Detroit @ Denver

[CanDB]

The Broncos are still only 1 game out of the wild card. Not going to be easy, as there are 4 teams with 7 wins (tho Indy has 6 losses) and 3 others are 6 and 6.

The Lions come to town with their 1st victory of the season. In fairness, they could have won more with some good bounces/breaks, whatever. But you know the saying, you are your record. But I mention because, for me, they are better than a 1 win team. Having said that, what's their mindset this week? Are they pumped? Is it possible they will rest a tiny bit with a win in their pockets. I'm going with....they will be hungry to keep validating themselves.

The Broncos should be hungry, given they were in the KC game pretty deep in, but lacked enough O to get it done. Yes, TB had a poor game. He has to be sharper this week. But I look forward to seeing more Javonte. The kid is a bowling ball with talent. And sure, another rook named Meinerz may not be pro bowl material yet, but I hope he plows through The Lions like he did against KC. In fact, Javonte and Teddy should just jump on his back for guaranteed yardage! Lets not forget the value of having Bolles back as well. And as you will see below, The Lions are not doing well against the run.

But we need to be more creative (not a new comment) about our pass game. TB has his job to do, but I am still not seeing wrinkles or play design to keep Ds guessing. I'm only talking a few plays per game, so this is well within capacity.

I do believe in our D. Young and good. The only issue I have had is the failure to stop first drives. Not sure why that is, but I will suggest we need to prepare better for that first drive, because after that the team is tough to score points against. Gotta be a reason.

Here's some high level stats that speak to me that The Broncos will go 7 and 6. Not to mention, home field:

(The stats equate to each team's position in the league in that category)

Pass (O) - Lions (27th) Broncos (20th)
Rush (O) - Lions (20th) Broncos (12th)
Pass (D) - Lions (21st) Broncos (10th)
Rush (D) - Lions (28th) Broncos (9th)

Interceptions - Lions (21st tied) Broncos (13th tied)
Sacks - Lions (30th tied) Broncos (14th tied)

I did not cherry pick, I have used these same categories in past. Admittedly they do not tell the whole story, but the basics look a little one sided.

I like The Lions RBs, but I am not sure if Swift will play this week. He's a factor, though Jamal Williams is a powerful runner.

Anyway, if I look at this objectively, it's a Broncos win. But I'm picking them because they are the better team.

[DenverBlood]

The key to this game will be the passers. Goff isn’t great but he’s better than Teddy. Just not working with as good of a weapons.

We do have a better defense and home field.

[CanDB]

The key to this game will be the passers. Goff isn’t great but he’s better than Teddy. Just not working with as good of a weapons.

We do have a better defense and home field.

You don't see our run game and run D as a pretty big factor? Based on the season thus far, Detroit has trouble against the run, and we have the better run game and a much better run D.

[Bronco51]

This is the game where Shurmur runs Williams effectively and doesn't call any underneath routes and has Teddy air it out to the WR's...............yes it's a dream, but a beautiful dream.

[CanDB]

This is the game where Shurmur runs Williams effectively and doesn't call any underneath routes and has Teddy air it out to the WR's...............yes it's a dream, but a beautiful dream.

Haha...maybe we employ The Belichick on a cold, windy night in Buffalo, and throw no more than 3 passes!!!

Here's a picture of Bill after a great play!

[Bronco51]

Haha...maybe we employ The Belichick on a cold, windy night in Buffalo, and throw no more than 3 passes!!!

Here's a picture of Bill after a great play!

That game last night reminded me of the Chiefs game where Tebow completed 3 passes and won. 32 runs in a row was like watching an Air Force game.

[CanDB]

That game last night reminded me of the Chiefs game where Tebow completed 3 passes and won. 32 runs in a row was like watching an Air Force game.

I won't go too far off topic or the shmuck who wrote this thread will get ticked, but like him or not, BB makes the simple so smart. He makes a game plan that simplifies a terrible weather situation, against a really good team, with a rookie QB, a good D and complementary RBs, and says we will win by preparing, executing and staying the course. I'm sure he would have had to change some aspects if they had got behind near the end, but if I can use just a few words to describe: Preparation, Execution and Trust. Many more words come to mind, but he simplified what could be a very complex situation, utilizing the resources he had.

Now back to Denver!

[DenverBlood]

You don't see our run game and run D as a pretty big factor? Based on the season thus far, Detroit has trouble against the run, and we have the better run game and a much better run D.

Those all matter but I just think coming down to the playoff push this is where the QBs matter. We absolutely should win. I’m just saying don’t be surprised if a loss comes down to Goff outplaying Teddy.

It would be nice to have a heavy dose of running work. But the Lions have been competitive in a lot of games this year especially the last month.

If we want to make a push we will come out and dominate. If Teddy performs like Sunday night we will lose and bottom out.

[listopencil]

Detroit is a pretty bad team so the Broncos will probably beat them and look good doing it.

[CanDB]

Those all matter but I just think coming down to the playoff push this is where the QBs matter. We absolutely should win. I’m just saying don’t be surprised if a loss comes down to Goff outplaying Teddy.

It would be nice to have a heavy dose of running work. But the Lions have been competitive in a lot of games this year especially the last month.

If we want to make a push we will come out and dominate. If Teddy performs like Sunday night we will lose and bottom out.

My point with regard to Belichick was that even the best of them can simply rely on key aspects of their game to win. I know there will be lots of TB talk again this week, but lets just say that BB utilized the run to the degree that his QB was not even a factor. Sure he did take snaps, handed the ball to his backs, and even tried 3 whole passes for 19 whole yards! Of course the weather was a problem. But Allen threw 30 passes, and had 6 carries for 39 yards. And in spite of the wind, he made some really good passes! So a bit of an analogy....we have the better run game and the much better run D. We are also better in the typical high level comparisons. So if we just stick to the BB mentality and the fact we have a big edge in the overall run game, O and D, why not push that hard?

Goff is a mystery to me this year, and though he is a starter, even the much maligned Bridgewater can pass enough to complement our run advantage, and beat Goff and company. Plus I believe our pass D will be too much for him.

[DenverBlood]

My point with regard to Belichick was that even the best of them can rely on key aspects of their game to win. I know there will be lots of TB talk against this week, but lets just say that BB utilized the run to the degree that his QB was not even a factor. Sure he did take snaps, handed the ball to his backs, and even tried 3 passes. Of course the weather was a problem. But Allen threw 30 passes, and had 6 carries for 39 yards. And in spite of the wind, he made some really good passes! So a bit of an analogy....we have the better run game and the much better run D. We are also better in the typical high level comparisons. But if we just stick to the BB mentality and the fact we have a big edge in the overall run game, O and D, why not push that hard?

Goff is a mystery to me this year, and though he is a starter, even the maligned Bridgewater can pass enough to complement our run advantage, and beat Goff and company. Plus I believe our pass D will be too much for him.

Well one issue with all your points is our coach is not BB. He’s up there with the GOATs. And we are stuck with Vic and Shurmer.

[CanDB]

Well one issue with all your points is our coach is not BB. He’s up there with the GOATs. And we are stuck with Vic and Shurmer.

True enough. My point is that the methodology can work this Sunday. Run, stop the run are huge factors (and not hard to do). Our D is better. Lets see, in basic passing comparison terms:

QBack Rate/TDs/Ints/Sacks

Goff - 88.1 / 13 / 7 / 30

TB - 95.0 / 16 / 7 / 28

So Goff is not passing better. Plus our Pass D is better.

[mark222b]

Oh boy, it's another game to make us feel good about our Broncos !!!
hope springs eternal
My hope is that this is a good passing day for Bridgewater that inspires trust from Shurmur,
Nevertheless, I can't help myself ... I predict the Denver Broncos win by a score of 30-9
Yay !!!

Uh-Oh ... Cincinnati awaits.

[CanDB]

Oh boy, it's another game to make us feel good about our Broncos !!!
hope springs eternal
My hope is that this is a good passing day for Bridgewater that inspires trust from Shurmur,
Nevertheless, I can't help myself ... I predict the Denver Broncos win by a score of 30-9
Yay !!!

Uh-Oh ... Cincinnati awaits.

(I'm on a Belichick kick today)....but you know what they say..."we're on to Cincinnati"

[darryn16]

Detroit is a pretty bad team so the Broncos will probably beat them and look good doing it.

This is absolutely true, however Denver seems to be the cure for ailing teams to find their stride. I take nothing for granted and Denver needs to come out and score early and often.