and we are live let everyone come on into the stream for just a second and we go Broncos Country here we are Wednesday September 4th it's taking all offseason to get here all winter all Spring right a lot of buildup to the draft and then we had to endure training camp we had to get through the preseason hot damn Thomas Hall it is here NFL regular season week number one Broncos versus Seahawks this Sunday we got a couple of new stories to get to today Broncos country but before we do I'm Luke Patterson joining with me as always Thomas Hall Tom what's going on baby how we feeling feeling good man like I said I keep saying I'm I'm sad that Summer's over but now the football season's here I'm I'm excited for a new chapter of the Broncos uh you know stored history and we'll see how this but so far it's uh you know my I'm a little bit more hopeful than I was in the offseason that's well you're you're a lot more hopeful today because last night checked it's a pretty damn good day here in Denver Colorado uh the Denver Broncos have dominated the news cycle especially today and uh wake up get out of bed I'm thinking about riding a pater tan right I'm getting my my dust off my keyboard I'm writing again stay tuned for my keys to Victory this week and I'm thinking okay going go Pat San DK metf Pat San Tyler Lockett we're going to start previewing what we're going to see Sunday nope the Denver Broncos come out and announce they have reached a contract extension an agreement with Pat ceran on a 4year $96 million extension 77.5 million guaranteed it was first reported by Adam schfer this makes Pastor tan the highest paid defensive back in NFL history Tom what's your gut reaction well he's earned the money I mean he's one of the best if not the best cornerback in the NFL it's a premium position you pay those those type of players keep them around so he's he's earned it and I mean deserve deserving that payday um and now we just got to see where the rest of the team kind of falls into place I mean it's somebody that you can build around I mean you don't want your focal point to be a cornerback on your team obviously there's other positions but it's a you know he's it's a premium position Elite player that's the guy that you have to keep and see how you can uh how this team can be built to kind of fill out the rest of the roster with some more elite players I feel relieved because anytime you can lock up an elite player that's good business anytime you can do it before week one it's even better business and uh you look at this this move this 77 7.5 million guaranteed $96 million extension for PS2 uh it resets the cornerback Market Tom I mean something you've been talking about all offseason it makes him the highest paid quarterback on a perear basis at 24 million roughly and then you get that second tier with a Jer Alexander at 21 mil AJ Terell 20.5 Denzel Ward Jaylen Ramsey around 20 um yeah PS2 got paid and with getting paid with getting that bag come a lot of expectations I need to see more interceptions from Pat San II I hope to see that starting in Seattle this Sunday David Papa Bear starting us off with a very generous $10 super over on YouTube thank you so much David I love that Bronco orange we're rocking good evening Broncos Country Luke Tom and Deacon Scott calling a shot has2 and5 buckham Denver Broncos for Life Nicks nixing to get interesting congratulations to PS2 on the new contract yeah man this is something like I said just a second ago this is a relief you want to get take care of your business so that way you can think about football paler tan doesn't have to worry about requesting a trade kicking rocks out of Denver uh having a a blank match if you will with Shawn pyton no he got paid he's here he's connected now he was in his fourth year of a five-year rookie contract he had 19.9 million guaranteed with that fifth-year option next year he was only set to make about 3.53 mil this year Tom he backed up the Brinks truck today if you're Pastor tan how are you feeling week one heading into Seattle for a road game yeah I think I mean like I said it's it's great to lock him up you that there's not going to be any worry about it this season you know you you get all your distractions are kind of gone you know go out and play go out there and show the NFL you're the best cornerback in the league you know my only and we've talked about it and my only uh my only concern is I feel like Vance Joseph has failed some of the players that he's had that to you know to put them in the right position so I'm hoping that the scheme is better I'm hoping that Patrick ceran is you know playing at the optimal level based on where where he's being placed in the defense and everything else so uh but I mean even even so he's still he's so dang good like even if he's not he's still playing at a high level boom a good day for tan locked up 77.5 mil guaranteed just like our guy Michael Rano is always guaranteed to be here every Wednesday night on mhi sending some love over on Facebook thank you Michael good evening Thomas and Luke on the mile high insiders bow time B leave God bless B Knicks and Gobo Broncos that is what's up Michael not only a good day for Pat certan who locked up the bag right isn't that what the grab the bag or he is him I don't know what all the kids are saying these days but uh whatever your yeah whatever your guilty pleasure is Pastor Tan's taking Victory laps all over Denver Colorado tonight um it was also interesting Pat Shan was named team captain shocker but Bo Nicks Michael Rano is on to something here Bo Knicks continues to make history before a single snap of the regular season Tom as you know Bo Nicks named a team captain the first team captain as a rookie for the Broncos since some guy named Floyd little it's it was interesting it's a bit of a surprise to me um what it surpr as a rookie it was a bit of a surprise so I mean there wasn't a lot of other like real leader options so I get it but it was a surprise to see him the the captain already as a rookie without ever played an NFL down for real I mean preseason he was he was good played well you know for a rookie but yeah I was a surp I was surprised tells me almost instantly this team is bought in to whatever Shawn pton is selling I don't know what Vance Joseph's doing here Tom you and I are going to continue to wonder that for the entire season here or who knows maybe not the entire season depending on how things go your Vance Joseph Pastor tan just got locked down you have no excuse not to succeed in the defensive backfield you're Shawn Payton your first round rookie quarterback the first rookie to start the regular season since John Elway the first ever first round Broncos rookie to start I I mean there's some history to be made there but here's why the team captain thing doesn't surprise me and why I think it's significant I would hope Michael and Tom and Scott I hope you would all agree Shawn pyton has has pretty much tested Bon Knicks as much as he can in the off season as much as he can in training camp and as much as he can in the preseason Bo Knicks has gone check check and check on all three of those things the captain deal that's voted on by the players this wasn't Sean just saying here you go Bo here's the C this same day I named your quarterback one two weeks ago no that's not the case you're seeing some veteran players there's not a ton of them right there's maybe five or 10 on this team but that's your core nucleus what does it look like the locker room after Justin Simmons what does it look like without a Josie Jewel there what's it look like without Jerry Judy I mean different faces in the locker room I for one am relieved again that word relief I'm relieved PS2 was locked up today Tom and I am relieved that the Broncos quarterback room finally has an Undisputed leader yeah and he earned it I mean he wasn't just a lot of the first round rookies they just get handed the keys say go it's your job to lose Caleb Williams yeah well you that's just the way it is but he you know Shawn Payton was enamored with Jarrett stum for some reason he paid extra money to bring him in last year and he basically said you you got to go out there and fight for the job and and B knck did and won I mean he in my mind he beat Jared Sid pretty handily it wasn't one of those things where it was really close let's give to the rookie I mean he He just flat out outplayed him and on top of it he seemed professional he talked well you know he seems like a leader so I get the whole point of it all it's still to me without ever having you know out there on the field in the in the regular season it seemed it seemed early but I mean I don't I'm not there in the locker room I don't hear everything that goes on so he obviously earned that as well when the when the other players are voting for him so I think he's earned his stripes so far now he just needs to go out there in the regular season and keep earning those boom earning his stripes if you want to read Tom's prediction revealing takes maybe a glimpse back in history on what we can expect out of a Broncos first round rookie quarterback head on over to mhigh hudle.com Tom released an article a couple days ago predicting Broncos quarterback Bo Nick's rookie stats based on historical analytics I would encourage everybody to go take a read over at Mile High huddle.com yeah big day I mean other team captains right we're talking about Pastor tan he got paid today got named team captain Bo Nicks earned that right for team captain amongst his teammates then cland Sutton has been named a team Captain Tom for the fourth consecutive season it was about a month ago maybe two months ago I was on record saying I don't know if courtland's going to be here he's doing this kind of hold out slh hold in thing you said cool your jets Luke he's gonna be here Bo's gonna need him that's just the case fourth consecutive season Courtland Sutton as a team captain and then you got some guy Right Guard Quinn Miners is officially a leader a team captain as voted by his peers Tom you look back on the what the 2021 draft 2020 2021 draft and that saved George Peyton's job today I I think when you're looking at it right when you're looking at a pat certan who got that extension and team captain you look at Quinn Miners who got an extension a couple weeks ago team captain if you're a baron Browning or a Jonathan Cooper isn't the formula right in front of your face let's go get sacks and let's go get paid by the Denver Broncos well that's the key they need to perform this year they really do if they want to get paid the big bucks and and the Broncos need that 100% that's of the two things that worry me about this team is the Ed one is The Edge rushing uh you know they they have not I'm not I'm not trying to knock them I think Jonathan Cooper's performed admirably you know with his story and everything that's happened but there there's not an Elite Talent that has popped and so if they want to get paid if Baron Browning wants to get paid first he has to stay healthy and number two he's got to go get some good sack numbers he has to and Jonathan Cooper the same thing and if they you know if they want to follow in the footsteps of some of their draft mates they're they're gonna have to do something uh something fairly big this season because if they don't I think well one they already drafted Jonah Ellis who's who looks like he's might very well be you know the future at one of the edge rushing spots and they may go ahead and go back to the draft for another one if they can't get what they're really looking for in that edge Rush group well and here's the thing you've got the coverage in pass R tan all right you've got the coverage you need a pass rush what you need okay like I'm excited to see Riley Moss Riley Moss is going to get beat okay that's just the way it is there's GNA be some growing pains in this league hell Pastor tan gets beat I'm still complaining he doesn't get enough interceptions uh look I'm happy to have a franchise cornerback I'm hoping the Broncos can hit on a franchise quarterback with Bo Knicks here's the thing that I really really like about Bo Knicks so far he seems like he's all about the work but he's not too stubborn to recognize the moment today he he was asked what's it mean to you and he's like look this is a big deal I want to live up to it this means a lot to me it means a lot to him because his teammates voted for him that is the that's the type of answer that's the type of I don't know speak from a team guy not a me guy not the same guy who has his quarterback coach in the office right a jake heaps not the same team Three Bs this is refreshing to see a young man come in earn the work earn the opportunity and then at least earn the right to lead his his teammates he's going to stumble he's going to have rookie Growing Pains as well but I think this says a lot about B Nicks now does it mean the Broncos are going to have a winning record I don't know that's for up to up for you to decide and time will ultimately tell Tom I do want to get into our season predictions at least towards the end of the show something I teased last week I went through the schedule today very meticulously right I got all my wins and losses on this very paper some are scratched out and you know they're subject to change if you will how are you feeling just days away it's Wednesday September 4th the Broncos fly out to Seattle real soon how we feeling about the Broncos as heavy dogs on the road against the Seattle Seahawks well I mean that's it it's not I guess it's not a surprise I mean people are predicting that the Broncos aren't going to be very good this year so I mean they're going to come out week one they're going to be an underdog now depending on how they perform in Seattle that may change for week to for sure but I mean they're looking at the roster they're looking at you know rookies young people they don't know what to expect nobody really does we don't know how well B Knick is going to play once once it's regular season we don't know how some of these young guys that have taken over for you know veterans that were here for a while we don't know how they're going to play I I will say this I am much more optimistic now than I was in the off season um I don't know if they're going to be able to go in and beat Seattle but I mean I don't think Seattle is a a formidable team by any means so no I'm feeling pretty good but again we need to see how this plays out on the first couple of weeks before you know I'm like G to be rah rah go you know they're going to be awesome this year because I want to see I gotta Te You Gotta test the waters first I mean let's see what you can do in the first couple weeks no no way you got to Dive Right In This is the direction that we're going and we're going with B Tom I mean really there's no going backwards there's no dipping your toe in the water with B and then bringing that foot back in on the land and sticking out Jared stum who by the way I'm bumping around the mile high city today I got the radio on I'm listening to my guy ZB and Zach said uh something that almost made me Veer off the road Tom he said two the Broncos have two of the top paid backup quarterbacks in the NFL in one Jarrett stum and Zack Wilson Jarrett stum was officially named the number two quarterback if you will today at least per Mike kiss and the Broncos um this is Bose's chance I don't think the moment's going to be too big for him against the Seattle Seahawks but let's be real when we're talking about Seattle Seattle's got some some ground over Denver right we never forget about Super Bowl we never forget about Russell Wilson going back Broncos losing 17 to6 September 12 2022 here are some other facts for you the Denver Broncos and the 2023 Seattle Seahawks they were only a game off Denver finished eight- n Seattle finished 9 and8 both teams missed the playoffs Seattle for all intensive purposes has been a more successful franchise as of late since 2015 no doubt about that but I've got some concerns with the Seattle head coach Mike McDonald this man used to spend a ton of time in Baltimore he came up there defensive coordinator linebacker coach DB coach spent a cup of coffee as the DC with Michigan he's a Hardball Guy Tom he has never coached a football team as the head coach not in high school not in Middle School not in college not in the NFL this is a lot different than just calling defensive plays one of my keys to Victory going to be coming out of migh huddle.com this is Shawn Payton's moment right now you should be able to out coach a guy who has never done this job period Shawn pton has been coaching in this league since 2006 he had to knock some rust off because maybe couple rules slipped past him last season he even admitted it right but hopefully we have a little bit more trust in our coaching staff hopefully we aren't overpreparing but this is a moment where if you're Shawn Payton you should represent poison patience at least with those pelts that you've had on the wall I'm I'm talking about challenges time management the new kickoff rules there shouldn't be a detail that is missed by Shawn Payton and if there is there should be held to pay because this is Shawn's team If Shawn can't have his team ready I don't care if it's on week one on the road in one of the loudest stadiums of the NFL Shawn Payton should be able to out coach Mike McDonald for four quarters of football period yeah you're right he should he definitely should and and I'll put on top of that I I don't I'm still not a big believer in Gino Smith okay I mean I know he had comeback player of the year and he wowed everybody for a little bit but he started to come back down to earth it's a new you know P Carrol's gone new system I'm not I mean I'm not trying to sit here and say that Seattle's gonna be you know a tough team to go out there and beat I mean they they play harder in Seattle but their defense isn't what it used to be you know there's a lot of flaws in that team so from from my perspective the Broncos can win I just don't know if they will win because we still don't know a lot about this team yet because it is it is completely changed from the most part new quarterback you know new defensive players a lot of the veterans are gone I just you know there's some questions so it will be an interesting game to watch to just just to see what the rest of the season will look like for the Broncos it's going to be a lot like college football I think in the fact where you have some offenses that are going to score some points and then defenses that just allow it to happen and I lean back on who the DC is for the Denver Broncos and you start to look at it the Denver defense allowed sixth most points last season well Seattle was right there at eth okay so the Seattle and Denver defenses both have some rebuilding to do Phil mlin weighing in on Facebook what is up filthy Phil good evening Thomas Luke and Deacon Scott we're going to gain a 100 yards rushing and Bo's gonna throw for two touchdowns this Sunday buckham mhh for Life two touchdowns from Bo Knicks well we got to give one of those to cland Sutton I think right I'm going on Phil's Phil's uh suggestion here or prediction if Bo Knicks is tossing touchdowns courland Sutton's catching one of them Tom who catches the other it's got to be Marvin M he's got to he's got to break loose and and make something happen you know on one of the shorter throws I think that I really think that in order to help bow Knicks out the receivers have to do more with the ball in their hands uh than they did last year for my my perspective B's gonna get the ball out quickly uh they're you know that's it's a timing offense you need to have Marvin Mims out there being his elusive self to show the speed and and take one to the house you know from a distance not it doesn't have to be a 80 yard 80 yard run or anything but it can't be uh I just you got to see you got to see his Elite playmaking skills out there and I think he has to he has to take one of those two to the house I agree and Phil I hope you're I hope you're wrong about the 100 yards rushing I hope they get more I hope that the Broncos can commit to the running game Shawn Payton commit to the running game I know you want to air it out you got this new toy it's all shiny and ready to go just out of the box but damn it I need you to just take care of that toy a little bit let's play with it at times not every single down javante Williams this is going to be a huge game for you can you regain your Angry Run form from two years ago Quinn Miners is gonna be doing his damnest to make sure that can happen uh Luke wattenberg Ben Powers man you guys got some issues you got a a problem you gotta deal with his name is Leonard Williams keep an eye on that one of my keys over at my high hudle.com no I'm excited Phil just like just like you are Tom's excited Scott's excited we're all excited uh why because pater Tan's going to be here forever we found that out today when pater tan locked down a foryear 96 million contract extension becomes the highest paid defensive back in NFL history resetting the cornerback markets uh bo Knicks named team captain alongside Pat certan today and then you also have Quinn Miners courland Sutton named team captain for a fourth consecutive year uh Alex Singleton as the captain as your linebacker and kicker will Lutz rounds out your special teams the captains are Set uh the contract is set at least for Pat ceran Tom I'm excited man I am excited for Broncos versus Seahawks it's going to be tough playing on the road that damn 12th man there's not going to be a ton of orange up there in Seattle you'll see little little specs of it here and there call me crazy the Vegas guys know something I don't I think this is a very winnable game for the Denver Broncos we save our ultimate predictions for Friday you can read about them over at migh huddle.com but uh what Sixpoint dogs I think right now for for the Broncos maybe this just the internal Optimist in me and I should go back Tom maybe have you ever done this have you ever gone back to look at your week one predictions from like four years ago or in a row because I would probably pick the Broncos to win just about every opening game whether it be at home or on the road but damn it we finally have a first round quarterback our Corner isn't going anywhere that's enough to get me excited dude mute is Tom muted you should be excited not about me on mute but definitely be excited about the Broncos because from what we've seen so far B Knicks looks like the real deal now again we've got to keep prefacing it with we've never seen him in a regular season but he has done everything so far to win the starting job show earn respect of the team and the coaches and hope hopefully the fans along with it so I think that's a reason to be excited the second reason to be excited is it's a young team now right this team is poised for the future now I know they're probably going to go out and spend some money in free agency when they have it bring in some vets to kind of round out a a younger team but this is what we have wanted the Broncos do to do for a while and they keep they kept putting back bandages on it piecing things together hoping to win coaches weren't doing what they needed to do they kind of failed all that never worked out but now they finally they finally did it they got younger they got a first round QB uh and they locked up their their two stars their two studs on this team and the future looks Bright Now that may not be this year they still got a lot to do but there's a reasons to be excited and I think go you know going into Seattle I know I everybody like oh Vegas has the M Vegas the odds of Vegas is just based on who's betting they don't want to lose too much money that's why they move the odd so if if the it's a public opinion poll is what it is a lot of people think that the Seahawks are going to win that's why they're are that big of an underdogs but you know from what I've seen in in preseason what how I've seen this team play and and how hungry a lot of these young guys are I wouldn't put them out of the Seattle Seahawks game even on the road no it's a new era for both teams when you really look at it I mean the Broncos are are getting their first year with a new quarterback in BO Knicks the Seattle Seahawks are trying to figure out life post Pete Carroll let's not forget that I'm coming in here and I'm making fun of Mike McDonald for never being a head coach in any level doesn't mean he won't have success but it's a concern and it's a concern for their fan base as well and doing some film study I'm looking into it uh this is a cat that loves 34 under three over I mean like he's gon to have a variety of stunts and I guess you get to do that when you've got Leonard Williams and a lot of different looks on where you want to put him and your defense but I expect Shawn Payton to have his offense prepared that's not to say there won't be ugly moments that's not to say that the running game will always be effective hell Bo might even throw a couple interceptions it's going to happen but that's just it it's time for something different and I can't wait to see it just like our guy David yonan can't wait to see him every Wednesday night here on mhi generous 499 over on YouTube Young Team new quarterback looking forward to seeing if Bo is the future and seeing what the rookies look like Tom obviously everybody is so focused hyperfocused on quarterback Bo Nicks what other rookies could get into the mix against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday that maybe Broncos Country isn't thinking about maybe the media is overlooking 2024 draft class or undrafted free agents who do you expect to uh get some playing time yeah I mean I I'm looking forward to the rookies too I'm actually looking forward to seeing the second year players I'll get into that in a little bit as far as rookies answer your question I'm actually hoping to see uh Jona Ellis come into the rotation and create some noise that's the first guy I'm G to be looking for because of how how he's played he's he's already exceeded my expectations so far in preseason because I thought he was a little rough around the edges and may need a little bit of time to develop but man he came out and played really well now preseason I know everybody I I keep trying to say that we got a make sure that we know it's preseason but he he definitely impressed me and they're going to need him in the rotation right they they should at least you know put him out there to rotate in and out with some of the other Edge rushers it's just keep them fresh um I hope I hope he's not inactive I hope they I hope they actually make him active and put him into the rotation that that would be the first guy that comes to mind as a rookie besides B Knicks of course yeah I completely agree with you and that's a realistic sighting we need to see some QB pressures you know we need to see some sacks you've got the defensive backfield locked up now you are going to miss Justin a little bit Scott have fun with what's his new number by the way in Atlanta right wasn't 31 already taken maybe yeah 31's already taken okay we don't know but no I I wish Justin could have been back it doesn't kill me that he's not but a little jealous that Scott gets to enjoy him out there in Atlanta he was that Ball Hawk uh safety he did lock 31 for Atlanta so what what are the new safeties going to look like for the Denver Broncos you have to consider that pass rush as a suppl Al piece to Vance Joseph's defense the problem Vance Joseph doesn't have a lot of pass rushers historically he had TJ What JJ Watt he's kind of an anomaly when you look at it um but what about some of these D Lin Zach Allen can can we arrive in the regular season you dominate training camp every single summer I mean we need to get a little bit of a push let's see and uh Phil coming right back in man appreciate you very busy on on Facebook Phil mlin other than quarterback who will be be the standout players on each side of the ball this is one that really excites me Phil and and not a lot of people I think care that much but I can't wait to see what Quinn Miners looks like after he's been paid this is a humble man coming from a division three school that taught himself a new position I know he didn't have to play that position in the NFL he's over at Right Guard I think this Broncos offensive line has something to prove Mike mcglinchy has something to prove that right side of the offensive line has something to prove I'm hoping to see some Road grading dominance from Quinn Miners big number 77 at Right Guard why because that means that Shawn Payton will be more apt to run the ball instead of throwing it every single time working out a Shotgun If the big guys are eaten up front that is good news for your Denver Broncos offense it's even better news for your defense y here's where I worry Phil will sea Payton be patient enough with the running game to allow it to get going you're not necessarily going to come out in the first quarter assuming you get the ball first and you're just going to punch it in 10 20 30 10 yard runs every single go it's not going to happen you're gonna have to be willing to accept a one- yard loss A two- yard gain you've got to set it up that's how you ultimately get bow Knicks into a type of situation he's prepared for he's comfortable in and this isn't the first time big cat's been in the Pacific Northwest I'm looking forward to it yeah for me I'm I'm going to go with the running game too and I it's more of a I hope is a standout player not really predicting but I really hope javante Williams is a standout player one because that means the running game is working and two it's it's a big step for him he struggled last year you know he struggled before training camp you know people thought man he may not even be on this team I want to see him go out there and look like javante Williams before his injury you know and go out there and really play well so for me I I I'm not going to it's not a prediction I really hope he's a standout player for a those those two reasons that I laid out because you know he was an exciting player and if he's rolling people are loving it you know so yeah well let's talk on defense a little bit too I mean there's a lot of offense to watch Jonathan Franklin miners Myers has been one of our favorite additions I'll be honest Tom I didn't know a lot about him before he was signed by the Broncos right I'm like oh okay that's nice the Broncos need a defensive end they need a defensive tackle he seems aggressive he seems smart athletic and he understands Leverage are the four things on my notes when I go back and I look at some of his early film as a Bronco and I know there's not a lot out there right with training camp and preseason and um all that sort of stuff look Jonathan Franklin miners Myers has to set a tone whether he's on the edge whether he's on the inside DJ Jones Malcolm roach what are you guys going to do on the defensive line Thomas you damn well know A team's identity really stems from the offensive and the defensive line big guys get the team hum or they get the team buming yeah and and you can't have a repeat of last year where teams just kind of steamrolled the Broncos in the running game they they just can't I mean you can't you can't make bone Knicks go out there and win this game so you have to really stop the run you can't let Seattle take uh you know just take over with the running attack and you know be the big beefy guys up front that you need them to be and really stop the run and make Gino Smith go out there and beat you that's what I want to see and you know start yeah Franklin Myers roach it's all all these guys that you just named have to be on their game I don't I mean Kenneth Walker's a big back he's a big back Tom as you know 5 foot 10 25 pounds he's not just going to lay down for you he knows this Broncos defense is susceptible to the Run we've talked about it and that secret that's out The League saw that after Miami last year I mean this could be a game if Vance Joseph doesn't have his defensive line linebackers ready to go could we see Kenneth Walker run for 175 yards and two touchdowns against the Broncos if so that's an L yeah well and I mean I think that they're improved I was worried about it uh when they when they went out and got Jonathan Franklin Myers and got Malcolm roach who's you know was a kind of a rotational player but from what I've seen they've improved that line I mean Mike prell I liked him you know early on but he he's pretty much you know he's kind of worn out his NFL body I think he wasn't as super as effective last year as he could have been Jonathan Harris definitely wasn't he should you know he's a rotational player at best not a starter so I think they improve that defensive line so I think you're going to see a better performance against the run this year even though they don't seem as beefier right I mean Meyers roach they aren't these big like space eaters but they play they play better with better leverage and that's important yeah that was one of my favorite things with roach in the preseason Tom I mean he's an undersized defensive lineman but God damn he's got a center of gravity figur it out cuz he's hard to move I mean he is all lateral up and you know side to side on that line of scrimmage and uh Greg one of our friends coming over on Facebook what's up Greg good to see you big dog um this is a big area of concern for both you and I we've talked about it all off season Greg Smith sounding off look man I'm just wondering if Luke wenberg will hold up against the inside push Tom I just got done lamenting about Leonard Williams we all know the the kind of damage that that guy did and when I say damage did you realize he played for two teams 18 games last season for the Giants and the Seahawks this is a defensive lineman that doesn't miss snaps he doesn't miss games he raises hell so I mean that's just what this guy does you have to know if you're looking at things from Mike McDonald you're a defensive guy you really want to bring the the identity back right the boom back to Seattle just like we're always looking to recreate the crush we're looking to create the no fly zone they're looking to recreate something familiar up there in Seattle too that's why they went with Mike McDonald the Baltimore Ravens guy why oh I don't know maybe because the Baltimore Ravens have historically one of the better defenses year in and year out something about that AFC North Tom I don't know what it is like between Pittsburgh and Baltimore it seems like they can roll out of bed stub their toe and still find themselves in a competitive defensive SE seon yeah well they they tend to get the right players too like they they don't it's weird they don't miss a lot of the defensive players in the draft it seems like I mean they always seem to find one of those guys that are able to really wreck uh wreck the offense like TJ watad or whoever it may be but yeah it I don't remember his question what was uh what was what was Luke wber we're worried about wber I mean this is our this is our new center we're figuring out life post cushenberry how do the Broncos help Luke wattenberg one I mean yeah you you gota Ben Powers has got to play better than he did last year I think he got better during the year don't get me wrong but he's got to play better he's your big money item so is Quinn Miners they should help I I do think wattenberg is a step back from how cushenberry played but he's definitely got experience I mean he's he's been out there playing and uh I I hope to see I hope to see him handle that but you're right right I am worried but they they he's got he should have two big bodies next to him that should help him and hopefully you know him playing uh with them pretty heavily during the preseason and in Camp most of the time taking started reps hopefully they've got their communication down and all that s that's what I'm hoping well what's interesting about Mike McDonald coming from Baltimore that's where Ben Powers came from I mean these guys he probably a little familiar with with what big cat likes as the left guard um you know some of these little things like that you have to consider that to be a very vulnerable position not just because of who you have to block in in Williams but it's so damn loud there Tom what are what's the plan for the Broncos offense are we going silent count it does a hard count even exists are we doing a tap on the right butt cheek what are we doing if you're Bo Nicks and Luke wattenberg what's the plan from Shawn pyton to try to take some of the Thunder out of the 12th man well hopefully running the ball and running it well because that's going to take the Thunder out if they can just March down the field with the running game and score points that's going to keep them fairly quiet so it you know it's otherwise you can't you can't take the 12th man out I mean you got to be beating them soundly for them to be uh kind of tired of yelling but it's it's it has to be a silent count and they've got to you they've got to be prepared you like you said in the beginning of the show Shawn pton had better have out coached in this game game uh Mike McDonald because and that means no mistakes it means having them ready for that loud noise having them uh all their ducks in a row so to speak on the offense knowing it's going to be super loud so if there's a if there's a delay of game penalty there will be hell to pay when the team gets back I'm not even joking Tom I mean that would be the worst way to start your Broncos quarterback career if you're bodnick you've got to know in lie of everything that happened last season Broncos Country will not accept any more delay of games it is interesting that you're seeing that same mistake on a different team with I don't know the same player Russell Wilson Pittsburgh Steelers we'll yeah see what happens there but it's an interesting conversation I I was talking with somebody today and they're like man was it Russ was it Sean what's the deal because he's still making some of the same mistakes in Pittsburgh like well we'll get a bird's eyee view of that in week two official mhh meet and greet can't wait to see you guys there let's open it up to the chat a little bit here I want hear from you Broncos Country how we feeling Pastor Tan's been locked down Bo Nicks is a team captain how we feeling against the Seattle Seahawks I don't think it's going to be easy this is a very winnable game in my opinion um let's start talking some season predictions here I don't want to wait till the end of the show I went through it today Tom we usually wait until training camp is over we want to see a depth chart we want to know who the team captains are I have this football team today sitting at 9 and8 just a game or two back from limping into the postseason it's ultimately what you want to see if you're a Broncos fan this year sustained Improvement you go three and three in the AFC West you finally snap the Raiders losing streak you beat the Chargers for the first time on the road in Sofi you have something to build Off Of You' got nine and eight for your 2024 Denver Broncos that's uh that's a lofty uh a lofty you like that you like that's optimistic in my book that's damn you're making me nervous Tom I'm glad I went first Jesus the The Rook the the record to me isn't as important to see an improvement I mean it would be nice to see a better record to show Improvement you know with wins losses but I think the team itself you'll be able to see Improvement uh throughout the year and that's what I'm looking for because I think they're getting ready for 2025 and 2026 that's where you're going to see the the wins come I'm a little worried that there's going to be too many growing pains for the rookie there's a lot of young folks although hungry I feel like they you know they are maybe not quite ready to take that next step so I'm a little bit more cautious I'm cautiously optimistic again I guess I would say but I'm I'm not not picking them under six I I think that they can get to seven wins uh and I think if they do and you see an improvement throughout the year like you see them get better that's a win in my book so I go seven and 10 and if Shawn Payton does a great coaching job and these young players step in sooner then they're GNA win more they just will you have the Broncos finishing worse this year with B Knicks than Russell Wilson in 2023 Tom what the hell no dude no there's going to be growing pains you're right man and I I think the real the real test for this team isn't necessarily what starters it's with your guys in what should be the farm system your backup roles your third string players these guys are going to play huge huge roles in the mid to late season you might see Frank rum out there on the offensive line there's gonna be some Growing Pains there I mean how healthy can guys stay you're you're right Tom there's a there's a lot of reasons to be optimistic but there are a lot of reasons to be cautious too we've been burned by this this franchise multiple times we've been burned by the head coach at least once last year um but I really think this is something that can be special I think that this team is starting to figure out it truly is us against everybody else they don't need to put it on a t-shirt they don't need to talk about it on X on social media but they need to truly start to learn to grow together you're gonna see crazy things happen in the league who saw that what five game winning streak happening last year not me not me but if that kind of crazy Mile High magic can happen with Russell freaking Wilson give me a damn break I I I think all things considered I'm buckle up I'm here for a winning season even if it's only one game above 500 well and I I'll also say this and the reason why I'm not as optimistic is because I still have my same stance I've been saying there's no Elite skill players on this team as we stand today and there's not an elite Edge rushing group not Elite pass Rush those are going to be the Achilles heel now if one of these young guys that we're not expecting or maybe we are expecting really does take that a big next step and you see a Marvin Mims who's who actually has Elite skill traits and they're they're showing up on the field or you see Nick Bonito or or Baron Browning becomes that person that we were hoping to see you know getting 11 12 sacks something like that you know really wrecking uh wrecking the offense then I'm going to be like okay this team can win more I really do but that's my two biggest worries for this team and I that's why I'm not going all out uh but I think 2025 is you're gonna see a much better team out there on the field you're gonna see a lot more wins because of what they're doing this year Nick Kendall and Scott Kennedy are right there with you at six and 11 so pretty close to your s and 10 prediction I am going 9 and8 I know Mr optimism right right it's it's absolutely crazy I'm just I'm here for something different and maybe that's what it is maybe it's just me being excited for a new chapter and being a little impatient instead of waiting for those Growing Pains expecting well the Broncos were undefeated in the preseason Tom hell this is gonna be a piece of cake right hey B Nicks makes all kind of History he's the first starter hey he's the first rookie quarterback as a team captain since the franchise Floyd little those things are exciting those things are sign ific but what matters is winning the football games you're right Tom it's the x's and no's it's the eye test can you do it on a weekend week out basis can you do it yearly like some of the greats that's why they're great really when you look at Pat Mahomes and someone would ask why is he a great quarterback I would say look at how long he's been doing it and he continues to do it and it seems like in a way he's only getting better I mean Tom Brady would have been the same sort of thing B Nicks I'm not asking you to come in and be Pat Mahomes I'm not asking you to be Tom Brady I want to see who Bo Nicks is and I think the one thing Bo knck has going for him he's unapologetically himself I think he's authentic I think his style is who he says he is he's he's everything he represents himself to be you don't see a lot of Flash and um I don't know news about his family in the media you don't see him all over social media you don't hear about his inner circle in his camp you know who his inner circle in his Camp is his freaking teammates this guy is getting to know his NFL locker room he's getting to know his coaches he's putting the time in maybe that excites me a little bit too much and maybe that's why I give him three and four extra wins as opposed to you Scott and Nick um but this league is crazy it's hard for other teams too that's another aspect of this what other mistakes could a Gino Smith make this year what happens if Justin Herbert's not able to go for the Chargers what's going on with the Raiders quarterback like mu we're going to be afraid of gner freaking mchu I mean come on we gota we got to be a little goofy right a little optimistic and then a little critical in in in looking at it as well I marked it down nine and eight for me seven- 10 for Thomas Hall Broncos countries all over the board Tom have you seen anybody uh in the Denver Media or national media who has this team going to the playoffs because that's one thing the four of us have in common with Scott Nick and yours and and and you we don't have this team making the playoffs now y'all have losing records I've got a winning record by one game who's picking this team to go to the playoffs in 2024 I think it was good morning football or something like that someone on there picked yeah picked him to go to the uh yeah everybody else is saying you know it's six wins is like the limit I mean see I haven't seen many optimistic uh optimistic um predictions out there I think 5.5 is the uh over under I mean I I really nobody really is is betting on them to to win but that's okay because the Broncos can over I think the Bron this Broncos team can overachieve and that is very helpful I think they can overachieve and this is another reason why I think that other than being young hungry the thing that is I'm optimistic about bro bonix I know he's going to have rookie Growing Pains I know he's not going to have a record-breaking season by any means but he fits the offense really well I think he does exactly what Shawn Payton wants and needs him to do and although he'll have rookie Growing Pains I think he's going to be better than many other rookies uh even first round rookies in their in their first year I I I just I have this feeling he's going to be a little bit better not the best rookie season you've seen but better than much better than average I was in Las Vegas for a work conference last December when Bo Knick's Oregon Ducks were playing the Washington Huskies and I kept wondering man what would it be like to have a first round quarterback well here we are and North cut Productions coming in saying look man I'm trying my hardest to be there in Las Vegas I want to watch Bo Nicks be the one to get the first victory for the Denver Broncos over the Las Vegas Raiders I I hear you I see Broncos fans Raiders fans in here hey Luke Broncos haven't beat the Raiders since 29 I am well aware that the Las Vegas Raiders have owned the Denver Broncos that's got to drive Shawn pyton crazy too right these these AFC West games these divisional games they matter so much I think you get to see a little bit of something different with Shawn pyton I think he has a quarterback that was picked in his likeness I think there's a little bit of saltiness to Bo I think that there's a a little bit of vinigar if you will when it comes to B Knicks and I like that I don't need my quarterback to be all daisies lollipop s rainbows and unicorns I want a guy that's willing to put in the work and you know what I do want a quarterback that's pissed off after they lose I don't want him just smiling doing the the political talk into the microphone we saw that for two years Pittsburgh Steelers fans you're gonna see it again for the for foreseeable future until Justin Fields gets the KN I want someone who's a human being and I think Bo Knicks we're gonna see that we're going to see successes as a human being we're going to see failures as a young rookie human being with the Denver Broncos but look you're going to see 10 jerseys all over the stadium that's going to be cool right it's finally see I wonder how many are going to be Behind Enemy Lines out there in the Seahawks game right Bo Nicks a bit of a name if you're in the Pacific Northwest because he's played a lot of college football um that'd be cool man right to see some Oregon Duck fans just try to convert some of those Seahawks heathens out there I don't know man I finally got to look at the uniforms in person the other day they're not as bad as I thought all right I was just having an old man winter moment you'll have to forgive me U but it's no it's a new chapter it's a new chapter for both franchises I don't think the NFL is giving this game the respect that it deserves what do I mean by that I think it's truly a tossup I really do you're saying Gino Smith doesn't bother you he doesn't make you afraid me neither neither does that offense Kenneth Walker a little concerned wonder what he can do but that's more of a Vance Joseph thing than a Seattle Seahawks thing uh you're going to see this team get to grow significantly I think in the next four games let's start early you look at the schedule Tom at Seattle vers Pittsburgh at Tampa at the Jets I mean if you can get through the first four weeks of the Season maybe two- two three and one you're doing pretty well for a bow Knicks rookie Le offense if they're three and one then uh my my predictions out of the water if they if they start three and one you can't change it tomon I just I'll just admit that I'm going to be wrong before we even get started but yeah if they come out of that 3-1 that's that's huge I think they're going to be better at the end of the year than they are at the start of the year but I so they have to try and figure out how to win those games that they're not supposed to win early on if they want to make some noise so but like I said I think they're going to be better at the end of the year it just depends did they do enough to start the first half of the season to you know make some noise at the end and get in the playoffs I if if they can I still don't think they will but again I I don't know what to expect from this team Luke like I really don't I'm optimistic but you know I it can go either way these the the young guys could not step up you know they it just it could happen so I I that's why I'm I'm anxious to see these first couple weeks just to see so then you can really gauge what you think this team's going to do but you also have to consider if they stay healthy that's a huge huge Boon you never know what's going to happen with the other AFC West teams like you said maybe somebody big gets injured and you know their team kind of flounders and then the Broncos are are healthy and you know at the end of the year they're they're the ones that are coming out on top you never know about the NFL so there's a lot of unpredictability in it but when you're predicting it from paper right now without all the injuries and everything you know it it's it's easy to do but it doesn't always work out the way you think it will there's a lot of unknowns right with this Broncos team whether you're looking at offense defense hell even special teams I mean I'm really curious about Josh Reynolds what kind of role is Josh Reynolds going to have it was effectively a swap right with the Detroit Lions I know it didn't come through that way in the wire or the transaction but it was basically Tim Patrick for Josh Reynolds when you're looking at Denver and Detroit Josh Reynolds had a lot of connectivity with Bo Nixon training camp is he an under the radar player that we're not seeing or is he just is going to have a sneaky productive sort of career that he's had everywhere else and Denver's just the latest stop it's it's it's hard to say what's going on with the tight ends I mean we talk about Donald parum a week ago on this show he was Inked by Shawn pton in the Denver Broncos I think he could be in for a big role I'm talking about 12 Personnel we can even go big Adam Troutman Donald partum and Greg dolit I hope you're healthy or not asking for a either after the first rep sea pyton loves himself some tight ends he loves big tight ends specifically ex basketball players and I think that's why you see a Donald parnham Jr on this team uh don't overlook Adam Troutman folks sha pyton loves this guy he doesn't have to be your favorite tight end I know no one's picking him up in fantasy but you try to look for what the defense isn't prepared for you're not trying to reinvent the wheel but Shadow's got to know courland Sutton's the number one target right shadow got to know that Marvin mims in the slot is a Shawn Payton favorite it's those unsuspecting targets hell Jalil McGloin do we want to catch some touchdown passes we're lightning quick in the open field I need to see it audre EST welcome to the NFL baby there's another rookie we haven't really talked about what's that one-two punch GNA look like with uh javante Williams and audri ese Jalil mlin you know third down back maybe not pass protection sets definitely not uh there's just so many different question marks all over the offense all over the defense I am worried about the defensive secondary not about passor tan but what is PJ lock and Brandon Jones what's their plan what's Vance Jose's plan back there are we gonna play soft shell coverage are we gonna go cover Ford the whole game against DK Mecha Broncos have seen the Seattle Seahawks torch them even with different receivers back in the day playing that specific defense uh your Vance Joseph week number one what are you trying to prove to Broncos Country well hopefully you'll be able to stop the run in first foremost like that was the weakness it was we we talked about it earlier you know if if they're going to get run over again at will like they did a lot of those games and you know their defense is in trouble so hopefully it's be able to stop the run effectively they don't have to you know they don't have to be you know the return of the you know 2000 Baltimore Ravens or something like that but you know they need to be able to stop the run effectively and they have to get turnovers they have to get turnovers not a bunch in one time but consistent throughout the season get turnovers and that's going to be successful and if they can do that in Seattle if they can stop the run and NAB a couple turnovers or even one just stay ahead they have a good chance of winning the game and that's on that's on Vance Joseph to put his players in the right position it really is and uh I didn't think he did it well last year too many times and uh you know so we got to see we see what Vance Joseph brings this year well you know what it's also on Shawn pton he's the one that hired Vance Joseph Sean I know you got this new toy in Bow Knicks and you got to go over there and baby bow all day but can we pay a little attention to the defense considering it's been such a damn problem around here for years I mean maybe there's something sea can offer this is how I would beat Vance Joseph's defense maybe there's been some learning over there from Vance Joseph I don't know I'm just trying to think of anything and everything to give Vance Joseph another shot and just looking for reasons I'm grasping at straws here Tom I'm grasping at straws he coming back in uh who's going to have the most sacks this week Ellis Bonito or Browning also my season pick uh 88 and one and we win the West we're seeing more and more of that Phil I see what you did there with that tie we're seeing these weird tiebreaker games later on in the season I like that that's something different kind of in the middle of all of us um here's the thing if Baron Browning's healthy I think he's going to be the sack leader for this season uh I think eight sacks would be good for Baron Browning really good for Baron Browning same with Jonathan Cooper seven and a half eight Nick Bonito I'm still waiting just like those other two they're kind of the same guy aren't they are they really that much different when you think about it a baron Browning a Jonathan Cooper and a Nick Bonito they've all been underwhelming pass rushers that have flashed at times uh can we consistently do it over and over can we get a little bit heavier in the waight room I mean these questions are going to be answered starting week one can we set an edge as much as I love Jonathan Cooper hot damn he is so lean and Light On The Edge that offensive tackles are able to uproot him and move him and you can't count on Alex Singleton and his body holding up for every tackle all 300 of them all season long well I'll tell you what I think I think B the I I'll argue with you in this the reason why I think Bonito isn't one of those guys is he has improved dramatically when he needed to do did the things he needed to do from year one to year two hopefully he does that again he's got more Elite traits in my opinion than a Browning or a Cooper so for me Bonito can take that bigger step and be that Elite guy I'm looking for him to H be the sack leader even though he's not the starter I'm looking for him to be the sack leader because because of those traits and because of how he worked to improve himself from his freshman season to a sophomore season and I think that's who they're counting on to take another step in the edge rushers and you're going to see you know they're not going to pay Browning and Cooper because of it because of Bonito boom speaking of counting on someone look at our friend jazz in the chat a very generous $49.99 our standout we absolutely appreciate it Jazz let's go Broncos I love you guys we love you Jasmine thank you so much a little bit sure does go a long way and that's a lot so we we really really appreciate you Jazz I know you're excited about uh the Broncos as well I see Jasmine over on X she's a admin for one of the Broncos fan groups and it's cool man to see Broncos Country start buzzing a little bit again my daughter's got it on her calendar I get to wear my Bronco jersey this Friday and it's uh it's it's her Jersey right so the custom Jersey her favorite number and her name on the back so no it's not a bod Nick Jersey just yet Tom I'm waiting I'm waiting I will let you know when that bodick Jersey hits and when it is ordered uh but no it's cool finally to see some orange around the city again Tom I mean it has been so long since you've seen Broncos country have a little pride in their team because their team has sucked since 2015 kids are starting to wear orange back at school families are starting to plan their weekend around the big game on Sunday sounds like fall football yeah and you know what I want to talk about Jersey I was one that I was disappointed in I'm just GNA kind you know we're almost at the end of the show thank you so much Jasmine really appreciate the support I was disappointed that V didn't take number 87 I just I I was hoping he would I wanted to see him A7 I know he's got the same build as Ed mcaffrey I'm like dang it I wish he would have taken 87 but oh well ah make your own make your make your own number Young Buck Right and which uh did did Young mcaffrey what Luke make the um Washington team do we do we know we have a MF do we have a mcaffrey watch out there in Washington football or Commander land or whatever the hell they're called These Days um no man it's it's it's interesting because you do root for these teams right I kind of have told you and you've made fun of me for years I kind of root for the 49ers when the Broncos aren't on because of the Kyle Shanahan connection because of John Lynch you will catch no red and gold in my house ever uh but no it's interesting tomorrow night right Ravens Chiefs who you got Tom Ravens Chiefs oh man I I don't know I hope the Ravens beat the crap out of them I just I just can't stand the chief my problem is is the Chiefs usually figure out a way to win and they're going to win uh they're going to win tomorrow but God I hope not I'm going Baltimore I'm going Baltimore Ravens why not so much because Baltimore is the better team but because Kanas City knows when to turn it on they can let this one go in week one they've they've had some scares before right the past few years in week one I'm thinking about the Detroit Lions game was it jir Gibbs was that last year uh Lions go in there and pretty much lay just an absolute hay maker across the chief's jaw and that's what I'm hoping to see from Baltimore Deanna Henry oh my goodness backto back 50 supers from our good friends the ladies of mhh go Broncos I am so happy they gave Pat certan his contract thank you so much Deana that's a very very generous super chat over on YouTube hope you and your uh husband are feeling better it's that time of year Tom with the kids with fall right we got to make sure we're taking care care of ourselves because everybody's getting sick it's uh it's false fun with football not always fun with some of the weather and and getting sick from all the kiddos and the grandkids and everything else yeah thank you Dean appreciate the support this has been awesome last uh two supers are very surprising so thank you we're very happy here too about C Tan's contract like we said before you lock those kind of people up Elite player at an impact position you don't let those type of players leave until they're old and and used up you keep them around when they're young and let them be a nucleus of the team so we're very very happy here that he was uh ined to that extension boom 24 will always be synonymous with Champ Bailey and the Denver Broncos ps2's number two will always be synonymous with your Denver Broncos Michael Rio tying a big red bow on it for us over on Facebook thank you Mike great show tonight Thomas and Luke on the mile high insiders po time you better believe God Lebon Knicks and Gobo Broncos that's just it man another fun show in the books regular season week number one is here stay tuned on Friday over a mile high huddle.com our Roundtable of all of the mhh staff we'll be locking in our official predictions for Broncos vers Seahawks 205 mountain time this Sunday uh really really excited good show man we're reacting to ps2's new contract highest paid defensive back in NFL history the Broncos named five team captains Bo Nicks making history is the first rookie since Floyd little to be elected team captain courland Sutton it's his fourth consecutive season wearing the sea Quinn Miners first season as the captain for the big dog over at Right Guard Pastor tan no surprise there Alex Singleton team captain and kicker will Lutz Tom another fun show it seems like so much happens in the week before we get to next Wednesday I can't imagine what we're going to be talking about next Wednesday other than a Broncos victory in Seattle yeah I hope so man I I I can't stand Seattle fans I really can't so if they can go in there and give beat down I it'll make my weekend yeah they the worst yeah screw you Seahawks fan coming right here serious man they were so obnoxious I went to Super Bowl 48 I don't know if you know that no I did not know that they were so obnoxious it was like come on man you guys are the worst fans that I've ever been around is it was incredible I did not know you went to Super Bowl 48 but that explains a lot of your bitterness towards the Denver Broncos Tom and I I salute you for it jaaz coming back in again another $50 YouTube super thank you so much if we beat the Kansas City Chiefs just once and the Las Vegas Raiders twice I would be satisfied at 10 and seven me too Jasmine you know why because that's a playoff team right there and your Denver Broncos that would be amazing amazing absolutely love it just like your support is very amazing Jasmine we really really appreciate all of Broncos country for tuning in whether you've donated super chats Facebook Stars whether you've donated your time we really really appreciate it can't wait to get back on these Airwaves next Wednesday at 6 PM Mountain stay tuned over at migh huddle.com Tom's got an article up right now predicting B Nick's stats for this year what does history say about first round rookie quarterbacks on the road head on over to migh h.com and read all about it my keys to Victory will be out within the next 24 to 48 hours and away we go Broncos Country into Seattle this is the way this is the way