Broncos vs. Saints: Five keys

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 18, 2008 at 9:33 p.m.

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Photo by Evan Vucci / Associated Press

Running back Reggie Bush is the Saints' leading receiver, which could add a problematic dimension for the Broncos defense.

1. Keep it rolling. The Saints' secondary is filled with injured players or players coming back from injuries, and the team also has struggled to stop the run. The Broncos, with some aggressiveness early, could get the lead and get the tempo where they want it.

2. Find Reggie. The Broncos already have shown passes thrown to running backs might be a problem for their defense, and running back Reggie Bush is the Saints' leading receiver. The Chargers found some holes Sunday with the dump-down throws to the backs. Bush will make the Broncos pay if given that kind of room.

3. Now's the time. Quarterback Drew Brees certainly can win this game for the Saints, and he will if the Broncos don't put some heat on him. Jarvis Moss, the Broncos' No. 1 pick in 2007, gets his first opportunity to have some impact after being a game-day inactive for two weeks. Whether it's Moss, Elvis Dumervil or a player to be named later, the Broncos need some pressure.

4. Block it up. Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma leads the Saints in tackles by a margin of 13 after only two games. The Broncos should be able to find some room to run in this one, but they'll have to get Vilma out of the play for the big gains.

5. Careful, careful. The Broncos have listened to everyone, including their own coach, christen their offense as one of the league's best. But their defense and special teams have struggled at times, and in each of the past few seasons, they have let a game they should have won get away from them. This one fits the description and will be added to the list if they don't handle their business.

• September 20, 2008

  10:26 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  r_u_shtn_me, I think the Broncos will get more then 28 points. At home, #1 offense against the 29th D? That equals points. I also don't think Denver will overlook the Saints. Shanahan appears to be right on top of things. He will keep them focused.

• September 20, 2008

  1:25 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  DeimosJB writes:

  Reason #2 is what worries me. If the D-coordinator is smart, and he is, he'll have DJ shadowing Bush every play. That ought to slow him down a bit.
  Overconfidence is going to be a huge challenge too, but with the character guys we have on our team, I think they'll keep their heads on straight.

• September 20, 2008

  2:35 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  BroncFanFl writes:

  Da Bears managed to win off of Denver's letdowns from special teams play, and lackadaisical effort to keep the pressure on for four full quarters. Historically, Denver lets themselves down by playing to their opponent's level instead of their own. Half time adjustments should be anticipated, not ignored.

• September 20, 2008

  3:25 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  BroncFanFl, just keep in mind, that was not the same you have been seeing on the field, now. New players, new coaching in key spots, new ideas, new tendancies. New energy. Youthful energy. Yes, our special teams need to get it together some more. They are working on it. I see no chance of a letdown, this early in the season. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• September 20, 2008

  4:44 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  I meant "that was not the same "team" that you have been seeing on the field". Sorry for the typo.

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