Denver at Arizona
2:05 p.m, U. of Phoenix Stadium
KCNC-4, KOA 850 AM and KBNO 1280 AM (Spanish)
Latest line: Broncos by 2 1/2
OVERVIEW
Rookies at helm
Remember way back on the final day of August when Jay Cutler vs. Matt Leinart was an entertaining way to end the preseason?
The two put on a great show and provided excitement in a final preseason game. The rookie quarterback battle was supposed to be a preview of great matchups down the road. It wasn’t supposed to be a preview of a must- win game for the Broncos.
Reeling with a four-game losing streak, the Broncos need to beat the 4-9 Cardinals to remain a serious AFC playoff contender. Whereas Cutler showed progress in his second start, Leinart has been outstanding for the Cardinals, who suddenly are on a mini-roll.
COME TOGETHER, RIGHT NOW
Revive defense
Cornerback Darrent Williams set the tone when he said he thinks some of his teammates might be ready to hang it up. Perhaps Williams will fire up what appears to be a tired group. With the offense coming to life, the defense, which carried the team early, is faltering. It needs a fast turnaround.
CONTINUE THE CHEMISTRY
Spread the wealth
Jay Cutler had a nice thing going in the third quarter at San Diego last Sunday when Denver outscored the Chargers 17-0. Cutler found veteran and young receivers alike. While Cutler must depend on veteran receivers Javon Walker and Rod Smith, he needs to continue to lean on the rookies he worked with in the preseason and in practice when he was the backup.
Cutler hit fellow rookie Tony Scheffler three times in the third quarter, twice for touchdowns. Rookie receiver Brandon Marshall, the No. 3 receiver, also is getting into the mix. Cutler needs to find all of his receivers today, not only to beat the Cards but to further establish chemistry.
STOP THE EDGE
Cool James off
One of the reasons Arizona’s offense is improved is because running back Edgerrin James suddenly has gotten hot. He is coming off back-to-back 100-
yard games. After playing a four-game stretch against top backs, it may not get easier.
“We have to stop Edge,” defensive tackle Gerard Warren said. “We’ve got to get back to the fundamentals of stopping the run.”
