Broncos at Bills Preview

[dragondawg]

Broncos Keys For Success

1. Run between the tackles. Buffalo's defensive front is built around rushing the passer and forcing turnovers, sacrificing size for speed. Ends Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay take their initial steps upfield and can be walled off on inside running plays. Look for Henry to pound the ball up the middle.

2. Use more two-tight end sets. With injuries and weaknesses at wide receiver and a desire to use more one-back sets, coaches will have two tight ends on the field more than usual. Newcomer Daniel Graham provides the reliable target Cutler must find quickly to take pressure off linemen by making Buffalo balance its defensive front.

3. Double-team wide receiver Lee Evans. Evans became Losman's unofficial go-to guy last season, ending with a bang with 12 receptions for a 17.4-yard average in the final two games. The weakness of the Bills' passing game is its lack of a vertical threat at tight end. Expect the Broncos to double-cover Evans in most situations to make Losman go through his progressions to find a checkdown target.

Bills Keys For Success

1. Bounce runs to the outside. Denver ends tend to get caught peeking inside in the running game, allowing an offensive tackle or tight end to seal them off so the ball carrier can bounce outside. Lynch has the vision and explosion to get beyond the tackle box, especially to his left. That will put pressure on Broncos cornerbacks to stop the run.

2. Use misdirection in the passing game. Broncos linebackers are quick in pursuit but can get caught up in misdirection plays, especially on passes that affect their ability to cover. Losman has the foot speed to run bootleg counter-action plays that will allow him to hit underneath receivers while avoiding the Broncos' talented secondary.

3. Use more blitz packages. Denver's offensive line is so banged up a tight end was forced to play tackle in exhibitions. Even if the line is at full strength by Week 1, players' timing will be off. Buffalo has had problems stopping the run and can increase rookie middle linebacker Paul Posluszny's effectiveness by sending him through the line.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=262656

[Hawaii_Guy]

Maybe its just me But I dont think we will have to double team anyone, We'll just put Champ on him and he will be nothing.

[Los Broncos]

Maybe its just me But I dont think we will have to double team anyone, We'll just put Champ on him and he will be nothing.

I love Champ but he can be had.

[Florida_Bronco]

I love Champ but he can be had.

Not the past 2 years he hasnt.

[Los Broncos]

Not the past 2 years he hasnt.

I didn't say he was, i said he "can" be had.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I love Champ but he can be had.
Evans is top notch but Champ's shut down better. I'd be more concerned about the underneath stuff. Fortunately their TE sucks but Lynch out of the backfield is an unknown factor but has the receiving skills to do some damage. Henry between the tackles will keep their D on the field a long time though.

[peacepipe]

I love Champ but he can be had.There has never been a corner in the NFL that couldn't be had. It's ,the nature of that position.D. Sanders was able to be had.

[Rugby7]

Double Team? HUH????????

Doesn't #24 play for this team?

[Los Broncos]

Evans is top notch but Champ's shut down better. I'd be more concerned about the underneath stuff. Fortunately their TE sucks but Lynch out of the backfield is an unknown factor but has the receiving skills to do some damage. Henry between the tackles will keep their D on the field a long time though.

I think Champ can be had deep, but it doesn't happen to often.

[Los Broncos]

There has never been a corner in the NFL that couldn't be had. It's ,the nature of that position.D. Sanders was able to be had.

This i know, guess im the master of the obvious.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I think Champ can be had deep, but it doesn't happen to often.
Every corner can be had deep, but would you bet that would be the deciding factor in this game?

[Los Broncos]

Every corner can be had deep, but would you bet that would be the deciding factor in this game?

No

[DeuceOfClub]

Great preview, but the author forgot one more key: score more points.

[bap454]

I love Champ but he can be had.

Let me help you out here my friend....champ > evans. What the heck have you been smoking?:peace:

[RhymesayersDU]

Champ vs. Evans is irrelevant, IMO. The key will be the dreaded QB pressure. If Losman has all day to sit back there, he's going to find somebody open, whether it's Evans or somebody else.

[REB]

Broncos 24

Bills 17

[Los Broncos]

Let me help you out here my friend....champ > evans. What the heck have you been smoking?:peace:

Whatever man

Someone said if you put Champ on Evans he will taken out of the game

And i said Champ can be had, thats all

[ozomulsion]

Evans will line up against a teams weaker CB when he goes against a team like the Broncos, who won't switch their CBs. There's a good chance Bly will be on Evans most of the game.

[Kaylore]

Evans will line up against a teams weaker CB when he goes against a team like the Broncos, who won't switch their CBs. There's a good chance Bly will be on Evans most of the game.

That would be incredibly stupid. Bailey will often follow the number one all over the field. Shoot, we have Bailey cover the tight end a lot when we play the Chargers, Falcons and Chiefs because their wideouts aren't worth his talents. I have serious doubts that's how we scheme the Bills. If you shut Evans down, their offense sputters. It's like we were two years ago when Rod Smith would get covered.

[Florida_Bronco]

Shoot, we have Bailey cover the tight end a lot when we play the Chargers, Falcons and Chiefs because their wideouts aren't worth his talents

That may be the greatest smack I've ever seen! LOL

[ozomulsion]

That would be incredibly stupid. Bailey will often follow the number one all over the field. Shoot, we have Bailey cover the tight end a lot when we play the Chargers, Falcons and Chiefs because their wideouts aren't worth his talents. I have serious doubts that's how we scheme the Bills. If you shut Evans down, their offense sputters. It's like we were two years ago when Rod Smith would get covered.

Yes, it would be very stupid. I also know he's covered TEs in the past. I never saw Bailey and Darrent switch sides over the last two seasons. Hopefully that had more to do with Coker. Until I see Bailey playing RCB, I won't be as sure as you seem to be.

[That One Guy]

I know they don't often switch but there was at least one game where they mentioned that Champ followed the #1 around last year... maybe the Cinci game? I don't recall for sure but that would definitely be the best way to go.

[ZONA]

I don't know about the rest of you but #2 key for Broncos success is a little whack IMHO. I don't think we have a weakness at WR at all. In fact, as a whole group, this is the best looking set of receivers we've had in quite some time.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Evans will line up against a teams weaker CB when he goes against a team like the Broncos, who won't switch their CBs. There's a good chance Bly will be on Evans most of the game.
There's a discussion on that Bills board about Bly vs. Evans that begins here with post #405: http://www.stadiumwall.com/index.php?showtopic=67024&st=400 They're badmouthing Bly saying that Evans owned him in their game with Detroit last year, but it's BS. Bly...if he had the primary coverage responsibility on Evans...played pretty well against Evans, who got 8 catches in 13 attempts for 82 yards, 3 1st downs and 0 TD's. His longest catch was 23 yards and he came up short on several 3rd down passes trying to get the 1st down. Detroit was winless (0-5) going in and beat the Bills 20-17. None of this means much now but at least it's something to go on if the two are matched agaisnt each other next week.

[azbroncfan]

Hopefully that had more to do with ???Coker???. SOCAL's favorite coach

Hmm....

[footstepsfrom#27]

Keith Ellison, their starting weakside LB is out. Converted safety Coy Wire will start in his place. He's 220 pounds, hasn't been a starters since 2002 in his rookie year and had 13 tackles last year.

This is right where we need to run.

[Los Broncos]

Keith Ellison, their starting weakside LB is out. Converted safety Coy Wire will start in his place. He's 220 pounds, hasn't been a starters since 2002 in his rookie year and had 13 tackles last year.

This is right where we need to run.

Good find, looks like a weakness.

[mosca]

The #1 key for Broncos success is right on the money. Run between the tackles ... establish the run. That's been unchanged for this team for the last 10 years on offense. Let's see how Henry and the revamped OL does. It will be a testament to how the rest of the season goes.

[Los Broncos]

If we establish the run early, it will open everything up on offense.

It would be nice score some points to give us confidence for the first half of games.

[wabbit]

Buffalo is a good young team on paper that would present a very serious threat to win Sept. 9 if not for the injuries, and they have a bunch.

That doesn't mean they can't win...hey, any given Sunday, right??...but realistically, Denver should win this game rather handily.

[mosca]

I'd be very confident, if not for memories of the Miami and St. Louis games the last couple years. For some reason we always come out looking like ass in week 1.

[rovolution]

I'd be very confident, if not for memories of the Miami and St. Louis games the last couple years. For some reason we always come out looking like ass in week 1.

http://www.thesportstruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/jake-plummer-1.jpg

| Jake Plummer career stats | 2005 Denver Broncos |

+----------+--------------------------+----------------+
| WK OPP | CMP ATT PYD TD INT | RSH YD TD |
+----------+--------------------------+----------------+
| 1 mia | 22 48 251 1 2 | 3 18 0


2006
| Jake Plummer career stats | 2006 Denver Broncos |

+----------+--------------------------+----------------+
| WK OPP | CMP ATT PYD TD INT | RSH YD TD |
+----------+--------------------------+----------------+
| 1 stl | 13 26 138 0 3 | 0 0 0 |


http://www.pro-football-reference.com/games/PlumJa00.htm#2005


His mere absence alone vastly increases our chances of a Week 1 Victory.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I'd be very confident, if not for memories of the Miami and St. Louis games the last couple years. For some reason we always come out looking like ass in week 1.
"Always" meaning the last two years, one of which was dictated by 120 degree temperatures on the field. Why can't people get this straight? Shanny is 8-4 in season openers and Dick Jauron is 3-4.

[Paladin]

Well I, for one, will be watching.......

[mosca]

"Always" meaning the last two years, one of which was dictated by 120 degree temperatures on the field. Why can't people get this straight? Shanny is 8-4 in season openers and Dick Jauron is 3-4.
You're right ... they didn't look that bad in the years preceding the last two. The last couple years tho, judging by the capability this team had, they should have won both of those openers. At least lately, there's been something amiss about week one.

[Atlas]

I think Champ can be had deep, but it doesn't happen to often.

Yeah like in TWO years!!

[Atlas]

There is no reason why Denver shouldn't score 24 points. The Bill s defense has taken numerous hits and whatever anyone says about Polockski he is still a rookie. He has never seen an OL like Denver's before.

I think the game comes down to two factors. How well will Denver's DL and LBers stop the run. Believe me if I had Blowjob Losermann as my QB I would run as much as possible and that is exactly what Buffalo is going to do. If Denver steps up and stops the run they will be on their way to a victory. AND of course like it will be all year the other factor is Cutler. How well is he going to play. The Buffalo secondary is vulnerable and so are the LBers. If Cutler plays well Denver should be able to run and throw the ball against them.

Denver 27, Buffalo 16

[DeuceOfClub]

In 12 seasons Shanahan holds a 1-3 when playing the season opener on the road. The only win was against the Bengals in 2003.

[Kaylore]

In 12 seasons Shanahan holds a 1-3 when playing the season opener on the road. The only win was against the Bengals in 2003.

We've also never gone to a Super Bowl in a year we opened on the road. :(

However, Shanahan has never lost to Buffalo as head coach of the Broncos and he is 9-4 all time in openers with two of those loses with Jake Plummer turning the ball over 3+ times. The other two were the Rams shootout loss and the year we went 6-10. Not having Jake on our roster will help and between Shanahan's record against Buffalo and the fact that our luck's got to change, somethings gotta give! :thumbs:

[NASurfer]

Prior to the 2005 season, Shanahan had the best winning pct. on opening day... 9-2 is a great record. All of a suddenly we're cursed after 2 games? ??? 2 games is hardly a trend, this kinda reminds me how people say we're cursed with the orange jerseys because of a couple of games. Take a look at the big picture....

[NASurfer]

Buffalo's run defense was horrible last year, but the team still finished 10th in scoring defense. Henry will get yards, but our success hinges on Cutler, he can't just hand off the ball and expect to win.

Buffalo has a lot of new faces on offense, which is good (for them) because they were horrible last year. Our defense could start off in a much worse situation.... like facing Indy for example.


Denver takes care of business....

Denver 28
Buffalo 13

[WoodMan]

I really think Shanahan will go after Coy Wire. He will run at him and throw the ball to backs or use a two tight end set and throw at the Bill's weakside linbacker's responsibility. I expect to see big games from our tight ends in Buffalo. I also think Denver will put up about 24 points.
I hope our Defense can began to gel and stop the run or Lynch will have a big game. Losman is a flake, but can play well. Get some pressure on him and he will hopefully make a mistake. One thing though, Losman is a pretty good scrambler and throws well when flushed out of the pocket. I think Denver wins, but it will be close. 24-21.

[Rohirrim]

Anybody who has watched our preseason should be more concerned with Marshawn Lynch than with Losman. If you don't think Lynch is a major problem, you haven't seen him run. I'm just afraid of one of those Corey Dillon reduxes.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...bills/home.htm

—Breaking in rookie running back Marshawn Lynch. Part of this relates to the line problems, but Lynch had just 28 yards on 16 carries (1.75 average) through three preseason games. That's not going to make anyone forget Willis McGahee

[c_lazy_r]

Broncos Keys For Success

1. Run between the tackles. Buffalo's defensive front is built around rushing the passer and forcing turnovers, sacrificing size for speed. Ends Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay take their initial steps upfield and can be walled off on inside running plays. Look for Henry to pound the ball up the middle.

2. Use more two-tight end sets. With injuries and weaknesses at wide receiver and a desire to use more one-back sets, coaches will have two tight ends on the field more than usual. Newcomer Daniel Graham provides the reliable target Cutler must find quickly to take pressure off linemen by making Buffalo balance its defensive front.

3. Double-team wide receiver Lee Evans. Evans became Losman's unofficial go-to guy last season, ending with a bang with 12 receptions for a 17.4-yard average in the final two games. The weakness of the Bills' passing game is its lack of a vertical threat at tight end. Expect the Broncos to double-cover Evans in most situations to make Losman go through his progressions to find a checkdown target.

Bills Keys For Success

1. Bounce runs to the outside. Denver ends tend to get caught peeking inside in the running game, allowing an offensive tackle or tight end to seal them off so the ball carrier can bounce outside. Lynch has the vision and explosion to get beyond the tackle box, especially to his left. That will put pressure on Broncos cornerbacks to stop the run.

2. Use misdirection in the passing game. Broncos linebackers are quick in pursuit but can get caught up in misdirection plays, especially on passes that affect their ability to cover. Losman has the foot speed to run bootleg counter-action plays that will allow him to hit underneath receivers while avoiding the Broncos' talented secondary.

3. Use more blitz packages. Denver's offensive line is so banged up a tight end was forced to play tackle in exhibitions. Even if the line is at full strength by Week 1, players' timing will be off. Buffalo has had problems stopping the run and can increase rookie middle linebacker Paul Posluszny's effectiveness by sending him through the line.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=262656



Based on how our underneath pass route defense was in the preseason, we should be tempting them to go deep with single coverage on their WR's. I'd rather give our corners a chance to make a play downfield than to get dinked to death on the crossing stuff.

[55CrushEm]

Henry will get yards, but our success hinges on Cutler, he can't just hand off the ball and expect to win.

Obviously. We didn't draft Cutler to be just a "hand off" guy. He's not Brodie Croyle of the Chiefs, for crying out loud.

Jeeesh....Uhh

[Beantown Bronco]

Talk about "giving" tickets away for this one.....less than half the price of any comparable tix to a Broncos home game.

http://www.denverticket.com/ResultsTicket.aspx?evtid=578250&event=Buffalo+Bills+Vs.+Denver+Broncos

[Rohirrim]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...bills/home.htm

—Breaking in rookie running back Marshawn Lynch. Part of this relates to the line problems, but Lynch had just 28 yards on 16 carries (1.75 average) through three preseason games. That's not going to make anyone forget Willis McGahee

Lynch was also known for lackadaisical practices at Cal, but in the games that counted, he was a different player.

[vancejohnson82]

double team evans??

that would be dumb as hell....we are struggling against the run and wasting two guys on one in coverage would take someone out of the run support

and doesnt Champ still play in Denver??

[Atlas]

Anybody who has watched our preseason should be more concerned with Marshawn Lynch than with Losman. If you don't think Lynch is a major problem, you haven't seen him run. I'm just afraid of one of those Corey Dillon reduxes.

you must have seen something that his 2 YPC average isn't telling me.

[NASurfer]

Obviously. We didn't draft Cutler to be just a "hand off" guy. He's not Brodie Croyle of the Chiefs, for crying out loud.

Jeeesh...
I believe you missed that whole "10th in scoring defense" part. Yes, Buffalo sucks against the run, but we'd be falling into a trap if we thought pounding the ball is all we need to do. Thanks for letting me know why we drafted Cutler though, as if I didn't know that already.... Uhh

[Hogan11]

I love Champ but he can be had.

You just learned a valuable Orangemane lesson Lynch....never, ever, under any circumstances do you even remotely hint that Champ Bailey or John Lynch can do anything less than walk upon the water. Make a mistake? Blow a coverage? Be Human? How dare you!

I think Evans will beat our corners once or twice in this game...that's blaspheme to the worshippers I know, but I'm forced to watch the Bills on a reg. basis, so I'm saying it.

Another thing to point out that while Wire may be starting out of position, the guy should not be underestimated. Heed that warning.

All said though, Broncos are just too strong: DEN 24 BUF 13

[BeastlyBills]

I love Champ but he can be had.

I agree.

And Lee Evans is going to show exactly why this weekend. No DB in the league can cover him one on one.

[Florida_Bronco]

I agree.

And Lee Evans is going to show exactly why this weekend. No DB in the league can cover him one on one.

LOL ROFL!

Yeah, we're really scared of Lee Evans.