Russ Hochstein News

It seems obvious to this observer that Broncos Coach Josh McDaniels thought he needed to use an extra lineman as a tight end to protect quarterback Kyle Orton and help boost Denver's running game.

Happy Tuesday, friends. After being up late, and watching a hard-fought game go awry, I bet you're pretty bleary-eyed, and grumpy, but let's try to make this a good day.

On the last Tuesday morning in August, 20 days shy of the New England Patriots' season opener, Bill Belichick asked Russ Hochstein to come to his office.

The Broncos and Knowshon Moreno have had trouble getting first downs in short-yardage situations, and not just when they're up against a run-stuffing defender like the Pats' Vince Wilfork .

Is it too early to name the NFL coach of the year? Jesse, Brooklyn, N.Y. Mike Klis: Yes, although it's not too early to name the leading candidate for NFL coach of the year.

Former Huskers were involved in both overtime games on Sunday, as Russ Hochstein helped the Denver Broncos stay undefeated with a win over New England, while three former Huskers met in a thriller in Kansas City.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson DENVER -- We're approaching game time and I wanted to catch up on some notes as kickoff awaits: Running back Marion Barber is active for Dallas and is expected to play.

Getting to know the Denver Broncos , the Patriots' next opponent, with 10 quick-hit thoughts: 1. They are 4-0, with road wins against the Bengals and Raiders and home victories over the Browns and Cowboys .

ENGLEWOOD Josh McDaniels claimed the Denver Broncos ' next game was just like any other on the schedule, then sheepishly smiled and waited for the next question when faced with a skeptical follow-up question.

It appears right tackle Ryan Harris will extend his streak of starts to 20 games.

The Denver Broncos are hurting on the offensive line with two starters uncertain to play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Share + Sep 29, 2009 4:13 pm US/Mountain Written by Matthew J. Buettner, cbs4denver.com Text 4broncos to 66247 sign up for CBS4 Broncos text alerts More Info Click to enlarge 1 of 2 John Elway during the halftime ceremony when the Cleveland Browns were in tow in which Shannon Sharpe was inducted into the Broncos' Ring of Fame.

The Broncos offensive line has protected quarterback Kyle Orton - he has not been sacked in the last two games - well and helped the Broncos top 200 yards rushing in Oakland.

Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton completes a pass to Daniel Graham during the third quarter Sunday at Oakland.

Denver Post sports writer Mike Klis posts his Broncos Mailbag on Tuesdays during the 2009 NFL season.

Right guard Chris Kuper's injured ankle will keep him out of today's opener against the Bengals.

Denver Post columnist Woody Paige predicted today that the Broncos would finish 4-12 in their first regular season under coach Josh McDaniels, above.

Let's see. We know Josh McDaniels and Mike Shanahan evaluated quarterback Jay Cutler somewhat differently.

A woman has pleaded guilty to charges in a South Carolina wreck that killed a North Carolina couple earlier this year.

The New England Patriots traded offensive lineman Russ Hochstein to the Denver Broncos for a 2010 seventh-round draft pick.