Brittany Bowlen states goal of succeeding her father as Broncos’ controlling owner By Ryan O’Halloran The Denver Post October 21, 2018

Brittany Bowlen, the 28-year-old daughter of Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, announced publicly Saturday night that she wants to succeed her father as the team’s controlling owner.

“Right now, the have an owner, my father; unfortunately, he can’t be involved in the day- to-day operations of the team,” Bowlen said before an event for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation in downtown Denver. “I do have ambitions and goals to one day be the controlling owner of the Denver Broncos.

“I’ll keep working toward those goals. I’m not there yet. But I really believe I can get there.”

In late July, Broncos president and CEO said Brittany Bowlen had expressed an interest in rejoining the organization and succeeding her father, who stepped aside in 2014 because he has Alzheimer’s disease. Ellis leads a three-person trust that is running the Broncos. Bowlen, who was co-chairperson of Saturday’s event that was also attended by several Broncos players, earned degrees at Notre Dame and Duke and worked two years for the NFL in New York. She now works for McKinsey & Company, a global consulting firm, in its Denver offices.

Asked if she has a schedule for joining the Broncos, Bowlen said: “I really don’t have a timetable right now. I’m working for McKinsey and right now, that’s my focus. … I think it’s going to help me a lot. It’s really important I get experience outside of the football industry.”

In May, Beth Bowlen-Wallace, one of Pat Bowlen’s two children from his first marriage, expressed her desire to be the next controlling owner of the Broncos.

Asked if she has had any conversations with Bowlen-Wallace, Brittany Bowlen said: “I really can’t speak for Beth. But what I do know is, the way my dad laid out this trust, all of my (six) siblings have a right to pursue this goal and I support them in pursuing that goal.”

The trust acted swiftly after Bowlen-Wallace’s announcement, saying she did not fit the required criteria to be considered a replacement for her father.

In a text message to The Denver Post on Saturday, Bowlen-Wallace said: “I’m still very interested in fulfilling my father’s wishes of having a family member step up. I’m very proud of the legacy he created and am blessed I was able to experience his leadership for so many years of his adult life.”

Now that two of Pat Bowlen’s children have expressed their goal of succeeding him, it’s unlikely the Broncos will be for sale after his death.

Asked about her father’s health, Brittany Bowlen said: “My father is doing OK. Alzheimer’s is a very hard disease. He is the most stoic Alzheimer’s patient. It is truly inspirational to see how he has carried himself with this disease.”

Still unknown, in addition to when Brittany Bowlen will join the Broncos: Will Ellis remain team president to lead the transition? How many years will she be mentored before taking over the decision-making? Will any of Pat Bowlen’s other children serve in the team’s front office?

Having grown up in Denver, Brittany Bowlen said she understands the passion of the Broncos’ fan base.

“For me, football is about family,” she said. “I grew up in this organization. I love my family. I love the impact they’ve had on our community. I love the team and seeing how they work together. That’s why I love football. I love watching the games, but really seeing the connections people make and the lifelong friendships people make, that’s what is really important.”

Bowlen said her time working for the NFL was beneficial.

“I absolutely loved my two years at the NFL,” she said. “It was an incredible experience. I got to spend time with the (public relations) staff and with digital media, which was really awesome because I was able to see the impact my father drove with television. I also spent time with club business development, which is a group that consults for all 32 clubs.”

Bowlen was involved with a leaguewide fan experience survey while employed by the NFL.

“That was actually part of the reason I wanted to go into consulting because I loved working with all the clubs and help improve (their) operations,” she said.

Broncos Analysis: Reasons for optimism following win at Arizona By Ryan O’Halloran The Denver Post October 21, 2018

The started last year 2-3, but won six of their next seven.

The were 4-4 but finished 10-6.

The were 5-5 through 10 games but rallied to finish 9-7.

And the were 6-6, but won their final four games. All four teams made the playoffs and the Titans and Falcons each advanced to the Divisional Round.

Stay with us, this is actually germane to the Broncos, who at 3-4 are 12th in the AFC entering Sunday, but only six teams in the conference have more wins.

All it takes is a spark to start a roll. The Broncos hope Thursday’s 45-10 laugher over the reeling is the required flicker.

“It’s a great momentum booster,” safety Justin Simmons said. “A road win coming out of a time when we had lost four in a row and a quick turnaround for a Thursday game. It’s what we needed.”

Said linebacker Bradley Chubb: “I feel like it can be. We came out with so much intensity. If we just come out (that way) every game, it’s going to be a positive for us.”

The Broncos’ three wins have come over teams who are a combined 5-14 and their remaining schedule includes trips to Kansas City (5-1), the Chargers (4-2) and Cincinnati (4-2).

But if the Broncos are to avoid consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 1971-72, they must build on what happened in Arizona instead of merely reveling in it.

To that end, here are four reasons for optimism.

1. Case Keenum looks healthy

Keenum missed practice on Sept. 19 because of a knee injury and he has worn a brace in practice and games ever since.

During the four-game losing streak, Keenum looked hindered by the injury. He did not show the kind of mobility befitting his reputation (able to extend plays or scramble for the first down if needed) before joining the Broncos.

Keenum looked like a different player against Arizona. A healthy player.

Flushed out of the pocket, Keenum threw a 10-yard pass (5.77 seconds) to Demaryius Thomas to convert a third-and-6. He looked fluid on a designed half-rollout before throwing a 64-yard touchdown to Emmanuel Sanders. And he scrambled for seven yards to convert a third-and-6.

“I thought Case played good football (on Thursday), especially on third down,” coach Vance Joseph said. “He made some plays moving around the pocket. Honestly, Case is getting better and better each week.”

If Keenum continues to play like he did against the Cardinals and gets better at eliminating interceptions (nine this year), the Broncos’ offense should be efficient.

2. Von Miller and Bradley Chubb are a force.

Combined statistics for Miller and Chubb against the Rams and Arizona — 8 1/2 sacks, three hits and six pressures. They had two sacks apiece against Arizona’s injury-ravaged line (both guards were inactive).

“It just shows you what type of defense we have,” Miller said. “When everybody is firing on all cylinders like we did (Thursday), it’s easy for me and Bradley to do what we do.”

The duo, who normally work on opposite sides of the line, will face Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger in the next four games. There will be ample pass-rushing opportunities.

3. Emmanuel Sanders is playing at an elite level.

Sometimes, training camp is a tease. Sometimes, it isn’t. Sanders falls in the second category.

Sanders is on pace for 105 catches and 1,378 yards. Thomas is handling the perimeter and underneath routes, freeing up Sanders and rookie Courtland Sutton to be available for downfield shots.

Sanders already has three 100-yard games (135 vs. Seattle, 115 vs. the Rams and 102 at Arizona); he had a combined four in 28 games the previous two years.

Sanders’ 10 receptions of at least 20 yards is tied for third-most in the league behind Houston’s DeAndre Hopkins (12) and Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill (11).

4. The coaches have made some adjustments.

Maybe offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave has found a home back on the sideline after calling three games from the coach’s box.

But it’s the plays Musgrave and defensive coordinator Joe Woods call moving forward that will play a role in the Broncos stringing together wins.

There were a few encouraging wrinkles by the coordinators against Arizona.

Musgrave called a trick play – – Sanders’ 28-yard touchdown pass to Sutton – – but also used some unique formations that will give opponents more to think about.

On one second quarter play, the Broncos had fullback Andy Janovich at H-back, running back Phillip Lindsay wide right, tight end Matt LaCosse in the right slot, receiver Tim Patrick at left slot and Sanders wide left. Keenum threw 12 yards to LaCosse.

On defense, the Broncos played much more of their base defense as a way to contain Cardinals running back David Johnson. Nickel corner Tramaine Brock played only 28 of 66 snaps (42 percent), which meant more time for base package linebacker Todd Davis (50 snaps) to defend the run.

5. The run defense showed a pulse.

A breakdown of the Broncos’ rush defense this year:

Weeks 1-4: Allowed 93.8 yards per game and 3.9 yards per carry.

Weeks 5-6: Allowed 296.5 yards per game and 7.7 yards per carry.

Thursday: Allowed 69 yards and 3.3 yards per carry.

Asked if getting a lead and then rushing the passer is the perfect formula, linebacker Brandon Marshall said: “Actually, stopping the run is a better formula.”

Marshall has a point. The only way to unleash the pass rush is to get teams into third-and-must-pass situations.

The Cardinals went 4 of 14 on third down and needed an average of 7.2 yards.

Losses to Kansas City and Houston and the chatter about Joseph and Keenum and the roster will re- surface. But beating Arizona to get to 3-4 makes the next two weeks more intriguing.

“We weathered the storm for the last few games and they were tough for us,” Davis said. “This was the first time we put together a great game for four quarters. This is who we are and how we can play every week.”

Broncos Journal: Injuries will test depth chart before Week 10 bye By Ryan O’Halloran The Denver Post October 21, 2018

When all 53 Broncos players were available for the first two games, the team knew their injury fortune would eventually veer back to reality.

Reality arrived with a thud during coach Vance Joseph’s media briefing on Friday, hours after a 45-10 win over the lowly Arizona Cardinals.

Starting running back Royce Freeman: Ankle.

Fourth receiver/sometimes first punt returner DaeSean Hamilton: Knee. Safety Darian Stewart: Stinger, his third in as many weeks.

Already injured and inactive against the Cardinals: Right tackle Jared Veldheer (knee), cornerback Adam Jones (thigh), linebacker Shane Ray (ankle) and out-for-the-year left guard Ron Leary (Achilles).

A team’s depth will be tested during the course of a 16-game NFL season, when injuries happen every Sunday and, in the case of tight end Jake Butt, during a mid-week practice (torn ACL).

The teams that adjust the best without key players are often the teams playing in January.

The next two games — at Kansas City and vs. Houston — before the Broncos’ Week 10 bye will be a test of the depth chart provided to Joseph by general manager John Elway. At 3-4, the season remains at a crossroads (player-speak) or on the edge of being a debacle (me-speak).

With the aforementioned players injured, other players will be taking on more prominent roles.

Leading the way is running back Phillip Lindsay, who was sharing top-billing with his fellow rookie Freeman.

If Freeman misses the Chiefs game or is limited, it robs the Broncos of their run-game enforcer.

Lindsay is one of the league’s best stories. He has rushed for 436 yards, putting him on pace for 996 yards. He has proven to be an effective in-the-open-field runner (expected) but also tough enough to run inside (unexpected).

“It’s not an accident he’s making plays,” Joseph said. “Whatever he’s given each week, he’s making the best of. Thank God for the little guy.”

If the Broncos want to massage Freeman’s playing time for the next two games, they don’t need Lindsay returning punts (which he did for the first time against Arizona) or kickoffs (which he has done all year). That means Jones, who has been in and out of the lineup this year, will need to handle punt returns. Hamilton will help in that role once he returns to playable health.

The Broncos should feel good about Will Parks if he starts for Stewart. Parks was the team’s dime safety until Thursday, when he played 60 of 66 snaps.

“I thought (Parks) played good,” Joseph said. “With (Stewart’s) deal, he may have to play more for us. He’s in his third year so he should play that way for us.”

Said safety Justin Simmons: “Will is a starter and he knows what he’s doing. The one thing we preach is we don’t want any drop-offs.”

The Broncos feel they wasn’t a drop-off on the offensive line despite not having Veldheer (could return against the Chiefs) and Leary (will be placed on injured reserve). Lindsay had carries of 28, 22 and 11 yards and quarterback Case Keenum mostly operated with a clean pocket. Max Garcia was playing left guard, Connor McGovern right guard and Billy Turner right tackle; only McGovern started in Week 1.

“I thought Max, filling in for Ron, did a great job and played physical,” Joseph said. “I thought Connor bounced back and played solid and I thought (left tackle Garett) Bolles played one of his best games of the year.”

The offensive line played penalty free for the second time this year.

Continued bests by players like Lindsay and Parks, Garcia and McGovern, will be required for the Broncos to climb back to .500 and beyond. NFL Week 7 Picks: Game, lock and upset of the week from the Denver Post By Ryan O’Halloran The Denver Post October 21, 2018

Game of the week

New Orleans at Baltimore

Strength vs. strength when the 4-1 Saints visit the 4-2 Ravens. New Orleans, a 2 1/ 2-point underdog, leads the league in scoring at 36 points per game. Baltimore paces the league in scoring defense (12.8 per game). Give the Saints the advantage because they are coming off a bye week.

Saints 34, Ravens 28 Lock of the week

Cleveland at Tampa Bay

Like the Broncos, Tampa Bay started 2-0 but hasn’t won since (now 2-3). Defensive coordinator Mike Smith took the fall for a putrid defense (34.6 points per game), and was replaced by linebackers coach Mark Duffner. A change always produces an instant spark. The Bucs are a 3 1/2-point favorite.

Buccaneers 17, Browns 13

Upset of the week

Detroit at Miami

Why are the Lions a 2 1/2-point home favorite after Miami beat last week in overtime? We get that Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill (shoulder) is out again, but Brock Osweiler threw for 380 yards last week. The difference, though, will be Frank Gore, who will torch the Lions’ 30th-ranked rush defense.

Dolphins 27, Lions 21 Kickin’ it with Kiz: Want a meaningful prediction? Broncos Country would love it if Case Keenum vowed to kick Patrick Mahomes’ butt. By Mark Kizsla The Denver Post October 21, 2018

Von Miller’s prediction of kicking butt against Arizona was pretty meaningless. Why? If the Broncos won, he would be proved correct. And if the team failed, the season would have been pretty much over. Nothing against Miller. But if predictions win the day, then with the upcoming game against Kansas City, predict on, Von!

Frank, Arvada

Kiz: OK, after watching Miller dismantle Arizona, can we say general manager John Elway was correct to select Bradley Chubb instead of quarterback Josh Rosen in 2018 NFL draft? But Elway doesn’t have his Patrick Mahomes. That’s going to be a problem for the Broncos not only next weekend in Kansas City but for the next 10 years. If Case Keenum vows to kick Mahomes’ butt, then we’d really have something to talk about.

I was wondering if or when Chubb would get going for the Broncos. The NFL can be difficult to absorb between the ears as a rookie. But along came your column in The Post, and voila! There’s nothing like a little “questionable press” to motivate athletes. Too bad it was necessary, as I believe the job of motivation should fall to the coaches. Keep that pen warmed up, Kiz. G.I., Longmont

Kiz: That’s Coach Kiz to you, my friend. Life coach. Second-guesser. Bon vivant. Available to work corporate retreats for a nominal fee. But irritating Elway? That’s always free.

Your debate with colleague Ryan O’Halloran about booing the Broncos was interesting. I particularly liked your comments regarding the Broncos being treated as family in Denver. In some ways, our Broncos are quite ill, teetering on being placed in hospice. If a family member is gravely ill, one does not boo or condemn them, even if that condemnation is well-deserved. We should make allowances for past transgressions, as we wait for that last day.

Mike, football philosopher

Kiz: Hospice? Easy now. I know football is serious business in Broncos Country. But it’s not a matter of life and death.

I wasn’t so sure if Nuggets coach Michael Malone was deserving of a contract extension after last season’s failure to make the playoffs. But he has increased the team’s win total each year and developed the young players well. So he deserves the extension.

Tanner, stoked for the future

Kiz: If the Nuggets win 50 games and a playoff series, some grumpy old fans might even forgive Malone for not being George Karl.

And today’s parting shot disses me, which is cool. But make fun of my trusty old typewriter? Now them’s fighting words.

Do you actually think the Broncos give a flying flip what you think, Kiz? If you want to play general manager all the time, why don’t you apply for the job? Pretend wanna-be GM, you just complain and whine. If you were the general manager of the Broncos, you would be the worst GM in the history of sports. Typewriter know-it-all. You are a complete jinx and scourge. As long as you write about Denver sports, local teams have no chance of winning a title.

P.B., edited for family newspaper

Brittany Bowlen would like to be the Denver Broncos controlling owner one day By Rod Mackey 9 News October 21, 2018

Pat Bowlen wanted one of his children to follow him as the controlling owner of the Denver Broncos one day. Brittany Bowlen made it clear on Saturday night that she would like to be the one, but not yet.

"Right now there is an owner," Bowlen emphasized. "That's really important for me, my father is the owner. Unfortunately he can not be there for the day-to-day operations of the team, but I really think he's put an incredible team in place. I do have ambitions and goals to one day be the controlling owner of the Denver Broncos."

Brittany Bowlen made those comments in downtown Denver on Saturday night at the Sheraton Hotel where athletes, actors, and the Colorado community came together for a Global Down Syndrome event which was co-anchored by Bowlen.

Brittany was focused on the foundation, but she also, for the first time, went on the record about her future with the Denver Broncos and why running the team one day would be important to her.

"I really love my family," said Bowlen. "I think that their legacy is very important. More importantly I love this city, I love these fans, I love our team, and I really want to be a part of it."

Bowlen also talked about her fathers health as Pat Bowlen continues to battle with Alzheimers.

"My father is doing really well," Bowlen said. "Alzheimers is a really difficult disease and he has handled it with so much grace that it's truly inspirational."

Just another reason that Brittany Bowlen would like to follow in the footsteps of her father.

Broncos notes: Stewart, Sanders fined; center Falah signed By Mike Klis 9 News October 21, 2018

It’s been a painful few days for Darian Stewart.

The Broncos’ safety learned this week he had been fined $26,739 for his horse collar tackle on receiver Cooper Kupp last Sunday. Kupp is going to miss a game or so with a knee injury suffered on the play.

Stewart also suffered a neck stinger early in Broncos’ 45-10 win Thursday at Arizona. Head coach Vance Joseph said it was Stewart’s third stinger in three games, an indication he may miss some time.

Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders also learned he was fined $10,026 for his taunting penalty against the Rams. The penalty probably cost the Broncos four points as they wound up getting pushed back 15 yards from the 1 and settled for a field goal.

Broncos sign Jets blocker

To replace left guard Ron Leary, who was officially placed on season-ending reserve Saturday with a torn Achilles, the Broncos signed guard-center Nico Falah off the ’ practice squad. An undrafted rookie from USC, Falah also spent time with the Tennessee Titans.

Brittany Bowlen says she wants to become controlling owner of the Broncos By Nicki Jhabvala The Athletic October 21, 2018

Brittany Bowlen wants the job. The daughter of Pat Bowlen for the first time publicly declared her desire to become controlling owner of the Denver Broncos.

“I do have ambitions and goals to one day become controlling owner of the Denver Broncos,” she said Saturday as co-chair of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s annual fashion show in Denver. “I’ll keep working toward those goals. I’m not there yet, but I really believe I can get there.”

Brittany, who recently began working with McKinsey & Co. Consulting in Denver, said she does not yet have a timetable to rejoin the team.

Although her interest in taking over the team one day was already known, her public confirmation again puts the Broncos ownership in the spotlight.

In May, Beth Bowlen, one of Pat’s two daughters with his first wife, Sally Parker, stated her desire to become controlling owner. But her interest was met with pushback from the trust, which labeled her as “not capable or qualified at this time.”

Beth Bowlen, 48, worked in marketing and founded the event planning company Social Butterfly LLC in Hawaii before returning to Denver. She was hired by the Broncos in 2012 and worked for more than three years as a director of special projects. She received her law degree from the University of Denver in 2016.

Brittany, 28, is the oldest daughter of Pat’s five children with Annabel. She received her MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business earlier this year before starting her full-time role with McKinsey & Co. She previously spent about a year in the Broncos business department and worked two years as an intern with the NFL’s junior rotational program.

“I really can’t speak for Beth,” Brittany said. “But what I do know is the way my dad laid out this trust is that all of my siblings have a right to pursue this goal, and I support them in pursuing that goal.”

Before the start of training camp, Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis indicated that Brittany was the lead candidate to become controlling owner among Pat Bowlen’s seven children. In fact, Ellis insinuated the future of the Broncos would either rest with Brittany or the team would be sold.

“Pat said if no child is qualified, then you should sell the team, but he would like us to make every effort to see if a child is capable of, has the ability to and has earned the right to sit in his chair,” Ellis said in July.

The Broncos ownership situation currently is a unique one in that, although Pat Bowlen is regarded still as the owner, the team has been placed in a trust overseen by three non-family trustees: Ellis, team counsel Rich Slivka and local attorney Mary Kelly.

Although each of Pat Bowlen’s seven children is expected to receive an equal piece of the team, only one will be elected controlling owner and be the sole voice and decision-maker for the club. Ellis, Slivka and Kelly have the task of appointing that child, or finding another controlling owner for the team.

And until then, Ellis, as controlling owner delegee, runs the team on a day-to-day basis.

In February 2015, the trustees sent Bowlen’s children and his wife, Annabel, an outline of the basic requirements needed to be considered for controlling ownership. Meeting them didn’t guarantee appointment, but the memo served as a loose blueprint for qualification.

Included were personal characteristics, such as integrity and leadership. Also included were educational and work requirements — a bachelor’s degree, paired with an MBA, J.D. or other advanced business- related degree, and at least five years of senior management experience with the league, team or Stadium Management Co., the group that operates the Broncos’ stadium.

In July, Ellis said there is no timetable for transition but that “it should be as soon as we can.”

“The league has acknowledged that we’ve kept in compliance, we’ve kept them informed and they’re allowing us to proceed with Pat’s plan as he wanted it,” he said. “But I don’t have a specific timetable for that right now. I do think it’ll be a good thing when an owner is named, whether it’s a child, or no child was deemed capable, then there would be an owner. I do think that that’s something that needs to happen for sure, obviously. I have no specific timetable other than a sense that I’d like to see it move along as quickly as we can move it along.”

Pat Bowlen formally stepped down from his day-to-day duties in the fall of 2013 because of the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, which he has had for more than a decade now. He’s remained out of the spotlight since Super Bowl XLVIII but in August was selected as a contributor finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“My father is doing OK,” Brittany said. “Alzheimer’s is a very hard disease. He is the most stoic Alzheimer’s patient. It’s truly inspirational to see how he’s carried himself through the disease. I just graduated from my master’s program at Duke and it’s been really awesome to be able to spend more time with him.”

Brittany Bowlen expresses desire to become controlling owner of Broncos By Troy Renck KMGH October 21, 2018

Brittany Bowlen wants to become the controlling owner of the Broncos.

For the first time publicly, the 28-year-old daughter of Pat Bowlen made her goal clear on Saturday as she walked the red carpet at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation charity gala.

"Right now my father (Pat Bowlen) is the owner, but unfortunately he can't be there day-to-day. I do have ambition to one day become the controlling owner of the Denver Broncos," said Brittany Bowlen, who served as the co-chair of the "Be Yourself, Be Beautiful" fashion show. "I have that ambition and I will keep working toward that goal."

Brittany Bowlen is one of Pat Bowlen's seven children attempting to land the role. She has been considered the favorite for several months because of her educational background -- a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame, a master's from Duke University -- her stint working in the NFL offices and her current employment at the McKinsey & Company Global Consulting.

As Pat Bowlen's health declined in his battle with alzheimer's disease, he established a trust. The trust has has discretion on determining which of Bowlen's children meets the criteria of the succession plan. I asked Brittany Bowlen on Saturday what she loved about football given the passionate fan base's desire to understand her intentions.

"Gosh. For me football is about family. I grew up in this organization. I love my family. I love the impact the team has on the community, and I love the team and seeing how the team works together," Bowlen said. "I love watching the games. But I really love seeing the way the players work together and the lifelong connections they make."

Brittany Bowlen did not place a timeline on reaching her goal. She insisted that her consulting work was important, broadening her business experience outside of football. In May, the trust issued a statement revealing multiple children wanted to own the team. They responded to Beth Bowlen Wallace's desires to own the team with a strong rebuttal to her candidacy.

"The trustees have informed Beth of their determination that she is not capable or qualified at this time."

In a statement, the trust made clear that Bowlen Wallace's employment as Director of Special Projects for the team, a job she held from 2012-15, ended for a reason.

"We have communicated our decision to Beth and her lawyers on multiple occasions. She is also fully informed as to why her employment with the team ended in 2015."

Brittany Bowlen said Saturday her father remains stoic in his fight against alzheimer's, and that she's enjoys spending more time with him since graduating from Duke. Asked about Bowlen Wallace's actions several months ago, Brittany Bowlen remained diplomatic.

"I really can't speak for Beth. But what I do know is the way my dad laid out this trust is that all of my siblings have the right to pursue this goal," Brittany Bowlen said. "And I support them in that."

Pat Bowlen's daughter Brittany wants to run team one day By Arnie Stapleton Associated Press October 21, 2018

Brittany Bowlen , one of Pat Bowlen's seven children, said Saturday night she's hoping to one day succeed her father as principal owner of the Denver Broncos.

It was the first public declaration of her intention and it came at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's annual fashion show , where she is co-chair.

The franchise has been run by a trust since Pat Bowlen stepped away several years ago to battle Alzheimer's.

"Right now, the Denver Broncos have an owner. It's my father. Unfortunately, he can't be involved in the day-to-day of the team," Brittany Bowlen said. "I do have ambitions and goals to one day becoming the controlling owner of the Denver Broncos. And I'll keep working toward those goals. I'm not there yet, but I really believe I can get there."

Brittany Bowlen, 28, received her master's degree in business administration from Duke in May after graduating from Notre Dame with a degree in finance, working for two years at NFL headquarters and a year with the Broncos as a business analyst.

Terms of the trust require five years' experience with the league or team. Brittany Bowlen, who began a job with McKinsey & Company at the global consulting firm's downtown Denver branch, said she doesn't have a timetable to rejoin the Broncos for more front office experience.

"I think it's really important that I get experience outside of the football industry," Brittany Bowlen said. "And I think that working at McKinsey & Company is going to give me that experience."

Asked for an update on her father's health, Brittany Bowlen said, "My father is doing OK. Alzheimer's is a very hard disease. He is the most stoic Alzheimer's patient. It's truly inspirational to see how he carries himself with the disease."

She said since getting her master's degree, "it's been really awesome to spend more time with him."

Brittany Bowlen's mother, Annabel Bowlen, recently announced her own Alzheimer's diagnosis.

Pat Bowlen, who has been nominated as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, bought the team in 1984. He transferred control of the team to the Pat Bowlen Trust in 2014.

The trust is run by team president Joe Ellis, Broncos general counsel Rich Slivka and attorney Mary Kelly.

Player Q&A: Bradley Roby By Zach Pereles DenverBroncos.com October 21, 2018

Now in his fifth year in the NFL, cornerback Bradley Roby has stepped into an important role for the Broncos’ defense as a full-time starter. The former Ohio State standout has spent his entire career with the Broncos and was an important part of the Super Bowl 50 champion team. Though Roby has settled into his role as a cornerback, it didn’t always look like he would end up on the defensive side of the ball. He nearly ended up playing wide receiver at Vanderbilt before changing his mind. We talked with Roby about how his time as a wide receiver has helped him as a cornerback, how he’s managed to stay healthy and why his Super Bowl ring is a motivating factor for him every day.

Zach Pereles: You almost played wide receiver in college [Roby initially committed to play WR at Vanderbilt before deciding on Ohio State]. How do you think playing wide receiver — and being a good wide receiver — has helped you as a defensive back?

Bradley Roby: “It helps me with my ball skills, just being able to catch the ball. A lot of [defensive backs] don’t have good hands. I like to think I’m the best [defensive back] with my hands on the team. It’s called ‘mitt game.’ I’ve got a big ‘mitt game.’ ... It helps with that and also pattern recognition, just knowing what they are going to run.”

ZP: You were teammates with Steve Atwater Jr. in high school. Did knowing the background of the Broncos franchise help you transition out here at all?

BR: “Definitely. It was actually crazy because I used to go over to their house in high school, and it was the biggest house I’ve ever been in, and a perfect family. It was like, ‘I hope my life is like this one day.’ Next thing you know I get drafted to the Broncos. It’s just crazy. And now [Steve Atwater]’s here, working in the media. It’s just crazy how life goes.”

ZP: With you moving up the depth chart this offseason and playing a lot more, did you do anything specifically this offseason to prepare to be out there for more plays?

BR: “Just more running. You’ve got to just run more, because that’s all we do is run. So I just focused on the track and running and backpedaling more and watching film and stuff like that. Just amp it up. Every year, you’ve got to amp it up.”

ZP: When you look at yourself now, you’re five years in. What’s the biggest difference in how you prepare and approach the game?

BR: “Now I know how to prepare. When I was young, I didn’t really know how to prepare. Fortunately I had guys like Aqib [Talib] and Chris [Harris Jr.] that could teach me how they prepare. I tried to just learn as much as possible from those guys. Now I know how to prepare. I have a schedule. I have a routine. And that’s how I’ve really changed.”

ZP: You’ve never missed a game in your career. How have you managed to stay so healthy?

“I just take care of my body. I get massages, go to chiropractor twice a week. I just bought myself a hyperbaric chamber this offseason. You’ve got to invest in your body, because your body is what’s going to get you on the field. If you’re hurt, you can’t play, and if you can’t play, nobody cares. I just try to keep myself as healthy as possible, and that’s also something that I learned from Chris. I think I learned that a lot from Chris. I use a lot of his guys. It’s just taking care of your body.”

ZP: The defensive backs are having extra film sessions this year, led by Chris. How do you think you’ve developed as a leader alongside him?

BR: “I think I’m still developing. It’s always a learning process with anything. I’m definitely helping the younger guys when I can and calling meetings like that. I never even thought to call a meeting before. I know we’ve done it before, but now that I’m one of the guys, it has to be on me to say, ‘Hey, let’s watch red zone again,’ or ‘Hey, let’s watch this by ourselves.’ So now I’m learning, ‘Let’s go to dinner on Friday night,’ or stuff like that. I’m learning how to be a vet.”

ZP: How does the Super Bowl 50 victory serve as motivation for you?

BR: “It’s been motivation. I want to get back there. That’s the best feeling I’ve ever had in my life. I was just so blessed to get here and play in that game, because I was watching their previous Super Bowl against the Seahawks two years earlier, and I was thinking, ‘Dang, the Broncos need some corners. I would love to be there.’ I never thought I would be here, and then eventually we got back and I made plays to help us get there and made plays in the Super Bowl. I just feel like it was destiny. And now that that’s come and gone, we haven’t had the best past couple of seasons. It’s motivating me to get back there and to lead these guys.”

ZP: If you could speak to your younger self, what’s one piece of advice that you’d give to him?

BR: “Keep your priorities right. [Do it] with your actions, though. Everybody says, ‘I’ve got these priorities.’ But follow your priorities with your actions. Put the things that you value most first. And do those things first before you do other things.”

Children's Hospital Colorado Junior Reporter: Maddy meets Will Parks By Maddy DenverBroncos.com October 21, 2018

Will Parks has been called the Swiss Army Knife of the Broncos defense. I’m Maddy Barrett, kid reporter, and I recently sat down with Will after practice to ask him a few questions. Even after practice, he was full of energy and quite the gentleman.

I wanted to figure out what makes this intensely competitive football player tick, so I peppered him with some serious hypotheticals.

Me: If you could eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

Will: A food or a fruit?

Me: Food, any kind.

Will: So, from candy all the way to chicken?

I can see right away that Will likes to be clear about the questions.

Me: Any kind.

Will: I would eat salmon. Yeah, why, because it’s got a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. I got two pieces of salmon in there for my meals right now.

So, eating is about nutrition, which makes sense for this serious athlete. Will is looking dreamy-eyed about that salmon right now, and he just finished practice so he’s probably really hungry. I better keep this going.

Me: If you were stuck on a desert island what three things would you bring?

Will: Can I bring things and people?

This man seeks clarity.

Me: No, only things.

Will: All right, so can I choose the island?

Me: Sure.

Will: I would get stuck on Turks and Caicos and I would have a Nintendo Switch. I would not have a cell phone, I don’t want nobody to find me. I would have some peanut butter because you can survive on peanut butter for like three weeks, I think. And then I would have a satellite for my Switch. Just in case I want to connect with somebody.

So, Will is a man who can obviously tackle challenging circumstances with cleverness and insight. He will have plenty of food and seriously awesome entertainment on that desert island and nobody will be able to bug him. I like the way he thinks, and I love peanut butter too.

Me: What place in the world would you like to visit?

Will: London, yeah I think I’m going there next year. I would like to visit London. They have a lot of clothes over there and I’m like a fashion king. I like to call myself a fashion king.

As a fashion queen, I can relate.

Now, let’s get into some football questions.

Me: What is your most favorite play that you ever made?

Will: I think it was in college, I hit some dude so hard he like bounced off the ground like face up. U of A vs. Oregon State. You can look it up online.

Later, I Googled that play. Yep, that was one seriously hard hit.

Me: If you had to play a different sport what would it be and why?

Will: I’m the best basketball player that's playing football. Yeah, so I would be a point guard. They call me dead rose when I play.

I like roses too. Mostly live ones though.

Me: Will, if you had to play a different position what position would you choose?

Will: I would definitely be a running back. I like the ball in my hand!

I’m convinced that Will would be a great running back. Coach Modkins, you should give him a try!

Now onto what’s really important: family.

Me: Tell me about your family.

Will: I have a very, very, very big family. Like they could probably fill up one side of this football field.

Me: Wow.

Will: Yeah, it’s real big.

Maybe this is why he’s not bringing a cell phone to the island!

Me: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

Will: I got a lot of influences, but the biggest one in my life would be my dad. He pushed me to get here and stuff like that. Who're your biggest influencers?

Me: Probably my parents.

Of course, my dad is standing over there with a video camera on, so what else can I say?

Me: Thanks for the interview, Will Parks!

Refreshed and Rolling: Why Emmanuel Sanders is off to his best start since 2014 By Ben Swanson DenverBroncos.com October 21, 2018

Emmanuel Sanders feels his age — no younger, no older.

You may see him sprint out of the backfield on end-arounds or front-flip across the goal line on a touchdown reception or finger wag in the face of opposing cornerbacks who weren’t quick enough to stop him, but he is all of his 31 years.

But you’d be forgiven for thinking he looks much younger than that. After all, old fogies aren’t doing acrobatics at the end of plays and usually the mileage on their legs doesn’t permit them to make such whimsical plays.

Finding the underlying reason for this is tricky because there are so many variables — the offense has a new coordinator and quarterback at the helm this season, and Sanders himself has a new position coach. And at a personal level, Sanders changed his mental approach to preparing for the season.

Whatever it is, it definitely has been paying off.

Perhaps Sanders’ rejuvenation is due in part to the Broncos realizing something that Bellville High School knew 15 years ago.

Sanders was absolutely electric with the ball in his hands. So Bellville got it to him however they could, playing him at various positions on offense — out wide, in the backfield, wherever. Watching his high- school highlights, Sanders is immediately identifiable by his speed and elusiveness with the ball, sometimes downfield after a reception and sometimes starting in the backfield on a sweep or handoff.

So when you watch Sanders do that now — as he has on two runs for a career-high 53 yards, — you’re getting a glimpse at something Sanders has been doing, however sparingly over his NFL years, since his high-school days.

“Obviously it’s all based off the offensive coordinator and what he thinks you can do,” Sanders says. “Bill [Musgrave] believes in me, and I’m loving it. I like to have the ball in my hands. I like to make plays. I take pride in being a playmaker. I like the fact that he understands that and he’s trying to get me involved in this offense, because I feel like if they do, we have a great chance of being successful.”

If you ask Chris Harris Jr., who has often been Sanders’ nemesis in practice since 2014, another part of Sanders’ success also stems from the offense’s changes, though it’s not likely it attracts as much attention as the couple of trick plays Musgrave has run.

“I think one huge thing was — and I’ve been telling ‘E’ forever — [moving] to the slot,” Harris says. “And he’s moved to the slot this year, and he’s been able to just move the chains for us, get way more catches, way more activity.”

That may very well be true, yet you can still find Sanders lining up out wide on occasion, and some of his biggest plays have come from those formations. More than anything, Sanders is just getting the ball in his hands in as many ways as possible.

“I mean, he’s always been a great receiver,” Harris says. “I think he just needed a QB that he can trust and give him the ball.”

Enter, Case Keenum.

Much has already been written about Keenum’s impact on the Broncos writ large, but his effect on Sanders is a prime example of what an experienced and even-keel quarterback can do for a receiver.

“I think having Case has given him new life and energy,” Head Coach Vance Joseph said in late September. “As a veteran receiver who’s played with special quarterbacks, him watching Case work and him watching Case practice has given him a lot of energy. How he’s practicing and playing, that’s who he’s been since the spring since Case has gotten here. I’ve been really proud of how he’s played.”

That connection has been building ever since Keenum’s arrival in free agency, but it has its roots in the paths that each of them have taken.

“He’s worked for everything he’s got,” Keenum says. “I see that with me, too, and it might have given me a little chip on my shoulder, which I see in him, too. I think we’ve got some kindred spirit there, when it comes to like-mindedness.”

Over the offseason, the two Broncos would work out together at a local high school, building not only the timing that can make or break a quarterback’s success with a receiver, but also the trust that the two will rely upon throughout the season.

“From the moment I got here, [I’ve seen] how he’s approached every day — just the extra [work] that he’s put in, as a veteran guy, a [nine]-year guy ... who’s done this for a long time and who has been to Super Bowls, won a Super Bowl and played a lot of ball,” Keenum says. “To come out here hungry, he’s playing at a high level. I’m really excited that he’s brought what he’s brought.”

The two share a common perspective and a common goal — to make this offense run as effectively as possible, and through the connection they’ve built and the talent they have, the two are starting to see all their work together come to fruition.

“He’s hungry and he’s looking for guys to make plays for him,” Sanders says, “and I’m over here with my hand raised like, ‘Hey, I’ll make those plays for you.’”

The result so far? Sanders is off to his best seven-game start to a season since his first year as a Bronco, when was under center.

The changes on offense and at quarterback have surely made an impact on Sanders’ 2018 season, but the most vital factors may be his consistent devotion to the game and how he slightly adjusted his approach to this season.

Much of Sanders’ preparation goes unseen, but you can catch glimpses through his Instagram, where he sometimes shares videos showcasing the work he puts in during the offseason and the off days. His footwork training is rigorous, but it pays off when he is able to shake a cornerback to create the inches of separation he needs for a toe-tapping sideline catch. On Tuesdays, when NFL players get the rest they need to recover from the previous game and prepare for the next one, sometimes Sanders heads into the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse with a member of the equipment staff to practice with the JUGS machine, building the muscle memory he needs to make his hands like glue on game days.

But those are the things he does every year.

Here’s what’s new: He stayed in Denver during the offseason instead of going back to Houston, like he usually does. He started going to Resilience Code, an athletic center that puts the focus on holistic and proactive injury prevention. He started meditating, removing distractions to focus on reflection. And, after learning that the human body contains more neurons in the stomach and intestines than in the spinal cord, he changed his diet, putting an emphasis on fueling his body with healthier food.

“Right now, I feel like mentally I’m the best I’ve ever been, because I’ve been putting so much emphasis on taking care of my body,” Sanders says. “… Although I’ve been working hard, it’s just taking care of your body. It’s one of those things you’ve got to work hard at as well. So that’s what I’ve been doing. I’ve been getting a lot of massages and a lot of IV drips, really just taking care of me.”

Between the personal changes and the changes that have come with a new offense and new quarterback, Sanders has put in all the necessary work to ensure he and the Broncos’ offense can be as successful as possible.

“I think it’s everything just coming in place,” Sanders says. “If you see a successful guy, it’s more than just one element that makes that guy successful. Obviously Bill Musgrave and Case have a lot to do with it, as well, but I prepared for the opportunity. And the opportunity came, and I’m just trying to make the most of it.”

32 things that made the NFL fun again in 2018 By Nate Davis USA Today October 21, 2018

"No Fun League"? C'mon.

The NFL isn't perfect. Never has been, never will be.

(And it definitely needs to stop touting any player safety successes when its officials still don't effectively protect non-quarterbacks from dangerous helmet-to-helmet hits even while passers draw flags any time defenders hurt their feelings).

But I digress.

The league is flourishing — my colleague Mike Jones nicely laid out its resurrection (as well as its still- lingering issues) in his latest column.

The NFL has been fun in 2018. Very fun. Here are 32 reasons why:

1. Points, points and more points. Through six weeks, we've witnessed 504 touchdowns and 4,489 points, both league records to this point.

2. Despite all that scoring, competitive balance remains as strong as ever. So far, 54 games have been decided by one score, tied for most ever through six weeks. Twelve of those games have been won on the final play.

2a. And how about the scads of free football? Never before has there been at least one overtime game every weekend through a season's first six weeks.

3. James Conner would prefer you not ask him about being a cancer survivor anymore. Maybe just ask him about helping the Steelers survive Le'Veon Bell's absence. Conner has delivered just about on a weekly basis, his seven TDs trailing only Todd Gurley (11) and Melvin Gordon (9).

4. Conner even delivered a newborn football when teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster unexpectedly went into labor after scoring a TD in Week 5. Smith-Schuster has not yet taken paternity (maternity?) leave.

5. Jon Gruden is back. And while Chucky may not be having all that much fun himself, the league's most facially expressive coach hasn't lost a, well, step (?) and is still refreshingly baring his soul after each Raiders loss. We especially appreciate Gruden's repeated willingness to bemoan Oakland's pass rush.

6. Speaking of which, the NFL is more fun when the are relevant — particularly when they're led by a tone-setting linebacker. Like Khalil Mack. (Thanks again, Gruden.)

7. Ryan Fitzpatrick is raiding DeSean Jackson's locker to get his Conor McGregor on.

8. Conor McGregor is raiding ' closet, then failing to get his Ryan Fitzpatrick on.

9. Keke Coutee (pronounced Key Key Cutey). Houston's rookie slot receiver now owns the league's most fun name ... but maybe only as long as Phillip Supernaw remains unemployed.

10. NFL Films is doing highlights for Showtime's Inside the NFL ... using vintage 20th Century NFL Films highlight music. Check it out. Pretty sweet.

11. You did it, Saquon Barkley, somehow managing to justify all those ridiculous Barry Sanders comparisons.

12. Cleveland is no longer the Factory Of Sadness. Unlike Ohio in general, the NFL is better off with this particular manufacturing site shuttered.

13. The Browns even have a franchise quarterback. Finally. Presumably. And Baker Mayfield sure is fun to watch and will probably re-purpose that old factory to start mass-producing playoff berths soon enough.

14. The Jets also have a franchise quarterback. Finally. Presumably. And Sam Darnold may yet replace Peyton Manning as the NFL's most prolific letter writer — though Sam pens his thoughts to J-E-T-S fans, not retiring passers.

15.Patrick Mahomes probably has the strongest arm in the land, and it's a delight to watch his weekly exploits.

16. Yet even if he tried, we're not sure Mahomes could actually overthrow Tyreek Hill, who already has 14 career TDs that cover at least 50 yards. BTW, Hill is 24 and has played in just 37 NFL games.

17. I'm no fan of historical dismissiveness, especially in the age of hot takes. For example, still not comfortable with these rampant comparisons of the L.A. Rams' "Greatest Show on Surf" — as fun as it is to behold — to the St. Louis Rams' "Greatest Show on Turf."

18.But ... are we potentially witnessing the birth of the greatest deep-strike combo in the NFL's 99-year history — meaning the marriage of the Mahomes launching pad and human wifi Hill (five-bar coverage on any field)? Think about it.

19. While we're still on this train of thought, time for the Royals to consider Mahomes as a situational lefty in 2019? Think about it.

20. Family portraits in the end zone. They're everywhere.

21. Who knew Kirk Cousins was saving dopey dances for his touchdown runs? Fantastic.

22. Cousins' dopey ("dead arm") dances come courtesy his favorite target, 100-yard-per-week Adam Thielen. Still fantastic.

23. Jets RB Isaiah Crowell wiped his butt with the football following a TD, then chucked it into the Cleveland crowd that once rooted for him. (Joe Buck didn't even rail against Crowell on the broadcast). Crowell's, uh, celebration eventually brought him a fine ... and an endorsement.

24. Niners WR Marquise Goodwin oiled up like a boxer — shirtless — in near-freezing temperatures before San Francisco's recent Monday nighter at Lambeau Field.

25. Goodwin, a former track and field Olympian, has also taken the long jump into the paint.

26. The NFL is more fun with villains. Thanks, Jalen Ramsey.

27. We know you think the NFL has gotten soft, Clay Matthews. But at least Pittsburgh's Vance McDonald is out there leading the resistance with his vicious stiffarm.

28. Drew Brees has reached a level where he sets a record with every completion. That's pretty cool for a guy who's maybe been a little too underrated for a little too long.

29. Tom Brady is "Brees-ing" through the record book in his own manner, now owner of an unprecedented 200 regular-season wins and TD passes to a record 71 different teammates. But I'm deriving far more enjoyment from TB12's tongue-in-cheek TB1K pursuit as he plods toward 1,000 career rushing yards. Just 17 more to go, buddy ... and at this year's pace — 1.4 yards per carry — that's probably just another dozen sneaks.

30. With apologies to Jimmy Garoppolo and the Atlanta Falcons, we haven't seen nearly as many stars afflicted by injuries. Even better to see J.J. Watt, Carson Wentz, Andrew Luck, Aaron Rodgers, Adrian Peterson and many others all the way back (or nearly there).

31. Luck is showing off his rebuilt shoulder at a clip that will blow Matthew Stafford's single-season mark for pass attempts (727) out of the record book. He's also blessedly giving @CaptAndrewLuck a lot more to tell his "Dearest mother."

32. Blake Bortles is chucking passes off his teammate's helmets. (Somewhere, Mark Sanchez wishes he'd tried that.) Bortles has been alternately sublime and substandard — there's usually no in between — blessedly giving @BortlesFacts (and the rest of us) plenty to talk about.

Comedian Amy Schumer won't appear in Super Bowl ads as she shows support for Colin Kaepernick By Scott Gleeson USA Today October 21, 2018

As a way to support former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and the protest movement he started, comedian and actress Amy Schumer on Friday announced on Instagram that she would not appear in Super Bowl ads this year.

"I personally told my reps I wouldn't do a Super Bowl commercial this year," Schumer wrote. "I know it must sound like a privilege ass sacrifice but it's all I got. ...Hitting the nfl (sic) with the advertisers is the only way to hurt them."

Schumer, who appeared in a Bud Light Super Bowl ad two years ago, also called on white NFL players to kneel during the national anthem to support their black teammates and protest social injustice and police brutality.

"Otherwise, how are you not complicit?" Schumer wrote. "Stand up for your brothers and sisters of color."

While a Super Bowl musical act hasn't officially been named, it has been reported that Maroon 5 will headline this year's performance. But multiple reports earlier this week revealed that Rihanna turned down an invitation to perform at the halftime show because she supported Kaepernick.

Kaepernick, who has not played in the NFL since 2016, initiated the protest that season when he was the San Franciscio 49ers' quarterback. President Donald Trump's criticism of NFL players during a 2017 Alabama rally sparked massive player protests throughout the 2017 season.

This season, three NFL players — the ' Eric Reid and ' Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson — have kneeled during the anthem.

2018 NFL trade deadline: When it is, what you need to know, latest on Le'Veon Bell By Sean Wagner-McGough CBS Sports October 21, 2018

Let the trading begin.

As the NFL season makes the turn before the final stretch and as the playoff field begins to take shape, the remaining days of October will be the final time teams will be able to upgrade their roster through the trade market. The NFL trade deadline is only days away, and as a wise man once said, deadlines breed results.

Below, you'll find everything you need to know about the 2018 NFL trade deadline -- from the basics like the actual date and time, to the recent history of the deadline, to the latest on the Le'Veon Bell situation, which figures to be impacted by the deadline.

Let's get to it.

When is the 2018 NFL trade deadline? The trade deadline falls on Tuesday Oct. 30, which is one day after Week 8 wraps up with Patriots-Bills on "Monday Night Football." It's also one day before Halloween, so you should know by then if your Le'Veon Bell Steelers costume will still make sense.

By what time must trades be in? Trades must be fully completed by 4 p.m. ET on Oct. 30. To reiterate, trade must be entirely completed. Just ask the Browns and Bengals, who agreed to a trade last year but didn't notify the NFL before the deadline came and went, which negated their agreement.

What can we expect? If last year is any indication, we should expect some action before the deadline.

By far, the biggest trade of last season was the deal that saw Jimmy Garoppolo move from New England to San Francisco, but that wasn't the only significant transaction. The Dolphins sent Jay Ajayi to Philadelphia. The Seahawks finally addressed their offensive line problem by trading for Texans left tackle Duane Brown.The Bills made a deal for Panthers receiver Kelvin Benjamin at the last second. The Jaguars bolstered their defensive line by acquiring Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.

And then there was the trade that was agreed to, but didn't count. The Browns agreed to trade for Bengals backup quarterback AJ McCarron before the deadline, but they failed to notify the NFL on time, which rendered their agreement useless. McCarron went on to finish out his season with the Bengals before signing with the Bills in free agency, losing the starting quarterback competition, and getting traded to the Raiders before the season while the Browns drafted Baker Mayfield. Talk about dodging a bullet.

We can expect more drama as the NFL continually gets more and more trade happy. In the past couple months, we've already seen Khalil Mack, a 27-year-old generational pass rusher, and Teddy Bridgewater on the move. And then there was the trade that happened 11 days before the deadline.

Has anyone been traded yet? Glad you asked. Eleven days before the deadline, the Browns and Jaguars agreed to a trade that sent running back Carlos Hyde -- best known for his time in San Francisco -- to Jacksonville and a fifth-round pick to Cleveland.

In Jacksonville, Hyde should replace injured running back Leonard Fournette in the short-term. Meanwhile, the Browns are now moving forward with rookie running back Nick Chubb and versatile playmaker Duke Johnson Jr. For a closer look at how that trade impacted the Fantasy aspect of the game, our Dave Richard has you covered.

Who's the biggest name on the block? As the trade deadline nears, all eyes will be on Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell.

Bell, who was hit with the franchise tag for a second straight offseason, has yet to sign his tender and report to the team. With James Conner flourishing in his place and with Bell all but certain to depart Pittsburgh as a free agent following the season, the Steelers are likely to pursue a trade so that they can get something in return for him before he walks away for free. But for that to happen, Bell needs to sign his tender. That hasn't happened yet.

CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora recently reported that the Steelers still haven't heard from Bell or his agent regarding his plans to sign the tag and report. According to La Canfora, "some in the organization believe that Bell is most likely to sign the tag a week from Tuesday -- after the 4 p.m. trade deadline passes," which would make it impossible for the team to trade him.

There's no way to know how this will all shake out. But if Bell signs his tender before the deadline, a team like the Eagles, who lost Ajayi to a season-ending injury, could make sense as a trade partner. Heck, La Canfora already named them as a potential suitor before Ajayi went down.

Two more big-name players who could be on the move are Raiders receiver Amari Cooper and Bills running back LeSean McCoy. Both players have been named as potential trade chips in recent reports.

Why Sports Teams May Get Even More Valuable By Andrew Beaton Wall Street Journal October 21, 2018

In a nearly unanimous vote, NFL owners voted to get rid of a long-standing rule that prevented them from owning other sports teams in markets that have an NFL franchise.

Newsletter Sign-up The impact could be significant for both the NFL and other major sports leagues. It dramatically expands the number of wealthy people who could own NFL teams by opening the door to owners of MLB, NBA and NHL teams. That, in turn, could help boost valuations of franchises that are already often worth more than a billion dollars—at a time when a possible sale of the may be looming.

The logic behind the rule, owners felt, had become antiquated for some time. Previously, there was a belief that owning a non-NFL franchise in another market with an NFL team meant competing for eyeballs and money. These rules forced , the Rams owner, to put his other teams—the NBA’s Nuggets and NHL’s Avalanche—in a trust because they share a market with the Denver Broncos.

“Ownership looked at this and said that we don’t see a competitive disadvantage as a league to having cross-ownership,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said.

Owners had discussed scrapping the rule for a while now. It was adjusted in the 1990s to permit owners to have teams in other leagues in the same market as their NFL team, or in cities that didn’t have an NFL team. That’s why Paul Allen, the Seahawks owner who died this week, was allowed to also own the Portland Trail Blazers, for example.

But their concerns were broader. Many felt the rule artificially diminished franchise values, one team executive said. There are only so many people who can afford to buy an NFL team, and that pool only gets smaller when uber-wealthy owners from other sports leagues are essentially eliminated, or forced to distance themselves from the team or teams they already own.

When the Carolina Panthers were up for sale after last season, at least three NBA owners would have bid on the team, the executive said. But they weren’t prepared to immediately sell their teams or remove themselves from those operations. bought the team for an NFL record price of approximately $2.2 billion.

Yet some people expected the Panthers to go for even more. This rule could have been a factor that tempered the bidding, although this was an unusual sale because it had to happen quickly after the prior owner, Jerry Richardson, announced he would sell the team in the wake of misconduct allegations.

The recent death of Paul Allen could produce the first sale under these rules, although it’s unclear what will happen to the team or what the timeline would be for a potential sale.

Every NFL owner has to submit a succession plan to the league, but the plan for the Seahawks has yet to be announced. Goodell said the topic wasn’t discussed at the meeting. Still, owners said they expect the team to remain in Seattle—it was nearly moved before Allen bought the team—under new ownership.

“I’m just guessing, but I would guess his wishes are to make sure that whoever buys it retains that market,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said.

A potential Seahawks sale could break the record set by the Panthers. Not only would it be under these new rules, but Seattle has been one of the most successful franchises in the league, winning eight division titles since 2004 and the Super Bowl in 2014. They also have generated a famously strong fan base in recent years.

The windfall, though, could also extend to the other leagues. It isn’t just outside owners who were restricted from buying into football. NFL owners were prevented from buying other teams, too.

This affected one of the most high-profile sports sales in recent years. In 2012, the Los Angeles Dodgers sold for a then-record price that exceeded $2 billion. But at least two NFL owners who would have been interested in buying the team, the executive said. They were prevented from attempting to do so.

Brittany Bowlen wants to run the Broncos, eventually By Mike Florio Pro Football Talk October 21, 2018

Another member of the Bowlen family has publicly stated her desire to run the team that her father owns.

Brittany Bowlen, the 28-year-old daughter of Pat Bowlen, declared publicly for the first time on Saturday night that she aspires to eventually become the controlling owner of the team.

“Right now, the Denver Broncos have an owner,” Brittany Bowlen said at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s annual fashion show, via the Associated Press. “It’s my father. Unfortunately, he can’t be involved in the day-to-day of the team. I do have ambitions and goals to one day becoming the controlling owner of the Denver Broncos. And I’ll keep working toward those goals. I’m not there yet, but I really believe I can get there.”

Beth Bowlen Wallace, 47, stated her desire to become the team’s controlling owner earlier this year. The trust that currently runs the team took issue with Beth Bowlen Wallace’s contention that she has satisfied the criteria to become the controlling owner.

Under the terms of the trust established by Pat Bowlen, a three-person group of trustees has the authority to determine if and when one of Bowlen’s seven children have satisfied the criteria to become the controlling owner. It makes for a Willie Wonka-style competition, with the Golden Ticket holders not total strangers but offspring.

Along those lines, it’s safe to say that John Bowlen already has fallen into the chocolate river. When and if one of the remaining six can satisfy the requirements and inherit controlling ownership of the team remains to be seen.

Von Miller takes over NFL sack lead with two more on Thursday night By Michael David Smith Pro Football Talk October 21, 2018

Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller has moved into the league lead in sacks after taking down Josh Rosen twice on Thursday night.

Miller now has 7.5 sacks through seven games, putting him half a sack ahead of Vikings defensive and Danielle Hunter and Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who have seven sacks each.

“I feel like I need to get sacks each and every week,” Miller said.

Miller has done just that the last two games, with his two sacks on Thursday coming after he recorded 1.5 sacks on Sunday against the Rams. But prior to that he had gone three straight games without a sack.

Although Miller has never finished a season as the league leader in sacks, he now has 91 sacks in his career, putting the 29-year-old Miller within striking distance of getting to 100 sacks before turning 30 — something only Reggie White and Jared Allen have done before.

Longtime NFL player and coach Dick Modzelewski dies at 87 By Michael David Smith Pro Football Talk October 21, 2018

Dick Modzelewski, a lineman who spent 14 years as an NFL player and another 22 years as an NFL coach, has died at the age of 87.

At six feet tall and 260 pounds, Modzelewski was small by the standards of today’s defensive tackles, but a giant in his day. Gay Talese wrote in the New York Times that Modzelewski was “260 pounds of tough tenderloin with shoulders so broad that he often has to pass through doors sideways.”

Talese added, however, that “When he is not playing tackle for the , Modzelewski is a warm-hearted, gentle soul who loves to babysit for his 108-pound wife, Dorothy. But when he is playing football he is thoroughly bellicose. He wants to win more than any man since Machiavelli, Dillinger or Leo Durocher.”

In 1949 Modzelewski enrolled at Maryland, joining his older brother, Ed Modzelewski, on a Terrapins team that was one of the best in the country. Dick Modzelewski was a two-time All-American and winner of the Outland Trophy, awarded to the best lineman in college football. He was later voted to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Washington drafted Modzelewski in 1953, but he didn’t get along with coach Joe Kuharich and after two years in the NFL signed a contract to leave for the Canadian Football League and a Calgary Stampeders team that was coached by one of his former Maryland coaches. But a lawsuit voided that contract and kept Modzelewski in the NFL, where he was traded to Pittsburgh. After just one year with the Steelers, Modzelewski once again was traded, this time to the Giants. That was where he found his greatest success.

During Modzelewski’s eight years with the Giants, they went to the NFL championship game six times, and his presence in the middle of the line helped make the Giants’ defense among the best in football. Modzelewski also got to line up several times against his brother in the NFL, and he didn’t hold back when facing family.

“Ed is my brother and I love him,” Modzelewski said. “But on the field he wears a white shirt and I wear a shirt and we don’t know each other.”

But Ed Modzelewski wasn’t the toughest opponent Dick Modzelewski faced. That would be Browns running back Jim Brown. After a brutal 1961 game between the Giants and the Browns at Yankee Stadium ended in a 7-7 tie, Modzelewski proudly showed off his scratches and bruises and told reporters, “Look what I got from Jimmy Brown.”

In 1964 Modzelewski was traded once more, to the Browns, where he became Jim Brown’s teammate and played his last three NFL seasons. After retiring as a player, Modzelewski was immediately hired by the Browns as a scout, and then made defensive line coach. He was later promoted to defensive coordinator, and he was the Browns’ interim head coach for one game at the end of the 1977 season. Modzelewski would later have spots on the staffs of the Giants, Bengals, Packers and Lions.

In 1989 Modzelewski announced that he thought he had coached long enough, and he felt that it was time to step aside for a younger generation of coaches. He spent retirement with Dorothy, his wife of 64 years, and is survived by her and their four children.

NFL teams going for two slightly more often, slightly more successfully By Michael David Smith Pro Football Talk October 21, 2018

When the NFL moved back extra points 13 yards, some thought that would result in more teams going for two. It hasn’t really worked out that way.

Kicking the extra point is still the default option for every NFL team, even though extra point kicks are now a little harder and are made only about 95 percent of the time, rather than 99 percent of the time under the old rule.

Still, teams may be moving ever so slowly toward going for two more often. So far this season, NFL teams are going for two 0.28 times per game. In 2017, NFL teams went for two 0.16 times per game.

And when teams are going for two, they’ve been a little more successful this season: This year, 58.5 percent of two-point conversion attempts have been successful. Last year, 45.1 percent of two-point conversion attempts were successful.

An offense that can consistently make more than 50 percent of its two-point conversions should treat going for two as the default: That would result in scoring more points in the long run. But coaches are risk- averse, and so far there has never been an NFL coach who made going for two the rule, rather than the exception.

Perhaps with two-point conversion rates inching upward in a league where the offenses keep getting better than the defenses, we’ll some day see a team trust its offense to get those two yards after every touchdown. But that day isn’t here yet.