[...]Wild-Card Preview: NFC « DenverBroncos.com[...]…

Wild-Card Preview: NFC « DenverBroncos.com…

They haven’t played up to their potential at points this year, especially with Alexander essentially on the last leg of his career and several receivers hurt. Their offensive line also isn’t the same without Steve Hutchinson.

Hasselbeck has really been slinging the ball lately as Coach Holmgren has decided to turn him into Brett Favre, and it’s been working.

A key to the defense has been the aquisition of Patrick Kerney, who has quietly been as productive as any defensive lineman in the league with 14.5 sacks, an interception and five forced fumbles.

Every position on defense has someone that can change the game. At linebacker, Lofa Tatupu is one of the most underrated in the league. He flies to the football as well as anyone, smothers the run and is also good in coverage. He’s just as likely to pick off a pass as to smack the running back in the backfield.

At defensive back, Marcus Trufant will take some chances, but he’s got seven interceptions to show for it this year.

Overall, it’s a unit that reminds me of the Chargers team the Broncos have faced. Middling in yardage allowed, but great at turning the football over, and it’s become stronger as the year’s gone on. The Seahawks are in the top five with 20 interceptions and 25 forced fumbles.

Seattle will try to force the tempo, much like a basketball game. They’ll try to score quickly and force Collins to throw the ball. There’s a reason Todd Collins has played in seven games in the last four years. He’s 36 years old, a career backup guy save 1997 with the Bills, and he’s going into an environment that is as tough as anywhere in the league to win a playoff game with the noise.

The Seahawks have been very good at beating the teams they’re supposed to early in the playoffs the last five years, and look for that to continue today, although I believe they don’t have the consistency across the board to go to the AFC Championship game.

Seattle 28, Washington 17.

I acutally kind of want the Giants to win, I really think Eli has alot of potential but I also think that him being cast in the shadow of his dad and brother gets to him. I mean that is such a huge legacy to live up to as far as his dad but the fact that Peyton has done so well and has already won a Superbowl… I don’t feel sorry for Eli but I do hope that someday he would get to experience some success like his dad & brother. I don’t think they’ll be going to the Superbowl this year but I hope something good comes out of these playoffs for them. As for the Washington @ Seattle game, I thinik Washington will win. I mean they only beat Dallas pretty good on Sunday so if they can beat Dallas, they can surely beat Seattle.

Even though we’re in offseason, I’m only going to say what I do everytime because this offseason is like life or death for this Broncos team. They need to do plenty of things between now & the training camp to come back strong. Always a believer in the Orange & Blue!

GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!