Earlier today I posted that San Diego’s XPRS-AM radio reporter Marty Caswell reported there was a rumor going around Invesco Field in Denver that Broncos Coach Josh McDaniels had “taunted” the Chargers linebackers before the Broncos lost to San Diego 32-3.
Chargers Linebackers Shawne Merriman and Stephen Cooper confirmed to Caswell after the game that McDaniels had indeed taunted them, with the coach reportedly saying to the San Diego linebackers group, “We own you guys.”
Cooper and Merriman weren’t the only Chargers reacting to McDaniels. Caswell reports that Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips was next to pile on the coach.
Phillips is referring to a Broncos’ onside kick earlier in the third quarter, with Denver already trailing 20-3. The Chargers recovered the kickoff and prompted scored a touchdown, icing the game.
McDaniels’ gambling style of coaching has mostly backfired on the Broncos this season - but that’s something most fans can live with. But inappropriate emotional outbursts at opponents, who then proceed to humiliate you, is a whole ‘nother story. That’s something perhaps McDaniels’ mentor, Bill Belichick, can get away with. But not a first year coach, no matter his prized pedigree.
UPDATE: Jim Trotter of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED confirms Caswell’s report about McDaniels’ taunt directed at Charger players. Trotter adds: “McDaniels’ response apparently was due to something Shaun Phillips said to McDaniels or the Broncos as they came out.”
UPDATE (10:30 pm ET): Kevin Acee of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE reports Sunday night:
McDaniels said after the game as he headed to his car that the Chargers “talked to me first.”
He then said, “I’m not making a story about this. If I did, I’d be able to tell you some things that aren’t for papers.”
Why do I have a feeling the Denver and San Diego media isn’t going to let this one go, and that it will come up again tomorrow?
9:15 pm on November 22nd, 2009
I’m calling BS on this. Hard to believe he would be that stupid to say anything inflammatory before the game. Especially with his team reeling. Maybe since they’re both black and he’s white it’s just a ‘cultural thing’ and they misunderstood. You know, different interpretations of English and the like.
9:47 pm on November 22nd, 2009
oh yeah, it was “cultural”. that may have been the most moronic thing i’ve read this year and i read brooks every day.
9:52 pm on November 22nd, 2009
Are you a complete moron or what? Not only does is ‘cultural thing” one of the most retarded things I’ve ever read, McDaniels has already admitted it. Check your facts you moron. The Broncos are a joke and lucky to have even half of their 6 games. They will not make the playoffs.
3:17 pm on November 23rd, 2009
he said the chargers talked to me first???what the? is he 12? he needs to be gone, they will be lucky to win 2 more games, he will be bounced next year
4:49 pm on November 23rd, 2009
McDaniels is a joke, Denver is a joke, SD all the way
4:50 pm on November 23rd, 2009
Candyman youre a joke too
2:08 pm on November 25th, 2009
“CULTURAL”? Is one of the parties from China??
6:07 pm on November 25th, 2009
Too bad that Cutler isnt still with the ponies, ther would be some good JAWJACKIN’ there
Bolts to 12- 4 ponies to 7 -9
I hope they keep JOKE DANIELS for a few more years