| So much for the Monday matchup in Miami. Football fans in Denver and around the
country had circled the Week 16 game between the Broncos and Dolphins. Denver would be
14-0, a few meager wins away from becoming the second undefeated, untied team in NFL
history, joining the 1972 Dolphins.
The Giants erased much of the significance of the matchup by knocking off the Broncos
20-16 Sunday.
While the Giant win was a giant upset, it was no surprise that the Broncos lost.
Denver’s defense had struggled vs. Kansas City in Week 14, and it could not stymie
Gary Brown and Kent Graham in Week 15.
This Giant team had some momentum after thrashing the Cardinals last week, and Graham
has breathed some life into what was a moribund passing game.
But this game was more about Denver’s shortcomings than New York’s strengths.
Did you notice who was covering Amani Toomer on the decisive TD play? Tyrone Braxton and
Tito Paul. Neither can be considered a championship-caliber player.
When the Broncos don’t have a big lead, their defense can’t be the aggressor.
That leaves it vulnerable. That’s why the Broncos were bound to lose a game this
season. And don’t be surprised if that’s why they lose another one.
• Panther LB Kevin Greene has been effective as a pass rusher over most of the
season. But the ugly incident in which he grabbed LB coach Kevin Steele on the sideline
last week deserved swift and severe punishment.
After a discussion with head coach Dom Capers, Greene was allowed to play the rest of
the game. That was a mistake on Capers’ part. Greene should have been benched for the
remainder of the game. While Capers may levy some punishment this week, the failure to act
quickly to discipline Greene establishes a double standard in the lockerroom. While RB
Fred Lane has found a well-earned place in Capers’ doghouse for several incidents,
Greene was allowed to get off scot-free, at least at first.
Greene may be a superstar, but he shouldn’t be an untouchable. A coach, on the
other hand, should be. If Greene can’t tell the difference between the NFL and the
WCW, then Capers should have given him plenty of time on the bench to figure it out.
Props of the week
To Packer WR Antonio Freeman, for letting your play do the jawing.
To QB Kent Graham, for playing Giant killer.
To Oiler PK Al Del Greco. Ugly, but it counts.
To Charger QB’s Ryan Leaf and Craig Whelihan, for sharing.
To KR’s Corey Harris, Pat Johnson and David Palmer. Many happy returns. |
