Thursday, September 19, 2013

Fan-Made Alternate Denver Broncos Logo Fails to Impress Fans

(Graphic courtesy of ospreydawn.com)

Designer Max O'Brien recently recreated the logos for all 32 teams in the NFL, drawing mixed reactions.  O'Brien's logos were posted on Reddit (h/t: B/R and MHR) and they have received positive overall reviews.

There are several very impressive yet simple designs (the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions logos turned out especially well) and then there are the ideas that went horribly wrong (the Cincinnati Bengals' logo looks like a mix between a tiger and shrimp).

A majority of Broncos fans seem to think Denver's logo falls in the latter category.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

NFL Week 1 Notes: Patriots' Gronk Expected Back Against Tampa Bay

The 2013 NFL season will kickoff tomorrow night when the Denver Broncos host the Baltimore Ravens at home on NBC (8:30 ET).  Here's a spin around the NFL as Week 1 approaches:

The New England Patriots
expect to have star tight end Rob Gronkowski back in time for their Week 3 match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Gronkowski has been practicing all week, but will not be able to play in New England's season opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Gronkowski is a "long shot" to play in Week 2 against the New York Jets, but he is expected to be back against Tampa Bay, according to the Boston Herald.  The Patriots will host the Broncos in Week 12 on Sunday Night Football.

The Oakland Raiders will start second-year quarterback Terrell Pryor in their Week 1 match up against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon.  Pryor started in one game as a rookie last season, throwing for 155 yards, two scores and an interception while adding 51 rushing yards and another score on the ground.

The Buffalo Bills will also be starting a young quarterback this weekend—rookie E.J. Manuel will get the nod against New England.  Manuel was the first quarterback taken in April's draft, going off the board 16th overall out of Florida State.

The Seattle Seahawks may be getting Percy Harvin back from hip surgery sooner than expected.  Harvin tweeted on Wednesday that he is optimistic about returning in Week 7.

Denver Broncos Cornerback Champ Bailey Ruled Out for Thursday

The Denver Broncos will be without star cornerback Champ Bailey tomorrow night in the NFL's 2013 season opener, Mike Klis of the Denver Post first reported (via MHR).

Bailey (foot) has not participated in practice all week and has missed most of the preseason.  In Bailey's absence, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will start at cornerback, likely across from Tony Carter with Chris Harris Jr. providing coverage in the slot in nickel packages.

Even without Bailey, the Broncos are currently 7.5-point favorites over the Baltimore Ravens.  The game will mark the first time the two teams have faced off since Baltimore knocked the Broncos out of the 2012 playoffs earlier this year. 

Meanwhile, wide receiver Wes Welker (ankle) has fully participated in practice this week and is expected to be able to play tomorrow night.  Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.