Twelve things about the Broncos entering Sunday’s game against Washington:
1. Washington’s defense ranks 29th in yards (406.0) and last in passing yards (300.6) and has allowed the most points (30.0) per game. Considering that, coach Ron Rivera should follow Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski’s lead from last week. If he wins the coin toss, take the football.
2. Stefanski, with a backup quarterback (Case Keenum) and third-string running back (D’Ernest Johnson), took control of the game with a five-play, 75-yard drive. Just like that, the Broncos trailed 7-0.
3. “Thatap obviously a statement we talked about,” Broncos’ safety Justin Simmons said. “If a team decides to take the ball, thatap obviously a show of, ‘OK, we need to take advantage of the fact that team hasn’t been able to start fast.’ Thatap just a shot at what you’re doing. You’ve got to take it personally and be upset about it.”
4. The Broncos’ defense has allowed opening-drive touchdowns in three consecutive games and four of seven this year. The defense has many issues (one takeaway in the last four games is high on the list), but so are long drives. Drives of at least 75 yards in Weeks 1-3 — Two. Drives of at least 75 yards in Weeks 4-7 — Nine.
5. Halftime deficits the Broncos have faced during the past four games: 17-7 vs. Baltimore, 17-6 at Pittsburgh, 17-7 vs. Las Vegas and 10-0 at Cleveland.
6. Is receiver coach Zach Azzanni seeing weekly steps from Courtland Sutton (38 catches-539 yards-two touchdowns)? “Absolutely I do,” Azzanni said. “You can see the progression in him weekly, trying to get back to where he was (pre-ACL injury). Every week, being able to run a route a little bit cleaner or bend a little more or run a little bit better after the catch (improves). Thatap a testament to him and his mentality. The way he works is like no other.”
7. Washington at Broncos history: During WFT’s last two visits to Mile High, Mike Shanahan was on the sideline … but different sidelines. In 2005, Shanahan’s Broncos stopped a two-point conversion with 1:09 remaining for a 21-19 win. The starting quarterbacks were Mark Brunell and Jake Plummer. In 2013, Shanahan’s Washington club led 21-7 early in the third quarter, but the Broncos scored the final, gulp, 38 points in a 45-21 win. The starting quarterbacks were Robert Griffin III and Peyton Manning.
8. During my reporting on the Manning story that will appear in Sunday’s paper, he saluted the late Greg Knapp for his work in 2015. Knapp worked under Gary Kubiak with the Houston Texans and when Kubiak replaced John Fox, he retained Knapp as quarterbacks coach. Knapp died at 58 on July 22, days after the bicycle he was riding in California was struck by a vehicle.
9. I asked Manning about Knapp this summer prior to his passing. “Great guy,” Manning said. “Upbeat. Positive. Just a guy I enjoyed. Every day, he and I watched film together and were on the field together. Had your back. Was positive during the game. If things weren’t going well, he kept you upbeat and thinking about the next play.”
10. On Oct. 16, the Broncos officially unveiled the “Steve ‘Greek’ Antonopulos Athletic Training Room” at the team’s facility in Englewood. “Wow, very emotional,” he said during a phone interview last week. “I was very humbled by the whole thing and very honored. I could have never done it without the help of many. (The ceremony) was really a cool deal.”
11. Antonopulos retired in June after 45 years with the Broncos; he is the only person to be a Broncos employee during each of their eight Super Bowl appearances (three wins). Does Greek miss it? “You don’t do something for 45 years, stop doing it and not miss it,” he said. “I’ve missed a lot, but I have enjoyed and loved being with my family and my wife. Itap really been pretty cool. I never thought it would be as awesome as it is.”
12. Antonopulos developed a close relationship with Manning once No. 18 signed with the Broncos in March 2012 and wrapped up his rehabilitation from multiple neck surgeries. “His career was storybook,” Greek said. “The joy he brought to the Denver Broncos and his leadership; thatap the thing people may not understand is what a great, great, great leader he was. Players were doing things they wouldn’t normally do because of his leadership.”
