Broncos-Bengals Game-Thread

The  Broncos and Bengals have many things in common. Those who are fans of alliteration would realize that they are both “B” teams and both favor the color orange in the schemes of their uniforms and each are AFC teams.

Beyond this, in this decade in which we now live “the 2010’s,” they are both in the Top 10 in winning percentage with the Broncos placing third at 70-38 (.648) and the Bengals in 9th at 57-45-1 (.558).

In this vein of thought, it is fascinating to me that their paths have never crossed in the postseason. In a series dating back to 1968, the Broncos and Bengals are meeting for the 30th time in history Sunday. The Broncos have a record of 20-9 (just under .690 in winning percentage) in the series but it’s tied 7-7 in Cincinnati all-time.

As my talented Twitter follower, Cincinnati meteorologist for NBC affiliate WLWT, Randi Rico says, it’s going to be a hot and humid one in the Queen City Sunday.

Thus, if I were the Bengals, I’d compel the Broncos to wear their orange jerseys, but we’ll see how this goes.

I should also clarify that I like winning pretty much more than anything and the Broncos are 2-0 while neophyte signal-caller Trevor Siemian has done just fine. He is 7th in completion percentage in NFL annals at 67.8 percent, ahead of such stellar signal-callers as the Detroit Lions’ Matthew Stafford and Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints.

He is also third in the NFL in interceptions with 3, so this is something he should improve on for his own good. Most of his interceptions have come on bad reads or the defense making spectacular plays, so it would serve him well to learn from coaching from head coach Gary Kubiak and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison and from film study. From my vantage point of watching film, he’s made some mistakes that can be easily corrected.

He has great maneuverability in the pocket. Like John Elway before him, he knows when to adeptly step up in the pocket and avoid the pass rush. This is not Kyle Orton or even bereft of mobility Peyton Manning we’re speaking about here.

When receiver Demaryius Thomas expressed some disdain (9 receptions, 138 yards on the season thus far) with Siemian in speaking to the media Wednesday, Siemian responded in his words with the Denver press by saying “it’s understandable” as to why he’s frustrated.

The fact hat he isn’t getting upset at such things suggests he’s maturing in his role quite well and will do his best to ensure there is a Broncos victory. He will be without one of his favorite targets, tight end Virgil Green, as this injury report confirms.

Thus, Green’s key 7 receptions for 74 yards (on 8 targets, that’s insane) this season will be gone, so John Phillips and perhaps even Jeff Heuerman, must step up as the best friend a young signal-caller making his first NFL start can have, is a new tight end.

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On defense, with the absence of linebacker DeMarcus Ware, Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett look to get more reps, which suits the Broncos just fine as they are younger and don’t have to be on “pitch counts.”

As for the Bengals, they are 16th in scoring defense thus far, giving up 23 points per game to the Steelers and Jets. They are 11th against the pass this season thus far, giving up 219 yards per game and are worst against the run, giving up 138 yards per game.

If the Broncos, with backs C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker and Kapri Bibbs, can get going early, Siemian may find play action passes to work effectively later on.

Now, while Bengals signal-caller Andy Dalton, is what I’d call “elite,” the Broncos can have success against him as the defense is second in the league in sacks with 8 (the Houston Texans are in first with 10) and Dalton has been sacked an NFL-high 8 times in his first two weeks.

Dalton is also first in the NFL in passing yards with 732 yards and is third in league annals with 13.6 yards per completion. If the Broncos can limit Dalton’s effectiveness in the passing game and send him to the turf as often as possible, they should get to 3-0 on the season.

As always, this is your game thread and use it wisely. If any Bengals fans happen upon us, be kind to them and we shall go from there.