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Horse Tracks: How will the Denver Broncos respond?

Things not going your way? How you respond speaks to your character.

Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

Before we get started, I want to wish all our current and former military members a happy Veterans's Day. We all thank you for your sacrifice and service.

After the demoralizing loss to the Raiders, the Denver Broncos have every opportunity to get mad a and come out swinging this week against the Saints. The lethargic, uninspired, and unimaginative play from Sunday night has set the table, in a sense, for something new.

The Broncos have reviewed the film and likely saw, in great detail, what had Broncos fans pulling their hair out last week. Poor play mix, bad decisions on kickoff returns, awful line play on both sides of the ball, and an unwillinness to stop the run are just a few of the areas that should have Saints players salivating.

What makes a collection of guys with similar fashion sense into a team is how you respond when things get tough. Just which team will show up on Sunday? The reigning Super Bowl champions? The shambling penalty powerhouse that can't get out of its own way?

With the AFC West as competitive as it is, losing to the Saints could very well be the difference between making the playoffs and not. Having already dropped a third of its division games, there are no forgiving losses on the Broncos schedule, regardless of conference.

Will the real Denver Broncos please stand up? Seriously.

HORSE TRACKS

If the rebound against the Saints is going to happen, it looks like the Broncos will have to do it without some key players. Broncos Injury Report: Aqib Talib, Matt Paradis, T.J. Ward, Derek Wolfe not practicing | Denver Broncos

Here's a look at the touchdown against the Raiders that caught the attention of the Broncos coaches. BMW Ultimate Performance: Kapri Bibbs' TD a triumph of quick decisions, teamwork | Denver Broncos

Here's hoping that Kapri Bibbs takes advantage of his increased playing time. Kapri Bibbs Earns Bigger Role In Struggling Broncos Offense " CBS Denver

The Broncos filled the practice squad hole left when they promoted Taurean Nixon to the active roster. Ex-Beaver S Ryan Murphy re-signs with Denver Broncos | OregonLive.com

Pat Bowlen's son was unable to get out his harassment conviction. Son of Broncos owner loses appeal of harassment conviction | 9news.com

The Broncos will face yet another top-ten quarterback this week in Drew Brees. Denver Broncos have not gotten a free pass against top quarterbacks - Denver Broncos Blog- ESPN

Here are five things you should know about the Broncos-Saints matchup this Sunday. Five Broncos things you should know: Kickoff returns, tackling and more | Denver Broncos

Shiloh Keo was acquired by the Saints this week? Broncos week? This kind of thing happens all the time. Bronco notes: Keo serves as spy for Saints | 9news.com

The New Orleans Saints ran a Madden simulation of this Sunday's game and it didn't turn out well for Denver. Madden Simulation: Denver Broncos @ New Orleans Saints | New Orleans Saints

If you don't have ADHD, you probably shouldn't be caught taking medication for it. Saints' Kenny Vaccaro facing 4-game suspension, report says | NOLA.com

Rather than ignore politics-related NFL news, here it is all at once. Please be kind to one another.

Anti-Trump protesters in Baltimore block fans from entering Ravens game - CBSSports.com

Roger Goodell: Donald Trump's locker-room talk 'makes my job harder' | FOX Sports

The Browns and Ravens played last night? Sure did. You'll be shocked to hear that things failed to go the Brown's way, yet again.

Three different Cleveland Browns quarterbacks -- Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan, Josh McCown -- play vs. Baltimore Ravens | ESPN

Despite benching in Baltimore, Hue says Kessler still the Browns’ starter | ProFootballTalk

The Patriots are getting healthier. The return of Dion Lewis is close and it will be huge for the Patriots - CBSSports.com

Meanwhile, their owner has identified another area where fun in the NFL can be squelched. Patriots owner Robert Kraft explains why he supports NFL banning custom cleats | FOX Sports

Like the Broncos, Pittsburgh has injury issues of their own to contend with. Steelers RB DeAngelo Williams reportedly has knee surgery, could be out 2-3 weeks | FOX Sports

Richard Sherman sure does get outraged a lot. It has to be exhausting for him. Richard Sherman: NFL folded to 'public pressure,' made my fine 'unappealable' - CBSSports.com

The Rams are breaking ground on their new stadium next week. What took so long? The Hollywood Park racetrack was knocked down almost two years ago! Rams breaking ground next week on new stadium | ProFootballTalk

Take your time, Tony. Got to make sure you're good and healthy. Report: Tony Romo won’t be active for Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh | ProFootballTalk

Roger Goodell's history shows that he doesn't think all that highly of the job referees do. Who can forget those replacement ref games of 2012? Roger Goodell skeptical that full-time referees would improve NFL's officiating | ESPN

Peter Schrager is picking against the Broncos in his picks this week. Can you blame him? Wouldn't it be awesome to prove him wrong? NFL Week 10 Cheat Sheet: Peter Schrager’s picks for all 14 games | FOX Sports