Rockies Show Their Grit When It Counts
Saturday night at Coors Field was one of those games where the Rockies looked like they might fold under pressure, only to surprise everyone with a late-game explosion that left the Diamondbacks reeling. A six-run outburst in the eighth inning flipped the script from what could’ve been another forgettable “Blake Street Bummer” to a full-on “LoDo Lalapalooza.” You’ve got to appreciate the timing and the drama of it all. Brenton Doyle was on fire, pounding a two-run double off the right-field wall, followed by a clutch two-run single from pinch-hitter Kyle Farmer and capped off by Tyler Freeman’s two-run homer to left-center. The Diamondbacks’ bullpen looked like pinatas, with Andrew Hoffmann coughing up four runs and Andrew Saalfrank two more. But the Rockies’ closer, Victor Vodnik, locked it down in the ninth for his sixth save, showing why he’s become a key piece in Denver’s late-game puzzle. Now, let’s talk pitching because that’s where things get interesting — and a little frustrating. Chase Dollander had a tough night. It was his first Coors Field start since July 6, and honestly, he looked like a guy still wrestling with the altitude and the hitters who’ve learned his patterns. His command was off, needing 95 pitches to get through less than five innings, giving up five runs on six hits with six strikeouts. But here’s the kicker: Dollander’s Coors Field stats tell a story all their own — an 8.19 ERA over nine starts at home compared to a much more respectable 3.95 on the road. The ballpark has been a thorn in his side, no doubt. As Rockies pitching coach and analysts would say, he’s got the talent, no question, but the command issues and walks (20 at home compared to 18 on the road) keep sabotaging his potential. It’s not just about the balls leaving the yard; it’s about those free passes that turn singles into runs. That’s the kind of stuff coaches drill into rookies and young starters: control the controllables. The Diamondbacks looked like they had it in the bag after Adrian Del Castillo’s two-run homer in the seventh off Rockies reliever Nick Anderson, but the Rockies keep showing grit. That late eighth-inning charge was a perfect example of how a team’s depth and timely hitting can overcome a shaky starting pitching performance. Bottom line?
The Rockies might not have it all figured out yet, but they’re far from done. ## Broncos Depth Is the Unsung Story. Switching gears to the gridiron, Denver’s Broncos are quietly building something that doesn’t grab headlines but might be their ticket to a solid season: depth. Take Alex Palczewski, for example, a third-year offensive lineman who isn’t exactly turning heads like the star quarterbacks or flashy receivers, but coaches swear by him. Palcho, as he’s known, came up under Luke Butkus — yes, that Butkus family — who drilled into him the importance of doing the dirty work without getting complacent. “If I pat you on the (butt) you should (expletive) in my hand, ” Palcho recalls, which is coach-speak for: don’t get lazy just because you’re doing okay. It’s a mentality that’s kept Palczewski grinding, earning his spot as the Broncos’ No. 2 right tackle and guard, ready to jump in if starters like McGlinchey or Meinerz go down. Sean Payton has talked openly about how crucial this depth is, praising the second unit’s performance in the preseason opener against the 49ers. And with many starters getting a breather in the game against the Cardinals, it was players like Palcho who had to step up. Palczewski’s story is classic NFL grind — not always the flashiest, but he’s the guy coaches trust to hold the line and reset when things slip. He breaks down his technique with a term you’ll hear often on the Broncos’ sideline: “MOT blocks” — or “moment of truth” blocks. It’s that mental and physical preparation for the exact moment when the lineman faces his toughest opponent on the field. Palcho’s takeaway?
You can’t just hope to win a block; you have to put yourself there, every single snap. That kind of focus and accountability is what Payton’s building across the roster. And let’s be real, not everyone’s going to be scoring touchdowns or making highlight reels. Palczewski respects the guys putting in work on special teams or on short-yardage plays — the unsung heroes who make or break a drive. “If I’m only out there on field goal, I want to be the best end on field goal I can be, ” he says. That’s the kind of attitude that turns a good player into a reliable pro and a dependable teammate.
Broncos Rookies and New Faces Making Noise
Speaking of fresh faces, the Broncos’ preseason game against the Cardinals was a bit of a coming-out party for some new weapons in Denver’s offense. Jarrett Stidham stepped in for Bo Nix, who was given a rest, and boy, did Stidham make the most of it. Four plays, 97 yards, and two minutes in — that’s how you grab a spotlight. Stidham connected with new tight end Evan Engram for a 58-yard catch that had fans buzzing, and rookie Pat Bryant hauled in a 29-yard reception. Add in running back RJ Harvey’s quick dash for a touchdown and receiver Troy Franklin’s two scores, and the Broncos’ second unit was lighting up Empower Field like it was a playoff game. Coach Payton has been clear about wanting to get these new pieces involved early and often, especially with the starters sitting out due to heavy workloads and back-to – back practices. It’s a smart move — preseason is the proving ground for these backups and rookies, and Denver’s depth chart is shaping up to be one to watch this season. Not to mention, the defense got a look at some fresh legs too, with rookie Jahdae Barron stepping up in nickel duties while the starters rested. Here’s the thing about the Broncos right now: they’re not just relying on star power or big-name signings. They’re building a roster full of guys who know their roles and are ready to perform when called upon. It’s a long season, and with a head coach like Sean Payton who knows the value of every snap, this team’s quietly stacking up the pieces for a run that might surprise a few people come January.
What We’re Watching
So what’s the takeaway from all this Rockies and Broncos action?
It’s that in Denver sports, success isn’t just about the flashy plays or the star names — it’s about grit, depth, and timing. The Rockies’ eighth-inning blast shows what happens when role players step up in crunch time. Dollander’s struggles remind us how tough it is to succeed at Coors Field, even for talented arms. Meanwhile, the Broncos’ focus on depth — from Palczewski’s steady presence on the line to Stidham and the rookies making big plays in preseason — is a blueprint for sustained competitiveness. And with the political landscape shifting back towards Trump in the White House, you’ve got to wonder how that ripple might eventually touch Colorado’s sports scene — maybe more distractions, maybe a tougher media spotlight, or maybe just a reminder for these teams to keep their heads down and grind. Either way, the fans here know one thing for sure: the grind never stops, and neither do the surprises. Keep your eyes peeled, because if Denver’s athletes keep playing with this kind of heart and hustle, the story’s far from over — and honestly, that’s the kind of drama we live for.