Denver at St. Louis
11 a.m., Edward Jones Dome, KCNC-4
KOA 850 AM and KBNO 1280 AM (Spanish)
Latest line: Denver by 4
GAME ONE
No repeat, please
The Broncos are healthy going into the season, just as they were last year. They played well in the preseason, just as they did last year. They feel great heading into the opener, just as they did last year. Could trouble be brewing on opening day, just as it did last year?
“You may be feeling good and looking good, but when the season starts, that’s when it counts,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. “You have to take it to the field.”
Last season, the Broncos went into the season opener with high hopes – and fell apart in the Miami heat, 34-10.
The Broncos hope their season opens with a better result at St. Louis. Like the Dolphins last year, the Rams are coming off a poor season and are starting a new coaching era. Scott Linehan, Miami’s offensive coordinator last season, begins his head coaching career today.
STRATEGY
Quiet the crowd
If the Rams, young and inexperienced on both sides of the ball, have any advantage, it’s their dome stadium. This place gets noisy. The Broncos lost 41-36 in St. Louis to start the 2000 season.
Denver must take the fans out of the game. If the Rams take a two-
score lead, the Broncos will be in trouble. The St. Louis fans are waiting to get loud and help start the Scott Linehan era the right way. If the underdog Rams start fast, the crowd will be a major factor. Denver must score in the first quarter and establish itself.
RUN, BABY, RUN
Ground gamers
Running the ball is the Broncos’ way, but it is especially important in this game. Once again, the Broncos are starting a new era in this department. It likely will be running backs-by-committee: rookie Mike Bell, third-year player Tatum Bell and perhaps former practice-squad player Cedric Cobbs.
Coach Mike Shanahan has declined to name his starting tailback, but it’s clear Mike Bell will get a lot of action today. He started all four preseason games and looked sharp.
If the Broncos get some long drives early, the passing game will open up and the Broncos can dicate the game.
BRING THE PRESSURE
Get after Bulger
The Rams’ only chance to win is with the passing game. Receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt can make plays, and coach Scott Linehan is an aerial-game expert.
The Broncos must pressure Marc Bulger. Although an accurate passer, he is not very mobile and can be harassed into mistakes. Denver’s pass rush created havoc at times last season, but registered just 28 sacks. If the Broncos are to start the season with a road victory, the defensive front must put consistent pressure on Bulger.
