Tom Brandstater News

After starting 6-0, the Denver Broncos hit an apparent high. For once, the bye week killed momentum, and teams finally have the Broncos figured out.

Despite reports that Mike Shanahan is on the coaching radar of the Buffalo Bills, it seems unlikely the former Denver Broncos coach will take the job if offered.

Running back/fullback Peyton Hillis is inactive for his second straight game and will not play today against the Redskins.

As fellow Bleacher Reporter John Lorge pointed out to me today, it's never to early to be thinking about the draft.A His mock draft really got me thinking about the NFL's annual selection process, which is by far and away my favorite part of the season, as pathetic as it may sound.

By halftime Monday, the Denver Broncos had done exactly what they wanted to do against the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson DENVER -- Below are the inactive players from Monday night's game.

Ben Roethlisberger Only at quarterback does football permit a variance like that found between the big Ben Roethlisberger and the smaller Drew Brees.

Mike: So, it's midseason, and we're starting to get a feel for how good teams are .

Popular with teammates, affable QB says he's found 'the system that fits me' ENGLEWOOD - Through the first few months of his rookie season, Tom Brandstater has learned plenty from Kyle Orton about the art of playing quarterback in the National Football League.

The Broncos are as healthy as they been all season, with only one player inactive for tonight's game against San Diego for health reasons.

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Safety Brian Dawkins, who missed two days of practice with a sore shoulder and knee, is active for Sunday's game against New England, as are left guard Ben Hamilton and nickel corner Alphonso Smith, who missed last week's game against Dallas with injuries.

Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels with his quarterbacks, from left, Kyle Orton, Chris Simms and Tom Brandstater, during Sunday's Denver-Dallas game.

His coach, offensive coordinator and even some teammates shy away from the term "game manager" when talking about Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, figuring it has a negative tenor.

Steve Beuerlein was the analyst on the CBS network. Brian Griese was the color commentator for KOA radio.

The Broncos have released their list of inactive players for Sunday's home opener against Cleveland.

Fresno State has been considered a rival for Boise State because they play tough, well-coached football.

Second, I haven't seen this many legitimate candidates for the NL Cy Young Award in a long time, including the Rockies' Jason Marquis.

Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton said earlier in the week he's optimistic he'll play in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals despite a dislocated right index finger on his throwing hand.

The dominoes started to fall in Denver when Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe mishandled an onside kick against San Diego on Dec.