Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans cheer their team from the stands during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
I have been writing for Predominantly Orange for little over a year now. Most of my contributions to this Fansided site have been associated with breaking news, player news and analysis among others. I have done a fanzone article early in my time with the site as I talked about being a fan in enemy territory. For that piece, I wrote about going to a road game as a Broncos fan.
This year, I have decided to start a brand new segment for Predominantly Orange. Every week, I will talk to fellow Broncos fans and interview them on their take on the season as well as the week’s game.
For my first segment, I have decided to interview Bronco fan Julie Dixon. Around the time I was promoted to Co-Editor at Predominantly Orange, she and I have had quite a few debates. It started with the draft and whom the Broncos should draft. She was the one who got me hooked onto the Broncos drafting Nick O’Leary from Florida State.
Since then, we have had discussions on anything Denver Broncos that was going on. She is very knowledgeable and will offer up some of her insight on any situation involving the team.
For this interview, I started out by asking our friend Julie what has impressed her the most and the least during the first three games of the regular season.
“What has impressed me the most is how quickly the defensive coordinator Wade Phillips got the defense rocking. It is huge, especially since Jack Del Rio had this same defense.”
“I have been least impressed with the offensive line. But that was a given since they have gone through such a continuous transition. With that said, I feel like there was not enough done in the offseason to insure we had a solid offensive line to begin with.”
Sep 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos guard Evan Mathis (69) and Denver Broncos tackle Louis Vasquez (65) watch from the sidelines 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
Both points are fair to speak on. The defense has been nothing short of amazing and to have about that same defense with a different coach speaks volumes on what a coach’s influence can do. That is not saying that Jack Del Rio was a bad coach.
Transitioning to the offensive line, I would agree with Julie here. Minus the 2013 season, which that season had an okay offensive line, the unit as a whole has not impressed me a lot. Hopefully this season will be a different story when all is said and done.
Going into this weekend’s matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, I wanted to get Julie’s take on how the game will play out, starting with what she thinks will be the biggest difference in in the game.
“Our offensive line is going to make the biggest difference in the game. If they can’t protect Manning or open holes for the running game, it could be a long day. The defense gives us the best chance of winning this game.”
I agree Julie. Especially now that Ty Sambrailo is now out for this weekend’s game, the offensive line is going to be relied upon more that ever. Michael Schofield is starting at right tackle while Ryan Harris will shift to LT.
In every game, there are X-Factors that will make or break a game. For Julie, she believes that there is one player on the offensive side that could play a huge part in the game for the Broncos.
“Minus the offensive line, I am going to say Bennie Fowler will be our X-Factor. I’ve been a huge fan of his since his first training camp. I wanted him on the 53 last year. He is smart, has speed, and is better than Jordan because he is bigger and has a larger catch radius than Demaryius Thomas. The Vikings won’t know what to do with him if he is used in three wide sets.”
Sep 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Bennie Fowler (16) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
As you all might know, Bennie Fowler had his coming out party on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. While he did not get in the end zone, he did make some plays for the Broncos offense. With his performance, it would not surprise me if the Broncos used him more this weekend.
Now, the most important part is predictions. On Wednesday, I had predicted that the Broncos will stay undefeated with a 31-19 win. However, Julie believes the score will depend on the offensive line and gives me two scores that will depict that.
“It is a tough one. If our offensive line does not struggle, I am going to say 36-10 Broncos. However, if they have a tough time against the Vikings, I think it will be a low scoring affair. Broncos will win 14-10. Go Broncos!”
Good predictions Julie. And I thank you for taking time out for this interview and becoming a part of the first ever Broncos Fanzone Interviews. Go Broncos!