Guy Stuff « Journeyman Journal

My 2011 Broncos Predictions

Sunday, August 28th, 2011

Preseason Game 3 is in the books and it’s time for my annual…and totally useless…Broncos season predictions. My buddy Grant beat me to it this year so we’ll see how we match up. Here goes…

Oakland Raiders – W
First, I never put up a L against the Raiders. Second, I think Denver is actually better.
Cincinnati – W
This one could be very ugly…if you root for the Bengals.
@ Tennessee – W
First road game and I think the Broncs carry their winning ways into this game. Will be a close one though.
@ Green Bay – L
On the road against the defending Champs? Winning streak comes to a quick halt…but they learn something here.
San Diego – W
I think the Broncs split the season with the Chargers and take the one at home.
BYE
@ Miami – W
Just don’t think the Fins are any good and the Broncs are coming off a week of rest before having to make the East Coast trip.
Detroit – L
I really want to put a “W” here, but something tells me this one gets away from them (and Detroit will be much improved this year).
@ Oakland – W
May actually be a loss, but see game #1.
@ Kansas City – L
We never seem to play well here…calling for yet another season split. However, I have a sneaking suspicion this one will be close.
NY Jets – L
Offense won’t be able to do enough against this DEF.
@ San Diego – L
Hard to win on the road against this team, and SD will be making their late year comeback by now.
@ Minnesota – W
Not many will agree with me here, but I think the running game and DEF help sneak out a win on the road here. And I just don’t think MIN will be very good.
Chicago – W
Cutler back home? Yummy! Von Doom should have fun with this offensive ~~sieve~~ line. ;o)
New England – L
We typically play this team well at home, but can’t bring myself to put the “W” here.
@ Buffalo – W
This team is B-A-D and will be in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. Really cold weather could be a factor…but I see us depending on the running game and pulling it out.
Kansas City – W
I think we have something to play for here and will show up to get the season split.

So…my season prediction? A CRAZY 10-6. For the record, I said 8-8 last year (only missed it by 4 games!)…so my predictions mean nothing. But I truly think the Defense is looking good (great so far…but expecting some reality when the season starts). My biggest concern? Two really…injuries…and Orton (if there are close games here he will NOT win them for us).

Even if we end up 6-10 (which is more likely) I still think EFX have on the right road…and who knows…every year there’s that one team…maybe it’s us this year! Go DONKEYS!!

28.08.2011 Broncos, Guy Stuff, Hobbies 2 Comments

Summer Camp 2011

Friday, June 24th, 2011

This Sunday Logan and I take off for our first-ever Boy Scout Summer Camp. I remember going to two summer camps when I was a Boy Scout (seems like eighty thousand years ago). I don’t think we’ll actually see much of each other, but I have a feeling we’ll both have a lot of fun!

Next year he’ll be going solo…a week away from family all by himself. Part of growing up and becoming his own man. Has me a little nostalgic…I can still remember bringing him home from the hospital. But it’s great to see him learning, growing, and becoming…well, Logan.

Not exactly sure what’s in store for the two of us next week (aside from some rock climbing and an obstacle course for me…and hopefully some R&R). However, I full expect it to be yet another chance to build some memories…even if we are on two sides of the camp. ;o)

24.06.2011 Family, Guy Stuff, Hobbies, Misc Ramblings 1 Comment

Following His Example

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

I got a double whammy in my scripture reading this morning. With Father’s Day fast approaching (how did that happen so soon), a specific phrase kept leaping off the page at me. Now, I’m not usually one to use a “Hallmark holiday” such as Father’s Day as a reminder of how we dads are supposed to act (I’d much rather do the celebration thing instead).

Even so, the words I read this morning are a good reminder. I’m in the portion of 1 Kings where the author is running through all of the kings that lead Judah and Israel after King Solomon’s death. It’s a long list…primarily because each one of them did “evil in the Lord’s sight”. As a result He wiped them off the planet (you’d have thought the later kings would have put two and two together).

What caused these men to go so far off the rails? Here’s the cause for almost every one of them (with King Asa being the main exception). This is just one example out of many that say the same thing in one form or another…

“[Nadab] did what was evil in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his father…” (1 Kings 15:26, NLT)

What a reminder for all of use dads. Generations of Israelites had to put up with bad kings who led them down the wrong path all because these men did what came naturally to them…they followed their father’s example. Reminds me of the sappy Philips, Craig, and Dean song…only because it’s true…

16.06.2011 Family, Father, Guy Stuff, Manhood, Spiritual Musings No Comments

What I Think the Broncos Should Do

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

With the Super Bowl drawing near (and the Broncos as far from that dream as they can possibly be) I turn my attention to what the Broncos are doing right now…preparing for the future. Not merely willing to stand on the sidelines and watch I thought I’d share my two-cents…and if you know me you know that’s not worth even that. Here’s what I think my beloved Broncos should do (and they should probably do the opposite of what I think since I’m never right anyway). ;o) Here we go…

Trades

Kyle Orton should be traded while he still has value. I firmly believe Elway’s statements this week are a smoke-screen to increase (or at least retain) his current value. I don’t see them getting much more than a 3rd round pick, but 2nd round would be sweet!
We should trade at least one of our Wide Receivers. This is the strength of our team and we need picks. Jabar Gafney tops my list of expendables with a good stable of younger talent in the clubhouse. I don’t think we get much for him (maybe a 5th or 6th rounder), but anything will do.

Free agency

Go get DeAngelo Williams. He knows this coach and this system. Even if we keep Moreno, he’s going to need some support (or better yet…he should be the support for DWill).
Albert Haynesworth? It’s worth a shot since most of his guaranteed cash has been paid. I’d like to see it happen, but I don’t think it will happen.
SIGN CHAMP BAILEY!!! We simply cannot let this man go! Give him his contract knowing that he has a couple years left at corner and several more at safety. Franchise tag him if we must, but keep him here!

The Draft

Defense, Defense, defense…and then some more defense! I wouldn’t be sad if that’s the only focus in this year’s draft (even though I think they need a TE and another OL).
We have six picks in this year’s draft. I won’t get into predicting each pick (I’m not that sick). Assuming they don’t pick up any other picks (for the sake of argument) here’s what I think their areas of needs are (in order of importance): Pass Rushing DE, Run Stuffing DT, Linebacker, Corner, Safety, Pass Catching TE, Offensive Line (yes,I know that’s seven…sue me).
I think we should keep the #2 pick and not trade down. Picks are important, but they need to hit a home-run with this pick. They need a play-maker that can come in and contribute on defense right now. Would I cry if they traded down? No…but that’s not what I would do unless the offer is just too good to pass up. It won’t be.
With the #2 pick I think they should take either Fairley or Bowers…don’t care which one, just get the one they value they most or the one that’s left after Carolina picks.

There you have it…my worthless take on what should happen for the Broncos this year. I must say that I’m once again hopeful for the future…we’ll see how things go though. At least there is hope!

03.02.2011 Broncos, Guy Stuff, Sports No Comments

My 2010 Bronco’s Prediction

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

It’s FINALLY that time of year again…football is in the air and all is right with the world once again!!

And I love this point in the season…when you have nothing but hopes and dreams since we haven’t played a game that actually counts yet. And I get to put down my own dreams and fears on the record for this year’s Broncos season.

I must say that I am bullish on the Donkeys for the long haul. I think they’re putting the right pieces into place but they are shallow at many positions, very young at others, and the schedule this year is brutal!That said, I still think they have a chance at the AFC West title (which is what they’ll need to make the playoffs) only because the AFC West is weak in general. And I like the foundation they are laying for the future.

What do I think about Coach McD? I don’t hate him (as many do) and I don’t necessarily love him either. I’m taking a wait and see mentality. And I’m patient (I’ve been a Bronco fan since birth so I developed that patience early on). I do know it takes time in this league to build a winner for the long haul and I’m willing to take the time and I assume McD knows more than I do. The winning and losing will tell the tale.

With that said, here’s what I think will happen this year…and I’m never right so take this all with a grain of salt (or your preferred spice of choice):

@ Jacksonville – W
I think we start off strong and the offense wins this one on the road for us. If not…hold onto your hats for a long season.
Seattle – W
This team is a mess and we win the home opener. Gets rougher from here…
Indianapolis – L
We come back down to earth. The defense won’t be able to rush Peyton and the blitz will just burn us.
@ Tennessee – L
The brutal schedule continues. I don’t see us winning our first two road games and Tennessee has plenty of firepower.
@ Baltimore – L
We just won’t be able to hang with the Ravens, but I think this will be closer than some people might think.
NY Jets – L
The good news? This game is at home. The bad news? It’s against the Jets!
Oakland – W
Always good for what ails you. The Raiders help us stop the losing streak, but it will be a tougher game than it should be.
@ San Francisco – L
I had a tough decision with this game, but I think we drop this one. My heart says a win, my head says a loss.
BYE - Thank goodness!
Kansas City – W
Getting better, but still a bad team on the rise.
@ San Diego – L
I don’t think SD will be as good as some people think, but I still think we split the season with them.
St. Louis – W
This team has a long way to go…but this game scares me! Has all the makings of a “look past” game.
@ Kansas City – W
We always seem to have a tough time at Arrowhead, but I just can’t put a loss here.
@ Arizona – L
Not sure why, but don’t see us pulling this one off. Defense may be getting gassed by this point. Arizona’s QB situation may help us though.
@ Oakland – W
Honestly, even if I though we’d lose this one I never predict a loss against the Raiders. I just hate them too much. ;o)
Houston – L
This one is close, but I think we find a way to lose it.
San Diego – W
This is the split, but why do we always seem to be playing these guys at the end. I hope this game doesn’t count for something big!

The grand total? 8-8

Does that get us into the playoffs? Errr….maybe not….but I still think we can take the division. But it’s going to take some great offense, a decent defense, and staying healthy (above everything else). With my swing games I wouldn’t be surprised by a 5-11 or 9-7 season (or anything in between). As always….that’s why they play the games!!

Are you ready for some football?!?!??

07.09.2010 Broncos, Guy Stuff, Hobbies 1 Comment

Awesome Dunk!

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Not only is this one of the best in-game dunks I’ve seen in a long time…it also happens to be a Denver Nugget who slammed it down in last night’s game with the T-Wolves. Check out JR flying (and turning) high…enjoy…

11.03.2010 Guy Stuff, Sports No Comments

I’d Like to Buy a Vowel, Please?

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

I’d like to buy an “O”…as in: “Offense”…as in: what the Broncos are severely lacking right now.

Painful.

It’s was hard to watch the Broncos dominate field position, time of possession, yardage, etc, etc (at least in the first half)…and come away with only three offensive points for the entire game. I don’t care how good or how bad your defense plays (and ours is playing very well), if you only score three points in this league you will lose.

I am no offensive genius…heck, I’m no genius in anything…but here are my two major issues with our offense right now:

Our Running Game. As in…we have none! How did we go from having one of the most dominant running teams in the league to have no running production what-so-ever? By dropping the zone blocking scheme in favor of a power running scheme. One worked. One hasn’t. We should bring the zone scheme back pronto! We have the coaches (Dennison) and the personnel to run it…so why don’t we? Good question. Don’t have an answer, but I know that a short passing game does not substitute for a solid running game…we need ours back.
The Long Ball. I could count on one hand the number of times we have thrown the ball down field…and so can the defenses we continue to face. They know we aren’t going to go long so they don’t have to defend it. We should at least try it once in awhile. You never know…Brandon might even catch a few, or at least get a penalty. Defenses simply don’t have to plan or watch for this part of the game. Orton is no long-ball thrower, but he can give it a try…he just hasn’t been asked to do it (he does everything else he’s asked to do).

Come to think of it…these two go together. The running game sets up the passing game and the long ball helps with the run by keeping the safeties and linebackers honest. They get to cheat right now…and they are calling the bluff (nice poker reference huh?).

Is this team over and done? Not by a long shot. Am I giving up on them? Never!

Out of the next eight games we have four that we should win easily and should be able to at least split the remaining four…which would leave us at 12-4. And even if we split all eight games we’d be 10-6 (both FAR above anyone’s expectations heading into the year).

Up next? The Washington Redskins…that should cure what ails us!

Go Broncos!!!

10.11.2009 Broncos, Guy Stuff, Soap Box, Sports 3 Comments

My Broncos Prediction

Friday, September 11th, 2009

Football is officially back (great game last night…gonna see both of those teams in the playoffs). Yesterday, Grant beat me to the punch by posting his 2009 Broncos prediction. The schedule this year is not kind to my beloved Donkeys…not exactly what McD and Company needs, but you play the cards you’re dealt. I think they will be a better team than their records indicates at the end of the year…but you never really know this early (I’ve never been right so this entire blog is an effort in futility…but it makes me feel better). So here goes…

@ Cincinnati – W: I put the W here, but I’m not sure I believe it. This team is still learning, but Cincy sucks so I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt.
Cleveland – W: If you can’t beat this team…
@ Oakland – W: See Cleveland above
Dallas – W: I know most are predicting a Dallas win here, but it’s at home, the Broncs will be riding a winning streak and I just don’t think Dallas is that good (which is why Shanny will be coaching there next year).
New England – L: I want to put the W here, but just can’t do it. I have to give the edge to the Master. I will say the NE doesn’t usually play well here…so the Broncos might be able to steal this one.
@ San Diego – L: I’m not as high on SD as some are (read…Norv Turner), but I’m not naive either.
@ Baltimore – L: The schedule just keeps getting worse.
Pittsburgh – L: And worse.
@ Washington – L: I want to put the W here to help stop the November slide, but it’s hard to win on the road after four straight loses.
San Diego – W: I think we split with San Diego, but what do I know??
NY Giants – L: This team is good.
@ Kansas City – W: This is more an indictment on KC than anything else. It’s tough to win at Arrowhead, but I think we get it done this year (they may have a new coach by then).
@ Indianapolis – L: This one could be ugly, you might not want to let the little ones watch it…but can it get much worse than it was under Shanny?
Oakland – W: Oakland, the perfect cure for what ails you.
@ Philadelphia – L: I don’t think it will be a blow-out, but tough to win here.
Kansas City – W: Come on…this one could be ugly in a good way.

After totaling up the W’s and the L’s…my prediction for 2009 is that the Broncos will go: 8-8.

There is a lot of unknown here and I think there are a few games that can make this number go up a little or way down: Cincinnati, Dallas, San Diego, and Washington specifically. Can they steal one more win? Will they lose a few more? I can’t see anything more than 9-7 (and that would be a miracle) and could see them slide to 5-11 if they don’t get their act together at the start of the year.

Gonna be fun to watch! I think the DEF is much improved over last year…meaning they will be average with some upside for the future. The schedule is brutal in November…so buckle up. Football is back!

11.09.2009 Broncos, Guy Stuff, Hobbies, Sports 4 Comments

Tattoo #2

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

It has been almost a year since I got my very first tattoo (you can read about it here). They say you never get one…that you get hooked and end up with several tattoos. I think they are right (and I don’t even know who “they” are). So while Anita was in China I took the plunge on my second tattoo. It was supposed to be a surprise even though we’d been talking about it for awhile.

A friend of mine at work (Christina Phillips) had gotten some work re-done by a guy (Rusty) up in Arvada and I liked the work…so on July 22nd I headed north and got the work done. And once again…I love it! Here is the inspiration for the design I ended up getting:

tat2_chirho

It’s called a “Chi-Rho” and is one of the earliest Christian symbols known. Here is Wikipedia’s description…

The Chi Rho is one of the earliest christograms used by Christians. It is formed by superimposing the first two letters in the Greek spelling of the word Christ: chi = ch and rho = r, in such a way to produce the monogram ?. The Chi-Rho symbol was also used by pagan Greek scribes to mark, in the margin, a particularly valuable or relevant passage; the combined letters Chi and Rho standing for chr?ston, meaning “good.” (Wikipedia)

I love the symbolism and the meaning behind this symbol, and it isn’t very common. Christina had also gotten some UV ink on her tattoo and I liked that idea–specifically for the Alpha and Omega symbols in the artwork above. Here are the pictures from the event (taken by Christina)…

tat2_inprocess
The tattoo in progress.

tat2_ouch
Yes…it hurts!

tat2_done
The tattoo right after the sitting (wrapped in plastic even).
You’ll notice that the Alpha and Omega will “disappear” as it heals.

Here are a couple of photos from the tattoo today. It’s not completely healed, but it’s well on it’s way…

tat2_healing
Here it is in broad daylight…see, the symbols are fading nicely.

tat2_glow
Here it is under a blacklight…cool huh?

I love this tattoo almost as much as the first one (just something about that first tattoo though). And I can safely say it will not likely be my last…but that’s down the road. For now, I’ll enjoy what I’ve got. =0)

01.08.2009 Guy Stuff, Misc Ramblings 3 Comments

He’s All Boy!

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

Last weekend Anita took Lindsay to the Revolve Tour—a Christian mother/daughter conference. They even spent the night downtown, which meant me and the boys were on our own for Friday night and all day Saturday. I was actually looking forward to it…two days to spend with just the guys.

So on Friday morning I got Logan and Kyle together and asked them what they wanted to do together for the weekend since it was “just the boys”. Kyle did not hesitate for one second in exclaiming: “I know! Let’s take your sword and destroy everything!!!” (And he said it while sweeping his arms in a wide arc to indicate the entire house).

He…is…such…a…boy! And I must admit that the thought does hold some appeal.

Although it sounded like fun, we channeled his energy into something slightly less destructive. We ended up going out and getting some movies and a game for the Wii (Ghost Squad) that we played together for hours! A little eating out rounded out the two days together. We had a blast. And yes, Kyle is all boy..through and through…