Takeaways focal point of Broncos’ winning streak

Good morning, Broncos Country.

Just a few weeks ago the Denver Broncos were a 3-6 team that most everyone had given up on. With questionable coaching decisions and a penchant for being their own worst enemy, the idea that they would be able to turn things around and have a legitimate shot at a playoff berth seemed unfathomable. Though after two consecutive wins against the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers enthusiasm for the Broncos has reached an all-time high this year. It feels good to see our beloved Broncos winning again and it’s great to see renewed faith and optimism from the fans.

There are a lot of positives to take away from those games, especially the play of their revamped offensive line. However, the main reason the Broncos have had success against some of the league’s best is because of their ability to force turnovers and not turn the ball over. In the past two outings, the Broncos have forced seven turnovers and haven’t turned the ball over once. If they can keep doing that the rest of the year they will win a lot of football games and have a good shot at the postseason.

“It’s called ‘takeaways’ for a reason, right? You’ve got to make it happen, you can’t hope it happens. That’s been a key. Seven takeaways and zero turnovers in two weeks. That’s why we’re 2-0 in two weeks,” said Head Coach Vance Joseph.

With quarterback Case Keenum protecting the ball and playing the most efficient he has all season long, coupled with a strong running game spearheaded by rookie phenom Phillip Lindsay — the Broncos seem to have found a winning formula that could catapult them into the playoffs. The current mantra from Dove Valley is “one week at a time” and this coming Sunday the Broncos will head on the road to face the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that Joseph is very familiar with.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a tough opponent. [Bengals Head Coach] Marvin [Lewis] is a great friend, a great coach and he’ll have them ready to play. It’s also a 5-6 team that has the chance to make the playoffs too,” Joseph remarked. “They’ll be ready to play. It’s an AFC North opponent. It’s going to be a physical game. They have great playmakers on both sides of the ball.”

It’s a must-win game for the Broncos in respect to finding the right numbers game formula to make the playoffs. The Bengals will be without Andy Dalton and will start third-year quarterback Jeff Driskel, who performed admirable in place of Dalton last week against the Cleveland Browns. He is a threat to run on the ground and also has a live arm, but here is to hoping that his inexperience will be something the Broncos’ defense can take advantage of and continue their trek of takeaways en route to a third straight victory.

As always, thank you for reading and here is today’s offering of Horse Tracks.

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