NFLFirstly, there is an important announcement we need to make. The Broncos won last week! Last week’s win was huge for the Broncos and their confidence. Truthfully, this team is not a Super Bowl caliber team, but they are better than their record indicates. So, a win over a division foe is something to write home about. This week, the Broncos faceoff against the Tennessee Titans. As usual, we will discuss the keys to victory on offense, the keys to success on defense, players to look out for on the opposing team and give out prediction. So, let’s get it!
Keys to Victory for Offense
There is only one thing the offense needs to continue to focus on, and that’s balance. Balance for this team, though, is not a conventional concept. For the Broncos to win, they must use the passing game to complement the running game. With Flacco under center, this team will not beat any team in a throwing contest. That seems odd to say in today’s NFL, but it’s the truth. The Broncos victory last week is a perfect example.
The team rushed for 191 yards on 32 carries against the Chargers. Conversely, the team threw the ball 20 times for 159 yards. To pull off another victory, the Broncos will need a similar stat line. Also, the running backs still need to account for at least 30% of the targets. Running back targets help to bring the defense closer to the line of scrimmage, which then frees up Sanders and Sutton for deep passes. Similar to a basketball concept, the Broncos need to play inside-out.
Keys to Success for Defense
The focus for the defense this week needs to be stopping the run. Last week, the secondary reminded everyone that its capable of limiting the passing game. Coincidentally, the front seven shows signs that it can limit the running game as well. It’s important to note that the team did face a limited Melvin Gordon. Still, it’s an important stepping stone for the Broncos front seven. In the loss to the Jaguars, they hammered Denver for 225 rushing yards. The Chargers only rushed for 35 yards.
Against the Titans, the Broncos face a similar rushing attack in Derrick Henry. Henry hasn’t exactly been lighting it up, but he is capable of gashing Denver like Fournette. It seems unusual to want to put the ball in the hands of a talented QB like Mariota, but that is what is beating the Titans this season. The Broncos have to make Mariota beat them.
Players to Look Out For
Well, the player to look out for is self-explanatory at this point. So, we won’t spend much time here. The Titans defense is banged up, and the Broncos should be able to move the ball. That then leaves Derrick Henry. The more opportunities you give a player like Henry, the more it wears down the defense. So, the Broncos have to fight fire with fire. Keeping Henry off the field is best. If he gets going, Mariota will follow.
The Prediction
We’re going to give this one more shot. So far, the Broncos has not won a game where I have picked them. I believe my fortunes will change this week. I’m picking the Broncos to win this game 27-16.
Be sure to check back in early next week for the recap. Hopefully, we will have a winning streak to report!
