John Clayton

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John Clayton was 104.3 The Fan’s Senior Broncos Writer. He had nearly 50 years of experience covering the NFL and was a recipient of the Dick McCann Memorial Award, placing him into the writer’s wing of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Clayton was best known for his 22 years spent in various roles at ESPN, including as Senior NFL Writer for ESPN.com.

Clayton: Broncos don’t need to take on Chargers short-handed

Five players testing positive for COVID on Thursday is a "big setback" for a Broncos team trying to keep their season alive vs. the Chargers
2 years ago

Clayton: The Broncos have to stay run-heavy against the Chargers

The Broncos didn't run the ball well against the Raiders, but they can't get away from that part of their offense in a must-win game on Sunday
2 years ago

Clayton: After bad performance, change is coming for the Broncos

Denver's offensive effort against Las Vegas was something that will have to be addressed by the Broncos when the offseason rolls around
2 years ago

Clayton: Broncos more talented than team without Pro Bowlers

The Broncos didn't get the Pro Bowl respect they deserve, as they're more talented than a team with no players selected to the roster
2 years ago

Clayton: The Broncos go into a must-win game without any advantages

They don't have their starting quarterback, but that isn't the only thing working against the Broncos in a do-or-die matchup with the Raiders
2 years ago

Clayton: Drew Lock starting for Broncos a scary prospect

The Broncos must get all they can out of the passing offense vs. the Raiders, which "may not look good" with Drew Lock under center
2 years ago

Clayton: Sunday’s loss suggests changes coming for Broncos

At 7-7, the Broncos playoff chances are looking bleak, a result that will most likely lead to big changes at Dove Valley with plenty on the hot seat
2 years ago

Clayton: Slowing down Burrow is the key for the Broncos on Sunday

The Bengals quarterback is dangerous, in part because of the weapons around him, so he'll pose a big challenge for the Broncos defense
2 years ago

Clayton: The NFL’s quest for parity is paying off, to the Broncos benefit

The structure of the league is designed to push teams together, something that has been heightened by the craziness of COVID protocols
2 years ago

Clayton: With 2022 salary cap announced, the Broncos have flexibility

The NFL announced the 2022 salary cap, which will provide the Broncos with plenty of space to re-sign players and splurge in free agency
2 years ago

Clayton: Fangio’s defense needs to continue recent trends against Bengals

The Broncos defense is posting good numbers across multiple statistical categories, a performance they'll need to have on Sunday, as well
2 years ago

Clayton: Win over the Lions was a perfect game for the Broncos

The recipe for success that the Broncos have been seeking all season long was on full display during a dominating 38-10 win over the Lions
2 years ago

Clayton: As the season goes on, George Paton’s grade keeps improving

What started off as a solid first year at the helm for the Broncos has turned into a great a rookie season for the Broncos general manager
2 years ago

Clayton: Broncos passing game can get right vs. Lions

In a bit of a slump, the Denver Broncos passing game can get right on Sunday when they take on the Detroit Lions
2 years ago

Clayton: Loss to the Chiefs makes the Broncos playoff road tricky

Falling to 6-6 with a loss on "Sunday Night Football" puts the Broncos in a tough position heading into a crowded race for the AFC playoffs
2 years ago

Clayton: The Broncos secondary is the key to huge game against Chiefs

If Denver is going to go into K.C. and get their biggest win in nearly six years, they'll need the strength of their defense to have a big day
2 years ago

Clayton: Broncos talented secondary offers hope vs. Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs present a "supreme challenge" for a very talented Broncos defensive backfield
2 years ago

Clayton: Patrick Surtain has lived up to expectations for the Broncos

Fresh off a game in which he won multiple Defensive Player of the Week awards, the rookie cornerback earned high praise from his head coach
2 years ago

Clayton: Bradley Chubb’s return to the field was a big win for the Broncos

Even though he didn't flash on the stat sheet, getting their Pro Bowl linebacker back on the field was the Broncos biggest win on Sunday
2 years ago

Clayton: Bridgewater critics silenced after Broncos latest victory

In a gutty effort, Teddy Bridgewater helped his team win a critical divisional game, putting the Broncos squarely in the hunt for the AFC West
2 years ago

The Broncos didn’t fare well in the first week of Pro Bowl voting

While other teams in the AFC West have players across the top 10 at various positions, the Broncos are barely represented in early returns
2 years ago

Clayton: Chargers will challenge Broncos on Thanksgiving weekend

In an extremely tight race in the AFC West, the Broncos host a challenging Chargers squad on Thanksgiving weekend
2 years ago

Clayton: Paton has made the Broncos an attractive option for a QB

By securing Tim Patrick and Courtland Sutton, the Broncos general manager has built an offense that is loaded with talent at the skill positions
2 years ago

Clayton: Broncos wrap up Tim Patrick, but question linger

The Broncos wrapped up Tim Patrick long-term during the bye, but questions about the team's future still linger
2 years ago