GAME PLAN
WHEN THE CARDINALS RUN
Third time’s a charm, right? After two weeks of disastrous run defense against the Jets (323 yards allowed) and Rams (270), the Broncos take on the league’s lowest-producing rush game (62 yards/game) in Arizona. The best outing for Cardinals’ running back : 71 yards rushing against Seattle. Plus, the offensive line has been hit with several injuries. Denver excelled at stopping the run over its first three games, which proves the unit can thrive, but with little recent results to back it up. The Broncos are a narrow favorite to make it happen this week. Edge: Broncos
WHEN THE CARDINALS PASS
Arizona waited only three games to pull the plug on journeyman quarterback for rookie , picked No. 10 overall after Arizona moved up from No. 15, to begin a new era of football in the desert. It hasn’t been too pretty so far: 50-of-90 passing for 626 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and a 1-2 record as a starter. But a rookie quarterback cooked Denver in Week 5 (Jets’ ), veteran cornerback Adam Jones (thigh) remains on the mend and the Broncos’ coverage issues remain unsolved. Rosen is bound to slip up, but don’t be surprised when he racks up yards. Edge: Broncos
WHEN THE BRONCOS RUN
Running backs and combined for only 13 carries against the Rams in yet another display of offensive imbalance due to a late-game comeback effort reliant on the pass. But the only team worst against the rush than the Broncos are the Cardinals (151.2), suggesting a big day for Denver’s rookie duo. Should Freeman exceed 15 touches, with plenty of fourth-quarter runs, the Broncos project to be in good shape. Edge: Broncos
WHEN THE BRONCOS PASS
Quarterback Case Keenum has posted quarterback ratings of 95 and 91.7 in his last two outings, his best marks over six weeks as the Broncos’ starter, but with still much to be desired. Keenum has thrown at least one interception in every game and his total picks (8) almost equal his total passing touchdowns (9). Arizona features the NFL’s interceptions leader, safety Tre Boston (3), and seven-time cornerback Patrick Peterson. The Cardinals rank No. 12 in the NFL against the pass (243.2 yards/game). Edge: Cardinals
SPECIAL TEAMS
is one of just three NFL kickers still perfect on field goals and extra points. Arizona’s Phil Dawson has hit just two-of-four attempts. Both coverage units feature ace linebackers with Cardinals’ Zeke Turner leading the league in special teams tackles (8) and Jones trailing just behind (7). Edge: Broncos
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1. Body language. The Broncos’ locker room has done its best to remain united through the pitfalls of four losses in a row. How long will that last if things go south in Arizona? Keep an eye on the Denver sideline. The Broncos must stay composed through adversity for any hopes of re-entering the playoff conversation. That responsibility falls upon the leadership of veterans such as cornerback and wide receiver .
2. The Vonster. Broncos’ edge rusher is done talking nice. He snapped his sack drought against the Rams (1.5), but a losing streak has Denver’s most dominant talent popping off. On the Cardinals, he said, “We’re going to kick their (butt).” It’s the sort of tough talk that requires an equally aggressive mindset Thursday night on the field. Miller is bound to be destructive.
3. Dime defense. Coach Vance Joseph says much of Denver’s run-stop issues occurred in Dime sets, with six defensive backs on the field, in failing to corral rushers who break contain. Joseph won’t say whether changes within the scheme will take place, or if Denver will simply use the formation less, but the Broncos can’t do the same thing and expect different results.
INJURY REPORT
Broncos: Adam Jones, CB; Ron Leary, OG; Shane Ray, OLB; Dymonte Thomas, S; Jared Veldheer, OT (Out).
Cardinals: Tre Boston, S; Mike Iupati, OG; Jeremy Vujnovich, OG (Out). Jamar Taylor, CB; Justin Pugh, OG (Questionable).
STAFF PREDICTIONS
Mark Kiszla: Broncos 23, Cardinals 10Von Miller kicks butt, takes names. Angry Vonster is dope.
Record: 5-1
Ryan O’Halloran: Broncos 24, Cardinals 14
The Broncos travel to the desert with one thing going for them: Arizona’s offense is terrible.
Record: 4-2
Kyle Fredrickson: Broncos 21, Cardinals 17
Quarterback Case Keenum stays interception free and the defense receives a serious morale boost.
Record: 5-1
