The Denver Broncos are 4-2 coming off a huge Week 6 primetime victory against the Seattle Seahawks. Their Week 7 opponent, the Arizona Cardinals, defeated their NFC West division rival Los Angeles Rams and sport a 2-4 record. In order for the Broncos to keep their momentum going, these are three major keys to the game they must achieve to win on Sunday.
Denver’s defense has to continue their ferocious play
The Broncos have been able to grind out tough victories versus a gauntlet of opponents to start the season thanks to tremendous outings by their defense.
One major aspect in their success has been their penchant for turnovers. Currently, Denver ranks as one of the top units in the league taking the ball away with ten through six games.
With the offense struggling, Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph and his players have shouldered a lot of burden. It’s quite remarkable how good they’ve been given that. To net their fifth win of the season against the Cardinals, they’ll have to embark on another good performance. I’m confident they will be able to accomplish that.
Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett has six interceptions through six games and at least one turnover in four outings. Has been sacked twelve times thus far and two weeks ago was brought down five times by the Detroit Lions defense. With Jonathon Cooper set to play and back in the fold at edge rusher, I think Denver’s defensive front seven is in store for a big performance on the road against Arizona.
The Broncos have to run the ball with authority
I’m extremely surprised with how well the Cardinals played defensively against the Rams. Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis dialed up a lot of blitzes and they were able to limit Matthew Stafford’s impact. They held the Rams to just 16 points on the scoreboard and were the major reason they won in Week 6.
All year long, with the exception of a few drives, the Broncos have struggled mightily offensively. It’s getting quite tiresome to see them perform badly seemingly each week. Quarterback Bo Nix is playing the worst football of his career, the running game has been hit or miss, and even Denver’s offensive line has regressed to a degree.
Arizona’s defense has forced at least one turnover in five contests with eight on the season. They’re advantageous in this regard and Denver will have to play a clean game offensively and not give up the ball. That’s one important factor to watch develop as the game transpires.
However, one area of weakness for the Cardinals is their run defense. They have allowed 140 yards or more in three contests and are giving up nearly 4.5 yards per carry. This matchup is one where J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, and Jonah Coleman (if he plays) need to perform well. Since taking his playcalling duties back, Head Coach Sean Payton has tried to emphasize the running game, but that’s been met with mixed results. Sunday’s matchup against the Cardinals will be a shot for them to get things going right on that front.
The Broncos need some big returns on special teams
I haven’t authored too much on Denver’s third phase this season. Unfortunately, the highlight player on special teams this season has been punter Jeremy Crawshaw. The second-year punter has been on the field a bit more than Broncos Country would like.
Crawsaw is second in the NFL with 33 punts and is amongst the best for net yards per punt and punts downed inside the 20. Those are good marks, but the number of punts is concerning and directly related to the constant issues and three-and-outs the Broncos have on offense.
However, one area that needs some improvement for the Broncos is starting field position. I think it’s fair to say that they need a spark. Whether it’s on punts or kickoffs, Denver hasn’t produced many big play that have helped switch field position. Denver’s currently return yard leader is RJ Harvey.
Can this be a game where Marvin Mims Jr. makes an impact as a punt returner? He’s earned two All-Pro nods for that in the past, but hasn’t looked as decisive as this year in that fashion. To be fair, teams have avoided kicking to him often, whether it’s on punts or kickoffs. Either way, Denver needs to get things going and start better with respect to field position.
