As Head Coach Josh McDaniels pointed out in his Wednesday address to the media, there are many superlatives applicable to the Colts — a squad the Broncos head coach referred to as “one of the two finest teams in the National Football League over the last decade.”
There are plenty of stats to back that praise up. One above all immediately jumped out to McDaniels as he started preparing this week: The Colts have a lead at some point in 61 of their last 64 games.
Understanding that, McDaniels said Thursday he’s preparing to find his team behind at some point in Sunday’s clash at INVESCO Field at Mile High — and that’s just fine.
“There’s a lot of truth to trying to get ahead and play from ahead — you’d love to be able to do that,” McDaniels said. “I also think you need to be realistic and understand that there’s going to be an ebb and flow to the game and if you’re playing well and they’re playing well, that they may be ahead at some point. You’re going to have to handle that, too — whether it’s early in the game, in the middle of the game or sometimes at the end of the game and you’ve got to try to catch up then.”
McDaniels credited teams needing time to adjust to the speed of the Colts defense and understanding what it takes to the stop Peyton Manning and the potent offense as reasons the AFC South squad has been so effective jumping out early in games.
Last season, the Broncos felt some of those effects when they fell behind 21-0 in an eventual 28-16 loss in Indianapolis.
With a unique style of play predicated on a no-huddle offense and a smaller, faster defense, the Colts present an interesting challenge. McDaniels said it’s important not to get sucked into trying to match that style and focus on the important parts of their own gameplan.
The head coach cited the fact that the Colts are generally toward the bottom of the league in time of possession, yet have one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses.
That was particularly evident in last season’s meeting when the Broncos won the time of possession battle but finished only two of four trips into the red zone. The Colts scored on all four red zone trips and won the game.
McDaniels said the team will try to make sure they win the red zone battle when the Colts visit to the Mile High City.
“Every week that’s a big deal,” Spencer Larsen said. “The games are so close all the time in the NFL a lot of it comes down to what you do in the red zone.”
The Broncos have spent the week doing whatever it takes to simulate what the Colts will bring come Sunday. Manning and his cast of talented, veteran teammates have made it tough on teams to gameplan even after years of success.
Denver understands that challenge — especially given that McDaniels has faced Indianapolis so often in his coaching career — and hopes to focus on the right areas to derail the Colts.
Part of that is trying to start fast and maintain a lead. If that doesn’t work — and history says it will be tough — the Broncos are prepared to grind out a home win in the closing minutes.
“At the end of the day what it boils down to, is you have one more point than the opposing team,” Brian Dawkins said. “However you get there, that’s how you get there. Whether it be special teams, whether it be the offense or the defense or everybody playing collectively a good game, it’s about having that one extra point.”
INJURY REPORT
Champ Bailey (foot), Andre Goodman (thigh), Ryan Harris (ankle), and Jamal Williams (non-injury related) did not participate in Thursday’s practice. Chris Kuper (knee) and Wesley Woodyard (hamstring) had limited participation in the session. Laurence Maroney (thigh) and Darcel McBath (forearm) had full participation.
Bailey addressed the media on Thursday and said he’s feeling better every day. The cornerback said he’d like to return to the practice field tomorrow with the hope of playing on Sunday.
“Any time I’m banged up I absolutely want to get one day (of practice) in — regardless of what the injury is — because you want to get a feel for the defense we’re putting in and whatever,” Bailey said.
BALL JOINS PRACTICE SQUAD
Lance Ball, who was waived on Tuesday when Andre Brown joined the active roster, was back on the Dove Valley practice field on Thursday as a member of the practice squad.
The second-year running back from Maryland saw action in the first two games of the season, recording one special teams tackle. Ball also spent time last season on the Broncos practice squad.
- Eric Detweiler, DenverBroncos.com
Below are some more photos from today’s workout:
Tags: 2010, Brian Dawkins, Denver Broncos, Head Coach Josh McDaniels, Spencer Larsen
The only stat that matters is 11. Or 1-1 (win/loss).
Take the field, play some BRONCOS football and may the team with the most points win!
GO BRONCOS 2K10!
Today’s practice update by Klis:
The comeback of starting right tackle Ryan Harris was put on hold after one practice.
Harris missed the first two regular-season games after suffering a left ankle injury in the final preseason game at Minnesota. He apparently will not play again this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts after he was not out for practice today.
Zane Beadles, a rookie drafted in the second round, is expected to get his third start at right tackle against the Colts.
Jamal Williams also did not participate in practice Thursday, although it’s not unusual that the 34-year-old nose tackle to get a practice off each week.
Cornerbacks Champ Bailey (heel) and Andre’ Goodman (thigh) were also out for a second consecutive day.
Returning to practice was backup linebacker/special teams captain Wesley Woodyard, who missed last week’s game against Seattle with a hamstring injury.
Mcd said we had a good practice today I hope he is right.
McDaniels “Oh the Patriots have a TE Gronkowski, I need to get me one”
hence the Trade, Next time just take a higher pick, imo. lol
im sure each has a option of how to win this game mine istaking the ball and shoving it down mannings throat like the texans did, but realistically i think to myself can we with a banged up offensive line and possibly a beat up secondary?
i dont usually do this but heres what i would do
on offense i would go 2 te’s and have D thomas in game to help block, for those that dont know D thomas comes for a 70% run college
on defense stay in the nickel and or dime packages keeping a CB on clark instead of a LB
I’d like to see Hill assigned to Clark since there is no way our LB’s can get it done, and Hill is still faster than Dawkins in coverage, the CB’s will have to defend deep, no way we can bring them up on a TE with Manning disecting us.
And you are right about the 2 TE formation, we even need the full back in there too, that’s the best shot we’ll have at running the ball which is the best way to have a shot at winning this thing, running the ball to keep it away from Manning.
I 3rd that motion boys!!!!!!!!!!RUN,RUN,RUN,PASS.
For those who always find it unfair the Broncos are not getting any respect in the national media, don’t read this, it’s from Woody, and he knows a thing or two about national media since he is one of them:
Doing the ESPN show “Around The Horn” every day, several other shows on ESPN and other networks regularly, and a dozen or so radio shows in various markets throughout the country every week, I think I get a sense of the national pulse. Few (almost none) of the commentators and NFL fans care about the Broncos.
Except for the signing of Tim Tebow, there’s no interest in the Broncos beyond the Colorado border (and among those few scattered Broncos loyalists elsewhere). The Broncos rarely come up. The Broncos are irrelevant. Most people who do bring up Josh McDaniels put him a class with the other failed Bill Belichick-schooled assistants.
BTW, I’m one of the few scattered Broncos Loyalist, I like that, Bronco loyalist, that’s me and many others on this blog may I add. Well, it’s us against the world, nothing new here, the elite days are far behind, we just gotta find a way to get out of this now over 4 year old slump. If I was on the outside looking in I wouldn’t give us much respect either, 33-33 as of today starting after the 2005 season, BIG BUMMER….
Hey BFE, Bronco loyalist from elsewhere, what’s cooking?
Bronco Loyalist? Sounds like what someone from London would be referred to, ie Manchester Loyalist! Don’t we have an away game across the pond this year? That Woody is a crafty fellow! Lol
GO BRONCOS 2K10! Ignite Indianapolis
Hell Yeah I’m a Bronco loyalist till the day I die bro!!!
I’m sure there are more of us scattered all over the world.
It might have been 11 years since we won a World Championship,but hey we WILL have another one someday.At least we aren’t Charger fans and never have anything to boast about.HAHA.
Denver 35-27 Indianapolis :]..
Hey sndvl…I’d like to give you a Mile High Salute for stickin’ with Orton,looks like I cut him a little short,but hey he proved me wrong and I admit when I’m wrong.Way to stick with your guns bro.
BFE, A mile high salute back at ya! A lot of people had major questionmarks about him. Including McD, at one point in time! Don’t get me wrong, Orton leaves a lot to be desired. Considering our history of QBs. [=
however, I saw enough in him last year to know he would be best for us this year. Many people fail to realize, this is his third full year as a starter. 5th overall.
So, I’m ecstatic at how well he’s performing. I honestly believe we haven’t seen the best of him yet! I love the way he’s been at the LOS, calling out protection, identifying Ds, audibling… Looking like a certain QB, who we happen to face this week! Kyle Orton, a Workingmans Manning!!!
GO BRONCOS 2K10! KO Ignites Indy
when was the last time we beat Indy?
I know this is a little delayed guys, but Goldengut: About your staying in nickel and dime packages, the Giants did that last week and we all know how that happend. We are a better defense than them, but we are playing Peyton Manning. If we give him something he saw last week, we are just going to give a lot more pressure on our offense
The last time we beat the Colts was the last game of the 2004 regular season, January 2nd 2005. The Colts had already locked up third see of the playoffs and couldn’t get to second seed even with a win, so they only played Manning for three plays and let Sorgi take over, the end result was a 33-14 Bronco win.
A week later the two teams met again for the first playoff game and with Manning playing this time around they handed us a 49-20 shellacking.
After that we met 4 times in the next 5 years to the present and lost all 4, so we are now winless against them in the last 5 games.
Ok, only two days left to post your score predictions, NO PICKS ON GAME DAY.
I think we can the colts the rush defense is last in the league. my only concern is if ryan harris does not play. We are going to have trouble passing the ball because of the pass rush from mathis similar to that of aaron kampman. If harris plays we can win this 24-20 without harris i will say 35-28 and champ and goodie have to play that is a must
BTW, for anyone who cares to remember or the ones who are to young to know, two years earlier, in the 2003 season, exactly the same scenario happened than in the 2005 season I described above.
The teams met twice in Indianapolis in a three-week span, with Denver taking a 31-17 win on December 21, 2003 and the Colts running away with a 41-10 playoff victory on January 4, 2004.
Talk about beat downs when it counts!!! Definitely not good memories there, blame MANDIEGO for asking, LOL.
So far it seems as if Harris won’t play at least that’s what Klis says, and he is usually pretty good about that. Anyhow, if you want me to take a score you must make only one, not if then this, if not then that. You have until tomorrow pm to make your pick, maybe we’ll know for sure about Harris tonight, but with McD I wouldn’t count on it, he might just call it a game time decision to keep the Colts guessing.
And both Bailey AND Goodman playing Sunday is nothing but a prayer right now.
I was at that 2nd playoff game. It was a nightmare
Colts 38 Broncos 17
I watched an NFL channel segment last night about this game. The Broncos were described as “the heavy hearted Broncos”. I know the team is looking at a lot of negatives right now…how many of them are already expecting to lose this game?
It was mentioned by Broncs20 that the fans need to deafen Peyton, I will say that actually might have the biggest effect on lifting the spirits of our own Broncos when they need it most….and deafening Peyton, maybe getting a few false starts would be bonus!
As for a game plan to beat the Colts: blitz every 2nd and 3rd down, play double coverage on Clark, and run the ball up the middle on 2nd and 3rd down, pass it on 1st and 4th. Broncos win 34 to 31 in OT.
This is a win-able game! This is home field! We have the best secondary in the league! (Lets hope Champ is on the field) We are prepared and taking this game seriously!
Any given Sunday is this Sunday! Go Broncos!!!
I will be at the game this weekend. Pretty pumped!! Hoping to see a big win. Lets get it done boys!!
did anyon notice that we will play against Marshall, Sheffler AND Cutler next year…that is some irony for ya
Bronco loyalist here too….Let’s win on Sunday for Kenny!
oh man… another season, another game against indy… i dont know if ive mentioned this before but i HATE peyton manning.. mostly because he consistently kicks our @$$. hopefully this year is different. and because i am an eternal broncos optimist, im going to say broncos win a shoot out in the closing seconds of the game! broncos win 41 – 38… we still dont have a D that can stop manning!
Keep on buckin broncs..
THE BATTLE IS WON IN THE TRENCHES
Broncos 31-Colts 28
Last year when we played them we had I think 2 or 3 interceptions and I think we turned only one of them into points. Don’t quote me on that stat, but we need to turn turnovers into points…perferably touchdowns.
Moreno needs to start performing better. I know he’s coming off an injury and he did have some good plays last week, but we need him to be more effective running the ball. Sometimes I think that teams think we don’t pose a threat rushing the ball like we used to. I know McD’s passing to set up the run philosophy is what we usually do know, but we need to be more effective running the ball. I sure hope we can keep Orton on his feet, we all know what happens when the pocket collapses…so does Orton.
I think we can beat the Colts, but we’re going to have to be at the top of our game. Maybe we’ll see some Wild Horse this Sunday????
Go Broncos!!!!
I see Moreno is not going to play on Sunday, that is not good unless Moroney can pick up the slack in his first game as a Bronco, Buckhalter just has not been able to pick up the yards and we need a running game against the colts. Let’s hope the D can pressure Manning, something most teams struggle with. A win against the colts would certainly get everyone’s attention so let’s hope we can pull off a W on Sunday.
always the 12th man
GO BRONCOS
man this moreno injury just screwed me in fantasy, and possibly screwed us in reality. hope he gets better soon. man he has never had a season where he is healthy so far. always a set back cuz i believe he would be a beast if he were ever 100 percent or close to it.
The reports are saying this injury report was released on the teams tweeter feed. How in the world do you hurt yourself in a Friday walk through practice!!! This may be a McD smoke screen.
Oh Good Lord!!!! What is going on with Moreno now? Comon guys!!!!
wouldnt put it past mcd rebel, the underhanded way is the patriot way. but man we fans sure do suffer cuz we dont know whats what. sigh…. so much for morenos break out year…
This from the Denver Post:
More tough injury news for the Broncos _ starting running back Knowshon Moreno suffered an injury during practice Thursday and has been ruled out for the game Sunday against Indianapolis.
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said Laurence Maroney, Correll Buckhalter and Andre Brown would be his running backs.
Damnit man!!!
It probably is a smoke screen. One thing is for sure, If Moreno plays and doe`s his normal dance routine, he`ll be tackled for a loss every play against Indy. He`s most likely being benched for this game.
This sucks! My wifes going to be so mad, Moreno’s on her fantasy team!
Harris and Moreno out,Champ and Goody prob out,if they do play they’ll be less than 100%,sorry guys,I’m the Broncos #1 fan,but I have to go with the Colts 31-21.
Maybe we get healthy and start kicking some ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BTW….Baylin what was your score prediction???
This is getting rediculous. Can we just put the entire team on IR and work on getting and staying healthy.
Ok, not really, but c’mon man….
yea game 3 and a big part of the team is already down on IR, this does not bode well, is it my imagination or does it seem like we have a greater % of IR since McD took over? We sure could use being at full strength for this game. Just hoping for the best, but Manning is probably watching this with a big grin on ugly mug, damn!
34-14 broncos, run over 150 pass over 300, possibly a return for a td and 3 or 4 takeaways!