NFC West

HuffPo idiot: Colorado is fifth most overrated travel destination, Denver is "weirdly bland"

At Westword, we're all about hometown/home-state pride -- hence, posts such as "50 reasons we're glad we live in Denver and not the United States" and "Happy Colorado Day: Here are 50 reasons you should be glad you live here." So you can imagine our befuddlement over a Huffington Post article calli ... More >>

Twenty most memorable athletes' mug shots -- in honor of Todd Helton

Almost as shocking as the DUI arrest of Todd Helton, mainstay of the Colorado Rockies, was how blotto he looked in the mug shot he earned with his bust. But how does it stack up to the most memorable athletes' mug shots of all time? Find out by eyeballing our top twenty collection, featuring a whopp ... More >>

Denver Broncos 2014 Super Bowl favorites: Wanna bet?

Watching Ray Lewis acting like the king of the world after playing a thoroughly ordinary game, and seeing Joe Fluke-o named MVP after the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl victory yesterday was enough to make me nearly throw up my seven-layer dip. Fortunately, Las Vegas sports books give our Denver Bronc ... More >>

"The Field": An ode to America's obsession with criminals, sports and commercials

My disdain for American football knows no bounds, and I don't believe in wasting my Sundays watching testosterone-addled meatheads run up and down a field with the hopes of placing a ball. In honor of yesterday's Super Bowl game -- as well as all the attendant hoopla -- I created a poem that follows ... More >>

Photos: Super Bowl bar parties pit Ravens and 49ers fans v. the morning after

How did local Ravens and 49ers fans spend Super Bowl Sunday? Plenty of them headed to bars catering to their respective teams: Chopper's Sports Grill for Baltimore boosters, the Icehouse Tavern for San Francisco faithful. Photog Brandon Marshall stopped by both places to sample the agony and the ecs ... More >>

Five Super Bowl deals you can score on Sunday in Denver

Super Bowl fever is spreading, and even though the Denver Broncos aren't in the game, local restaurants and bars are serving up plenty of opportunities to score with deals this Sunday, February 3. Here's a peak at the playbook, and feel free to pass off audibles in the comments section below: See ... More >>

Videos: Five Broncos playoffs defeats more vomit-inducing than loss to Ravens

The Broncos' loss to the Ravens on Saturday was agonizing, and not just because we (like pretty much everyone else) inaccurately predicted an easy Denver win. But let's put things in perspective, shall we? In our opinion, there have been five Broncos playoff defeats that were even worse. Make yourse ... More >>

Lucky '13: Musician and DIY venue operator Gregg Ziemba

This past year has been tough for many people, and we're eager to kiss 2012 goodbye. In hopes that 2013 will turn out to be much luckier for many, we invited some of the town's cultural tastemakers -- entrepreneurs and entertainers we're lucky to have in Denver -- to answer a trio of questions. We e ... More >>

The five best concerts this week: December 3-7

Good morning, y'all! And oh what a joyously good morning it is, eh? Is it just us, or is the sun shining a little brighter today? With the Broncos clinching the AFC West division yesterday here at home on an unseasonably agreeable day at Invesco, well, it just feels like one of those green-lights-al ... More >>

Reader: Will John Elway make an appearance on Top Chef?

Denver has not one, but two contestants on Bravo's tenth season of Top Chef, which was filmed in Seattle and will start airing in November. The lineupincludes Jorel Pierce, the exec chef of Euclid Hall, and Tyler Wiard of Elway's. And yes, there's a third Colorado chef, Eliza Gavin of 221 South Oak ... More >>

Broncos beat Cardinals and no one cares -- except players about to be cut

How can you tell that no one cared about the Broncos' 16-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals last night? One way: John Elway was brought into the broadcast booth to try to prevent channel surfing in the second quarter. Another: Not a single YouTube user on the planet has shared contest footage at this ... More >>

Video: Peyton Manning head slam, lack of rust in 49ers loss

Last week, we wondered if Peyton Manning's two picks versus the Seahawks, following a bad interception against the Bears the week before, were examples of rust or overconfidence. But his performance in a 29-24 loss to the 49ers yesterday was spot-on even after he was slammed to the turf in a manner ... More >>

Photos: Twenty biggest Broncos fans at Manning's pre-season debut

OK, so the Broncos lost their preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks over the weekend. Sure, they lost it 30-10. But in case you didn't notice, that was Peyton Manning's first game with the team, and hope and hype rode on his performance in equal measure. On Saturday, Westword photographer Bran ... More >>

Peyton Manning's two interceptions v. Seahawks: Rust or overconfidence?

A lot of Broncos fans shrugged off Peyton Manning's first interception of the preseason against the Chicago Bears. And plenty of those boosters are also writing off the two additional picks he threw in his second outing, a 30-10 Seattle Seahawks victory in Denver. But should they be? After all, the ... More >>

Peyton Manning reportedly chooses Broncos, Tim Tebow to be traded

Update: Just over an hour after our post, on view below, about rumors that Peyton Manning was leaning toward playing for the Tennessee Titans next season comes very different news. ESPN is reporting that Manning has chosen to sign with the Denver Broncos next season.

Tim Tebow's fate to be determined on 3-16? Ask Peyton Manning

It's 3-16 -- digits more closely linked to Tim Tebow than No. 15. Back in the day, he daubed them into his eye black as a salute to the Bible verse John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." But Tebo ... More >>

Brandon Marshall traded after face-punch allegation, Perrish Cox signs with 49ers

It's a busy time on the "Former Broncos who have spent a lot of time in court" beat. Perrish Cox, fresh from being acquitted of a sex crime, has landed a two-year contract with the 49ers, while Brandon Marshall was traded by Miami to Chicago in what some initially theorized was an attempt by the Dol ... More >>

Peyton Manning: Does Denver have best odds of landing him according to Vegas?

Initially, many of us regarded the thought of Peyton Manning signing with the Broncos as a pipe dream . Well, the stuff in that pipe has been pretty amazing thus far, with Manning actually visiting Denver in person shortly before a similar stop in Arizona. Now, with Peyton's decision delayed and mor ... More >>

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos: Does Arizona have inside track?

Last Thursday, I scoffed at the prospect of Peyton Manning inking with Denver in a post headlined "Peyton Manning a future Bronco? And is that a pig I see flying?" But by the next day, when Manning met with John Elway and the team's brass, it was clear my instincts had been wrong, and that remains t ... More >>

Broncos playoffs-challenge trivia, day five: Test how big a fan you really are!

Yep, Tim Tebow and the Broncos are in the playoffs, and each day this week, to get you ready for Saturday's showdown with the New England Patriots, we're going to put real fans to the test with brain teasers from the Denver Broncos Trivia Game (the 1985 version, which I just found at a local antique ... More >>

Josh McDaniels timeline: Suck for years, then get your old job back

When Josh McDaniels returns to the New England Patriots as an offensive assistant this weekend, he won't only provide insight about a Broncos team he coached just last year. He'll also complete an improbable circle in his career. Next year, McDaniels will take over as Patriots offensive coordinator, ... More >>

Signatures are piling up for the Broncos to make an "It Gets Better" video

Led by the Ogden Theatre, six Denver/Boulder clubs ranked in Pollstar's Top 100 by ticket sales

Eric GruneisenThe Ogden Theatre has the sixth most ticket sales of any club in the world so far this year​In third quarter, year-to-date figures compiled and reported by Pollstar, the industry trade that tracks various clubs and venues across the globe, Denver and Boulder made a very strong sh ... More >>

Reader: Westword hurting U.S. productivity by posting photos of Denver Broncos cheerleaders

​Last week, we tried to ease the pain caused by the Broncos' blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals by sharing a gallery of behind-the-scenes shots from the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders 2012 calendar photo shoot. We meant well, but a reader let us know our decision had unforeseen repercussions.

Kyle Orton trade: Will he take less to start for Miami Dolphins than to sit for Denver Broncos?

Kyle Orton.​The trade melodrama over quarterback Kyle Orton ain't over yet. The Miami Dolphins remain the most likely Orton destination, despite safety-net interest from the Arizona Cardinals -- and the pressure to get a deal done is ratcheting higher, in part because of issues involving contr ... More >>

NFL free agency rumors you won't find anywhere else

One of this year's top free agents, Nnamdi Asomugha knows where the best sports rumors come from.​If the NFL lockout bored you, never fear. The perfect antidote is here: a free agency fury as teams sign, cut and trade players madly to adjust their rosters in time for the season. What would usu ... More >>

Kyle Orton trade: Could Miami Dolphins face bidding war with Arizona Cardinals for QB?

Kyle Orton.​The photo seen here pictures Kyle Orton at Broncos training camp -- but it's not current. Orton didn't show up at Dove Valley yesterday, further fueling speculation that he'll be dealt, and dealt soon. But where? Miami remains the likeliest Orton destination, but it's hardly the o ... More >>

Denver Broncos waste no time putting tickets on sale -- with or without free agents

​Willis McGahee. DeAngelo Williams. Jerious Norwood. Franklin McWashedup. Which free agents will the Denver Broncos sign before the season starts, and will they be any good? Fans will have to make a leap of faith on the matter since the team announced today that single-game tickets will go on ... More >>

Kyle Orton the Arizona Cardinal's backup plan if they can't obtain Kevin Kolb?

Kyle Orton.​Summertime, and the Denver blog posting is easy. Broncos Gab: If the Arizona Cardinals can't get QB Kevin Kolb, they may settle for Kyle Orton -- if the price is right, and if the Broncos decide Tim Tebow is ready to helm the team. Free Range Longmont revisits the Union Reservoir ... More >>

Josh McDaniels as St. Louis Rams offensive coach: He'll do great if you don't promote him!

Josh McDaniels.​At the end of Laurence Maroney's post-arrest TV interview in St. Louis yesterday, the Denver running back bust was asked about disastrous ex-head coach Josh McDaniels being hired as offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams. Maroney predicted McD would do a great job, and he ... More >>

Laurence Maroney, Broncos bust arrested in St. Louis, says he needs to be smarter (VIDEO)

Big pic below.​Update: As we shared yesterday in an item on view below, Denver Broncos running-back bust Laurence Maroney was arrested in St. Louis on a weapons charge. At this writing, however, he has not been officially charged, and he's already attempting to do image repair, as seen in an a ... More >>

Pro Bowl 2011: Just Brandon Lloyd. Worst Bronco representation in 22 years.

Only Bronco capable of alarming this cheerleader.​One is the loneliest number. The Pro Bowl rosters were released last night, and, assuming there are no Broncos added as replacements, the team will have its fewest representatives since 1988, when punter Mike Horan was the lone Bronco. That tea ... More >>

Broncos blow like $2 hookers vs. Arizona: Please lose every game the rest of the season!

Eric Studesville.​On Friday, Joe Williams, Irv Brown and other ESPN 1600 prognosticators picked the Broncos to crush the Cardinals under the theory that the team would be ultra-motivated after Coach Josh McDaniels's firing and other assorted embarrassments. But they couldn't have been more wro ... More >>

Reader: Josh McDaniels, aka McDouchebag, is making Broncos fans miss Mike Shanahan

​Our Monday post about Josh McDaniels "Not My Coach" t-shirts on sale before the Broncos' horrible loss to the St. Louis Rams (but after McDaniels was fined by the NFL for not reporting improper recordings of a San Francisco 49ers practice) prompted some impassioned takes -- including one from ... More >>

Josh McDaniels "Not My Coach" t-shirts hot item at Broncos' debacle vs. Rams (PHOTO)

Large pic below.​Even before the Broncos' 36-33 loss to the St. Louis Rams yesterday, it was clear the video scandal that led to the fining of Coach Josh McDaniels had turned the tide of opinion even more decisively against the young hire. As proof, check out a photo by Westword's Nick Lucche ... More >>

Josh McDaniels, Broncos find a new way to embarrass themselves against St. Louis Rams

Josh McDaniels.​Fresh off a humiliating video scandal, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and his team desperately needed a win at home against the improving but very beatable St. Louis Rams -- and they didn't get one, losing 36-33. Yes, the Broncos made the final score close -- but close wasn't cl ... More >>

Josh McDaniels, Broncos and SF 49ers video scandal: They're even incompetent at cheating

Josh McDaniels.​As if we weren't already embarrassed enough by the 2010 Broncos, now we have the coup de grâce (for now): $50,000 NFL fines imposed on the team and Coach Josh McDaniels for not immediately reporting video recordings made by since-sacked staffer Steve Scarnecchia prior to Denve ... More >>

Denver Broncos 5th most disappointing team in NFL, even though no one thought they'd be good

Josh McDaniels.​The Broncos' recent downturn, capped by an epic choke job versus the San Francisco 49ers, bummed out fans -- but who knew it would also surprise objective observers like Yahoo! Sports' Shane Bacon. In his list of the ten most disappointing NFL teams of 2010, Bacon awards the Br ... More >>

Top 10 ways Josh McDaniels, Denver Broncos choked away London win versus SF 49ers

Josh McDaniels.​After our "Top 10 Ways Josh McDaniels Has Destroyed the Denver Broncos" post last week following the team's 59-14 shellacking by the Oakland Raiders, we hoped there'd be no reason to come up with another critical list today. No such luck. The Broncos' 24-16 collapse against th ... More >>

Josh McDaniels likely to be left in London, 'cause Broncos coach is toast, says ESPN's PTI

Michael Wilbon.​Our top ten list of the ways Josh McDaniels has destroyed the Broncos wasn't meant to be funny. But somehow, Coach McD has become a national laughingstock following Denver's 59-14 loss to the hated Raiders, with ESPN's Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon piling on during yester ... More >>

Kyle Orton, Demaryius Thomas, Broncos slice Seahawks, but will this be as good as 2010 gets?

Demaryius Thomas.​During the Broncos 31-14 trouncing of the Seattle Seahawks yesterday, you could almost hear the entire city of Denver sighing with relief: Aaah, that's more like it! And it was -- particularly in comparison to last week's dispiriting loss to Jacksonville. But there's a very ... More >>

Tim Tebow makes Josh McDaniels's heart flutter like no one since Tom Brady?

What's not to love?​Bloggers in Denver continue to type their fingers to the bone. Here are three pieces that resulted from their toils. At Predominantly Orange, Kim Constantinesco concludes that Josh McDaniels's fondness for Tim Tebow represents his strongest episode of man-love since he enc ... More >>

Tim Tebow draft pick good for Broncos and America, says Focus on the Family

Tim Tebow and his mom, as seen in Focus on the Family's Super Bowl ad.​NFL Nation is divided on whether the Denver Broncos were wise or wack to draft Florida quarterback Tim Tebow in the first round of last night's draft. Example: ESPN's draft coverage juxtaposed an instant poll showing that ... More >>

Stan Kroenke wants to buy all of the St. Louis Rams: What's that mean for the Nuggets and Avalanche?

Just because Stan wants the Rams doesn't mean he's through with Denver.​Stan Kroenke owns 40 percent of the St. Louis Rams football team -- and he reportedly is interested in purchasing the remaining 60 percent. How might such a buy impact Kroenke's Denver sports franchises -- the Denver Nugg ... More >>

Brandon Marshall: ESPN's Herm Edwards and Adam Schefter hype a trade to the 49ers (along with Donovan McNabb!)

"As long as it's not the Raiders..."​Yesterday, ESPN spent much of its NFL Live broadcast touting Herm Edwards' idea for the San Francisco 49ers to go after both Donovan McNabb, to whom the Eagles (inexplicably) seem ready to say goodbye, and the Broncos' Brandon Marshall. Former Bronco Mark ... More >>

Brandon Marshall in Denver Blogs: Is Seattle quietly talking contract with him?

Time to listen between the lines...​Bet a trio of blogs about Denver would brighten your day... Bronco Talk's Ian Henson interprets comments made about Brandon Marshall by Seahawks coach Pete Carroll as evidence that Seattle has been "speaking about a contract with Marshall." Is the end of hi ... More >>

Glory Days

Jon Krakauer will sign copies of his book on NFLer-turned-soldier Pat Tillman.

Denver's Bike Messengers Are a Union Divided

Bike messengers ride fast and they ride alone, which is why an effort to organize them has hit the skids.

The Bite

The yolk's on us.