NFL
By Keith Richards
The short-lived Denver Broncos win streak is no more. Indeed, it was a trap game on Sunday as the Raiders defeated the Broncos 32-23. It wasn’t just a mark in the loss column, either. Denver lost Javonte Williams for the season to injury and Randy Gregory for a significant amount of time. No rest for the weary, though, as the Broncos face the Colts in prime time on Thursday night. So, let’s ride and discuss how Denver can pull this off in Week 5.
Offensive Keys to Victory
Limiting turnovers is the first and most important key to victory for the offense in Week 5. It’s a simple calculus. In their two wins, the Broncos only turned the ball over once between both games. Conversely, Denver turned the ball over three times in the two losses. It’s more than just turning the ball over too. It’s also how costly the turnover is.
In Week 1, Williams and Gordon fumbled at the goal line. In Week 4, Gordon’s fumble was returned for a touchdown. So, that’s leaving points on the field and giving points to the opponent, respectively. The interception Wilson threw in Week 2, while still costly, was not as impactful. Ideally, committing zero turnovers is best. But, if Denver turns the ball over in Week 5, it can’t hurt them as much in their two losses.
The second key to victory for the offense in Week 5 directly correlates to the first. That key is Melvin Gordon. With Javonte Williams out for the season, going into the game Thursday, Melvin Gordon is likely the feature back in Denver. While the Broncos did sign Latavius Murray off the Saints’ practice squad, it will take him some time to get comfortable with the team.
During that time, Gordon will need to be the man Denver thought he would be when he first joined the team. Dating back to last season, Melvin has fumbled the ball in five consecutive games. But, that just will not cut it. Gordon has to protect the ball and be effective in the run (and pass) game like Williams was. If he can’t do both things, the Broncos are in trouble.
Defensive Key to Victory
The other big blow the Broncos suffered in Week 4 was the injury to Randy Gregory. Gregory had surgery to trim his meniscus and will be out for several weeks. So, the key to victory for the defense in Week 5 is an old sports philosophy: Next man up!
Thus far this season, Gregory has two sacks and two forced fumbles. It will primarily be on Nik Bonitto and Baron Browning to replace that production, but it will also be a team effort. Everyone will need to step up on the defensive line, in the secondary, and the middle of the field. Though the loss to the Raiders was terrible, the Broncos’ defense has otherwise played well this season. If they can get back to that, and I think they can against the Colts, they will be okay.
The Prediction
While a lot went against Denver in Week 4, there is a lot in their favor in Week 5. They play at home on a short week, the Colts will be without Jonathan Taylor, and Matt Ryan has turned the ball over eight times this season. So, while it does feel like the sky is falling, I think Denver wins 27-17 in Week 5.
Denver plays Thursday, but Nut and Bolts will have plenty of coverage for the rest of the week. So don’t forget to check it out! Don’t forget your new Broncos gear as well!
