Broncos hired Dirty Harry to replace Captain Kangaroo
DO BRONCOS FEEL LUCKY? >> Captain Kangaroo has left the building and Dirty Harry has arrived at the Broncos Headquarters. Scott, Littleton
KIZ >> The vibe inside Broncos HQ has changed dramatically, as anyone who has worked with Sean Payton and Nathaniel Hackett can attest. Whenever Payton talks, I hear Bill Parcell’s voice. There's an old- school, noguffallowed edge to his words. Hackett was eager to explain the why of every decision to those under his leadership. The new coach demands that players, staffers and media alike prove why anything should be done one iota differently from how Prickly Payton sees fit.
MEET THE NEW BOSS >> The new Broncos regime has a style that quarterback Russell Wilson wanted to leave in Seattle. But NFL players have mostly liked to play for Sean Payton, right? On the other hand, when the old boss leaves everything a disorganized mess, the new boss always looks like the villain when instilling discipline.
Winston, Great Northwest resident
KIZ >> Pete Carroll was good for a young, feisty Wilson in Seattle, just as a young and headstrong John Elway benefited from the firm hand of Dan Reeves. As Elway and Wilson matured, they wanted to do things their own way. That’s understandable. But shortly after a messy divorce from Reeves, Elway realized he needed the tough love of Mike Shanahan to win a Super Bowl. Hackett ceded too much power to Wilson. Payton? He’s confident and stubborn, in a manner I think Shanahan would appreciate.
MISSING MCMONEY >> For a team that desperately relies on field goals for scoring, the Broncos better know what the heck they’re doing by releasing kicker Brandon Mcmanus.
A. L., Denver
KIZ >> After getting paid the big bucks in 2020, Mcmanus got a little too big for his britches, while his production slipped. That’s a bad combination in the Not For Long.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS >> A slimmed- down Wilson doesn't matter. What matters is that we stop all lying to each other. Given his contract, the price paid in the trade for him, his championship pedigree, plus the messaging from a new coaching staff, it’s a reasonable standard for Wilson to seriously contend for a Pro Bowl invitation in 2023.
Chasseur, London
KIZ >> The new Skinny Russ still isn’t better than Patrick Mahomes. But for the Broncos to make the playoffs, Wilson needs to perform at a higher level than Justin Herbert. Is that a lofty enough standard for you?
LOWERING THE BAR >> What I expect from Wilson in 2023: 22 touchdown passes, 16 interceptions, 3,300 passing yards, 150 rushing yards, a 7- 10 record, with Wilson cut in the offseason. F. A. I., soothsayer of the gridiron
KIZ >> I’m of the eternally sunny belief that doubters in Broncos Country will be pleasantly surprised with Wilson and the team. But if your gloom- anddoom forecast proves correct, I’m afraid neither Wilson nor general manager George Paton is long for this dusty old cowtown.
OLD MAN AND THE C >> And today’s parting shot is a gentle reminder I have a birthday coming up very soon. ( BTW: Cards and gifts gladly accepted.)
No one makes a complete clown of themselves more often than old man Kiz.
Justin, respects his elders