Read Sports Geek’s argument and Loyal Homer’s arguments about the which game this weekend is the one that you CANNOT miss.
FINALLY, we all will get to find out if the Denver Broncos are for real this year!
While their 4-0 start to the 2009 season has already exceeded expectations for many, there are still questions surrounding the team’s ability to compete against the league’s elite. To date, the Broncos have defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cleveland Browns, the Oakland Raiders, and the Dallas Cowboys – none of which are being mistaken for Super Bowl contenders this season.
This weekend, however, we should get some answers as to just how good the Broncos REALLY when the team plays host to the always dangerous New England Patriots.
After a shaky start to the season, the Patriots seem to have found a rhythm once again, as evidenced by impressive wins in the previous two games against truly formidable opponents in the Atlanta Falcons and the Baltimore Ravens. In fact, many pegged the Ravens as being the best team in the NFL heading into their matchup against New England last weekend. Thanks to an unfortunate drop in the end zone late in the game by Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton, the Patriots were able to hold them off. With that victory, the Patriots officially tossed the proverbial hat back in the ring as legitimate contenders for the AFC crown.
Now that the Patriots have answered some of the questions about their claim to being one of the best in the AFC, it is time for the Broncos to prove worth.
The most interesting battle on the field during this game will be examining how the Broncos’ defense (which is currently ranks third in the NFL in total defense) handles New England’s offense. The Broncos on defense have given up only 6.5 points per game during the first four weeks of the season. Let’s be honest, though, the offenses in Oakland, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and yes… even Dallas… are not that impressive. In fact, the Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders have COMBINED for only 91 total points scored, a total that is lower than what 13 other teams in the league! This weekend, however, the Broncos are facing a dangerous Patriots offense that is averaging 21.8 points per game on offense.
In fairness, Denver’s offense has not exactly been a disappointment, either. Despite some preseason criticism heaped onto new Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels after quarterback Jay Cutler left town – and then the subsequent issues surrounding wide receiver Brandon Marshall – the Broncos have managed to move the ball with reasonable success thanks in large part to a rushing attack that is averaging 148 yards per game. The rushing attack, which features Correll Buckhalter and rookie Knowshon Moreno, poses a considerable challenge for a New England defense that has undergone very heavy personnel changes in recent seasons.
It is time for the Denver Broncos to put the questionable record on the line. This potential playoff preview will be very competitive, and should reveal just how impressive the Broncos’ 4-0 start is.
