Sportsmanship

I am a Denver Broncos fan. I make no apologies or excuses for why they are my team, but today I got to see one of the reasons I love this team. Ed Hochuli totally bothed a call on third down by blowing his whistle after a fumble. San Diego recovered the fumble but, because the whistle blew, Denver was given the ball back. Noting the gift he was given, coach Shanahan ran three low probability of success plays in order to allow San Dieog a shot to win. The first play was a draw play on 3rd and goal from the 10. This would normally be double corner routes, especially in a game where the corners had gotten burned all day. The second play was 4th and 3 and he ran a crossing pattern throwing to the rookie Eddie Royal. This situation normally calls for a roll out with a pitch back or cross field throw. Denver scored on that play bringing them within one point of the Chargers. In the NFL you kick the PAT and play in overtime. Shanahan instead went for two, further allowing San Diego a shot at victory. Denver converted and won the game by a single point.

Coach Shanahan showed respect for his opponents and for the botched call. He also dismisses players from his team whenever they break the law which I also greatly respect.