What do all the League injuries mean to Denver?

As more news filters out today as it has the last two days, the NFL is concerned about the injuries. In fairness, I should say they are really just concerned about Brady, but it's not good for the League or the Teams that have lost players. The only advantage that can come from it, is of course the teams that don't have to face key starters of the opposition. It could be said that the healthy team has the advantage or that the team with significant injuries is at a disadvantage. Either way, when a teams key player(s) goes down, so can the Win column.

The next six teams on Denvers schedule all have impact players that went down with injuries in week one. I hope to cause some discussion on this thread about the impact it can have in Denvers favor - barring any Bronco injuries. These injuries are all known prior to the official injury report that Teams must release later on in the week.

Week 2 / San Diego

We all know that Shawn Merriman is out for the season. No doubt this will hurt the Chargers pass rush. Antonio Gates was injured (thigh) and LT jammed his toe on his last run before he left the game. These two injuries may not make a difference this Sunday, but the absence of Merriman is huge.

Week 3 / New Orleans

Marques Colston is out 4-6 weeks with a torn ligament in his left thumb. Colston is the #1 go to wide receiver for the Saints. This must certainly help the Broncos in the secondary having not to deal with him.

Week 4 / @ Kansas City

It looks like Brodie Coyle is out for at least several weeks with a separated shoulder. Can he return within 18 days to play Denver? This injury may not have as much impact with Damon Huard at the stern, but he is their starting QB, and that will always impact a team.

Week 5 / Tampa Bay

While this seems significant right now, it may not effect the play of Garcia with a sprained ankle come 25 days from now. The Garcia injury is minor, but Derrick Brooks the Defensive Leader may be out due to an ongoing hamstring issue. We'll have to wait and see how he recovers within the next three weeks.

Week 6 / Jacksonville

What can I say? The Jags came in and beat Denver last year with a tough running game, but this weekend they looked bad against the Titans defense. As it turns out, they are missing all but one starter on the Offensive Line. Two more starters are out for the season. The Tackles are so beat up, that the Jags are trying to find help anywhere they can. They aren't just missing talent, they need bodies too. This will dampen their running game, quite possible the whole season. I predicted the Jags to make the playoffs, but now - all bets are off. Don't expect the same team you saw here last year.

Week 7 / @ New England

By now everybody knows that Tom Brady is out for the Season. This bodes well for any team that plays them. People have said "yes, but they are so talented, it won't matter that much" (Wanna bet?) Superman Brady is by far the biggest reason for this teams success. The defense is old and the players rally around Brady, and in some cases over-achieved. Brady could make things happen that can't be duplicated by Cassel. As far as Denver is concerned, they have always had the Pats number, and without Brady, I believe New England will be heading South. Don't bet on New England come Oct 20th.

via www.latimes.com