Denver Broncos vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Predictions

In week five(I can't believe it's already week five) the Broncos travel back home after a devastating loss to Kansas City to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Tampa has won its last three games (Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay), none more inspiring than last week. 

In case you missed it, or didn't hear the terrible news, Bucs kicker Matt Bryant played on Sunday in spite of burying his three-month old son the day before.  Bryant proceeded to make three field goals, which proved to be the difference in the Bucs 30-21 victory over Green Bay. 

Aside from the emotional win, the Bucs are playing very good football heading into Sunday's matchup against the Broncos.  They are in the top 13 in both scoring offense and defense, and the only major statistical category their team falls below 20th is in pass defense----  Uh oh.

The atmosphere at Invesco Field at Mile High on Sunday figures to compare favorably to that of a hornets nest, mainly because Jay Cutler and the Broncos know that they messed up, and gave Kansas City that game.  Literally. 

Four turnovers, including two interceptions forced Denver's offense back to the sidelines, twice even in three plays.  One thing I know about Jay Cutler:  He will not make the same mistake two weeks in a row. 

Since coming into the league in 2006, Cutler has thrown 38 touchdown passes compared to 23 interceptions.  In 25 starts, that is an average of under one interception per game, and a little over one touchdown per game.  In Brian Griese's last 25 starts, dating back to 2004, he has thrown 42 touchdowns, and 39 interceptions.

As far as 2008?  Let's just say Griese hasn't had his best season.  In 128 attempts he has found the wrong colored jersey six times.  The former Bronco has a rating of 62.5, and has been sacked 13 times. 

Yet somehow, the Bucs find themselves in the same place the Broncos do:  First.

Ask any NFL player besides Terrell Owens if they care how they win the game.  You will hear a monotonous word that can be spoken in English and Spanish the same way:  No.

Sure, both teams have gotten some breaks but that is just how the NFL is.  To quote the great prophet Vin Diesel,"It don't matter if you win by an inch, or a mile.  Winning's winning."  While the Broncos have gotten to fast starts, the Bucs have gotten to slow starts.

This game is going to be such a fun one to watch.  Dewayne Robertson brings his ability to stop the run back to the Broncos this week, in an area he was sorely missed last week with his teammates giving up over 200 yards on the ground. 

If Mike Shanahan truly cares about this team winning, which he does, he will approach Defensive Coordinator Bob Slowik and insist on a pass rush. 

Shanahan does not know defense nearly as well as he knows offense, but the Broncos have needed a pass rush since the Elway days, and even Minnesota's big three could not put heat on an NFL quarterback with a three man rush.

Key to Denver's Success

Force Griese to turn the ball over.  Keep the offense on the field.  If Denver controls the clock, they will win by 10 at least.

X-Factor

Broncos D-Line

Putting pressure on is a must.  Elvis Dumervil has been getting double-teamed and the Broncos still are only rushing three.  Every time I have seen them bring the heat, the other team's QB makes a mistake, or makes a bad throw.  Denver needs to force three-and-outs in order to dominate this game

Matchup to Watch for

DE Gaines Adams vs. LT Ryan Clady

Prediction

I like the home team in this game, plus a fiery Jay Cutler means more aggressive offensive playcalling by Shanahan.  I think Denver's whole team will thrive off of the attitude of Cutler.  As long as the defense keeps them in the game, they will win the game.

Broncos, 38  Buccaneers 27