Underestimated but Unstoppable: Ben Johnson's Rallying Cry for the Underdogs
In a season full of twists and turns, the words of Denver Broncos head coach Ben Johnson have struck a chord with fans and players alike. Known for his gritty approach and no-nonsense coaching style, Johnson’s recent remarks are serving as a battle cry for his team, one that has faced more adversity than most can imagine. Yet, as he pointed out, the Broncos may be underdogs in the eyes of the league, but their fight is far from over.
“We may be the underdogs in everyone's eyes, but never underestimate our strength. This team never gives up, and we'll fight until the final whistle blows,” Johnson told reporters earlier this week. “We might not have everything, but what we do have is the fighting spirit and the hunger for victory that no other team can match!”
These words are more than just a motivational speech; they are a reflection of the core of what Johnson has built in Denver since taking the reins. The Broncos have experienced their fair share of struggles this season, plagued by inconsistent play and high-profile injuries. But what Johnson emphasizes is that his squad's greatest strength lies not in its star power, but in its collective will to push through the toughest of situations.
The NFL landscape this season has been dominated by the league's elite teams—franchise after franchise boasting championship aspirations and star-studded lineups. However, in a league that is constantly in flux, it’s often the underdogs that sneak through and make the most noise come playoff time. And it is this very mentality that Johnson is instilling in his players.
What Johnson’s leadership has managed to do is cultivate a team that thrives under pressure. Even when the odds are stacked against them, the Broncos show up. They’ve proven time and again that they are not defined by their record or their roster, but by their resilience and determination. From late-game comebacks to pivotal defensive stands, it’s clear this is a team that believes in the impossible.
Players like quarterback Russell Wilson, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, and defensive stalwart Patrick Surtain II have all embraced this mindset, playing with a chip on their shoulder. The Broncos’ coaching staff has done a masterful job of putting players in positions to succeed, and the team has responded. While not every game has resulted in a victory, the Broncos have proven that they can compete with the best of them, with no quit in sight.
The hunger for victory Johnson speaks of is palpable in every game. It’s seen in the way the team rallies after turnovers, in the passion displayed after a touchdown, and in the never-say-die attitude that emanates from the sidelines. For the Broncos, the road ahead may be daunting, but it’s a journey they are more than willing to take.
As the season progresses, Denver continues to improve, finding new ways to fight for every yard, every point, and every win. They may not have the high-profile superstars that other teams boast, but what they do have is a unity and an unbreakable spirit. The Broncos have become a team that other NFL franchises can no longer afford to overlook.
Ben Johnson’s rallying cry isn’t just a coach’s pep talk—it’s a reminder to everyone: never count out the underdog. Because in the NFL, it’s not always the team with the biggest names that wins, but the one with the biggest heart. And right now, the Denver Broncos are playing with heart, and that’s a force that’s impossible to ignore.
With the hunger for victory fueling them and the belief in each other, it’s safe to say that the Broncos may have only just begun to scratch the surface of their potential.
Raiders’ Maxx Crosby Gives Bad News to Drake Maye, Patrick Mahomes
The 2025 NFL season is in its second half, and candidates for individual awards are beginning to emerge, with Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby revealing who should win the MVP in his eyes.
It’s been a long season for the Silver and Black, with the team at 2-7. As a result, no player or coach on the team is on track to win an individual award. However, that doesn’t mean players like Crosby can’t weigh in on who deserves the MVP honor, and he believes it’s Los Angeles Rams signal-caller Matthew Stafford.
“People are kind of sleeping on Stafford,” Crosby told Jim Gray on this week’s edition of “Let’s Go!” “His name wasn’t coming up as much as we feel it should have for the MVP race.
“You saw it last [season]—they took Philly right down to the end in the snow in a cold game, and they could have been in the Super Bowl. It just shows they’re continuously getting better. I love that Stafford is starting to get his flowers.”
As for where Stafford stands in the MVP race, Stafford (+300) sits between New England Patriots‘ Drake Maye (+275) and Kansas City Chiefs‘ Patrick Mahomes (+500) as the top three favorites to claim the honor after the action in Week 10, according to DraftKings Sportsbook (via
Raiders’ Maxx Crosby Has Love for Matthew Stafford
Stafford’s success this season with the Rams and potential MVP campaign hits close to home for Crosby, considering the Raiders standout grew up a Detroit Lions fan.
“Growing up a diehard Lions fan, Stafford is one of my favorite players,“ Crosby added. “Being on the podcast with him now feels like a simulation. We’ve faced each other on the field, and you just know when a quarterback is a little different—he’s special. Stafford is definitely in the top five of guys I’ve played against. He’s on a whole different tier.”
Matthew Stafford Was Nearly a Raider
In another universe, Stafford would be in Silver and Black. This past offseason, the Raiders were reportedly in talks with the veteran quarterback.
The Athletic reported on February 28
Moreover, the report noted that a second-round pick could have sealed a deal with the Rams if Stafford had chosen to depart. Nonetheless, the veteran would stay in Los Angeles, and Las Vegas would have to pivot to an alternative option, which ended up being trading for Geno Smith.
So far, the Smith has been a disaster for the Raiders, and the front office may be heading back to the drawing board again this upcoming offseason to find a quarterback who can lead the team back to the playoffs and capitalize on Crosby’s prime years.
