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Good morning, Broncos Country!
If there is any question how motivated the Denver Broncos defense is right now, Brandon Marshall removed all doubt.
"We know Brock (Osweiler)," the Broncos linebacker said earlier this week. "He came from here and we just want to kill him. That’s what we want to do."
There could have been a more PC way of saying that, but I’m one who loves the intensity and emotion. Football players will look for any way to get an advantage, and, if the return of Osweiler does that, for this defense, bring it on.
Yet at the same point, this defense should find motivation from the doubters, which is what Adam Malnati and I talk about on the Mile High Report Radio podcast. As was the case a season ago, the questions have returned for this unit and team. When you’re in the midst of a two-game losing streak, that’s bound to happen. When a defense has allowed five-of-six teams to score points on game-opening drives, four that were over 70 yards for touchdowns, it’s inevitable.
No question there are areas that Denver’s defense needs to shore up, but this is still the best defense in the NFL. Let’s not get carried away or lost in the hyperbole based on two games. Yet as mentioned earlier, the doubt has crept back in. People have started to say "this defense isn’t as good as a season ago."
Perhaps it’s not, but it’s still just Week 7. The Broncos still lead the league in sacks, quarterback hits and only allow 18 points per game. For some perspective, last year’s historic defense allowed 18.5. There’s still a lot of football left and a lot of the 2016 story to get written.
The focus has and will remain on the return of Osweiler. Broncos Country and Denver’s defense wants to "kill him."
The Broncos should get motivation from the need to end a two-game losing streak.
Broncos Tracks
Five Broncos things you should know: DeMarcus Ware taking his time, Billy Turner's role and more
Ware doesn't want to repeat the mistake of 2015 in his injury rehab ... Turner talks about why Denver is a good fit ... and more as the Broncos wrap up their Texans prep work.
BMW Ultimate Performance: Broncos shutting down WRs like no other team
No team has allowed fewer 100-yard receivers in the last two seasons.
Five Key Matchups: Texans vs. Broncos
A look at the matchups that may decide Monday night's game between the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans. (Photos by AP).
Texans vs. Broncos 2016 odds: Denver Monday Night Football favorite seeking to end skid - SBNation.com
The Denver Broncos will be trying to avoid a third straight loss on Monday night as big betting favorites at home against the Houston Texans.
Bronco notes: Hope is longer practice means better start | 9news.com
ENGLEWOOD—Gary Kubiak is not addressing his team's disturbing run of slow starts by hoping the problem goes away.
9 keys to Broncos defeating Brock and the Texans | 9news.com
When the Broncos' schedule came out in mid-April, there may have been temptation to put this game Monday night against Brock Osweiler and the Houston Texans in orange letters. Or navy blue, as the Broncos' jerseys will be.
Denver Broncos want to throw deep, but need to run ball better first - Denver Broncos Blog- ESPN
It's not that the Broncos don't want to throw deep. But without the threat of a run game, Trevor Siemian can only take what the defense gives.
Denver Broncos trades: Sheldon Richardson should be targeted
If the Denver Broncos are going to make a trade before the trade deadline, one move that would make some sense is getting Jets DL Sheldon Richardson.
Woody Paige: Brock Osweiler vies to be second former Broncos starting QB to win as visiting starting QB | Colorado Springs Gazette, News
Welcome to Brocktober and the Homecoming Game.
In The Know: Denver Broncos
Andrew Mason, senior reporter for DenverBroncos.com, gives insight on the Texans upcoming opponent this week.
Texans' depleted secondary faces tough task against Broncos - Houston Chronicle
Robert Nelson cradled the football, making sure he had a secure grip when he intercepted a pass from Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck to provide a boost to an injury-depleted Texans secondary.
Super Bowl MVP Von Miller leads way for Broncos' defense against Texans - Houston Chronicle
Surrounded by a phalanx of blockers, Denver Broncos star outside linebacker Von Miller has grown accustomed to crowds along with bold, innovative schemes intended to contain his rare ability as a pass rusher.
Houston Texans' tough road schedule continues in Denver on Monday - NFL Nation- ESPN
The Texans have been pounded in both road games this season, and a Monday night trip to Denver makes flipping that script a daunting prospect.
AFC West Tracks
‘Gimmicky’ or not, Chiefs aren’t apologizing for their style of offense | The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs used a bevy of presnap motions last Sunday to confound the Raiders, whose coach, Jack Del Rio, said that they used some "gimmicky" things on offense.
Chiefs football coach Andy Reid to hit a coaching milestone on Sunday when he coaches his 300th NFL game as the Chiefs play host to the New Orleans Saints | The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs’ Andy Reid will coach his 300th game on Sunday when the New Orleans Saints visit Arrowhead Stadium. He said he’s not paying attention to the milestone, but others have taken notice of his success and longevity, inlcuding Saints coach Sean Payton and Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith
Kansas City Chiefs encouraged by early returns with Justin Houston - NFL Nation- ESPN
Star linebacker Justin Houston is doing individual drills and scout-team work, and he could be playing in the next couple of weeks for the Chiefs.
John Dorsey deserves credit for late bloomers - Arrowhead Pride
Dee Ford and Eric Fisher are the lone elephants remaining in Dorsey's Room of Accomplishments, but they're disappearing fast.
Oakland Raiders: What's ailing this struggling defense?
As Broncos Country can attest, perhaps it's the head coach who is their problem.
Raiders’ Latavius Murray expected to return against Jaguars - SFGate
Raiders’ Latavius Murray expected to return against Jaguars Running back Latavius Murray was limited for a third straight practice Friday, but the Raiders expect him to play Sunday in Jacksonville.
Mark Davis tells owners he plans to file for Raiders move to Las Vegas
Owner Mark Davis told NFL owners that Oakland has dropped the ball in terms of keeping the Raiders, and he will file papers to move his team to Las Vegas, sources told ESPN's Jim Trotter.
Jaguars asking fans to participate in really strange ritual prior to facing Raiders Sunday - Silver And Black Pride
The Jaguars PR department may need some help with ideas.
Chargers prepare for slugfest in Atlanta - The San Diego Union-Tribune
The team knows it must be more aggressive this game than it was the last.
Chargers have lots to prove against Falcons - The San Diego Union-Tribune
Chargers have to show they can win on the road against good Falcons team.
Chargers DT Brandon Mebane reunites with Falcons coach Dan Quinn
There's mutual admiration between Chargers defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and Falcons coach Dan Quinn, who won a Super Bowl together in Seattle.
Is it too early to look toward next season? - Bolts From The Blue
The San Diego Chargers are 2-4. Is it too soon to start looking forward to the 2017 season?
NFL Tracks
Goodell: Fans have a 'misunderstanding' of how the NFL punishes players - CBSSports.com
The NFL commissioner doesn't think the fans see the deeper issues.
Goodell on dip in ratings: We don't make excuses - NFL.com
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed for the first time Wednesday a recent Wall Street Journal report that detailed a dip in television ratings over the first few weeks of the 2016 regular season.
Goodell on dip in ratings: We don't make excuses - NFL.com
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed for the first time Wednesday a recent Wall Street Journal report that detailed a dip in television ratings over the first few weeks of the 2016 regular season.
Roger Goodell -- NFL trying to figure out ratings drop
Roger Goodell said the NFL is trying to understand the drop in ratings this season but said it is important not just to get viewers tuned in but also to "get them to stay tuned in."
Roger Goodell talks about TV ratings, Las Vegas and other NFL issues
NFL commissioner holds news conference after owners' meetings addressing many topics.
Five matchups that will define NFL Week 7: Can Eagles get to Sam Bradford?
Quarterbacks facing their former teams highlight the slate for Week 7.
Vikings GM on staying perfect; Christian Hackenberg still waiting - NFL.com
How do you handle roster hits of epic proportions? Vikings GM Rick Spielman describes the whirlwind to Judy Battista. Plus, Lorenzo Alexander's winding path and Christian Hackenberg's wait.
Prisco's NFL Week 7 Picks: Eagles will stun Vikings; Cardinals will upend Seahawks - CBSSports.com
There will be a few surprises and some upsets in Week 7, including the Lions over the Redskins.
The NFL’s Seven Biggest Surprises | The MMQB with Peter King
The question our film-study guru hears most often over the course of a season: What’s been the biggest surprise so far? Here are seven worth examining as we enter Week 7
Owners concerned with NFL's handling of Josh Brown of New York Giants
An NFL owner has called the Josh Brown situation an "embarrassment," sources told ESPN, as more information into the kicker's alleged domestic abuse has become public.
After Unsteady Steps to Punish Domestic Violence, N.F.L. Faces Scrutiny Again - The New York Times
A six-game suspension was introduced after the Ray Rice case, but several players, including Giants kicker Josh Brown, have avoided punishment of that length.
N.F.L. Shows It Doesn’t Really Care About Domestic Violence - The New York Times
In the case of Giants kicker Josh Brown, the league has showed that it hasn’t learned much since its mishandling of the Ray Rice case.
Buckley: NFL’s ‘public service’ serves no one | Boston Herald
So now New York Giants kicker — and confessed abuser of women — Josh Brown is being placed on the National Football League "exemp.
NFL Didn't Learn Its Lesson After Ray Rice Incident - ABC News
NFL Didn't Learn Its Lesson After Ray Rice Incident.
NFL Better Explain Why It Exempts Josh Brown After He Admits Years Of Spousal Abuse
Josh Brown is one of the best on the planet at his profession. He makes millions in recognition of that fact. He is blessed to be in an industry that only has 32 members, the NFL. He is one of the best at kicking the ball, a pro bowl player.
Torrey Smith takes NFL to task over Josh Brown, domestic violence - San Francisco 49ers Blog- ESPN
Niners receiver Torrey Smith took to Twitter to voice displeasure over the league's response to the Josh Brown domestic violence case.
Owners unhappy with NFL over Josh Brown, but why do they remain anonymous?
In the aftermath of Josh Brown being re-investigated by the NFL for his past domestic abuse with his ex-wife, various reports have come out (by ESPN and CBS, among others) that many in the league — from players to coaches to owners — are upset with how the NFL handled the situation.
The 5 best NFL prop bets for Week 7 | FOX Sports
London is calling and DeMarco Murray is primed for a big afternoon.
Biggest Week 7 NFL questions, stats and predictions - NFL Nation- ESPN
Can the Landry Jones-led Steelers hang with Tom Brady and the Patriots? Can the Vikings beat the Eagles to stay undefeated? We'll find out in Week 7.
Here Are The NFL Teams That Play The Highest Draft Picks | FiveThirtyEight
The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks are division rivals that share similar stories.
NFL Week 7 game picks: Cardinals edge Seahawks; Patriots roll - NFL.com
The Cardinals didn't start this season as anticipated, but they've battled back to. 500. Can David Johnson and Co. knock off Seattle on Sunday night? Elliot Harrison supplies Week 7 predictions.