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.
Denver Broncos keys to victory in week five
Taking away top receiving options
The Indianapolis Colts offense has been bad this season, and they don’t have many quality receiving options outside of Michael Pittman. One thing the Broncos can do to make their lives easier is to try and take Pittman out of the game.
I’d assume that Patrick Surtain II would end up following Pittman for most of the game, and given that he shut down Davante Adams, I have no doubt that he can do the same for Pittman. The only thing that worries me is that Matt Ryan has been a good distributor of the football so far.
Including Pittman, the Colts have six players with over 100 receiving yards through four games. That’s a big number, and there could be a scenario where another Colts player breakouts if Michael Pittman is neutralized.
They’ve got some big-bodied pass catchers in Pittman, rookie Alec Pierce, rookie Jelani Woods, and Mo Alie-Cox. Their sizes are a bit intimidating, but none of them are elite weapons like the Broncos have had to face this year.
It’s unknown whether Jonathan Taylor will play in the game. He’s got a leg injury. Taylor not playing would be a huge boost for the Broncos’ chances.
Denver Broncos keys to victory in week five
Coaching not getting in the way
The Denver Broncos’ coaching staff has been hurting the team’s chances every week so far. There was some promise when the team defeated the San Francisco 49ers, but they were back to their old ways against the Raiders.
Perhaps the Broncos are able to enjoy a well-coached game for once with minimal penalties and poor play-calling? Can’t we expect that at some point? While it’s clear that the Denver Broncos’ staff has been the weakest link of the team, the Indianapolis Colts’ crew isn’t much better.
However, the Colts are not a heavily penalized team, which has been one of the biggest issues with the Broncos. Denver has an even turnover differential, while the Colts are -6 in that department.
You see, both coaching staffs have things that they seemingly teach and do well, and others that they don’t. Both staffs are below average, and this game might come down to who makes the least amount of mistakes. It’s clear that the Broncos have the advantage of playing at home; they also have a clear advantage at quarterback and the roster overall.
Denver Broncos 5 bold predictions vs. Colts on Thursday Night
The Denver Broncos need to get back on track quickly against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football. Here are five bold predictions.
I’d think this game could be a 7 point victory for the Broncos.