 |
| Denver Broncos |
Another week and another tough test for the Denver Broncos. This week the Broncos will be playing for their fourth consecutive AFC West title. If the Broncos are able to snag a win today they will set themselves up nicely for the playoffs and inch closer to a first round bye although they will need help to secure the number one overall seed for the third season in a row. This week look for the Broncos to get their passing attack back on track. For those who say Peyton Manning is done, this should be evidence that he is far from done. I think the Broncos will get the passing game rolling today and the nice weather should be a great aid to Peyton Manning. Now that doesn't mean that the Broncos will stop running the ball. I think that they are still going to put an emphasis on the running game, but I think their goal in this one should be to be more efficient both running and passing the ball. Last week the Broncos were not very efficient at either, and I expect them to work to move the ball in a more efficient manner.
 |
| Denver Broncos |
One positive from last week was the running game in the red zone. If C.J. Anderson can continue to be a threat down inside the ten yard line this offense will be tough to beat when they get down near the goal line. The running game is very important for the Broncos going forward, because it will keep defenses honest. Having a running game in the playoffs will make a huge difference for the Broncos because they will be able to rely less on Peyton Manning. I love the way this team is playing football right now because they can win with a subpar game from Peyton Manning. During the last two postseasons they have relied way to heavily on Manning and if he does not play a perfect game they struggle. Over the last few weeks the Broncos have proven that they can win football games even when Manning is not in top form. Running the ball and defense will be the key for the Broncos going forward, and the occasional pass from #18 sure won't hurt either.
 |
| Denver Broncos |
Speaking of defense, how good have they been over the last few weeks? The defense is finally clicking on all cylinders and they have been extremely impressive over the last several weeks. If they can continue to play at such a high level the Broncos are going to be a very tough team to beat going forward. One player that has finally been rewarded for his stellar play is Chris Harris. He got a five year contract extension this week and no player is more deserving of a pay raise. He is one of the best corners in the league and it is good that he is finally paid like a top flight corner. It seems like every single week he is making a huge play in the football game. Last week he made a great play near the end zone that helped seal the Broncos victory. I expect him to make another big play this week against Philip Rivers. Rivers is a guy that Harris has made big plays against in the past and I think we could see another big play this week.
 |
| Denver Broncos |
Another player on the defensive side of the ball that has been playing at a high level lately is Malik Jackson. It seems like he does not get the credit he deserves because guys like Von Miller and Demarcus Ware get most of the accolades along the defensive line, and deservedly so. However, if you watch the play along the defensive line Jackson is consistently making plays wether it is stopping the running game or getting after the quarterback. He has been a big reason for the defensive improvements lately because he adds another pass rushing threat to this defense. I expect him to make some big plays today because he often lines up at defensive tackle. This should give him a great opportunity to rush the passer because San Diego is very weak in the middle of the offensive line, and more specifically at the center position. They have lost three centers for the season and it has been a real problem spot for them throughout the season. Look for Jackson and others to look to create pressure up the middle and get right in the face of Philip Rivers.
 |
| Denver Broncos |
Brandon Marshall is another Bronco defender that deserves a ton of credit for the great play of the defense over the last several weeks. He has been a huge difference maker for the Broncos, and has helped lessen the blow of losing Danny Trevethan. Trevethan is expected to return this week and that will give defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio lots of options at the linebacker position. It gives him two guys that are tackling machines, and have the ability to make plays in coverage as well. One thing that I would look for the defense to do is match up one of these guys on Antonio Gates on obvious passing downs. Tight ends have had a field day against the Broncos defense and I think they will try a few different things today against Gates to try to slow him down.
Prediction
I think this game is going to be close and it will be a back and forth contest. I think the winner will be decided by turnovers. Taking care of the football will be key in this game as the teams are fairly evenly matched. The Broncos defense has been great lately at taking the ball away, but that has been slightly negated by the offense not taking care of the football. Look for Peyton Manning to take better care of the ball today. Ultimately I think the Broncos defense will be the difference in this one. They have been playing great lately, and I think that will continue today. Look for a turnover or two that will be the deciding factor in this game.
Final Score- Denver Broncos 27, San Diego 21
No comments:
Post a Comment