Sometimes we at Denver Horse Force like to remind Broncos County that other teams in the AFC West almost always have it worse.

Enter the Oakland Raiders.

CEO Amy Trask announced this week a “tool” that will hopefully cut down on blackouts.

The ‘tool’ – her word, not mine – is a tarp.

The Raiders will reduce capacity at O.co Coliseum by about 10,000 for next season.  The stadium currently holds 63,132 for football, but with thanks to the ol’ trusty tarp, the stadium will house about 52,300 in 2013.

InsideBayArea.com reports the area targeted for tarping is “Mount Davis,” the high-rise section of seats home to about 4,850 season-ticket holders. Those fans will be relocated.

The Raiders finished last in the league in attendance last season, averaging 54,217 per game. Reducing capacity at O.co Coliseum means the Raiders will have the smallest venue in the NFL. Chicago’s Soldier Field is second with 61,500.

Bucking the trend of most NFL teams, the Raiders are also lowering season ticket prices.

Welcome to Denver, where we pack the stadium. Even for practice. (personal photo)

The Raiders struggled with tickets sales in 2012, coming close to having multiple home games blacked out locally, though only one game was blacked out. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the Raiders have blacked out 80 games – airing on 64 home games – since 1995.

Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos just wrapped up their 43rd consecutive year of home sellouts. Just sayin’.

Denver Broncos Headlines:

• Bleacher Report: Players the Denver Broncos Absolutely Must Re-Sign
• Denver Broncos: Hester Happy in Denver
• Colorado Sports Desk: Denver Broncos needs for destination Super Bowl XLVIII
• Denver Broncos: Harris Readies For Another Jump
• Rant Sports: Denver Broncos Should Focus on the Offense
• Yahoo! Sports: Denver Broncos Have Decisions to Make on 16 Free Agents: Who Will Stay and Who Will Go

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Broncos’ Von Miller wants to follow LBs like Patrick Willis, Ray Lewis into Super Bowl - America loves its quarterbacks, but this Super Bowl might have a throwback flavor. It just might be one for the linebacker. It will be Ray Lewis’ final game at linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, who also sport another former NFL defensive player of the year at the position in Terrell Suggs. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Peyton Manning has big vote in Broncos offense, but not the only vote - Q: Given the fact that it’s Peyton Manning’s offense, how much of an influence does that have on the front office when it comes to free agents and the draft regarding offensive players? Does Peyton’s opinion influence most decisions? Do they ask Peyton for his opinion and judgment on the potential wide receivers and tight ends in the draft class that he likes when it comes to picking potential draftees? Last year both (Brandon) Stokley and (Jacob) Tamme joined because of their familiarity with Manning. Could the same thing happen this year with Austin Collie if Peyton wanted him brought in? Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Q&A with Mark Schlereth - DenverBroncos.com talked with former Bronco lineman Mark Schlereth during Super Bowl week in New Orleans. Schlereth played six seasons with the Broncos and earned two Super Bowl titles with the club. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

The Biggest Question Marks Surrounding Denver’s Offseason - The Denver Broncos’ 2012 season is one of mixed emotions for most Bronco fans. Denver went 13-3 in the regular season and clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. The Broncos looked dominant at times. They outscored their regular-season opponents by a total of 481-289, newly-acquired quarterback Peyton Manning looked great as he threw for over 4,600 yards and the Bronco offense averaged 398 yards and 30 points per game. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

2013 NFL Draft Team Needs: Denver Broncos – Except for perhaps the miraculous return of Adrian Peterson, the biggest storyline of the 2012 NFL season was the semi-miraculous return of Peyton Manning. Manning, who surprised some by signing with the Denver Broncos last off-season, was coming off of four major neck surgeries, and at 36, most figured his best days were in the past. Read more from NFL Soup >>>>

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Rookie quarterback Brock Osweiler played in five games his rookie season, mostly handing the ball off in the game’s waning moments. It wasn’t until the Denver Broncos’ regular-season finale that Osweiler attempted a pass, finishing the season 2-of-4 passing for 12 yards.

But we never expected to see much of Osweiler in 2012, and if we did, that meant Peyton Manning wasn’t playing.

In the team’s end-of-season press conference nearly three weeks ago, executive vice president of football operations John Elway and head coach John Fox each gave Osweiler their endorsement, saying the rookie quarterback has the skills to be Manning’s successor-whenever that happens.

New offensive coordinator Adam Gase, the Broncos’ former quarterbacks coach, agrees, telling DenverBroncos.com:

“He really prepared as though he was going in the next snap and he really went out of his way to make sure that when we talked about things, his release point, the way he dropped, his balance as a passer, his progressions, he really pushed himself to do those things right.”

Osweiler started training camp as the Broncos’ No. 3 quarterback behind Manning and Caleb Hanie, but moved up to backup before the 2012 season. Osweiler dressed for every game, while Hanie was often not active on game day. The Broncos were confident in having only two quarterbacks available.

The Denver Broncos are confident in Brock Osweiler. (personal photo)

Still, we know the Broncos will have probably four quarterbacks at training camp and three on the final roster. That’s just how it’s done.

What does this mean for Hanie and the Broncos? Maybe nothing. Maybe something. I’m not sure if Hanie has a future in the NFL, but that’s merely my opinion. If he’s hoping for more playing time, it won’t happen here. If he’s content being the No. 3 guy, that’s a different story.

Other Headlines:

• Bleacher Report: Denver Broncos: 5 Players That Should Go Before the 2013 Season
• Denver Broncos: Bailey, Miller to Visit Troops in Afghanistan
• Rant Sports: Peyton Manning Should Win NFL MVP

Coming up later today on DHF, I cast my vote – a vote that doesn’t count in any real balloting – for the NFL awards that will be announced this weekend: MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, etc.

I’ll share my picks and see how they stack up against the rest of the Aerys Sports NFL contingent.

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It’s more surgery for Denver Broncos guard Chris Kuper. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

Denver Broncos guard Chris Kuper has been on the losing end of luck.

He suffered a gruesome lower left leg injury in the 2011 regular-season finale, requiring surgery and months of rehabilitation. Then Kuper suffered a fractured left forearm in training camp. Then came the sprained ankle – the same ankle that was hurt a season before.

The Denver Post reported Tuesday that Kuper was invited as a replacement player to Sunday’s Pro Bowl, but turned down the offer because he needs another surgery on his lower left fibula.

A plate that was inserted last year to hold together Kuper’s fibula has shattered, resulting in a new break.

X-rays on the ankle earlier this season didn’t show a fracture, until several weeks later when Kuper was experiencing more pain.

Kuper, who only started six games this season for the Broncos, played in the team’s divisional-round loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Teammate and left guard Zane Beadles is going to the Pro Bowl in place of Kuper after Logan Mankins of the New England Patriots withdrew due to injury.

Other Headlines:

• Bleacher Report: Questions the Denver Broncos Must Answer in the Offseason
• Denver Broncos: Broncos TV Counts Down Manning’s Top TD Passes
• Predominantly Orange: Tackles A Big Deal On Denver Broncos’ Offensive Line
• Rant Sports: Denver Broncos’ Fans: It’s Time to Calm Down

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Still a little bitter?

Yep, same here.

Sports Authority Field was quiet Sunday, as were the nearby parking lots. No tailgating. No rowdy fans. No United In Orange fever.

The first week of the Denver Broncos offseason is officially behind us.

Paige: Take a knee? It’s still the wrong decision by Broncos (The Denver Post)

There should be a sign at the football stadium: “No Game Today.”

Because the Broncos went down not trying.

While the Ravens and the Patriots meet in New England, the Broncos sit, not play, at home Sunday.

Their guitar gently weeps.

Forever linked in infamy in Broncos lore will be the phrases “Half-A-Loaf” and “Take-A-Knee.” Continue reading >>>>

Broncos’ Rahim Moore has good company among Colorado sports “goats” (The Denver Post)

There is fame and there is fortune. And then there is failure. Epic public failure.

Broncos safety Rahim Moore discovered that in the blink of an eye. When he failed to knock down Joe Flacco’s game-tying, 70-yard bomb to Jacoby Jones in last Saturday’s AFC playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Moore became part of Colorado sports infamy, his name forever linked to one of the lowest moments in Broncos history.  Continue reading >>>>

 Other Headlines:

• The Denver Post - Mike McCoy, back in Denver, talks about leaving Broncos for Chargers
• Rant Sports - Denver Broncos QB Coach Adam Gase “Perfect” Choice For Offensive Coordinator
• Predominantly Orange - John Elway Has Midas Touch On Denver Broncos
• Mile High Report - 2013 NFL Draft: Defensive Tackle Production Ratio

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The Denver Broncos’ latest injury report is unchanged from Wednesday.

On Thursday, linebacker Wesley Woodyard (ankle) and right guard Chris Kuper (ankle) were both limited participants in practice.  Returner Trindon Holliday (knee), wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (shoulder), and wide receiver Matthew Willis (knee) were full participants in practice.

For the Baltimore Ravens, LB Jameel McClain has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with a neck injury.

View the latest injury report >>>>

More Ravens Week Headlines:

Close pals Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil stretch out side-by-side during training camp. (personal photo)

• Baltimore Sun: Ravens-Broncos picks from Baltimore Sun staffers
• Denver Broncos: The Phase That ‘Could Change the Game’ (Hint: It’s not offense, and it’s not defense.)
• Denver Post: Peyton Manning’s former coach running the Ravens’ offense now
• Denver Post: Ray Rice a handful for Broncos defense with Ravens run and pass

A big contributor to the Broncos’ success is defense, in particular the standout play of Doom and Gloom.  But what you might not know is that DE Elvis Dumervil and LB Von Miller have developed a strong friendship off the field.  As Miller told DenverBroncos.com:

“We’re like brothers.  I go over his house, call him whenever. He is always welcoming. He isn’t like that with everybody, but he is like that with me and that’s what makes it more special. We really, really have a friendship.”

Both credit their friendship for helping their play on the football field.  A little competition, even friendly competition, never hurt.

Other Headlines:

• Denver Broncos: Streaking with Style – Comparing this year’s eight-game win streak to last year’s six-game streak
• Mile High Report: Avoiding Mediocrity, Saving Broncos, Is John Elway’s Best Comeback Yet
• Opposing Views: Denver Broncos have a Stud in Demaryius Thomas
• Rant Sports: Kiss My Rant: Broncos Are The Most Complete Team in the NFL

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With the NFL playoffs mere weeks away, we’re at the point in the season: seeding talk.

The Denver Broncos are guaranteed to be in the playoffs, but are jockeying for seeding in the AFC.  It’s unlikely, but possible the Broncos could snag the No. 1 seed; Denver cannot finish lower than the No. 4 seed, meaning at least one playoff game will be at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in January.

Of course, the only thing the Broncos can control is what they do on the field.  They can’t worry about the other teams.

Bottom line: If the Broncos keep winning, a top seed will fall their way.  But recent history suggests it really doesn’t matter.  As safety Mike Adams told the Denver Post:

“Having not ever been to the playoffs, I don’t want to be happy about getting in or how we get in. I want to win the thing.  This is my first barbecue. I don’t care where we’re at. That’s my mind-set.”

Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas says he and teammates don’t discuss home field advantage:

“We don’t talk about it.  We know it’s there. We know it’s going to be tough to get there. But we’re just trying to go out there and win our next game. We’re trying to put all the work in, and at the end of the day we’ll see what spot we get.”

For the record, if the playoffs started today, the Broncos would be the No. 3 seed in the AFC.

Other Headlines:

• Bleacher Report: Is Knowshon Moreno Key to the Denver Broncos’ Playoff Run?
• Bleacher Report: Questions the Denver Broncos Must Answer in the Playoffs
• CBS Denver: Rahim Moore Has Been Backbone In Denver Broncos Secondary
• Denver Broncos: VIDEO – Pre-Baltimore Breather: Justin Bannan on the benefit of an extended break before facing Baltimore.
• Denver Broncos: Mitch Unrein has made contributions in every facet of the game in 2012.
• Rant Sports: Denver Broncos: The Only Team That Can Beat the New England Patriots

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It feels a bit strange, doesn’t it?

There’s no Denver Broncos football today…tonight…or even tomorrow.

At least we can get seven uninterrupted hours of Scott Hanson on NFL RedZone!

“Past and Present” Headlines:

• Bleacher Report: Looking at Knowshon Moreno’s role for Denver for the rest of the season.
• Denver Post: A top priority for Denver is improving pass protection as the Broncos prepare for the Baltimore Ravens.
• Denver Post: The Broncos’ short week goes a long way in showing their grit.
• Denver Post: The Broncos’ eight-game win streak, their first since 1998, is about substance, not style.

Von Miller Headlines:

• CBSDenver: Von Miller should be NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
• Rant Sports: Von Miller will be NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Other Headline(s):

• Denver Broncos: Read a conversation with four football legends – John Madden, John Elway, Ronnie Lott, and Howie Long – and the NFL commissioner.

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In less than three days, the AFC West champion Denver Broncos will play at Oakland against the Raiders.

With such a short turnaround between games, it’s not your typical week in and around Dove Valley.  For starters, the first injury report is already out for both teams.  Curiously, neither team practiced today, so this injury report is the hypothetical “if there had been practice today” type of thing.  Among the highlights:

For Robert Ayers is back in Denver after missing much of last week due to the death of his father. According to the team, WR Matthew Willis (knee) and LB Wesley Woodyard (ankle) would have been held out of practice, and WR Brandon Stokley, who was inactive Sunday, would have participated on a limited basis.

Even though Denver has clinched a playoff spot, the Broncos know there’s room for improvement.  Head coach John Fox addressed the team’s turnover ratio, saying it’s not up to snuff with the NFL’s elite.  Fox used the 2003 Carolina Panthers, a team he coached to the Super Bowl, as an example:

“That’s a big reason why we reached the Super Bowl.  The important thing is getting in the tournament and then playing really well when you get in. … We want to start building for that and we want to start this week against Oakland.”

Other Headlines:

• Bleacher Report: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders preview
• Denver Post: Sports Authority Field at Mile High is Peyton Manning’s house, so play by his rules.
• Rant Sports: Demaryius Thomas is an elite wide receiver.
• USA Today: Some of Tim Tebow’s ex-Broncos teammates are speaking out anonymously about the quarterback…and agree with the New York Jets.

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Note: On days following the Denver Broncos game, Denver Horse Force will deliver the headlines midday to include more dissection, breakdown, and of course, the very latest analysis and Denver Broncos news from around the web.

Denver Broncos’ third-quarter outburst rooted in versatility - John Lynch has seen it, lived it, shaken his head at it.  That’s because during a 16-year playing career in the NFL, the former Broncos safety often found himself across the line of scrimmage from Peyton Manning, often thinking the plan that was hatched to defend him was a good one.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Bests and worsts from the Broncos win over the Bucs - Bests: Unstoppable force. Using speed and muscle, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas dominated Tampa Bay’s DBs. Thomas finished with eight catches for 99 yards and two TDs.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Mitch Unrein scores improbable TD in Broncos lineup switcheroo - Call Mitch Unrein the Eaton Eliminator. The Ham with Hands. The Cowboy Kid.  Call him also the only defensive linemen in Broncos history to score an offensive touchdown. On the Broncos’ first offensive series Sunday, they had first-and-goal at the Tampa Bay 1-yard line when Unrein, a defensive tackle by trade, was told to go in and play fullback.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Run D Answers the Call - The Broncos entered Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers determined not to let rookie running back Doug Martin beat them.  Stopping Martin, who entered the game ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing, was the focal point of the defense’s gameplan. A big reason the Bucs arrived in Denver with four wins in their last five games was the success of Martin, who had averaged 128 yards per game during that span.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

One Step Closer - Winning the division is an important accomplishment. It was a goal for the Broncos at the start of the season – but not the goal.  ”It’s just a starting point, really,” Head Coach John Fox said after the team clinched the AFC West on Sunday.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Thomas Shines vs. Tampa Bay - Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas showed that the chemistry he has developed with quarterback Peyton Manning means that even with good coverage, the two can connect.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Denver Broncos: Moving On - Here are some areas the Denver Broncos need to focus on after a 31-23 home win over Tampa Bay on Sunday:   Read more from ESPN >>>>

Broncos take first step into larger world - This is why the Denver Broncos signed Peyton Manning.  They want to storm into the playoffs.  Sunday, the Broncos clinched the AFC West championship for the second straight season. It is the first time since the 1986-87 seasons that Denver has won back-to-back division crowns.  Read more from ESPN >>>>

Fennelly: Josh Freeman’s mediocre day too much for Buccaneers to overcome - The Bucs are now a .500 football team. And, in the way of the NFL, Josh Freeman is a .500 quarterback.  He played like that Sunday.  No, he didn’t get much help from his once-potent running attack or his fading pass protectors in a convincing 31-23 loss to the Broncos.  Read more from Tampa Tribune >>>>

Denver Broncos: Running the Football Too Much - The Denver Broncos have won the AFC West for the second straight season, and they are currently on a seven game winning streak. As with every contender, the Broncos are not perfect but there is one area that most people have wrong. Many believe that if the Broncos do not start running the ball better, they are in trouble.  Read more from Rant Sports >>>>

For Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos It All Comes Down to Timing - It’s been said that life is all about timing.  I never gave it enough credit until I watched Peyton Manning carve apart NFL defenses this fall like a seasoned surgeon.  Read more from FanIQ >>>>

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