There’s a lot going on in the Denver sports world this week, from the Broncos’ playoff quest to the Nuggets’ rotation problems to the Rockies’ offseason acquisitions.
In case you’ve been enjoying the holiday spirit, catching up with friends and family, and forgetting about sports for just a bit, here’s what you need to know:
Broncos
I feel really bad for Kapri Bibbs. Just as he seemed to be breaking out, an ankle injury landed him on injured reserve.
I like the addition of Justin Forsett, who is familiar with Gary Kubiak’s system, and he should fit in nicely with Devontae Booker. And don’t forget about C.J. Anderson, who could be back as soon as Christmas night, when the Broncos go to Kansas City to face off against the Chiefs.
As for the upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans, the Broncos’ hopes largely depend on who starts at quarterback. Tennessee will give up yards against the pass, and if Trevor Siemian can play, he might actually have a pretty big game, especially if he plays like he did against Kansas City a few weeks ago.
Conversely, it will be a difficult spot for Paxton Lynch. I’m just not sure that he can lead Denver to a win in a pass-heavy game plan. Expect the running game to struggle, as the Titans are one of the best teams at taking away the run.
The defense will have its hands full, too. The key will be taking away Tennessee’s running game in DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. Likewise, Marcus Mariota is a dangerous quarterback, both with his arm and legs.
Delanie Walker is one of the best tight ends in the league and Mariota’s favorite target. If Brandon Marshall doesn’t play, the team should be in good hands with Corey Nelson, who played a very good game last week.
Keep in mind that Tennessee is coming off a bye, as well. I’ll take Denver with Trevor Siemian 24-23. If Paxton starts, the Broncos will lose.
Rockies
I appreciate the aggressiveness so far in the winter meetings, but it doesn’t all add up.
Ian Desmond is a very good player and should slide into the rotation nicely, but I don’t know if he’s worth the $70 million that Colorado will be paying him.
If you look at Colorado’s lineup, defense and starting rotation, this team is a real contender to make the postseason. The problem, though, is the bullpen, and Colorado has done nothing to improve that yet. The Rockies need to add at least two more good arms in the bullpen to go with what they already have.
I would have liked to have seen Colorado spend their money in this area, but don’t be surprised to see the Rockies trade Charlie Blackmon in order to get bullpen help and infield depth.
Nuggets
Wednesday night at the Brooklyn Nets was the one of the worst efforts by a starting lineup I’ve ever seen. This has been an issue all season long with Denver. For whatever reason, there is absolutely no continuity between anyone on the court at the beginning of games for Denver.
In Brooklyn, the Nuggets opened up both halves by allowing the Nets to score 11 unanswered points. Even with a bench as good as Denver’s, the starters are putting the team in impossible situations to win games.
Michael Malone switched things up last night, putting Jameer Nelson in for the conveniently injured Emmanuel Mudiay and Darrel Arthur in for Kenneth Faried. Mudiay not starting is a start, given his struggles early this season, but the real move that needs to be made is putting in Nikola Jokic for Jusuf Nurkic.
For a team with reasonable playoff expectations to start the season, Denver is making a mess out of this season at 8-15. Given the way the attendance has been at Pepsi Center prior to this road trip, I can only imagine it’s going to get worse if the road trip continues this way. This may just end up being another season where the Nuggets evaluate what they have in order to make future decisions.
There is a ton going on in the Denver sports world. Enjoy the weekend!
To hear more, check out the podcast below …
Catch Weekend Drive with Sean Walsh this Saturday from 5-7p and Sunday from 2p-4p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 or stream live any time for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.
