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Good morning, Broncos Country!
Much of the focus the last few days has been on the offense. Rightfully so.
The last two weeks, the Denver Broncos have been dreadful on that side of the ball, capped off by one of the worst offensive performances in recent memory on Thursday.
As Adam Malnati and I discussed on the Mile High Report Radio podcast, a recent trend has developed with this vaunted Denver defense that has become a major concern. For some reason this season, the Broncos allow first drives that turn into touchdowns. The defense has faced six game-opening drives, four ending with six points. What’s worse, all of them have been over 70 yards.
When you have an offense that isn’t very good and struggles to even get first downs, those early deficits are bigger than they appear. That 10-0 lead the San Diego Chargers had on Thursday may as well have been 20-0.
After the first quarter the Broncos are still one of the best defenses in the NFL, if not the best. But the first quarter problems have become a trend at this point and it needs to get fixed.
When you look at last season, this becomes even more perplexing. Through six games a season ago, the Denver defense didn’t allow a point in the first quarter. What has changed in that time?
This "mini bye" is the time to get the answer. Wade Phillips and his coaches will hopefully take the time to dive in and figure out what is going on when the games start. Is this on the Broncos’ side of things? Or do these offenses have the defense figured out?
An early 10-0 deficit had us in trouble again last night. That leads to a question in need of a quick answer.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 14, 2016
" https://t.co/tdXfWZY450 pic.twitter.com/yAmDzBmIse
One way Denver can offset this all-familiar occurrence is to take the ball to open the game. Put the offense on the field and try to set the pace that way. Of course with how this offense has looked, it would go three-and-out.
As Adam said, it appears the Broncos come out as the counter puncher. The problem with that is the team is back on its heels and then has to go for a knockout to have a chance. Come out from the start as the aggressor, as this defense did last season.
Put the opposition on its heels and give the momentum to the offense. Don’t put the team in a hole it has no chance to dig out of.
The good news is the Broncos have the coaches and players on defense to make this change. Now is the ideal time to make it happen.
Broncos Tracks
Gary Kubiak will return to the Denver Broncos on Monday
Gary Kubiak spent the past week at home after he was taken, by ambulance, to the hospital Sunday night following the Broncos' 23-16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Should Broncos Offensive Line Coach Clancy Barone be on the hot seat?
One thing that was noticed in the Broncos loss is the performance of the O-Line. With how it has performed, should the team look to replace Clancy Barone?
Broncos left to address issues after falling to Chargers
After two straight losses, the defending champs are on the brink of a perilous tailspin.
Trevor Siemian Wanted To Play For Patriots, Was Disappointed By Jimmy Garoppolo Pick | New England Patriots | NESN.com
Two New England Patriots quarterbacks made their first career NFL starts earlier this season. Trevor Siemian wishes he was one of them.
Next day observations of Broncos loss to San Diego | 9news.com
KUSA—Let's review the disturbing trend that has developed among the men in orange and orange.
Woody Paige: Broncos bringing up the rear past two games - 7NEWS Denver TheDenverChannel.com
Some days you’re the horse’s head; others you’re the horse’s posterior.
Here to Stay: Why Emmanuel Sanders chose to resign with the Broncos
Sanders realized one of his greatest dreams in Super Bowl 50, but he's still not satisfied.
Next-Day Notebook: Von Miller extends sack streak
Von Miller extends his sack streak, Joe DeCamillis addresses penalty woes and Aqib Talib tries his hand at punt return.
AFC West Tracks
Jamaal Charles returns to Chiefs’ backfield with sense of rebirth after offseason baptism | The Kansas City Star
Chiefs star running back Jamaal Charles will see his first significant action in a year on Sunday in Oakland. He’ll do so with an entirely new perspective since being baptized for the second time in January.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders preview | The Kansas City Star
A detailed look at the key players to watch for the Oakland Raiders, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ keys to victory leading up to their Week 6 game at 3:05 p.m. Sunday at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. The game will air on CBS (Ch. 5 in Kansas City).
Marcus Peters pledges his best behavior for visit to Oakland
Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters says that, unlike last season, he'll control his fiery emotions when he goes "home" to face the Raiders.
The Chiefs need to stay the course. Again - Arrowhead Pride
Last year, I maintained a rather cheery attitude about the Kansas City Chiefs' prospects, despite a 1-5 start.
First-place Raiders need to prove themselves against Chiefs
How nauseating is it to read that this morning, Broncos Country? Time to go shower.
Raiders' All-Pro Khalil Mack has to 'keep grinding'
Weren't we all told he was better than Von Miller before this season?
Las Vegas NFL stadium plan clears Nevada Legislature
The Nevada Legislature has narrowly approved a bill that would use $750 million in public money to build an NFL stadium in Las Vegas as the Raiders eye a move to the city from Oakland.
Raiders-Chiefs final injury report: Latavius Murray once again OUT, Chiefs clean bill of health - Silver And Black Pride
For the second week, the Raiders will be without starting running back Latavius Murray. Also officially out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs is Menelik Watson and Vadal Alexander.
Chargers look to build off unsightly finish - The San Diego Union-Tribune
It wasn't pretty, but winning doesn't have to be, Mike McCoy and Philip Rivers said.
Rivers was right: Bolts are dangerous - The San Diego Union-Tribune
The Chargers (2-4) will find out if the confidence gained against Denver translates into more victories.
San Diego Chargers' Hunter Henry benefits from Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates' on-field presence has helped free up Hunter Henry in the passing game, while the rookie has taken note of Gates' off-field work ethic.
Ugly Win Saves Mike McCoy’s Job - Bolts From The Blue
This game will have done enough to give Mike McCoy some breathing room.
NFL Tracks
Former Jaguars linebacker Quentin Groves dies at age 32 - NFL.com
Former Jaguars linebacker Quentin Groves died Saturday morning at the age of 32. Groves was taken by the Jags in the second round with the 52nd overall selection in the 2008 draft.
Biggest Week 6 NFL questions, stats and predictions - NFL Nation- ESPN
Colin Kaepernick's return, Brock Osweiler's struggles and DeMarco Murray's stellar start are hot topics heading into Week 6.
Behind the NFL’s sinking ratings: Have we reached ‘peak football?’ | New York Post
While Major League Baseball is enjoying one of the most exciting postseasons in its recent history, the National Football League is losing viewers.
NFL players rip Donald Trump for his take on concussions - CBSSports.com
The presidential candidate gave his hot take on concussions and NFL players responded.
15 must-read fantasy football stats for Week 6 - NFL.com
Can Lamar Miller bounce back against a generous Colts defense in Week 6? The answer and more in analytics expert Cynthia Frelund's 15 must-read fantasy stats for Week 6.
What's changed, what's still the same in the NFL - NFL.com
With every team having played at least four games, Dan Hanzus examines what's changed (downfall of Cam Newton's Panthers) and what's the same (Adam Vinatieri's golden leg) in 2016.
Cam Newton cleared to play for Panthers on Sunday - NFL.com
Carolina will get a much-needed boost in its lineup Sunday. Quarterback Cam Newton (concussion) has been cleared to play against the Saints, the team announced Saturday.
Twenty things to know about the Week 6 injury report - NFL.com
Cleveland placed guard Joel Bitonio on injured reserve Friday with a mid-foot sprain. He wasn't the only notable name to land on the Week 6 injury report.
The 10 best things about Sunday's Week 6 NFL games | FOX Sports
Check out our Sunday bests.
Witten on franchise starts record: I'm not Hercules - NFL.com
Jason Witten, a staple since 2003, will tie the Cowboys' record for games started once action against the Packers begins. But the tight end doesn't seem to be all that impressed by the feat.
Brees: Kuechly, Davis best LB tandem 'maybe ever' - NFL.com
Drew Brees thinks highly of his competition in Carolina. But are Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis the best linebacking tandem of all-time, or even right now?
NFL’s Breast Cancer Program Does Real Good - WSJ
Dr. Marty Makary is mistaken, the NFL’s pink breast cancer program helps underserved women.
'The greatest coach in NFL history is choking him, and he's smiling' - Green Bay Packers Blog- ESPN
The true story of how a young Roy Meulemans tried to swipe Vince Lombardi's hat is worthy of retelling as the Cowboys visit the Packers this weekend.
The NFL’s Most Run-Heavy And Pass-Happy Teams | FiveThirtyEight
As we enter mid-October, the identity of each NFL team’s offense has begun to emerge. Some teams, like the San Francisco 49ers, want to run the ball no matter t…