Bolts vs Broncos Our "Ace in the Hole"

[Mile High Mojoe]

The way to beat the Chargers seems so simple but may be much harder to do. We do have an “Ace in the Hole” in this game which can’t be ignored.

ON DEFENSE:

Stop TOMLINSON! Cover GATES! Pressure RIVERS!

I think we can and will. The Chargers are facing one of the best defenses in the game right now, especially against the run. If we can keep Tomlinson in check this game becomes a battle against Rivers and the Broncos defensive line and secondary. I think we win that match up and if we smother Gates with double teams, we should be able to cover Floyd and McCardell one on one if we have to.

Floyd (University of Wyoming Alumni by the way) had a big day against the Bengals last week but he doesn’t have great speed. I don’t see him getting any separation from our speedy DB’s. McCardell is running with old tired legs and can only hope to contribute as a possession WR.

If we are able to contain Tomlinson then it becomes critical that we get pressure on Rivers. He picked apart the Bengals last week, granted they’re not a good defensive team but Rivers has shown so far this season he can get the ball downfield to receivers when he has time. I hope Coyer doesn’t stick with 4/3 if it doesn’t get any pressure on Rivers. If he’s got to bring the blitz more often in this game he should. Rivers for all his early success is basically a Rookie playing in the biggest game of his life so far. I think he’ll fold once the pressure starts getting to him.

All the little nicks aside Wilson (thumb), Ekuban (thigh) Gold (hamstring) and Chukwurah (hamstring) all are probably for the game Sunday. We’ll need every player on the roster to win this game. Some may see this as a high scoring game and it could be but I doubt it. It may end a real defensive struggle and a field position game if we can’t get anything going on offensive.

ON OFFENSE:

Play SMASH MOUTH FOOTBALL! Control the CLOCK! Avoid TURNOVERS!

If Tatum’s 2 big toes keep him from playing a physical game I hope Sapp, Johnson, Nash or M. Bell can pick up the slack. You have to wonder how the Foster & Meadows battle played out in practice this week and if Pears can continue to improve his play on the OL. Even with the struggles at OL we should be able to run the ball on the Chargers. I think we win this game if we can control the game on the ground and control the clock. The absence of Merriman in this game should open the door for a big day on the ground.

My hope is Shanahan’s ego doesn’t immediately try to test the Chargers DB’s. Even though they got murdered by the Bengals last week, Jake is no Carson Palmer. In the Raiders game last week Jake played about as bad of a game as a QB could play and still win the game. If Shanny puts the game in Jake’s hands early we could end up in real trouble. We have to establish control of the game on the ground. If it goes well then maybe we test their secondary with a few shots down field. No matter how the game goes Jake can’t turn the ball over in this game. 3 INT’s in this one and it could be over by halftime.

THE ACE IN THE HOLE!

The good news is we OWN Marty Schottenheimer; he has 3-14 career record in Denver. The Chargers' recent record is worse. Since 1987, they are 2-17 in Denver. They haven't won here since hiring Schottenheimer in 2002 or drafting Tomlinson in 2001. For whatever reason, Denver is Schottenheimer’s own agonizing personal hell.

I think early in his career the reason he loss so many games in Denver is because he always played it to conservative in the 4th quarter. Since becoming head coach of the Chargers his offensive strategy has opened up but his jinx continues in Denver.

You can break down all the match up’s, discuss injuries and look at past or present stats but for Schottenheimer none of that has helped him in Denver. I don’t see it being any different in this game, if we play our game, we’ll send him back to San Diego with a 3-15 noose around his neck, and the Broncos having sole possession of 1st place in the AFC West.

[WoodMan]

I'm really happy to see Gold, Chucky, and Ebenezer all back for this game. This will help tremendously on the defensive side of the ball. We can get back to our line rotation and Gold's speed is much needed this week, to stop Tomlinson getting outside. The d-line should be able to pressure Rivers. It doesn't hurt that the Chuggers center is playing on a sore wheel. GO BRONCOS

[Killericon]

Pressure RIVERS!

Uh-oh...

[Mile High Mojoe]

I'm really happy to see Gold, Chucky, and Ebenezer all back for this game. This will help tremendously on the defensive side of the ball. We can get back to our line rotation and Gold's speed is much needed this week, to stop Tomlinson getting outside. The d-line should be able to pressure Rivers. It doesn't hurt that the Chuggers center is playing on a sore wheel. GO BRONCOS

We need Gold's speed for sure I just hope he tackles a little better in this game. He's missed some big ones that have cost us huge chucks of yardage this season. He usually is a good tackler it must of been because he's been hurting.

[Spider]

The way to beat the Chargers is to score 24 points , and hold the Chargers to 23 points or less ............... I know radical idea

[crazyhorse]

The way to beat the Chargers seems so simple but may be much harder to do. We do have an “Ace in the Hole” in this game which can’t be ignored.

ON DEFENSE:

Stop TOMLINSON! Cover GATES! Pressure RIVERS!

I think we can and will. The Chargers are facing one of the best defenses in the game right now, especially against the run. If we can keep Tomlinson in check this game becomes a battle against Rivers and the Broncos defensive line and secondary. I think we win that match up and if we smother Gates with double teams, we should be able to cover Floyd and McCardell one on one if we have to.

Floyd (University of Wyoming Alumni by the way) had a big day against the Bengals last week but he doesn’t have great speed. I don’t see him getting any separation from our speedy DB’s. McCardell is running with old tired legs and can only hope to contribute as a possession WR.

If we are able to contain Tomlinson then it becomes critical that we get pressure on Rivers. He picked apart the Bengals last week, granted they’re not a good defensive team but Rivers has shown so far this season he can get the ball downfield to receivers when he has time. I hope Coyer doesn’t stick with 4/3 if it doesn’t get any pressure on Rivers. If he’s got to bring the blitz more often in this game he should. Rivers for all his early success is basically a Rookie playing in the biggest game of his life so far. I think he’ll fold once the pressure starts getting to him.

All the little nicks aside Wilson (thumb), Ekuban (thigh) Gold (hamstring) and Chukwurah (hamstring) all are probably for the game Sunday. We’ll need every player on the roster to win this game. Some may see this as a high scoring game and it could be but I doubt it. It may end a real defensive struggle and a field position game if we can’t get anything going on offensive.

ON OFFENSE:

Play SMASH MOUTH FOOTBALL! Control the CLOCK! Avoid TURNOVERS!

If Tatum’s 2 big toes keep him from playing a physical game I hope Sapp, Johnson, Nash or M. Bell can pick up the slack. You have to wonder how the Foster & Meadows battle played out in practice this week and if Pears can continue to improve his play on the OL. Even with the struggles at OL we should be able to run the ball on the Chargers. I think we win this game if we can control the game on the ground and control the clock. The absence of Merriman in this game should open the door for a big day on the ground.

My hope is Shanahan’s ego doesn’t immediately try to test the Chargers DB’s. Even though they got murdered by the Bengals last week, Jake is no Carson Palmer. In the Raiders game last week Jake played about as bad of a game as a QB could play and still win the game. If Shanny puts the game in Jake’s hands early we could end up in real trouble. We have to establish control of the game on the ground. If it goes well then maybe we test their secondary with a few shots down field. No matter how the game goes Jake can’t turn the ball over in this game. 3 INT’s in this one and it could be over by halftime.

THE ACE IN THE HOLE!

The good news is we OWN Marty Schottenheimer; he has 3-14 career record in Denver. The Chargers' recent record is worse. Since 1987, they are 2-17 in Denver. They haven't won here since hiring Schottenheimer in 2002 or drafting Tomlinson in 2001. For whatever reason, Denver is Schottenheimer’s own agonizing personal hell.

I think early in his career the reason he loss so many games in Denver is because he always played it to conservative in the 4th quarter. Since becoming head coach of the Chargers his offensive strategy has opened up but his jinx continues in Denver.

You can break down all the match up’s, discuss injuries and look at past or present stats but for Schottenheimer none of that has helped him in Denver. I don’t see it being any different in this game, if we play our game, we’ll send him back to San Diego with a 3-15 noose around his neck, and the Broncos having sole possession of 1st place in the AFC West.

Sounds easy enough.

[azbroncfan]

Ace in the hole is Jay Cutler. ;)

[OrangeShadow]

I think shanhan vs marty is the biggest mismatch in this game

[Mile High Mojoe]

Ace in the hole is Jay Cutler. ;)

Gee, as I was hoping to keep this thread from being about Plummer. Guess it can't be helped, somehow it always rears it's ugly head.

[azbroncfan]

Gee, as I was hoping to keep this thread from being about Plummer. Guess it can't be helped, somehow it always rears it's ugly head.

You asked about ace in the hole but here is how madden see's it.

http://sports.espn.go.com/videogames/simulation/nfl?id=2665246

[Mile High Mojoe]

The way to beat the Chargers is to score 24 points , and hold the Chargers to 23 points or less ............... I know radical idea

:notworthyGreat post, having spent 20 years in a truck myself, I'd agree, it really is simple math.

[freak6]

My keys to the game are Jake Plummer play nearly flawless football, and convert on the 1 or maybe 2 big play opportunities that will come from a play action pass. I think Shanahan is gonna have to be disciplined and stick with the running game in the 2nd half. He did a great job of this vs Indy.

On defense, Coyer is should be able to take advantage of the SD interior lineman, the Center is Nick Smuckatelli is banged up. I think it was Socal that said we should use stunts to get our DEs some momemtum to bull rush him. I think this is team that will fold under pressure from alot of blitzing just like last year. I think this is a great opportunity for Coyer to go back and use the strategies that worked before.

You Plummer Homers would probably attribute the win as "Bradlee Van Pelt made every single play to beat the Bolts, and he won the game"...

Lastly, if Jake Plummer comes out and throws BAD interceptions, don't hesitate to bring on the kid in the 2nd half if we are down big. If nothing else to send a message to Jake. But it looks like Shanahan has made his bed with Jake, and if he has decided Jake is the guy no matter what, so be it. I think that would be a huge mistake, and wouldn't be his first.

And yes Gonzo, every interception is bad, but some are due to stupid or poor throws, and that is a perfect description of most of Jake Plummer's ints this season.

[Mile High Mojoe]

You asked about ace in the hole but here is how madden see's it.

http://sports.espn.go.com/videogames/simulation/nfl?id=2665246

I like that Madden says Tatum gets 131 yards and a TD and that Jake throws for over 200 yards for 2 TD's and no INT's. In the real world I hope it goes exactly like this. Have to wonder how the injured toes effect Taters game though.

[Spider]

:notworthyGreat post, having spent 20 years in a truck myself, I'd agree, it really is simple math.
right on , what do you do now ? I do heavy haul

[Spider]

My pete needs a paint job , but it has a 3406 B model pumped up to a 550 , with a #5 button 15 over , 3:55 gears .......... Brand new from the front bumper to the back .... needs a paint job now it is blue and copper

[Mile High Mojoe]

right on , what do you do now ? I do heavy haul Well I went to a Police Academy in 2004 and then worked as one after I graduated until June of this year. The Department I was working for disbanded so I loss my job. I've haven't decided yet if I'll continue a career in law enforcement or go back to driving a truck.

The last Truck Driving job I had was working as an OTR Driver for Merit out of Temple, TX. Before that I was a Manager for North Park Transportation (based out of Denver) in Laramie, WY.

I never had the good fortune of getting to drive a Pete over the road. NPT uses them in line haul but I worked as a manager so I didn't get to drive them. When I was OTR Merit had Binders. Maybe some day I'll get to jump in Pete and see how long of legs it's got. Bet you've got to do that a time or to yoursef right?

[Donk]

My pete needs a paint job , but it has a 3406 B model pumped up to a 550 , with a #5 button 15 over , 3:55 gears .......... Brand new from the front bumper to the back .... needs a paint job now it is blue and copper

Why not Paint it orange.

[ludo21]

After watching the Charger/Bengal game again it seems that Rivers got scared to go downfiel until he started getting into a rythm.

He did that by checking down to LT (more like staring down) 3 or 4 plays in a row. We gotta contain LT not only as a runner but as a receiver. He is their LEADING WR right now. Our LB's cant just trust their speed on this one, theyt gotta get in his face and force LT to catch tough passes.

LT is one of the best at YAC (he is a RB).

Jake has played really well when he is asked to throw it around. (Colts, Pats, Steelers, Ravens 4th Q)

As much as its a scary thought, let him loose, get him on PA rollouts, boots. It will take many plays to win this one, as proven last week, SD wont go away even with an early lead.

[azbroncfan]

I like that Madden says Tatum gets 131 yards and a TD and that Jake throws for over 200 yards for 2 TD's and no INT's. In the real world I hope it goes exactly like this. Have to wonder how the injured toes effect Taters game though.

It's funny, no matter what game you pick on simulation the score is always around 27-24 with each team 100 yd rusher and QB throws for 200.

[SportinOne]

So if all we got to do is pressure rivers, stop gates, and stop LT...

then all they have to do is pretty much stop Walker, pressure jake, and not throw to Champ Bailey's side.

[Mile High Mojoe]

So if all we got to do is pressure rivers, stop gates, and stop LT...

then all they have to do is pretty much stop Walker, pressure jake, and not throw to Champ Bailey's side.

Hey, I just moved from Carlsbad, CA to Bend, OR. Have you ever been to Chiefs Burgers and Brew? It's a great Broncos Sports Bar in Solana Beach. My blood got thin living down there. It's been cold here, I miss the nice weather in San Diego to be sure.

On your comments I don't see your corners being able to handle Walker, it doesn't matter if Rivers throws to Champs side or not we have the speed to stay with Floyd and McCardell on the other side and as far as pressure you didn't get much on Palmer last week.

[Hugga Bunch]

So you're saying there's very little chance shotty won't be able to improve his horrible record from 3-14 to a still horrible 4-14?

[theAPAOps5]

Shotty has a pure bread style offense. If he feels the game slipping, and especially if he has a lead, he will hold that machine back and play it safe. That has been his M.O. since he has been a head coach. They are a good team they could easily win Sunday night but the Broncos are no scrubs they played bad last week b/c they were holding open tryouts against a team that has no direction.

[Cito Pelon]

I don't know what the "Ace in the hole" is for the Broncs. They've needed a lot of different players to stand up this year to pull out so many games when they've been behind in the second or third Q. To me that's a good thing, to see different players and different squads step up and make a play that had to be made. Denver is playing well as a team.

This is a lot different season than the last 10. Prior to this year, Denver's toast-and-jam was an O that had great success in the first half, the first Q in particular. The D naturally was able to gamble more in the first half since more often than not they had an early lead, then the D and O both went into protect mode in the second half.

This year for whatever reason, the early leads have not been there to count on. I don't have a clue as to why that is, I imagine Shanny and his staff have been counting on that as much as they always did. I imagine they have identified 10-15 plays pregame that they think will work well, and gee whiz, only 2 of them worked. So this season they've had to scramble to adjust in the first and second Q's a lot more than they have had to in the past. Seems to me it's taken them until the late-third into the 4th Q to find what's going to get TD's on the board.

Defensively, I think the D is really enjoying their status as the dominant unit on the team. They thought they would be good in preseason, and they've had plenty of opportunity to prove it.

Special teams are a sore point with me. They really haven't done much to stand out. DW thought he was Dante early in the year instead of just heading upfield and getting 8-10 yds. The KO return game, these guys pretty much run into the biggest concentration of tacklers, very inept. This unit has to produce more. The ST's are the weakest unit on the team by far.

Overall, this is a good team. I'm confident this team and staff can beat any team in the League. They can certainly beat SD by a TD. Come second season, the D and ST's will have to play better, though. The D can't give up so many long drives, and the ST's will have to get some return yards. Denver has not won the field position battle often this year, and that can kill a team in the postseason.

[Dagmar]

Ah, acehole... it takes little to amuse me...ROFL!

[Mile High Mojoe]

This is a lot different season than the last 10. Prior to this year, Denver's toast-and-jam was an O that had great success in the first half, the first Q in particular. The D naturally was able to gamble more in the first half since more often than not they had an early lead, then the D and O both went into protect mode in the second half.

This year for whatever reason, the early leads have not been there to count on. I don't have a clue as to why that is, I imagine Shanny and his staff have been counting on that as much as they always did. I imagine they have identified 10-15 plays pregame that they think will work well, and gee whiz, only 2 of them worked. So this season they've had to scramble to adjust in the first and second Q's a lot more than they have had to in the past. Seems to me it's taken them until the late-third into the 4th Q to find what's going to get TD's on the board.


The reason the Broncos have not played as well with the toast-and-jam game this season has been their inability to score in the redzone and not having a punishing inside runner to get the tough yards close to the goal line. We've ran the ball well inside the 20's but can't finish the deal inside the redzone. It's in part due to not having that inside runner and Jake not being able to get the ball to his WR's. Without that smash mouth 6 to 8 yard per carry ground game Jake becomes a lot less effective.

Since we can't score in the redzone the early leads haven't been there. Shanahan has had to play it much more conservative in the passing game because Plummer's play has been so inconsistent. If Jake could gain some confidence in his own ability to get the ball down field maybe Shanny turns Jake loose a little more often. This game would be a good one for Jake to get out of his funk. I still believe the Broncos have to focus on the running game and clock control first. Jake should then be able to take some shots downfield on their weak secondary.

[Mile High Mojoe]

So you're saying there's very little chance shotty won't be able to improve his horrible record from 3-14 to a still horrible 4-14?

Historically if you look at the numbers they are in our favor. The big difference this season is that "Marty Ball" has been replaced by the Cam Cameron's offensive system. I don't think Cameron will play it conservative, he's got confidence in Rivers and I don't think he'll hold him back in this game. Still we have owned LT and Marty. If we stop LT we have a excellent chance to beat them. I see Rivers buckling under the pressure once we get him in 3rd and long.

[penguintheory]

Personally kind of scared that our pitiful pass rush will let Rivers have all day to throw dink n' dunk passes, but my confidence lies with Shanahan's consistent ownage of Schottenheimer.

[Spider]

Well I went to a Police Academy in 2004 and then worked as one after I graduated until June of this year. The Department I was working for disbanded so I loss my job. I've haven't decided yet if I'll continue a career in law enforcement or go back to driving a truck.

The last Truck Driving job I had was working as an OTR Driver for Merit out of Temple, TX. Before that I was a Manager for North Park Transportation (based out of Denver) in Laramie, WY.

I never had the good fortune of getting to drive a Pete over the road. NPT uses them in line haul but I worked as a manager so I didn't get to drive them. When I was OTR Merit had Binders. Maybe some day I'll get to jump in Pete and see how long of legs it's got. Bet you've got to do that a time or to yoursef right?

drove for C&W for a`while there back in the early 90's, I opened this pete up once , 90+ mph still had plenty of throtle to go , but I normanly run 5 over , unless I am in a city , then it is 5-10 Below posted limit .......and Donk , my brother owns this rig , so I have little say in the painting , but I did win the argument about painting her red ......

[Cito Pelon]

The reason the Broncos have not played as well with the toast-and-jam game this season has been their inability to score in the redzone and not having a punishing inside runner to get the tough yards close to the goal line. We've ran the ball well inside the 20's but can't finish the deal inside the redzone. It's in part due to not having that inside runner and Jake not being able to get the ball to his WR's. Without that smash mouth 6 to 8 yard per carry ground game Jake becomes a lot less effective.

Since we can't score in the redzone the early leads haven't been there. Shanahan has had to play it much more conservative in the passing game because Plummer's play has been so inconsistent. If Jake could gain some confidence in his own ability to get the ball down field maybe Shanny turns Jake loose a little more often. This game would be a good one for Jake to get out of his funk. I still believe the Broncos have to focus on the running game and clock control first. Jake should then be able to take some shots downfield on their weak secondary.

Your qoute of my post was this:

"Originally Posted by Cito Pelon

This is a lot different season than the last 10. Prior to this year, Denver's toast-and-jam was an O that had great success in the first half, the first Q in particular. The D naturally was able to gamble more in the first half since more often than not they had an early lead, then the D and O both went into protect mode in the second half.

The reason the Broncos have not played as well with the toast-and-jam game this season has been their inability to score in the redzone and not having a punishing inside runner to get the tough yards close to the goal line. We've ran the ball well inside the 20's but can't finish deal inside the redzone.

This year for whatever reason, the early leads have not been there to count on. I don't have a clue as to why that is, I imagine Shanny and his staff have been counting on that as much as they always did. I imagine they have identified 10-15 plays pregame that they think will work well, and gee whiz, only 2 of them worked. So this season they've had to scramble to adjust in the first and second Q's a lot more than they have had to in the past. Seems to me it's taken them until the late-third into the 4th Q to find what's going to get TD's on the board."

The bolded was not a part of my original post. What happened there?

[Cito Pelon]

drove for C&W for a`while there back in the early 90's, I opened this pete up once , 90+ mph still had plenty of throtle to go , but I normanly run 5 over , unless I am in a city , then it is 5-10 Below posted limit .......and Donk , my brother owns this rig , so I have little say in the painting , but I did win the argument about painting her red ......

So I guess you weren't the maniac that passed me on the right in a construction zone the other day on US 285? I don't know what fire he was going to, but it was plain he was in a hurry. I don't mind the hurry, I'm used to that, but you 18 wheeler types kick up a lot of rocks and crap when you stray from the lanes. Nightmare situation: following a tractor-trailer with mudflaps missing.

[BigBoltIke]

I noticed in the first post that you were going to double Gates, but what are you going to do when Turner is in the backfield and LT is split on the opposite side from Bailey? Are you going to double Gates and Tomlinson?

That will be hilarious. Please, I implore you, do that, and watch Turner run all over you or have Floyd or Parker burn you. I'll be cackling all the way to a W.

[Cito Pelon]

I noticed in the first post that you were going to double Gates, but what are you going to do when Turner is in the backfield and LT is split on the opposite side from Bailey? Are you going to double Gates and Tomlinson?

That will be hilarious. Please, I implore you, do that, and watch Turner run all over you or have Floyd or Parker burn you. I'll be cackling all the way to a W.

I guess the plan is to neutralize LT and Gates and tackle the other guys fast. Seems like a good plan.