Broncos vs. Falcons: Five keys

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published November 13, 2008 at 7:56 p.m.

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No. 1: Dig in. The Falcons aren't into disguises on offense. It's Michael Turner and plenty of him. They know it, the Broncos know it, and to win this one, the Broncos will need one of their best efforts along the defensive front. If Atlanta controls the clock and the ball, the Broncos don't win.

No. 2: Rattle him. The Falcons have been able to keep rookie quarterback Matt Ryan safely cocooned in an offense that is run-heavy - 62 more runs than passes this season - but Ryan studies hard and he will find the soft spots if he has time. The Broncos have to get up in his face and pressure him in the middle of the field.

No. 3: Another big day. Broncos rookie left tackle Ryan Clady already has stonewalled the likes of Miami outside linebacker Joey Porter this season and he gets another big task in Falcons defensive end John Abraham. Abraham has 11 of the Falcons' 17 sacks this season.

No. 4: Find a way. The Broncos love to see Jay Cutler throw the ball and they have retooled their offense to go heavy on the shotgun formation to let him do it. But they have to construct some kind of run game or defenses will send even more rushers after him.

No. 5: Deal with it. Yes, they have injuries. Yes, their body clocks will be at 11 a.m. when they kick this one off. That's the way it is. The Broncos have enough things that matter to worry about than to worry about things they can't do anything about.

• November 14, 2008

  1:21 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  R8R_H8R writes:

  It's NOT just the Falcons run game.

  Falcons QB Matt Ryan is 4-0 at home with 902 passing yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions against Detroit, Kansas City, Chicago and New Orleans. His first 300-yard game was against the Bears in Week 6. He also has a tremendous matchup against Denver this week

  All 3 Broncos starting linebackers are out. The Defensive Backs are horrible. The Defensive Line? The CLAIM they're Not injured, but dang, as BAD as they play, you'd think they're playing on broken legs.

  I've stood up for the BRoncos through Superbowl blow-outs then enjoyed superbowl victories. Of any season, this season and last season, and the !#^*!! blow-outs from both, are by far the WORST thing i've experienced as a fan. The Offense doesn't always perform up to par, but has proven very capable. The Defense has proven beyond a doubt they are inept and incapable.

  They sang through the pre-season that last years scheme was too complicated. Now they dont' have to THINK. Freakin' millionaires, and they don't want to THINK. Well, simpler scheme, SAME results.

• November 14, 2008

  8:25 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  R8R_H8R, I've said it before and needs repeating. Negativism is not a fan. Constructive criticism is fine but you whine constantly? The defense HAS gotten better, little by little. If YOU can do better, suit up and play for them, but for Gods sake, offer something constructive. There are some 2nd stringers that are playing very well. Paymah even stepped up his game after a horrible beginning, early in the season. Winborn is playing well. Woodyard is playing well. Elvis is playing well. I tend to see more of the positive rather then to just simply spout out "the whole defense stinks" line. Hey, I commend you for hating the Raiders, as we all do, but that doesn't make you a fan. The bar I frequent doesn't stand for that type of negativism during the game. It's cheer and root for them or find another bar. I mean, non-Broncos fans are more welcome then the ones who wear a Broncos jersey, but rag on them during the whole game. Time to either get on the "fanwagon" or stay on the "bandwagon". Time to pick a side.

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