As much as containing Tom Brady, starting fast and getting the running game going, there’s another factor Broncos players and coaches talked about this week before Saturday night’s AFC divisional playoff game versus New England at Invesco Field at Mile High.
The crowd.
“We really need the fans in that game,” coach Mike Shana- han said. “It can be a huge advantage for us. We really expect a loud crowd.”
Shanahan’s sentiments were echoed by his players all week. A raucous crowd is expected in Denver’s first home playoff game in seven years and the first in the five-season history of the stadium.
The Broncos went 8-0 at home this season for the fifth time in team history and the first time at Invesco Field. Denver and Seattle were the only teams to go undefeated at home, and both teams carry a 10-game home winning streak into the weekend.
“The fans can be a big factor for us,” Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said. “To have a home playoff game can be a real advantage. We really need them to be loud, and I think they will be.”
The franchise will place orange pompoms on every seat and hang several playoff banners and markers in the stadium, said executive vice president of business operations Joe Ellis. He said the team doesn’t need to manufacture excitement for this game.
“Our fans have been waiting seven years for this,” Ellis said. “We expect them to bring their ‘A’ game, and we expect our team to bring their ‘A’ game.”
The team encourages fans to consider public transportation and to arrive at the stadium early. All stadium parking lots will open for cash and permit parking at 10 a.m., and all stadium gates open at 4 p.m. Kickoff is set for 6:15 p.m.
The Broncos announced Thursday morning that the Patriots returned 225 tickets for the game. Many of those tickets were sold Thursday, but some may still be available at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone and through online sales at www.ticketmaster.com.
Ferentz withdraws
Further strengthening the chances Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak will be named the head coach of the Houston Texans are reports that Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has withdrawn his name from NFL consideration. The Texans, who interviewed Kubiak last Friday, have interviewed seven candidates and have no more interviews scheduled.
Kubiak can’t be interviewed or accept a job until the Broncos’ season is over. Kubiak interviewed with Detroit on Saturday, but the Lions are interviewing several other candidates.
Headed to Europe
The Broncos probably will send six or seven players to NFL Europe. They’ll likely allocate the players shortly after their season ends, mostly practice squad players or players signed to future contracts.
One active player who is a candidate is rookie tight end Wesley Duke. He made the roster despite not playing college football. He played basketball at Mercer in Georgia.
“If I go, I’ll work hard to get better,” Duke said. “I know I need to play more football, so going to Europe could help.”
Footnotes
Offensive tackle Dwayne Carswell is expected to be at Saturday’s game. He was lost for the season in October when he was injured in an auto accident. Carswell is expected to attempt a comeback next season. …
More media will cover this game than in any other in the five-season history of Invesco Field.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
