Good morning, Broncos Country!
Another week, another game of repeat when it comes to the Denver Broncos.
"Is this the game the offense runs the football?" "Will Gary Kubiak and the coaches stick with the running game?" "Will running plays actually be called? Especially on the first possession of the game?" Given that Kubiak said earlier this week he and the offense won’t change anything when it comes to that aspect of the game, that doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
Yet those questions hold the key to whether the Broncos leave New Orleans with a win. It’s painfully obvious the current quarterback is incapable of just about anything in the NFL and needs a ton of help. As Adam Malnati and I talked about on the Mile High Report Radio podcast, the offense’s success starts and finishes with the running game.
At this point, the offense doesn’t need to score points. Let’s start small and work up. Denver’s offense needs to hold the ball for more than three plays per possession. At least get six or nine out of drives to ensure the defense doesn’t spend another 40 minutes on the field. Even if you don’t pick up a ton of yards, at least the clock doesn’t stop when you call a running play. Plus you limit the amount of time the quarterback has the ball in his hands, which at this point is a major win.
"Superdome Showdown"
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 12, 2016
"Battle in the Bayou"
Whatever you want to call it ... #BeatTheSaints pic.twitter.com/xUYczwo2Hx
If the Broncos can do more than three-and-out, they have a puncher’s chance because the defense isn’t on the field. The defense needs all the help it can get in this steep challenge that is Drew Brees and this Saints offense. Any hope Denver’s offense can keep pace with the New Orleans machine just vanished quicker than beads at Mardi Gras.
The best way for the Broncos offense to help the defense is to keep Brees on the sideline as long as possible. That means run the football. I don’t care if it’s three straight running plays, at least the clock doesn’t stop. You never know: Denver did beat the Kansas City Chiefs when it threw the ball two times.
Use that as the model. Even if it’s not consistent, stick with it.
View it another way: A prevent offense. It may not lead the Broncos to a win, but at least it limits the pounding the defense takes.
If the trend continues that Denver cannot or does not run the football, the results will remain the same. In the last five games, the Broncos have lost three. With it, any chance at the playoffs gets even further out of reach.
Broncos Tracks
New Orleans Saints vs. Denver Broncos: Three key matchups | NOLA.com
The game starts Sunday at 11 a.m. MT.
Denver Broncos' Kapri Bibbs hopes to win the confidence game - Denver Broncos Blog- ESPN
Kapri Bibbs is making the most of his opportunity since being promoted from the practice squad, scoring his first NFL touchdown last Sunday.
Three Keys to Broncos-Saints
The Broncos head to New Orleans trying to bounce back from last week's loss and overcome injuries in what will be a hostile environment.
Tape Proves Trevor Siemian Is Unfit To Be Starter For Denver Broncos
Trevor Siemian is no longer a stabilizing force on offense, and the Broncos don't have a passing game. Kubiak's play-calling hasn't been much help.
Denver Broncos at New Orleans Saints: What to watch for
The Broncos have slipped to third place in the AFC West. Can they bounce back from last Sunday night's in Oakland? It will be anything but easy in the Big Easy.
Jim Nantz previews Broncos vs. Saints
CBS' Jim Nantz talks about Sunday's matchup with the Saints, the strength of the AFC West and recalls a story about his first NFL game.
Mason's Mailbag: Defending the run, tiebreakers, Trevor Siemian and more
The Mailbag topics are as varied as the ingredients in a bowl of gumbo.
Down in the bayou: Broncos head to the Big Easy
The Broncos traveled to New Orleans on Saturday ahead of their matchup with the Saints on Sunday.
9 Keys to Broncos defeating the Saints | 9news.com
Between the mismatch in offenses, injuries to Derek Wolfe and Aqib Talib, and the unfamiliar artificial turf, the Denver Broncos are going to have a difficult time defeating the New Orleans Saints on Sunday (11 a.m. kickoff) at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Troy E. Renck Take 5 Keys to Victory for Broncos vs. Saints - 7NEWS Denver TheDenverChannel.com
The Broncos look to regain traction in the Superdome. It won't be easy. They will likely need to score 30 points to win.
Woody Paige: Big Easy won't be easy win for the Broncos - 7NEWS Denver TheDenverChannel.com
A month ago, the Broncos upcoming game against New Orleans was expected to be a Big and Easy victory. Now, a Broncos victory over the Saints Sunday will be an upset.
AFC West Tracks
The Chiefs’ great achievement and the importance of their final eight games | The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs are past the point of being satisfied with making the playoffs, or even winning a playoff game. This season has become about more than that, and internally the players and coaches know how important homefield advantage will be in January.
This town’s big enough for both of ’em, but Chiefs’ Berry, Panthers’ Newton remain rivals | The Kansas City Star
Chiefs safety Eric Berry and Carolina quarterback Cam Newton grew up a few miles from each other outside Atlanta, where they began competing in middle school. Berry roots for Newton most of the time and has enjoyed "seeing each other grow over the years." That will be different on Sunday, when their teams meet in Charlotte.
Justin Houston of Kansas City Chiefs won't return Sunday after all
Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston was listed as out and won't return Sunday against the Panthers. Andy Reid said he would take another week to rest.
Chiefs’ Marcus Peters facing longest interception drought of his career - Arrowhead Pride
I was thinking about some of the things the Chiefs will have to do to beat the Panthers and it hit me that we haven’t seen a Marcus Peters interception in a while.
Charles Woodson says better talent gives Raiders finishing kick
They also have a ton of confidence right now. Broncos Country, this is your favorite to win the AFC West.
The many reasons for Raiders’ rise - SFGate
The many reasons for Raiders’ rise Oakland was 0-4 then, coming off an embarrassing blowout loss on the world stage in London, and the most important decision was whether to let fired coach Dennis Allen fly home with the team.
NFL 2016 - Adam Schefter, Chris Mortensen Week 10 notebook - A story behind a Raiders revival and Tom Brady in a chase for MVP at 39
Oakland is off to its best start since 2001 and has the outright lead in the AFC West. How did the Raiders make such a dramatic turnaround?
Raiders 2016 midseason awards - Silver And Black Pride
Welcome to the show. Where we look back at the first half of the Raiders 2016 season and hand out some team awards.
Chargers have a running chance - The San Diego Union-Tribune
Chargers run game is coming on, which gives them a chance.
Chargers RB focused on son, football - The San Diego Union-Tribune
Between practices, Andre Williams is in the middle of a divorce and custody battle.
San Diego Chargers' Joey Bosa faces father's ex-team in Miami Dolphins
John Bosa, who played three seasons with the Dolphins, said there's no conflict for him Sunday. He's pulling for his son Joey and the Chargers.
Chargers Poll Question: Will the Chargers make the playoffs? - Bolts From The Blue
It's Saturday and we haven't had a weekly poll question in too long.
NFL Tracks
NFL standing pat on marijuana policy, for now
Marijuana legalization's approval by voters in several states will not spur any immediate changes in the NFL's joint drug policy with the NFLPA, the league and players' union say.
NFL exec acknowledges ratings decline goes beyond interest in election
Acknowledging that issues run deeper than interest in election, advertising among things under review.
NFL HALFWAY: An Array of Suggestions to Make Football Better - ABC News
NFL HALFWAY: An Array of Suggestions to Make Football Better.
It's time for the NFL to add a video official - NFL Nation- ESPN
After the gaffes by Walt Anderson and his crew Monday, the NFL should consider a CFL-style video official, who serves as a safety net for major errors.
NFL considering cutting amount of ads in games - Business Insider
The NFL is considering cutting down the amount of commercials in its broadcasts.
NFL: Concussions not to be talked about by teams | SI.com
The NFL reportedly sent a memo to all teams on Saturday.
Biggest Week 10 NFL questions, stats and predictions - NFL Nation- ESPN
Can Seattle's defense slow down Tom Brady? Will Pittsburgh put an end to Dallas' win streak? Can the Broncos keep up with the Saints? We'll find out.
Five matchups that will define NFL Week 10: Can Seahawks throw off Tom Brady?
A Super Bowl XLIX rematch and an old-school showdown highlight Sunday's slate.
N.F.L. Schedule: Who We Think Will Win in Week 10 - The New York Times
The Patriots face a critical test against the Seahawks, and the streaking Chiefs will travel to meet the Panthers.
NFL Picks Week 10: Vegas Looks For Big Steelers Upset, Amateurs Love Them Cowboys
The Dak Attack sputters this week, according to our Vegas pro. But the Pix Populi amateurs are still saying, "How 'bout dem Cowboys?" Plus, will the Tom Brady Revenge Tour keep producing wins in a Super Bowl rematch?
NFL Week 10 injury report: Who’s in and who’s out | FOX Sports
Live updates on the biggest Week 10 injuries.
Patriots active running back Dion Lewis off PUP list - NFL.com
Coming back from two knee surgeries, scatback Dion Lewis is an intriguing wildcard for the New England Patriots offense in the second half of the season.
Seahawks-Patriots offers NFL perfect chance to break out of ratings slump | The Seattle Times
One thought the NFL has clung to with hope is that many viewers were distracted by the presidential campaign and didn’t have the normal amount of time to devote to watching the NFL. We’ll find out if that’s the case with Sunday night’s Seahawks-Patriots game.
Incredible Patriots stat; dynamic QB duo: 5 NFL things to watch | New York Post
With all the games, backstories, injuries and developments in a given week in the NFL, it is tough to know what to look for on Sunday. Here are five things to watch.
Report: NFL teams to make 'mega offers' for Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh - CBSSports.com
Throughout history people have always wanted things they cannot have