Broncos-Falcons: Denver Uses Old-School Method to Take Two-Game Lead

For the first time this season, the Broncos looked like a complete team—and they did it with a bunch of no-namers and castoffs.

Headlined by Spencer Larsen, the FB/LB who started on both offense and defense, Denver put together a team that had only one thing in common: They wanted to win, and they wanted it bad.

Their starting lineup featured a white running back, a fullback who also started at linebacker, a rookie tackle and receiver, two third string linebackers (including two rookies), and an undrafted rookie free agent starting in place of the injured Champ Bailey. 

How good were their chances?

Well, outside of Denver die-hards and Mike Golic of ESPN, I doubt very many, if any at all, thought the Broncos would have a chance.

They proved their doubters wrong, and they did it in very impressive fashion. 

The first touchdown of the game was scored by 2008 seventh round selection Peyton Hillis, whom the Broncos selected with a draft choice acquired from Tampa Bay in exchange for Jake Plummer.  Thanks, Bucs!

Hillis has been an excellent addition as of late, and has scored three touchdowns in as many games, with two of those coming yesterday.

Leading all tacklers on defense was Denver linebacker Jamie Winborn with 10, a former second round draft pick out of Vanderbilt back in 2001 who was released by the 49ers and Buccaneers.

Teaming up in the linebacker core with Winborn was the aforementioned Larsen at MLB and undrafted rookie free agent Wesley Woodyard—an "undersized" linebacker out of Kentucky.

Woodyard led Denver in tackles in the preseason, and had been a special teams ace up until he was forced to a starters role with the injuries to Boss Bailey and D.J. Williams.  In two starts, Woodyard has 18 tackles, more than sixth overall pick Vernon Gholston.

Tatum Bell, a former and current Broncos running back who was selling cell phones at a local mall earlier in the week, had a key first down late in the game to seal the victory.  He averaged just under five yards per carry on the day.

The Broncos have shown that playing football the old-school way can propel you down victory lane. And if you play the game with some heart and an attitude, the reward tastes oh so sweet.