Did Elway send message by saying Broncos are still in playoff hunt?

Denver Broncos general manager John Elway told DenverBroncos.com this week that he believes the team is “not out” of the postseason hunt.

But instead of Elway just showing his competitive nature, “Pritchard and Cecil” co-host Mike Pritchard said on Thursday there could be a deeper message.

“Those subtle messages you get, whether it’s management or from the front office, that I think we’re still in it … Do you think we’re still in it, as a player? And if I don’t see that you think we’re still in it, you’re not going to be here,” Pritchard said.

Pritchard said that if players believe that they’re still in the playoff race then they “need to strive to be in it,” and thinking they’re still “playing for something” might be extra motivation.

“You have to have something to dig deep for. You have to have something that’s going to motivate you to win a game,” Pritchard said.

And if there’s a “disconnect” between the players and the general manager or president of football operations, like Elway, then there might be jobs hanging in the balance.

“… If you’re not thinking that you’re still in it and you’re not playing that way, yeah, he’s going to turn it over,” Pritchard said.

In reality, the loss to the San Francisco 49ers this past weekend dealt a significant blow to the Broncos chances at a playoff berth.

According to FiveThirtyEight.com, Denver has a 5 percent chance to make the playoffs heading into a matchup with the Cleveland Browns at home on Saturday.

And anything less than a win or a tie for the Broncos and their playoffs hopes will be snuffed out.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.