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Congratulations to the Broncos for securing the #1 seed in the AFC, and getting an automatic bid to the elite 8. Let's get to it.
1. The Broncos are missing their top 3 pass-rushers from 2012 (Miller, Dumervil, Wolfe). The Broncos pass-rush will need to rely on pure emotion, and timely blitzes to generate consistent pressure in the playoffs, because the talent is lacking.
2. Hopefully Derek Wolfe can return so we won't have to see Jeremy Mincey at 5-tech anymore. Mincey might be able to pressure occasionally in spots, but hasn't shown to be particularly effective in edge containment.
3. Sylvester Williams continues to improve in gap control against the run, and gain strength while working into game shape. His leadership potential is also beginning to show.
4. Lucky for the Broncos that Nate Webster got a lot of work early in the year, because he has stepped in nicely and is performing. Von Miller can't be replaced, but Irving (at his best) makes a couple big plays per game.
5. The Broncos run Defense looks more cohesive to end the season after the breakdown against the Chargers. Cohesion is the key.
6. Champ Bailey continues to gain confidence, and learn his new position. Hopefully he'll be ready in 2 weeks to start making more breaks on the ball.
7. I like what Micheal Huff gives the Broncos off the bench as an edge blitzer. They need all the help they can get to manufacture pressure.
8. The Broncos are playing lots of guys at Safety, but they will lean on Mike Adams and Duke Ihenacho to make plays when it counts.
9. You have to wonder how badly a playoff QB will be able to pick the Broncos Safeties apart while getting >3 seconds to throw the ball.
10. Wesley Woodyard was introduced as a starter, but MIKE in base remains to be Paris Lenon, and it's here to stay. Both players are showing positive energy, which is good.
11. Unfortunately, the newly shaped Defense remains largely untested until the Divisional round, when it's "win or go home".
12. Montee Ball ends the season averaging 4.7 ypc, after having a very slow start to the year.
13. Both Knowshon Moreno and Ball have hit their stride. The Broncos running game is much improved from last year, averaging 4.1 ypc. These guys are 1st down machines, with great open-field abilty, and great hands.
14. Behind Peyton Manning, the Best Offense Ever is hitting on all cylinders heading into the playoffs.
15. The formula to beat the Broncos Offense? Same as always. Pressure Manning, and keep him off the field. Easier said than done, but the Chargers did it in Mile High. The Broncos know it is all about execution for 60 minutes.
16. Lost in all the hoopla? The entire Broncos Offense isn't dropping the ball anymore, and that is a very good thing.
17. The team has a chip on their shoulder, and the #1 seed. Bring on all challengers at Mile High.
1. The Broncos are missing their top 3 pass-rushers from 2012 (Miller, Dumervil, Wolfe). The Broncos pass-rush will need to rely on pure emotion, and timely blitzes to generate consistent pressure in the playoffs, because the talent is lacking.
2. Hopefully Derek Wolfe can return so we won't have to see Jeremy Mincey at 5-tech anymore. Mincey might be able to pressure occasionally in spots, but hasn't shown to be particularly effective in edge containment.
3. Sylvester Williams continues to improve in gap control against the run, and gain strength while working into game shape. His leadership potential is also beginning to show.
4. Lucky for the Broncos that Nate Webster got a lot of work early in the year, because he has stepped in nicely and is performing. Von Miller can't be replaced, but Irving (at his best) makes a couple big plays per game.
5. The Broncos run Defense looks more cohesive to end the season after the breakdown against the Chargers. Cohesion is the key.
6. Champ Bailey continues to gain confidence, and learn his new position. Hopefully he'll be ready in 2 weeks to start making more breaks on the ball.
7. I like what Micheal Huff gives the Broncos off the bench as an edge blitzer. They need all the help they can get to manufacture pressure.
8. The Broncos are playing lots of guys at Safety, but they will lean on Mike Adams and Duke Ihenacho to make plays when it counts.
9. You have to wonder how badly a playoff QB will be able to pick the Broncos Safeties apart while getting >3 seconds to throw the ball.
10. Wesley Woodyard was introduced as a starter, but MIKE in base remains to be Paris Lenon, and it's here to stay. Both players are showing positive energy, which is good.
11. Unfortunately, the newly shaped Defense remains largely untested until the Divisional round, when it's "win or go home".
12. Montee Ball ends the season averaging 4.7 ypc, after having a very slow start to the year.
13. Both Knowshon Moreno and Ball have hit their stride. The Broncos running game is much improved from last year, averaging 4.1 ypc. These guys are 1st down machines, with great open-field abilty, and great hands.
14. Behind Peyton Manning, the Best Offense Ever is hitting on all cylinders heading into the playoffs.
15. The formula to beat the Broncos Offense? Same as always. Pressure Manning, and keep him off the field. Easier said than done, but the Chargers did it in Mile High. The Broncos know it is all about execution for 60 minutes.
16. Lost in all the hoopla? The entire Broncos Offense isn't dropping the ball anymore, and that is a very good thing.
17. The team has a chip on their shoulder, and the #1 seed. Bring on all challengers at Mile High.
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