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eStragand.com Presents: Denver Broncos Year-End Awards
A bit delayed, but I was waiting to view that final game of the season-
the enigmatic PRO BOWL! I figured I'd better get these out of the way
before my brain gets set on baseball.
These 'awards' are my personal marks and accolades for each Bronco season.
I used to log them in a a little green steno notebook, since the 1989 season. Since
the 200 season I've been sharing them with YOU, the viewing public.
As usual,
the awards banquet was held at Chubby's in Aurora. No Broncos personnel, players,
coahes or cheerleaders attended. No doubt due to the economy.
- Game of the Year- an award given to the most exciting, emotional game of the
season.
12/30/01 vs. Oakland Raiders
The Broncos were out of the playoff hunt, but for one afternoon they were able
to beat their main rival and play an exciting game. The outcome was in doubt until
Kenoy Kennedy intercepted Rich Gannon on the game's last play. A game that keeps
you screaming and hollering for a full 60 always gets consideration. Runner-up would
be the 12/16/01 Chiefs game.
- Player of the Year- awarded to the club's MVP. The one guy they absolutely NEEDED on the
field, every week.
#80- WR Rod Smith
It was so obvious, that even the dense Brian Griese considered him the only player with "talent".
Shattered the team mark for receptions with 113, while leading the NFL in that same category.
Also led the team in TD's, first downs, receiving yards and taped ankles.
- Defensive Player of the Year- awarded to the team's MVP on defense. If a defensive player garners
"Player of the Year" recognition, then this award is replaced by "Offensive Player of the Year", and
vice versa. For example, a player can NOT be "Player of the Year" AND
"Offensive Player of the Year".
#56- LB Al Wilson
Center of the defense at MLB. Ranked second on the team with 128 total tackles (second to
John Mobley). A big reason why the Broncos' run defense improved from 2000. Finished
the 2001 season with a Pro Bowl appearance as an alternate, recording a fumble recovery in
that game. Pro Bowl stats matter! Runner-up is Deltha O'Neal, but despite 9 INTs, he
was getting burned every other week.
- Coolest Moment of the Year- The one play or nifty thing that had you asking your friends:
"Did you SEE that shit??!! Fuckin Awesome, man!"
Rod Smith's 65 yd. TD - 10/28/01 vs. Patriots
Longest play of the year and displayed Rod's running ability and determination.
- Corey Dillon Award- the one day when you wished you weren't a Broncos fan.
11/17/01 vs. Washington Redskins
The Redskins were the joke of the league from August to October. But there they were
in Denver, beating the Broncos with one of the more forgettable "comebacks" in
NFL history.
- Rod Bernstine/Dale Carter Commemorative Award- award given to the newcomer who has little or no effect
on the team, despite given a big contract and important status.
#85- Eddie Kennison
Problems started in the pre-season with his trip to Louisiana. Could not fill in for the injured
Ed McCaffrey and led to Brian Griese's increased phobia, indecisiveness and all around
suckitude. Possibly the biggest free-agent bust in
Broncos history. Retired, then un-retired and was then released. Picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs
and Dick Vermeil, which is a fitting punishment. Runner-up is Leon Lett.
- Simon Fletcher Award- given to the one player who is often overlooked by the
media, but is a vital contributor and in some cases, an impact player or
cornerstone of the team. Occasionally goes by the title "my boy"... a title Simon
had for years.
#12- QB Gus Frerotte
Yes, I hate Griese, but I don't believe Gus is/was the answer. But, in his one start, he played
with more guts than Griese has shown in four years. Sacrificed his shoulder and his season
while scoring a TD.
- Cheerleader of the Year (in Honor of Equality)- An award given to the
brightest, most dependable..aww, hell.... it's just the Hottest Babe on the Sidelines
in a White Skirt Award.
Renee Herlocker
The resemblance to the Official ES Main Squeeze did NOT go unnoticed. Plus, she knows
sign language, so she's able to communicate without, y'know, talking.
Another final note. it looks like Terrell Davis was YOUR pick to start at RunningBack, based
on the 2001 eStragand.com Readers' Poll. He received
10 out of a whopping 19 votes. 6 for Mike Anderson and 3 for Olandis Gary.
Sadly, Blake Ezor and KaRon Coleman received NO votes.
So that's it for YOUR 8-8 2001 Denver Broncos. They head into the offseason with the prospect
of re-tooling and with a few possible personnel switches. (Interestingly enough, the Broncos'
front office is even rumored to be considering my old Drew Bledsoe theory)
The NFL is also re-tooling as the Broncos will play 2002 in a slimmed down AFC West,
sans Seattle. Mike Shanahan refused the Florida Gators job, but for the fourth time in as
many seasons, he faces the same old post-Elway questions: "What to do about Brian Griese at QB"?
Any just what the hell is up with Terell Davis?
See you in August.
Comment about this article. Hit the Message Board, or
Contact My Ass!
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