Polumbus: Keys to a Broncos win over the Colts

After a nail-biting victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, the Denver Broncos prepare for a team they have not fared well against in recent years. Much goes into that, but one key the Indianapolis Colts have going for them is one of the best quarterbacks in the game: Andrew Luck.

In order for the Broncos to begin the season 2-0, look for them to succeed in the following keys:

Defensive keys:

1. Stay aggressive

 

Much has been made of the Broncos aggressive play on defense last week against the Panthers.  Admittedly, a few of the hits were hard to watch, as they ended in helmet-to-helmet contact. However, the Broncos must learn their lesson from the fines that will be levied on the head shots but not slow down the aggressiveness for one minute defensively.

2. Make them run it

 

Disguise the blitz well and invite the Colts to run the ball by keeping two safeties high until the last second.

Normally one of the most consistent keys to victory is shutting down the run the game, and that still applies, but I would much rather Denver be in a position schematically for the defense to make it hard for Andrew Luck to beat them in the air.

Keep the box light and invite a poor Colts offensive line to try to run the ball down the Broncos throats … then shut it down.

3. Create interceptions through heavy blitz

 

Luck is a bit of an enigma to me. He obviously has looked enough like one of the all-time greats at quarterback for the Colts to give him a $140M deal. However, I still scratch my head at times when watching this quarterback play, as I often I see untimely turnovers created off pressure in his face.

He does scramble well, has a great arm, and is very smart, but he also turns the ball over due to his poor offensive line.

Wade Phillips dials up creative blitzes as well as anyone in the league. The Broncos will need a great game plan this week.

Offensive keys:

1. Feed the beast

 

C.J. Anderson was the spark the Broncos offense needed last week, and they must continue to feed the beast. After five straights passes to open the game, C.J. rumbled for 14 yards on the first run of the game, which would turn out to be his best performance in Denver.

The offensive line made holes for C.J., but make no mistake, he was the best player on the field for Denver offensively.

Keep pounding the rock this week.

2. Run screens and draws

 

Each week defenses will provide an opportunity to scheme a few plays that aren’t staples of your offense.

For years, the Colts’ defensive ends have been given the freedom to “run the hoop” as a pass rusher.  In layman’s terms, this means Robert Mathis and departed longtime Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney could use their speed and try to beat the tackle over the top, even at the risk of losing contain on the quarterback.

When guys run the hoop like Mathis still does, it creates an opportunity for draw and screen plays to go for easy yards underneath the now vacated defensive end position.

3. Get Demaryius Thomas more involved

 

Although D.T. missed practice on Monday, he is expected to be back to work on Wednesday.

Trevor Siemian had a solid debut for the Broncos, but when he decides to take advantage of the huge body he has in Thomas, his job will get much easier.

A tall wide receiver like D.T. is a quarterback’s best friend, and I will be looking to see this QB/WR relationship grow.

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