Thanks For The Memories

Matthew Patston:

Six days have passed since Sunday—enough time for wounds to scab over. For the most part, everybody seems to have gotten the jokes and passive aggressive apologies out of their systems, although I am still taking special precaution to avoid anybody from the Pacific Northwest (I’ll wait until baseball season when they find out that they’re overpaying Robinson Cano by 100 million dollars).

Still, it’s been a hard week to be a Denver Broncos fan.

As far as the actual game is concerned, there isn’t much to say: Denver lost pretty much everything that there is to lose, starting with the media hype leading up to the game (I’m still confused whether America thinks Richard Sherman is a douchebag or a role model). The Seahawks defense is significantly more legit than anyone from the Rocky Mountains gave them credit for, even without the help of the “12th man.”

Denver was unable to run the ball, throw downfield, or control the clock—all of the same faults that cost the Broncos their week 14 match up with the San Diego Chargers, a team that was significantly less talented than the Seahawks. Their performance was the complete opposite of all the things, that Denver had done exceedingly well throughout their record breaking season.

Watching the game was miserable. Having to lie to yourself, drive after drive, touchdown after touchdown, and insist that your team is “still in it” is an exhausting process. When the Broncos scored their only touchdown of the game (two point conversion included), I think I actually said the words “This could actually happen.” Why not? Best offense in the history of the NFL, right? RIGHT????

I felt mildly insulted, and more than a little violated, by what the Seahawks did in East Rutherford. I don’t want to dwell on what happened. Instead I want to offer condolences.

This is the cycle of healing: Confession, repentance, forgiveness, redemption. Lets get started.

Firstly, I’m sorry, on behalf of Broncos fans, to the players. I saw some horrible, horrible things said/tweeted, things that no fan should ever say about their team. And I know that when you win, a city wins with you—but when you lose, you lose alone. Such is the life of a professional athlete. Tough break.

Specifically, I’m sorry for Peyton Manning. There’s no way you’ll ever be able to shake the tag of “can’t win big games”, regardless of how ridiculous and flawed that theory is. I’m sorry your stat line doesn’t reflect the fact that both of your interceptions were the result of deflected passes that only occurred because of the offensive line, who were tossed around like children for most of the game. And I’m sorry that no one will mention that you set a record for most completions in a Super Bowl. Again, tough break.

I’m sorry for the offensive line— I know you thought that you were prepared to face a tough defense, since we played the Chiefs and all, but you appear to have forgotten that the Chiefs secretly sucked all year, and defense in the AFC is mostly a joke. I’m also sorry that a lot of back ups were thrust into starting roles due to the numerous injuries that the offensive line suffered .

I’m sorry for Champ Bailey, mostly because it was heartbreaking to see him play so poorly in his first, and maybe only, Super Bowl.

I'm sorry for Eric Decker and Knowshon Moreno, because chances are one of you won’t be resigned. I’m also sorry for the endless other free agents who are likely going to be gone by next season.
I'm also extra sorry for Eric Decker, because it has to be annoying to have so many teenage girls putting your looks over your devastating loss and your being completely shut down by Richard Sherman.

I'm Sorry for Damariyus Thomas, who had to see what was maybe the best postseason receiving stretch of all time be completely wasted.

I'm sorry for Marshawn Lynch, because you must have had a stomach ache from having to eat so many Skittles.

I'm sorry for Russell Wilson. It must suck to reach the absolute pinnacle of your career during your second season. Your career is now dull and meaningless, because it absolutely can’t get any better than it already has.

I'm also sorry that God smote R-Sherm with a bum ankle, so he couldn’t get buckwild during the celebration.

Lastly, I’m sorry that the Denver Broncos put together such an incredible season of football, and gave the city of Denver more than we could've ever asked for from a sports team, and etched such a significant place in NFL history, and it’s all being slowly disregarded and forgotten. I won’t forget about it. I probably will forget about the sense of helplessness and despair I felt while watching the game, but I won’t forget everything leading up to that.

I can’t remember when the Broncos won back to back titles— as John Elway retiring is one of my first Broncos memories. Nonetheless it’s been an extremely special privilege to be identified with such a special football team. I’m extremely grateful for a season full of records, catch-phrases, and being able to brag to my friends. So here’s looking at you, Denver. To rehash a saying from a long-gone, nobody quarterback—God bless, Go Broncos.

OMAHA!


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www.theindystar.com