Denver Broncos Keys to Victory vs. Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football

The Denver Broncos couldn't have asked for a better showing than what they did last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In what was the most watched regular season game in NFL history, the Broncos defeated the Steelers 31-19 in what was Peyton Manning's Bronco debut.

Not only did Manning answer every question about whether he could play, the defense stepped up and played even better than many would have thought.

But now, on yet another prime time game, the Broncos take on the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome on Monday Night Football.

Here are five keys to a Broncos victory:

Pass Rush

Last Sunday night, the Broncos pass rush was relentless against Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers. The pass rush was led by second year linebacker Von Miller who tallied two sacks against Big Ben.

But it wasn't just Miller getting after Roethlisberger. Rookie defensive tackle Derek Wolfe had his first career sack, linebacker Wesley Woodyard had a sack and cornerback Chris Harris and linebacker Joe Mays combined for the other sack.

Five sacks in a game is impressive, but what stands out even more is the hits on the quarterback. The Broncos tallied nine such hits.

They kept Roethlisberger uneasy for the majority of the game. And tonight, the Broncos will have to do the same thing to Matt Ryan.

Ryan has become one of the premiere quarterbacks in the NFL. He has a bevy of wide receivers who can hurt any team. So to counter that, the Broncos must make Ryan uneasy and throw out of rhythm. If they can do that, the Broncos have a chance to win.

Secondary

Much like the Broncos need their pass rush to make Matt Ryan uneasy, the Broncos secondary has to step up big.

Last week, the Broncos allowed some big plays, but came up big when it mattered most.

Tracy Porter, who was named AFC Defensive player of the week, made his Broncos debut and did it in style with a game-clinching 43-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Champ Bailey was his normal All-Pro self and the safety play was just as good.

Even though the Steelers can pass the ball, they aren't quite the Falcons. Ryan might have one of the best wide receiver duos to throw to in Roddy White and Julio Jones.

The two receivers combined for 12 catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns in the 40-24 thrashing of the Kansas City Chiefs last week.

Throw in the threat of Tony Gonzalez, who is still playing at an elite level despite being in his 16th season, and that is a triple threat. And last week, the Broncos had problems covering Pittsburgh's tight end Heath Miller, so covering Gonzalez will be huge for the Broncos defense.

Run Offense

Last week, the Broncos rush game wasn't what it was a year ago, but it sure helped out Peyton Manning.

Manning does a lot of work off of play-action plays so getting 94 yards on 27 carries including a seven yard touchdown run by Knownshon Moreno really helped.

The Broncos aren't going to lead the league in rushing like they did a year ago, but if they can continue to have a consistent game like they did a week ago, it will go along way for Manning and Co.

Willis McGahee did have a solid game on the ground, as he rushed for 64 yards on 16 carries.

Bronco fans would like to see the average per rush go up—just 3.5 yards per carry—but getting positive yards is enough to allow Manning an extra second to make a pass down the field.

Look for the Broncos to run the ball a little more tonight and try and keep the Falcons offense off the field.

Peyton Manning

When it boils down to it, the key to every single outcome of each game this year will rest on the right arm of Peyton Manning.

Last week, he made his much anticipated Broncos debut and did not disappoint. He was proficient as ever going 19-of-26 for 253 yards and two touchdowns.

He made each read correctly and when the Steelers safeties played back, he checked to a run play. When the safeties were up, he went to a quick pass. 

Manning will have to continue to be himself as he faces a good Falcon pass rush led by John Abraham.

If Manning can make the correct reads, it will go along way in trying to get the Broncos to a 2-0. The best start since 2009 when they started 6-0.