Broncos Fanzone: Interview with Chris Voss

Sep 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fan holds a sign for quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) (not pictured) before the preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots will renew their rivalry. These teams have faced off at least once since the 2011 season. When Peyton Manning arrived to Denver, the rivalry intensified.

However, this year it will not be a new installment of Manning vs. Brady. Instead, we will be getting Osweiler vs. Brady. With Manning still recovering from a partial tear in his foot, Brock Osweiler will take the reigns on Sunday night and hope he can lead the team to victory.

There are so many storylines to cover for this game, so we can expect this game to be a great one to wrap up the weekend.

In this week’s edition of the Broncos Fanzone, I decided to intervew a fellow Broncos fan. Her name is Chris Voss. And I wanted to get her takes on the state of the Denver Broncos as well as this weekend’s matchup with the New England Patriots.

Going back to the Bears game, I asked Chris what her impressions were of Osweiler were for the game. Did he do well, did he do okay?

Nov 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Cody Latimer (14) against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

“I was impressed with how calm and collected Brock Osweiler was in his first start. He looked way more seasoned than I would have expected from a quarterback who has strictly been a backup. He has obviously been preparing for this opportunity and it has showed.”

“I was happy to see that he isn’t scared to get out of the pocket and scramble for yards when needed. His stats didn’t blow the lid off of any records, but his performance was solid and that is exactly what the Broncos needed.”

I could not agree more. Osweiler went 20 for 27 for 250 yards and two passing touchdowns. The key part of his performance was that he did not turn the ball over. It was the first game in which the Broncos did not commit a turnover. Playing mistake-free football will do a team wonders.

Now that he has done enough to earn another start, coupled with Manning’s injury, his next test is against the Patriots as mentioned earlier. So I asked Chris what Osweiler needs to do in order to lead the Broncos to a win against the defending Super Bowl champs.

“The Patriots game will be tough, but not impossible. Osweiler will be successful if he uses his size and mobility to his advantage. He needs to play well in the first half, but really keep his focus and energy on point in the second half when the Patriots will go full strength on him to force turnovers.”

“That is out of Osweiler’s control, but a huge key to the game is keeping penalties to the bare minimum and not giving up a single yard to the Patriots because of lack of focus or control.”

Could not agree anymore. The Patriots have been known to make teams pay for mistakes, while they rarely commit any of their own. So, a huge key will be to keep the mistakes down and really take advantage of any chance the Patriots give them via mistakes.

The Broncos and Patriots rivalry has really intensified in the last few years. I am sure Manning could have played a part in that one. But even then, these two teams see each other quite a bit going back to the AFL days. I asked Chris what her favorite memory of this rivalry was.

“My two favorite games in the history of the Patriots vs. Broncos have been the 2013 AFC Championship Game and the 2005 AFC Divisional Playoff game. Both were huge victories for the Broncos, and really a testament to how strong the home field advantage in Denver is and how resilient the Broncos are when labeled as an underdog.”

“My favorite moment between those two games was, like most people, Champ Bailey’s 100 yard interception return in the divisional round. It was huge not only for that game and to shut down the Pats, but it was huge to show Broncos fans that this team can win even without a Hall of Fame quarterback running the show.”

“That was a whole team win, and I think especially for what the Broncos have experienced this year, it is a very important reminder that football is a team sport, not a quarterback sport.”

Well said at the end. I remember myself going crazy at that interception return by Champ Bailey. But it is important to know that. I know that Osweiler brings inexperience, but I would rather have Manning at 150 percent before he takes the field again. Plus, we get an early look into the future with Osweiler and this defense.

With this being such a huge game, I asked Chris which one player will play a big part in the game, otherwise known as the X-factor.

Nov 1, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans make noise in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

“I don’t know if there is one single player that will be the X-factor for the Broncos, but it could very well be the home field advantage and the noise at Mile High.”

“When Brady can’t communicate with his receivers well, he tends to get rattled and throws the ball away immediately. That would open up huge opportunities for the defense to get some turnovers.”

Well, I believe Chris is the first person in this segment to say the fans and crowd noise will play a factor in the game. That is awesome. And very well can be true. You hear that Mile High? Better get loud for this game.

So now Chris, I must ask you, what is your bold prediction for this game? And what do you think will be the final score of the game on Sunday night?

Next: Broncos have luxury in Osweiler

“My bold prediction is not so bold, but we’ll get to see very quickly what Brock Osweiler is made of and if he’s the future of this team. Also, the Broncos defense will come back together as the orange crush force that we saw for the first several weeks of the season.”

“As for my final score prediction, I will say 27-24 Broncos.”

I sure hope that the Broncos defense comes back together as well. And thank you Chris for taking the time out for this interview. Go Broncos!