The first half of the Broncos’ season was validated and the outlook for the second half was made more comfortable with a victory at Pittsburgh.
“Huge difference. Huge,” Broncos safety John Lynch said Sunday as he headed to the bus to begin the victorious trip home, completing the first half of the season 6-2 on the steam of a 31-20 victory.
Heading into that game, the Broncos suddenly were feeling the heat after losing at home to Indianapolis the previous week. The Colts took the edge for home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs, and the Broncos’ fantastic 5-1 start was in jeopardy of turning into 5-3 on the road against the defending Super Bowl champions.
The Broncos came up huge at 6-2. Duplicate a 6-2 start in the second half, and simple math gives you a big-time 12-4 season. Duplicate a 5-3 start and 10-6 will guarantee you nothing.
“We started off well. We feel good about 6-2,” Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said. “If we can do it again, we’ll really like where we are at.”
Heading into the second half of the season, which begins Sunday at Oakland (2-6), here are 10 keys for the Broncos to make a legitimate run at a Super Bowl berth:
1. Keep it up, Jake
The Broncos need Jake Plummer to be good. Sure, the Broncos won through Plummer’s horrendous early stretch, but they will have a better shot if their quarterback can continue his recent success.
For the past three games, Plummer has been strong and in control. He has awakened the Broncos offense, which has scored 62 points in the past two games. Plummer is rolling out more and seems much more comfortable. In the past two games, Plummer has thrown four touchdowns and no interceptions. With more of the same, the Broncos will have a chance to win every game.
2. Ride Walker
The Broncos were so desperate for a playmaker in the offseason they even explored the idea of going after Terrell Owens. The Broncos ended up with a receiver as good as T.O., but without the attached headaches: Javon Walker.
Acquired from Green Bay for a second-round pick on draft day, Walker has 39 catches and five touchdowns and is Denver’s best offensive weapon. When a big play is needed, Walker is there, which was evident when he scored three touchdowns against the Steelers. Walker said last month he could be the solution to Denver’s slow start on offense and he was right.
“Javon Walker is as advertised,” Bowlen said. “He is a spectacular player.”
3. Ride Champ
Champ Bailey is the defense’s version of Walker, the best playmaker on that side of the ball.
The star left cornerback essentially shuts down one side of the field. Teams stay away from Bailey most of the time, but he still has found a way to get five interceptions in the past five games. In addition to his prowess against the pass, Bailey is mind-bogglingly good against the run.
This is one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Given the chance by daring offenses, Bailey will win Broncos games by himself.
4. Beat the Chargers
Yes, the Broncos must take these final eight games “one at a time,” but it would be foolish to discount the significance of the two remaining games with San Diego.
The Broncos and Chargers are tied for first place in the AFC West and play twice in four games – Nov. 19 at Denver and Dec. 10 at San Diego. If Denver wins both games, it will be in control. If they split, they still could be in good shape. Beating the Chargers next week would set up the rest of the season.
5. Avoid the training room
Injuries are starting to pile up. It isn’t an emergency situation – yet. But the Broncos can’t afford too many other injuries. Key players Matt Lepsis, Courtney Brown and Sam Brandon already are out for the season.
Six of the 11 defensive starters are listed as questionable for the Oakland game. Linebacker Ian Gold and defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban could miss a game or two.
6. Ring the Bells
Tatum Bell must get healthy and Mike Bell needs to continue moving in the right direction.
Tatum Bell appears to be getting over his turf toe injuries and likely will be the starter when he’s 100 percent. Mike Bell, an undrafted rookie, continues to get the hang of the NFL. The Broncos need both to make an impact the rest of the season, but don’t be surprised if big back Cedric Cobbs gets into the mix.
7. Tighten the pass defense
After playing great for the first six games of the season, the Denver defense has been successfully attacked the past two weeks. Peyton Manning did what he wanted two weeks ago. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for more than 400 yards, but five forced turnovers by Denver’s defense made up for it.
This defense tightens when it needs to and makes big plays, but teams will attack it through the air. Denver must stop the bleeding before big problems arise.
“It’s something that has to be worked on,” defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. “It will be addressed.”
8. Sack, Elvis, sack
Rookie defensive end Elvis Dumervil can help the Broncos’ pass defense. The fourth-round pick has burst on the scene and has six sacks in the past four games. If Dumervil can continue to be a sack force this will open up the entire defense and give Denver a dimension it has been missing in recent seasons.
9. Rookies stepping up
While the offense is coming alive, rookie skill players Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler need to help more. The two have had flashes, but have been slow to produce. Expect both to get chances to make big plays down the stretch. If they come through, it adds a valuable dimension to the unit.
“They’ve got to obviously guard against getting tired as the season goes along because it’s different than a college season,” Plummer said. “But the guys we have are finally learning what to expect each week and how to study and prepare.”
10. Ripening of Pears
First-year left tackle Erik Pears has been an unsung hero since taking over for Lepsis 11 quarters ago. The Colorado State product has been outstanding, making his NFL debut when Lepsis was injured. Pears must continue improving. Left tackle is vital and Pears can’t afford to be a weak link if this team is going to make a serious Super Bowl run.
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
