Broncos vs. Lions: Full Denver Game Preview
The Denver Broncos have gotten off to a 2-0 start to begin the 2015 NFL season, though the manner in which they have accomplished that feat is not what many pictured.
The Broncos have looked terrific on defense, but unorganized and sloppy on offense. Against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2, the Broncos needed the ball to bounce their way numerous times in order to escape with a victory. Luckily for them, that's the way things transpired.
On the docket is another road game, this time against the Detroit Lions. The Lions are sitting at 0-2 and will be desperate to avoid an 0-3 hole which would make any postseason aspirations the team may have had difficult to achieve.
The Lions are a team the Broncos have traditionally struggled against, for whatever reason. Though Denver leads the all-time series 6-5, the Lions have blown them out in the last two meetings, winning those games by a combined score of 89-17.
Here, we will take a closer look at this contest, including some key matchups to look for as well as injuries that could impact the game. We'll also tell you who is going to win and why.
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Week 2 Results and Recap
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Week 2 was filled with some wild contests and plenty of action across the league. None of those games were wilder than the one between the Broncos and Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.
The Chiefs jumped out to a 14-0 lead following an interception return for a touchdown by rookie cornerback Marcus Peters. But just when it looked like the balance of power in the AFC West was about to shift and media outlets were about to declare Peyton Manning's career over, No. 18 rallied the troops in a way few quarterbacks are capable of.
Manning went back to what he does best, lining up in the shotgun and taking what the defense gives him. Following that interception by Peters, Manning made few errors, helping Denver tie the game 14-14 just before halftime.
Of course, the defense deserves just as much credit. Aqib Talib made a critical interception prior to the end of the first half to help Denver tie the score.
Later, Bradley Roby made the play that put the game away—and shocked fans inside Arrowhead Stadium.
With less than a minute to play in the game, Roby scooped up Jamaal Charles' second fumble of the game and returned it 21 yards for a touchdown. In the end, Kansas City finished with five turnovers.
The wild finish put the Broncos at the top of the AFC West, a position the team has been very familiar with over the course of the last several years. At the same time, they also gained a huge psychological advantage over the Chiefs, who will have a hard time overcoming this crushing defeat.
News and Notes
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Kenny Anunike Back at Practice
On Monday, Denver defensive end Kenny Anunike returned to practice and participated in individual drills, according to Andrew Mason of the team's official website.
Anunike had minor knee surgery during the preseason, and it seems the Broncos are trying to ease him back onto the field. He is a player that showed he can be a force on defense during the preseason games he played in, but injuries have plagued the second-year player.
However, if the Broncos can get Anunike back on the field and he can remain healthy, the defense could become even more ferocious.
Peyton Manning Nominated for Weekly Award
For his performance against the Chiefs, Manning was nominated for the NFL's Castrol Edge Clutch Performer of the Week award, according to Ben Swanson of the team's official website.
Though Manning has received more awards than any player who has ever stepped onto a playing field, getting recognized by the league for his accomplishments in this game still means something.
Atlanta wideout Julio Jones, Oakland quarterback Derek Carr, Jacksonville kicker Jason Myers and Cleveland QB Johnny Manziel were the other nominees.
Broncos-Chiefs Game Sets Record
As reported by Nielsen (via Allie Raymond of the team's official website), the game between the Broncos and Chiefs drew a record number of viewers.
Over 21 million people tuned in for the game, up 4 percent from last year's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, the game that previously held the record.
It's uncertain whether or not that many people were interested in this game or if people really like to watch Thursday Night Football in Week 2. However, one thing is clear. Those 21 million viewers were treated to the type of finish that you rarely ever see.
Latest Injury News
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In his latest injury update, Andrew Mason of the team's official website notes that Kayvon Webster and Aqib Talib were both absent from Wednesday's practice. Webster hurt his ankle against Kansas City in Week 2, but it's unclear what is ailing Talib.
Safety Omar Bolden, who missed Week 2, looks to be on track to return to the field. The Broncos could also gain the services of defensive end Kenny Anunike, who has been out since the middle of the preseason after having minor knee surgery.
Anunike would add another threat to an already stout pass rush. The Broncos can't afford to be thin in the secondary on Sunday, however. The Lions are a team that likes to throw it all over the field.
You could make the argument that Talib is the team's MVP through two games, so Denver will do everything it can to get him on the field.
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Key Matchups
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Denver Secondary vs. Calvin Johnson
Whether the Broncos choose to defend Calvin Johnson with Talib or Chris Harris remains to be seen, but expect the team to rotate safety Darian Stewart over to provide help fairly often.
Johnson has just 12 receptions on the season, but he has been targeted 22 times. Matthew Stafford is going to give him plenty of chances to make a play in this game, and it only takes one to change the complexion of a contest.
The Broncos haven't been beaten badly by wide receivers so far this year, but this will be as stiff a challenge as the secondary will face all year.
Matt Paradis vs. Haloti Ngata
Much like the secondary with Johnson, center Matt Paradis is going to need help from his guards to contain Haloti Ngata in this game. Louis Vasquez and Evan Mathis need to provide solid double-teams on the big defensive tackle if Denver wants to have any chance of moving the ball on the ground.
The Lions gave up 134 yards on the ground to Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson last week, so that could be encouraging for C.J. Anderson and the Denver running game.
The Broncos have just 130 yards rushing in two games and are averaging less than three yards per carry.
Emmanuel Sanders vs. Rashean Mathis
If the Lions use Darius Slay to match up against Demaryius Thomas, the Broncos could really take advantage of Rashean Mathis with Emmanuel Sanders.
Mathis is a crafty veteran who has 31 career interceptions, but very few defensive backs have been able to stick with Sanders during his time with the Broncos.
We'll also offer a little bonus prediction here. This will be the game where Manning connects on the deep ball over the top to Sanders.
Matchup X-Factor
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Broncos X-Factor of the Week: David Bruton
This is a game where the Lions could easily put the ball in the air 50-plus times. The Denver secondary will be tested repeatedly.
As a result, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will need all hands on deck in order to have a productive rotation of players at his disposal.
Known for his special teams prowess throughout his career, David Bruton is an underrated defensive back in terms of pass coverage. He has filled in nicely when his number has been called this season.
On the season, Bruton has nine tackles, one forced fumble and two passes defensed. With all the weapons Detroit has in the passing game, he is a player the Broncos could draw on in this matchup.
Against a guy like Detroit tight end Eric Ebron, Bruton would be a better option that starting safety T.J. Ward.
Prediction: Broncos 24, Lions 16
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Make no mistake, this is not going to be an easy win for the Broncos. They are going into enemy territory against a team that will be desperate to avoid an 0-3 start.
However, the Broncos will have 10 days to prepare for this game, and in those 10 days, the team will rest up and work out more of the kinks they have on the offensive side of the ball.
Though head coach Gary Kubiak may not allow Manning to call all of the shots on offense, expect Manning to be lining up in the shotgun and throwing the ball against the Detroit defense. In Week 1, the Lions allowed San Diego QB Philip Rivers to throw for 404 yards.
While Manning probably won't hit that number, he'll be able to hit Thomas and Sanders for some big plays in this game.
Stafford and his Lions will fight back with a determined passing attack of their own, but the Denver defense will be able to force at least three turnovers, and that will again prove to be the difference.
Denver goes to Ford Field and leaves with a 3-0 record to start the year.
Final Prediction: Broncos 24, Lions 16
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