Swift Foot Switch Up

Suckers, ducks, ho-hum emcees
You can't rock the kids, so go cut some cheese
Take this application of rhymes like these
My rap's red hot, 110 degrees...

PROPS and DROPS from Saturday's Buff win over the Wildcats and MNF's Bronco debacle against the Pats:

PROPS: There was a bit of a buzz on the message boards and at the tailgates that something different may happen in the Buffs’ game. No, Kordell Stewart didn’t get an extra year of eligibility, but rather the redshirt was ripped off frosh QB Tyler Hansen. The kid responded with 80+ yards rushing, making plays with his legs that seemed to confound the K-State defense. Throw in a perfect 21 yard TD strike that might’ve been the year’s best pass and that was a pretty good coming out party for a QB who’s only other D1 offer was from Idaho State. The Buff coaches knew that they had to mix something up on offense, and this was the perfect elixir.

DROPS: There isn’t really anyplace to start with the Donk defense, because it was simply horrendous across the board. A New England attack that wasn’t exactly up to last year’s machine came in like the mid-40’s Army teams and ran the ball to the tune of 250+ yards. Worst yet, it was by three no name backs (seriously, if Kevin Faulk isn’t on the Waivers in your fantasy league, you play with football Forest Gumps). Once the running tone was set, the play actions came into effect and Matt “Brady’s Sloppy Seconds” Cassell found Moss and Welker and even Sully from Worchester for big gains.

DROPS: Exactly. Andre Hall, two carries, two fumbles. Jay Cutler terrible interceptions. Five turnovers in all and that doesn’t lend itself to winning an NFL football game. Even some drunk blogger can deduce that. The offense didn’t do itself any favors with the sloppy play, constantly playing from behind. Throw in penalties usually reserved for a high school team and injuries (Cutler’s pinky is worse than they let on; and Daniel Graham we love you, but Tony Scheffler and perhaps even Nate Jackson are blowing your doors off right now; even Selvin Young could’ve minimized the damage) and you have the the debacle that was Monday.

PROPS: It may not reflect it in the stats, but the CU defense played their finest game of the year. Save for a 3rd quarter TD run, NFL prospect QB Josh Freeman and the ground game was held in check. Safety Ryan Walters was seemingly in on every play, as he also broke up the game’s final play. The defensive front was in Freeman’s grill on most plays, forcing him to cut off half of the field while he scrambled. At linebacker, the entire unit played well, Brad Jones was bringing the heat on blitzes, but the standout may have been BJ Beatty. The Hawaiian was flying all over the field as he looks recovered from an early injury.

PROPS: The old tired cliché of a welcome BYE week has never been so true for the Broncos. And if you are a member of the team and are still planning on that Vegas/tropical excursion, cancel it. The theme should be healing and learning and tweaking for the club, especially the defense.

DROPS: While the offense did what it had to and the defense was superb, the third phase of special teams was absolutely putrid. Kicker Aric Goodman had one kick blocked and missed another, the punt return team gave up an easy fake punt, and Josh Smith and the return team never broke a big run. Two things should happen: one, open up the placekicker competition. Goodman isn’t getting it done and kickoff specialist Jameson Davis is booming his kicks through the end zone. See what the Davis kid can do on placekicking. Second, more starters are needed on all phases of special teams. Get your best and headiest players out there to maximize your chances. Don’t think Josh Smith would rather see a starting WR or TE blocking for him instead of a scout teamer?