Indianapolis at Denver
2:15 p.m., Invesco Field at Mile High
KCNC-4, KOA 850 AM and KBNO 1280 AM (Spanish)
Latest line: Broncos by 3
OVERVIEW
Drawing a bead
Monday morning, the NFL should have a better feel for Denver. The Broncos are 5-1 today, one of the league’s better teams with a record built on victories against some quality teams. However, tomorrow the read on this team will be clearer. Denver will either be considered a serious Super Bowl threat, or it will be looked at as a team with more work to do.
That’s what happens when you play a team that knocked you out of the playoffs two of the past three seasons. That’s what happens when you play a 6-0 team. Impressions are made, win or lose.
“We’ve been waiting for this game,” Denver cornerback Darrent Williams said. “We know a lot of people will be looking at this game.”
It’ll be particularly interesting to see how the defense handles Indianapolis. Indianapolis tallied 90 points in two games in knocking Denver out of the playoffs in 2003 and 2004. So the Broncos addressed their pass defense and probably will not allow the Colts 40-plus points this time. haven’t played the Colts, so Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning doesn’t know much about them. These cornerbacks must team with Champ Bailey and make Manning earn everything he gets. Safety Sam Brandon will often be on tight end Dallas Clark, who has been a big weapon against Denver. Brandon has been great against tight ends.
FRUSTRATE PEYTON
Shut down TE Clark
Williams and nickel cornerback Domonique Foxworth haven’t played the Colts, so Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning doesn’t know much about them. These cornerbacks must team with Champ Bailey and make Manning earn everything he gets. Safety Sam Brandon will often be on tight end Dallas Clark, who has been a big weapon against Denver. Brandon has been great against tight ends.
STOP FREENEY
Calling left tackles
This is not a good game for Matt Lepsis to be on the sideline, but he is out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The Broncos’ options at left tackle include Erik Pears, Cooper Carlisle and Adam Meadows. If Carlisle moves from right guard, rookie Chris Kuper likely would start there. Or the Broncos could use a rotation. Whoever lines up at left tackle will have to go against sack star Dwight Freeney. This will further challenge Denver’s offense, which has enough struggles to start with.
JAM IT DOWN THEIR THROATS
It’s Tatum time
The Indianapolis defense is down, especially the run defense. It is allowing 5.2 yards per rush, worst in the NFL. That means it is particularly important for running back Tatum Bell to dictate this game, especially because the passing game could struggle again with Lepsis out. Plus, if Bell can establish a stalwart running game, it will eat the clock and keep Peyton Manning off the field.
