Winderman: Lakers, Not Celtics, Have Something To Prove

Pat Surtain II isn’t just a Pro Bowl starter for the second time in his carer. Thursday he also was named the Demaryius Thomas Team MVP by the Denver chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association. Surtain is no stranger to PFWA recognition. He’s made the Pro Bowl three straight times, and he’s won the team MVP from local reporters who cover the team on a daily basis three straight times, as well. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, like Surtain a starter for the AFC in this year’s Pro Bowl Games, also received consideration from reporters for team MVP. Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, meanwhile, earned the Darrent Williams Good Guy Award from local reporters.

Denver Post Broncos beat reporter Parker Gabriel and Ryan McFadden are joined by columnist Troy Renck to set up the final week of the regular season. The Broncos most likely need a win Sunday afternoon against Kansas City — featuring backups at several positions — to make the AFC playoff field.

Scott Oberg, who made his mark with one of the gutsiest relief performances in Rockies history, has been hired as a special assistant in player development. Although the Rockies have not officially announced the hire, the club confirmed Thursday that Oberg will be a minor-league pitching coordinator. Oberg, 34, declined to comment about his new role until the Rockies make a formal announcement. For the last two seasons, the right-hander was a part-time pitching consultant.

Zach Allen is playing the best football of his career. He authored a dominant, 3.5-sack outing Saturday night at Cincinnati to raise his season total to 8.5. He’s been a constant on the field for the Broncos this fall, missing one game due to a heel injury but playing 90% of Denver’s defensive snaps in the other 15. RELATED: Broncos land three Pro Bowl starters When the fan voting portion of the Pro Bowl selection process wrapped on Dec.

When the Broncos defense has needed a big play this season, more often than not somebody has made one. RELATED: Broncos DL Zach Allen snubbed in Pro Bowl selection Nobody’s made more than cornerback Pat Surtain II and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto. Thursday morning, that pair was recognized when they were named AFC Pro Bowl starters.

Colorado’s Jade Masogayo, left, is defended by TCU’s Sedona Prince on Jan. 1, 2025, at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. (CU Athletics) Fast break Why the Buffs lost: CU played good enough defense but didn’t generate enough offensively. The Buffs hit just 35.3% of their shots and had 17 turnovers, which TCU converted into 16 points. Three stars: 1.