information would have been revealed in a medical context over five years ago .
It was not something that was in a criminal record , ” Pigeon said .
Quebec City Mayor Regis Labeaume said Canada needs to have a debate about how to deal with mental illness .
Labeaume said the attack has shaken the city , which is still recovering from a shooting at a local mosque in 2017 that killed six .
Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they hunted for the man in the costume with a bladed weapon .
They later described the weapon as a katana .
Police were first notified of the stabbings near the National Assembly shortly before 10:30 p.m. Saturday .
The five injured victims were taken to a hospital .
“ Some have very significant lacerations but we do not fear for their lives , ” Pigeon said .
Pigeon did not release the names of any of those killed or wounded in the attack , saying only they were residents of Quebec @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said one of the deceased had his throat slit .
Jolicoeur said another person was cut on the shoulder while another was cut on the head and hand .
He also witnessed the arrest of the suspect , who threw his sword in the air .
“ He seemed confused , ” he said .
“ He was in black clothes , like a ninja.
” Police were searching his car and residence .
He was due to make a video court appearance later Sunday Police have asked any potential witnesses to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up after a night of horror .
Words fail me to describe such a tragedy .
I offer my condolences to the families of the victims , ” Quebec Premier Francois Legault tweeted .
Carlos Godoy , who lives in the area , said police K-9 units had searched his backyard as they hunted for the suspect .
“ It ’ s a full moon , it ’ s October 31st .
It ’ s Halloween , and it ’ s a lockdown weekend .
No one should be out on the streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m in an extremely quiet neighborhood because there are no tourists nowadays.
” The area around the Chateau Frontenac , the towering landmark of the walled old city , is usually bustling with tourists in normal times .
Associated Press writer Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report .

QUEBEC CITY — A man dressed in medieval clothing and armed with a Japanese sword was arrested Sunday on suspicion of killing two people and injuring five others on Halloween near the historic Château Frontenac hotel in Quebec City.
Quebec police said their initial information indicates the suspect’s motive was personal and not terrorism.
“Last night we were thrust into a night of horror when a 24-year-old man who does not live in Quebec City came here with the clear intention of taking as many victims as possible,” Quebec Police Chief Robert Pigeon said.
Pigeon said the suspect, who was from the Montreal area, made a threat of violence in 2014.
“That information would have been revealed in a medical context over five years ago. It was not something that was in a criminal record,” Pigeon said.
Quebec City Mayor Regis Labeaume said Canada needs to have a debate about how to deal with mental illness.
Labeaume said the attack has shaken the city, which is still recovering from a shooting at a local mosque in 2017 that killed six.
Police had earlier warned residents to remain indoors as they hunted for the man in the costume with a bladed weapon. They later described the weapon as a katana.
Police were first notified of the stabbings near the National Assembly shortly before 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
The five injured victims were taken to a hospital. “Some have very significant lacerations but we do not fear for their lives,” Pigeon said.
Pigeon did not release the names of any of those killed or wounded in the attack, saying only they were residents of Quebec.
Steve Jolicoeur, a freelance photographer, said one of the deceased had his throat slit.
Jolicoeur said another person was cut on the shoulder while another was cut on the head and hand.
He also witnessed the arrest of the suspect, who threw his sword in the air.
“He seemed confused,” he said. “He was in black clothes, like a ninja.”
Police were searching his car and residence. He was due to make a video court appearance later Sunday
Police have asked any potential witnesses to contact them.
“Quebec is waking up after a night of horror. Words fail me to describe such a tragedy. I offer my condolences to the families of the victims,” Quebec Premier Francois Legault tweeted.
Carlos Godoy, who lives in the area, said police K-9 units had searched his backyard as they hunted for the suspect.
“It’s a full moon, it’s October 31st. It’s Halloween, and it’s a lockdown weekend. No one should be out on the streets,” Godoy said. “And I’m in an extremely quiet neighborhood because there are no tourists nowadays.”
The area around the Chateau Frontenac, the towering landmark of the walled old city, is usually bustling with tourists in normal times.
Associated Press writer Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-11-02--WATCH: Drew Lock’s 40-yard TD pass to DaeSean Hamilton vs. Chargers

With the Broncos trailing the Chargers by 10 in the fourth quarter on Sunday , quarterback Drew Lock connected with @ @ @ @ @ cut the lead to 27-24 .
Hamilton ’ s 40-yard catch and run capped a @ @ @ @ @ for the Broncos .

With the Broncos trailing the Chargers by 10 in the fourth quarter on Sunday, quarterback Drew Lock connected with wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton to cut the lead to 27-24.
Hamilton’s 40-yard catch and run capped a two-play, 77-yard scoring drive for the Broncos.


thedenverpost--2020-11-01--WATCH: Drew Lock TD pass to Albert Okwuegbunam vs. Chargers

Albert Okwuegbunam is quickly becoming one of Drew Lock ’ s favorite targets .
The Broncos quarterback found his former @ @ @ @ @ catch in the fourth quarter of the team ’ s matchup against the Chargers on @ @ @ @ @ the lead to 24-17 .

Albert Okwuegbunam is quickly becoming one of Drew Lock’s favorite targets.
The Broncos quarterback found his former college teammate for a touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of the team’s matchup against the Chargers on Sunday. The score cut the lead to 24-17.


thedenverpost--2020-11-03--QB battle a key focus in CU Buffs’ opener vs. UCLA

In terms of experience at quarterback , Colorado and UCLA couldn ’ t be much more different .
UCLA ’ s Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a third-year starter , including two games under his belt against the Buffaloes .
CU starter Sam Noyer and backup Tyler Lytle are both older than Thompson-Robinson , but neither of them has ever started a game .
On Saturday , the experience of Thompson-Robinson and the inexperience of the Buffs will be on display when the two teams meet at Folsom Field in the season opener at 5 p.m. ( TV : ESPN2 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have a veteran back there pulling the trigger , ” UCLA head coach Chip Kelly said Monday in a conference call with media .
Entering his third season leading the Bruins , Kelly has had Thompson-Robinson as his starting quarterback for 18 of 24 games in his tenure , including 11 games in 2019 .
Although the Bruins are just 7-17 the past two years — including 5-13 with Thompson-Robinson as the starter — they ’ ve seen the young quarterback mature .
Thompson-Robinson has thrown for 4,012 yards , 28 touchdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 21 touchdowns last year .
He added 198 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in 2019 and has reportedly had a good camp over the past month .
“ I just think in year three , there ’ s a lot more comfort level in Dorian : knowledge , understanding , not only route structure , not only route concepts ; protections that are involved in it ; being able to help you at the line with their checks , ” Kelly said .
“ He ’ s just a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going into year three and he works really , really hard at the details of the game .
“ When you have someone that ’ s been there before and done that , you know how he ’ ll react when things don ’ t go well , you know how he ’ ll react when things do go well .
You ’ re familiar with just the day-to-day operation of things with him .
We ’ re very thankful that we ’ ve got a kid back that has played a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years.
” In Thompson-Robinson ’ s third career start , on Sept. 28 , 2018 , UCLA lost to the Buffs at Folsom Field , 38-16 .
He completed just 17-of-35 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown that night .
Last year , in Los Angeles , Thompson-Robinson led UCLA to a 31-14 win against CU , completing 21-of-28 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 38 yards .
“ He ’ s obviously a great quarterback , ” said CU outside linebackers coach Brian Michalowski , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bruins ’ leader .
“ He can really zip the ball in there and he ’ s got elite arm talent , but what he can do with his legs is something that we ’ re certainly aware of and we have to do a great job of containing him and keeping him within the pocket.
” Michalowski said he could see the growth in Thompson-Robinson as last year went along .
“ He ’ s certainly developed , ” he said .
“ He was someone that we faced some challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re up to the challenge this year.
” The challenge for UCLA is in not knowing much about Noyer , a fifth-year senior who was named the Buffs ’ starter on Friday .
Noyer has made nine career appearances off the bench at quarterback , completing 21-of-41 passes for 179 yards and an interception .
“ There ’ s a little film on him , ” Kelly said .
“ We know he ’ s a tremendous athlete .
He obviously played some safety for them ( in 2019 ) , so you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to move and switch positions and go to another side ( of the ball ) .
“ We know he ’ s a big kid , but we know he actually moves really well for a big kid.
” Noyer flashed his running ability in high school , but hasn ’ t had much of a chance to showcase his ability at CU yet .
CU head coach Karl Dorrell has said it ’ s possible Lytle plays , too .
UCLA doesn ’ t know what to expect from either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be ready to adjust .
“ You don ’ t have much tape to watch on them , but you try to just project how they ’ ll try to use ( Noyer ) in their schemes , ” Kelly said .
“ You think with someone that athletic they ’ ll probably try to run him a little bit , so we ’ ve got to be prepared for the quarterback run , which is a little bit different wrinkle .
Those are some of the things that we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @

In terms of experience at quarterback, Colorado and UCLA couldn’t be much more different.
UCLA’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a third-year starter, including two games under his belt against the Buffaloes.
CU starter Sam Noyer and backup Tyler Lytle are both older than Thompson-Robinson, but neither of them has ever started a game.
On Saturday, the experience of Thompson-Robinson and the inexperience of the Buffs will be on display when the two teams meet at Folsom Field in the season opener at 5 p.m. (TV: ESPN2).
“It’s comforting to know we have a veteran back there pulling the trigger,” UCLA head coach Chip Kelly said Monday in a conference call with media.
Entering his third season leading the Bruins, Kelly has had Thompson-Robinson as his starting quarterback for 18 of 24 games in his tenure, including 11 games in 2019.
Although the Bruins are just 7-17 the past two years — including 5-13 with Thompson-Robinson as the starter — they’ve seen the young quarterback mature.
Thompson-Robinson has thrown for 4,012 yards, 28 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, including 2,701 yards and 21 touchdowns last year. He added 198 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in 2019 and has reportedly had a good camp over the past month.
“I just think in year three, there’s a lot more comfort level in Dorian: knowledge, understanding, not only route structure, not only route concepts; protections that are involved in it; being able to help you at the line with their checks,” Kelly said. “He’s just a more mature and seasoned player now because he is going into year three and he works really, really hard at the details of the game.
“When you have someone that’s been there before and done that, you know how he’ll react when things don’t go well, you know how he’ll react when things do go well. You’re familiar with just the day-to-day operation of things with him. We’re very thankful that we’ve got a kid back that has played a lot of football here over the last two years.”
In Thompson-Robinson’s third career start, on Sept. 28, 2018, UCLA lost to the Buffs at Folsom Field, 38-16. He completed just 17-of-35 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown that night. Last year, in Los Angeles, Thompson-Robinson led UCLA to a 31-14 win against CU, completing 21-of-28 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 38 yards.
“He’s obviously a great quarterback,” said CU outside linebackers coach Brian Michalowski, whose group will try to put pressure on the Bruins’ leader. “He can really zip the ball in there and he’s got elite arm talent, but what he can do with his legs is something that we’re certainly aware of and we have to do a great job of containing him and keeping him within the pocket.”
Michalowski said he could see the growth in Thompson-Robinson as last year went along.
“He’s certainly developed,” he said. “He was someone that we faced some challenges with last year, but we’re up to the challenge this year.”
The challenge for UCLA is in not knowing much about Noyer, a fifth-year senior who was named the Buffs’ starter on Friday. Noyer has made nine career appearances off the bench at quarterback, completing 21-of-41 passes for 179 yards and an interception.
“There’s a little film on him,” Kelly said. “We know he’s a tremendous athlete. He obviously played some safety for them (in 2019), so you’ve got to be athletic to be able to move and switch positions and go to another side (of the ball).
“We know he’s a big kid, but we know he actually moves really well for a big kid.”
Noyer flashed his running ability in high school, but hasn’t had much of a chance to showcase his ability at CU yet. CU head coach Karl Dorrell has said it’s possible Lytle plays, too.
UCLA doesn’t know what to expect from either quarterback, but Kelly said the Bruins will be ready to adjust.
“You don’t have much tape to watch on them, but you try to just project how they’ll try to use (Noyer) in their schemes,” Kelly said. “You think with someone that athletic they’ll probably try to run him a little bit, so we’ve got to be prepared for the quarterback run, which is a little bit different wrinkle. Those are some of the things that we’re getting our defense ready for.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-03--Two Capitol Hill sites proposed for Denver’s sanctioned homeless encampments

After a pair of false starts , the Colorado Village Collaborative and other agencies announced two new sites Monday that could serve as Denver ’ s first sanctioned homeless encampments , though a city permit still is needed .
The sites are located on the properties of First Baptist Church in Capitol Hill and the Denver Community Church ’ s uptown location on Pearl Street , Matt Lynn , spokesman for the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado , said in a release .
The proposals minimize political exposure for city officials by placing the encampments on private property .
Two separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year after facing strong pushback from neighbors and businesses .
Those delays have left many frustrated and disappointed .
With the new locations , city officials only have to grant a temporary use permit , said Cole Chandler , executive director of the Colorado Village Collaborative , which will run the encampments , called safe open spaces .
Interfaith Alliance officials are currently working on the application for that permit and will submit it to the city soon , Director of Housing Justice Kathleen Van Voorhis told The Denver Post .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be minimal , she said , and the Capitol Hill United Neighbors organization supports the sites , she said .
If the permit is granted , Van Voorhis said the sites would ideally open by Dec. 1 .
The Interfaith Alliance will meet further with neighbors and other community members with two virtual meetings , one on Nov. 19 and a second on Nov. 21 , Lynn said .
Additional information on those meetings is available online at sos.konveio.com .

After a pair of false starts, the Colorado Village Collaborative and other agencies announced two new sites Monday that could serve as Denver’s first sanctioned homeless encampments, though a city permit still is needed.
The sites are located on the properties of First Baptist Church in Capitol Hill and the Denver Community Church’s uptown location on Pearl Street, Matt Lynn, spokesman for the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, said in a release.
The proposals minimize political exposure for city officials by placing the encampments on private property. Two separate proposals on city property were withdrawn earlier this year after facing strong pushback from neighbors and businesses. Those delays have left many frustrated and disappointed.
With the new locations, city officials only have to grant a temporary use permit, said Cole Chandler, executive director of the Colorado Village Collaborative, which will run the encampments, called safe open spaces.
Interfaith Alliance officials are currently working on the application for that permit and will submit it to the city soon, Director of Housing Justice Kathleen Van Voorhis told The Denver Post.
So far, pushback on these sites appears to be minimal, she said, and the Capitol Hill United Neighbors organization supports the sites, she said.
If the permit is granted, Van Voorhis said the sites would ideally open by Dec. 1.
The Interfaith Alliance will meet further with neighbors and other community members with two virtual meetings, one on Nov. 19 and a second on Nov. 21, Lynn said. Additional information on those meetings is available online at sos.konveio.com.


thedenverpost--2020-11-03--Colorado campaigns amp up final election push as ballot returns near 2016 total

Colorado political campaigns feverishly hit the phones , bombarded voters with text messages , knocked on doors and rallied on busy street corners Monday as the 2020 campaign neared its end , but the breakneck pace of ballot returns has left a dwindling number of votes to chase down .
As of late afternoon , voters had submitted 2.77 million ballots — nearly 97 % of the total cast by Coloradans in the 2016 election , according to ballot-return figures from the Colorado secretary of state ’ s office .
Turnout rates had already reached 66 % of registered voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both figures trailed the comparable 2016 rates by greater margins than the raw-vote comparison , though , because the state ’ s population and voter rolls have grown since then .
Ballots must be received by county elections offices or placed in drop boxes by 7 p.m. Tuesday , when polls close .
As Colorado Democrats nudged voters , a phone-banking session was kicked off Monday by retired Olympic medalist and World Cup champion soccer player Abby Wambach , who appeared on the remote video call .
About three dozen volunteers were getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Western Slope and in Pueblo .
Their focus was on building support for Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush in her tight 3rd Congressional District race against Republican Lauren Boebert .
“ What you all are doing right now today is far more important than any single game that I ’ ve ever played in , ” Wambach told them .
“ I really mean that .
You are actually capable of changing the world in much bigger and more important ways than I could have ever done on the soccer field.
” In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were focusing on supporting down-ballot candidates through phone-banking , rallies on busy street corners and remote news conferences highlighting key issues as recent polls showed Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden leading President Donald Trump by a wide margin in Colorado .
U.S. Senate challenger John Hickenlooper , the former governor , also had comfortable polling leads over Sen. Cory Gardner .
But Colorado Republicans said their turnout operation also was in full swing , and they were fighting for every vote .
They appeared to have the tougher lift in the final hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters affiliated as Republicans had submitted slightly more ballots by Monday afternoon than they had on election eve in 2016 , they still were trailing registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters significantly .
Four years ago , Republicans slightly edged out Democrats in returns by that point and were well ahead of unaffiliated voters .
But the latter two groups went on to vote heavily on Election Day .
This time , political observers have speculated that Trump ’ s critical comments about mail voting could reverse that turnout dynamic in Colorado .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blast on phone banking and door-knocking across the state , ” said Joe Jackson , a state party spokesman .
Gardner spent Monday campaigning with Boebert at events on the Western Slope , he said .
Republicans plan to have poll watchers in place in all 64 counties on Tuesday as part of the party ’ s Election Day operation , Jackson said .
Along with the potential for record turnout , the election has heightened anxieties among partisans and sparked concerns of heated demonstrations in coming days .
On Monday , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to warnings about potential unrest from Denver city officials , who were standing up a police command center as a precaution .

Colorado political campaigns feverishly hit the phones, bombarded voters with text messages, knocked on doors and rallied on busy street corners Monday as the 2020 campaign neared its end, but the breakneck pace of ballot returns has left a dwindling number of votes to chase down.
As of late afternoon, voters had submitted 2.77 million ballots — nearly 97% of the total cast by Coloradans in the 2016 election, according to ballot-return figures from the Colorado secretary of state’s office.
Turnout rates had already reached 66% of registered voters and 73% of active voters. Both figures trailed the comparable 2016 rates by greater margins than the raw-vote comparison, though, because the state’s population and voter rolls have grown since then.
Ballots must be received by county elections offices or placed in drop boxes by 7 p.m. Tuesday, when polls close.
As Colorado Democrats nudged voters, a phone-banking session was kicked off Monday by retired Olympic medalist and World Cup champion soccer player Abby Wambach, who appeared on the remote video call.
About three dozen volunteers were getting ready to dial up voters on the Western Slope and in Pueblo. Their focus was on building support for Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush in her tight 3rd Congressional District race against Republican Lauren Boebert.
“What you all are doing right now today is far more important than any single game that I’ve ever played in,” Wambach told them. “I really mean that. You are actually capable of changing the world in much bigger and more important ways than I could have ever done on the soccer field.”
In the final hours of the race, Democrats were focusing on supporting down-ballot candidates through phone-banking, rallies on busy street corners and remote news conferences highlighting key issues as recent polls showed Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden leading President Donald Trump by a wide margin in Colorado. U.S. Senate challenger John Hickenlooper, the former governor, also had comfortable polling leads over Sen. Cory Gardner.
But Colorado Republicans said their turnout operation also was in full swing, and they were fighting for every vote.
They appeared to have the tougher lift in the final hours. Ballot-return statistics showed that even though voters affiliated as Republicans had submitted slightly more ballots by Monday afternoon than they had on election eve in 2016, they still were trailing registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters significantly.
Four years ago, Republicans slightly edged out Democrats in returns by that point and were well ahead of unaffiliated voters. But the latter two groups went on to vote heavily on Election Day. This time, political observers have speculated that Trump’s critical comments about mail voting could reverse that turnout dynamic in Colorado.
“We have our team still going full blast on phone banking and door-knocking across the state,” said Joe Jackson, a state party spokesman.
Gardner spent Monday campaigning with Boebert at events on the Western Slope, he said.
Republicans plan to have poll watchers in place in all 64 counties on Tuesday as part of the party’s Election Day operation, Jackson said.
Along with the potential for record turnout, the election has heightened anxieties among partisans and sparked concerns of heated demonstrations in coming days. On Monday, some downtown-area businesses were boarding up their windows in response to warnings about potential unrest from Denver city officials, who were standing up a police command center as a precaution.


thedenverpost--2020-11-03--Colorado hasn’t seen issues with poll watchers. Elections officials say it’s because of the rules in

Colorado hasn’t seen issues with poll watchers. Elections officials say it’s because of the rules in place.

The 2020 election has garnered more interest from Coloradans applying to be poll watchers ahead of Election Day , but that hasn ’ t necessarily translated to large groups of watchers at voting locations .
That ’ s because Colorado has statutes that regulate who can be an official poll watcher , Colorado elections officials say .
Poll watchers have to apply through political parties , registered issue committees or unaffiliated candidates , and receive approved training and get certified .
While community members have been concerned about the prospect of partisan poll watchers showing up to voting sites and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Jena Griswold said there haven ’ t been reports of that happening .
Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder George Stern said the counties welcome certified poll watchers and if they find people who aren ’ t following protocols , they would simply inform them of the rules .
But so far in Jefferson County , he hasn ’ t seen that issue .
“ We know it ’ s secure , but we want them to feel good about it , too , ” he said of the ballot process .
Political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a voting center at a time during voting , so while the interest has gone up and the number of spots filled has increased , the total number allowed at any given time has not .
“ We ’ ve had a huge amount of people reaching out and wanting to get involved , ” said Joe Jackson , spokesman for the Colorado Republican Party .
Morgan Carroll , the Democratic Party chair , said the group has similarly seen larger interest in both poll watchers and election judges .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a historic number of applicants for poll watchers and election judges , ” Carroll said .
“ It tells me people are really committed in this election cycle .
”

Elections officials reported Monday that two men were set up outside an Arapahoe County building in Littleton filming people as they dropped off their ballots in the drop box, and one of the men had a gun in a holster at his side.
The men were standing within 100 feet of the ballot box in Littleton and some voters said they felt intimidated, according to Arapahoe County Elections Director Peg Perl. Police were called to respond to the incident, as first reported by CPR. The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office referred the report to the attorney general’s office for investigation.
The report comes at a time when voters across the nation have expressed concerns about voter intimidation tactics. Colorado elections officials have previously said they haven’t found any evidence of intimidation at polling sites, but they assured voters they take reports seriously. The attorney general did find evidence of voter intimidation at a Fort Morgan mobile home park in October.
Some of voters’ fears were heightened after the president called for his supporters to go watch the polls for potential fraud. The 2020 election sparked more interest from Coloradans in both parties to sign up to become poll watchers. However, in Colorado, there are statutes that regulate who can be an official poll watcher. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said people can’t just show up and go into the polls without going through the state’s protocols, including training.
Poll watchers have to apply through political parties, registered issue committees or unaffiliated candidates, and receive approved training and get certified.
Perl said the two men were not official poll watchers. They did not enter the polling site and weren’t blocking the path to the ballot box, but the filming concerned voters who were returning their ballots. Ultimately, the men left without incident.
Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder George Stern said county elections officials welcome certified poll watchers.
“We know it’s secure, but we want them to feel good about it, too,” he said of the ballot process.
Political parties can each assign one watcher to a voting center at a time during voting, so while the interest has gone up and the number of spots filled has increased, the total number allowed at any given time has not.
“We’ve had a huge amount of people reaching out and wanting to get involved,” said Joe Jackson, spokesman for the Colorado Republican Party.
Morgan Carroll, the Democratic Party chair, said the group has similarly seen larger interest in both poll watchers and election judges. “It’s kind of remarkable that we have had a historic number of applicants for poll watchers and election judges,” Carroll said. “It tells me people are really committed in this election cycle.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-02--Steve Addazio keeping wraps on CSU Rams’ quarterback plan for Border War

Steve Addazio ’ s quarterback strategy for his first Border War game is shrouded in mystery .
Who will be under center for Colorado State on Thursday night against Wyoming : Todd Centeio or Patrick O ’ Brien ?
“ We ’ ve made our decision and we know what we ’ re doing , ” Addazio said Monday .
“ I ’ m not going to share it .
That ’ s not in our best interest to do that.
” The Rams struggled to maintain an offensive identity in Addazio ’ s coaching debut with CSU last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State — punctuated by a curious quarterback depth chart .
The Rams started Centeio , a Temple graduate transfer , over O ’ Brien , the incumbent starting quarterback .
Centeio was effective on the ground ( 13 carries for 80 yards ) as the Rams ’ leading rusher , but completed only 10-of-23 passes for 141 yards .
With CSU trailing by four touchdowns , Addazio pulled Centeio for O ’ Brien in the fourth quarter .
He provided the Rams a spark with a 20-yard touchdown pass on his second drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not afraid to move his feet and extend plays , ” CSU wide receiver Dante Wright said .
“ He can throw .
A lot of guys think that he ’ s just a runner , but he ’ s got an arm .
… Pat can stand there he can sling it .
They ’ re different , but they ’ re both really good quarterbacks.
” Neither performance prompted Addazio to publicly name his starter against Wyoming .
CSU did not provide interview opportunities with either Centeio or O ’ Brien @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talented guys .
It ’ s very likely you could see them both ( play ) , ” Addazio said .
“ They both did some really great things and played to their strengths .
We had a fair amount of productivity .
It wasn ’ t perfect.
” O ’ Brien , a former Nebraska transfer , began the offseason as the presumed starter after eclipsing 300 yards passing in four games last season .
For now , it ’ s unclear who will quarterback CSU into the future .
“ Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tribute to him , ” Addazio said .
“ He came in there with a great mindset and demeanor .
That ’ s the way it should be .
There are a lot of decisions that get made for a lot of reasons .
There is a lot of football left to play , so we ’ ll just keep rolling.
” First-time voter .
The NCAA will pause all organized activities Tuesday to allow teams ample time to vote in the 2020 election .
CSU offensive lineman Barry Wesley already cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on social issues that are important to student athletes .
“ It ’ s my first time voting in a presidential election , so I ’ m really excited , ” Wesley said .
“ The move the NCAA did is really important for student athletes to have that time to vote , go through it and process it .
Coach Addazio has done a really good job of emphasizing ( us ) to go vote .
”

Steve Addazio’s quarterback strategy for his first Border War game is shrouded in mystery.
Who will be under center for Colorado State on Thursday night against Wyoming: Todd Centeio or Patrick O’Brien?
“We’ve made our decision and we know what we’re doing,” Addazio said Monday. “I’m not going to share it. That’s not in our best interest to do that.”
The Rams struggled to maintain an offensive identity in Addazio’s coaching debut with CSU last week in a 38-17 road loss at Fresno State — punctuated by a curious quarterback depth chart. The Rams started Centeio, a Temple graduate transfer, over O’Brien, the incumbent starting quarterback.
Their results were decidedly mixed.
Centeio was effective on the ground (13 carries for 80 yards) as the Rams’ leading rusher, but completed only 10-of-23 passes for 141 yards. With CSU trailing by four touchdowns, Addazio pulled Centeio for O’Brien in the fourth quarter. He provided the Rams a spark with a 20-yard touchdown pass on his second drive.
“I like how Todd is not afraid to move his feet and extend plays,” CSU wide receiver Dante Wright said. “He can throw. A lot of guys think that he’s just a runner, but he’s got an arm. … Pat can stand there he can sling it. They’re different, but they’re both really good quarterbacks.”
Neither performance prompted Addazio to publicly name his starter against Wyoming. CSU did not provide interview opportunities with either Centeio or O’Brien this week.
“We have two talented guys. It’s very likely you could see them both (play),” Addazio said. “They both did some really great things and played to their strengths. We had a fair amount of productivity. It wasn’t perfect.”
O’Brien, a former Nebraska transfer, began the offseason as the presumed starter after eclipsing 300 yards passing in four games last season. For now, it’s unclear who will quarterback CSU into the future.
“Patrick handled it great and that’s a tribute to him,” Addazio said. “He came in there with a great mindset and demeanor. That’s the way it should be. There are a lot of decisions that get made for a lot of reasons. There is a lot of football left to play, so we’ll just keep rolling.”
First-time voter. The NCAA will pause all organized activities Tuesday to allow teams ample time to vote in the 2020 election.
CSU offensive lineman Barry Wesley already cast his ballot and is appreciative of the focus on social issues that are important to student athletes.
“It’s my first time voting in a presidential election, so I’m really excited,” Wesley said. “The move the NCAA did is really important for student athletes to have that time to vote, go through it and process it. Coach Addazio has done a really good job of emphasizing (us) to go vote.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-02--Broncos’ first-half struggles continue to weigh down team trying to get back into contention

A lot has been made about the Broncos ’ inability to finish games under coach Vic Fangio , but much of the team ’ s struggles this year stem from ice-cold starts .
The inability to find a first-half rhythm was on full display Sunday , when the Chargers dominated Denver early , building a 14-3 lead by halftime .
That margin grew to 24-3 in the third quarter .
While the Broncos were able to erase that with an improbable fourth-quarter comeback , the slow start continued a trend .
The Broncos have faced double-digit halftime deficits in three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives for the poor starts , especially with the offense ?
Fangio doesn ’ t believe it ’ s an issue of mindset .
“ Our guys come out ready to play , ” Fangio said Monday .
“ It ’ s a little bit of everything ( that ’ s the issue ) .
As it relates to the offense , I think it ’ s the third-down stuff , too… Eventually when you ’ re running it well , you ’ re going to have to convert some third downs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us .
We got that solved in the last quarter-and-a-half yesterday .
I don ’ t know that it ’ s solved permanently , but it ’ s a big part of what ’ s been holding us back ( early in games ) .
” Even after quarterback Drew Lock & Co. found their mojo late against Los Angeles , registering touchdowns on four of their last five drives , Denver ( 3-4 ) ranks 30th in the NFL in third-down conversions at 36.3 % .
The team is also third-worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far below the league average of 97 .
The rushing game that has helped the offense settle in at various points — including Phillip Lindsay popping off for a 55-yard third-quarter touchdown to spark Denver ’ s comeback — was non-existent early on against the Chargers .
Fangio credited Lindsay ’ s touchdown — as well as a third-and-8 conversion via an 18-yard pass from Lock to DaeSean Hamilton that set up the scoring run — for shifting the momentum at Empower Field .
“ It was third-and-8 , if we don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then the whole tone of this conversation would probably be different , ” Fangio said .
“ It just takes one play .
That was a big , big play and we had a big run there by Phillip and all of a sudden , we ’ re back in the game .
We still got a lot of work to do ( at that point ) , but there ’ s some light at the end of the tunnel.
” Now , the question becomes whether the offense can get that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Broncos have a minus-40 point differential ( 26th in the NFL ) , a subpar ranking indicative of the team ’ s inability to start fast .
Here ’ s a look at the specifics of those first-half struggles as seen in four of the Broncos ’ seven games this year .
Denver trailed 17-3 at halftime , having been outgained by the Steelers 213-154 .
The Broncos were 1-of-8 on third down and had two turnovers .
Lock also went down with a shoulder injury in the first quarter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver trailed 23-10 at halftime and had been outgained 197-125 .
The Broncos were 2-of-7 on third down with no turnovers .
The Broncos ’ first punt was blocked , leading to an easy Tampa Bay touchdown .
The Broncos trailed 24-9 at halftime as the Chiefs outgained them 230-159 .
Denver was 3-of-9 on third down with two turnovers , including a pick-six by safety Daniel Sorensen that blew the game open .
Trailing by 11 at halftime , the Broncos were getting booed by the home crowd as they jogged into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them 250-60 , and Denver was 1-of-7 on third down with two yards rushing .
Injury updates .
Cornerback A.J .
Bouye is in the league ’ s concussion protocol after a friendly fire hit by safety Kareem Jackson knocked him out of Sunday ’ s game .
Tight end Nick Vannett was limited to 11 snaps because of a foot injury .
Fangio said reserve center/guard Patrick Morris sustained an arm injury , likely on the final extra-point attempt .
Wideout Tim Patrick ( hamstring ) missed the Chargers game and Fangio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chances are better this week , ” for Patrick to play Sunday at Atlanta .
“ With it being a hamstring , he ( could ) go out there ( against the Chargers ) and maybe play a little while and get up to full speed and have a setback , ” Fangio said .
“ It was possible ( he could have played ) , but in my mind , unless he looked really , really good ( in warmups ) , I wasn ’ t going to play him.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first half three times in seven games this season , winning two of those three contests .
On Sunday , it took a miraculous comeback to save Denver from yet another slow start .

A lot has been made about the Broncos’ inability to finish games under coach Vic Fangio, but much of the team’s struggles this year stem from ice-cold starts.
The inability to find a first-half rhythm was on full display Sunday, when the Chargers dominated Denver early, building a 14-3 lead by halftime. That margin grew to 24-3 in the third quarter. While the Broncos were able to erase that with an improbable fourth-quarter comeback, the slow start continued a trend. The Broncos have faced double-digit halftime deficits in three of their four losses.
So what gives for the poor starts, especially with the offense? Fangio doesn’t believe it’s an issue of mindset.
“Our guys come out ready to play,” Fangio said Monday. “It’s a little bit of everything (that’s the issue). As it relates to the offense, I think it’s the third-down stuff, too… Eventually when you’re running it well, you’re going to have to convert some third downs. That’s been a big problem for us. We got that solved in the last quarter-and-a-half yesterday. I don’t know that it’s solved permanently, but it’s a big part of what’s been holding us back (early in games).”
Even after quarterback Drew Lock & Co. found their mojo late against Los Angeles, registering touchdowns on four of their last five drives, Denver (3-4) ranks 30th in the NFL in third-down conversions at 36.3%. The team is also third-worst in first-half points scored with 61 — far below the league average of 97.
The rushing game that has helped the offense settle in at various points — including Phillip Lindsay popping off for a 55-yard third-quarter touchdown to spark Denver’s comeback — was non-existent early on against the Chargers.
Fangio credited Lindsay’s touchdown — as well as a third-and-8 conversion via an 18-yard pass from Lock to DaeSean Hamilton that set up the scoring run — for shifting the momentum at Empower Field.
“It was third-and-8, if we don’t convert that and we punt, then the whole tone of this conversation would probably be different,” Fangio said. “It just takes one play. That was a big, big play and we had a big run there by Phillip and all of a sudden, we’re back in the game. We still got a lot of work to do (at that point), but there’s some light at the end of the tunnel.”
Now, the question becomes whether the offense can get that “one play” sooner rather than later. The Broncos have a minus-40 point differential (26th in the NFL), a subpar ranking indicative of the team’s inability to start fast.
Here’s a look at the specifics of those first-half struggles as seen in four of the Broncos’ seven games this year.
Week 2 — at Pittsburgh (L, 26-21)
Denver trailed 17-3 at halftime, having been outgained by the Steelers 213-154. The Broncos were 1-of-8 on third down and had two turnovers. Lock also went down with a shoulder injury in the first quarter.
Week 3 — vs Tampa Bay (L, 28-10)
Amid the domination by Tom Brady, Denver trailed 23-10 at halftime and had been outgained 197-125. The Broncos were 2-of-7 on third down with no turnovers. The Broncos’ first punt was blocked, leading to an easy Tampa Bay touchdown.
Week 7 — vs Kansas City (L, 43-16)
The Broncos trailed 24-9 at halftime as the Chiefs outgained them 230-159. Denver was 3-of-9 on third down with two turnovers, including a pick-six by safety Daniel Sorensen that blew the game open.
Week 8 — vs Los Angeles (W, 31-30)
Trailing by 11 at halftime, the Broncos were getting booed by the home crowd as they jogged into the locker room. The Chargers outgained them 250-60, and Denver was 1-of-7 on third down with two yards rushing.
Injury updates. Cornerback A.J. Bouye is in the league’s concussion protocol after a friendly fire hit by safety Kareem Jackson knocked him out of Sunday’s game. Tight end Nick Vannett was limited to 11 snaps because of a foot injury. Fangio said reserve center/guard Patrick Morris sustained an arm injury, likely on the final extra-point attempt.
Wideout Tim Patrick (hamstring) missed the Chargers game and Fangio said he’s “hopeful the chances are better this week,” for Patrick to play Sunday at Atlanta. “With it being a hamstring, he (could) go out there (against the Chargers) and maybe play a little while and get up to full speed and have a setback,” Fangio said. “It was possible (he could have played), but in my mind, unless he looked really, really good (in warmups), I wasn’t going to play him.”
The Broncos have scored double-digit points in the first half three times in seven games this season, winning two of those three contests. On Sunday, it took a miraculous comeback to save Denver from yet another slow start.
Opponent Total yards
(1st/2nd) Rushing
(1st/2nd) Passing
(1st/2nd) Points
(1st/2nd) Result Week 1 vs. Tennessee 201/122 59/48 142/74 7/7 Lost, 16-14 Week 2 at Pittsburgh 154/165 61/43 93/122 3/18 Lost, 26-21 Week 3 vs Tampa Bay 125/101 26/16 99/85 10/0 Lost, 28-10 Week 4 at NY Jets 186/173 45/72 141/101 17/20 Won, 37-28 Week 6 at New England 187/112 86/49 101/63 12/6 Won, 18-12 Week 7 vs Kansas City 230/181 121/56 109/125 9/7 Lost, 43-16 Week 8 vs LA Chargers 60/291 2/106 58/185 3/28 Won, 31-30
— Kyle Newman, The Denver Post


thedenverpost--2020-11-02--Impaired driver who hit, injured Arvada girl is sentenced to two years in jail

A driver who hit and injured a 10-year-old girl , who was walking home from school in Arvada , has been sentenced to two years in jail and eight years probation .
Jose Morales-Reyes , 51 , was sentenced on Friday by District Court Judge Laura Tighe , according to a Jefferson County District Attorney ’ s Office news release .
The jail sentence includes work release .
A jury in July found Morales-Reyes guilty of leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury and vehicular assault reckless , both felonies , according to the release .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impaired and reckless driving .
The girl suffered two broken legs , a broken arm , a concussion , a laceration to her stomach and liver laceration , according to the release .
Prosecutors had sought a prison sentence in the case .
“ We are very disappointed in this sentence , ” said District Attorney Pete Weir in the release .
“ This little girl suffered very serious injuries at the hands of Morales-Reyes .
Her family deserves a sentence that more justly reflects the impact this has had on their child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nine years in prison , the DA ’ s office said .

A driver who hit and injured a 10-year-old girl, who was walking home from school in Arvada, has been sentenced to two years in jail and eight years probation.
Jose Morales-Reyes, 51, was sentenced on Friday by District Court Judge Laura Tighe, according to a Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office news release. The jail sentence includes work release.
A jury in July found Morales-Reyes guilty of leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury and vehicular assault reckless, both felonies, according to the release. He was also guilty of driving while ability impaired and reckless driving.
The girl suffered two broken legs, a broken arm, a concussion, a laceration to her stomach and liver laceration, according to the release.
Prosecutors had sought a prison sentence in the case.
“We are very disappointed in this sentence,” said District Attorney Pete Weir in the release. “This little girl suffered very serious injuries at the hands of Morales-Reyes. Her family deserves a sentence that more justly reflects the impact this has had on their child and family.”
Morales-Reyes potentially faced up to nine years in prison, the DA’s office said.


thedenverpost--2020-11-02--DA on Colorado’s Eastern Plains pleads guilty to drug possession, misconduct

She pleaded to misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance , misdemeanor unlawful conduct on public property and second-degree official misconduct , which is a Class 1 petty offense .
She was sentenced to two years probation , 48 hours of community service and must undergo substance abuse evaluation and treatment as part of the plea agreement .
She must also report her convictions to the state ’ s Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel for a review of her law license .
Lewton , 41 , who was elected as district attorney in 2012 , is term-limited and will be replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll remain as district attorney until that elected successor starts in January .
“ The abuse of an official position is a serious cause for concern , ” Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement Monday , adding later , “ We support Ms. Lewton in her efforts to recover and recognize that her experience is just one example of how the opioid epidemic is impacting lives , families and communities.
” Lewton ’ s attorney , Stan Garnett , said Lewton pleaded guilty to accept responsibility for her actions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very long and somewhat difficult investigation , ” he said .
Lewton was indicted in April on three drug charges and one count of official misconduct after a months-long investigation into her actions in the office in July 2019 .
She was accused of asking a subordinate to give her some of the employee ’ s prescribed opioid painkillers .
The employee did so , and Lewton put a bottle of pills in her purse , according to the indictment .
Another employee who witnessed the exchange alerted authorities .
Lewton later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drugs was a crime , but she did it anyway .
Garnett said Lewton has had “ issues in the past with prescription medications ” and that those issues will be reviewed as part of the court-mandated substance abuse evaluation .
“ Whatever treatment is determined to be appropriate , she will do it , ” he said .
“ We did stress at the hearing that she ’ s been a very popular and effective district attorney , and it ’ s important to her that we wrap this up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her employees and keeps everyone able to do their job .
”

Thirteenth Judicial District Attorney Brittny Lewton pleaded guilty Monday to abusing an employee’s prescription painkillers.
She pleaded to misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor unlawful conduct on public property and second-degree official misconduct, which is a Class 1 petty offense.
She was sentenced to two years probation, 48 hours of community service and must undergo substance abuse evaluation and treatment as part of the plea agreement. She must also report her convictions to the state’s Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel for a review of her law license.
Lewton, 41, who was elected as district attorney in 2012, is term-limited and will be replaced in Tuesday’s election. She’ll remain as district attorney until that elected successor starts in January.
The Colorado Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the case.
“The abuse of an official position is a serious cause for concern,” Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement Monday, adding later, “We support Ms. Lewton in her efforts to recover and recognize that her experience is just one example of how the opioid epidemic is impacting lives, families and communities.”
Lewton’s attorney, Stan Garnett, said Lewton pleaded guilty to accept responsibility for her actions.
“This was a proportionate resolution to a very long and somewhat difficult investigation,” he said.
Lewton was indicted in April on three drug charges and one count of official misconduct after a months-long investigation into her actions in the office in July 2019.
She was accused of asking a subordinate to give her some of the employee’s prescribed opioid painkillers. The employee did so, and Lewton put a bottle of pills in her purse, according to the indictment. Another employee who witnessed the exchange alerted authorities.
Lewton later admitted to investigators that she knew taking the drugs was a crime, but she did it anyway.
Garnett said Lewton has had “issues in the past with prescription medications” and that those issues will be reviewed as part of the court-mandated substance abuse evaluation.
“Whatever treatment is determined to be appropriate, she will do it,” he said. “We did stress at the hearing that she’s been a very popular and effective district attorney, and it’s important to her that we wrap this up and move forward in a way that respects her employees and keeps everyone able to do their job.”
The 13th Judicial District includes Kit Carson, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington and Yuma counties.