Golden Nuggets: Broncos Come to Town

Good morning folks, and good afternoon/evening to our friends across the ponds, its game day! The 49ers host the Denver Broncos in the late afternoon slot - perhaps the last winnable game on the 49ers schedule, especially if the New Orleans Saints are able to push the Los Angeles Rams into playing their starters in week 17 due to the homefield advantage race. Of course, this game has the added benefit of some uncommon storylines - his father, Mike Shanahan, was not only a Super Bowl winning offensive coordinator with the 49ers in 1994, he went on two win two more, en route to becoming a household name, as the head coach with the Broncos. Kyle Shanahan went to high school in Denver, and there has been a mixed bag of reporting regarding his interview with the Broncos for their previous head coaching vacancy.

As previously mentioned, this game represents what seems to be the last opportunity the 49ers have to win a game this season. The Denver Broncos were already a middling squad before trading away long-term offensive contributor Demaryius Thomas and losing his running mate Emmanuel Sanders to IR. Combined with the shaky quarterback play of Case Keenum, this offense is extremely one-dimensional, outside of rookie WR Courtland Sutton, who has stepped up admirably.

But they have a great defense, right? I mean, sure. Von Miller is a tremendous player and can never be discounted, but this isn’t the same defense from a few years back which was threat to score more than the opposing offense. The formerly fearsome secondary has eroded, and as of this week, is additionally decimated by injury. Starting CB Chris Harris Jr. has been ruled out, which is obviously a major hit - but familiar face and primary backup Tramaine Brock has also been ruled out - leaving a secondary manned by bottom-o-the-roster options. In short, “What are you going to do, brothers, when Mullens Mania runs (err, passes) wild on you?”

Also, Jed York’s brother, Tony, passed away at 35 years of age. He was an entrepreneur and a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans. Roll Wave.

Tony York, brother of Jed, dies at 35 | Branch, SF Chronicle | Chan, NBC Sports Bay Area | KNBR Media Services | ESPN Staff

49ers run defense in need of retooling? | Branch, SF Chronicle

Week 14 preview | Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area | Biderman, Sac Bee | Madson, Ninerswire

On Solomon Thomas’ “My cleats, my cause” | Kleinschmidt, NBC Sports Bay Area

Kyle Shanahan expects a solid competition for 2019 backup QB | Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area

Kyle Shanahan hit with $25k fine related to “Shoegate” penalty | Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area

Kyle Shanahan’s return to Denver looms large | Legwold, ESPN