Siemian’s success etched by Marker
Passing praise. Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian owes you at least a fraction of his paycheck after all the motivational columns you have written about him, Kiz. Pretty sure your columns are the primary reason he is starting to excel. Now focus on a new target to let them blossom, as well.
Tim, Pueblo
Kiz: The hardworking and dedicated staff here at Kickin’ It Headquarters is not in it for the money. But applause is always graciously accepted. And now that you mention it, if Siemian wants to say thanks, a lifetime supply of Skittles would be nice. Our next project? Well, if we help Joe Sakic get the Avs back in the NHL playoffs, we know some folks that could use ski passes to Whistler. And the Rockies’ $70 million man, Ian Desmond, could obviously use a hitting coach. But that would be a big project. Probably worth a Porsche. Maybe two.
Bills are due. What’s your prediction for Broncos at Bills? Roger, undefeated and unbowed
Kiz: It’s a hard league, as Denver coach Vance Joseph likes to say. And winning on the road? That’s harder. I thought there was an 80 percent chance the Broncos would beat San Diego and a 60 percent chance they would beat Dallas. OK, I’m going to ride that mathematical progression, with the thought there’s a 40 percent chance the Broncos return from Buffalo with a victory. Siemian will face a defense stacked against the run and a fierce pass rush. I’m saying Denver has a chance, but my prediction is: Bills 20, Broncos 17.
Know-it-all. Two questions: What did Patrick Roy know? And when did he know it? Bob, Golden
Kiz: On or about the time of the Stadium Series game between the Avs and Red Wings in February 2016, Roy knew his team was nowhere close to being a factor in the Stanley Cup playoffs, while Sakic and franchise president Josh Kroenke preached patience. Roy quit as coach not long thereafter, and we’re stuck with a long rebuilding project.
Noticing Nolan too. Charlie Blackmon is the Rockies’ most valuable player. My reasons? Chuck Nazty has the top batting average in the National League, record-setting RBIS from the leadoff spot, plus he leads the league in triples and runs, while having more than 200 hits.
A.J., Highlands Ranch
Kiz: This is an amazing, career year by Blackmon, which would be a terrible thing for the Rockies to waste. But if they make it to the playoffs, the main reason will be third baseman Nolan Arenado, who hits like Blackmon and fields like Brooks Robinson.
Fielder’s choice. The Rockies did their duty by making it interesting until the Broncos started. Compared with most seasons, they did remarkably well.
Brian, lowering the bar
Kiz: Snark much?
Bye-bye, Buffalo. And today’s parting shot frames Buffalo in the best possible light — the rearview mirror of a car:
Kiz, it’s not often I see the words Buffalo and beautiful written in the same sentence, but as a former Buffalonian, thank you for doing it. A typical summer in Buffalo is two weeks of bad iceskating.
Hans, basking in Colorado sunshine