HT: Broncos ready for the challenge against formidable Packers

Good morning, Broncos Country!

There's a lot of hype over Sunday night's game between the Broncos and Packers and it's not just about two undefeated teams playing in prime time (but somebody at NBC is really happy right now about the decision to have these two teams play Sunday Night Football this weekend).

It's also about the Broncos defense facing a Top 10 offense, the Broncos' pass rushers challenging one of the league's hottest QBs (I'll let you decide the context of that remark), the Broncos offense being able to move the ball and score in the red zone, and the Broncos' quarterback throwing TDs to his players rather than the Packers.

With all that hype, Gary Kubiak and Co. are reminding the players just to play it like any other game.

"It counts the same as all of the other ones that we've played," Kubiak said, adding that everyone knows what an important game this is. "We know that we're going to have to play extremely well. That's the nature of the business, but we understand that we have to worry about how we play."

"How we play" needs to include several things, starting with protecting the quarterback.

"We have our hands full because [Packers defenders] play everywhere," Kubiak said. "They get them on backs, the get them on tackles, the get them on guards, so everybody will have their chance. How we protect our quarterback will be extremely important to the football game."

For those of us wondering if Kubiak and offensive coordinator have a new offensive approach in mind, here are all the hints you are going to get.  "We're doing a lot of different things. He's under center at times. He's in shotgun. He's in and out in ‘pistol'," Denndison said. "I think we're trying to do all we can to do what's best for him and our team."

Kubiak said we can expect more three-wide and four-wide sets, hoping to get Bennie Fowler, Andre Caldwell and Cody Latimer more involved as the season goes along.

"Yeah, I think they're going to all be involved. It really kind of all depends," Kubiak said. "I think you're going to see them all. Of our six receivers, three of them are big special teams guys, so those guys get used up in different ways. I think you'll see them all as we move forward."

Of course, establishing that pesky run game will remain a top priority.

"We found a way to work through that and run the ball a little bit better, especially in Cleveland," Kubiak said. "Hopefully we can grow from that standpoint. Hopefully we get some of these guys up front consistently playing. That will be a big key to our progress, I think."

Ronnie Hillman knows the Packers defense won't be an easy one to run through, but he doesn't think it will be the toughest they've faced.

"I think that this will be a good week to get on the board and actually help our defense," Hillman said. "I just think that the offensive line is starting to get in a groove and it's making it easier for us to run. ...we need to build on that, build off what we did against Cleveland and get it going. This will be a good week to get it going."

It will certainly be an important one as the Broncos defense will have its hands full keeping Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense in check.

"Green Bay is going to make some plays offensively. We have to be able to do our part to score some points," said Peyton Manning, who has drawn the most ire from fans concerned about his lack of touchdown passes, especially compared to his interceptions. "We've got our hands full going against their defense. They are No. 1 in points. It doesn't come easy, but we're continuing to work hard to try to improve. I certainly want to do my part better, as well."

The defense seems to know in theory that there may come an offense that will overcome them in the end, but these players aren't really buying into the naysaying hype just yet.

And they've heard they are going up against one of the best quarterbacks in the league, a Pro Bowler who carves up defenses like they were jack-o-lanterns.

But T.J. Ward and his teammates just consider this fuel for their motivation.

"[Rodgers) is very accurate, very mobile, very controlled in most situations. He's one of the best," Ward said, adding that he gets excited to play against the best. "Oh, absolutely. Every time. It doesn't matter if it's just the quarterback or any position. I'm always up for a challenge."

That's good, because Sunday is definitely going to be one.

Horse Tracks

Hot Seat: An HC, a DC and a QB need to get it done this weekend | Mile High Sports
Some coaches will be feeling the heat more than others, but none more so than these three well-known figures.

Broncos defensive backs are up for the challenge of Aaron Rodgers | Mile High Sports
The showdown Sunday night between the undefeated Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers has many storylines. The most glaring one is, of the course, the two quarterbacks. Peyton Manning versus Aaron Rodgers gets the headlines, but the two quarterbacks will have their hands full with their opposing defenses.

What They're Saying: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, HC Mike McCarthy
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media about the Broncos' defense, wide receiver James Jones and the battle of commercials.

Green Bay Packers-Denver Broncos could come down to defense, not QBs
The quarterbacks might be getting the attention, but expect the defenses to dominate the Green Bay Packers-Denver Broncos tilt of undefeated teams.

C.J. Anderson has been more injured than many thought
The Broncos' bye week came for a perfect time for running back C.J. Anderson.

Ty Sambrailo poised to return to offensive line as Broncos get healthi - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
The Broncos' offensive line is getting some rare and welcomed work together this week as they prepare for the Packers.

Broncos-Packers tickets going for more than $3,000 on secondary market - The Denver Post
Ticket prices for a Broncos game, already among some of the highest in the NFL, are surging for Sunday's Green Bay Packers matchup.

Broncos Injury Update: Ty Sambrailo continues to work
Thursday's practice was set to be crucial for the rookie left tackle in his attempt to return by Sunday.

Kiszla: Peyton Manning does not need your sympathy - The Denver Post
At age 39, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has never looked more vulnerable — and has never been easier to like him.

Mort & Schefter: Manning, Broncos and more...
As the unbeaten Broncos and unbeaten Packers -- both coming off a bye week -- prepare to play Sunday night in Denver, Manning will be the central figure, celebrated and questioned, if such a combination is even possible.

Quarterback tale of the tape: Peyton Manning vs. Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers Blog - ESPN
Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers have won five of the past seven MVP awards and lead undefeated teams into Sunday's matchup.

McCarthy: Eddie Lacy bigger than he was as a rookie - NFL.com
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy doesn't like talking about players' weights but did admit that he thinks running back Eddie Lacy is bigger than he was as a rookie.

Will Broncos secondary put clamps on Packers? - NFL.com
There will be plenty to watch during Sunday's massive tilt between the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers. Around The NFL's Gregg Rosenthal provides his take on the game.

Injury roundup: Marcus Mariota (knee) improving - NFL.com
Ken Whisenhunt said on Thursday that Marcus Mariota did better during practice. Mariota's status for Week 8 is uncertain due to a knee injury. Here are other injuries we're following.

Perfect Patriots make it look easy against Dolphins - NFL.com
Dan Campbell's early run as interim coach of the Miami Dolphins was a nice story. But the New England Patriotshave a way of exposing every weakness, and the Dolphins still have plenty of them.

Al Michaels talks Broncos, Pat Bowlen, Peyton Manning, more - The Denver Post
Know This: Each weekday, a Denver Post sports writer shares some knowledge. In this installment, Nicki Jhabvala sits down and talks with broadcaster Al Mi

Ring of Fame

Pat Bowlen not expected to attend induction into Broncos Ring of Fame - The Denver Post
As the Broncos embark on 10 events honoring their owner, culminating with Sunday night's induction into the Ring of Fame, president Joe Ellis reflected on ...

Pat Bowlen's Ring of Fame weekend an honor for Kubiak and Manning
Pat Bowlen's Ring of Fame induction will be an emotional weekend for anyone who's felt his impact, including Head Coach Gary Kubiak and quarterback Peyton Manning.

Broncos-Packers tickets going for more than $3,000 on secondary market - The Denver Post
Ticket prices for a Broncos game, already among some of the highest in the NFL, are surging for Sunday's Green Bay Packers matchup.

Al Michaels talks Broncos, Pat Bowlen, Peyton Manning, more - The Denver Post
Know This: Each weekday, a Denver Post sports writer shares some knowledge. In this installment, Nicki Jhabvala sits down and talks with broadcaster Al Mi