The Denver Broncos return from a bye week to host the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday. Here’s what you need to know for the Week 5 matchup:
INACTIVES
Linebacker Danny Trevathan, who missed the first four weeks with the a leg injury, and tight end Virgil Green are both active for Sunday’s game.
Running back C.J. Andreson, safety David Bruton (ankle), rookie receiver Cody Latimer, linebacker Lerentee McCray, guard Ben Garland, and tackles Michael Schofield and Mitch Unrein are all inactive.
GAME PLAN
When the Broncos run:
The Broncos’ running game , small sample size or not. The Broncos measure their success on their ability to log 4 yards on first down. That hasn’t happened. The Cardinals’ rush defense ranks fourth in the league, allowing 71.7 yards per game, which included a stifling of San Francisco’s Frank Gore. The Broncos’ ability to convert second and third-and-shorts will define whether they run well Sunday. Edge: Cardinals
When the Cardinals run:
Arizona relies heavily on its passing attack, using the run to keep defense’s from blitzing. Andre Ellington, a second-year back from Clemson, provides fair balance. He averages 4.5 yards per carry, and is a sneaky target out of the backfield (nine catches for 50 yards). Terrance Knighton presents a challenge for him. He’s playing the best football of his career. Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass:
Peyton Manning sits with eight touchdowns, one interception, and criticism that he hasn’t found his groove. Such is life after a 55-touchdown season. Manning will encounter an Arizona defense stealing from Seattle’s blueprint. The Cardinals will challenge short routes, practically daring Denver to throw deep. Even with cornerback Patrick Peterson on the field, this represents a potential breakout game for slumping Demaryius Thomas. Peterson can’t guard Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and Wes Welker. Look for the Broncos to get slumping Demaryius Thomas going early. Edge: Broncos
When the Cardinals pass:
Arizona brings a little old-school flavor to its offense. The Cardinals take shots down field, going deep roughly eight times a game. Malcolm Floyd provides big play ability, and Larry Fitzgerald could be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. If Aqib Talib can neutralize either player, the Broncos will force backup Drew Stanton into tough decisions. Edge: Broncos
Special teams:
Denver was outclassed by the Seahawks. Or at least by punter Jon Ryan, who won NFL special teams player of the month for September. Brandon McManus hasn’t shown he can kick a long field goal in the clutch, but his kickoffs and potential were enough to help convince the Broncos to . McManus insists he’s ready to deliver. Until he does, Broncos fans will pan the decision given Prater’s reliability the last three seasons. The Cardinals feature dangerous return man Ted Ginn Jr., and kicker Chandler Catanzaro has converted all nine attempts. Edge: Cardinals
SCOUTING REPORT
1. Throw the ball
The running game represents a big picture issue. The Broncos lost the Super Bowl when they became one dimensional. Through three games the ground game remains ineffective, and was “terrible” against Seattle as offensive coordinator Adam Gase put it. The Cardinals are stout up front. Let Peyton Manning soften Arizona underneath with Wes Welker and Julius Thomas before going deep to Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders.
2. Neutralize Floyd
Sounds strange even suggesting that stopping Larry Fitzgerald is not a top priority. Receiver Malcolm Floyd has four plays for more than 20 yards this season, and leads the league in yards per catch. Preventing explosive plays from him holds the key to making backup quarterback Drew Stanton predictable. Fitzgerald will get his catches, but keeping Floyd out of the end zone could determine the game’s outcome.
3. Play 60 minutes
The Broncos have been a story of halve and halve nots. They’ve yet to play a complete game on either side of the ball. The Cardinals are an ideal challenge, a team willing to go toe-to-toe for four quarters on the Broncos’ turf. The Denver defense has yet to produce takeaways at the rate envisioned. Linebacker Danny Trevathan’s return creates energy and opportunity for big plays. An early turnover always changes a road team’s game plan in Denver.
