Gameday: Denver Broncos

Behind Enemy Lines

 

Nothing would equal success quite like a 1 in the W column on Mannings first game in the Orange and Blue. While there certainly appears to be no lack of confidence for #18, every Broncos fan has the nagging thought in the back of their mind that Manning hasn’t taken a meaningful snap in over 20 months.  Nothing will do more for the confidence of the Broncos faithful than seeing him put a W up in game number one versus a dominant team like the Steelers.

The key to capturing that W and instilling true confidence in the Denver faithful will be keeping Manning out of the dirt.  The Steelers consistently have one of the most feared defenses in the NFL, and judging by the tape I’ve watched this year nothing has changed in that regard.  That quality defensive line vs. a suspect Broncos offensive line is one of the keys to this game.  Clady on the left protecting Mannings blindside isn’t much of a concern.  Clady has proven himself to be a better than average left tackle, and has displayed dominance of his own since entering the league in 2008.  The right side of the line, anchored by Orlando Franklin, is where the real concern lies.  Franklin has looked slightly less than capable throughout the pre-season, and often seemed like little more than an inanimate object in 2011.  As Denvers very own Cecil Lammey so eloquently put it earlier in the week – You know those turn styles at the subway station?  Those offer more resistance against an oncoming rusher than Orlando Franklin.

Despite Manning getting the ball out quickly, expect help on the right side of the line.  Keep #18 clean and this game is certainly within reach for the new look Broncos.

2. Back in January, Ike Taylor got torched by Demaryius Thomas. It’s always said that a cornerback needs to have a short memory, but Ike has always stepped up to the challenge when he gets a shot at revenge on a guy that burned him. We’re excited to see how Ike handles another shot at Thomas. Are there any specific matchups you’re looking forward to watching?

You’ll notice a bit of a theme here in my answers, but the most important match up in my eyes is the Broncos D-line vs the Steelers O-line.  With the abysmal performance by rookie Mike Adams against the Colts backups, and Max Starks being Max Starks, I expect the Steelers to have a long night in the trenches.  Dumervil and Von Miller are enough to give the most capable line nightmares.  I can only imagine the concerns the Steelers O-line has for the Broncos pass rush… I expect to see Ben rolling to his right a lot, away from the pressure. This should afford rookie  LDE Derek Wolfe many of opportunities to make a play.

3. From what you saw in the preseason, what should we expect from Peyton Manning here in the opener?

I’ll admit that I was a little worried during the Bears game.  The deep ball seemed quite forced.  The throws did not look natural and they did not have the velocity that his balls usually do.  However, as the preseason rolled on, so did Manning’s exhibition. With each game my confidence in Manning grew.  By the last preseason game it appeared to me that Manning can make any throw required of him.  His deep ball had some zing (a bit too much on a few plays), and his ability to quickly make a decision and get the ball out of his hand is matched by few.

4. The story leading up to this game is all about Peyton Manning. Steelers fans are acutely aware of what Demaryius Thomas can do. Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller are beastly pass rushers on defense. Are there any under-the-radar guys you think will have a big impact on this game?

I think everyone expects Decker to have a huge game.  His route running has greatly improved in the last 12 months, and he has outstanding hands.  I expect him to run alot of underneath routes and use his wiggle to gain alot of yards after the catch.

My real “under the radar” pick though is TE, Joel Dreessen.  Joel has looked pretty darn good through training camp and preseason.  He has developed a solid relationship with Manning, and has incredible athletic ability.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays the Dallas Clark role as well as Dallas Clark did in his prime.  The TE has become a huge part of being successful in the NFL, and the Broncos haven’t had a difference maker at TE since the Shannon Sharpe days.  I look for the Broncos to get Dreeseen involved early and often.

5. Any other final thoughts?

Like every person reading this article, I’m insanely excited for game time.  I can’t imagine a better way to start the season for either team.

The one thing I think continues to favor the Broncos is the lack of emotional leader Ryan Clark in the Steelers backfield.  Clark brings alot of emotion to this team, and I know he is missed every time they visit the Mile High city.  

The last series that Manning lead in the preseason really was impressive.  At one point I shook my head in shock, I coudn’t believe how much the offensive possession reminded me of a Colts offensive possession just a few years ago.  While I’m not certain the Broncos offense will be 100% in sync with Manning from the start of the game, or even the start of the season; it will eventually happen.  And its hard to argue with the idea that once in sync, the Broncos could potentially have the most potent offense in the league.