WEEK 2
Bailey to the rescue
Will cornerback Champ Bailey have to save the season today?
After the Broncos began the season with a sloppy, 18-10 loss at St. Louis, comparisons have harkened to 2005, when Denver opened with a 34-10 loss at Miami.
If those comparisons are to continue, the Broncos may have to rely on Bailey’s heroics again.
After the Broncos stumbled into halftime of their home opener against San Diego last season – outscored 48-13 through the first six quarters of the season – Bailey returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown that ignited his team, which stayed hot the rest of the 13-3 season.
The Broncos hope they won’t need a bailout play today. They should be poised to put a hurting on the Kansas City Chiefs, who will have veteran backup Damon Huard starting at quarterback. He replaces Trent Green, who suffered a concussion in Week 1 during the Chiefs’ 23-10 loss to Cincinnati. Huard hadn’t completed a pass since 2000 until he played for Green against the Bengals. The Chiefs’ once outstanding offensive line also is hurting, having allowed seven sacks last week.
KEEP THE BALL
Taking care of rock
The Broncos were fantastic most of last season at maintaining possession.
“You’re not going to win games if you don’t,” coach Mike Shanahan said.
The Broncos turned the ball over five times at St. Louis and four times while losing last season’s AFC championship game to Pittsburgh. Quarterback Jake Plummer committed eight of those turnovers. The Broncos must end that trend.
LOOK OUT FOR L.J.
Monster back
The Chiefs’ offensive plan will be to get Larry Johnson the ball. The star tailback gained 140 yards against Denver when the teams last met.
“He was a monster,” Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams said. “With Green out, he’s going to be coming at us.”
Expect the Broncos to put eight or nine players in the box to concentrate on stuffing Johnson and challenge Damon Huard to throw.
DON’T LET UP
Regaining old form
The Broncos need to feel good about themselves. They have to show everyone the game at St. Louis was a case of the offense merely being rusty. They must slap the Chiefs around.
