A Broncos fan's perspective on this Sunday's game

[ThatllMoveTheChains!!!]

I can actually see Gronk having an average day (by his standards...so that'd be a TD and 80 yards), but Hernandez having a big game. I think Hernandez finishes with a better game than Gronk.

Champ is still good, but like I said, he's not a "whoever he covers will have 0 catches" type of corner anymore.

Like I said from the start, I think there's too many weapons and I think we lose this game 34-24. Sticking to that prediction as the game approaches.

TBH I think the only thing that will really slow down Gronk will be if the Broncos pass rush is getting to Brady. If this is the case I think AH's production will be down just as much as Gronk's since his snaps will be limited a bit and there won't be much time for him to get open deep. As another poster said, I'd expect Woodhead or maybe Welker to put up big numbers if this is the case.

Looking forward to this game. It should be a nice measuring stick for two teams that appear to be playoff bound and have had pretty easy schedules of late. Hoping for a good game and no injuries (and a chance to say "Where's your god now?", not because I have anything against Tebow, I just love one liners).

 

[Guts]

I don't think we are disrespecting the Broncos, if anything they are disrespecting us saying that we won't score more than 20??? Really even when Brady gets only a little time of possession he managed to put 20 on a better Pittsburgh D. Granted the Patriots aren't known to like Mile High too much but The Broncos are going to have to keep up if they want to win on Sunday.

 

[strngplyr]

I love fan arguments.

Ryo, glad you're sticking around, I like fans who can have intelligent conversations without bringing up stupid **** all the time.

Forgive some of the fanbase for completely disrespecting you or your team, it's just competitiveness. Happens everwhere. Wish we had some more guys like you and Pherein around here to chat with.

I don't see this game being a blowout, I could actually see another score like the Redskins-Pats game, coming down to the final drive or two, 34-27 (obviously I'm taking the Pats).

I like Tebow, but I don't believe in the Broncos yet.

Since Tebow took over, they have:
18-15 OT win over Dolphins led by Matt Moore

45-10 Blowout loss to the Lions, Probably the best offense seen to date for the Broncos w/ Tebow

38-24 Win over the Raiders, Palmers 2nd(?) week off the couch

17-10 Win over the Chiefs, pretty fearsome team that has scores of: 7, 3, 3, 10, 3, 9,
10, and 10 this season

17-13 Win over the self-destructing Jets

16-13 Win over Philip Rivers fumbling a snap

35-32 Win over the Vikings (impressive scoring, but the Vikings have 2 wins, and your all-world D gave up nearly 400 yards to their rookie QB

13-10 Win over Caleb Haine and Marion Barber running out of bounds and fumbling within FG range

Yes, the Broncos have had an incredibly miraculous season, but they've benefited from opposing teams committing some of the most bone-headed plays of the season and they haven't beaten a team worth mentioning since Tebow took over.

They have a good defense, but probably not even the best D NE has faced this season. NE has faced the Jets, Cowboys, Pitt, the Chiefs (maybe?), and the Giants, who all have just as good or better defenses.

All of those teams mentioned, barring the chiefs, have better offenses as well.

So, don't take it the wrong way, but not many people are going to give the Broncos very high chances of winning for shutting down the Bears led by backups at positions that were their strengths midway through the season.

 

[RYObroncosfan]

I love fan arguments.

Ryo, glad you're sticking around, I like fans who can have intelligent conversations without bringing up stupid **** all the time.

Forgive some of the fanbase for completely disrespecting you or your team, it's just competitiveness. Happens everwhere. Wish we had some more guys like you and Pherein around here to chat with.

I don't see this game being a blowout, I could actually see another score like the Redskins-Pats game, coming down to the final drive or two, 34-27 (obviously I'm taking the Pats).

I like Tebow, but I don't believe in the Broncos yet.

Since Tebow took over, they have:
18-15 OT win over Dolphins led by Matt Moore

45-10 Blowout loss to the Lions, Probably the best offense seen to date for the Broncos w/ Tebow

38-24 Win over the Raiders, Palmers 2nd(?) week off the couch

17-10 Win over the Chiefs, pretty fearsome team that has scores of: 7, 3, 3, 10, 3, 9,
10, and 10 this season

17-13 Win over the self-destructing Jets

16-13 Win over Philip Rivers fumbling a snap

35-32 Win over the Vikings (impressive scoring, but the Vikings have 2 wins, and your all-world D gave up nearly 400 yards to their rookie QB

13-10 Win over Caleb Haine and Marion Barber running out of bounds and fumbling within FG range

Yes, the Broncos have had an incredibly miraculous season, but they've benefited from opposing teams committing some of the most bone-headed plays of the season and they haven't beaten a team worth mentioning since Tebow took over.

They have a good defense, but probably not even the best D NE has faced this season. NE has faced the Jets, Cowboys, Pitt, the Chiefs (maybe?), and the Giants, who all have just as good or better defenses.

All of those teams mentioned, barring the chiefs, have better offenses as well.

So, don't take it the wrong way, but not many people are going to give the Broncos very high chances of winning for shutting down the Bears led by backups at positions that were their strengths midway through the season.

As you can see from my join date, I stick around. It's the only visiting team's forum I've ever bothered posting on.

As far as your assessment goes...Champ was hurt against the Lions (not that that's the difference maker by any stretch there, but it partially explains the defensive meltdown. Against the Vikings, Von was out and that was essential in the Vikings offensive production. Our D is very solid. Not as good as the Steelers probably, but other than that definitely one of the hardest ones you'll face all season.

Don't blame you for not believing in them yet--hell, I don't even really believe yet, I'm just enjoying the run. I'm hoping for a close game; that'd prove to me that we at least belong in the playoff discussion.

We have plenty of boneheads at our forum as well, as evidenced by some of the quotes brought back here. It's the same everywhere, it doesn't bother me.

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

According to NFLN,"Playbook-AFC",Brady has really struggled this year.

Theisman pulled up plays as "evidence" of it. What's interesting is that all his "evidence" were plays on drives that resulted in touchdowns.

Go figure.

Who knew an offense that puts up 34 points/450 yards of offense in 23 minutes sucks so bad?

 

[pherein]

As you can see from my join date, I stick around. It's the only visiting team's forum I've ever bothered posting on.

As far as your assessment goes...Champ was hurt against the Lions (not that that's the difference maker by any stretch there, but it partially explains the defensive meltdown. Against the Vikings, Von was out and that was essential in the Vikings offensive production. Our D is very solid. Not as good as the Steelers probably, but other than that definitely one of the hardest ones you'll face all season.

Don't blame you for not believing in them yet--hell, I don't even really believe yet, I'm just enjoying the run. I'm hoping for a close game; that'd prove to me that we at least belong in the playoff discussion.

We have plenty of boneheads at our forum as well, as evidenced by some of the quotes brought back here. It's the same everywhere, it doesn't bother me.

ITs good you post here, and you should continue to post. There are a lot of smart football fans on this forum , and though they don't agree with you it doesn't mean they are not thinking about what you are saying. They are a very openminded and savvy bunch.

That said YOUR A FRICKIN NUT JOB !!!!,,,LOL joking

But statements like "Our D is very solid. Not as good as the Steelers probably"
Will bring that up in peoples heads. The Steeler defense is #2 in the NFL, they are sooo far ahead of the Broncos defense you would need a microscope within a microscope to find a microscope to look back and find yours,lol.

I have no idea where Denver fans are getting this idea of having an elite defense .
Look this isn't one site, these are ALL the sites stats saying you don't , your not even top 15,,, um anywhere , well maybe on the history channel site.

Its nothing personal, but it really has nothing to do with belief. Your defense is just not that good, on any paper, and hasn't faced a elite team like N.E.. They are going to put up 28-37 points on denver, theres nothing I can see that disputes that.

Have you seen your DL ranked against NE #2 OL ? Your not sacking Brady a lot in this game.
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2011 OFFENSIVE LINES

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2011 DEFENSIVE LINES

Belief doesn't make a good football team, we believed for 43 years and never got to a playoff game. Good head coaches,GM, QB, OL, etc get you there. I don't see any way Denver survives in the playoffs, but they will probably get there, because their division is so weak. But Im guessing youll lose the 1st round, err well unless you play the Saints because we lose to bad teams all the time,lol. Frinkin Rams, seahawks, etc etc etc. believe me if we can't get the Patriots we abosolutlely want to play Tebows Broncos in the SB.
I think Gregg Williams would need a drool cup if that happened ,lol, he would blitz 6-8 men on this kid every play 70-80% of the time and make him prove he can read or run, in his running lanes.

But never stop believing, we never did, and got lucky.

 

[Pogodi]

I just like Broncos fans a bit more after this excellent post.

Props

 

[patfanken]

As you can see from my join date, I stick around. It's the only visiting team's forum I've ever bothered posting on.

As far as your assessment goes...Champ was hurt against the Lions (not that that's the difference maker by any stretch there, but it partially explains the defensive meltdown. Against the Vikings, Von was out and that was essential in the Vikings offensive production. Our D is very solid. Not as good as the Steelers probably, but other than that definitely one of the hardest ones you'll face all season.

I only hope you are correct in the comment you made that I highlighted. Because what you are basically saying is that a 2 win team, starting a rookie QB, and a host of nondescript offensive threats managed to put up of 400 yds of offense SIMPLY because Von Miller didn't play.

I can only pray that was the reason because even with Von Miller the Broncos will be facing an offense so superior to what the Vikings trotted out there on every level. It will be a better OL, even though we are on our 4th C and are starting a rookie RT. It will have a better receiving corps with Welker,Hernandez, Gronk, and even Branch. Even the running attack is better than a Petersonless Vikings group. And oh yeah, our QB is just "slightly" better than Christian Ponder.

And if that wasn't enough lets add the anointed Mr. Miller to the mix. He is a great young player. Probably the DROY. But he isn't any better than Freeney, Mathis, Wake, Ware, Orakbo, Peirre Paul. etc. These are all guys that the OL either controlled or outright handled. Don't forget that the afore mentioned Mr. Miller himself is quoted saying that the best OT he faced in college was one Nate Solder

Now I don't doubt that there will be a half dozen occasions where the Denver defense will harass Brady. They might even sack him 2 or 3 times. But Denver fans should brace themselves because in between those moments of chaos, will be long stretches where Brady will be free to pick and choose his targets in complete peace.....relatively

No, RYO. Keeping the Pats in the high twenties would be a huge accomplishment for the Bronco Defense, one I don't think they will accomplish, especially if YOU are right and the only thing that the Denver D needs to add to a 400 yd beat down by a rookie QB is Von Miller.

 

[goheels22002]

According to NFLN,"Playbook-AFC",Brady has really struggled this year.

Theisman pulled up plays as "evidence" of it. What's interesting is that all his "evidence" were plays on drives that resulted in touchdowns.

Go figure.

Who knew an offense that puts up 34 points/450 yards of offense in 23 minutes sucks so bad?

I saw that segment last night. Theisman was put up to that by NFLN. The other guys were laughing at him while he tried to contain himself and make a point that they all knew was bogus. For every bad pass, they could have shown five that were beauties. It signalled to me what so many have said already about the Broncos defense over the term of the streak - it is built on playing crappy teams and none of the top teams.

 

[Raymond]

I like to look at that Steeler game as a comparison for the Pats here. It was clearly the Pat's worst game this season.

The Steelers crushed them, T.O.P- 39min to 20, 1st downs- 29 to 19, only 198 yds passing for Brady. The Pats scored 17 points. If the Pats only score 17, I could still see Denver losing.

Denver doesn't scare me.

 

[sevengables_2207]

I think this represents a chance for our defense (especially the secondary) to regain some confidence. Tebow is not yet where he needs to be in terms of consistency with his mechanics to be an effective passer. However, his accuracy is so bad oftentimes that when he misfires, there is seemingly no chance of it being intercepted because of how far off target the pass is.

The defensive front will have to set the edge and contain, maintain gap discipline, because we all know how dangerous Tebow is as a runner in the open field, and lately he is improving a bit throwing on the run when scrambling.

On offense, our line has to do a good job of pass protection against a strong edge rush of the Broncos. If they do their job, and Brady has time to go through his progressions, then he will carve up this aging/mediocre Broncos secondary.

I remain curious whether it is Gronk or Welker who draws Champ Bailey. Hopefully, they decide to put him on Gronk, because that will be a less favorable match-up for Denver. I can see Bailey neutralizing Welker a bit more than Gronk, who is a quickly becoming nightmare for any single defensive player to cover.

I also think that this sets up as an opportunity for Hernandez to have a monster game in terms of yards.

 

[RYObroncosfan]

But statements like "Our D is very solid. Not as good as the Steelers probably"
Will bring that up in peoples heads. The Steeler defense is #2 in the NFL, they are sooo far ahead of the Broncos defense you would need a microscope within a microscope to find a microscope to look back and find yours,lol.

I have no idea where Denver fans are getting this idea of having an elite defense .
Look this isn't one site, these are ALL the sites stats saying you don't , your not even top 15,,, um anywhere , well maybe on the history channel site.

Its nothing personal, but it really has nothing to do with belief. Your defense is just not that good, on any paper, and hasn't faced a elite team like N.E.. They are going to put up 28-37 points on denver, theres nothing I can see that disputes that.

Well, as far as the bolded goes, I did predict a 34-24 Pats win, so I think that falls in nicely between your 28-37 prediction

I'm just trying to analyze this game from an overall perspective. I shouldn't have said "probably" when comparing the two defenses, the Steelers is certainly better. That being said, we can only play who's on the schedule. Vikings game aside, it's hard to have asked for better (or more clutch) defensive performances during our 6 game win streak. You can look at it from a seasonal perspective, or you can look at it from a how have you been lately approach. Seasonally, no, we're not overly impressive. Our yardage stats, our turnovers forced stats and our points allowed stats...none of the stats point to a particularly impressive defense. In fact, the only stat that shows we've done anything defensively is sacks, and we're fourth in the league in that category. You'd just have to watch the games to see how they've come together over the last six games.

The opponents haven't been overly impressive (although despite Rivers' awful season, that offense can still be dangerous), but they've been extremely impressive during the win streak. The Bears shouldn't have scored once last week. Hester somehow managed to break 5 tackles to return the ball to our 35. They scored their only TD on that drive. Their FG was from 57, and not saying that doesn't count, but just illustrates that they couldn't move the ball at all. Not that they should've, it was Caleb Hanie and Marion Barber, but nevertheless, their O did absolutely nothing.

Have you seen your DL ranked against NE #2 OL ? Your not sacking Brady a lot in this game.
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2011 OFFENSIVE LINES

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2011 DEFENSIVE LINES

I'm not so sure about that. It's not just our DL, it's the combination of them with our LBs that make us dangerous against QBs. I wouldn't be surprised if we got 3-5 sacks in this game.

Belief doesn't make a good football team, we believed for 43 years and never got to a playoff game. Good head coaches,GM, QB, OL, etc get you there. I don't see any way Denver survives in the playoffs, but they will probably get there, because their division is so weak. But Im guessing youll lose the 1st round, err well unless you play the Saints because we lose to bad teams all the time,lol. Frinkin Rams, seahawks, etc etc etc. believe me if we can't get the Patriots we abosolutlely want to play Tebows Broncos in the SB.
I think Gregg Williams would need a drool cup if that happened ,lol, he would blitz 6-8 men on this kid every play 70-80% of the time and make him prove he can read or run, in his running lanes.

But never stop believing, we never did, and got lucky.

Works 60% of the time, all the time

Sure, believing doesn't make a good football team. Something's happened though. This team was 1-4 with Orton and the SAME team is 7-1 with Tebow.

My expectations aren't high for this game, I'm just enjoying the ride. At some point though you've got to give credit where it's due. The Broncos are an improving football team. Maybe not this year, but we could be setting up for a playoff run in the next few years. I can only hope.

 

[RYObroncosfan]

I only hope you are correct in the comment you made that I highlighted. Because what you are basically saying is that a 2 win team, starting a rookie QB, and a host of nondescript offensive threats managed to put up of 400 yds of offense SIMPLY because Von Miller didn't play.

Without question Von Miller is the best player on our football team. Dumervil may be #2, Champ #3 and DJ Williams could be #4.

But Von is #1. Without him, our D just isn't the same. Von or no Von, there's no excuse in letting the Vikings drop 30+ on us (except for that it was in Minnesota, and Tebow was throwing the ball well...how else could he set up a last minute win unless the defense let the Vikings stay in the game?)

We'll see what happens.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

I think this represents a chance for our defense (especially the secondary) to regain some confidence. Tebow is not yet where he needs to be in terms of consistency with his mechanics to be an effective passer. However, his accuracy is so bad oftentimes that when he misfires, there is seemingly no chance of it being intercepted because of how far off target the pass is.

I defiantly see the D getting some confidence playing against this O tomorrow

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

I have to post this fans take

Our defense will give Brady and co. plenty of headaches. Crowd noise will be very important. Don't deny the effect sustained noise has on an opposing teams confidence.

They don't like coming to Denver. It's cold and it kinda stinks different than the east coast.

Noise on confidence?

And i guess it doesn't get cold in NE

 

[Patjew]

Last i checked games are won with points not yards.

Now you're preaching to the choir!

 

[Tunescribe]

I have to post this fans take



Noise on confidence?

And i guess it doesn't get cold in NE

What does he mean that it "stinks" different than the East Coast? Is he talking about East Rutherford, N.J.?

 

[NEPatriot]

Hey Pats fans, back again to talk about this weekend's game. I'll be around until next Monday or Tuesday, so feel free to ask me any questions you've got about the Broncos or anything else.

I'm living in the New England area, so I've seen almost every Pats game in addition to all the Broncos games, I think I've got a good idea of what to expect this weekend.

Breaking down the Broncos:

Our strength is clearly our defense. Our secondary isn't that good; our safeties are about average. Dawkins brings a lot of heart and is great against the run, but his pass coverage is iffy. Our other safeties are average at best, making some good plays here and there and giving up some big plays at an equal rate. Champ Bailey's still a top 10 corner in football, great in pass coverage (although not quite lockdown like he was a few years ago), but Andre Goodman is not good. He's been getting beat consistently week-in-week-out, but he makes a big play every so often to keep teams thinking he's solid.

He's not. The pick-6 against the Jets was literally thrown right to him, as was Ponder's INT that won us the Vikings game.

If Brady stays away from Bailey, he shouldn't have much difficulty passing if he gets enough time.

That's what's going to be huge for us. Our linebackers and DLine are way above average. DJ Williams had a huge week last week and has consistently been an above average linebacker throughout his career. He's greatly benefitting from teams focusing on stopping Von and Dumervil.

The combination of Miller and Dumervil is pretty threatening to any QB. The one game Miller missed, we gave up 30+ to the Vikings. He impacts our defense that much, he's absolutely amazing. The problem is when the D focuses too much on them, the rest of our D-line is solid enough to be able to get through. We're finally getting pressure on the QB, which is helping out a lot. We don't force a ton of turnovers, our D has just been making stops.

Still, I fully expect the pats to score 24+, if we win this game it'll be because of Tebow and the offense.

Before you laugh...

Contrary to what you may believe, or what you may have heard, Tebow's improved tremendously from a passing standpoint. Some of the crappy numbers he's put up (3-16 first half last week) simply aren't his fault. And I'm not in love with Tebow or against Tebow, I'm just calling it as I see it. Our WRs are absolutely miserable. We had a handful of drops in the first half last week, on third downs, on potential touchdown grabs, on potential big plays...you name it, we dropped it. His one INT last week was on a fantastic defensive play, and before that he had only one all season.

His mechanics could not be any uglier still, but his accuracy has improved beyond belief. He has the occasional errant throw still, but he's definitely shown that he'll get better

Our running game is great. McGahee has played very, very well this year. A great run D can stop him, but the Pats don't have a great run D. He'll run it, our fullback will take some short-yardage carries, if Eddie Royal's back he could run it, Demaryius Thomas could run it, and of course Tebow will run it. It's a solid run game, top in the league in terms of average. I suspect we'll have some success on the ground.

What do I expect? I don't think we'll win this one. Not because our "luck" has run out, not because I think Brady and Co. will figure out Tebow and the Bronocs...just because I think the Pats are a better team.

That being said, as a Broncos fan I can't consider anything a surprise anymore. These last few weeks have been absolutely crazy. FOUR consecutive 4th quarter comebacks. Our last 6 game win streak came when we played you guys last and beat you in overtime with McDaniels leading us with out disgusting brown and yellow uniforms. It's been a while. We're just enjoying the ride, and while I would have marked this game down as the one I wanted to win the most 2 months ago, at this point we're just playing for the playoffs and we're in good shape.

Love him or hate him, it's hard to argue with 7-1 as a starter considering Orton was 1-4. I'll be happy with a close game.

Prediction: Pats 34, Broncos 24.

Feel free to stop by our forums to chat about the game... forums.denverbroncos.com

Thanks for the analysis. It's always nice when opposing fans come on our site and talk intelligently about football. I'm hoping that it's a good game and that it's injury free.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

I have to add this as well

NE's O is not as explosive as alot of others. Their run game doesn't worry me, and they don't have any proper deep threat.

I suppose when you have Brady a lot of weaknesses are covered up

3rd best O in the league isn't explosive? Some of the broncos fans have HUGE heads going into this game...wow


another

Actually Tom Brady hasn't been nearly as good throwing to his outside WRs this year as he has been in the past. Our defensive gameplan should be to condense the middle of the field and pressure Brady. Let Champ take out Welker and hope Woodyard/Williams/Carter can limit their TEs. Goodman and Harris can handle whoever they put on the outside.

I honestly don't know if these guys have seen the pats play at all this year...they are going to be shocked at what happens tomorrow..

 

[SVN]

Iam more worried about our inconsistent offense esp with branch out than the defense to be honest. If the D can keep the ball out the EZ with FG , it has done its job. All this speculation about how the Pats will start fast and score 2 TDs quickly so Tebow cant catchup has me going crazy. This isnt a video game and our offense has shown the the tendency to be slow starters especially on the road.