Broncos 2015: AFC West Preview – Week Eleven
By Craig Hurst
Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) prepares to pass the football in the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos try to stop their two-game losing skid with a trip to the Windy City to face the Chicago Bears. There are multiple storylines to this week eleven matchup – Jay Cutler, John Fox, Adam Gase, but obviously the top one is the fact that Brock Osweiler is starting today instead of Peyton Manning. For more of my thoughts on this game and the Broncos quarterback change, as well as the other games featuring AFC West teams, please continue reading.
Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears: Brock Osweiler turns 25-years old today – I truly hope he has a very happy birthday and is able to celebrate not only his first NFL career start but his first NFL victory also; I will call it the trifecta for the 25-year old from Arizona State. I am anxious to watch Osweiler run what I think will look more like a Gary Kubiak offense today.
Osweiler brings an athleticism to the position that unfortunately Manning didn’t have or lost over the years. No offense to Manning, but I don’t think Osweiler will execute the self-stack when pressured today. While Osweiler and his youth bring an aspect that was missing with Manning at the helm, his youth also lacks something that Manning excelled at – knowledge of the game, the offense, and the oppositions defense. Because of that, there may be times today when it appears that Osweiler may be struggling. If that truly does happen today, I expect (or hope) the running game will be able to carry this team. I am expecting to see quite a bit from the offense today – running, short passes, and some long pass attempts.
While the quarterback change is intriguing, the main thing I want to see today is a victory. The way the Bears have been playing, it will not be easy for the Broncos to improve to 8-2. The Bears have won the last two weeks but are only 1-3 at home. The weather today in Chicago is forecasted to be in the low 30’s with 12 mph winds but no snow is expected.
Oakland Raiders at Detroit Lions: Just when I was starting to think the Raiders had turned a corner and considered them the number two team in the division, they went and got shellacked 30-14 by the Minnesota Vikings in week ten (at home no less). The Raiders loss was their second loss in as many weeks and dropped them to 4-5, which unfortunately puts them in a tie for second with the Kansas City Chiefs in the division. The Detroit Lions come into the week eleven matchup sitting at 2-7 but coming off of a huge 18-16 win at Green Bay over their divisional rival. Given the records, I would have to think that the Raiders may end their two-game losing streak but like I always say, this is the NFL. As much of I hate watching the Broncos go through their recent struggles, it has no doubt tightened up the race for the divisional championship and the guaranteed spot in the year-end tournament. The Oakland Raiders are right is in this race so I will cheer for them today to keep pace with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers: After last week’s disappointing loss to the Chiefs, I am having a difficult time looking at this game realistically to determine if the 2-7 Chargers have a legitimate shot to upset the 4-5 Chiefs (winners of three straight). You know what, I am just a fan so it doesn’t really matter if I look at this game realistically or not – I will go with my heart on this one and hope the Chargers knock of the Chiefs – period! It could happen; I hope it happens! Based on the Chiefs recent performance, and their win in Denver last week, I am assuming that the Chiefs obviously think they have turned the corner, which they should. While that is positive thinking, it could also come back to haunt them; the Chargers will not lie down for anyone and would love to end their five game losing streak against one of their divisional rivals.
Go Broncos – beat Chicago!