The Colorado Springs Gazette final

SPORTS

PAUL KLEE, THE GAZETTE

Air Force is well on its way to running to another national rushing title. If the Falcons can finish this one off, it will be the third rushing title in as many seasons.

Klee with Three: Denver Gazette sports editor Paul Klee’s three thoughts on Broncos-raiders.

1. The return of Phillip Lindsay?

Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor wore a walking boot at practice Tuesday, according to media reports, which suggests the NFL could have a juicy matchup on its hands: Phillip Lindsay vs. the Broncos. The Denver South and Cu-boulder product, who was cut by the Broncos, has spent the first four games on the Colts practice squad. “If JT’S not up, Phillip will work into the equation,” Colts coach Frank Reich said. Local sentiment aside, Broncos GM George Paton made the right decision to move on from Lindsay after the 2021 season. Since then he’s averaged 2.8 yards per carry and been cut by the Texans and Colts. Here’s hoping Lindsay finds a prominent role in Indianapolis

— and enjoys a rare winning season. In nine full seasons of college and pro ball, Lindsay’s played on one team with a winning record (2016 at Cu-boulder).

2. Broncos new stadium?

Not to harp on a terrible, no good, very bad Sunday in Las Vegas, but something else came to mind in the immaculate home to the Raiders: the Walton-penner ownership group was in the building. If you are the wealthiest owner in the NFL, Allegiant Stadium is enough to make you think, “I want one.” The Death Star is everything it’s cracked up to be: over-the-top, spacious, convenient and loud. It’s a show within a show, with “Destiny’s Child’s” Michelle Williams on the national anthem, “Eagles” guitarist Don Felder at halftime and $15 “Just Win Burgers.” The NFL’S newest stadiums are both in the AFC West — Allegiant and Sofi.

Rob Walton’s worth $55 billion. The question isn’t if the Broncos build a new stadium. It’s how soon they build one.

3. Russell Wilson vs. Matt Ryan

The quarterbacks Thursday night share a few things in common, notably Super Bowl heartbreak to the Patriots — Malcolm Butler intercepting Wilson in Super Bowl XLIX, Ryan blowing a 28-3 lead in Super LI. They’ve also both been very good for a very long time. This week they’re “close” — just ask them. Last week both Wilson (“We’re so close”) and Ryan (“I think we’re close, I really do”) suggested the Broncos and Falcons are “close” to reaching preseason expectations. The results suggest different: Wilson’s Broncos rank 29th in points per game, while Ryan’s Colts rank 32nd. At this point, more Super Bowl heartbreak would be welcomed.

DAILY ROUNDUP

en-us

2022-10-06T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-10-06T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://daily.gazette.com/article/282059100892520

The Gazette, Colorado Springs