Eagles Defense No Match For Manning, Broncos

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) checks off at the line of scrimmage against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

So far this season, the Philadelphia Eagles are not stacking up well, defensively. They’re giving up nearly 29 points per game and 438 yards per game to opposing offenses. They’re 29th against the pass and 22nd against the rush.

Still, Broncos’ offensive coordinator Adam Gase isn’t going to rest easy.

“They’re doing a good job of creating turnovers,” Gase said. “They’re doing a really good job in the red and that’s going to be our biggest struggle is to make sure that we’re scoring touchdowns in the red area and we’re not kicking field goals.”

The Eagles have three forced fumbles and two interceptions through their first three games. They’re also ranked 8th in red zone defense, allowing five touchdowns on 13 possessions.

The Broncos are paying kicker Matt Prater a lot of money, but honestly, they’d rather not see him out on the field until it’s time to kick the extra point. Prater didn’t see a field goal attempt until week two when he booted two through against the Giants. Then he made all three of his attempts against the Raiders Monday night.

Field goals aren’t what the team wants with Peyton Manning on their side.

“I’m just glad I’m on his side,” Champ Bailey said. “I feel bad for the guys on the other side because he’s going to put the ball where it needs to be. That’s so frustrating because you could have tight coverage—and you saw that the other night. People were in tight coverage but he knows where to place that ball. He’s the best at it.”

The Broncos will be putting the pedal to the metal against the Eagles, hoping to take advantage of some of their weaknesses. Don’t expect the Eagles to blitz much since they know that Manning recognizes everything. They will probably try to win some individual battles with their three-man defensive line and then bring a pass rusher to create pressure. Expect plenty of guys in their secondary, which should really open up the Broncos’ run game.

Like week one, this could be another historical passing day for Manning.

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