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Horse Tracks - Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals, 7 questions

Good Morning Broncos Country!

Steve Dykes

Who will catch Peyton Manning's 500th pass?

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How will the return of Virgil Green affect the offense?

Before Peyton Manning audibled into a run up the middle for Virgil Green, the use of 12 personnel was quite successful in creating matchups outside with the Seattle Seahawk secondary. Not only that, but the Bronco running game is overall more successful when the Broncos run out of their two-TE look. Will the Broncos attempt to get back to this style of play or will their 3-wide personnel dominate on Sunday?

Will the offensive line see some shuffling if the running game continues to struggle?

It was reported that during the bye week the Broncos experimented with some changes along the offensive line to see if some new configurations would help provide some better running lanes for Montee Ball and the stable of running backs. What we don't know is exactly what changes were made and if they were on a tryout basis only.

How will the return of Danny Trevathan affect the defense?

Brandon Marshall has done an admirable job substituting for Danny Trevathan. He's still given up 18 receptions on 24 targets for 163 yards and a touchdown (with 1 PD). Perhaps the biggest difference between the two players is speed and that shows up in the YAC column for Marshall as his receptions have have accumulated 84% of it's yardage from YAC. From a coverage standpoint can the Broncos defense close the YAC gap, and will the better coverage man provide more opportunities for the Broncos defense and Jack Del Rio to blitz more often than it has?

How will our secondary match up with the talented Cardinal receiving Corps?

Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, and rookie John Brown have combined for 30 receptions, 469 yards and 3 touchdowns. Michael Floyd has played the deep threat role in the offense with 11 grabs for 252 yards and an astounding 22.9 yard per average.

Can the Broncos pass rush rattle backup Drew Stanton?

Stanton is an average guy with some decent mobility. He's not going to run like a Russell Wilson but he moves well enough in the pocket to buy time and he will take off if he sees open field. The offensive line has not done a good job protection Stanton as he's been pressured on 14 of his 19 dropbacks. His time to throw on the season is 2.56 seconds.

Can the kicking game neutralize Ted Ginn Jr.?

Ginn Jr. has already logged a 71 yard punt return TD on the season. For his career, Ginn averages about 11.5 yards per punt return and about 23.1 yards per kick return.

My Prediction

Broncos 27 Cardinals 17

Horse Tracks

Broncos Q&A: Juwan Thompson comes wrapped as Duke's gift to Denver - The Denver Post
Juwan Thompson down last week and talked Duke, the Mannings and autographs with The Denver Post

Defensive linemen Malik Jackson and Marvin Austin share heartache after losing their fathers - The Denver Post
The Broncos' defensive line - ordinarily, a rowdy, chatty group - was rocked with sorrow this season as the fathers of Jackson and Austin died within three weeks of each other at shockingly young ages.

Breaking down the Cardinals defense
Arizona disguises its pressure and brings it from all angles. But will that be enough against the quick-tossing Peyton Manning?

Broncos-Cardinals: Three Keys
The Cardinals have found a winning formula in breaking to a 3-0 start. The Broncos will try to take it away.

Broncos, Pat Bowlen take 2014 team photo]
Owner Pat Bowlen and the Broncos posed for the team's official 2014 team photo Saturday morning at Dove Valley.

Cardinals prepared for a 'statement game' vs. Broncos - NFL.com

The Arizona Cardinals are 3-0 and travel to face the Denver Broncos Sunday. Linebacker Larry Foote and receiver Larry Fitzgerald know this is a game for the Cards to make a big statement.

Cardinals prepared for a 'statement game' vs. Broncos - NFL.com
The Arizona Cardinals are 3-0 and travel to face the Denver Broncos Sunday. Linebacker Larry Foote and receiver Larry Fitzgerald know this is a game for the Cards to make a big statement.

GO BRONCOS!!!