ITEM OF NOTE ABOUT BRONCOS GAME, BRONCOS REQUEST 4:30 START
Can you explain to me why the Broncos are slotted to play the late Sunday game on Jan. 12? The No. 1 seed should be given the Saturday afternoon game, in my opinion. That way, when the Broncos win, it would allow for an extra day to prepare for the AFC Championship game (against New England). Now, if the Patriots win, they get to study tape Sunday morning and then sit back and scout the Broncos on Sunday afternoon. Your thoughts? Explanation?
--Dan, New Jersey
The Broncos as the No. 1 seed communicated to the league and networks a preference to play on Sunday during their usual, mid-afternoon kickoff slot. They did not want to play Saturday night because the networks had already forced their fans to attend six home night games this year, counting the two in preseason.
Another night game in January should be avoided in Denver, if possible. Also, the Sunday mid-afternoon start is closer to the Broncos' usual schedule, at least when the networks don't get involved. The thinking is a team has a better chance at approaching peak performance when playing on a regular schedule, rather than an irregular schedule.
The Broncos played on Saturday last year and it didn't work out too well. Given a choice, the Broncos understandably didn't want to play on Saturday night again this year.
Say what you will about BB and Kraft but they never requested a game time, even in the undefeated season with all those night games.