Exposed?

After starting the season on a six game winning streak, and being the surprise of the year in the NFL, the Denver Broncos have lost two consecutive games. Word on the street is that the Broncos have been exposed for being a one dimensional football team. I couldn't agree more. Defensively, the Broncos are extremely strong, playing incredible football for the majority of the first half of the season. Under Mike Nolan's 3-4 defensive scheme, the Broncos defense, which features 8 new starters has been left out to dry in the second half against two solid offensive clubs in the Ravens and the Steelers. Brian Dawkins, Champ Bailey and company have held the Ravens and The Steelers to 6 and zero points respectively during the first half of the last two games. The problem isn't that the defense has been figured out during the second half of the past two games, rather that the offense has performed so completely miserably that the defense simply wore down due to being on the field for what has seemed like the entire second half in both games. Against the Steelers, the Broncos offense, which should have been called "the eleven guys who were on the field when the Defense wasn't", played for 8 minutes in the second half. Even Anita Marks and the Miami Fury of the women's barnstorming football league could put up points against a good defense, especially given 75% of the half in which to play offense.

It looks like the recipe for shutting down the Broncos offense, which is full of Pro-Bowl caliber players, is to crowd the box to shut down the intermediate passing game. Consequently, by putting eight men in the box to stop the short pass, the Broncos running game has been rendered a non factor. Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon (I promise to fumble at least once a game) Moreno have been worthless. Granted, in playing the Ravens and Steelers, the Broncos faced two of the better defenses in football, but that is still no excuse for the way that the offense has performed of late. One offensive touchdown in two games is pitiful. I don't care if you are playing the '85 Bears, the '00 Ravens, the Steel Curtain, or the Purple People Eaters, an offense has to at least put up a fight. The last two weeks have looked like Miley Cyrus stepping into the ring with Mike Tyson...embarrassing.

So, I implore Josh McDaniels and Kyle Orton (believe me, they read this blog every day) to at least try and open up the passing game. This will stretch the field, (if successful) giving the Broncos running backs at least a shot to gain some ground and maybe control the clock. Brandon Marshall, who in my opinion is the #2 wide out in football behind Houston's Andre Johnson, has the ability to beat any corner in the league. He is 6'5", has great hands as well as an uncanny ability to run after the catch. Tony Scheffler, Eddie Royal, and Brandon Stokely aren't necessarily scrubs by any stretch of the imagination either. With all of this offensive firepower, why not try and chuck the ball a bit? If it comes down to the fact that Kyle Orton simply cannot make those throws, then maybe coach McDaniels should consider a different quarterback. Don't get me wrong, I love old neck-beard, but just being serviceable and efficient isn't going to get it done in this league. Don't bring up Trent Dilfer either, because I really don't think that this Bronco defense measures up to the Ravens defense that, along with Matt Stover, won a super Bowl 9 years ago. From the looks of that defense, I swear that they were the only defense in history that was allowed to field 14 players. Not a piece of green was uncovered. Okay, enough praise for the defense that featured the worlds second most famous, accused, then acquitted, murdering linebacker.

This Sunday, it's the lowly Redskins. Not to be overlooked, even though they do have a cardboard cut-out wearing a headset for a head coach. The Skins have a very solid defense themselves, but like the Broncos, are offensively anemic. The fact that they are without Clinton Portis and Chris Cooley certainly doesn't help. So what to do in this game? First, blitz Jason Campbell all day long. The Skins O-line is suffering badly. Newly acquired Levi Jones will be starting at left tackle.(Elvis Dumerville should be licking his chops) Cambpell wont be able to complete any passes from his hind-parts. Second, at least try and stretch the field a bit. The Redskins strength is pass defense, but I like Denver's chances. Their O-line should be able to contain Albert(so what if I only play six games a season, I make 100 million dollars) Haynesworth, as well as Brian Orakpo, and the rest of the Skins pass rush.

I'm not one for predictions, but I think that the Broncos win this one in a barn burner. Broncos 10, Redskins 7. Both touchdowns very well could be defensive scores, but I figure the Broncos offense can at least muster one field goal. They will be in position for two, but Matt Prater, true to form, misses a 35 yarder.

THROW THE BALL DOWN THE FIELD KYLE!!!!

P.S.

If anyone is going to the game, look for the guy in the alternate orange Brandon Marshall jersey singing "Rocky Mountain Way" in the parking lot. Go Broncos!