Preparing for the Eagles

Losing is never fun, especially when it comes from a team that should have been beat.  The Raiders obviously fit this category and the loss is worse because they are the Broncos' rivals.  Upheaval always enters my mind once the Broncos lose.  It's like a storm wonders its way into my head, but instead of rain, it's bad thoughts about the team falling from the sky.  I try to figure out why Denver lost, and when I can't find an answer, the storm transforms into a hurricane.  Then I go to MHR and I feel better; I don't know what I would do if it wasn't for the intelligent analysis from all the staff and members.

After reading a few posts, I've realized that we lost on account of our offense's performance.  Red zone efficiency also had it's effect on the team, as well as the short yardage situations.  I used to believe that short yardage problem could be fixed if Peyton Hillis was subbed in for Moreno, but now I realize that the interior offensive line is terrible.  The type of offense that Denver runs makes it necessary to have a strong interior line.  A series for this offense should look like: 1st & 10...2nd & 7...3rd & 3...then they convert the third down.  The offense needs to stay on schedule (another fact I've learned by reading posts here at MHR).  Taking a sack or any negative play throws the offense out of rhythm and off schedule.  Once the offense gets to the "3rd & 3" stage, the interior offensive line becomes an extremely important factor.  Since the Broncos' interior offensive line is bad, drives tend to stall in these situations.  Something tells me that Denver will be drafting a few gaurds this April (I've already been looking at gaurds for next year's draft).

I mentioned earlier that the offense needs to stay on schedule.  They can't afford to take negative plays, or else they could be forced into third and long situations, making life more difficult on the offense.  This team needs to do better on first and second down.  They cannot let the opposing defense get to the ball-carrier for a loss.  This is especially true in the red zone.

Okay, now onto next week's game against the Eagles.

Going into Philadelphia isn't going to be easy.  On defense, shutting down the run is absolutely essential if this team wants to win.  If the Eagles can't run the ball, they'll be forced to pass which is the defense's strength.  After watching a few Eagles' highlights throughout this year, one thing caught my attention...Donovan McNabb's ability to run the ball.  If a receiver isn't open down field, McNabb will run the ball.  Denver is going to have to keep a spy on McNabb if they're going to shut down Philly's offense.

DeSean Jackson is a deep threat.  Our corners are going to need all the help they can get from the safeties.  Going with man coverage probably isn't the best idea, unless a safety is dropped back in coverage (another thing I noticed while watching the Eagles' highlights).  McNabb picks man coverage apart, resulting in big gains.  To counter Philly's deep attack, they should use zone blitzes in order to get pressure on McNabb, resulting in either a sack or an interception. 

Philadelphia also bases their passing game off of how well they run the ball.  They use play actions to fool the safeties and if they have a receiver open deep, McNabb will go to him.  If he isn't open, McNabb can tuck and run.  If Denver shuts their running game down, the defense will less likely be drawn into the play fake.

To sum up my keys to the game...

1)  Shut down the Eagles' rushing attack.

2)  Get pressure on Donovan McNabb and force him into making mistakes.

3)  Don't let DeSean Jackson get open down field (or don't let him get open AT ALL).

This is an extremely important game.  Denver will be playing like a desperate team, but the Eagles also have to fight for the play-offs.  They are 1st in their division, but with Dallas and New York close behind, they can't afford to take any chances.  Oh, and of course, this is the homecoming for Brian Dawkins, so the Philly fans will be a little emotional.  Denver needs to take advantage of that sad emotion, and turn it into points.  This is it Bronco Maniacs!  Denver actually has a chance to clinch the wild card spot IF...

Denver wins AND Jacksonville loses or ties AND Miami loses or ties AND New York Jets lose or tie AND Pittsburgh loses or ties.

It's a bit of a stretch, but hey, anything can happen.  Jacksonville is @ New England...Miami is playing home vs. the Texans...New York Jets are @ Indy...and Pittsburgh is home against the Ravens.  Let's just win against Philly and see what happens.