<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5a1c90b03dbef4db018b8711-965/gettyimages-868390650.jpg" alt="Trevor Siemian" data-mce-source="Peter Aiken/Getty" /><p class="source"><span>Peter Aiken/Getty</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul><li><strong>The Denver Broncos have started three quarterbacks in the past month alone: Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler, and Paxton Lynch.</strong></li><li><strong>The constant reshuffling hasn't helped the struggling offense, and the team's losing streak now sits at seven games.</strong></li><li><strong>At this point, the team appears likely to either draft or sign a new quarterback this offseason.</strong></li></ul><hr /><p> </p><p>One month after the Denver Broncos attempted to halt their losing skid by making a change at the quarterback position, they are headed back to square one.</p><p>For the second consecutive year, the team began the season with the former seventh-round pick Trevor Siemian as the starting signal caller. The first few games went smoothly enough, with the Northwestern product posting an 89.0 passer rating as the Broncos got off to a 3-1 start.</p><p>They haven't won a game since. After their Week 5 bye, Siemian threw six interceptions in his next three games, watching as Denver was outscored 73-29 over that stretch. Desperate, head coach Vance Joseph installed the much-maligned Brock Osweiler as the new starter, presumably as a placeholder for the former first-round pick Paxton Lynch, who was injured. Osweiler struggled in three starts, completing just 53.1% of his passes.</p><p>After exhausting their two experienced options, the Broncos fired offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and penciled Lynch in for his first start of the year. But the Memphis product struggled mightily on Sunday, throwing for just 41 yards before exiting the game in the third quarter with a high ankle sprain. He failed to lead a scoring drive; Siemian, who relieved Lynch, threw for both of Denver's touchdowns in the 21-14 loss to the Oakland Raiders.</p><p>If the Broncos weren't panicking already, now might be an appropriate time to do so. They've gone through three signal callers - all three of whom were drafted and developed by the team, and two of whom were selected in the first two rounds - yet appear no closer to finding a long-term solution. With 5.4 yards per attempt, they have one of the worst passing games in the NFL. If anything, their month of quarterback experiments confirmed that Siemian is the best of their limited options, a conclusion they reached after the preseason.</p><p>All of that might be more acceptable if the Broncos were a young, ascendant team, but they're not. With 59 wins and two Super Bowl appearances, including a victory in 2016, over the past five seasons, Denver has been one of the NFL's most consistently dominant teams. While they did fall off a bit last year, this has still been a massively disappointing season for veterans like Von Miller and Demaryius Thomas, mainstays of those old contenders.</p><p>"It's just bad," Miller said after Sunday's loss, <a href="http://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/broncos/broncos-lose-seventh-straight-paxton-lynch-awful-before-leaving-with-injury" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Troy E. Renck</a> of KMGH in Denver.</p><p>Perhaps unsurprisingly, it appears that tensions are running high across the organization. The Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/raiders-broncos-fight-2017-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">brawled with opposing receiver Michael Crabtree</a> during Sunday's game, an incident that Joseph <a href="http://www.9news.com/sports/joseph-upset-talib-let-personal-battle-cost-team/494787090" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">deemed</a> as "unacceptable." The skirmish came mere days after a <a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21533397/denver-broncos-heated-practice-thanksgiving-day-release-cornerback-lorenzo-doss-being-late" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pair of fights</a> broke out at a Thursday practice.</p><p>There has also been off-field drama, such as when general manager John Elway called the team "a little bit soft" heading into Week 11.</p><p>The bright side to all of this is that the Broncos were recently <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/934994952018386944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2F247sports.com%2Fnfl%2Fdenver-broncos%2FBolt%2FBroncos-projected-to-finish-with-No-5-pick-in-2018-NFL-Draft-111232177" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">projected by ESPN</a> to get the fifth overall pick in <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/nfl-draft-prospects-college-football-season-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">next year's draft</a>. They'll have an opportunity to select a quarterback from a deep class that includes Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, and Josh Allen.</p><p>But given their recent track record in developing quarterbacks, Denver might be better served by filling another position of need with their top pick and acquiring a more proven quarterback through free agency. Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum, and Jimmy Garoppolo are a few of the names that could hit the open market this offseason.</p><p>Whatever the solution, it doesn't seem likely to come from the current roster. The Broncos will play their next game on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/shaq-on-lavar-ball-lonzo-persona-nba-lakers-2017-11">'It's all marketing': Shaq weighs in on LaVar Ball's over-the-top persona</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/hNnAh3TB-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

The Broncos are being forced to make yet another quarterback change after a month of failed experiments, and the team is still reeling

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56bb76fe2e526554008b642e-1106-553/snapshot_20160210_112628.jpg" alt="Levi's Stadium Grass" data-mce-source="via CBS"><p class="source"><span>via CBS</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><p>The field at Levi's Stadium during <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/super-bowl-field-at-levis-stadium-is-terrible-2016-2">Super Bowl 50 was terrible</a>,&#xa0;and now one play has surfaced showing just how much trouble the players were having.</p><p>Players on both teams were complaining about slipping on&#xa0;the grass during warm-ups, and several players had to change their cleats during the game because they simply couldn't get their footing.</p><p><span>"The footing on the field was terrible," Broncos cornerback <a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/aqib-talib-levis-stadium-turf-was-terrible-super-bowl">Aqib Talib said after the game</a>. "San Fran has to play eight games on that field so they better do something to get it fixed. It was terrible."</span></p><p>Although the NFL had completely replaced the sod in advance of the Super Bowl, the playing conditions nevertheless negatively affected the quality of the game - particularly for Michael Oher, an offensive tackle for the Panthers.&#xa0;</p><p>Here's a play with&#xa0;Oher literally skidding&#xa0;backward on top of the grass like a glitch in a video game. Oher had a bad game on his own, and the Denver defense would have torched him on a better field, too. But this turf certainly didn't do him any favors:</p><p><div><iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/i1lg0wgpZQe/embed/simple?audio=0" width="600" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe><script async="" src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></p><p>If you've followed the 49ers since they moved to their new Santa Clara stadium, the poor conditions won't come as much of a surprise. The grass at Levi's Stadium has been&#xa0;a mess practically since the 49ers moved in.&#xa0;Earlier this season, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/super-bowl-levis-stadium-turf-disaster-2015-10">Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker</a> missed a routine field goal, and replays showed his foot digging well into the grass.&#xa0;</p><p>Large chunks of grass were all over the field throughout the game:</p><p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>They're having some turf trouble at Levi's Stadium. Groundskeepers are walking around, picking up and/or flattening chunks of grass.</p>- Ralph Vacchiano  (@RVacchianoNYDN) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/696466796237496320">February 7, 2016</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></p><p class="embed-spacer">Here's a Peyton Manning sack. Note the grass:</p><p class="embed-spacer"></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56b7f3976e97c622048b587c-1280-853/gettyimages-508983478.jpg" alt="Peyton Manning Super Bowl" data-mce-source="Sean M. Haffey/Getty"><p class="source"><span>Sean M. Haffey/Getty</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><p>As Carolina head coach&#xa0;<a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/aqib-talib-levis-stadium-turf-was-terrible-super-bowl">Ron Rivera said afterward</a>, both teams had to play on the same field and it's ridiculous&#xa0;to even suggest that&#xa0;the field affected the outcome of the game. Still, it's disappointing that something as basic as the grass would be a story at all, especially in the Super Bowl.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/super-bowl-50-high-tech-stadium-features-2016-2">The stadium for the Super Bowl is a $1.2 billion high tech wonder</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="o1aGRuMDE6qqalEmkarIwftDWWnK-RBA" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'o1aGRuMDE6qqalEmkarIwftDWWnK-RBA',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Crazy play during Super Bowl shows how much trouble players had with the field

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/52ee835169bedd4830698e35-1200-900/john-fox-broncos.jpg" border="0" alt="john fox broncos"><p class="source"><span>Andy Lyons/Getty Images</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div>The Denver Broncos and coach John Fox are parting ways after the team's playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts, <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/554762822933291009">ESPN's Adam Schefter reports</a>.</p>
<p>Fox won 12 games or more in three-straight seasons and made the Super Bowl last year.</p>
<p>It's being reported as a mutual decision.</p>
<p>Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported on Sunday that <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/01/11/john-fox-could-be-fired-if-broncos-lose-to-colts-report-says/">Fox could be fired</a> if the team lost its first playoff game.</p>
<p>With Peyton Manning slowed by a gimpy quad, Denver lost 24-13 at home as a significant favorite. That apparently wasn't good enough for a team went all-in in the offseason, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/denver-broncos-free-agency-2014-3">spending $70 million in free agency on guys like Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward, and DeMarcus Ware</a>.</p>
<p>Despite a 12-4 record in 2014 and consistent success over the past four years, Fox is out.</p>
<p>When <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/portal/broncos/ci_27300973/what-they-said-broncos-react-after-stunning-home?_loopback=1">asked about his future on Sunday</a>, Manning mentioned that the job status of "certain coaches" could play a part:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span>But I can't answer every what-if circumstance. What if you're not as healthy? What if certain coaches leave? I can't answer every what-if situation. I think I'll have to take some time to see how I feel, see how I feel physically.</span></p>
<p>Offensive coordinator Adam Gase is one of the hottest head coaching candidates in the league. It's unclear if he'll be back, get promoted, or pursue a job elsewhere.</p>

Denver Broncos Coach John Fox Is Leaving The Team

<p><div class="image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/512cdd5a6bb3f7262a000003-800-600/tyrann-mathieu-nfl-combine.jpg?maxX=400" border="0" alt="tyrann mathieu nfl combine" width="400" /></div><p class="source"><keyword id="103436" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="NFL">NFL</keyword> Network</p></div>Ex-LSU cornerback <keyword id="1752229" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Tyrann-Mathieu">Tyrann Mathieu</keyword> <a href="http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2013/03/source_tyrann_mathieu_will_visit_patriots">will visit the New England Patriots next week</a>, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.</p>
<p>Mathieu was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2011 before testing positive for marijuana and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-was-honey-badger-kicked-off-lsu-football-team-2012-8">getting thrown off the team</a> before the 2012 season.</p>
<p>He was really good when he played at LSU, but he's undersized and the whole marijuana thing has really hurt his <keyword id="1608031" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="NFL-Draft">NFL Draft</keyword> stock.</p>
<p>He projected to go in the third or fourth round, Howe reports.</p>
<p>The Patriots are a smart team, and you'd have to think they see value in Mathieu if they're bringing him in for a visit.</p>
<p>If they gamble on Mathieu, it'll be the second time they took a chance on an oft-troubled defensive back in the last six months. They traded for Aqib Talib while he was still suspended for using Adderall, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/aqib-talib-patriots-td-2012-11">and that worked out wonderfully</a>.</p>

The New England Patriots Are Interested In Drafting Exiled LSU Prospect Tyrann Mathieu

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56a64c88c08a80880e8bc1d4-1200-900/tom%20brady%20hit.jpg" alt="tom brady hit" data-mce-source="Joe Mahoney/AP"><p class="source"><span>Joe Mahoney/AP</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div>The Denver Broncos pulled off a shocking 20-18 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl.<p>While the game was largely hyped as another quarterback duel with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning pitted against one another, it was the Broncos defense that stole the show.</p><p>The Broncos defense managed to hold Brady and the Patriots to just 18 points. Furthermore, the Broncos sacked Brady four times while forcing him into two interceptions and hitting him another 20 times.</p><p>This Broncos defense finished first in the NFL in defensive efficiency, first in pass defense, and first in sacks, and they dominated in a game that many had written off as a Patriots win.</p><p>The development of the Broncos defense began with a fundamental shift after they were crushed by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2013 Super Bowl. Broncos GM John Elway began to change the foundation of the team, turning them into a more run-heavy, defensive team that put less pressure on Manning to carry them.</p><p>That was helped by drafting two of Sunday's stars, Von Miller and Derek Wolfe, with the No. 2 pick in 2011 and the No. 36 pick in 2012, respectively. In the 2014 offseason, following their Super Bowl loss, they invested heavy money in players like DeMarcus Ware, cornerback Aqib Talib (luring him from the Patriots), and safety T.J. Ward.</p><p>All five played a huge part in the Broncos' battering of Brady (though Ward sat out later on with an injury).</p><p><a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14640328/bruising-loss-showcases-new-england-patriots-flaws-nfl">As ESPN's Jackie MacMullan noted</a>, the Broncos pulled off a bold game plan, consistently sending four rushers to Brady while dropping the other seven defenders into coverage. Brady isn't the type of quarterback to make big scrambling plays, but on Sunday, Brady led the Patriots with 13 rushing yards, showing the Broncos' game plan worked.</p><p><a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14642395/gary-kubiak-wade-phillips-dialed-gem-get-bill-belichick-tom-brady-nfl">ESPN's Bill Barnwell elaborated</a> on some of the Broncos' defensive schemes, saying they were built around the idea that Denver didn't fear New England's running ability at all. The Broncos would often lineup with their linemen and tackles spread far apart, then frequently put Miller over center, thus spreading the area New England's offensive line had to defend. With the inside rush being one of New England's biggest weaknesses, this gave Miller a wider area to attack.</p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56a6671158c3236d028b4ed9-876-657/broncos%20defense.png" alt="BRONCOS DEFENSE" data-mce-source="Via NFL.com"><p class="source"><span>Via NFL.com</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><p>Throughout the game, the Broncos had no problem getting to Brady, and as they stifled his options down the field, Brady's quick release wasn't as effective without any clear windows:</p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56a6362758c32386008b4d2e-620-329/tom%20brady%20int%201.gif" alt="Tom Brady INT 1" data-mce-source="Via NFL.com" data-link="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2016012400/2015/POST20/patriots@broncos#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000627711&amp;tab=recap"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2016012400/2015/POST20/patriots@broncos#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000627711&amp;tab=recap">Via NFL.com</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><p>The Broncos didn't have much success in slowing down Rob Gronkowski, who had eight catches for 144 yards and a touchdown, but they did help neutralize New England's other options. Julian Edelman had a quiet seven catches for 53 yards, often being draped by Chris Harris Jr., who even when conceding a catch, often brought Edelman down immediately after. Danny Amendola had just five catches for 39 yards.</p><p>After the game, Brady said that the Broncos had also successfully caught on to the Patriots' cadence. Brady said the Broncos' pass rushers were "teeing off" on the Patriots' cadence, and though New England tried to switch it up, Denver kept coming.</p><p>Von Miller, who&#xa0;had a monster day with 2.5 sacks, two tackles for losses, and four quarterback hits, seemed to know exactly when the ball was being snapped. Watch him begin his attack at such a precise time.</p><p><div><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/ulyk?muted=1&amp;autoplay=1" width="800" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></p><p class="embed-spacer">The Patriots were also thrown off by the crowd noise in Denver. They had to use a silent count, which furthered their difficulties against the Broncos' pass rush and secondary.</p><p>The Broncos' scheme came up big on the game-sealing play. With the Patriots forced to go for two, DeMarcus Ware broke through the line and came at Brady from the left side. Brady had to peel out to his right, then throw across his body to Edelman. Talib was there to tip the pass, and it was picked off by Bradley Roby, who was back in coverage.</p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56a64452c08a80e01b8bc147-620-329/tom%20brady%20int%203.gif" alt="Tom Brady INT 3" data-mce-source="Via NFL.com"><p class="source"><span>Via NFL.com</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><p>Remarkably, the Patriots still had several opportunities to tie up the game, and they couldn't get it done. In the second half, their defense quieted Denver's offense, but Brady simply didn't get the breathing room to get any type of rhythm going.</p><p>Now, going into the Super Bowl, the Broncos have to feel good knowing their defense just terrorized one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL as they prepare to face another in Cam Newton.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/nfl-biggest-secrets-mob-football-2016-1">Surprising NFL secrets that even the biggest fans don't know</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="QzMDdodzoeMezISt_IhrCIpG5TFSePKp" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'QzMDdodzoeMezISt_IhrCIpG5TFSePKp',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

How the Broncos built the defense that clobbered Tom Brady in the AFC Championship

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/585185d8a1a45ef4008b5d96-1500" alt="von miller" data-mce-source="Weston Kenney/AP" /><p class="source"><span>Weston Kenney/AP</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>After another dominant performance from the Denver defense was wasted by the team's sputtering offense, members of the Broncos' defensive unit reportedly got into a shouting match with members of the offense line in the locker room on Sunday following the team's 16-3 loss at home against the New England Patriots. </p><p>The game was a perfect microcosm of the Broncos' season: the Denver defense held Tom Brady to a season-low in completion percentage and passing yards, while the offense managed only one field goal and, to start the second half, managed zero first downs on five consecutive drives that resulted in a total of nine yards. </p><p>This is becoming a trend for the reigning Super Bowl champs, who at 8-6 will need a small miracle to make the playoffs. The week prior, the Denver D held the Titans to 13 points and lost, 13-10. As <a href="http://deadspin.com/the-broncos-defense-wants-to-know-why-the-offense-cant-1790268289">Deadspin</a> noted, the offense has scored one touchdown in its last 10 quarters.</p><p>Unsurprisingly, the defense is growing frustrated. Here's the scene from the locker room after Sunday's loss to the Patriots (<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000759572/article/denver-broncos-frustrations-boil-over-after-loss-to-patriots">according to NFL.com</a>):</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">"When the beaten Broncos spilled into the locker room, before the door was opened to reporters and other outsiders, coach Gary Kubiak gathered his players and asked if anyone wanted to address the team. Veteran left tackle Russell Okung, who signed with the Broncos last March, stepped forward to speak, and cornerback Aqib Talib strongly objected. According to several witnesses, that set off a spirited shouting match between the team's defensive backs and offensive linemen - one which Kubiak had to diffuse before it turned ugly.</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">"Pretty much your classic offense vs. defense divide," as one Denver player described it."</p><p>This isn't the first time tensions have boiled over into the locker room. As <a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18309092/denver-broncos-squabble-erupts-locker-room-loss-new-england-patriots">ESPN reported,</a> the offensive line and defense have gotten into shouting matches on at least one other occasion this season, only now, after the loss to New England, are the players starting to speak openly about their frustrations.</p><p><span>"Everybody's frustrated," cornerback Chris Harris <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000759572/article/denver-broncos-frustrations-boil-over-after-loss-to-patriots">said</a>. "We feel like we played almost good enough defense to win that game, I don't know if [we] ever kept Brady under 16 points and we did that today. That's what makes you sick, when we come out and play stout like we did today, we could play a little bit better and get some turnovers. ... But they didn't really have to take many chances, they didn't really have to throw the ball down the field too much."</span></p><p><span>"We played great," <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000759572/article/denver-broncos-frustrations-boil-over-after-loss-to-patriots">said safety T.J. Ward. </a>"I looked up in the first [quarter] and [Patriots quarterback </span>Tom Brady<span>] had like zero passing yards. I had never seen that before. I couldn't believe it, honestly."</span></p><p><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/2016/12/18/broncos-defense-frustrated-after-loss/">He added:</a> "It'<span>s definitely frustrating. </span><span>When you kill yourselves with two early turnovers and you're not putting points up, it's hard to win games point-blank period. That's what we've been doing the last few weeks and as you can see we have two Ls on that side of the column."</span></p><p><span>The Broncos offense is frustrated with themselves, too. </span></p><p><span>"Early in the season, my frustrations were with my offensive guys, because we weren't putting up points," wide receiver Demaryius Thomas <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000759572/article/denver-broncos-frustrations-boil-over-after-loss-to-patriots">said</a>. "And every time someone mentioned the </span>Broncos<span>, it was, 'They've got a great defense, but the offense isn't pulling its weight.' That gets old. I'm sick of hearing that. I'm still hearing that. We need to find a way to do better."</span></p><p><span>With two games left, the Broncos have quite the battle to make the playoffs. They'll have to win out, against the Chiefs (10-4) in Kansas City and the Raiders (11-3) in Denver. (They'll also likely need some help.)</span></p><p><span>It's a long-shot, to be sure, and the defense can only do so much.</span></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lebron-james-eats-diet-workout-routine-cleveland-nba-basketball-2016-11">Here's the diet and workout routine LeBron James uses to stay in insane shape</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="xvNXBmNTE6EFQ_c77STtfNluy222nDZf" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'xvNXBmNTE6EFQ_c77STtfNluy222nDZf',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Broncos players are reportedly feuding over the offense's struggles and things are getting ugly

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56b0da2358c32319008b733a-1503-1127/john elway.jpg" alt="john elway" data-mce-source="Christian Petersen/Getty" /><p class="source"><span>Christian Petersen/Getty</span></p><p class="caption">John Elway has proven to be a savvy GM at finding talent late in the draft.</p></div><p></p></div></div>While the Denver Broncos boast a roster with several big-name players, not all of them came into the league with critical acclaim.</p><p>Players like Peyton Manning, Von Miller, and Demaryius Thomas were all first-round draft picks, but a brief search through the Broncos roster reveals they've successfully mined talent from late and even outside of the draft.</p><p><a href="http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/02/01/nfl-super-bowl-50-john-elway-broncos-gm-father-jack-elway">According to Sports Illustrated's Peter King</a>, this is something Broncos GM John Elway made a priority upon gaining personnel control of the team, and it's ensured the Broncos will stay good for a long time.</p><p>King spoke to Elway about the Broncos' team-building philosophies, and Elway named some rules that have helped the Broncos be so successful.</p><p>"We cherish the bottom of the draft," Elways said. "We cannot afford to miss a draft, because we want to be good for a long time here, and teams that are good for a long time do not miss drafts."</p><p>Elway also said, "We don't draft All-Pros. We develop All-Pros. ... Speed kills. But not 40 speed. Play speed. A guy's 40 speed might be 4.8, but look at his instincts and how he reacts to plays - that might get his true speed down to 4.6."</p><p>Perhaps the most important rule is this: "My priority is getting guys with desire and a real heart for football."</p><p>Elway specifically pointed to cornerback Chris Harris, whom the Broncos signed after the 2011 draft. Harris went undrafted, but came to camp and immediately impressed.</p><p>"Chris Harris Jr., came in here undrafted," Elway said. "He comes in, and right away he's first in line in every drill. His character, his football traits, turned out to be so strong."</p><p>Harris told King he appreciated the opportunity:</p><p>"They just told me to come in here and compete and I'd have a chance. They were right. I was the 11th cornerback out of 11 on the depth chart. That's one of the things I've liked about being here-it doesn't matter who you are. They bring in a ton of undrafted guys, late-round guys. If you're the best, [Elway] will keep you."</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56b0daa0c08a801c008be698-1500-750/chris harris.jpg" alt="chris harris" data-mce-source="Doug Pensinger/Getty" /><p class="source"><span>Doug Pensinger/Getty</span></p><p class="caption">Chris Harris went undrafted in 2011.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Harris isn't the only late gem the Broncos have found. Running back C.J. Anderson, who finished with 720 rushing yards and five touchdowns, was also undrafted and has made a big impact in his two seasons with Denver.</p><p>Danny Trevathan, a sixth-round pick in 2012, was second on the team in tackles. Malik Jackson, a fifth-round pick in 2012, was third in sacks this season.</p><p>The Broncos have also proven adept at finding and taking players other teams don't want. As King notes, linebacker Brandon Marshall, who led the team in tackles this year, was cut three times by the Jaguars and is now an important cog in Denver's defense. They lured Aqib Talib, a player who was frequently in off-field trouble with the Buccaneers, from the Patriots with a giant six-year, $57 million deal. They nabbed Emmanuel Sanders with a three-year, $15 million deal, taking a receiver the Steelers didn't value and turning him into one of their top weapons.</p><p>While nailing the top of the draft and signing big-name players in free agency will always be crucial, the Broncos can maintain their success by continuing to bottom-feed and find gems late in the draft and after the draft. This is what the best teams in all professional sports do, and the Broncos have proven to be one of the best at it.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/nfl-wonderlic-test-questions-iq-football-intelligence-2016-1">Take the IQ test that every NFL rookie has to take</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="5pdXczdzqV5h2Rd6lL3YL_t_8z97IAi1" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', '5pdXczdzqV5h2Rd6lL3YL_t_8z97IAi1',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

The Broncos have mastered a crucial skill that ensures they'll be good for a long time

<p><div class="image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/50cf4037ecad04a240000016-637-478/tom-brady-2012-new-england-patriots-1.jpg?maxX=400" border="0" alt="tom brady 2012 new england patriots" width="400" /></div><p class="source">Jim Rogash/Getty Images</p></div><keyword id="28008" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Tom-Brady">Tom Brady</keyword> signed <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20130225/tom-brady-new-england-patriots-contract/">a three-year contract extension for $27 million yesterday</a> in a deal that will keep him in New England until 2017, Sports Illustrated's Peter King reports.</p>
<p>The going rate for a top-tier QB these days is $20 million a year. Drew Brees and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/peyton-manning-broncos-contract-2012-3">Peyton Manning make that</a>, and Joe Flacco is <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/joe-flacco-contract-super-bowl-mvp-2013-2">asking for it in free agency</a>.</p>
<p>So Brady didn't just give the Pats a hometown discount, he signed a deal for less than half of what he's worth on the open market.</p>
<p>The reasons are simple: He wants to win and he wants job security.</p>
<p>Brady's deal is a brilliant piece of salary cap maneuvering by New England. The specifics are complicated, but at the end of the day Brady's extension <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20130225/tom-brady-new-england-patriots-contract/">frees up $15 million in salary cap for the Pats over the next two years</a>, King reports.</p>
<p>By taking less money, Brady will have better players around him.</p>
<p>The Patriots could go a variety of ways with that money. They could address needs in the defensive backfield by re-signing cornerback Aqib Talib or safety Ed Reed. They could also re-sign free agent wide receiver Wes Welker or make a run at big-play receiver Mike Wallace.</p>
<p>The only downside to this deal for the Patriots is that they're committing to a quarterback who is about to reach the age when most QBs fall off dramatically. </p>
<p>Brady will be 38 years old when this extension starts in 2015. By the time the deal is done, he'll be 40.</p>
<p>There are cases of 38+ quarterbacks having success in the <keyword id="103436" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="NFL">NFL</keyword> (Brett Favre, Kurt Warner), but the list is short.</p>
<p>So while Brady is being rightly praised for putting winning before money, it's also nice that he knows he'll have a contract at an age when most NFL players are hopping from team to team.</p>

Tom Brady Signed A Contract For $30 Million Less Than He's Worth - Here's Why

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56b8a7626e97c61d008b59d3-1500-1125/peyton and von.jpg" alt="peyton and von" data-mce-source="David J. Phillip/AP" /><p class="source"><span>David J. Phillip/AP</span></p><p class="caption">Peyton Manning and Super Bowl MVP Von Miller.</p></div><p></p></div></div>The Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl in relatively easy fashion just two years after being embarrassed by the Seattle Seahawks in the big game.</p><p>That 2013 blowout may have been the best thing that could have happened to the Broncos, as it forced them to change course.</p><p>They went into that 2013 Super Bowl with the NFL's best offense, but it was stifled by a fast, athletic Seahawks defense that was pressuring Peyton Manning and smothering his receivers.</p><p>Immediately after that game, Broncos GM John Elway decided to rebuild around Peyton to take pressure off of the Broncos' passing game and give Peyton some support. That began on the defensive end, as Elway came away impressed with Seattle's defense, <a href="http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/01/26/john-elway-broncos-defense-super-bowl-50">as SI Doug Farrar noted</a>.</p><p>In the summer of 2014, the Broncos went all-in on free agency, committing $109.5 million in long-term contracts for pass-rush beast DeMarcus Ware, cornerback Aqib Talib, and safety T.J. Ward. They also nabbed Brandon Marshall that offseason, a linebacker who was released three times by the Jaguars. The big signings added to a foundation that already featured now-Super Bowl MVP Von Miller and Derek Wolfe.</p><p>After signing with the Broncos, Ware described what he was seeing forming in Denver (via Farrar):</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">"Their mentality is a 'now' mentality. "A mentality of, 'I'm not looking forward to the next season or the season after that-the time is now.' ... They're trying to get these lockdown corners so the pass rush up front can really create havoc out there. Seeing what they're doing, I feel even more comfortable being here with where they're trying to be, and where they're trying to have their defense, and what they're trying to mold."</p><p><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonbelzer/2016/02/06/super-bowl-50-how-the-denver-broncos-and-carolina-panthers-invested-the-salary-cap/#4fb6bfcd4d2b">As Forbes noted</a> before the Super Bowl, the Broncos committed over $54 million in 2015 to their front seven and secondary.</p><p>In the 2015 offseason, the Broncos fired John Fox and hired Gary Kubiak, who brought in a different style of offense. Perhaps more importantly, Kubiak brought in Wade Phillips, who was unemployed a year ago, as defensive coordinator. Together, Kubiak and Phillips built the type of team the NFL fawns over - a grind-it-out team that can win defensive battles. </p><p>Though Kubiak and Peyton were often a bit of an odd match offensively, the Broncos were able to win games defensively while <em>just</em> getting by on offense, with a more run-heavy, conservative offense. The Broncos didn't spend big on running backs, but during the Super Bowl, their faith in C.J. Anderson paid off, as he pummeled his way for 90 yards on 23 carries (Peyton had as many passing attempts) and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/cj-anderson-college-coach-said-dont-sign-with-broncos-2016-2">the game-clinching touchdown</a>.</p><p>The Broncos did commit big money to Peyton's receivers, ensuring that if Peyton could get the ball to them, he had players capable of catching it and making plays. The Broncos' top three receivers this season, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and Owen Daniels, had a combined <a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/denver-broncos/cap/">cap hit of $25.5 million in 2015.</a>.</p><p>Peyton was never really able to shake off the signs that his time in the NFL is over. He went just 13-23 passing for 141 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception in the Super Bowl. However, he was able to somewhat go into game-manager mode, and at least get them into field-goal range enough times for Brandon McManus to kick in nine points himself.</p><p><a href="http://deadspin.com/the-broncos-terrifying-defensive-won-the-super-bowl-1757712548">As Deadspin's Kevin Draper wrote</a>, the Broncos looked fine going three-and-out on drives, knowing they could send the most fearsome defense onto the field. </p><p>That's a testament to how the Broncos rebuilt around Peyton - taking pressure off of him wherever they could. They spent big money to build the NFL's best defense, they designed in a more conservative game plan on offense, and in doing so, won a Super Bowl without relying entirely on Manning's arm.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/cam-newton-carolina-panthers-press-conference-nfl-denver-broncos-super-bowl-2016-2"> Here's the question that prompted Cam Newton to storm out of his postgame press conference</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="VoZG5yMDE6VHP_GWa6so3qlVcSAMa9_y" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'VoZG5yMDE6VHP_GWa6so3qlVcSAMa9_y',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

The Broncos went all-in 2 years ago to take pressure off Peyton Manning, and it won them a Super Bowl

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5644fdf12491f9c22b8b4976-3372-2383/gettyimages-494235416.jpg" alt="Rob Gronkowski" data-mce-source="Jim Rogash/Getty" /><p class="source"><span>Jim Rogash/Getty</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>As far as I can tell, there's nothing better in sports than listening to a player mic'd up. NFL.com's Sound FX is sheer bliss. Search "NBA players mic'd up on Youtube and before you know it it's 2:30 in the morning.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whenever the TV broadcast gives me a 30-second segment of a mic'd up player, that player becomes my newest favorite player, I start imagining all the things we'd talk about if we ever got to hang out, and I wish more than anything that I could listen to him for the whole game.</span></p><p>And this is true for players I hate, too! Here's video of a <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-sound-efx/0ap3000000578255/Sound-FX-Chandler-Jones">mic'd up Chandler Jones</a> , from last week's Pats game against Washington. I hate the Patriots with all my heart, and after watching this I'd absolutely have Jones in my wedding.</p><p>So here's an idea: the NFL should create a separate, pay-per-view channel that let's you listen to at least one player fully mic'd up for the entirety of a game, completely uncensored. Just imagine: instead of listening to Phil Simms and Cris Collinsworth yuck it up about how much of a genius Bill Belichick is, you could listen to Gronk talk trash to Darrelle Revis! There isn't an NFL player I wouldn't listen to mic'd up. Even Kai Forbath! </p><p>Imagine how many of your longstanding questions about the NFL would be answered: does anyone actually know their kicker's name? What exactly did Greg Hardy say to that special team's coach? What sort of random, mundane stuff do the second and third string quarterbacks talk about to each other all game long? I would pay at least twice what I currently pay for NFL RedZone for this channel.</p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I know, the logistics of this channel are - admittedly - not perfect, and it pretty obviously presents a PR nightmare for the NFL or NBA or whoever. But so what! We live in the golden age of technology, folks. If we can order Domino's on Twitter, we can get the Mic'd Up Channel for the 2016 season.</span></p><p><strong>[Last week: 7-6]</strong></p><p><strong>[Season: 61-55-5]</strong></p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Buffalo Bills (+2.5) @ New York Jets</span></h3><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56390b4b9dd7cc04308bb9ec-5760-3840/gettyimages-493260572.jpg" alt="Rex Ryan" data-mce-source="Brett Carlsen/Getty" /><p class="source"><span>Brett Carlsen/Getty</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></span></h3><p>Grotesquely colorful uniforms aside, I can't wait for this one. </p><p><strong>The pick: Bills +2.5</strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Detroit Lions (+11.5) @ Green Bay Packers</span></h3><p> R-E-L-A-X, Packers fans.</p><p><strong>The pick: Packers -11.5</strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Dallas Cowboys (+1.5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers</span></h3><p>The Cowboys haven't won a single game since Greg Hardy came back from suspension!</p><p><strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The pick: Cowboys +1.5</span></strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Carolina Panthers (-5.5) @ Tennessee Titans</span></h3><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/560940f2bd86ef1a008bd674-800-439/cam mad.png" alt="Cam Newton Mad in Camo" data-mce-source="via NFL.com" /><p class="source"><span>via NFL.com</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></span></h3><p>Lock of the week!</p><p><strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The pick: Panthers -5.5</span></strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Chicago Bears (+7) @ St. Louis Rams</span></h3><p>Here's a hypothetical: if Kirk Cousins and Nick Foles switched teams and started in place of one another, would anyone be able to tell? </p><p><strong>The pick: Bears +7</strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">New Orleans Saints (-1) @ Washington Redskins</span></h3><p>It's a wonder that Rob Ryan remains employed every season when his defenses are consistently atrocious. </p><p><strong>The pick: Saints -1</strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Miami Dolphins (+6.5) @ Philadelphia Eagles</span></h3><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Don't look now, but the Eagles are in great shape to take over first place in the NFC East. Their next three games: Dolphins, Bucs, Lions. The Giants next three games? Patriots, Redskins, Jets. Congrats in advance, Eagles fans!</span></p><p><strong>The pick: Eagles -6.5</strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Cleveland Browns (+4.5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers</span></h3><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/563b790a9dd7cc22008c798a-4928-3280/gettyimages-491324660.jpg" alt="Johnny Manziel" data-mce-source="Donald Miralle/Getty" /><p class="source"><span>Donald Miralle/Getty</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></span></h3><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">I can't for the life of me understand why the Browns don't at least give Johnny Manziel a shot. They're 2-7, their playoff chances are all but gone, and instead they're riding with 36-year-old Josh McCown! Why? Of course Manziel isn't fully ready, but the only way he's going to get there is if he plays! What was the point of drafting him so high if he's never going to get a legitimate shot? Are the Browns going to draft another quarterback this year? This franchise is a joke.</span></p><p><strong>The pick: Browns +4.5</strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Jacksonville Jaguars (+5.5) @ Baltimore Ravens</span></h3><p>The Ravens have won or lost every game this season by less than a touchdown.</p><p><strong>The pick: Jaguars +5.5</strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Minnesota Vikings (+3) @ Oakland Raiders</span></h3><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5644d2652491f9c7018b4979-3385-2539/ap_868738698049.jpg" alt="Derek Carr" data-mce-source="Gene Puskar/AP" /><p class="source"><span>Gene Puskar/AP</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></span></h3><p>It turns out that despite Derek Carr's extremely unnerving facial hair, the guy is pretty good at quarterback!</p><p><strong>The pick: Raiders -3</strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Kansas City Chiefs (+6) @ Denver Broncos</span></h3><p>The Broncos will miss Aqib Talib and DeMarcus Ware in this one.</p><p><strong>The pick: Chiefs +6</strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">New England Patriots (-7) @ New York Giants</span></h3><p>This feels like a blowout. Congratulations in advance to the New England Patriots on a 19-0 finish, and congrats especially to Tom Brady on his fifth Super Bowl ring! </p><p><strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The pick: Patriots -7</span></strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Arizona Cardinals (+3) @ Seattle Seahawks</span></h3><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5405fac2ecad04c24244e2f4-1200-900/richard-sherman-17.jpg" alt="richard sherman" data-mce-source="Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images" /><p class="source"><span>Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></span></h3><p>Seattle's chances of winning the division basically go up in flames if they lose this one. This feels like a three-point game, but I'll take the home team.</p><p><strong>The pick: Seahawks -3</strong></p><p> </p><h3><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Houston Texans (+10.5) @ Cincinnati Bengals</span></h3><p>Shout out to the Texans, who have the worst quarterback situation in football and might still make the playoffs.</p><p><strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The pick: Bengals -10.5</span></strong></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/french-soccer-viral-video-2015-10">This mesmerizing video will show you why the French are good at soccer</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="NoMjJkeDpvMZZFMAj3333Q_OK0wBTWWk" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'NoMjJkeDpvMZZFMAj3333Q_OK0wBTWWk',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

NFL WEEK 10: Our official picks for who wins this weekend

<p><div class="image-container float_right"><div class="image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/50a96684eab8ea9719000024-1200-924/bill-belichick-new-england-patriots-coach-1.jpg?maxX=480" border="0" alt="bill belichick new england patriots coach" width="480" /><p class="source">AP</p></div></div>There's an interesting note from SI's Peter King <a href="http://mmqb.si.com/2013/09/02/kevin-turner-concussions-monday-morning-quarterback/3/">in his column this week</a> - <keyword id="1745518" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Bill-Belichick">Bill Belichick</keyword> has been shockingly bad at drafting defensive backs.</p>
<p>While Belichick is known as a master organizer and a defensive wizard, he has put himself at a disadvantage by drafting DBs who flame out over and over again. </p>
<p>Here's a list of every defensive back Belichick has drafted since he became head coach in 2000.</p>
<p>Of the 21 players, just one made a Pro Bowl, four were starters for at least two years, and 11 were off the team within three years.</p>
<p>Only one player drafted before 2012 is still on the team:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Antwan Harris (4th round, 2000):</strong> Started two games in three years, out of the league by 2004.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Leonard Myers (6th round, 2001):</strong> Started one game in two years, out of the league by 2004.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Eugene Wilson (2nd round, 2003):</strong> Started 55 games in five years with New England.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Asante Samuel (4th round, 2003):</strong> Perenniel Pro Bowler, played five season in New England before being traded.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Guss Scott (3rd round, 2004):</strong> Cut after one season.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Dexter Reid (4th round, 2004):</strong> Cut after one season.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Ellis Hobbs (3rd round, 2005):</strong> Started for four years in New England.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>James Sanders (4th round, 2005):</strong> Started for two season, back-up for four others in New England.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Willie Andrews (7th round, 2006):</strong> Never started, let go after two years.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Brandon Meriweather (1st round, 2007):</strong> In and out of the starting lineup for four years before leaving for Tampa Bay.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Mike Richardson (6th round, 2007):</strong> Cut after one season.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Terrence Wheatley (2nd round, 2008):</strong> Cut after two seasons.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Jonathan Wilhite (4th round, 2008):</strong> Started 13 games in three years before leaving.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Patrick Chung (2nd round, 2009):</strong> In and out of the starting lineup for four years before leaving.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Darius Butler (2nd round, 2009):</strong> Cut after two years.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Devin McCourty (1st round, 2010):</strong> Has started for three years.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Ras-I Dowling (2nd round, 2011):</strong> Cut before this season .</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Malcolm Williams (7th round, 2011):</strong> Appeared in four games in two years, zero starts. No longer on team.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Tavon Wilson (2nd round, 2012):</strong> Started five games last year.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Nate Ebner (6th round, 2012):</strong> Back-up last year, zero starts.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Alfonzo Dennard (7th round, 2012):</strong> Started six games last year.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Pass defense has been New England's biggest weakness for a few years now. They finished 23rd out of 32 teams in pass defense ranking last year, according to Football Outsiders' advanced stats.</p>
<p>From 2009 to 2012 the Patriots finished 12th, 30th, 31st, and 29th in passing yards allowed, respectively.</p>
<p>The arrival of cornerback Aqib Talib helped things out a little bit last year, but the core weakness is still there. The Patriots lack depth, talent, and experience in the secondary. When you can't cover people, you can't be as aggressive rushing the quarterback (the Pats haven't finished in the top 10 in sacks since 2007), and the entire defensive strategy goes out the window.</p>
<p>All of this is a direct result of Belichick's poor draft history.</p>

Bill Belichick Has A Dismal History Of Drafting Defensive Backs, And It's Killing The Patriots

<p><div class="image-container" style="width:620px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/50f991bdecad048472000001-872/colin-kaepernick-7.jpg?maxX=620&amp;maxY=310" border="0" alt="Colin Kaepernick" width="620" height="310" /></div><p class="source">Fox Sports</p><p class="caption">This is a total amateur move. But, he's young.</p></div></p>
<p>Here. We. Go.</p>
<p>The penultimate weekend of this football season has two pretty good games. They're not as good as last week's, but they're pretty exciting.</p>
<p>For all of the talk about parity in the <keyword id="103436" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="NFL">NFL</keyword>, the truth of the matter is that the best teams are consistently in a position to go to the Super Bowl.</p>
<p>Three of the four teams in the conference championship games were in the conference championship games last year.</p>
<p>When people talk about parity in the NFL, feel free to laugh at them. The teams with great quarterbacks and great coaches have separated themselves from the rest of the league. There will be some 3-13 teams that become 10-6, but they don't stand a chance against the truly great teams in the league.</p>
<p>With that said, let's dig into the two games this week.</p>
<p>I'm 4-4 on playoff picks, so I need to nail these picks. I think I can do it.</p>
<h2><table class="image-container float_right" width="200"><tr><td><div class="image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/4ce9cee9cadcbb270e370000-400-300/11-8.jpg" border="0" alt="Bill Belichick" /></div><p class="caption">This guy.</p></td></tr></table>The Baltimore Ravens are on the road against the New England Patriots, who are 8 point favorites.</h2>
<p>The Patriots opened as 9 point favorites. As the bets have poured in, the Pats are only 8 point favorites. This suggests the market doesn't believe the Pats are going to blow out the Ravens.</p>
<p>The reason they don't believe is pretty straight forward. The Patriots lost to Ravens earlier this year, 31-30, and beat the Ravens a year ago 23-20. The last two games have been close, why would the Pats crush the Ravens this weekend?</p>
<p>And then, there's the fact that the Ravens were heavy underdogs in Denver and won. Betting on the Patriots and giving the Ravens 8 points just makes one feel queasy.</p>
<p>At the same time, this Patriots team feels like it's better than the team that played the Ravens in the recent past. The offense, even without Rob Gronkowski, appears to be on fire. It's moving very smoothly. The defense, thanks to new cornerback Aqib Talib, seems to be much better than last year's defense.</p>
<p>I could picture the Patriots winning by 10 or more points. I am not a believer in the Ravens. I really want to pick the Pats, and give the points, but I just can't do it. Even in last week's win against the Texans, the Patriots came close to not covering the spread.</p>
<p>Ultimately, I say take the points. I believe the Pats win, but it's close.</p>
<p><strong>The Matlock: Ravens +8 </strong></p>
<p><strong>(For non-gamblers like my boss Henry Blodget, that means I think the Ravens either win, or lose by 8 points or less.) <br /></strong></p>
<h2><div class="image-container float_right" style="width:335px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/4e73505569bedd567d000016-590-1075/miek-smith.jpg" border="0" alt="mike smith" width="335" height="609" /></div><p class="source"><a href="http://www.apimages.com">AP Images</a></p><p class="caption">The Falcons' head coach, Mike Smith.</p></div>The San Francisco 49ers on the road against the Atlanta Falcons, who are 3.5 point underdogs.</h2>
<p>After watching last week's games, it's nearly impossible for any sane person to pick the Falcons.</p>
<p>They only have one thing going for them: No one believes they're going to win and they have very little pressure.</p>
<p>Otherwise...</p>
<p>San Francisco has a better coach. San Francisco has a better defense. San Francisco's offense, when it's firing, is much better. San Francisco just overhauled its offensive scheme and Atlanta might not even know how to prepare.</p>
<p>But there is a big risk with that offense. Colin Kaepernick is still a virtual rookie out there. And the last time he won a big game he followed it up with a big let down. Kaepernick crushed the Patriots, then was crushed by the Seahawks. Do we believe he can have two great games in a row?</p>
<p>After watching Russell Wilson, who is a similar quarterback to Kaepernick, torch Atlanta in the second half of last week's game, I can't pick Atlanta. I believe Jim Harbaugh is the best coach in the league and I believe he will get to the Super Bowl.</p>
<p><strong>The lead-pipe lock: 49ers -3.5</strong></p>
<p><strong><strong>(For non-gamblers like my boss Henry Blodget, that means I think the 49ers win by 4 points or more.)</strong></strong></p>

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