It’s crunch time. There, let’s start with that. Sound kind of cliché’? Well that’s kind of where I’m going with this. It’s time for the Denver Broncos to be that cliché’ team.
We hear them every week as football fans; clichés. They’re overused, under-thought, and yes, often corny. However in the coming weeks it might be exactly what the Denver Broncos need. Announcers use them, players use them, and now it’s time to act them out.
Battle-Tested
Let’s delve into this term; what does it mean exactly? To me, it is the Denver Broncos. Think back through the last 5 years or so. They’ve been there, and done that. Been a one seed, made it through the playoffs, and got blasted in the Super Bowl. Have experienced first round exits, and been a one-seed, went through the playoffs and finished off champions. Much of their core has seen what this league has to offer.
Teams that have been through such a journey develop a great character. They’ve been through tough games, some good, some bad, and know how to win big games. The Broncos need to lean on each other with this daunting stretch upcoming.
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Ground ‘N Pound
Here’s a subject we’ve covered before; run the ball! The Broncos come off yet another heart-breaking loss, one in which they recorded nine total rushing attempts. NINE. In retrospect, with how the game flowed, I understand. They were having success throwing the football, and were playing catch-up all game long.
This week’s game against the Patriots will hopefully be different. While not a great start, newly acquired Justin Forsett gave me hope of what could revive the run game. We all saw the fumble, but I saw a lot of burst, speed, and great navigation between defenders.
I had sky-high hopes for Devontae Booker, but he has been completely ineffective. The Broncos will need Forsett to be the workhorse during the stretch run. As far as the run game goes, still give Booker some carries, but concerning Justin, the Broncos need to “Forsett.” See what I did there? Ha… Sorry, moving on.
Eliminate the Mistakes
Denver has been in every game this year. What has killed them in every loss has been very untimely mistakes. It’s a fumble here, a blown coverage there, mainly things that the Broncos can correct. This also gives me hope heading into the playoffs. They are their biggest enemy at times.
Mistakes decided the game against the Chiefs. Last week in Tennessee was drops, and fumbles. Denver has struggled offensively, but in most cases the defense has provided opportunities that the offense has squandered. Sometimes it’s just the little things. Back to basics anyone? Catch the ball, hold onto the ball, don’t whiff on a block. These things can be cleaned up, sometimes it’s just a matter of focus.
Get Hot At the Right Time
Pretty cliché’ right? Ah yes, the old “Get Hot At the Right Time” mantra. Overused, yes, but this is one of the greatest happenings in NFL history. You can play like crap for much of the season, and get into “The Dance.” Once you’re in, anything can happen. Here’s another for you; “The Playoffs Start Now.” We hear it every year, but it is a reality for the Broncos right now.
All it takes is a great performance against Tom Brady and the mighty Patriots to start something special. The previous 13 games are gone, this is now. John Elway wants his team to go out “kicking and screaming.” They have been all year. Maybe now is the time the kicking and screaming result in an unstoppable force in-route to a Super Bowl repeat. We can hope, right?