Are you a fan of the Denver Broncos? Do you live in or around Los Angeles? If so, then you’re in the right place! We’ve proudly raised a Broncos Flag right in the heart of Southern California!
Come join us at Brennan’s Pub in Marina Del Rey for every game! Good food, cheap drinks, big TV’s, and great company!
LABroncoFans!
Join us in person @
Brennan’s Pub
4089 Lincoln Blvd
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Well folks, we have offically entered the dog days of the NFL off-season. The draft is over, and opening day still seems like a distant thought. However, I do have some good news to share with you! Given the smashing success of last year’s trip to Qualcomm, this time around was a no-brainer! The LABroncoFans crew is once again working in conjunction with the fine folks over at OCOrangeCrush.com to bring you “Party Bus 2013″! Tickets are officially on-sale, and flying off the shelves, so don’t snooze!
The Broncos roll into Qualcomm on Sunday, November 10th. And as I previously mentioned, tickets are already on sale! For all the details, as well as the PayPal links, just keep reading! The earlier you buy, the better seats you will get (lower rows, on the aisle), and it will also help us pay down the massive cash deposit we had to drop for these seats and the other games we were forced to buy.
We have a few changes from last year:
First, we were able to get better tickets. We are now in the sideline view level, as opposed to the end-zone view from last year (same level, but between the goal lines with a full view of the field vs. in the end zone with a portion of the field blocked from view, see attached map for more info). Because these are better seats, and because the Chargers are forcing us to take them in a multi (3)-game package, the prices are higher than last year.
Second, a lot of people asked about just hanging out at the tailgate. We now have 2 tailgate options 1) the full tailgate that includes access to the tailgate area, which will be more fenced off this year due to a larger crowd, and access to the catering tent, or 2) a cheaper, tailgate only wristband for just the tailgate area and not the catering tent, so you can hang out with Broncos Fans without having to buy food, and almost as important, be able to find some shade under the tents.
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Just a quick note – proceeds from this event help support our goal of growing the Denver Broncos fan base outside of Colorado. By purchasing from us, you are helping to support the meet-up groups that organize fans to watch the Broncos all around the country. We hope to grow even more and expand these types of events to every Broncos away game, and we really appreciate your support.
Details:
Tickets-
Tickets will be in the View Level on Broncos Sideline, Sections 1-12. See attached map.
Tailgate Wristband-
This wristband gives you access to the tailgate area and helps to pay for the space, tents, tables, chairs, orange table cloths , music, speakers etc.
Catering tent access-
This will provide you access to the Catering Tent. Menu may change, but last year we had: 1/3 Pound Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers, Hearty All Beef Hotdogs, Veggie Burgers, Fresh Buns, Condiment Bar, Classic Coleslaw, Red potato Salad, Zesty BBQ Beans, Crisp tortilla chips and Chunky Salsa Fresca
Charter Bus Transportation- (only 50 spots available, sold out last year)
Reserve a spot on our Charter Bus from Los Angeles to Qualcomm and back, exact time and pick up location to be determined. Last year’s pick up location was Brennan’s in Marina Del Rey, and unless parking becomes an issue, we will probably go from there again.
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2 OPTIONS ON SALE NOW!:
The Transportation Package – $260
Includes:
-1 Broncos View Sideline Ticket, sit with other Broncos Fans
-Round Trip Charter Bus transportation from LA to Qualcomm
-Tailgate Wristband to pre-game with hundreds of Broncos fans with music and shade
-Broncos gifts and giveaways
-Access to the catering tent (Optional +$15)
-Buy Transportation Package Here: Food No Food
The Non-Transportation Package – $210
Includes:
-1 Broncos View Sideline Ticket, sit with other Broncos Fans
-Tailgate Wristband to pre-game with hundreds of Broncos fans with music and shade
-Broncos gifts and giveaways
-Access to the catering tent (Optional +$15)
-Preferred parking passes available for purchase, park your car near the tailgate (Contact us for info)
-Buy Non-Transportation Package Here: Food No Food
Fresh off a first round bye, and sitting alone atop the AFC, the Broncos enter Saturday’s Divisional Round matchup seeking to send Ray Lewis into retirement, leaving his obvoxious pre-game dance as nothing more than a footnote to an otherwise respectable career. Ignoring the fact that I’ve been calling the Super Bowl ours for months now, I’m typically not prone to over-confidence. With that said, I’ve got to side with virtually all the pundits on this one. The Broncos will win Saturday, and they will win big. So let’s take a quick a look at what to watch for:
When the Ravens have the Ball
The Ravens passing game had a respectable showing against the Colts in the wild card round. Anquan Boldin was the main target, ending the game with 5 receptions for 145 yards and 1 TD. But the tape proves it. QB Joe “I-Swear-I-am-an-Elite-Quarterback” Flacco got away with some passes that make Phillip Rivers look like a gamer. And my guess is that, assuming he brings the same exact level of play to Denver, it is going to be long afternoon for Ravens fans. By all accounts, Champ Bailey and the rest of the secondary should have no problem locking down Boldin. And Flacco won’t have the luxury of time in the pocket that he had against the Colts, thanks to Doom and Gloom coming off the ends.
That leaves the Ravens rushing attack as the only remaining question. Ray Rice and company put up 170 on the ground against the Colts. However, coming into the game, the Colts were ranked 29th in the NFL against the Rush. Heading into this matchup, the Broncos are ranked 3rd. Add to that the fact that the Ravens leading rusher (Ray Rice) had two fumbles last week. Assuming he brings those same butterfingers to what looks to be frigidly-cold matchup at Mile High, look for the Broncos to capitalize.
My prediction: The Defense shows up BIG! The Ravens will struggle to move the ball all afternoon, setting up great field position for PFM and company.
Speaking of PFM and company… Continue Reading…
1) Peyton Mannig – “The General”
Let’s cut right to the chase. A team is bigger than one player, even if his name is Peyton Manning. But the fact that his name is Peyton Manning warrants placement at number 1 on this list.
Manning came to Denver in a blockbuster free-agency move that sparked excitement unseen in Bronco Country since the days of Elway and his back-to-back Super Bowls. But the pundits were quick to caution. He’s old. He’s not healthy. His arm isn’t what it used to be. He will never be the quarterback he once was.
The pundits were 3 for 4.
Peyton Manning is playing some of the finest football of his career. The stats don’t lie. But with Manning, it’s bigger than statistics. You’d have a hard time convincing me that Peyton wouldn’t hand the ball off 100 times a game if he thought it would benefit the team. And that’s exactly the point. Manning will always take what the defense gives him. Which is precisely the reason he calls nearly the entire offense from the line of scrimmage. Always has. Always will. One could argue that Broncos Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy has the best gig in the NFL. But that’s a topic for another post.
Manning is playing lights-out! And the offense appears more in-sync with each passing week. This doesn’t just spell trouble for the rest of the AFC west. It spells trouble for the rest of the league.
2) The Culture
Manning’s entrance into free-agency sent media outlets and NFL front offices alike into a tizzy. Predictions and “info from inside sources” were the order of the day. The rumor mill had a number of teams in the running, including the Arizona Cardinals, the Miami Dolphins, the Tennessee Titans, and (of course) the Denver Broncos. But when all the dust settled, Manning chose Denver. Wondering why? I’ll tell you. It’s the culture stupid.
The Broncos haven’t done much of significance since Elway hung up his jersey 12 years ago. We muddled through the Brian Griese years. Jake Plumber showed occasional flashes of brilliance. That is before he disappeared into the woods of Idaho to smoke joints and play professional handball. Then there was Cutler. Meh. McDaniels and Orton, double meh. And Tim Tebow? I think we can all agree that quite a ride, but an anomaly nonetheless.
What’s my point? The Broncos organization, and the fans that adamanttaly back it, never faltered. Mile High Stadium (or Invesco at Mile High, or Sport’s Authority Field, or whatever their calling it nowadays) has sold out every game for decades. There is a sports culture in Denver that not only wants another Super Bowl, they’re demanding it. And if you don’t think that counts for something, then I’m willing to bet you were never an athlete. Every player on that roster knows what the Orange and Blue stands for. And lately, they’ve been playing like it.
3) The Division
A discussion about the Broncos impending Super Bowl run could hardly be taken seriously if we didn’t at least touch on the Broncos path to the playoffs. And that discussion has to start in one place… the AFC west. A division that, at best, could be called “forgiving”.
The Broncos’ biggest threat in the division is the San Diego Chargers. Known by fans and haters alike as a case study in perpetual under-performance. And if there was ever any doubt, their 2nd half meltdown in Prime Time against (you guessed it) the Denver Broncos, was proof positive. Giving up 35 unanswered points, on their way to blowing a 24 point first half lead, at home, on Monday Night Football, in a Divisional matchup… That is the stuff of legend. Enough said.
Bringing up the rear of the division is the Kansas City chiefs, a team that went 9 weeks into the regular season before they ever played a single minute of regulation football with a lead. Remarkable. And just think, if Josh McDaniels would have had his way, Cheifs quarterback Matt Cassel would have become the Broncos’ liability years ago. Could make for an interesting theoretical blog post: “Cassel, McDaniels and the Peter Principle“. But I digress. The Chiefs organization is in a tailspin, and is so engaged in their race to the bottom with the Oakland Raiders that they appear to have forgotten that this league is actually about winning.
Speaking of the Radiers… What can I say about them that hasn’t been said already. They haven’t been any good since the days of Bo Jackson. And Bo Jackson is old. The Al Davis era is over. And in the absence of a leader who not only accepted dirty play and a bad reputation, but who embraced them, Raider nation appears to be nothing if not confused and inconsequential.
The AFC West Title is an absolute lock for the Broncos. No sense in spilling any more ink over it. Continue Reading…
The Denver Broncos dropped the hammer on Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers today! As you all probably know, the Von Miller sack dance has become the talk of the town. And rightfully so in my opinion. Some of them have been outright hilarious! But I think this one takes the cake. Watch him after the safety of Cam Newton…. legendary!
This one was a real gem too! Von Miller a la Superman!
What a great day to be a Denver Broncos fan! If the Denver Broncos can up this pace on the Defensive side of the ball we could spell real trouble for opposing teams in the playoffs!
I gathered from Peyton Manning’s body language on the sidelines that he was pissed we didn’t put more points on the offensive side of the ball. But the beautiful thing is that we didn’t need to.
The Broncos are looking strong in all facets of the game. And although the offense held their own, today it was all about the “D”! Hats off to Von Miller and Tony Carter in particular! Great stuff out there!
Go get ‘em!
JG
We’re back on the wagon with 7 things to ponder about the Broncos, the Panthers and most importantly how the Broncos match-up with the Panthers.
1) Never Get Involved in a Land War in Asia
Call me paranoid, but pondering the matchup of Charles Johnson vs. Orlando Franklin scares me. The Panthers like to be weirdoes and put their best pass rusher on the left side. Most teams put their pass rushing stud on the right side in order to take advantage of the quarterback’s blindside. Offenses put their best pass blocker there and that’s usually the end of the chess match. I’m surprised more teams haven’t tried flipping their best pass rushers to target Orlando and circumvent Ryan Clady, who according to ProFootballFocus.com is currently the best rated pass protector in the NFL. Should a defense put their passing-game-poison where it’s traditionally placed and hope for the best, or arrange a more confounding alignment? It’s a bit like the Iocaine Powder scene in The Princess Bride.
At any rate, this matchup is going to happen, and that’s scary, because according to the very same ProFootballFocus.com, Charles Johnson is the top rated pass rusher in the NFL. The best strategy the Broncos can use in this situation is to have spent the last few years building up immunity against Iocaine Powder, which I’m using as a metaphor for Peyton Manning’s quick release.
2) Tracey Porter May Never Come Back, and that’s OK
I’m no doctor, but when you have pre-cursor symptoms for a seizure for 3-4 weeks in a row, I don’t think you should be playing football. I say this because when I was young and playing, I’m pretty sure I sustained a minor concussion on every offensive play that involved me blocking. I was a good tackler though.
More importantly though, Porter is out again for the Panthers matchup, but worry not. Tony Carter has stepped up and made the Broncos not just solid, but better at the cornerback position. This came out of nowhere since he was being regularly toasted for most of the preseason. He is the Broncos third cornerback, but not the nickel back. His elite speed makes him better suited for the outside, which allows Chris Harris to continue his (dare I ponder it?) Pro Bowl-caliber play in the slot. The Panthers don’t have a threatening third option at wide receiver (take your pick between Raiders cast-off Louis Murphy and Armanti Edwards) so look for the majority of Cam Newton’s passes to go to his tight ends and running backs.
Get well, Tracy Porter, but don’t rush it.
3) Tight End Coverage
Previously, I pondered how the Broncos would handle the tight ends who present matchup nightmares. Against the Chargers and Antonio Gates, the Broncos experimented with a “big nickel” package, using three safeties at a time. Mike Adams and Jim Leonhard both took turns in coverage. Lately, Danny Trevathan has been seeing time beside Wesley Woodyard in a more traditional nickel package. Trevathan is very fast for a linebacker, but not very tall, which is something to worry about when he’s covering 6’7” tight ends.
The Broncos dodged Jimmy Graham (who wasn’t at full health) but Cincinnati’s Jermaine Gresham made them look bad. The Panthers have Greg Olsen, who isn’t the most intimidating pass catcher, but is good enough to cause problems. I don’t think Jack Del Rio has solved the tight end riddle (and frankly, nobody has when it comes to refrigerator-sized sprinting behemoths) so keep a close eye on how the Broncos handle a more handleable tight end. Continue Reading…
With a slew of savvy free agent signings that mostly had 31 other NFL front offices scratching their heads, these risky moves have paid off handsomely on both sides of the ball. Most notably, quarterback Peyton Manning has been just about everything fans could have hoped for when Broncos EVP of Football Operations John Elway convinced him to come to Denver in March. Manning’s resurgence from multiple neck surgeries to amass 2,113 passing yards and 17 touchdown passes against only four interceptions in just seven games has helped to reinsert the Broncos into the discussion of the NFL’s elite teams.
In addition to the future Hall-of-Fame signal caller, the Broncos made a series of free-agent signing that raised more than a few eyebrows in that these acquisitions defied critics’ notions that they were “old, had, and spent.”
Linebacker Keith Brooking brought a wealth of experience from his 15 years in the NFL, and wound up replacing Joe Mays as the team’s starting MLB.
Brandon Stokley was essentially retired when he joined Denver on the heels of Manning’s signing. These two players share great chemistry from their years together in Indianapolis. Stokley has provided the Broncos with a reliable veteran presence, and has scored 3 TDs in a reserve role.
Safety Jim Leonhard was coming off back-to-back season-ending injuries, and was initially brought in to help out on special teams. He needed time in the preseason to recover from a torn patellar tendon suffered late last year, but the Broncos were patient. Now, Leonhard has rewarded them with steady coverage on defense, including a key interception against the San Diego Chargers in their miraculous 24-point comeback win on Monday Night in Week 6. Continue Reading…
Fresh off a bye-week, and following one of the most memorable come-from-behind victories in Monday Night Football history, the Broncos get ready to square up with the somewhat-resurgent Saints in a Sunday night shootout (pardon the excessive alliteration, it just came out that way).
Who’s ready for a shootout?
The last time Drew Brees and Peyton Manning met was in Super Bowl XLIV (that’s 44 for the not-so-Roman-numerically-inclined) in which Porter (ironically) sealed the fate of the game for the Saints, allowing Brees to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Regrettably, for Bronco fans and Porter alike, Tracy may miss the chance to play against his former team due to lingering symptoms from a seizure he suffered in August.
Most of the analysts are predicting a high scoring game, and I’d venture to say that’s a safe bet. The Broncos, who haven’t lost a game to the Saints since ’94, are carrying a ton of momentum into this prime time showdown. And you can be sure that their recent bye-week was not spent in vein. Especially when it comes Manning and the receiving core, who are looking to have a huge game against the Saints meager pass defense, ranked 30th in the NFL allowing over 300 yards per game in the air. In another promising indicator for the Broncos, the Saints are ranked even worse against the run, 31st overall, allowing over 160 per game on the ground. If the Broncos can play half as good in the first half as they’ve been playing in the second half (still with me?), I’m looking for 50+ on the scoreboard! Continue Reading…
At the time of this posting, we are less than 48 hours away from kickoff in San Diego! We are so excited for the trip to Qualcomm! We have really worked hard to make sure this will be an enjoyable event for everyone! We wanted to cover a few last minute details If you are joining us for the event, just click the ‘Continue Reading’ link for the scoop! Continue Reading…
This is a special 7up, because this week, I’ll be in attendance! I’m taking work off on Monday, hopping on a bus in Marina del Rey, CA and heading down to San Diego to tailgate with OC Orange Crush and LA Broncos Fans. How cool is that? And now, seven things to ponder…
1) What T-Shirt Should I Wear?
Last time I went to San Diego to catch a Chargers game, I wore my D.J. Williams #55 jersey and my car got towed, so obviously, that is out. I do have a bootleg Broncos vs. Chargers shirt that I bought for $5 at Qualcomm after the Broncos beat the Chargers in 2009. It’s a nice, sarcastic dig, but it’s also a powder-blue Chargery color. I ordered a brand new orange Broncos shirt with a BCA ribbon on the sleeve, but it might not arrive in time. Other potentials include:
This is probably the most important pondering I’ll do all week.
2) More is Wes
It’s no secret that the Broncos got shredded by the Patriots short passing game in the first half of last week’s game and that put the game out of reach. Even worse, it’s all on tape for the Chargers to see. The Patriots unleashed a fancy new one-word no-huddle attack which gave the Broncos no time for substitutions and trapped Joe Mays on the field and Chris Harris on Wes Welker. Both were mismatches. When Wesley Woodyard got on the field, the intermediate passing game calmed down (a little). The Chargers are probably going to try the same thing, so why not just start Woodyard or Keith Brooking? Unless teams are trying to run clock, Mays isn’t in our top three linebackers.
3) Time of Possession
Time of possession is kind of a stupid stat. If you’re scoring points, you’re losing possession, right? Peyton has never been particularly good at time of possession as the Colts ran (what used to be the fastest version of) the no huddle and passed frequently. That being said, it’s becoming a problem.
The Broncos defensive line depth isn’t helping as much as I thought it would and they got utterly dominated by the Patriots. The Chargers line isn’t as good, but if they’re running 97 plays they’ll tire out the Broncos front. Yes, the Patriots ran 97 plays last week. Luckily, I don’t think that Norv Turner is a good enough coach to install Patriots-level discipline on offense, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Philip Rivers (Boo! Hiss!) try to take over the game the way Tom Brady did. Continue Reading…
It’s Week 5! Pondering time. Here’s (all hail number) seven things to think about against the New England Patriots.
1) Identify and Exploit
A good way to win at football is to figure out where the other team is weak and exploit it. It is not something we ever saw the Broncos do under Josh McDaniels. In a heart-warming display, the Broncos actually tried this technique on Sunday against the Raiders. A good example of weakness is the Raiders imbalance at the offensive tackle position. On the left side, Jared Veldeheer is an up and coming star blocker. On the right, Willie Smith is, in the paraphrased words of Dante from Clerks, “Not even supposed to be [there].” An injury to Khalif Barnes put him in the lineup. The Broncos flipped Elvis Dumervil to the left side so he could face Smith and the proof ended up in the pudding: two sacks and five additional pressures (according to Pro Football Focus.) This flexibility will be important against a Patriots team with far less glaring flaws.
2) Lockdown Time
Another place where the Raiders are terrible is in their receiving core. Dennis Allen walked into a situation marred by lame-brained drafting based on old-timey vertical philosophies and then had the most talented receiver of the bunch, Darrius Heyward-Bey get his bell epically rung by Ryan Mundy.
This allowed the Broncos to play man coverage and blitz at will for almost the entire game. There was only one scare, which came in the 2nd quarter when Denarius Moore beat Tracy Porter deep, but Carson Palmer missed the throw and the rest is history.
This won’t work against the Patriots, who probably have the best receiving corps in the league and could possibly even be getting Aaron Hernandez back this week.
3) Belichick’s Alchemy in the Secondary
As the Broncos thrived with blitzes and man coverage, the Raiders floundered. Part of that was Peyton Manning, but another part is that the Raiders DBs are not suited to such a scheme. Mostly because they suck.
The Patriots aren’t the best defense in the league (and they don’t have to be), but they have a weird mix of young talent in the secondary and Bill Belichick seems to know how to mix the talent. Devin McCourty suffered a noticeable sophomore slump being asked to play press-man coverage in 2011, but is rebounding in a 2012 season where he’s staying off the line of scrimmage. His interception helped turn last week’s game against the Bills into a rout.
Another player to watch is rookie safety Tavon Wilson. The Patriots blew minds by taking him in the second round because his skills didn’t seem to fit any traditional position. I think Belichick valued that, as his skills are suited towards covering all the untraditionally athletic tight ends that the league is stocking up on. I’ll be interested to see what effect he has on Joel Dreessen and Jacob Tamme. Continue Reading…
