When I write the commentary portion of SNF Extra on NBCSports.com, half of the questions are about the coaches getting fired. Last night it was: Will Shanahan get fired? Why hasn't he been fired? How can Norv Turner still have a job? Do I think Norv Turner will be back next year?

The Shanahan questions, mostly from Colorado, surprised me. That was a terrible Broncos team ravaged by injuries that did very well to get to eight wins, no matter when they came. The defensive line is terrible, the linebackers are all replacements, the safety position is a revolving door, and Dre Bly expired two years ago. Even the great Champ Bailey saw his body break down on him. Watching Antonio Gates out-run him was eye-opening.

Mike Shanahan the coach is one of the best things about Denver. His offensive game plans work. His team averaged 4.8 yards--per-carry despite losing seven freaking running backs. They gained the second most amount of yards (but only finished 16th in points.)

Mike Shanahan, the GM, on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired. They go through a different defensive coordinator every year. They bring in every failed high draft pick from around the league, and most of them fail again. Only the Lions defense was worse and Denver's youth isn't particularly impressive on that side of the ball. Even Jay Cutler admits the Denver defense blows.

The Broncos have a great foundation of a passing game to build on, but that's all they have.