DENVER -
With the win over the Patriots now in the rearview mirror, the Denver Broncos set their sights squarely on the Chargers. The game will be played in San Diego, on Monday night. Like the Pats game, this one has all the makings of a regular season classic. Like the Pats game, the Broncos are underdogs...again (+3.5).
I don't get it.
The Broncos are 5-0, while the Chargers are 2-2. The Broncos are moving in the right direction, while the Chargers seem listless.
What I do understand is that home teams usually get a standard 3 point edge when the odds are put out, but that didn't stop Vegas from installing the Patriots as 4 ½ point favorites on the opening line.
Clearly, there is a lack of respect for the Broncos nationwide. But the funny thing is, they don't care. Kyle Orton said Wednesday that he couldn't care less how he's perceived across the country (keep in mind, he just beat out Peyton Manning for Offensive Player of the Week honors).
The Broncos don't need petty motivations like 'respect' when gearing up for a game like this, and it shows. It'll also show when they win Monday night, and move to 6-0 on the season.
Here's how they'll do it:
Offensively, the Broncos will use the Chargers' exceptional pass rush and stout corners against them. They'll run their wide outs downfield, and work the slot relentlessly. They'll run up inside, where the Chargers are sorely missing Jamal Williams. They'll control the ball, and score three touchdowns in a game for the first time this season.
Defensively, they'll have their hands full with quarterback Phillip Rivers, but I believe they'll be able to stop the run from a base defense, allowing for better safety help in the passing game. I expect Rivers to hit a home run or two, but he won't be able to sustain anything.
Broncos win 24-20.
I don't get it.
The Broncos are 5-0, while the Chargers are 2-2. The Broncos are moving in the right direction, while the Chargers seem listless.
What I do understand is that home teams usually get a standard 3 point edge when the odds are put out, but that didn't stop Vegas from installing the Patriots as 4 ½ point favorites on the opening line.
Clearly, there is a lack of respect for the Broncos nationwide. But the funny thing is, they don't care. Kyle Orton said Wednesday that he couldn't care less how he's perceived across the country (keep in mind, he just beat out Peyton Manning for Offensive Player of the Week honors).
The Broncos don't need petty motivations like 'respect' when gearing up for a game like this, and it shows. It'll also show when they win Monday night, and move to 6-0 on the season.
Here's how they'll do it:
Offensively, the Broncos will use the Chargers' exceptional pass rush and stout corners against them. They'll run their wide outs downfield, and work the slot relentlessly. They'll run up inside, where the Chargers are sorely missing Jamal Williams. They'll control the ball, and score three touchdowns in a game for the first time this season.
Defensively, they'll have their hands full with quarterback Phillip Rivers, but I believe they'll be able to stop the run from a base defense, allowing for better safety help in the passing game. I expect Rivers to hit a home run or two, but he won't be able to sustain anything.
Broncos win 24-20.
