Wins Elusive at ArrowheadThe Broncos are off to a sizzling 3-0 start while division rival Kansas City has stumbled out of the gates with a vastly contrasting 0-3 start to its season.
But don’t think the Broncos are overlooking this weekend’s matchup against the Chiefs, they would be foolish to do so. Not only is K.C. one of Denver’s most bitter rivals but also Sunday’s game will be played at Arrowhead Stadium, historically a notoriously hard place for the Broncos to come away victorious.
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Look Added to Defensive Arsenal, Starting StrongThe Broncos showed their defensive flexibility during Sunday’s win against New Orleans. At times Denver mixed things up by implementing a 3-4 defensive scheme instead of the team’s traditional 4-3 formation.
The team’s four linebacker alignment allowed them to utilize different defensive groupings allowing Jamie Winborn to join Boss Bailey, D.J. Williams and Nate Webster as a member of the linebacking corps. With so much talent on the defense, Williams said switching between schemes lets more of that talent see action.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke
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Familiar Face, Unfamilar TeamThe Broncos will play the Saints on Sunday for the first time in four seasons, and although the team that steps on the field at INVESCO Field at Mile High on Sunday is an unfamiliar opponent, the man under center is not.
Current Saints quarterback Drew Brees was the signal caller for the rival San Diego Chargers for five seasons from 2001-2005.
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Not Neglecting New OrleansThe Broncos have been the talk of the NFL this week. From Coach Shanahan’s decision to go for two, to Brandon Marshall 18 receptions, Jay Cutler’s NFL-best 650 passing yards, and the emergence of first-year receiver Eddie Royal. The Broncos have captured themselves some attention.
Head Coach Mike Shanahan was quick to warn his players about basking in early season successes.
Cutler, Shanahan Up For Week 2 AwardsFor the second straight week the Broncos are featured on NFL.com’s weekly performance polls.
Head Coach Mike Shanahan is one of three choices for the Motorola Coach of the Week. Shanahan put the game on the line when he decided to go for two and the win after a fourth down touchdown with 24 seconds remaining against San Diego.
For the second time in as many weeks quarterback Jay Cutler has been nominated for the Fed Ex Air Player of the Week. Cutler had a career day, totaling 350 yards and four touchdowns against the Chargers.
Click the above links to submit your votes.
-Jake Grilley, DenverBroncos.com
Early, Yet ImportantIt may only be the Broncos’ second game of the season, but cornerback Champ Bailey said Sunday could be the team’s most important game of the year.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke
“I think this is going to be our biggest test of the year,” Champ said. “It is only our second game but this will one of our biggest tests — just like how next week will be another test. I think it is all about how we respond to success. We had a good game, but it’s how do we bounce back from all that and win another one.”
Bailey will have a familiar face in front of him on the Broncos’ defense as Denver goes up against the rival Chargers. He and his brother Boss Bailey will play in their first regular season game as NFL teammates.
Charged UpThe Broncos showed that they are capable of putting up points and coming away with a win during Monday night’s trouncing of the Oakland Raiders.
“It sure was a good way to start,” Head Coach Mike Shanahan said about the team winning its first game. “Any time you start on Monday night in the AFC West against the Raiders and you get a big win… But it’s short lived because we have to get ready for San Diego.”
Denver will get to see if they can continue its early season success as the rival San Diego Chargers, AFC West champs the past two years, come to INVESCO Field at Mile High. Sunday is a statement game for the Broncos who have lost their previous four regular season games to the Chargers.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke
Outlook for OaklandIt is Wednesday, so that means only five days remain until the Broncos primetime, divisional and regular season opener against the team’s archnemesis, an opponent that ESPN’s Chris Berman will overly refer to as the “RRRaidahs!” prior to Monday night’s clash.
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Practice Quick Hits: 8/27The Broncos are heading to Phoenix tomorrow in preparation for the team’s final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals Friday evening. With the starters expected to sit out or see very limited playing time, Second and third team players will take the field trying to earn the team a victory. Quarterback Darrell Hackney spoke to reporters after practice about what his mindset is heading into Arizona.
“It’s just another opportunity to play football –looking forward to showing people what I can do,” Hackney said. “We beat Arizona last year and we are trying to do the same thing this year – just going out there to play and have fun.”
Cowboys at Camp: Final PracticeThe Broncos and Cowboys closed out their joint practices Thursday afternoon with some 11-on-11 team drills between the offenses and defenses, and a little special teams in between. After a morning that featured a bit of a scuffle, the afternoon session was filled with nothing but good, clean football — and the occasional offensive fireworks — as Broncos President and CEO Pat Bowlen and Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones stood and watched practice side-by-side.
ATTENDANCE REPORT: The Broncos who were out of pads for the morning session also were for the afternoon session…In addition, the usual pack of veterans did not participate in the practice, including Dre’ Bly, Dewayne Robertson, Brandon Stokley and Darrell Jackson.
POSTURING FOR POSITION: Michael Pittman — who celebrated his birthday today — was the running back in the lineup on most situational third-downs.
MATCHUPS: For the final session of their joint practice, the Cowboys and Broncos went into 11-on-11 team matchups right after their individual team drills. Here are the details.