Broncos feel the energy of first playoff preparation since Super Bowl 50

The Broncos finally put their long playoff drought in the past.

Nearly nine years after Super Bowl 50, they’re back in the AFC playoff field.

Now comes the hard part.

Trying to go to Buffalo to take down an MVP candidate in quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills 13-4.

“Everyone is ready to go and everyone understands that making the playoffs is a good thing, but we don’t play football for consolation prizes and moral victories,” said right tackle Mike McGlinchey. “You play to win. I think our head coach has hit that on the head since last night’s game and that will be the message going forward.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl. All you have to do is enter. Anything can happen in the next few weeks.

McGlinchey, during his five years in San Francisco, said he has been on teams with high seeds and low seeds and reached the NFC championship game from both positions.

“It’s something we’re ready for and it’s just a great opportunity to compete,” he said.

The NFL life cycle always turns quickly, but never faster than this time of year. The Broncos could have held exit meetings, cleaned out their locker room and headed to warmer climes on Monday. Instead, they had morning team meetings to start preparing the bills.

The enthusiasm and energy, McGlinchey said, was palpable.

“Garett Bolles was grinning from ear to ear in our meeting this morning because this is the first time in his career he has had the chance to play for the team he loves in the playoffs,” McGlinchey said . “Courtland Sutton, same thing. Our trainers who have been there for years, our equipment teams who have been there for years. It’s an opportunity to change people’s lives. That’s what the playoffs do.

“It’s a really cool feeling to be a part of this and I hope we make a lot of noise in the playoffs as they get here because I think the excitement in our building right now is something that you don’t want to disappear.

McGlinchey said feeling the pressure but maintaining consistency is key to preparing for a playoff game. Too many changes disrupt you, but urgency is also required.

“Yes, making the tournament is part of it, but do your best to prepare to play your best game against a very good football team,” coach Sean Payton told reporters Monday. “That’s where the emphasis is.”

The Broncos will go to Buffalo as a big underdog — opening betting lines had the Bills between 7.5 and 8.5 point favorites — but Payton and the players think they can still make a run. They’re happy to play at least one more week, but they don’t want it to be just one week.

“When it comes to win or go home, you never know when your last practice is guaranteed or when the last time you step on the field together will be,” McGlinchey said. “…You want to make sure you play as long as possible and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”

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