Broncos Fanzone: Interview with Kyle Graff

Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos and New England Patriots fans cheer in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos travel to San Diego to take on the Chargers in the first of two meetings this season. Both of these teams meet in Denver during the regular season finale.

The Broncos come into this game winning two in a row behind quarterback Brock Osweiler and a running game that seems to have found its groove. They will look to keep it up against a Chargers team that has struggled with injuries and being on the bad end of close games.

This will be a huge game for the Broncos. A win against the Chargers will bring them one game closer to another AFC West title. With this being such a huge rivalry, we can expect a very competitive game.

In this week’s edition of the Broncos Fanzone, I sat down with Broncos fan Kyle Graff and see what his thoughts were on the State of the Broncos in the past week.

Brock Osweiler has been impressive the last two games. With his latest win over the previously undefeated Patriots, how will this increase his confidence going forward?

“The kid has a lot of confidence already but I think it just grows it more. And definitely boosts the team’s confidence in him. I look and hope that we are sitting on a gold mine with him similar to the Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers situation.”

“Like how Rodgers learned under Favre and was able to take over and win a Super Bowl and two MVP awards. You look at Brock and he’s been sitting under Peyton, arguably the best quarterback to play the game who has evolved the game so much.”

Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) high fives fans after the game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

“Brock has learned from him since he was drafted. I hope that this is only the beginning for the Broncos. But I think the win [vs Patriots] just grows his confidence.”

Agreed Kyle. It seems with every game, his confidence continues to grow. Let us hope that he can continue this pace the remainder of the season. However, it isn’t just Osweiler that has shown success in the past two games.

With Osweiler in the lineup, we have seen such a huge increase in the running game, especially C.J. Anderson. His walk off touchdown completed the victory. I asked Kyle what has provided the spark for him?

“I believe it has been the offensive change. With Peyton, we were in the pistol/shotgun and it is not a good running formation to run out of. The backs [Anderson and Hillman] can’t see the linebackers because Peyton is so tall and close. With the offense now, Brock is under center 80-88% of the time, so it keeps the defense honest.”

“But ultimately I think Anderson has finally settled in and having fun again playing and not trying so hard. He’s letting things happen and being patient.”

Very true. As we all know, Anderson did struggle in the early going in the season, which led to Ronnie Hillman getting the start coming out of the bye week. But it appears that Anderson has really found his groove and gotten better.

With the Broncos and Chargers having a long history being rivals for so long, there have been some entertaining games between the two teams. I asked Kyle what his favorite moment between this rivalry is. And one moment stuck out in his mind.

Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) intercepts a pass intend for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

“The most recent moment I can think of was three years ago. The Broncos were down 24-0 to the Chargers. The Broncos scored and then on the next possession, the Chargers fumbled and it was returned for a touchdown by Tony Carter.”

“Peyton Manning would then throw two touchdowns, with the one to Brandon Stokley to make it 28-24. Then Chris Harris Jr. would seal the deal with a pick six.”

“That is the best moment I can think of recently, but anytime that we can frustrate Phillip Rivers is a good time to me.”

Great pick Kyle. I remember that game myself all too well. It was definitely a game for the ages and it was the game that got the Broncos 2012 season going strong as they would start the 11 game winning streak.

With this being a huge game, I asked Kyle which player(s) would be the X-factor for this Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs the ball with New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) in pursuit during the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

“I think the X-factor will be the running backs Anderson and Hillman. It will also be how Brock handles everything as well as if the offensive line shows up to play. All it will come down to is the running backs doing well, the offensive line protects and Brock limits the turnovers.”

Next: Demarcus Ware will travel to San Diego

I agree Kyle. The Chargers running defense is near the bottom of the league, so it will be important to get something going in the running game in order to propel the team to victory.

Speaking of that, I asked Kyle what his final score for the game is as well as some bold predictions on what he think will happen.

“I think the Broncos win by the score of 35-10. I say we run away with it as the Chargers aren’t clicking very well and cannot get things going. The defense will also cause havoc against Rivers and the bad running game they have. As for bold predictions, I think Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders have a big game.”

Great predictions Kyle. Let us hope that they come to truth. And thanks for joining me for this interview. Let’s go Broncos!