The big picture shows the Broncos are 6-2 at the halfway point of the season. There probably aren’t too many people who predicted that before the regular season began.
At the same time, the last two losses to Baltimore and Pittsburgh showed that the Broncos have work to do. But what NFL team doesn’t have to get better?
There are plenty of unknowns as the second half of the season begins in Washington, D.C. on Sunday. I’m determined to enjoy the process of watching things unfold each week.
Too often when following a team, I find myself anxious for the result and thus, I don’t enjoy the process. Not this year. I’m going to embrace the unknown of what is to come and try to rid myself of any expectations.
I happen to think the Broncos will have a pretty good second half and make the playoffs. But I’m going to enjoy seeing what happens.
It all starts against the Redskins. And there are a few things I’ll be looking for.
1 – HOW THE BRONCOS’ OFFENSE RESPONDS. It is no secret it has been two tough weeks for the Broncos. There is concern but there is no panic and that is how it should be. The running game struggled against the Ravens and Steelers, two talented and physical defenses.
While I don’t think the Redskins’ defense is as good as that of the Steelers, Washington is no pushover. The Redskins are ninth in the NFL, surrendering 19.2 points per game. They allow only 286.2 yards per game, sixth in the league. Those aren’t bad numbers.
But in rushing defense, the Redskins are 25th in the NFL, surrendering 126.4 yards per game. I’ll be curious to see if the Broncos can get their running attack back into gear. I know it isn’t about stats; it’s about execution. The fact is, however, the Redskins have been below average stopping the run for a half of a season.
2 – WILL THE BRONCOS’ DEFENSE RETURN TO FORM? The Redskins will be without running back Clinton Portis. Quarterback Jason Campbell, while talented, has not been able to consistently produce big games.
Denver’s second half against Pittsburgh was one to forget. No doubt it is difficult to dominate every week, especially against really good teams. Pittsburgh definitely qualifies as such.
Washington has struggled to score points, averaging only 14.1 per game. That ranks 29th out of 32 teams. The Broncos’ defense has an opportunity to show the second half against Pittsburgh was an aberration and not the start of a trend.
3 – THE KILLER INSTINCT. The Broncos displayed this seemingly every week before the bye. Then they ran into Baltimore’s buzz saw and couldn’t stop the Steelers in the second half.
Uncertainty surrounds not only the Redskins team but the organization itself. Inconsistent play on the field has been accompanied by uncertainty surrounding the future of the head coach and an unsettled situation with the coaching staff.
The Broncos need to go to D.C., put their foot down, not let up and come home 7-2. They have the ability to do that.
It’ll be fun to see if it happens.
What are your thoughts about the second half of the season? Thanks for reading and posting, too.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: Washington Redskins, Week 10
Man I sure hope we can turn it around this weekend. Despite the Redskins horrid offense they have one of the best defenses in the league. If we can’t move the ball on offense I think this is going to be a very low scoring game. However I have alot of faith in the Broncos to play the way we all know they are capable of playing so i think we will walk out of there with a 24-6 victory over the Redskins.
GO BRONCOS!!!!!
My thoughts for the 2nd half:
* Orton needs to look upfield more. I don’t think he threw a pass more than 10 yards past the line of scrimmage Monday night. Dinking and dunking isn’t going to get it done.
* The defense is going to have to figure out how to stop offenses without the big play turnover. I’m afraid offenses are figuring out how to pick them apart and if they can’t get a sack or a turnover, there will be more long scoring drives.
* McDaniels has to get more creative on play calling. Getting very predicatable.
* Figure out what to do about the punter. Don’t think Mitch Berger is the answer after Monday night’s performance. I’m a little uneasy about Prater’s inconsistency with FGs as well.
* Finally, let’s stop drafting RBs in the first round. It’s still early, but I’d call Knowshone a bust. Hard to be a standout RB now in the NFL and their longevity is limited. Rather, I would like to see us continue to beef up the front 7 on D.
Paul, I respect your opinions and I was kinda on board with some of what you wrote. But calling Knowshon a “bust” is certainly something I would disagree with.
The offensive run blocking has been terrible for the last two weeks. Knowshon will be fine if he can hang on to the ball.
Agree with your take on Prater. I’m nervous every time he kicks!
I’m still a big Orton fan. He is taking what the defense gives him. I would love to see Denver take a couple shots down the field but not if it’s not there.
Mr. Rice, another fine post. You know, sometimes I don’t enjoy watching the Broncos games as much as I should due to the fact that I am a freak and live and die with every game! haha… Bottom line is I sometimes “tape” the game and watch it later.
I believe the problem lies with expectations. I didn’t expect much when the season started. So I had no issue just sitting and watching us play…cheering them on.
As the season progresses though, I expect more and more and, therefore, I stress out when they struggle.
Funny but true, sometimes I have to wait to see if they won before I’ll watch the game. If they lose I read the stats and recaps so I get an idea of what happened but I don’t feel so depressed that I can’t enjoy Sunday with my kids.
What a Psycho!!
Go Broncos
I think we need to run, run and run on the Skins. If Moreno and Buckhalter are successful, then we can have success in play-action. Let Eddie Royal loose on DeAngelo Hall. We know what the results will be. GO BRONCOS!!!
i really think also that ou d needs to find themeselves just as the offense…kinda go t lost for a while.
hi my name is jesse. im a huge bronco fan and i think they are going to turn there season around after the 3 losses they sufferd. they need to work on there offense.