Detroit Lions: Keys to Beating the Denver Broncos

The Detroit Lions are now 5-2 after their impressive 5-0 start. The Lions face a critical road game against the Denver Broncos in Week 8. The keys to beating the Broncos are much more complex than fans may have once perceived. 

The Lions are in a must-win situation before their bye week in Week 9. The team has been a victim of media scrutiny the last two weeks and losing three straight weeks would only add fuel to the fire. 

While the Lions have their problems, what NFL team doesn't? This is a good team on the verge of greatness. While there are plenty of improvements to be made, there's no time like the present to get to work. 

Here are the keys to beating the Denver Broncos. 

Lions Fans: Stand by Your Team

It wasn't so long ago that the Lions posted an 0-16 record. Yet, in the last two weeks, the atmosphere surrounding the Detroit Lions has abruptly become bleak. Don't forget, the team has already won five games. 

Yes—the team has lost two straight games.

No—the season is not over, and the team is not reverting back to its 0-16 days.

Yes—Monday Night Football was a blast. 

No—it wasn't the Lions' Super Bowl.

Ford Field has been noticeably quieter when things have gone wrong the last two games. Maybe it's the fair-weather fans that come with success that have lost interest because the Lions weren't blowing up the scoreboard on offense and Ndamukong Suh wasn't in on every play on defense.

Whatever the reason may be—support the Lions regardless. Treat them like family, and love them unconditionally. This is no time to walk the plank. 

This team's future is bright, and it has resuscitated fans from its once-grim reality. Sure, the team has some problems, but after all, for many, it has never been this good as a Lions fan.

There's no need to be down—be loud—show your pride.

No. 6: Hope That Matthew Stafford Can Play—Don't Be Surprised to See Shaun Hill

Detroit Lions starting quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a tender ankle this week after being roughed up on the last play of the game in Week 7. While he is officially listed as day-to-day, it's becoming increasingly optimistic that he will start. 

If Stafford can't start or finish the game, the Lions will then turn to their trusted backup, Shaun Hill.

Hill started in 10 games for the Lions last season and accumulated half of the team's six wins. While he did throw 12 interceptions last season, five of those were in a two-game span.

Have faith in Hill, he's a solid backup. Some would argue that Hill would be the starting quarterback in San Francisco right now if it hadn't been for the fact that now-starter Alex Smith is a former No. 1 overall pick.

Whether it be Stafford or Hill, the Lions will be ready for the Broncos.

No. 5: Beware of Von Miller

Denver Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller is a bad man on a football field. Last year's No. 2 overall pick is only 22 years of age and looks to be a staple in the NFL for the next decade.

Miller has six sacks in as many games and two forced fumbles. The Detroit Lions have to keep a watchful eye on him at all times. The Lions need a find a way to keep Miller off the back of their quarterback. 

Miller brings plenty of intensity to the Broncos' defense—the Lions need to find a way to isolate him. Tight ends Tony Scheffler and Brandon Pettigrew should be an integral part of the Lions' plan on how to occupy Miller. 

No. 4: Linebackers Must Help Stop the Run

The Detroit Lions' highly touted defense has been blasted by opponents' running games all year long. Right now, the Lions are 28th in the NFL at stopping the run. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that this has to change.

While the Lions' defensive line has taken the brunt of the blame, it's time for the linebackers to step up. The D-line seemingly lines up across the entire width of the field with their "Wide 9" package, leaving gaping holes up the gut. It's the linebackers responsibility to plug those holes and stop the run. 

Look for the Lions' linebackers to play better against the run-heavy Denver Broncos. 

No. 3: Receivers Other Than Calvin Johnson Need to Walk the Walk

Detroit Lions wide receivers, specifically Nate Burleson and Titus Young, need to bring it. Everyone knows that the Lions lack an efficient running game, and that Calvin Johnson is the go-to guy. 

What the Lions need most is for Burleson and Young to put it on themselves to make the Lions' offense better as a whole. The two men have a combined 37 catches for 431 yards and one touchdown thus far.

Reminder, the season in one game shy of its halfway point. If these guys were to finish the season with less than 1,000 yards combined, it would be considered a failure. 

Silly penalties, dropped balls and not making a presence isn't acceptable from here on out. Lions fans know that Burleson is a great leader and can talk the talk—now it's time to walk the walk. 

No. 2: Pressure Tim Tebow

Okay, every football fan knows who Tim Tebow is and what he is capable of. He's capable of winning. Some may even argue that even when he losses, he wins. Tebow displayed this uncanny knack for victory last week when he led his team to an improbable comeback win. 

The Detroit Lions have different plans for the Denver Broncos quarterback. If Tebow was sacked six times last week by the 0-6 Miami Dolphins, then the Lions should be able to do it 12 times. 

Expect to see the Lions politely place Tebow down on his backside frequently on Sunday. Stuffing Denver's rushing attack, including Tebow, will bring the boost of confidence the Lions need heading into their bye week.

No. 1: The Offensive Line Must Be Flawless

The Detroit Lions have two major problems on offense right now—they can't run the ball, and their franchise quarterback is banged up.

This week falls on the offensive line. They must protect the quarterback and make adequate room for their running backs to squeeze through into the open. This is the offensive line's time to shine. 

A solid performance by the men up front on Sunday versus the Denver Broncos will fill this team and its fans with confidence heading into the second half.