Tim Tebow, Tom Brady finding different ways to win for Broncos, Patriots - One is the mold, the other, well, he’s trying to break it, with every comeback victory and improbable finish.  Read more from The Denver Post >>>>

Broncos defense aims to make Patriots’ Tom Brady “uncomfortable” - With Wes Welker, the New England Patriots have the NFL’s receptions leader (100).  Check. Rob Gronkowski (71 catches and an NFL tight ends record 15 TDs) is as dangerous a tight end as there is in the league.  Check.  Read more from The Denver Post >>>>

Tebow Eager to Face Brady’s Patriots - Quarterbacks on opposing teams may not ever be on the field at the same time, but their head-to-head production is often a decisive factor in games.  Read more from DenverBroncos.com >>>>

Take your pick - Tom is righty.  Tim is lefty.  Tom is 34.  Tim is 24.  Tom is second in passing yards among NFL starters this season.  Tim is dead last.  Tom is third in completion percentage.  Tim is dead last.  Tom has won five games in a row.  Tim has won six.  Read more from ESPN >>>>

N.Y. teens suspended for Tebowing in school hallway - Just when everyone thought the trend of “Tebowing” had reached its zenith in the greater cultural Zeitgeist, it finds a way to completely jump the shark: On Wednesday, a group of high school athletes at a Long Island school were suspended for staging a spontaneous bout of Tebowing in their high school’s hallway.  Read more from Yahoo! Sports >>>>

Denver Broncos’ Tim Tebow scores a best-selling book - Take a Tebow!  Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, a sensation thanks to his winning ways on the football field and his controversial gridiron prayers, is scoring in bookstores, too. His memoir, Through My Eyes, written with Nathan Whitaker, is back in USA TODAY’s Top 50, at No. 46.  Read more from USA Today >>>>

Denver Broncos team report: Von Miller experiment with casts - Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller may be sporting a different version of cast over his surgically-repaired right thumb when Denver hosts New England on Sunday.  Read more from Sporting News >>>>

In Broncos, Tom Brady will be meeting his nemesis - Tom Brady has faced – and beaten – every team in the NFL.  And against 30 of those 31 teams, Brady has a winning record. It’s a testament to him, and the consistency of the Patriots in his decade-plus as the team’s starting quarterback.  Read more from Boston Globe >>>>

Manu: ‘Who is this Tim Tebow?’ - Manu Ginobili, the Spurs All-Star guard from Argentina, loves his fútbol (soccer), but he is no fan of American football.  Read more from Spurs Nation >>>>

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

DHF Home

Time for news and headlines…

Former Broncos defensive lineman Pete Duranko died Friday at the age of 67 from ALS.  The Broncos official site has more on Duranko’s time in Denver.

John Fox told The Denver Post he envisions a ground-oriented offense.

Even with a July 19 scheduled mediation date, talks resume Monday for the NFL and players’ union.  NFL.com has a status update.

The Denver Post‘s Jeff Legwold has more on the NFL lockout and growing sense of urgency for a quick resolution.

Fort Worth Star Telegram writes about Tim Tebow’s autobiography.

FS West updates us on a story recently mentioned on DHF – where a UCLA football walk-on met Tebow, his idol.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

DHF Home

Back in the saddle again with Broncos headlines.

NFL.com examines the NFL’s best cornerbacks of the past decade, and of course, the list isn’t complete without a certain No. 24.  

ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson has a question: Which divisional rookie will have the best season in 2011?

Also on ESPN, a recap of Tuesday’s NFL labor talks.

On the subject of lockouts, first the NFL and now the NBA, but are there any lockouts we would be better off with?  According to an Associated Press article in The Denver Post, the answer is an emphatic YES.

Minneapolis Star Tribune has the latest New York Times bestsellers list.  Tim Tebow is still in the top ten among nonfiction works.

Former Bronco Billy Hardee has died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Arizona.  The Ledger (Florida) has the story.  Hardee was assistant principal at a Florida high school.

Not Broncos related, but I hope this story is just a bunch of hot air.  Three words: Brett Favre Comeback?  Indianapolis Star has the latest chapter in the saga that will never end.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

Welcome to Sky Sports, Nick Ferguson. (Courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

The Denver Broncos have struggled lately producing wins on the football field, but the franchise has a penchant for churning out broadcasters.

The newest to join the lineup?  Former Broncos safety Nick Ferguson.

Ferguson and former NFL linebacker Rocky Boiman finished atop the 16-member class at Broadcast Boot Camp, a four day crash course/tutorial/audition for ex-players wanting to transition into the booth.  Lineman Maurice Williams, who spent a month last season with the Broncos, also participated in the New Jersey camp.

This was the camp’s fifth year.  Current NFL players, who have participated in past camps, skipped 2011 because of the ongoing lockout.

To sweeten the pot, this year’s performers vied for the opportunity to showcase their television talents.  As winner, Boiman and Ferguson will serve as analysts for NFL Network’s U.K. presence on Sky News.

Ferguson told NFLLabor.com:

“This an extraordinary opportunity for me to continue my broadcasting education, especially on Sky Sports in Europe where I won a World Bowl.”

Ferguson played for Denver from 2003-07.  He also played for the New York Jets (2000-02) and Houston (2008-09).  Boiman played eight NFL seasons (Tennessee, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Pittsburgh).

90 players participated in Broadcast Boot Camp from 2007-2010.  Of those, 36 landed broadcasting jobs.

For more on Broadcast Boot Camp, including ‘what not to do,’ go here.

Tim Tebow’s Late-Night Shenanigans

Best-selling autobiographer and starting-quarterback-in-waiting Tim Tebow returned to the talk show circuit this week.

Promoting “Through My Eyes,” Tebow – who apparently forgot his razor – chatted with Jimmy Kimmel Wednesday night.  Tebow also discussed his involvement (or lack thereof) with the NFL lockout, his horrible rookie haircut courtesy teammates, and how Urban Meyer learned of his commitment for Florida.

Here are Parts I and II of his interview, in case you missed it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQFxNDAHh_U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kszW8zP-LxI

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

There’s an unspoken rule that communication professionals dislike figures.

Numbers?  Stats?  Math?  Bah humbug!

In my case, not so fast…though admittedly, I fall under the “exception” category.

Numbers play such a vital role in sports.  ERAs, quarterback passer ratings, magic numbers, NBA lottery odds, and now for Denver Horse Force, readership – thanks to site analytics.

Yes, you are a statistic.

Each Monday, I will reveal DHF’s three most popular stories of the week.  See what your fellow Broncos fans read June 13-19 (in ascending order):

3.  Mad Wicked Props

When a team goes 4-12, it’s hard to say that anyone on the roster deserves much of a positive spotlight.  However, football is a team sport, and one man usually can’t turn a tide of mediocrity…just ask Champ Bailey.

In the spirit of giving credit where it is due, and probably because there isn’t much to write about in the NFL these days, ESPN recently came up with an extensive spread on underrated players.  These are the guys who are usually solid game after game, yet don’t quite bring enough pizzazz to be considered “elite” at their positions.  Continue reading Mad Wicked Props >>>>

2. Is Anyone Surprised by Tim Tebow’s Autobiography Success?  Bueller?  Bueller?

Timothy Richard Tebow, whatever you touch turns to gold.

Make that gold into Ws, and your legend will skyrocket in the minds and hearts of Broncos fans.  That is, if you’re named starting quarterback.

Tebow’s on-the-field role with Denver in 2011 – clipboard carrier or carrier of dreams – remains untold.  That outcome is in doubt, but was the success of his recently released autobiography ever in question?  Continue reading Is Anyone Surprised by Tim Tebow’s Autobiography Success?  Bueller?  Bueller? >>>>

1. Let’s Make A Deal

A report today from CBSSports.com‘s Mike Freeman indicates a deal may be looming between NFL owners and players.

Perhaps it is the warmer weather.  Maybe it’s the fact that with the NBA season now officially finished, the pressure is getting cranked up as America enters its summer sports void (yes, baseball is in season, but usually doesn’t get interesting until August).  Who know exactly what lit the fire, but Freeman reports white smoke could soon waft out of the negotiating conclave.  Continue reading Let’s Make A Deal >>>>

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

Timothy Richard Tebow, whatever you touch turns to gold.

Make that gold into Ws, and your legend will skyrocket in the minds and hearts of Broncos fans.  That is, if you’re named starting quarterback.

What could make life even better for Tim Tebow? Two words: starting quarterback. (Courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

Tebow’s on-the-field role with Denver in 2011 – clipboard carrier or carrier of dreams – remains untold.  That outcome is in doubt, but was the success of his recently released autobiography ever in question?

Of course not.  Just ask Nathan Whitaker.

Wait – who?

Whitaker co-authored “Through My Eyes,” now No. 6 on The New York Times nonfiction best-sellers list.  He’s also no dummy, telling a Florida radio station he expected Tebow’s life story to be a hit:

“It’s really remarkable the impact he has on people and the way people follow him…It’s interesting to see the number of people who walk away moved and emotional after interacting with him.  He doesn’t take that lightly. He moves through the line quickly, but he stops to engage folks, looks everybody in the eye and gives them that impish grin of his.”

Chalk one up to charisma.

The book’s popularity is the latest offseason accolade for Tebow: Jockey endorsing, statue unveiling, packed book signings, and media appearances galore.

Oh, and don’t forget that photo of Tebow’s golf swing, demonstrating his freakish fitness.

In between the glitz and glamour, Tebow has worked out with teammates.  He even arranged a trip to Jacksonville for Broncos wide receivers.  Last month, he proudly boasted his improvement under center, a longtime knock on him by critics.

Tebow would gladly welcome a starting role.  It’s the only logical continuation of this golden offseason.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

Remember that weekend promise?  The one where I vowed to have a bevy of DHF stories?

All in due time.  Actually, this week.

Until then, here’s what you’ve missed.

Do you know who Nathan Whitaker is?  Maybe not by name, but you certainly know his work; he co-authored Tim Tebow’s autobiography “Through My Eyes.”  Whitaker told Orlando Sentinel he isn’t at all surprised by the book’s success.

ESPN NFC North blogger speculates on Kyle Orton’s chances of returning to the division, this time as a Minnesota Viking.

Also on ESPN’s NFC North blog, a look at Jay Cutler’s NFL career.

NFL.com’s Adam Rank names six players he’d like to see win a championship.  Among those listed, a current Bronco, a former Bronco, and a Broncos nemesis.

Broncos DE Ryan McBean holds his annual football camp in Texas, writes DFW Varsity.

Lost Lettermen reports on the death of Godfrey Miles, who was waived by the Broncos in the 1990s.

SMU’s official athletic website writes head coach June Jones is in American Samoa this week for an aid mission.  Former Denver Broncos defensive end Ma’a Tanuvasa is a member of Jones’ delegation in Pago Pago.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

Forget the idle morning chit-chat – we get enough of that on morning news anyhow – let’s dive right into today’s Broncos headlines.

The Denver Broncos official site profiles the team’s three coordinators and their respective coaching philosophies.

The NFL lockout is even affecting youth football camps.  The Denver Post writes how plans have changed this summer.

Christian Post reports Tim Tebow’s autobiography is climbing Amazon’s bestsellers list.  ”Through My Eyes” hit store shelves Tuesday.

Football News Now writes about Eddie Royals’s drop in productivity.

John Elway’s upcoming plans include participating in a Lake Tahoe golf tournament, but Tahoe Daily Tribune isn’t focused on Elway’s golf game, but rather the Broncos ongoing quarterback debate.

Bleacher Report counts down Stanford’s most beloved players.  A certain #7 makes that list.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

While the Horse Force extended the holiday weekend by an extra day, others barely missed a beat working right up until, and right after Memorial Day.  You can include Tim Tebow on that list.

Jabar Gaffney was one of three Broncos wide receivers to practice with Tim Tebow over the weekend. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

The 2nd year quarterback had a big day Tuesday as his autobiography, “Though My Eyes” hit bookstore shelves.  ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tebow spent part of his Memorial Day on the clock, signing copies of his book at an event in Jacksonville, Florida.

Speaking of Jacksonville, that’s where a trio of Broncos receivers found themselves shortly before the holiday.  Tebow footed the bill to bring the three out to northern Florida so they could workout together.  Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, and Britt Davis all made the trip.  Tebow invited the entire receiving corps, but Eric Decker had a schedule conflict, and Demaryius Thomas and Eddie Royal are still recovering from injuries.

Tebow put the trio up in a nearby hotel, and then spent considerable time working with them on conditioning, and timing.  ESPN reports the receivers who attended considered it such a success that they’ve already made plans to get the band back together very soon for two weeks of intensive workouts in Arizona.

Semi-Symposium

Newly minted NFL rookies have yet to even start work, let alone get back to it.  Luckily, for all those new to the league, there will be a chance to start learning how to become a professional.  The NFLPA announced it will hold its on rookie symposium June 28-29th, in Washington, DC.  Wonder if those rookies will get a crash course in federal mediation while they’re there?

Aside from providing Cris Carter with a soapbox to continue proclaiming the NFL “our league,” the symposium is an important event for rookies each year.  Learning how to manage your money better than Rocket Ismail, protect yourself better than Plaxico Burress (who’s set to be released from prison in just days), and be more professional than Ryan Leaf (who’s recovering from brain surgery) is crucial to every rookie.  The symposium is normally run by the NFL, but with a labor dispute still highly unresolved, the league canceled its event.  That paved the way for the NFLPA to step in and put together the event on its own dime.

The NFL said it cancelled the symposium because the event requires coordination among a number of professionals, and with a lockout barring the league from having contact with the players, the NFL thought it unfair to keep so many people’s schedules on hold.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.