Lions vs. Broncos: 5 Halftime Adjustments Denver Must Make

Tebow-mania is in full effect today as the Broncos take on the Lions in a heated week 8 battle. 

Denver is looking to build off of last week's thrilling comeback and get their QB his first home victory of the season. 

The 'Tebow-ing' phenomenon has spread rapidly around the nation and Broncos' fans finally have some excitement around their team. But if they want to get this important victory, they must make the five following adjustments at the half. 

Stay Away From Third and Long 

Despite the Broncos huge comeback over the Dolphins, their third down performance was atrocious. That pattern has quickly transferred into today's game, as they have constantly left themselves in obvious passing third down situations. In the second half Denver needs to establish the run on first down and make sure they aren't left with long conversions. 

Keep Calvin Johnson in Check 

The Broncos and CB Champ Bailey need to make sure they keep Megatron in check in the second half. Denver must not sleep on Johnson although he has not been the focal point of Detroit's offense early. The Broncos must realize that Stafford will likely take a couple shots deep to his stud WR as the game winds down.  

Eliminate Stupid Mistakes

For the Lions' first touchdown, WR Titus Young was wide open in the endzone without a Denver defender within 20 yards of him. In the second half, the Broncos NEED to clean up their play and avoid uncalled for errors. There is no doubt that QB Matt Stafford will exploit any other blown coverages the secondary makes. 

Create the Hole

Denver's O-Line needs to win the battle of the trenches. The Lions' Achilles heel this season has been their inability to stop the run. Detroit is currently ranked 28th in the league in rush D and their two-straight losses have been fueled their inability to stuff the run. 

Get Rid of the Football

Although QB Tim Tebow does look a little better today, the Broncos' QB still needs to focus on getting rid of the football. Tebow must start to feel out the pressure and deliver his throws with rhythm and timing, otherwise the Lions' rush will continue to lay him out.