Joe Rowles
@justjoro.bsky.social
Rhetoric Professor & Bookseller
Writer covering the Denver Broncos, fantasy worlds, and fantastic books
Building stories and sharing good reads at Tomes & Treasures
Writer covering the Denver Broncos, fantasy worlds, and fantastic books
Building stories and sharing good reads at Tomes & Treasures
Pinned
Welcome to My Next Chapter: Expanding the Denver Broncos Debrief
Still focused on football, with forays into writing, worldbuilding, and Dungeons & Dragons
joerowles.substack.com
Thanks for supporting my longform Broncos & NFL coverage y'all. I don't plan to stop that.
Wanted to announce that I'm looking at diving further into some of my other interests down the road, and the bye week seemed a good time.
joerowles.substack.com/p/welcome-to...
Wanted to announce that I'm looking at diving further into some of my other interests down the road, and the bye week seemed a good time.
joerowles.substack.com/p/welcome-to...
Fun fact:
With wins at Washington (3-8) and Las Vegas (2-9) over the next two weeks, the Broncos will reclaim first place entering the season's final quarter, regardless of what the Patriots or any other team does in the meantime
They just need to take care of their business.
With wins at Washington (3-8) and Las Vegas (2-9) over the next two weeks, the Broncos will reclaim first place entering the season's final quarter, regardless of what the Patriots or any other team does in the meantime
They just need to take care of their business.
November 27, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Fun fact:
With wins at Washington (3-8) and Las Vegas (2-9) over the next two weeks, the Broncos will reclaim first place entering the season's final quarter, regardless of what the Patriots or any other team does in the meantime
They just need to take care of their business.
With wins at Washington (3-8) and Las Vegas (2-9) over the next two weeks, the Broncos will reclaim first place entering the season's final quarter, regardless of what the Patriots or any other team does in the meantime
They just need to take care of their business.
Reposted by Joe Rowles
Defensive Synergy | Pressure vs. Coverage
Who can hit home & lock down WRs?
Packers, Lions & Denver lead the list...
👉 Green Bay is an island!
...
Who can hit home & lock down WRs?
Packers, Lions & Denver lead the list...
👉 Green Bay is an island!
...
November 26, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Defensive Synergy | Pressure vs. Coverage
Who can hit home & lock down WRs?
Packers, Lions & Denver lead the list...
👉 Green Bay is an island!
...
Who can hit home & lock down WRs?
Packers, Lions & Denver lead the list...
👉 Green Bay is an island!
...
Reposted by Joe Rowles
Let's look at the pressure philosophy map.
There are 4 main philosophies:
- All-In Pressure
- Deception
- Passive
- Traditional Aggression
All-In indicates high BR with a high Sim rate.
Traditional indicates a high BR, but low Sim rate.
Vikings are still an outlier.
...
There are 4 main philosophies:
- All-In Pressure
- Deception
- Passive
- Traditional Aggression
All-In indicates high BR with a high Sim rate.
Traditional indicates a high BR, but low Sim rate.
Vikings are still an outlier.
...
November 26, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Let's look at the pressure philosophy map.
There are 4 main philosophies:
- All-In Pressure
- Deception
- Passive
- Traditional Aggression
All-In indicates high BR with a high Sim rate.
Traditional indicates a high BR, but low Sim rate.
Vikings are still an outlier.
...
There are 4 main philosophies:
- All-In Pressure
- Deception
- Passive
- Traditional Aggression
All-In indicates high BR with a high Sim rate.
Traditional indicates a high BR, but low Sim rate.
Vikings are still an outlier.
...
Reposted by Joe Rowles
Let's look at some NFL defensive data, but in a more interesting way...
First up is coverage diversity.
Arizona leads the league in ambiguity & that makes sense; they run a 3-Safety system on most downs.
Interestingly, Green Bay is at the bottom.
...
First up is coverage diversity.
Arizona leads the league in ambiguity & that makes sense; they run a 3-Safety system on most downs.
Interestingly, Green Bay is at the bottom.
...
November 26, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Let's look at some NFL defensive data, but in a more interesting way...
First up is coverage diversity.
Arizona leads the league in ambiguity & that makes sense; they run a 3-Safety system on most downs.
Interestingly, Green Bay is at the bottom.
...
First up is coverage diversity.
Arizona leads the league in ambiguity & that makes sense; they run a 3-Safety system on most downs.
Interestingly, Green Bay is at the bottom.
...
Reposted by Joe Rowles
Now, let's look at Master Philosophy.
- Aggressive Closed (DEN)
- Aggressive Open (MIN)
- Conservative Closed (CLV)
- Conservative Open (HST)
There is obvious overlap.
👉 SF & IND fit into all but one family.
...
- Aggressive Closed (DEN)
- Aggressive Open (MIN)
- Conservative Closed (CLV)
- Conservative Open (HST)
There is obvious overlap.
👉 SF & IND fit into all but one family.
...
November 26, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Now, let's look at Master Philosophy.
- Aggressive Closed (DEN)
- Aggressive Open (MIN)
- Conservative Closed (CLV)
- Conservative Open (HST)
There is obvious overlap.
👉 SF & IND fit into all but one family.
...
- Aggressive Closed (DEN)
- Aggressive Open (MIN)
- Conservative Closed (CLV)
- Conservative Open (HST)
There is obvious overlap.
👉 SF & IND fit into all but one family.
...
Reposted by Joe Rowles
November 26, 2025 at 10:02 PM
With the Broncos Defensive front locked up, got to hope this is the off-season George Paton finally uses meaningful draft resources on an offensive tackle.
Denver hasn't drafted one since Garett Bolles in 2017. He will be 34 in May.
Mike McGlinchey will be 31 in January.
Denver hasn't drafted one since Garett Bolles in 2017. He will be 34 in May.
Mike McGlinchey will be 31 in January.
November 26, 2025 at 8:50 PM
With the Broncos Defensive front locked up, got to hope this is the off-season George Paton finally uses meaningful draft resources on an offensive tackle.
Denver hasn't drafted one since Garett Bolles in 2017. He will be 34 in May.
Mike McGlinchey will be 31 in January.
Denver hasn't drafted one since Garett Bolles in 2017. He will be 34 in May.
Mike McGlinchey will be 31 in January.
With Malcolm Roach is extended through 2027, the Broncos DL is set for 2026:
Zach Allen: locked up through 2029
D.J. Jones: locked up through '27
Eyioma Uwazurike: locked up through '26
Sai'vion Jones: locked up through '28
Nik Bonitto: locked up through '29
Jonathon Cooper: locked up through '28
Zach Allen: locked up through 2029
D.J. Jones: locked up through '27
Eyioma Uwazurike: locked up through '26
Sai'vion Jones: locked up through '28
Nik Bonitto: locked up through '29
Jonathon Cooper: locked up through '28
November 26, 2025 at 8:49 PM
With Malcolm Roach is extended through 2027, the Broncos DL is set for 2026:
Zach Allen: locked up through 2029
D.J. Jones: locked up through '27
Eyioma Uwazurike: locked up through '26
Sai'vion Jones: locked up through '28
Nik Bonitto: locked up through '29
Jonathon Cooper: locked up through '28
Zach Allen: locked up through 2029
D.J. Jones: locked up through '27
Eyioma Uwazurike: locked up through '26
Sai'vion Jones: locked up through '28
Nik Bonitto: locked up through '29
Jonathon Cooper: locked up through '28
Ben Powers has a roster bonus due March 17.
Garett Bolles has an option due on September 1st, and he currently carries a cap number of $7.45 M in 2026.
If the Broncos trade Mike McGlinchey after June 1st of next year, they eat $6.275 M or less in dead cap space.
Garett Bolles has an option due on September 1st, and he currently carries a cap number of $7.45 M in 2026.
If the Broncos trade Mike McGlinchey after June 1st of next year, they eat $6.275 M or less in dead cap space.
The Broncos starting OL contract AAV and NFL ranks:
LT Garett Bolles: $20.5 mil (T-10)
LG Ben Powers: $13 mil (No. 10)
C Luke Wattenberg: $12 mil (T-5)
RG Quinn Meinerz: $18 mil (No. 5)
RT Mike McGlinchey: $17.5 mil (No. 11)
LT Garett Bolles: $20.5 mil (T-10)
LG Ben Powers: $13 mil (No. 10)
C Luke Wattenberg: $12 mil (T-5)
RG Quinn Meinerz: $18 mil (No. 5)
RT Mike McGlinchey: $17.5 mil (No. 11)
November 26, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Ben Powers has a roster bonus due March 17.
Garett Bolles has an option due on September 1st, and he currently carries a cap number of $7.45 M in 2026.
If the Broncos trade Mike McGlinchey after June 1st of next year, they eat $6.275 M or less in dead cap space.
Garett Bolles has an option due on September 1st, and he currently carries a cap number of $7.45 M in 2026.
If the Broncos trade Mike McGlinchey after June 1st of next year, they eat $6.275 M or less in dead cap space.
The Broncos starting OL contract AAV and NFL ranks:
LT Garett Bolles: $20.5 mil (T-10)
LG Ben Powers: $13 mil (No. 10)
C Luke Wattenberg: $12 mil (T-5)
RG Quinn Meinerz: $18 mil (No. 5)
RT Mike McGlinchey: $17.5 mil (No. 11)
LT Garett Bolles: $20.5 mil (T-10)
LG Ben Powers: $13 mil (No. 10)
C Luke Wattenberg: $12 mil (T-5)
RG Quinn Meinerz: $18 mil (No. 5)
RT Mike McGlinchey: $17.5 mil (No. 11)
November 26, 2025 at 8:46 PM
The Broncos starting OL contract AAV and NFL ranks:
LT Garett Bolles: $20.5 mil (T-10)
LG Ben Powers: $13 mil (No. 10)
C Luke Wattenberg: $12 mil (T-5)
RG Quinn Meinerz: $18 mil (No. 5)
RT Mike McGlinchey: $17.5 mil (No. 11)
LT Garett Bolles: $20.5 mil (T-10)
LG Ben Powers: $13 mil (No. 10)
C Luke Wattenberg: $12 mil (T-5)
RG Quinn Meinerz: $18 mil (No. 5)
RT Mike McGlinchey: $17.5 mil (No. 11)
Broncos prioritize Malcolm Roach for less than what Franklin-Myers will command. Roach more of a run clogger and true interior stuffer than pass rusher. 5.5 sacks in career.
November 26, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Broncos prioritize Malcolm Roach for less than what Franklin-Myers will command. Roach more of a run clogger and true interior stuffer than pass rusher. 5.5 sacks in career.
Broncos are extending DT Malcolm Roach on a three-year, $24 million extension that could be worth as much as $29.25 million with incentives. He gets $14 million guaranteed.
Former Saint joined Sean Payton in Denver last year, now he's under contract until he's 30.
Former Saint joined Sean Payton in Denver last year, now he's under contract until he's 30.
November 26, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Broncos are extending DT Malcolm Roach on a three-year, $24 million extension that could be worth as much as $29.25 million with incentives. He gets $14 million guaranteed.
Former Saint joined Sean Payton in Denver last year, now he's under contract until he's 30.
Former Saint joined Sean Payton in Denver last year, now he's under contract until he's 30.
Reposted by Joe Rowles
I had envisioned a floor for a team friendly contract to be around $13.25M APY.
To get Luke Wattenberg extended for only $12M APY strikes me as quite a bargain.
To get Luke Wattenberg extended for only $12M APY strikes me as quite a bargain.
November 26, 2025 at 1:51 AM
I had envisioned a floor for a team friendly contract to be around $13.25M APY.
To get Luke Wattenberg extended for only $12M APY strikes me as quite a bargain.
To get Luke Wattenberg extended for only $12M APY strikes me as quite a bargain.
Reposted by Joe Rowles
Jordan Love fadeaway hero throw to convert on 3rd & 10
November 25, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Jordan Love fadeaway hero throw to convert on 3rd & 10
Reposted by Joe Rowles
I was curious, how rare is it to be No. 1 in both offensive and defensive DVOA like the Rams are now.
It's VERY rare.
Since 1978, these are the only teams to achieve this after Week 10 or later.
1994 Cowboys Wk 12-13
2001 Rams Wk 16-17
2007 Pats Wk 11
2014 Broncos Wk 10, 13
2025 Rams Wk 12
It's VERY rare.
Since 1978, these are the only teams to achieve this after Week 10 or later.
1994 Cowboys Wk 12-13
2001 Rams Wk 16-17
2007 Pats Wk 11
2014 Broncos Wk 10, 13
2025 Rams Wk 12
November 25, 2025 at 9:50 PM
I was curious, how rare is it to be No. 1 in both offensive and defensive DVOA like the Rams are now.
It's VERY rare.
Since 1978, these are the only teams to achieve this after Week 10 or later.
1994 Cowboys Wk 12-13
2001 Rams Wk 16-17
2007 Pats Wk 11
2014 Broncos Wk 10, 13
2025 Rams Wk 12
It's VERY rare.
Since 1978, these are the only teams to achieve this after Week 10 or later.
1994 Cowboys Wk 12-13
2001 Rams Wk 16-17
2007 Pats Wk 11
2014 Broncos Wk 10, 13
2025 Rams Wk 12
Chris Tomasson reporting the Broncos haven't expressed interest in a possible extension during the season for DL John Franklin-Myers.
He's in line to be a free agent in March and someone will be better for it.
He's in line to be a free agent in March and someone will be better for it.
Broncos on expiring UFA deals
DL
John Franklin Myers
Malcom Roach
LB
Alex Singleton
Justin Strnad
DB
P.J. Locke
OL
Luke Wattenberg
TE
Adam Trautman
RB
J.K. Dobbins
DL
John Franklin Myers
Malcom Roach
LB
Alex Singleton
Justin Strnad
DB
P.J. Locke
OL
Luke Wattenberg
TE
Adam Trautman
RB
J.K. Dobbins
Sean Payton said he and Broncos GM George Paton talked before the bye week on a number of extension candidates. They reached out to a few other players about an extension.
November 25, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Chris Tomasson reporting the Broncos haven't expressed interest in a possible extension during the season for DL John Franklin-Myers.
He's in line to be a free agent in March and someone will be better for it.
He's in line to be a free agent in March and someone will be better for it.
Broncos on expiring UFA deals
DL
John Franklin Myers
Malcom Roach
LB
Alex Singleton
Justin Strnad
DB
P.J. Locke
OL
Luke Wattenberg
TE
Adam Trautman
RB
J.K. Dobbins
DL
John Franklin Myers
Malcom Roach
LB
Alex Singleton
Justin Strnad
DB
P.J. Locke
OL
Luke Wattenberg
TE
Adam Trautman
RB
J.K. Dobbins
Sean Payton said he and Broncos GM George Paton talked before the bye week on a number of extension candidates. They reached out to a few other players about an extension.
November 24, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Broncos on expiring UFA deals
DL
John Franklin Myers
Malcom Roach
LB
Alex Singleton
Justin Strnad
DB
P.J. Locke
OL
Luke Wattenberg
TE
Adam Trautman
RB
J.K. Dobbins
DL
John Franklin Myers
Malcom Roach
LB
Alex Singleton
Justin Strnad
DB
P.J. Locke
OL
Luke Wattenberg
TE
Adam Trautman
RB
J.K. Dobbins
Sean Payton said he and Broncos GM George Paton talked before the bye week on a number of extension candidates. They reached out to a few other players about an extension.
November 24, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Sean Payton said he and Broncos GM George Paton talked before the bye week on a number of extension candidates. They reached out to a few other players about an extension.
Reposted by Joe Rowles
Sorcery!
(And no-looking this actually matters. On the end zone angle you can see how #23 breaks on Puka because of where Stafford is looking, which creates the throwing lane on the TD)
(And no-looking this actually matters. On the end zone angle you can see how #23 breaks on Puka because of where Stafford is looking, which creates the throwing lane on the TD)
November 24, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Sorcery!
(And no-looking this actually matters. On the end zone angle you can see how #23 breaks on Puka because of where Stafford is looking, which creates the throwing lane on the TD)
(And no-looking this actually matters. On the end zone angle you can see how #23 breaks on Puka because of where Stafford is looking, which creates the throwing lane on the TD)
Reposted by Joe Rowles
The existence of Jared Verse implies the existence of Jared Second Verse, Jared Bridge, and Jared Third Verse
November 24, 2025 at 2:39 AM
The existence of Jared Verse implies the existence of Jared Second Verse, Jared Bridge, and Jared Third Verse
Since Broncos Country is sweating this, here are some of the available free agent "big" running backs
Cam Akers
Gus "the bus" Edwards
Zack Moss
Jamaal Williams
Cam Akers
Gus "the bus" Edwards
Zack Moss
Jamaal Williams
November 24, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Since Broncos Country is sweating this, here are some of the available free agent "big" running backs
Cam Akers
Gus "the bus" Edwards
Zack Moss
Jamaal Williams
Cam Akers
Gus "the bus" Edwards
Zack Moss
Jamaal Williams
Wow this late game window is... Weak.
Good time to go throw for Milo. ✌️
Good time to go throw for Milo. ✌️
November 23, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Wow this late game window is... Weak.
Good time to go throw for Milo. ✌️
Good time to go throw for Milo. ✌️
Reposted by Joe Rowles
Just erased 24’s angle with ease
November 23, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Just erased 24’s angle with ease
Reposted by Joe Rowles
on throws between 0-9 yards so far, J.J. McCarthy's time to throw is 3.14 seconds
November 23, 2025 at 8:06 PM
on throws between 0-9 yards so far, J.J. McCarthy's time to throw is 3.14 seconds
Reposted by Joe Rowles
-0.46 EPA per play from the QB without a turnover is insane
November 23, 2025 at 8:15 PM
-0.46 EPA per play from the QB without a turnover is insane