FanPost

Aussie Meanderings: Strength of Schedule? Its BS....PART 2.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the comments from yesterday's part 1. I have added KEY MATCH UPS to both PART 1 and to Part 2 here.

So check it out, and get back to me with comments.

Enjoy!

WEEK 9: vs CINCINNATI BENGALS.

QB - The FREAKING vs the RED RIFLE. I take Peyton Manning here. By week 9, he will be firing. Dalton is a good young QB but he is not yet in the same class as Peyton

Result: +

WR - The Bengals made some nice pick ups this off season, but they are simply not in the class or the depth of the WR corps of Denver. I like Green, Sanu has upside, but I take the WR's of Denver.

Result: +

RB - The running back stable for Cincinnati is solid, but not elite. This seems to be the hall mark of this Bengals team. A good solid all round team, but lacking any real explosion. I take the Denver RB's here in a slight one.

Result: +

TE - I like Gresham and Donald Lee. Solid players, with Gresham having some playmaking ability. There are just not many teams that match up to Dreesen and Tamme. Edge to Denver again.

Result: +

LT - I like Whitworth, and the O line for Cinci as a whole is solid. I think Clady is a class above though.

Result: +

Pass Rush - If there is one weakness I see in the Bengals team it is where are they bringing the pass rush from? They have consistent lunch pale style guys, but no real game changers in the pass rush. Denver has a large edge here.

Result: +

CB - Clements and Hall are good. Hall in particular is becoming one of the elite CB's in the NFL. But overall, you have to give Denver the edge again.

Result: +

KEY MATCH UPS -

  • An all round team effort: To beat the Bengals, all sides of the ball must work in unison. The Bengals are good, all round, well built team, and any slip up by either Offense, defense or ST will give the Bengals a sniff. Complementary football my friends!
  • Shutting down AJ Green: He is there playmaker. I like the way our DB's match up against the Bengals and give us the edge.

OVERALL RESULT: Denver win in a close one.

WEEK 10: vs CAROLINA PANTHERS

QB - Legend vs Young Gun. This brings a unique match up for Denver, as its the first and only time we face a QB who is a big threat on the ground and through the air. Of course, I think PFM is a class above Cam Newton now, but its going to require JDR to bring a good game plan to limit Newton on the ground.

Result: +

WR - Steve Smith is still one of the best in the NFL. La Fell has upside, and Louis Murphy is a good pick up and has done damage to the Bronco's before. Overall, I give the edge to Denver. We just have more play making ability.

Result: +

RB - I love what the Panthers has done with their offensive back field. Stewart, Williams and Tolbert are as good as it gets. Add the ability for Newton to run, and the outlets these 3 give him, Carolina has a clear advantage.

Result: -

TE - Greg Olson is good. A top 10 TE, but the depth after him is negligible. We shade the Panthers here with our depth.

Result: +

LT - Jordan Gross is one of the Top 5 LT's in the game. The O line as a whole is a well drilled unit and mixes it well in the trenches. Edge goes here to the Panthers. They are stacked all along the line.

Result: -

Pass rush - This was a weakness for the Panther's last year, and the improvements here are negligible. Its a clear advantage to the Denver Broncos.

Result: +

CB - The Panthers are solid, but hardly elite. Clear edge to Denver.

Result: +

KEY MATCH UPS:

  • Containing Cam Newton and making him throw: Containment by the Denver D is critical. This is a chess match type match up, and the front 7 is going to have to disciplined.
  • Score early and take away Carolina's running game: defensive integrity by our front 7, and an explosive start by the offense will help to take away Carolina's big advantages.

OVERALL RESULT - I give the win to Denver. Shut down Panther's running game, contain Newton is pocket are the keys.

WEEK 11: vs SAN DIEGO CHARGERS.

See week 6. WIN TO DENVER, especially with Denver at home.

WEEK 12: VS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

QB - The Freaking vs Matt Cassel. Who you going to take? Although I think Cassel will be improved, I take Peyton Manning every time.

Result: +

WR - This is a tough one to call. My feeling is Dwayne Bowe will be back, but it will it be from the start of the season, or will he just be back so he can accrue his season? Regardless, I am going to consider him back. i like Breaston as a #3 and Baldwin is developing. There is a drop off to Terrance Copper at the #4. Due to depth, I give a slight edge to Denver.

Result: +

RB - The Chiefs have a distinct edge here. Hillis and Charles are beastly, and the X factor for me is McCluster. Although listed as a WR on some depth charts, he is a RB, and brings so much to the Chiefs. Matt Cassel will lean heavily on these guys.

Result: -

TE - Maoki and Boss vs Dreesen and Tamme. Maoki has a ton of upside, but how well will he come back from injury? Boss is very under rated, and was a TE that I wanted Denver to acquire. I call this one a wash.

Result: =

LT - As far as comparing the LT's, Albert has been underwhelming as a LT, so I give Clady the edge BUT....the O line for the Chiefs has improved GREATLY as a whole. The pick up of Winston is HUGE for Kansas, and Albert did improve last year. I have to give the edge to KC.

Result: -

Pass Rush - No doubt in Tambi Hali the Chiefs have one of the elite pass rushers in the game. Houston showed flashes last year. But, to be honest, Jackson and Dorsey have been underwhelming, and Poe has MAD upside but HUGE question marks. The collective abilities of Von and Doom, and the depth Denver has gives the Broncos a slight edge.

Result: +

CB - Flowers is elite. Routt is over rated, but cant talk about the CB's with out speaking of Eric Berry who has CB range, and who KC use in unique ways. I call this one a wash. The DB's for KC are really good, but I think they will really miss Brandon Carr, and Routt will be found wanting this season. KC, your dream has come true...you now have your very own Andre Goodman!

Result: =

KEY MATCH UPS:

  • It will be won in the trenches: This will be a different style game for Denver. I see a knock 'em down, drag it out affair. Can we overcome the O Line of the Chiefs and open some lanes for Von and Doom?
  • Pressure Cassel: Matt Cassel gets flustered under pressure. Bring it, and he will struggle.
  • Fast start for Denver to take away the Chief's run game: The Chief's are not built for a shoot out. Matt Cassel has not shown the ability to win shoot outs. Denver needs to score quickly and often. The TE's will play a big part.
  • HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: Its hard to win at Arrowhead, and its the biggest home field advantage in the NFL.

Overall Result: These teams match up SO closely thats its hard to call. It will come down to PFM vs KC run game, and home field advantage will be key in both games. KC wins at Arrowhead, Denver wins at Mile High.

WEEK 13: vs TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

QB - Clear edge to Denver. I like Josh Freeman, plenty of potential but not in Peyton's league.

Result: +

WR - I like the WR corps of Tampa, especially with the acquisition of Vincent Jackson. Mike Williams is good already, and I liked Benn coming out of college. But overall, I like Denver's better. DT has the chance to be explosive than Vincent, Decker is better than Williams, and with Bubba and Stokley you have a WR corps thats hard to match.

Result: +

RB - I really like the back field of Tampa. I was big on Martin, and Blount has been a pleasant surprise the last 2 seasons. I just like the versatility that Denver has, and give them the slight edge again.

Result: +

TE - Dallas Clark is past his prime. Stocker is a nice player, but they dont compare to Tamme and Dreesen, plus the depth that Denver has behind these 2.

Result: +

LT - Clady shades Penn, but the overall strength of the O line as a unit I like Tampa better. The pick up on Carl Nicks was huge, and was a player at the top of my list for Denver.

Result: -

Pass Rush - There is nothing to fear from Tampa's pass rushing squad. McCoy has been a disappointment, and the front 7 just does not wow me. Advantage Denver.

Result: +

CB - Its interesting seeing the make up of the Tampa defensive back field. Barber has been moved to safety, with Talib and Wright manning the corners. Talib and Wright have upside, but dont compare to Denver,

Result: +

KEY MATCH UPS -

  • Stop the Tampa run game: Stop the run game, force Tampa to throw. Freeman can be pressured and is prone to throw interceptions. If Denver can score early and quickly it puts pressure on Tampa to chase. Vincent Jackson can be taken out of game, and Mike WIlliams and Arellious Benn cant win against Porter and Florence.

OVERALL RESULT - WIN for Denver.

WEEK 14: vs OAKLAND RAIDERS

See week 4. DENVER win.

WEEK 15: vs BALTIMORE RAVENS.

QB - I am a fan of Joe Flacco, and I expect him to be a lot closer to the PFM class than at seasons start. Slight edge to Denver, but VERY slight.

Result: +

WR - The trio of Bolden, Smith and Jones bring a lot to the table. Bolden is aging, but has the knack of the big play, and is very reliable. Torrey Smith has big play ability, as does Jacoby Jones. Denver has more depth, but I call this one a wash. I expect Smith to be one of elite WR in the NFL by season's end.

Result: =

RB - Ray Rice, Anthony Allen and Vontae Leech? Advantage Baltimore. They are a hard nosed backfield, with lots of versatility, and Rice is always a threat in pass game too.

Result: -

TE - Ed Dickson is developing, and Pitta has already been injured this pre-season. Veteran Bajama is solid, but Denver has a clear advantage here.

Result: +

LT - I am uninspired by McKinnie and Oher (although loved the movie Blindside). Denver has a clear advantage, not just at LT, but across the whole line.

Result: +

Pass Rush - With Suggs out, I see the pass rush as a bit of a question mark for the Ravens. Can Kruger and Kindle step up? Upshaw has already been injured in the pre-season. I see a lot of wrinkles being brought to make up for the absence of Suggs (and even if Suggs is playing, I cant see him being the player of old). I never thought I would say this, but I favor Denver purely in terms of pass rush. There is no better front 3 in the business than Ngata, Cody and Jones, but they will be working over time ALL season to bring pressure to the pocket. They will be wearing down by this stage of season.

Result: +

CB - You cant speak of the CB's in Baltimore without mentioning Ed Reed. He may play safety, but he is a free lancing master. Ladarius Webb is a developing player, and I quite like Cary Williams, but the depth that Denver has gives them the edge.

Result: +

KEY MATCH UPS -

  • Battle of the Trenches: The big question mark is can our O Line hold up against the front 7 of the Ravens. They are a tough, uncompromising bunch, and if they have our boys going backwards they will quickly turn us into a one dimensional pass first team. Going to be a hard task.
  • Stopping the run game: Ray Rice is a beast. Its a "pick your poison" question for Denver, as Flacco is no slouch in the pass game, but I like our match up better with our DB's vs the Raven's WR's. Ty and the boys need to be on it.

OVERALL RESULT - Denver's record at Baltimore is abysmal, and with the way I think the AFC North will be shaking out, Baltimore going to need this game. Although Denver matches up a lot better than previous years, home ground advantage will be HUGE. Baltimore WINS here.

WEEK 16: vs CLEVELAND BROWNS:

QB - Weeden or McCoy, I dont really care, THE FREAKING is just SO much better!

Result: +

WR - Paging Plaxico Burress, report to the Dog Pound please! Look, I am only joking, and I actually like Cleveland's WR's more than most. Gordon has upside, Masaquoi has some talent as does Little, but Denver is just plain better.

Result: +

RB - I expect Richardson to be a player. Hardesty is a little under rated, but I expect Hillman, and yes folks, read it here first, Moreno to be taking a bigger role now. A slight advantage to Denver.

Result: +

TE - The TE corps for the Browns are underwhelming. Watson is still a better than average TE, but they don't bring a whole lot of play making ability. Advantage Denver.

Result: +

LT - Joe Thomas is the best. Alex Mack damn good center. Overall, I like the Denver line better, but based on Joe Thomas alone I give the advantage to Cleveland.

Result: -

Pass Rush - Cleveland does not have a pass rush. They are a solid group, but no explosion. Denver clearly has a MASSIVE advantage here.

Result: +

CB - Joe Haden is good and will get better, but the rest of the backfield for the Browns is ordinary. Advantage Denver!

Result: +

KEY MATCH UPS -

  • Score early, put it away early: This needs to be a game that Denver puts away early. They cant go to sleep on the Browns, and, like the Carolina game, a classic trap game.
  • Dominate the trenches: Dont let the Browns assert any authority on the ground. Do this, and it should be an easy Denver win.

Overall Result: DENVER win.

WEEK 17: vs KANSAS CITY CHIEFS.

Please see week 12. DENVER wins due to home ground advantage.

CONCLUSION:

Based on this analysis, I have Denver going 13 -3/ 12 - 4. BUT...I think there are a couple of trap games out there, against Carolina and Cleveland. Denver needs to weather the first 8 weeks, and if they can get to 5-2/ 4-3 the late season sets up favorably.

In the west, it will be a 2 horse race between our Broncos and the Chiefs. The Chiefs season will be based on how well Cassel limits mistakes and does not take them out of games thru brain farts.

Overall, Denver matches up very well with most teams, with the Texans, Patriots and the Chiefs being the teams where it could go either way, or where Denver will struggle.

In the AFC West I see us going 5-1 (splitting with the Chiefs). I also see the Chiefs going 5-1, and would not surprise to see both of us go the play offs. We need to take back home field advantage at Mile High to set our season up, and make sure we take the road wins we need to take (San Diego, Oakland, Cincinnati, Carolina).

Hope you all enjoyed the read and would love to get your feedback.

Peace,

Boydy.

Hope you en

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR.