I have been a Bronco fan since 1973, but there is more. I have a picture too!

I got married the first time in 1973, and we were pretty broke and all we had to do was watch TV, so guess what we watched? The Waltons, and the Bronco Games!!

So, 1977 was exciting and fun, and I spilled a lot of stuff on the living room rug that year after the amazing trick plays and very exciting wins in the playoffs. After that, I was totally dedicated.

1998 - 1999 - 2000 were amazing to say the least. I have a picture of John Elway sitting on the vehicle in the victory parade, waving right into the camera, with the wife and kids right there with him. He had on some "terminator" style sunglasses that day, and he was riding high. My picture was taken by a local professional photographer who is also a friend, hence I got the picture.

Later I handed the pic to some friends who worked at Mile High Stadium and they talked John into signing it for me. I can hardly see the signature, and I have no way on earth of knowing if it is real, or if my friends faked it on his behalf, but it is one of my most prized possessions no matter what. I love that picture.

The Shanahan years were great overall, but that loss to Oakland in game 12 of the 2008 season may be the clincher that sent Bowlen through the roof, and the rest is history. Dang the day, I still want to go back and have the Broncos turn that game around. Did I really pray for that?

Anyway, today I sit here wondering if Josh McDaniels will last another year if the Broncos don't at least win 10 games, and/or get into the playoffs this season. I cannot get into the head of Pat Bowlen, but McDaniels has a 4 year contract and this is the 2nd year, so Bowlen might let it ride another year into 2011.

As I mentioned yesterday I believe the Defense holds to key to recovery. All they have to do is hold opposing teams under 100 yards of offense. The Broncos will win 99% of all games where the Defense does this, and I do think as undynamic as Orton is, he will execute plays correctly because he has a Big Something to prove to all Denver fans.

Orton is better at QB than Brady Quinn, but if Orton is injured, Quinn can step in right now. So Orton will start and then the QBs will line up behind him. I personally hope he does well, but mostly I hope the Defense can keep the other teams from scoring and getting offensive yards in each and every game. Without a great defense, Denver does not stand a chance of getting to 10 and 6, or better.

I am looking at my picture of John Elway. He is the hero of all time in Denver, and will be very hard to replace in this decade. Tebow? Yes I am nostalgic, and I am getting older and more grouchy, but still if this team does well I will absolutely give credit where it is due. So far, I am not impressed with this young coach. Sure hope I am wrong about him.