So what do I think of the Broncos’ chances Sunday at Indy?
How ’bout them Rockies!
The Colts, on the off chance you’ve been vacationing in Afghanistan, never have been a good matchup for the Broncos. Or maybe you’ve forgotten those two playoff blowouts — combined halftime score: 66-6 — after the 2003 and 2004 seasons.
Those losses are ancient history, what with the Broncos having turned over most of their roster since the back-to-back defeats. Of the 22 starters whose 2004 season ended at Indy, 17 are gone, including quarterback Jake Plummer.
The obvious question: Will all those new faces make for some new results? Sorry, but I can’t make a case for the Broncos, a promising team, no doubt, but a team in transition.
I have no doubt the Broncos will play hard after their embarrassing performance Sunday at Invesco Field at Mile High, but they’re not about to beat the Colts. Not with Peyton Manning, whose name is in the conversation for the greatest player in NFL history, under center.
Question is, what then? The Colts are just the start of what could be the toughest four-game stretch any team in the league will face this season. After Indy, the Broncos play San Diego, Pittsburgh and Green Bay. Two of the three are 3-0, as are the Colts, and the other finished 14-2 in 2006.
The good news is that all three of the latter games are in Denver. Or is it good news?
Know this about the Broncos: Until they regain their confidence at home, where their advantage has been unmatched in recent NFL history, they aren’t going anywhere.
They need to blow somebody out at home. They need to force some turnovers. They need to get a lead and increase it, not fumble it away, as has been their M.O. since the middle of last season.
They need to show they can do it. They need to show their fans, but, more important, they need to show themselves.
If they do, we can talk playoffs. Until then, it’s just wishful thinking.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s Broncos commentaries every weekday on The Jimmy Page at 7 a.m. and noon. And read his Third & Short column on Sundays and the day after Broncos games.
Staff writer Jim Armstrong can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
