NFL
Another week, another Mile High Review! Your weekly review of all things Mile High Sports. Available exclusively with Nuts and Bolts Sports! The pessimism of the last Mile High Review is gone. Now, there is cautious optimism. Of course, there is still pessimism, but with cautious optimism to cover it. This week in the Mile High Review, we discuss the resurgence of the darlings of the Mile High. In addition, we sift through fact and fiction with the other team. So, let’s get it!
NHL: Avalanche
As a great Mile High Twitter account I follow states, the Pepsi Center is the place to be this winter. Part of that reason is the Avalanche. The Avalanche have risen from the dead. Currently, the Avalanche sport a six-game winning streak. This includes marquee wins over the Pens, Preds, and Kings. In these games, the Avs goal differential is +12 (16-8). In addition, Nate MacKinnon tallied 8 points, which includes four assists and four goals.
While the defense can still improve, the Avalanche lead the league in offense. Pride 1B of the Mile High leads the NHL in goals for per game (3.80) and power-play percentage (31.7). Defensively, they’re not terrible. They only give up 2.76 goals per game and sport an 80.9 percent penalty kill. These are good for 8th and 12th in the league respectively. Still, there is a lot of hockey to be played. However, at 2nd in the Central Division and Western Conference, the Avalanche are here!
NFL: Broncos
Now, we sift through the fact and fiction. Let’s start with the facts. First, it’s fact that the Broncos are on a two-game winning streak. Second, it’s fact that Phillip Lindsay deserves more love for offensive rookie of the year. My mans is an absolute beast! Last, it is fact that the Broncos have looked like a better team. The Mile High City is buzzing with excitement. Sadly, I must be the buzzkill. It’s time to sift through the fiction.
First, there is this belief that the Broncos have turned their season around. The last wins have been great. There is no doubt about that. Still, the Broncos are 5-6. They’re 3rd in the AFC West. This is three games behind the Chargers and four behind the Chiefs. In addition, they’re four places out of a wild-card spot. Last, there are still fundamental issues with this team. For sure, they are talented. Very talented. Yet, Vance Joseph is still the coach.
Furthermore, the offensive line still needs work. Most importantly, the middle of the field is still an issue for the defense. While there are pieces in place for the future, this is not a team ready to win right now. The wins they have are nice, but they should not fool the Mile High fans into thinking this is a playoff team.
NBA: Nuggets
Pride 1A of the Mile High City, the Nuggets are also like Soul II Soul. They’re back to life. Back to reality. That’s a deep track for you. Circa 1989. I just turned 32 yesterday. My age is showing. The Nuggets are on a winning streak of their own. Four games to be exact. The only close game in this streak was a 103-101 win over the Wolves. The other three, they’ve beaten the teams by 32, 7, and 25 respectively.
Those familiar with the Nuggets of the past decade may not recognize the team. They’re 15th in the league with 110.3 PPG but 3rd in the league at 102.3 points allow per game. Normally, those numbers are reversed. This stifling defense is evident with wins over the Lakers, Warriors, and Celtics. As Rachel Nicholas of The Jump says, this team is for real. So, they’re coming for your hearts, NBA fans.
That’s all for this week. Be sure to check us out next week as we hope more fans of other teams will be taking that L on the way out (we see you, Mike Malone). Don’t forget to check out me out on Twitter at @5280Keith and check out the amazing content of Nuts and Bolts Sports at @NutsAndBoltsSP.
Random Colorado Fact:
At 53 square miles, Denver International Airport is twice the size of Manhattan. (MentalFloss)
