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After the Denver Broncos beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the mood in Broncos Country shifted. Losing the first two games hurt, but that win was the Robitussin the fans needed.

But just like the Tussin, the effects of the win in Tampa will wear off. Ian and I discussed this on Broncos Odds and Endzones. I’m not trying to rain on the positivity parade that has washed over MHR and the rest of the Broncos internet.

And I am certainly not trying to be like a certain Denver media member who can never find joy in anything thr Broncos do (points to the person who can figure it out in the comments). But I want to stay in reality.

The reality is that the Broncos will be travelling, once again, to the East Coast to play an early game. This time, into a more hostile stadium and with a future Hall of Fame QB running the show.

So, I want to just pump the brakes a touch. I believe in Sean Payton’s vision. I BO-lieve in Bo Nix. We gave Vance Joseph his flowers on the show, as he has dialed up a great defense. Pat Surtain II seems to have running mates in Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian. The drops by the WRs and TEs dropped off in Tampa.

But I need a prove it game. That is what the New York Jets offer. They are good. They have a solid defense, and their offense is going to test the Alex Singleton-less Broncos.

I’m aware that this comes across as negative, but that’s not how I see it. The future is bright. The Denver Broncos should be able to build on what they are accomplishing. All the tooth grinding that went on about Nix after the first two weeks has all but disappeared.

But if I know Broncos Country, it will be back if we see regression, which we will. It could be this week. That should be expected. The surprise will be if it doesn’t.

The carrousel trope can be put away. We are on a completely different carnival ride now. If it is a rollercoaster, let it be the kiddy one with the smiling purple dragon head. That’s how we know Nix can be the guy in Denver for a long time.

And while the high of winning against the Bucs is carrying us right now, let’s remember not to get to down when the inevitable dip occurs.

A tough game against the Jets won’t mean that Bo Nix ain’t it. It won’t mean Sean Payton is washed. It will mean the process is ongoing. Enjoy that. BO-lieve in that.

The Seattle Mariners will begin Game 1 of their last series of the season against the Oakland Athletics at 7:10 p.m. PT on Friday.

The Mariners were eliminated on their off day on Thursday after the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals both won.

But as the saying goes, “misery loves company.” And although Seattle will miss the playoffs for a the 22nd time in 23 years, it got to sit back and enjoy an American League West rival suffer its own disappointing loss.

The Los Angeles Angels fell 4-3 to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. The loss was the Angels’ 96th of the season — a franchise record.

The irony was that the a former Seattle starter helped deal the loss.

Chris Flexen, who pitched for the Mariners from 2021-23, threw 6.1 scoreless innings and struck out seven batters. It was his first win since May 8. His wallet also got a little bigger due to him earning $250,000 for pitching 160 innings during the season.

Flexen has a 4.95 ERA this season in 33 appearances (30 starts) with 123 strikeouts in 160.1 innings pitched.

During Flexen’s time with Seattle, he pitched 81 games (57 starts) and posted a 4.13 ERA with 249 strikeouts in 359.1 innings pitched.

Flexen has pitched well against Los Angeles dating back to his time with Seattle. In his career, he’s made 11 appearances against the Angels (nine starts) and has posted a 3.15 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 54.1 innings pitched.

Los Angeles’ loss won’t alleviate the disappointment within the Mariners organization and fanbase over not making the playoffs.

But it’s good to see a former Seattle pitcher continue to be successful against a division rival.

ADAMES JOINS A-ROD IN HISTORY: Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames joined former Seattle Mariners legend Alex Rodriguez as one of just two players in history to accomplish an extremely impressive feat. CLICK HERE

MARINERS ELIMINATED FROM PLAYOFF CONTENTION: The Seattle Mariners saw their postseason dreams came to an end with come-from-behind wins by the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers on Thursday. CLICK HERE

MARINERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HOUSTON’S DEFENSIVE MISCUES: The Seattle Mariners kept their season and playoff chances afloat and took the series with an 8-1 win against the Houston Astros on Wednesday. CLICK HERE

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