Denver Broncos: Key Matchups vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matchup 2: Vic Fangio vs. Bruce Arians

Bruce Arians has seen offensive success follow him wherever he goes. From Ben Roethlisberger to Andrew Luck, to Carson Palmer, and now Tom Brady. The Brady and Arians marriage has yet to strike gold and to be honest, and it might not.

The two were always a formidable pairing considering their likes. Ariens is a vertical play-caller while Brady enjoys the short-to-intermittent passing game.

Vic Fangio has and will continue to be considered a top defensive mind in football. His defenses routinely sit in the top ten of the NFL rankings, including last year’s team.

Vic is a master at disguising coverages and maximizing opportunities to take the ball away on defense. That part of his impact has yet to be felt by this Broncos team as they continue to lack game-changing turnovers.

So, how can the Broncos create turnovers, which they will need to for a win?

First, stop the run. Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette are both good NFL running backs, and if the Bucs can gain traction on the ground, the Broncos will be in for a long day.

Fangio must ensure the defense plays the run first and responds to the pass.

What, against a Tom Brady team?

Yes.

Tom Brady isn’t the Tom Brady NFL fans are used to. The Broncos can attack this team if they can get Brady in 3rd-down and long situations.

Once those 3rd and long situations occur, Fangio needs to get Bradley Chubb singled up against the Bucs left tackle Donovan Smith. Usually, a strong player, Smith, has been a liability this season.

The Broncos can get Brady uncomfortable even without sacks if they can get him moving off his spot. Once that happens, Brady will run (which he is not adept at doing) or force throws with an inadequate arm.

If the Broncos win the play-calling matchups, I can see Denver surprising the NFL with a win on Sunday.