Broncos Game Preview: vs. Ravens Week One

Sep 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) reacts after missing a potential game winning field goal during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Cardinals won 20-22. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

X-Factors

Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning is entering his fourth season with the Denver Broncos. However, it will be his first season under a brand new offense. All of Broncos Country will be paying attention to how he adjusts to the defense.

Another reason that Manning is going to be an X-factor is the Ravens secondary. Manning finds some way to pick apart the Ravens secondary and get the safeties on their heels. We saw that two years ago when he threw those seven touchdown passes.

The Ravens secondary better be prepared for Manning, otherwise he will have a field day with them once again.

Brandon McManus

Brandon McManus won the starting job this year due to a strong performance in the preseason. However, he did prove that he could have his off days. During the final preseason game, he missed what could have been a game winning field goal.

While it was preseason, it makes us wonder if the game mattered. Could we believe McManus could come through in the clutch? During the preseason, he went 8 for 10 on field goals.

If it was regular season, an 80-percent field goal average would not be good. However, his two misses were from 50-plus yards out. I am giving him a pass on those.

If the game does end up becoming close, McManus is going to need to do a better job at converting field goals from that distance, especially at Mile High.

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