It’s a tricky hope to have: Improvement for the AFC West.

Sure, it was great to see the Denver Broncos clinch the division relatively quickly – at least by other division standards – in 2012. There really is nothing finer than seeing Philip Rivers defeated, and the Oakland Raiders continue to look at a future as black as the hole it plays in. And it got sad watching how the Kansas City Chiefs’ season unfolded.

However, division games should push a team. These are usually the most meaningful games played during the regular season simply because  there’s more at stake. Lose to a division opponent and it shows up in your overall record, as well as in parentheses right next to it.

One issue heading into Denver’s divisional round playoff game was the Broncos hadn’t played in an intensely close game in several weeks. When the Broncos couldn’t pull away they looked lost, and then they lost. During the regular season the Baltimore Ravens at times looked lost, even mediocre, in tight games with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Those grinding games ended up paying dividends for Baltimore in not folding to the Broncos.

Wishing for a more competitive AFC West may create problems for the Broncos. The kind of problems that find the team actually losing a game or two to a rival, but, if Denver can manage to haul itself back to the playoffs next season, it will be those games that prepare the team for the intensity that awaits.

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It was reported late last night the Denver Broncos would name their new offensive coordinator before the weekend.

And by Thursday morning, it was a done deal.

The Broncos have promoted quarterbacks coach Adam Gase to offensive coordinator. Gase has been with the Broncos since 2009 and replaces Mike McCoy, who was hired Tuesday as the new head coach of the San Diego Chargers.

Read Adam Gase’s bio >>>>

Gase is an internal hire, so he’s already familiar with players, coaches, and management. Only 34, Gase has been in the NFL since 2005, though this will be his first time as offensive coordinator.

Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt was rumored as a strong candidate to replace McCoy.

Gase’s promotion is the second Broncos coaching move made this week. Denver named Cory Undlin as its new secondary coach Tuesday after announcing Ron Milus’ contract would not be renewed. Undlin served as Broncos defensive quality control coach in 2012.

Learn more about Cory Undlin >>>>

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Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy is set to be former Denver Broncos offensive coordinator.

As first reported by CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, the San Diego Chargers plan to finalize a deal today making McCoy their next coach. ESPN’s Adam Schefter says McCoy has already informed the Broncos of his decision.

As for possible replacements for McCoy, La Canfora says one candidate is Ken Whisenhunt. The former Arizona Cardinals head coach interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles Monday regarding their head coaching vacancy. The Eagles fired Andy Reid at the conclusion of the season. He was later named Kansas City’s head coach.

The Chiefs will soon be Denver’s lone AFC West foe without a former Broncos assistant as head coach. Ex-Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen just completed his first season as Oakland Raiders head coach.

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Spoiler Alert: If you were expecting, anticipating, or hoping for an admission of game mismanagement, then stop reading. You’ll be sorely disappointed.

Not even 48 hours after one of the most discouraging playoff outcomes in Denver Broncos history, head coach John Fox and vice president John Elway addressed the media in the team’s end-of-season press conference.

The theme: No regrets – at least pertaining to how Fox managed the waning moments of regulation. Fox didn’t hesitate in saying he’d make the same decision all over again:

“It didn’t seem to be the right time to go for the jugular. I’d do that again 10 times out of 10 if faced with that situation.”

The “jugular” would have been Denver’s attempt to score in the last seconds of regulation. With 31 seconds and two timeouts remaining, Fox elected to have quarterback Peyton Manning take a knee and force overtime.

Denver, the AFC’s No. 1 seed, would end up losing to the Baltimore Ravens 38-35 in double overtime. The Ravens now travel to New England to play the Patriots for the right to represent the conference in next month’s Super Bowl.

Both Elway and Fox said the team was “in shock” after Baltimore’s game-tying 70-yard touchdown with under a minute remaining in the 4th quarter. Elway told reporters it was best for the team to “regroup” and head into overtime, adding:

“Mentally, it was a good move.”

A quick aside here, but “in shock” or not, we are talking about professional athletes; however, Elway and Fox know these players. I don’t, but I’m dissatisfied with their explanation. I’m not sure if I’ll ever fully accept it.

Fox also added Saturday’s regulation-ending situation in Denver was not like Sunday’s final moments in Atlanta. The Falcons, down by one with 31 seconds remaining and two timeouts, engineered a game-winning field goal drive in their divisional round game against the Seattle Seahawks.

The press conference’s other theme was looking ahead to next season. Elway and Fox are each optimistic the team will grow from this loss. Players will have extra motivation and return hungrier next season.

Another quick aside here, but Fox talked about the team “learning” from this loss. Yet he says he’d make the same game-ending decision all over again? What did he learn?

In case you missed it, view the full press conference – Part I and Part II.

Other nuggets:

• There are no plans right now to move cornerback Champ Bailey to safety.
• The Broncos plan on picking up Peyton Manning’s contact when the league year ends in February.
• Elway and Fox are pleased with Brock Osweiler’s development, and see him as the Broncos quarterback of the future.

Mike McCoy meets with San Diego Chargers

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports officials with the Chargers arrived in Denver earlier to pick up Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and take him to San Deigo for an interview.

San Diego fired head coach Norv Turner Dec. 31 and are still looking for his replacement. New general manager Tom Telesco is leading the search. San Diego has also interviewed former Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden.

McCoy earlier interviewed with the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Philadelphia Eagles. FOX’s Jay Glazer reports the Cardinals want a second interview with McCoy Tuesday.

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With all the pomp and circumstance – or certain lack thereof – that comes with having a playoff bye, the Denver Broncos resumed practice Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s divisional round game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Even though he cannot play this weekend, running back Willis McGahee was eligible to return to practice. It was McGahee’s first action on the field since Nov. 18 when he suffered a torn right MCL and compression fracture to his right tibia against the San Diego Chargers. The Broncos put McGahee on injured reserve with the designated for return label. If the Broncos win Saturday, McGahee will have been out the mandated eight weeks and could suit up for the AFC championship game on Jan. 20.

Denver Broncos RB Willis McGahee returned to practice Tuesday, but cannot play in Saturday’s game. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

McGahee’s replacement, Knowshon Moreno, has averaged 85.0 rushing yards a game.

Guard Chris Kuper (ankle) and wide receiver Trindon Holliday (ankle) participated in practice. Each missed the Broncos’ regular-season finale. Left tackle Ryan Clady, who was limited in practice last week with an undisclosed injury, was on the field today.

The only Broncos player not participating in Tuesday’s practice was cornerback Tracy Porter, who suffered a concussion on Dec. 23.

Other practice notes: The Broncos were in pads … McGahee practiced in a black jersey, indicating he isn’t yet ready for contact … Peyton Manning sported two gloves in anticipation of Saturday’s weather … The Broncos are required to release an injury report after Wednesday’s practice.

More Honors for Manning

Peyton Manning has been named the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame professional Athlete of the Year. Olympic swimmer – and Denver Broncos fan – Missy Franklin was named the amateur Athlete of the Year.

Just Monday, Manning was nominated for the FedEx Player of the Year. Last week, Manning was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for December.

The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame will honor Manning and Franklin in April.

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It seems the San Diego Chargers, now without a general manager and head coach, turned to Denver for some answers.

And were subsequently denied.

The Denver Post reports the Broncos turned down the Chargers’ request to interview director of player personnel Matt Russell for San Diego’s GM spot.  According to the NFL Network’s Albert Breer, Russell has no interest in any position outside of Denver.

The Chargers fired general manager A.J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner on Monday.  John Elway, the Broncos’ executive vice president of football operations, said the denial was made after discussion the request with Russell:

“Matt’s done a tremendous job with the Broncos and he’s got a very bright future ahead of him.”

Russell, who played linebacker at the University of Colorado in the 1990s, has been with the Broncos since 2009.

Staying on the subject of job vacancies, it seems the Buffalo Bills are now interested in Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy.  The Bills have asked permission to meet with McCoy, and the Broncos will allow it, so long as the interview happens in Denver this weekend.  The Broncos don’t want any potential timing conflicts with playoff preparations now in full swing.   The Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears are also interested in McCoy, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Cardinals are ready to move quickly and hire ex-Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid.

As for Denver defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, a least one fellow Broncos blogger believes Del Rio is staying put.  Given the revolving doors at defensive coordinator for Denver – not to mention Del Rio’s head coaching past – that would be a huge milestone.

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press: Broncos Go From Joke To Contender In 2 Years
• Denver Broncos: Top 12 of 2012
• Denver Post: Broncos need a win to do it, but some fans already looking at Patriots
• Denver Post: Denver Broncos to stay in Denver during week off
• USA Today: Broncos’ Trindon Holliday just might end up perfect

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The red-hot Denver Broncos have been anything but in December as of late.

Before this season, the team was a combined 5-14 in the month of December since 2008.

Thankfully it’s been a different tune this season.

Now riding a nine-game win streak and with sights set on the AFC’s No. 1 seed in the NFL playoffs, the Broncos finish the 2012 regular season with back-to-back home games – against teams with losing records.

First up…the 5-9 Cleveland Browns.

With 16 rookies on the active roster, ten of whom have started, the young Browns experienced a lot of growing pains early on in the season.  Now finally playing cohesive football, the Browns have won three of their last four games, thanks in part to improved play of quarterback Brandon Weeden and the steady work of running back Trent Richardson.

The playoff-bound Broncos are guaranteed no lower than the AFC’s No. 3 seed.  Sitting right now at No. 2 behind the Houston Texans, the Broncos control their own destiny in securing a first-round bye.

Ask the players and coaches and they’ll tell you no one is thinking playoff seeding – only the remaining regular season games.  That’s likely true, but think of it this way: If the Broncos win, they’ll be rewarded in playoff seeding.

When Cleveland has the ball:  Rookie Trent Richardson is 230-lbs. of hard-to-bring-down running back.  Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard describes Richardson as a “workhorse” who looks just as strong on his 30th carry as his first.

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson has scored six touchdowns in the last four games. (courtesy Erik Drost)

Richardson’s 12 touchdowns in 2012 is tied for second-most in the NFL.  He’s racked up six of those touchdowns in the Browns’ last four games. Richardson needs 103 yards to reach 1,000 rushing yards on the season, but Sunday could be the young workhorse’s biggest defensive challenge yet.  Denver’s run defense is ranked second in the NFL, and has given up only one rushing touchdown since Week 6.

The stellar play of Denver’s front seven means Richardson will have to earn every yard he gets on the ground…or will rely on short-yardage passing situations to rack up yards after the catch.  Richardson leads the Browns with 48 catches this season, and we’ve seen the Broncos defense stumble at times against opposing tight ends and running backs in the passing game.

Cleveland’s offensive line is anchored by left tackle Joe Thomas. The five-time Pro Bowler will take on Elvis Dumervil as his primary assignment.  Thomas is among the best at his position in the league, as is Dumveril, making this one-on-one matchup perhaps the game’s most intriguing.

If Thomas holds his own, the Broncos’ on-the-edges pass rush might be just on-the-edge with linebacker Von Miller, who didn’t register a sack in last week’s victory against the Baltimore Ravens.  Miller has 16 sacks on the season and figures to add to that tally against Brandon Weeden, your classic pocket passer who doesn’t like to roll out or run.

Weeden, like so many other rookie quarterbacks (even the 29-year-old ones), has struggled with turnovers this season, throwing more interceptions (17) than touchdowns (14).  He tends to force the football into coverage mismatches, resulting in the aforementioned INTs or batted down passes.  Given the Broncos’ opportunistic secondary, it’s a safe bet Weeden will add to his turnover total Sunday.

When Denver has the ball:  I hope don’t jinx the team with the following statement:

It seems the Broncos have righted the ship when it comes to turnovers.

Denver’s turnover margin is now 0, which still trails the league’s other elite teams by a lot, but recent trends prove promising.  The Broncos have been in the minus side of the turnover margin for most of the season, but didn’t have a single turnover against the Ravens – Denver’s first turnover-free game of the season.  It’s now been more than a month since Denver lost a fumble, the last coming Nov. 18 at home against the San Diego Chargers.

Ball security will once again be crucial for the Broncos’ success Sunday, as the Browns are tied for fifth in the NFL with 28 takeaways.

Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno, inactive for eight games this season, has gone from being relegated to scout team duties to being Denver’s unlikely newest (old) offensive weapon.  In his last two games, Moreno has rushed for 119 and 118 yards respectively, and has no turnovers since replacing Willis McGahee in late-November.  Cleveland’s defense allows 120.6 rushing yards per game, good news for Moreno and rookie speedster Ronnie Hillman.

With right guard Chris Kuper (ankle) likely sidelined another week, pass protection could be a liability.  Here’s a staggering, tell-all statistic: Peyton Manning has been sacked 21 times this season, 19 of those happened with Kuper out of the lineup.  (Kuper has started five games this season.)

Moreno has done a decent job of getting to the free rusher and protecting Manning; even so, Peyton took some big hits in last week’s win against Baltimore.  Manning has shown he’s sturdy and quickly bounces back up, but seeing your $90 million quarterback with a surgically repaired neck knocked to the ground is always one of those sights you’d rather not see.

Prediction

Denver 33, Cleveland 17

It seems I write this every week, but here goes:

If Cleveland hopes to pull out the victory, two things need to happen: 1) Denver turnovers, and 2) Keep the Broncos’ high-scoring offense on the sidelines where Peyton Manning can’t do any damage.  Cleveland isn’t equipped to beat Denver in a shootout, and need to keep the Broncos under 20 for any real chance at victory.

The young Browns are trying to close out the season strong, but the Broncos are just too good in too many areas to let this one slip away.

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Nothing, doggone it.  Absolutely nothing.

Okay, let’s back up a bit.  In his Monday column, the Denver Post’s Woody Paige gave the Denver Broncos defense a nickname, a name near and dear to my heart:

The Broncos now have the unified strength of the Horse Force defense and the Orange Stampede offense.

My initial reaction, as the creator of Denver Horse Force: That’s great!  I love it!  But after reading the comments section it seems some of you Broncos fans out there dislike the name.  To each his own, but I respectfully disagree.

The newest Denver Bronco is speaking out about his gig.  Running back Jacob Hester had been out of work since being released by the San Diego Chargers in the preseason.  He worked out with a few teams…and waited until he got his chance.  He’s ready to embrace his new home:

“Being with one team your whole career, and then all of a sudden that ends, and for 11 or 12 weeks you kind of head home, not really knowing.  You do the workouts, whatever, and hope to get in a good situation. And luckily I fell into a great one.”

Other Headlines:

• Bleacher Report: Don’t be concern about the Broncos’ narrow victory in KC.
• Denver Post: A strong running game is the Broncos’ defensive weakness.
• Denver Post: DE Robert Ayers was excused from the team to be with family after the passing of his father.

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The Denver Broncos are adding some backfield depth.

Jacob Hester was released by the San Diego Chargers in August. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

The team announced the signing of running back/fullback Jacob Hester Monday morning.  Hester was released by the San Diego Chargers in August.  He was their third round draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Hester and ex-Houston Texans running back Steve Slaton worked out with the Broncos last week.

In addition to Hester’s signing, the Broncos added RB Jeremiah Johnson to the practice squad.  Johnson was released by the Broncos a few days ago in a procedural move.

Hester’s signing over Slaton suggests the Broncos will keep Knowshon Moreno as the primary back until Willis McGahee returns from injury; the earliest that can happen is the AFC championship.  Hester is more of a short-yardage running and not an every-down type of back.

According to the team, Hester will wear No. 40.

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There is no such thing as a guaranteed win in the NFL.

But this game – at least on paper – suggests the Denver Broncos should handily defeat the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Chiefs are 1-9 with their lone win coming in September.  Kansas City is the NFL’s lowest scoring team and the highest turnover team.  Meanwhile the Broncos have scored at least 30 points in each game during a five-game win streak, and boast a suddenly frightening, game-changing defense.

Records aside: The Broncos and Chiefs have split the series eight of the last nine seasons.  Kansas City has won 12 of the last 17 games at Arrowhead against Denver.

Jamaal Charles leads the Kansas City Chiefs rushing attack, ranked fourth in the NFL. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

When the Chiefs have the ball: Kansas City head coach Romeo Crennel named ex-Broncos quarterback Brady Quinn as the starter Sunday.  Quinn spent two seasons with Denver and never played, backing up the media circus that ultimately surrounded Kyle Orton vs. Tim Tebow.

If the Chiefs are to reverse their losing ways, running backs Jamaal Charles and company will collectively need a huge game.  As bad as Kansas City is offensively – both in terms of scoring and turnovers – the team ranks fourth in the NFL with 145.4 rushing yards a game, best in the AFC.  And let’s not forget Kansas City has made it a habit as of late to beat Denver teams with superior records by running the ball:

2008: 213 yards (Chiefs record that season was 2-14)

2009: 317 yards (Chiefs record season was 4-12)

Charles rushed for a career-high 259 yards against a porous Broncos’ defense in January 2010.  Something tells me Denver’s talented linebackers will have none of that in 2012.  The Broncos’ rush defense allows an average of 93.8 yards per game, good for sixth in the NFL.  Von Miller is now seriously in the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year with 13 sacks, 45 tackles, and four forced fumbles so far this season.  Linebacker teammate Wesley Woodyard leads the team with 88 tackles.  D.J. Williams, who returned to action last week following suspension, had four tackles against the San Diego Chargers.

Remember, the Chiefs lead the league in turnovers this season, so expect Denver’s defense to capitalize at least once.  Woodyard leads the Broncos with three interceptions and defensive end Elvis Dumervil has six forced fumbles in 2012.

Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is slated to play, but is recovering from a neck injury that limited his practice earlier this week.

When Denver has the ball: Perhaps curiously, the Chiefs have allowed just one 300-yard passing game this season, and that wasn’t against Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, or even Philip Rivers.  It was Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman.

It seems opposing quarterbacks are struggling at times against the Chiefs’ bread and butter of zone coverage schemes and four-man pressure formations.  And with nothing to lose this season other than fan frustration, don’t be surprised if Kansas City puts the pressure on Peyton Manning early and often.

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno, who’s been inactive for eight games this season, will likely be activated Sunday. (personal photo)

With leading rusher Willis McGahee out until late in the playoffs, assuming Denver makes it that far, the Broncos will rely Sunday on Lance Ball, Ronnie Hillman, and Knowshon Moreno.  Though McGahee was the alpha running back, he was also responsible for five fumbles (four lost) this season, and fumbling has been the Broncos’ ongoing nemesis this season.

Maybe Denver curtails those turnovers in McGahee’s absence, but will in all likelihood sacrifice rushing yards…

Which brings us back to applying the pressure on Manning.  Kansas City’s best hope of winning is keeping the Broncos offense from hanging its typical 30 points a game, thus easing the scoring burden on an anemic Chiefs offense.  Kansas City must knock Manning around, or at least force him into ill-timed passes to stall drives or create turnovers.

Denver is a pass-oriented offense and shouldn’t miss a step with McGahee sidelined, but still needs some production from its committee of running backs. If not, the Chiefs will predictably expect pass, pass, and some more pass, and close up whatever space would otherwise be around wide receivers Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Brandon Stokley and Denver’s tight end tandem of Joel Dreessen and Jacob Tamme.

Denver’s passing attack is among the best in the NFL, averaging 289 yards a game.  Manning has 2,975 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his 2012 comeback season.

Prediction

Denver 33, Kansas City 17

The Broncos should leave Kansas City still unblemished within the division and riding a six-game win streak for the second straight year.

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