Denver Broncos Have A Difficult Task in the Big Easy
By Brad James
The Denver Broncos look to get back on the right track against a resurgent New Orleans Saints squad. It will not be a Brees…
In this game, the 6-3 defending Super Bowl champions meet up with the resurgent New Orleans Saints. They have won four of their last five games after starting 0-4. Meanwhile, the Broncos, after starting 4-0, have many injuries, and dropped three of five. This includes last Sunday night’s 30-20 defeat at Oakland.
The Broncos’ pass defense remains the best in the NFL, giving up only 183.3 yards per game. However, the rush defense ranks 29th. This helped the Raiders control the ball for 41 minutes in their victory.
When you normally think New Orleans Saints football, you think of legendary signal-caller Drew Brees. This season, Brees has been spot-on, leading the NFL’s top offense in yards per game (434.5) and passing yards (326.4) per contest.
However, with a pair of strong tailbacks in Mark Ingram and Tim Hightower (a combined 962 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns), New Orleans may seek to control the chains Sunday.
The talk radio in Denver this week has been cut and dry. If the Broncos find a way to get back to winning, they need to find a way to stop run.
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Of course, the Broncos do not have a bye until November 20, so the injuries are mounting as well.
On the injury report, the Broncos ruled out cornerback Aqib Talib and defensive end Derek Wolfe. However, both of them will still travel with the team. In their stead, the Broncos will go with cornerback Bradley Roby as well as rookie Adam Gostis and veteran Billy Winn to fill Wolfe’s void.
Although this is not a popular take in Broncos Country, statistics show quarterback Trevor Siemian has done well enough. Siemian has completed just under 60 percent of his passes, throwing 10 touchdowns against five interceptions.
With that said, the Broncos are a team that needs to run well to dictate tempo. Against Oakland, the play-calling was 37 passes to 12 rushes, not the ideal way for Denver to play.
The Broncos ultimately need to get off to a swift start as they are 30th in the NFL with less than 2 points in the 1st Quarter. The Saints, meanwhile, are fourth in this crucial statistic with 6.5 1st Quarter points. If the Broncos successfully reverse this, they win Sunday in my humble opinion.
As always, this is your game thread. If any Saints fans happen upon us, be kind to them. That is the Broncos way. GO BRONCOS!!!