Bold Predictions: Denver Broncos v. New Orleans Saints

No Fly Zone: Drew Brees under 225 yards/All WRs held to under 125 yards

The No Fly Zone took a significant hit a couple weeks ago after the loss of Aqib Talib; however against the San Diego Chargers the depth showed. Last week in Oakland became a “Black Hole” in the secondary after the performances by Bradley Roby and Chris Harris late in the fourth quarter. Drew Brees leads the NFL in passes completed and attempts per game. The secondary must step it up more than ever to hold Drew Brees to under 225 passing yards.

Michael Thomas is a stud wide out, but Willie Snead and Brandin Cooks are no slouch either. In terms of a complete set of wide receivers, the Broncos may not face a better corps than New Orleans. The Raiders can tout a solid number one and two, but the Saints roll out weapons Brees trusts every game.

An underrated advantage for the Broncos to stop Brees’ passing attack and the wide receivers is to knock passes down at the line of scrimmage. Brees is a magician with the ball in his hands. It is not his running ability but awareness of hand placement of the defensive line. Denver’s line must be mindful to jump at the right time.