The Anticipation Builds and The Broncos Welcome Home Coach Fox

It looks as though injured Kansas City Chief Linebacker Tamba Hali will be making an appearance in Sunday’s game after all. Hali was blocked by San Diego’s D.J. Fluker, which caused his foot to get stuck in the ground and rolling his ankle in the process. Hali was forced to leave the game early in the second quarter with the Chiefs in the lead - 7-3. At the time Hali wasn’t even able to walk despite the medical trainers "magic", even after his ankle was taped, Hali was not able to push off to finish the game. KC’s coach Andy Reid said Hali has a “good chance” of playing on Sunday. Hali did not participate in practice on Wednesday, though he did join in on the walk through session the Chiefs held before practice. With KC’s other injured star Linebacker Justin Houston out on Sunday how effective will Hali be? Frank Zombo will take Houston’s place on Sunday, and if Hali is unable to play or has to make an early exit then Desmond Moses will come in, as was the case in last Sunday’s game against the Chargers. As for Hali he has every intention of meeting up with Our Denver Broncos, and getting his shot at Peyton. On Sunday moments after Houston was injured Hali joined him in the training room both watching the remainder of the game together, "We could tell that we were needed in the game with our experience and how much we're hungry to get to the quarterback and just knowing what to do out there.” Hali was quoted as saying. Hali is now in his eighth season and has missed only 2 games in his career, in 2008 spraining the same ankle against New Orleans, and the 2012 season opener for violation of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

As for Justin Houston the results of his MRI revealed the existence of sprained ligaments and torn muscles in the elbow, it is being reported he will not need surgery; however he will miss up to 3 weeks. With Houston’s other “half” suffering a slight ankle sprain this duo will not be hassling Manning on Sunday, and it leaves the Chiefs in a exposed place at securing the top spot for the AFC divisional win.
 

Currently Denver and Kansas City have a 9-2 record and will be competing for first place in the AFC West. Coach Reid announced that defensive tackle Mike DeVito would hopefully be returning this Sunday after missing last week's game with a knee injury. In addition right tackle Eric Fisher and right guard Jon Asamoah could be back after dealing with shoulder injuries. It sounds to me as if there are a lot of maybe’s for Sunday’s rematch.

Wednesday’ practice for the Denver Broncos held some frustrations, for one Peyton Manning did not participate in practice for the 3rd consecutive Wednesday. Knowing Manning and his passion for perfection it won't be that way going forward (or long), he is missing Wednesdays practices per Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos and the other coaches orders. Among the other players that did not practice were cornerback Omar Bolden, tight end Joel Dreessen, running back Knowshon Moreno and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Cornerback Champ Bailey, tight end Julius Thomas and cornerback Kayvon Webster were all listed as limited practice. And then the major blow of Kevin Vickerson being placed on the injured reserved, Vickerson is not expected to return this season. 

Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton recognized that losing Vickerson to injured reserve is 'a major blow,' but Knighton expects to step his game up even further to make up for Vickerson’s absence. On Wednesday morning the Broncos signed defensive tackle Sione Fue to fill Vickerson’s spot on the roster. As a veteran Knighton understands his role, but at the same time believes that other teams will block him differently now. He expressed his faith in Mitch Unrein and Sly Williams to make the plays needed to keep the momentum up and of defensive caption Wes Woodyard to keep all the boys in line. This could also mean a lot of moving around in the defensive side of the game. Vickerson’s absence increases the workload, and while Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson play the inside we may see them in Vickerson’s role and also to relief Knighton. Another vital impact to consider is whoever does fill Vickerson’s role needs to be able to keep opponents from prioritizing Knighton. Let’s face it, losing Vickerson is a hit, and we cannot meet the expense of another injury to our defensive tackles.

Champ Bailey also spoke of this return this week; he has been on limited practices since November 13 and missed the first game against KC, and also New England. Bailey has voiced his frustrations about the healing process and as a 15 year veteran to the game he understands the feeling of wanting to be out there and wanting to help, yet knowing he has to be at 100% to be productive to the game.

 Playing in less than 2 games this season, Bailey is ready to travel to Arrowhead and stated that as long as nothing goes wrong he plans on playing this Sunday. Champ we hope to see you on the field!

This Sunday December 1, will mark the 2nd time we play the Chiefs in three weeks. KC is coming off losing 2 games in a row and our loss to the Patriots gives this game the promise of revenge on the KC side and a rebound for us. Arrowhead stadium is one of the loudest and antagonistic stadiums in the NFL, and preparation began two weeks ago for the first loss the Broncos handed the Chiefs, and now it starts all over again. The Broncos know that just because we beat them once there is no room for comfort. Manning revealed the team would be studying the game film from their game two weeks ago as well as their game against the Chargers. Regardless of who is out and who is in, the diversity of the game and the team is there. Both Von Miller and interim head coach Jack Del-Rio acknowledged that winning will be tough and they are not taking anything for granted. The Broncos haven’t played a team twice this quickly since the 2004 season when they played the Colts in the last week of the regular season and then meeting again seven days later in a Wild Card playoff game at Indianapolis. The team has been preparing for the hostile environment of Arrowhead stadium in addition to prepping for what promises to be a game full of agendas.

Now more than ever do Peyton Manning and the Broncos have something to prove, a shadow to move out of. After the devastating loss in New England Denver’s ability to get things taken care of under pressure and in big games will be in doubt, some even say that coming away with the AFC West lead will not erase that shadow. Of course if you follow football, you know that games like this happen and we can’t win them all. Nonetheless, the talk is still going strong about our 24-0 lead at halftime and surrendering 31 consecutive points in the 3rd quarter and eventually losing in OT because Tony Carter was in the wrong place at the wrong time (but truthfully the loss is not Carters Fault). The fact is going forward the Broncos have to show up for all four quarters, we have a phenomenal team and should finish as such. As we head into Chiefs territory this weekend, last week’s loss will be fresh in the minds of all our players and securing the AFC West lead is crucial. In a media interview Head Coach Andy Reid made it clear that they will be taking advantage of our loss and will be putting more pressure in Manning, however only half of the dynamic duo may show up for the game. As for myself, my motto has and always will be “Keep the Faith”.

For a little something to be thankful for, Head Coach John Fox is back in Denver, no word on when he will resume his full time coaching duties. As for today let’s be thankful for the health and safe return of John Fox and thankful for our players health and safety. Most importantly all of our friends, family and those we hold close.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

~ K@tes