Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos mascot Miles following the win over the Minnesota Vikings at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Carrie Underwood is usually the one singing, “been waiting all day for Sunday night.” This weekend the whole country will be awaiting the showdown of similar records, but drastically different football teams.
1st qt will be fun in Denver. Packers have scored NFL high 66 1st Qt points. Broncos only team yet to allow a 1st Qt point this season.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) October 30, 2015
James Palmer of NFL Network reported that the Broncos are the only team in the NFL to not allow a point in the 1st quarter this season, on the opposite side of the spectrum, Green Bay leads the league in points in the first quarter. (66) This statistic is glaring and when it comes down to Sunday evening, viewers should be looking for this stat to decide how the flow of the game is created and who ultimately gains the upper hand.
To gain the upper hand:
Denver must gain yards on the ground! This does not mean bubble screens to Demaryuis Thomas, or screen plays to Ronnie Hillman. One of the two backs, Hillman or Anderson must move the ball down the field to make the Packers defense put more men in the box and allow Peyton to find his great weapons on the outside. CJ Anderson averaging 2.7 yards a game this season could result in Hillman seeing the ball much more this outing.
Peyton must be given time to throw the ball. Clay Matthews is salivating over the idea of bull rushing the Broncos inexperienced offensive line and getting 18 on the ground over and over throughout the prime time showdown.
Manning should be running the offense out of the pistol formation, or in a one back set, gaining an extra blocker could allow him the time he needs to throw the ball where he wants down the field. Owen Daniels and Virgil Green must do their part to slow down the pass rush as well.
Everything on defense has been, well, close to flawless for Denver through 6 games of the season. The newly renovated Orange Crush defense is +6 in turnover margin as well as 26 sacks through those games played. These stats are the reason Denver has seen an undefeated start to the season.
To win against Aaron Rodgers Sunday evening — a turnover is a must, sacks are a must, but the most necessary defensive tactic must be keeping the Lambeau legend inside the pocket. If the lineman and linebackers of the Bronco defense lose contain and let Rodgers out of the pocket, scrambling, bootlegging, and being able to see down field he is unstoppable. Aaron Rodgers must be made into a one dimensional pocket passing QB.
If the Broncos are successful in this, Chris Harris and Aqib Talib can have their way with the Packers receivers.
Game tidbits:
Magic number 186– Brett Favre holds the NFL record for career wins with 186. Manning with a win against Favre’s former team will tie Brett at 186 all time.
The legend of Pat Bowlen– The best owner in the history of the NFL will be inducted into the Ring of Fame at halftime of the showdown. Broncos Country loves you Pat!
Next: Interview with Sarah Garner
Prediction:
Rodgers is sacked 6 times and the bye week for the Denver Broncos helps Peyton sync up with his receivers on the way to his 186th win as a starter.
Broncos 27 Packers 24