Comment on Renck: Sean Payton gets greedy at end of first half, and Broncos’ playoff bid gets struck by lightning

CINCINNATI — In recent weeks, the Broncos’ offense has been in a tug-of-war between artistry and mediocrity. In Week 16’s loss to the Chargers, Denver scored 21 points and rushed for 89 yards in the first half, then mustered only six points and 21 rushing yards the rest of the way.

Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray and coach Michael Malone addressed critics of Murray’s poor start to the season on Saturday after he scored 34 points in a win at Ball Arena. “If people are gonna talk about me not making shots, then so be it,” Murray said. “I know what I’m capable of.

CINCINNATI — Here’s a look at whose stock improved or declined after the Broncos’ 30-24 overtime loss to the Bengals on Saturday at Paycor Stadium. Stock Up CB Pat Surtain II: Surtain vs. Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was one of the biggest storylines of the game. The All-Pro cornerback lived up to the moment.

Former Texas Longhorns infielder Skyler Messinger wanted to clarify something. “When I say that ‘Tulo’ has a screw loose, I mean that as the highest possible compliment I could give him,” Messinger said. Translation: Tulo, aka Troy Tulowitzki, the hitting and infield coach at Texas, still brings mind-boggling intensity and passion to the baseball diamond.

Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood have completely changed the narrative of the 2024-25 season for the Avalanche. The Avs had one critical issue they could not control — player availability, stemming from injuries and a suspension — and one they could. That was the goaltending, which languished near the bottom of the NHL rankings in nearly every category. Enter Wedgewood, then Blackwood 10 days later.

Reporters have pregame routines, too. When I arrive at an NBA arena outside of Denver, mine includes familiarizing myself with the most optimal route from press row to the visiting coach’s interview room. It’s not always as simple as descending the steps of the lower seating bowl and going through a court-side tunnel.