Denver Broncos Not As Explosive, But Detroit Lions Still Need To Beware
By Danny Cox
The Detroit Lions have got to get off the skid they're currently on or else they're going to end up 0-3 before they realize it. It's not going to become any easier, either, as Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos are coming to town for Sunday Night Football, and it's going to be a big-time battle.
Season Record
The Denver Broncos are 2-0 and it isn't like those victories came over slouch teams - they came against the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. Still, the Broncos did not end up blowing out either one of them as they defeated the Ravens by six points and the Chiefs by just seven, thanks to some last minute heroics.
Denver Broncos on Offense
Obviously, Peyton Manning is who the Lions need to keep their focus on more than anyone else as the passing game of the Broncos is their focus. Through two games, Manning has thrown for 431 yards while the running game only has a combined 130 yards. If there is a way for the Lions to keep on Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, it will force the Broncos to rely on their weak rushing attack.
Denver Broncos on Defense
Defensively, the Broncos are strong in different areas, but also have weaknesses mixed in with them. Danny Trevathan monitors the middle of the field well and DeMarcus Ware has a great pass rush, but it can be stopped. The Detroit Lions have to stay away from throwing toward Aqib Talib, and if they do that, then they can get behind the secondary for some big plays.
Broncos's Players to Watch
The Broncos have lost a good bit of fire in their offense with the running game being almost obsolete and the loss of Julius Thomas hurting the passing attack. Detroit can focus their attention on Manning, Thomas, and Sanders and virtually shut down an offense that doesn't look nearly as strong as it has the past few years.
If the Lions can stop that trio, then it's very possible to stop the Broncos from running up the score. Not allowing Manning to control the game is the key point for Detroit.
OutlookAs outmatched as the Detroit Lions have looked in the first two games of the season, a win in this upcoming game against the Denver Broncos is not unreachable. The Broncos are truly flawed this season and not looking like the preseason Super Bowl favorites they once were, and that is how the Lions can exploit their weaknesses and pick up a victory.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
