Well, so much for my NFL prognostication skills. My pick of the Broncos over the Seahawks "by 10 to 20 points" was way off as Seattle easily defeated Denver 43-8 in Super Bowl 48. I think this was the worst Bronco Super Bowl loss ever.
Before I get to that, in my game prediction I was right about what to "fear" about the Seahawks:
"Why Seattle has a chance:
Turnovers. Seattle's defense is opportunistic, and
Peyton Manning has thrown crucial interceptions in playoff losses in the
past (like his game clinching interception to Tracy Porter in Super
Bowl 44, and his overtime interception in last year's Baltimore playoff
game which led to the Ravens victory that day."
Turnovers really hurt the Broncos this game, starting with the first snap that sailed over Peyton Manning's head for a safety. The biggest play of the game was when the Broncos, down 15-0, were driving for a score late in the first half only to give up a 69 yard interception return for a TD to Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith. A 22-0 deficit at the half is a whole lot worse that 15-7. The Broncos had four turnovers in the game to the Seahawks' none.
"The preseason game. The Seahawks beat the Broncos in
this season's preseason matchup, winning 40-10. The preseason doesn't
mean much, you may ask? Well that day Seattle physically dominated
Denver, even when the starters for both teams saw action in the first
half. Over the years I've seen physical teams like the Seahawks beat
finesse teams like the Broncos in playoff games more often than not."
I felt like I was watching a replay of the preseason game, in that Seattle physically dominated Denver in the Super Bowl. The Seahawks punished the Bronco receivers and got more pressure on Peyton Manning than I expected.
"Percy Harvin. Seattle wide receiver Percy Harvin has
missed most of the season due to injuries. He is reportedly healthy now
and will be a key player for the Seahawks on Sunday. The last time the
Broncos faced Harvin, when he played for Minnesota, he had 156
receiving yards, 2 td's, and also carried the ball 5 times out of the
backfield. The multipurpose Harvin is also a threat on punt and kick
returns. "
Percy Harvin was HUGE in the Super Bowl. A factor in the first half in the rushing game (2 rushes for 45 yards), Harvin clinched the game for the Seahawks with a kickoff return for a TD to start the second half.
"Russell Wilson's mobility. Bronco fans are sure to
remember the scrambling ability of Tim Tebow from the quarterback
position. Seattle's Russell Wilson has that ability to make plays with
his feet, too, and with a much more accurate arm than Tebow has"
Wilson was able to convert several key third downs with his scrambling ability - either running for the first down or avoiding the Bronco rush to complete a pass. Wilson was not sacked in the game.
So why do I think this was the worst Bronco super bowl ever? The Broncos have only been favored in two Super Bowls that they ended up losing - this one and the 42-10 loss to Washington in Super Bowl 22. Most Bronco fans, including me, really thought they'd win both games. The Washington game at least had a thrilling 1st quarter, where the Broncos scored on their first play from scrimmage (a long pass from John Elway to Ricky Nattiel). Denver led 10-0 after the first quarter in that game before falling apart. This Seattle Super Bowl had no such redeeming moments. The Broncos were out of it right from the very first play.
Still, it was a fun season, with Peyton Manning and the Broncos record setting passing game and with two very satisfying home playoff wins to reach the Super Bowl. And as much as the loss stings this longtime Bronco fan, at least the franchise HAS won a couple of Super Bowls. That makes this loss easier to take. I think of the Buffalo and Minnesota NFL fans whose teams have never won the Vince Lombardi Trophy (in 8 attempts). Many other teams, like Cleveland and Detroit, have never even reached the big game.
I predicted this Super Bowl would be the reverse of the 1977 Denver Dallas Super Bowl. In reality it was very similar to that game. The Cowboys Doomsday Defense dominated the Broncos back then (the Broncos had 8 turnovers in a 27-10 loss). Seattle repeated the feat in this season's Super Bowl, winning the turnover battle and shutting down the vaunted Bronco offense.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Reverse of 77: I pick the Broncos over Seahawks in the Super Bowl
Turn the clock back to the Broncos first Super Bowl appearance at the end of the 1977 season. Denver, led by the best defense in the league, a terrific home field advantage, and just enough offense to be dangerous beat two perennial power house teams at home in the playoffs (the Steelers and defending Super Bowl champ Raiders) before meeting Dallas in the Super Bowl. That veteran Cowboy team handled the upstart Broncos easily, 27-10.
The Seattle Seahawks this year remind me of that 77 Broncos team. With the best home field advantage in the NFL and the #1 defense, Seattle beat what I felt was a superior San Francisco team in the NFC title game in a highly emotional game. Just like the Broncos beat a better Oakland team to win the AFC in 1977. The clock struck midnight for the Cinderella Broncos in Super Bowl XII, just as I feel it will for the Seahawks in this year's Super Bowl. I believe the Broncos will win.
Now I admit I am a Broncos homer, a lifetime fan and long time season ticket holder. On this blog I correctly picked the Broncos playoff wins over San Diego and New England. Super Bowl 48 won't be a slam dunk for the Broncos, I'll give some reasons to fear the Seahawks below, but I think in the end the Broncos experience in the big game at the quarterback position will win out.
Why I like the Broncos to win on Sunday:
Peyton Manning. He's had the best season of his career, he's healthy, and he has one Super Bowl championship under his belt. By contrast Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson is only in his 2nd year making his first appearance in the Super Bowl. Wilson struggled with his passing in his last four games, only passing over 200 yards once. Manning is coming off a 400 yard passing game vs New England in the AFC Championship.
Other Super Bowl Experience. Broncos head coach John Fox lost a Super Bowl when he was coaching Carolina, and he was New York's defensive coordinator for the Giants 2001 Super Bowl team. In addition to Manning, the Broncos have Wes Welker, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, and exec John Elway who have played in the big game before. Seattle's head coach, Pete Carroll, has never been to a Super Bowl as a coach or a spectator, and little used receiver Ricardo Lockette is the only Seahawk with any Super Bowl experience. The history of the Super Bowl is full of losing teams that made their first appearance in the game (like those 77 Broncos).
Denver's rushing defense. Seattle's biggest threat is running back Marshawn Lynch, who has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the Seahawks two playoff wins. The Broncos enter the Super Bowl playing their best rush defense of the season, holding the Chargers and Patriots to under 70 yards rushing in each game.
Today's NFL. An old axiom is "good defense always beats good offense". That no longer applies in today's pass happy NFL, where teams with good offenses have had success in the Super Bowl. Three of the past four Super Bowl winners have scored over 30 points in the game.
Why Seattle has a chance:
Turnovers. Seattle's defense is opportunistic, and Peyton Manning has thrown crucial interceptions in playoff losses in the past (like his game clinching interception to Tracy Porter in Super Bowl 44, and his overtime interception in last year's Baltimore playoff game which led to the Ravens victory that day.
The preseason game. The Seahawks beat the Broncos in this season's preseason matchup, winning 40-10. The preseason doesn't mean much, you may ask? Well that day Seattle physically dominated Denver, even when the starters for both teams saw action in the first half. Over the years I've seen physical teams like the Seahawks beat finesse teams like the Broncos in playoff games more often than not.
Percy Harvin. Seattle wide receiver Percy Harvin has missed most of the season due to injuries. He is reportedly healthy now and will be a key player for the Seahawks on Sunday. The last time the Broncos faced Harvin, when he played for Minnesota, he had 156 receiving yards, 2 td's, and also carried the ball 5 times out of the backfield. The multipurpose Harvin is also a threat on punt and kick returns.
Russell Wilson's mobility. Bronco fans are sure to remember the scrambling ability of Tim Tebow from the quarterback position. Seattle's Russell Wilson has that ability to make plays with his feet, too, and with a much more accurate arm than Tebow has.
Yes, the Seattle matchup won't be easy for Denver. I expect Sunday's game to be close through three quarters, with the Broncos pulling away at the end to win by 10 to 20 points.
The Seattle Seahawks this year remind me of that 77 Broncos team. With the best home field advantage in the NFL and the #1 defense, Seattle beat what I felt was a superior San Francisco team in the NFC title game in a highly emotional game. Just like the Broncos beat a better Oakland team to win the AFC in 1977. The clock struck midnight for the Cinderella Broncos in Super Bowl XII, just as I feel it will for the Seahawks in this year's Super Bowl. I believe the Broncos will win.
Now I admit I am a Broncos homer, a lifetime fan and long time season ticket holder. On this blog I correctly picked the Broncos playoff wins over San Diego and New England. Super Bowl 48 won't be a slam dunk for the Broncos, I'll give some reasons to fear the Seahawks below, but I think in the end the Broncos experience in the big game at the quarterback position will win out.
Why I like the Broncos to win on Sunday:
Peyton Manning. He's had the best season of his career, he's healthy, and he has one Super Bowl championship under his belt. By contrast Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson is only in his 2nd year making his first appearance in the Super Bowl. Wilson struggled with his passing in his last four games, only passing over 200 yards once. Manning is coming off a 400 yard passing game vs New England in the AFC Championship.
Other Super Bowl Experience. Broncos head coach John Fox lost a Super Bowl when he was coaching Carolina, and he was New York's defensive coordinator for the Giants 2001 Super Bowl team. In addition to Manning, the Broncos have Wes Welker, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, and exec John Elway who have played in the big game before. Seattle's head coach, Pete Carroll, has never been to a Super Bowl as a coach or a spectator, and little used receiver Ricardo Lockette is the only Seahawk with any Super Bowl experience. The history of the Super Bowl is full of losing teams that made their first appearance in the game (like those 77 Broncos).
Denver's rushing defense. Seattle's biggest threat is running back Marshawn Lynch, who has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the Seahawks two playoff wins. The Broncos enter the Super Bowl playing their best rush defense of the season, holding the Chargers and Patriots to under 70 yards rushing in each game.
Today's NFL. An old axiom is "good defense always beats good offense". That no longer applies in today's pass happy NFL, where teams with good offenses have had success in the Super Bowl. Three of the past four Super Bowl winners have scored over 30 points in the game.
Why Seattle has a chance:
Turnovers. Seattle's defense is opportunistic, and Peyton Manning has thrown crucial interceptions in playoff losses in the past (like his game clinching interception to Tracy Porter in Super Bowl 44, and his overtime interception in last year's Baltimore playoff game which led to the Ravens victory that day.
The preseason game. The Seahawks beat the Broncos in this season's preseason matchup, winning 40-10. The preseason doesn't mean much, you may ask? Well that day Seattle physically dominated Denver, even when the starters for both teams saw action in the first half. Over the years I've seen physical teams like the Seahawks beat finesse teams like the Broncos in playoff games more often than not.
Percy Harvin. Seattle wide receiver Percy Harvin has missed most of the season due to injuries. He is reportedly healthy now and will be a key player for the Seahawks on Sunday. The last time the Broncos faced Harvin, when he played for Minnesota, he had 156 receiving yards, 2 td's, and also carried the ball 5 times out of the backfield. The multipurpose Harvin is also a threat on punt and kick returns.
Russell Wilson's mobility. Bronco fans are sure to remember the scrambling ability of Tim Tebow from the quarterback position. Seattle's Russell Wilson has that ability to make plays with his feet, too, and with a much more accurate arm than Tebow has.
Yes, the Seattle matchup won't be easy for Denver. I expect Sunday's game to be close through three quarters, with the Broncos pulling away at the end to win by 10 to 20 points.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
My pick: Broncos over Patriots in AFC Championship game
This morning I have a feeling of excitement I've only had five other times in my life - the anticipation of attending an AFC Championship game in Denver. I will get to my prediction on today's game in a bit. First a brief look back at those other AFC Championship games:
January 1, 1978: Denver 20 Oakland 17
Whatever happens today, it will not top this game in terms of what it meant to the Broncos franchise and to the city. A first time playoff team, the Broncos had beaten the powerhouse Pittsburgh Steelers the week before and faced another tall test in the defending Super Bowl champion Raiders. "The Broncos are going to the Super Bowl!!!!" was long time Bronco announcer Bob Martin's call as the final seconds ticked off the clock. This game was the best sporting event I ever attended in Denver.
January 17, 1988: Denver 38 Cleveland 33
A rematch of the historic "Drive" game of the year before, this high scoring affair had its own drama at the end when Cleveland's Earnest Byner fumbled as it appeared he was going in for the tying touchdown in the final seconds of the game. I was in the South Stands and had a clear view of the fumble - the transition from impeding doom to exhileration among the bronco fans in the stadium was something I'll always remember.
January 14, 1990: Denver 37 Cleveland 21
The only easy victory of the AFC Championship games played in Denver, this game did not have the drama of the previous Broncos/Browns title matchups.
January 17, 1999 Denver 23 NY Jets 10
The Jets were ahead 10-0 in this game in the 3rd quarter before the Broncos stormed back with 23 straight points to win going away. On a very windy day in the last playoff game played at the old Mile High Stadium, this one was tense for more than one half of the game before John Elway and Terrell Davis got it in gear in the second half. Current Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was the Jets defensive coordinator that day.
January 22, 2006: Pittsburgh 34 Denver 17
The only AFC Championship loss at home for the Broncos, this game was the reverse of the 1990 game. Pittsburgh raced out to a 24-3 lead in the first half and the Steelers were never challenged. Many Bronco fans rate the 1996 season Jacksonville playoff loss as the worst home loss in franchise history. I disagree - I think it was this game. In 1996 I doubt the Broncos would have won the Super Bowl as they would have faced a Green Bay team at its peak under Brett Favre. If the Broncos had beat Pittsburgh I am confident they would have won the Super Bowl against an overmatched Seattle team as the Steelers did two weeks later.
On to today's game. I'm confident the Broncos will win. The weather will be good (high in the 60's with little wind) - perfect for Peyton Manning and the Broncos pass oriented attack. Manning has all his weapons for this game (they didn't have Julius Thomas for the first New England game, and Welker missed some games at the end of the season). Losing Chris Harris is no doubt a blow to the Broncos defense but they've had all week to come up with a plan to compensate for that, not an in game decision like what happened against the Chargers. Tom Brady historically has not played well in Denver.
January 1, 1978: Denver 20 Oakland 17
Whatever happens today, it will not top this game in terms of what it meant to the Broncos franchise and to the city. A first time playoff team, the Broncos had beaten the powerhouse Pittsburgh Steelers the week before and faced another tall test in the defending Super Bowl champion Raiders. "The Broncos are going to the Super Bowl!!!!" was long time Bronco announcer Bob Martin's call as the final seconds ticked off the clock. This game was the best sporting event I ever attended in Denver.
January 17, 1988: Denver 38 Cleveland 33
A rematch of the historic "Drive" game of the year before, this high scoring affair had its own drama at the end when Cleveland's Earnest Byner fumbled as it appeared he was going in for the tying touchdown in the final seconds of the game. I was in the South Stands and had a clear view of the fumble - the transition from impeding doom to exhileration among the bronco fans in the stadium was something I'll always remember.
January 14, 1990: Denver 37 Cleveland 21
The only easy victory of the AFC Championship games played in Denver, this game did not have the drama of the previous Broncos/Browns title matchups.
January 17, 1999 Denver 23 NY Jets 10
The Jets were ahead 10-0 in this game in the 3rd quarter before the Broncos stormed back with 23 straight points to win going away. On a very windy day in the last playoff game played at the old Mile High Stadium, this one was tense for more than one half of the game before John Elway and Terrell Davis got it in gear in the second half. Current Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was the Jets defensive coordinator that day.
January 22, 2006: Pittsburgh 34 Denver 17
The only AFC Championship loss at home for the Broncos, this game was the reverse of the 1990 game. Pittsburgh raced out to a 24-3 lead in the first half and the Steelers were never challenged. Many Bronco fans rate the 1996 season Jacksonville playoff loss as the worst home loss in franchise history. I disagree - I think it was this game. In 1996 I doubt the Broncos would have won the Super Bowl as they would have faced a Green Bay team at its peak under Brett Favre. If the Broncos had beat Pittsburgh I am confident they would have won the Super Bowl against an overmatched Seattle team as the Steelers did two weeks later.
On to today's game. I'm confident the Broncos will win. The weather will be good (high in the 60's with little wind) - perfect for Peyton Manning and the Broncos pass oriented attack. Manning has all his weapons for this game (they didn't have Julius Thomas for the first New England game, and Welker missed some games at the end of the season). Losing Chris Harris is no doubt a blow to the Broncos defense but they've had all week to come up with a plan to compensate for that, not an in game decision like what happened against the Chargers. Tom Brady historically has not played well in Denver.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Expect Peyton's revenge on Sunday
The San Diego Chargers defeating Peyton Manning's Broncos last month in Denver? No, the season I am referring to was 2003, when the Denver Broncos beat Manning's Colts in Indianapolis in the second to last game of the season. The Broncos won that day with a strong running game (136 yards from Quintin Griffin and a defensive scheme that confused Manning, holding Peyton to 146 passing yards and no td's.
That 2003 Denver upset was very similar to this season's Chargers win in Denver. San Diego kept the ball away from Manning with a strong running game, just like the 2003 Broncos did from Peyton's Colts.
Was the 2003 Bronco win a preview of what would happen when the two teams met in the playoffs two weeks later, again on Peyton's home field? No! Manning's Colts easily won the playoff rematch, 41-10. Whatever Denver did on defense the first game did not work in the rematch.
I expect the same type of result tomorrow. Peyton Manning, with two weeks to prepare for the Chargers, will have a much better day than he did in the regular season Charger game. Fans seem to think that because San Diego played Denver so tough in the December regular season game, that they can duplicate the result in the playoffs. I think Peyton gets his revenge against the Chargers and the Broncos win on Sunday, just like Peyton's Colts got their revenge against the 2003 Broncos in the playoffs.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Behind the Scenes at Dove Valley and the Denver Huddle
On a pleasant Fall evening I was given the opportunity to see the taping of The Denver Huddle Broncos TV show at the team's headquarters in Dove Valley.
In the lobby was a display of Bronco helmets over the years, trophies the team has won, and footballs from milestone games.
The team's two Vince Lombardi trophies were prominently displayed. I think it's about time to expand that case and add a third in February!
I remember the Broncos big win over San Diego in 1973 to clinch the team's first winning season. Was it really 40 years ago?
Long time Bronco fans will remember legendary broadcaster Bob Martin. It was good to see the Broncos honor Martin with this picture at the team's headquarters.
Our Denver Broncos Quarterback Club group was led behind locked gates to places the general public does not get to see.
The practice fields were silent this night, a far cry from the busy training camp workouts I witnessed here three months earlier.
We walked past the weight room to the temporary set for the Denver Huddle TV show. Here hosts Rod Mackey and Ed McCaffery talk to player guest Shaun Phillips before the cameras started to roll.
Phillips came across as a very humble team player. He said he had no bitterness towards the Chargers after San Diego let him go in the offseason, but he was looking forward to sacking Phillip Rivers this week.
Phillips demonstrated his pass rush moves. He said he only had two. "You don't need 13 moves to rush the passer," he told us. He displayed his primary move and counter move.
The Bronco Quarterback Club members in attendance listened intently and cheered on queue for the show. I was thrilled to have a first row seat!
After the show Broncos President Joe Ellis took questions from our group. I asked him if Denver would ever host a Super Bowl. He said after the Giants game this year in New York members of the Broncos management stayed a couple of extra days to meet with the NFL to explore the possibility of a Super Bowl in Denver. "They encouraged us to throw our hat into the ring," said Ellis. He thought this year's Super Bowl in New York will be key to Denver's chances - will the big game in a cold weather city come off OK?
Overall it was a great evening to see the Broncos training facility behind the scenes and witness closeup the taping of the Denver Huddle TV show.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
A Bronco Fan in Dallas
This past weekend I attended the Broncos shootout win 51-48 over the Cowboys in Dallas. I've attended hundreds of Bronco games since getting season tickets as a 12 year old in 1968. The Dallas trip was special in that it was the first time I have attended a Bronco road game ever! Here are some pictures I took and my comments on the experience.
AT&T stadium in the Dallas suburb of Arlington was huge! I took this picture about three hours before game time. Opening as Cowboys Stadium in 2009, Dallas owner Jerry Jones got a sponsorship deal with AT&T and changed the name this year. The stadium seats 80,000 with a maximum capacity of 105,000 with standing room only. On this day 92,857 fans were in attendance.
Most impressive were the huge video boards suspended 90 feet above the field - here showing the Cowboy cheerleaders in their pregame performance. Even though my seats were in the corner I had a clear view of the video screen, and I found myself watching it often.
The Cowboys make the most of their pregame ceremony - cheerleaders, pyrotechnics, and Cowboy coach Jason Garrett greeting each player as the player is introduced in the center of the field. The stadium was extremely loud and the crowd was hyped! No doubt this helped the Cowboys get off to a quick 14-0 lead.
In this game as luck would have it much of the action was on the opposite side of the field from my seats. The video boards came in handy for watching action near the opposite goal line. I found myself looking at the video board more often than using my binoculars like I do back at Sports Authority. I had one problem with the video boards - the Cowboys don't show near as many replays as the Broncos do at their home games. Instead Cowboy owner Jerry Jones uses the video boards to incite the crowd. Every time when it was third down for the Broncos, instead of showing the replay of the previous action, large letters would appear on the board "Third Down!!!" accompanied by blaring music, in an attempt to disrupt the Broncos plays with overwhelming noise. It didn't work - Peyton Manning and the Broncos converted many a third down this game. Jerry, how about using the video boards for what they were designed for, showing replays and live game action, instead of treating your fans like a bunch of drones that need to be prompted to cheer for your team?
$16 for an in game margarita?? No thanks but this vendor didn't have any problems selling out her inventory. Dallas calls these "Cowboy-ritas". I kept my fluid intake to a minimum during the game because of the long lines for the men's room - a 1/2 hour pregame wait for the bathroom was enough for me. The women had no such problem - my wife reports there was no wait for the ladies room. I also found the concourses very crowded during the game. I'm guessing some of the stadium room only people come down to the lower levels for a better view. I saw fans standing four deep at the top of our section, with the usher carefully checking tickets before letting anyone through to their seats.
Needless to say, the game was a great one to attend for a Bronco fan with all the scoring and the Denver win at the end. Afterwards the concourse was jammed with exiting fans - it took over 30 minutes to get through the gates to the outside air.
On Monday we were treated to a tour of AT&T Stadium. The highlight was a chance to get on the field! Here I am sitting at what I thought was the spot of Danny Trevathan's big interception. I was about 6 yards off (thanks Jerry for not showing the replay). The stadium turf was firm yet flexible - a great surface to play on. Artificial turf has really advanced over the years.
Fans in the field level boxes have access to this lounge before and during the game. When the Cowboys are introduced at midfield these fans get a chance to high five the players before they run out into the field. On the visiting end the field level box fans watch the opposing team from behind plexiglass as they run out on the field.
A great view of the video board and the field from the suite. Our guide said over 90% of the suites are sold out but there are a few available for public sale for each game. How about renting a suite for the Thanksgiving game, and then having a catered meal afterwards? Our guide didn't say how much that would cost - no doubt some Texas oilman will rent it to impress his friends.
And now for something completely different ... the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders locker room! Lots more mirrors in here compared to the players' locker room.
Overall it was an amazing experience to see the Broncos win in such a great stadium - the best one I have ever been in.
AT&T stadium in the Dallas suburb of Arlington was huge! I took this picture about three hours before game time. Opening as Cowboys Stadium in 2009, Dallas owner Jerry Jones got a sponsorship deal with AT&T and changed the name this year. The stadium seats 80,000 with a maximum capacity of 105,000 with standing room only. On this day 92,857 fans were in attendance.
Before the game I attended a tailgate party with Denver and Dallas fans across the street from the stadium. While in the restroom a group of Cowboy fans saw our Bronco gear and yelled, "Denver!! The Cowboys are going to kick some Bronco ass today!!". "Tough crowd," said a bronco fan next to me. These inebreated Dallas fans were the exception. In general the Cowboy fans were gracious hosts and congratulated us on a good game afterwards. One Dallas season ticket holder told me he had never seen so many visiting team's fans at a Cowboy game. It reminded me of when Pittsburgh plays in Denver where about 1/3rd of the stadium seems to be Steeler fans.
The tailgate party had an indoor area where Cowboy hall of famer Mel Renfro was signing autographs. I quickly looked up on my iphone browser Mel's biography and found out his last game was the Dallas 27-10 win over the Broncos in Super Bowl XII - one of the most painful games of my childhood! I was going to discuss that with Mel but the autograph line got to be too long.
The coach of that 1977 Cowboy team, Tom Landry, is immortalized in this statue outside the stadium. Throughout the area were tributes to Cowboy greats of the past (I walked through the "Roger Staubach" parking lot).
Once inside I was thrilled with the location of our seats - in the corner of the end zone in the second level. This is the same viewing angle I have the field as my seats back home at Sports Authority Field in Denver, except here I was even closer to the action.
The Cowboys make the most of their pregame ceremony - cheerleaders, pyrotechnics, and Cowboy coach Jason Garrett greeting each player as the player is introduced in the center of the field. The stadium was extremely loud and the crowd was hyped! No doubt this helped the Cowboys get off to a quick 14-0 lead.
In this game as luck would have it much of the action was on the opposite side of the field from my seats. The video boards came in handy for watching action near the opposite goal line. I found myself looking at the video board more often than using my binoculars like I do back at Sports Authority. I had one problem with the video boards - the Cowboys don't show near as many replays as the Broncos do at their home games. Instead Cowboy owner Jerry Jones uses the video boards to incite the crowd. Every time when it was third down for the Broncos, instead of showing the replay of the previous action, large letters would appear on the board "Third Down!!!" accompanied by blaring music, in an attempt to disrupt the Broncos plays with overwhelming noise. It didn't work - Peyton Manning and the Broncos converted many a third down this game. Jerry, how about using the video boards for what they were designed for, showing replays and live game action, instead of treating your fans like a bunch of drones that need to be prompted to cheer for your team?
$16 for an in game margarita?? No thanks but this vendor didn't have any problems selling out her inventory. Dallas calls these "Cowboy-ritas". I kept my fluid intake to a minimum during the game because of the long lines for the men's room - a 1/2 hour pregame wait for the bathroom was enough for me. The women had no such problem - my wife reports there was no wait for the ladies room. I also found the concourses very crowded during the game. I'm guessing some of the stadium room only people come down to the lower levels for a better view. I saw fans standing four deep at the top of our section, with the usher carefully checking tickets before letting anyone through to their seats.
Needless to say, the game was a great one to attend for a Bronco fan with all the scoring and the Denver win at the end. Afterwards the concourse was jammed with exiting fans - it took over 30 minutes to get through the gates to the outside air.
On Monday we were treated to a tour of AT&T Stadium. The highlight was a chance to get on the field! Here I am sitting at what I thought was the spot of Danny Trevathan's big interception. I was about 6 yards off (thanks Jerry for not showing the replay). The stadium turf was firm yet flexible - a great surface to play on. Artificial turf has really advanced over the years.
On the field I got a closer look at the field level boxes which you can see in the distance. Cowboy fans pay a premium for these, which come with a seat in the first two rows immediately above the box. On the field visitors were throwing passes and even kicking field goals with footballs they had brought. Back home in Denver they don't let you near the natural grass turf on Sports Authority Field tours - the artificial turf of AT&T stadium allows fans a closeup experience.
View of the video board from the field. I would guess players don't even think about the video board during the game - it's pretty much removed from game action.
Field box ticket holders also have their own parking spot indoors.
The elevator to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' suite. The Jones suite, which holds 100 people, is not shown on the tour. In fact our tour guide said he had never seen it, and he's been doing tours for three years.
We did get to see one of the other upper level suites.
Back on field level we saw the room where the Cowboys host post game press conferences - the largest of its kind in the NFL. Field box ticket holders can watch the press conference from their lounge next door.
Next we saw the Cowboys locker room. You can see pictures of former Cowboy greats, like Don Meredith, above. Honestly I was more impressed with the Bronco locker room at Sports Authority Field than this one, though it is good of the Cowboys to allow locker room access on their tours (the Broncos don't show their locker room on most Sports Authority Field tours)
I had to say a word of thanks at Tony Romo's locker for his big interception at the end of Sunday's game.
Each cheerleader had her picture above her locker.
Along with her twitter handle below (sorry guys, no phone numbers)
Cheerleaders pregame instructions - note each is encouraged to "Shake Your Tailgate"
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Great Opener for Patrick Roy and the Avs
I attended the Colorado Avalanche's home opener last night, a 6-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
Goalie Semyon Varlamov was excellent - the Avs defense was shaky early and Varlamov made some big saves. Too bad he lost the shutout at the end. Patrick Roy in his post game press conference said Varlamov was the #1 star.
Ryan O'Reilly had the play of the game with a great steal and score to put the Avs up 1-0. Good to have Radar this season from game 1.
This was my first look at Nathan McKinnon as I didn't see any of the Avs preseason games. He's going to be fun to watch. I was impressed by his speed and he had two nice passes to setup goals.
I heard an interview with Patrick Roy yesterday morning where he said he would be calmer as a coach than he was as a player. I said to my wife, "we'll see how long that lasts." Not very long, as last night's post game tirade showed!
I thought the Avs played with a lot of energy and passion, and Roy has to have something to do with that. It's easy to play hard on opening night in front of a near sell out crowd but I have a feeling we won't see the Avs take too many nights off with Roy behind the bench.
Next week's road trip to Toronto, Boston, and Washington may give us more of an early indication of how good this team is, but last night sure was everything an Avs fan could have hoped for in an opener.
Goalie Semyon Varlamov was excellent - the Avs defense was shaky early and Varlamov made some big saves. Too bad he lost the shutout at the end. Patrick Roy in his post game press conference said Varlamov was the #1 star.
Ryan O'Reilly had the play of the game with a great steal and score to put the Avs up 1-0. Good to have Radar this season from game 1.
This was my first look at Nathan McKinnon as I didn't see any of the Avs preseason games. He's going to be fun to watch. I was impressed by his speed and he had two nice passes to setup goals.
I heard an interview with Patrick Roy yesterday morning where he said he would be calmer as a coach than he was as a player. I said to my wife, "we'll see how long that lasts." Not very long, as last night's post game tirade showed!
I thought the Avs played with a lot of energy and passion, and Roy has to have something to do with that. It's easy to play hard on opening night in front of a near sell out crowd but I have a feeling we won't see the Avs take too many nights off with Roy behind the bench.
Next week's road trip to Toronto, Boston, and Washington may give us more of an early indication of how good this team is, but last night sure was everything an Avs fan could have hoped for in an opener.
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