MANNING, SANDERS HOOK UP FOR 3 TDS TO LIFT BRONCOS OVER CHARGERS

+The Associated Press 

Associated Press (DenverBroncos.com)

With this much speed and acceleration, it's no surprise Emmanuel Sanders is so adept at catching up.

Sanders waited six long weeks to join the list of players who have caught a touchdown pass from Peyton Manning. Now, he has four in less than a week.

Manning and Sanders connected for a trio of touchdowns Thursday night in the +Denver Broncos' 35-21 victory over the San Diego Chargers .

"We understand in this offense, it can be anyone's night at any moment," said Sanders, who didn't catch his first TD pass for Denver until Sunday night, when Manning set the career record. "I'm just happy tonight was my night."

Sanders caught all nine passes Manning threw his way and gained 120 yards Thursday night.

He needs just 106 more yards to top his best season he ever had in four years in Pittsburgh. That's all in a night's work for Sanders, who has four career 100-yard receiving games, all this season.

"I'm enjoying playing with him," Manning said. "He's got a great work ethic. He really loves football and he brings that energy to practice every day and also to the playing field. ... He was pretty special tonight."

With the Chargers' banged-up secondary double-teaming red-hot receiver Demaryius Thomas, Sanders caught TD throws of 2, 31 and 3 yards. The last one followed Chris Harris Jr.'s interception of a flustered Philip Rivers.

Shots of the Game: #Broncos-#Chargers #SDvsDEN14 #NFL #BroncosCR3W http://t.co/NN5WE0l9AN pic.twitter.com/RWIgKIPWKJ
— Broncos CR3W (@BRONCOSCR3W) October 28, 2014

Rookie running back Juwan Thompson added two TD runs as the Broncos (6-1) tightened their grip on the AFC West division in the +NFL over the Chargers (5-3), who lost their second straight game.

"It's an accomplishment for the room," said Ronnie Hillman, who carried 20 times for 109 yards. "It's a touchdown for the room. He's taking them, but that's all right. He earns them. That's a tough 2 yards to get. I'm just playing my role getting him down there."

Manning finished 25 of 35 for 286 yards with three TDs and no interceptions or sacks five nights after breaking Brett Favre's career touchdown mark.

Sanders' speed, combined with Hillman's second gear, is the juice GM John Elway had in mind when he said the Broncos could be better this year than they were last season.

"John Elway and his staff went out and wanted to increase our team speed in all phases of the game and I think we've done that," coach John Fox said.

+BRONCOS CR3W - http://bit.ly/1wbzK6s

Sanders called Denver "wide receivers' heaven" when he joined the Broncos in the spring. He spent his first five games in a Broncos uniform piling up the yards -- 473 of them -- but wistfully wishing to become the 45th player to catch a touchdown pass from Manning.

The only blemish in Sanders' breakout night was his fumble in the fourth quarter that +Wes Welker recovered.

His teammates teased him that he'll be carrying around the football with the green beanie as punishment next week.

"But it's not big deal," Sanders said. "It's only going to make me better."

Each time Thompson scored, Rivers and the Chargers responded with 80-yard drives that ended with touchdown catches by tight end Antonio Gates. His first score was a 4-yard grab on fourth down, his second a 10-yard catch with 9 1/2 minutes left that made it 35-21.

Rivers finished 30 of 41 for 252 yards with three TDs and two interceptions.

Brandon McManus missed a 53-yard field goal with six minutes remaining, giving the Chargers great field position, but safety Rahim Moore intercepted Rivers' pass to Malcolm Floyd at the Denver 4 and the Broncos grounded it out from there.

With Sanders having a big day, Demaryius Thomas quietly topped 100 yards himself for the fourth straight week, finishing with 105 yards on eight catches, a team record.

Manning broke another of Favre's records on this night, albeit a much more obscure one: he now has 16 seasons with 20 or more touchdown passes, one more than Favre. And he's approaching another of Favre's marks: with his 157th career multiple TD game, Manning is two shy of Favre's mark in that category.

After losing at home to the Chargers on a Thursday night in December -- Denver's only home loss last season -- the Broncos changed their work week. They practiced without pads and helmets.

But their first two drives led to punts as defensive coordinator John Pagano again found ways to thwart Manning even with a banged-up secondary that was missing cornerbacks Brandon Flowers (concussion) and Steve Williams (groin).

Then, Sanders starting finding the end zone.

+Denver Broncos : Photo Courtesy (AP) +NFL +CBS Sports +Chargers 

"They're better than us right now," San Diego safety Eric Weddle said. "That's the reality of it. It's a long season. When we meet them again, however many more times, we'll be better."

Even Manning found something he didn't like on his and Sanders' big night.

He didn't like it when the scoreboard operator fired up the crowd when the Broncos were trying to chew up the clock.

"I'm not sure what he's doing, he's playing music and showing players dancing and getting the crowd fired up when we have the ball," Manning complained. "I don't think we should be doing that. I don't think we should be showing their quarterback on the sideline. I thought that was disrespectful.

"Our fans are great. Our fans are loud. Our scoreboard operator, it wasn't his best night."

Notes: Gates became the Chargers' career leader in yards receiving with 9,610, breaking the mark set by Hall of Fame WR Lance Alworth (9,584). ... Broncos LB Lamin Barrow sustained a concussion.

Broncos can Adjust: Have plan if Beadles "Situation" is Unfortunate :(

Hopefully Beadles Situation is simply better with the Broncos than "The Situation" in general...

While it breaks +BRONCOS CR3W's heart, the fact of the matter and the unfortunate mantra we have for +NFL is "situational" is the measure of success. As great of a draft pick and impactful starting Left Guard for the +Denver Broncos the reality of the "situation" is that the cost to retain him is high on their priority list, and the options they have to input a quality player in that spot, the reality of the 'situation,' The cost does not measure up to their priorities, needs, assets, and ability to maintain the high standard of play and consistency as Beadles is why he is potentially not going to be in Orange next season. 

Zane Beadles, alum +UTES CR3W (right), with Coach Fox during
Fox's surprise Thanksgiving visit after heart surgery in 2013 season.
Photo Courtesy: +Denver Broncos 

Numerous options are open to the Broncos despite taking a 'small' risk at losing depth at the offensive line group. They also have some returning from injury that add back to the depth they had previously. Despite the safety debacle in the Super Bowl, Manny Ramirez was an excellent Center for the Broncos last year. A natural fit would be the Supermen of offensive lineman, Clady and Vasquez. We all know where Clady will set up his brickwall, Vasquez has proven capable to play either guard position, we can imagine if he was as excellent as he was as a Right Tackle vs the +Indianapolis Colts last year when Franklin was out. He did not allow a sack, not commit a penalty. Safe to presume he could play Left Guard just as dominantly. Ramirez can play RG, C as he's shown so he could move over and fill in capably. Playing the best football of his career. Also, Chris Clark who filled in admirably at Left Tackle, might be better suited for RT or LG. Move in one spot seems to fit his strongest attributes and not facing the speed rushers as often. 

We haven't even delved into the extremely deep draft class it is this year at really all positions. It is safe to presume a mid round C, OG draft pick would be potential for starter or a solid security blanket and refilling the depth at that group. Dan Koppen, who missed all of last year, has mainly played Center his whole career and had a great season before this last one with the Broncos. He could be the Center if Ramirez fits the mold to their plans or potentially even Koppen (depth from injury, similar to Clady). They've also got a couple practice squad players, a path Chris Clark took to be a success. Undrafted, as well.

During the league's scouting combine this past week, Denver Broncos executive vice president of football operations/general manager John Elway gave a clear, unvarnished opinion of how the team will approach its own group of soon-to-be free agents. 

Fortunately, the Broncos, and football's success
is how they handle situations. Unfortunately, for
the Denver Broncos lifelong John Elway fan, his
situation to the Broncos is more akin to the "#DB"
'Situation' from Jersey Shore.
Not needed, unnecessary, untimely ending, &
a neccessary conclusion.

The successful result in the Beadles 'situation' is one where if he stays, it is not a difference in market value or Broncos needs, priorities foremost are solidified from their perspective. Specifically, DE (DT hybrid if need be), Safety, CB (today's NFL, always a priority), Draft has some extremely talented prospects at  these positions it appears as well as RB, WR. After the top or the froth is skimmed, TE might have the least depth in the draft. A position, the Broncos appear fine with All-Pro Julius Thomas. Gerrell Robinson could see some snaps as a pass catching TE if Tamme and Dreesen go. Virgil Green may be ready to be a piece of that pie. A position the Broncos appear okay at if they go after one late in the draft or undrafted rookie FA. Their is potential for undrafted FA's this year to make the roster and be impactful as a 2nd day draft pick might be. DB, WR, S, OL, DL specifically this year. 

It's unfortunate because Beadles, and the bad timing, situation will possibly lead to an end in what appeared to be a perfect marriage from the loyal, stand up, and great ambassador for the organization for the man that he is, and player. +University of Utah Athletics can attest to the ambassador and player he was as a collegiate player and no doubt, Bowlen, Elway, Ellis, Fox, and Broncos Crew members can attest in his very successful 3 years as a professional and exactly what you hope for when you draft a player. Hopefully he is still in Dove Valley in a month, this much we know! Always will be fond of guys that came in and did it the "Bronco Way" and there's value in that. Hopefully, the situation and time will tell the same. From the outside, though, it appears it is of a different situation.

That is, the team won't approach them. At least not out of the gate. At least not before those players can see if the bank accounts are greener on the other side of the fence.

Zane Beadles winning on and off the field -  Just as he did in college

"I think they have to hit the market, the market sets those," Elway said. "Especially where you look where we are and what we have coming up." 

+BRONCOS CR3W by +Marleigh Crews 

Here is a glimpse into the type of man, Beadles is, appearing on the +Ellen DeGeneres show gives one an idea of who he is and no doubt the local pieces from when he was a +NFL draft prospect a short time ago. 

A video clip about his foundation from +KSL Sportsbeat:

Quick Take on Broncos, Draft, and Pick #31: Mike Mayock NFL Draft Expert on NFL Network

Mayock on who might be good for Broncos at 31st overall pick

NFL Network’s draft guru Mike Mayock held a media conference call Tuesday as a primer to the scouting combine this week in Indianapolis.

The Broncos don’t pick until No. 31 which is fine because Mayock said “from my perspective this is the deepest and best draft class that I've seen in probably 10 years.” 

----
*Our Take*

*We agree with him as well. The change of style in football over the last 10 years or so have now produced these players to play BIG, FAST, PHYSICAL in small to large areas. 10 yard x 10 yard area square yards (Von Miller excels at aka 3 cone drill) We cannot emphasize the importance of the 3 cone drill and the first 10 and 20 yards of a 40 yards dash is FAR more important than a full 40 time. That "burst" is self evident. 

We wish pro days revealed and kept record of the 10 and 20 yard split times as they reveal quickness and speed top end. The players rarely just run straight in a game. The have to change their direction often. Shift, stop, restart, etc. 40 yard time in many aspects is the most irrelevant measurable that is still used by scouts for which we do not really understand why its emphasized so much. Worth mentioning? We suppose so, but not the first to be looked at or mentioned or superimposed on the players bio and graphic on screen.

Then some players, few, nickel LB, safeties, slot DB's may play on occasion in much bigger areas at 20 yards X 35 yards or so. Special teams normally is that situation for the gunners and staple of LB/TE/RB sized players compared to the straight gunners down on kicks. 

Over the change in style, these prospects have established skills tailored to use a fast pace on the offense and the defense is built to play in space and faster defensive ends and more defensive backs involved more often. Nickel and Dime packages because of 3, 4 WR sets, and even empty sets. The vast majority is done in shotgun too. This lends to speed pass rush whether is via strength or pace. The biggest characteristic is not measurable, how they react to the real thing and the biggest variable in most aspects of life and all of athletics: Anticipation
------------

In my opinion, Mayock started pushing ESPN’s Mel Kiper for top draft expert in 2006 when Mayock said Jay Cutler was a better NFL quarterback prospect than Vince Young or Matt Leinart.

Mayock looked pretty smart there. Then again, Kiper was concerned with Cutler’s 11-34 record at Vanderbilt.

---------------
* Our Take - We'd put McShay far past Kiper and Mayock with McShay. Kiper knows draft prospects excellently and who is the best equipped players at this very moment, but forecasting their NFL careers or the potential for schemes, teams, coaches, etc is where McShay and Mayock set themselves apart more. All that in regard though, Just like national recruiting day in the NCAA, the Broncos had 2 and 3 star recruits dominate their roster. "Only Time will Tell, not a person." - C. Haws

Granted, the 'blue chip' ranking weren't out when Peyton and Champ were recruited so that would give them a couple 5 star recruits more, but it still wasn't close to the 1,2, and 3 star recruits that were on the roster in comparison to 4, 5 star recruits. Be interested to see what round or rated prospect exists across NFL rosters. Would not surprise us to know that 4th round or later have made impact or numbers challenge the first 3 round picks and even more if it were just the 1st and 2nd rounds and 3rd went to the other category. 

Ranking drafts and recruiting classes are meaningless. Rank them a few years later or even at least one season. Almost everyone claimed the Vikings made off with the incredible draft last year and they are sitting even in a higher draft position this season. Draft prospects and their ratings are as accurate or predictable as the national scouting ranking for HS athletes being recruited for college athletics.
--------

Anyway, I gave Mayock four positions the Broncos might consider with the No. 31 overall pick. Here’s what Mayock said about each:

Middle linebacker (Keith Brooking, 37, and Paris Lenon, 36, started the past two years): “That whole middle linebacker thing is interesting to me. Most people would say it’s a little high, a little rich for (Wisconsin’s) Chris Borland but I don’t believe that. I think Borland could step in and immediately stabilize that whole situation.”

Defensive end (Shaun Phillips and Robert Ayers are free agents; Derek Wolfe returning from seizure-like illness): “Scott Crichton is an interesting guy from Oregon State at defensive end. He’s got a great effort, motor, tough against the run, will get upfield fast. I like him a lot and 31 is about right for him.”

Cornerback (Champ Bailey will be 36; Chris Harris coming off ACL; Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is free agent. And I told Mayock the Broncos like larger, Seahawk-sized corners)): “Kyle Fuller from Virginia Tech. He’s a longer corner, I think he can flat out play. I’m anxious to see what he runs. Some of these other corners, somebody like Keith McGill, you can get him in the second or third round from Utah. He’s 6-foot-3. I watched his UCLA tape the other day. He’s got some real skills being a Seattle type corner he just needs to be more consistent.”

Safety (Mike Adams is a free agent; Rahim Moore has unusual circulation condition; Duke Ihenacho faded): “Lamarcus Joyner from Florida State could be there. He’s an explosive quick-twitch athlete who could play safety or nickel. He played mostly corner at Florida State and he’s going to have some special team ability, also. I like him a lot.

Depending on how the draft picks unfold but we really really like Crichton from +Oregon State University at that spot. Presuming Barr and the more or less LB/DE hybrid top prospects have been passed up. Ideally Derek Wolfe is able to play at full strength again and really come into his own with Jackson and Crichton would form a very versatile, athletic, big line. We absolutely LOVE Kyle Fuller and if he is available, from this point, he still has a pro day and combine to attend (not sure how much he'll do at the combine). If the Broncos like Borland, we feel they shouldn't use their first on him and if late 2nd is way too far of a drop for him, Skov from Stanford can play pretty good football. Keith McGill is raw but he is very big and strong and is absolutely worth a 2nd rounder. Kyle Whittingham and the Utes schemetically have proven to turn players into pro talent at the DB position. Weddle, Sean Smith, and McCain to name just a few and now they're bringing in higher star recruits switching to the +Pac-12 Conference. He is maybe the biggest DB in the draft. Certainly has size to play safety. He sometimes needs to play to his size and use it as a major strength. Something the NFL teach raw talented DB is their positioning. They either find out they're up for the level of play cognitively AND physically. Some DE/WR and more DB's to be discussed in the future, of course. +BRONCOS CR3W +Denver Broncos #BroncosCR3W #Broncos. Cannot dismiss the contribution and explosive anticipation that is draped all over +Florida State Seminoles Lamarcus Joyner. The fact he contributes to special teams is ALL the more reason to love him. We have been the utmost critical of the Broncos special teams personnel and coaching (Holliday being a big part of that). Can't go wrong with either and there is expected to be some fairly nasty dogs on the DL coming down the board into the 2nd and 3rd rounds. In Elway we trust. "Only Time will Tell, not a person..."

This is What it is All About, the UTES great & BRONCOS Left Guard, Zane Beadles!

.@zanebeadles gifted an engraved #BlueLabel to his team to remind them their next step matters most. #KeepWalking pic.twitter.com/WIuyVvH7bC

— Johnnie Walker (@JohnnieWalkerUS) February 5, 2014

* #NextStep the #Broncos will show #LessonsLearned from #PreviousStep *

#BroncosCR3WBelieve