The Denver Broncos face the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football. What are the keys to victory to get to 3-2 on the season? Week five has quickly shaped up to be a near must-win for the Denver Broncos. After a brutal week four loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Broncos have a short turnover for their next game.
With another season-ending injury in Javonte Williams, the Denver Broncos are beginning to take a huge hit in the injury department. It’s unfortunate and could call into question some of the strength, conditioning, and potential in-house treatment and rehabbing efforts from the team.
Either way, they are getting the Indianapolis Colts for this game. The Colts are off to a less than ideal start a 1-2-1. Matt Ryan has thrown five touchdowns against five interceptions this year, and the scoring offense ranks 32nd in the NFL.
It’s perhaps what the Broncos are struggling with, but at a much worse degree. Both teams are desperate for a win. If Denver wants to come away with the victory, what are their keys to doing so?
Denver Broncos keys to victory in week five
Constant pressure on Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is 37 years old and is beginning to show it. The first-year Colts’ starter has passed for five touchdowns against five interceptions in his first year in Indianapolis. His passer rating is in the mid-80s and he has taken 15 sacks so far and has lost 117 yards, which leads the NFL in the latter.
Ryan has taken a lot of sacks during his career. He is a true pocket passer with limited mobility. To make matters worse, the Colts offensive line isn’t good. They had a good thing going for years, but 2022 is a different story. The easiest way for the Denver Broncos to make life difficult for Matt Ryan is to simply get pressure on him.
With Randy Gregory out for a few weeks, the Broncos will likely rely on a starting duo of Bradley Chubb and Baron Browning for their pressure, and I’d also expect someone like Nik Bonitto to get some reps as well.
The Broncos have a golden opportunity here to limit the Colts’ offense.