The NFL has "plastered giant posters" of Ravens QB Joe Flacco on the side of Sports Authority Field at Mile High and on lamp posts throughout Denver this week in anticipation of next Thursday's season opener, which has "incited a fan revolt," according to Lindsay Jones of USA TODAY. Sports radio stations, social media and Internet message boards "have been flooded with angry response to any mention of the Ravens." Denver-based KCNC-CBS anchor Vic Lombardi "even organized an impromptu protest" yesterday, encouraging his Twitter followers to "join him in defacing Flacco posters." Meanwhile, the Broncos have "gone out of their way to point out that it is the NFL, and not the team, that has erected the signage" (USATODAY.com, 8/27). In Denver, Benjamin Hochman notes the banners "are sponsored by the NFL and Pepsi" (DENVER POST, 8/28). Broncos QB Peyton Manning, also featured on a stadium banner, yesterday told Denver-based KOA-AM, "It doesn't seem to make much sense that the Denver Broncos have to have an opposing player on their stadium" (CBSSPORTS.com, 8/27). In Colorado Springs, Paul Klee writes, "This isn't a Super Bowl on a neutral field. Last time I checked, this is a Broncos home game" (Colorado Springs GAZETTE, 8/28). The Broncos' official Twitter feed on Monday wrote, "Because the NFL promotes both teams playing in its annual Kickoff Game, fans will notice signage outside @SportsAuthField and around town ... that features the Broncos and Ravens. But regardless of league guidelines, this will always be #BroncosCountry ... and we can't wait to see all the orange in the stands a week from Thursday!"
