Denver Broncos: 5 Keys to a Denver Victory Against San Diego in Week 5

Sunday, October 9 will mark the start of the second quarter of the 2011 NFL season. We've seen teams surprise us (Buffalo Bills), disappoint us (Philadelphia Eagles), and teams perform just as we thought. The Denver Broncos are one of those teams. 

With a defense much in need of improvement and an offensive situation that relies way too much on quarterback Kyle Orton throwing long, the Denver Broncos are not in for a bright season. It is no surprise that they are 1-3 entering Week 5. 

The season is not lost, however, and Week 5 is a crucial division matchup versus the San Diego Chargers.

Most people are picking the Chargers, and rightfully so, but here are five things that Denver must do if they want to go to sleep on Sunday with a W. 

5. Stop Mike Tolbert

Denver's defense has been pitiful in all regards this season, yet they have showed some improvement in their run defense thanks in large part to rookie linebacker Von Miller out of Texas A&M. 

Despite Week 1, where Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden rushed for 150 yards against the Broncos, the defense has been able to clog up rushers. 

The Chargers are a smart, conservative team, however, and Mike Tolbert is a big, strong runner. Expect them to lean heavily on Tolbert to test the waters.

If Denver lets Tolbert run free, especially in the red zone, quarterback Philip Rivers' job will be far too easy. 

4. Take Advantage of Matt Prater's Potential

Two things:

1. Denver does not possess a good red-zone offense, and this needs to change if they want to win (see: Slide 4).
2. Matt Prater is an excellent kicker with great range and accuracy, with the added benefit of kicking in the thin Denver air. 

If Denver can't score in the red zone, they at least need to secure the three automatic points from Prater. 

3. Run the Ball Productively

It's unfortunate that running back Knowshon Moreno can't stay healthy and live up to his potential as the 12th overall pick in the '09 draft out of Georgia.

Willis McGahee is a solid workhorse, but he's aged. 

Between the two of them, Denver needs to run the ball much more productively. All the burden can't be on Kyle Orton. 

2. Score in the Red Zone

This is one area where Denver is greatly flawed. Once they get into the red zone, they need to score, no questions asked, and this can't be on the receivers every time. 

Denver needs to learn to run the ball in the red zone.

1. Don't Let the Chargers Score Early

Denver would be great at pool, because they are always behind the eight-ball. 

Every week they give up 17 points by first quarter's end, continually leading to Kyle Orton in long passing situations.

Denver needs to play good defense from the start of the game and force Philip Rivers and Co. to punt, and punt often.