Four down territory: Broncos’ keys to beating the Bills
After two weeks the Denver Broncos are rolling and fresh off their most impressive victory since the confetti fell at Super Bowl 50. This Sunday, Denver will hit the road for the first time this season for a date with Bills Mafia. It would be easy to overlook a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 1999 but the Bills have won nine of their last 13 at home. Here are the keys to leaving Buffalo with a 3-0 record.
1st Down: Controlling the edge
There was a time when Tyrod Taylor to Denver was a possibility. Taylor eventually chose the Bills because he didn’t want to back up Peyton Manning. That’s where the ties to Manning end. Taylor is a supremely athletic talent that likes to work in space, but has yet to develop in the pocket. Taylor currently ranks 24th in passing yards (174.5/game).
For Denver, they must maintain gap responsibilities on the read option and bootleg plays to keep Taylor planted in the pocket. Taylor also doesn’t have the playmaking receivers on the outside to help him out. Rookie Zay Jones is a dynamic route runner but is still developing chemistry with Taylor. Add in the fact that Jordan Matthews enters with just five receptions, and this will be the weakest receiving core the No Fly Zone will face this season. If the Broncos are able to contain Taylor, Aqib Talib will have plenty of chances to move closer to the legendary Rod Woodson for most interceptions returned for touchdowns.
2nd Down: Slowing down Shady
The Bills’ offense runs through the legs of running back LeSean McCoy. McCoy led Buffalo to become the number one rushing offense in the league a season ago. McCoy is still a dangerous runner with breakaway speed with three carries over 15 yards through two games. The Bills will be without starting left tackle Cordy Glenn. Rookie Dion Dawkins will get the start in his place. If Denvers’ front seven can have half the game they did against the Cowboys, it’s going to be a long day for Bills Mafia.
3rd Down: Protecting Siemian
The Bills got after Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton last week. Newton was sacked an outrageous six times. Many of these sacks can be credited to the Bills zone heavy approach. The Bills’ secondary has yet to give up a passing touchdown and they have given up just one touchdown in total. However, Buffalo will be without Marcell Dareus but they still have plenty of depth. Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander and defensive end Jerry Hughes have shown the ability to cause pressure off the edge. Both of which combined for three sacks in week two. It’s also no secret that pass protection has been an issue for Denver. Look for the Broncos to combat this with quick passes, which happens to be Trevor Siemian’s specialty.
4th Down: Throw the first punch
Many have called this week a trap game. It would be easy to overlook the Bills with arguably the biggest battle with the Raiders in the past decade looming in week four. For the Broncos, they’ll have to come out with the same intensity as a week ago. Stranger things can happen in Buffalo. The Broncos have all the pieces to take care of business, but they need to do more than just show up for work.
Final Prediction: The No Fly Zone is too much to overcome for Taylor and company. Broncos 24, Bills 13.
