Last week’s win wasn’t exactly a statement game but it was fun and it was a win!
And this week’s game should be a lot harder but as our ultimate fan says, it could still be a statement game. The defending Super Bowl champs have a few cracks in their armor that the Broncos can take advantage of, but it’s more about Denver playing its best ball and forcing the Eagles to do the same. If that happens, Sunday’s matchup could be a lot of fun to watch regardless of the outcome.
But, of course, we all hope
that outcome is a W, and Dondada64 is predicting just that (a fan after my own heart!) And as a former semi-pro offensive lineman who has a Hall-of-Fame induction to his name, he knows a thing or two about getting a win – it all starts on the ground (plus, he became a fan on possibly the most important game in Broncos’ history, so we know his opinion is gold, errrr…orange and blue!)
GO BRONCOS!
Week 5: Broncos at Eagles
MHR – Whew, finally another win! Even though the Bengals weren’t any good, how did that beatdown feel?
Dondada64: Bittersweet, honestly. I saw clear improvements across the board, but you can’t give too much credit for beating a team that’s arguably at the bottom of the league. Some might say the Bengals’ defense still showed up, but as Broncos fans, we’ve learned that when your offense goes three-and-out all day, it puts enormous pressure on even a solid defense. We’re better than our record suggests, but that was a game we were supposed to win in that type of fashion. I’m keeping it all in perspective.
MHR – So we’re on to the Eagles to begin a two-week road trip to the East Coast and then across the pond. What are the odds the Eagles might look past the Broncos and Denver sneaks away with a win against the defending Super Bowl champs?
Dondada64: “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.” The Eagles are champions, and that means no one takes them lightly. Every opponent gives them their best shot. That said, with us sitting at .500, traveling east, and not having faced them since 2021, and considering our 5-9 all-time record against them — there’s a small chance they view us as just another matchup. The Broncos actually match up well offensively against Philly. Despite both teams fielding strong defenses, I expect more of a shootout than people think. This could come down to whichever team has the ball last.
MHR – OK, so you’re saying there’s a chance? Good. How does Denver do that? I assume it starts with stopping last year’s Offensive Player of the Year (even if he’s not having quite the season he did in 2024)?
Dondada64: You’re absolutely right. Barkley is the key. The Eagles might have two legitimate No. 1 receivers in DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, but Barkley changes everything. We’ve seen it before when Jonathan Taylor carved us up earlier this season. We struggle to contain shifty backs in space, and the Eagles have surely noticed that on tape. Vance Joseph will need to get creative with coverage assignments, maybe have Jahdae Barron shadow Barkley out of the backfield.
MHR – There’s a bit of a rift going on between Hurts and star wide receiver AJ Brown. Do you think the Broncos will be able to capitalize on Brown’s frustration and keep the air attack in check — or is this the kind of environment that is going to lead to Brown and Hurts having a breakout game together? Given Brown’s inconsistent production this season so far, is Pat Surtain in coverage or Riley Moss/Jahdae Barron for Brown?
Dondada64: That dynamic is the X-factor. I don’t think Hurts will feel pressured to force-feed Brown just to keep him happy. Hurts is a high-IQ, battle-tested quarterback who’s focused on winning. A smart coach doesn’t design a game plan targeting Pat Surtain II, and Brown won’t find much room there. If he’s open, Hurts will take a shot or two, but overall, I see Brown being a non-factor, like most receivers who face Surtain. An interesting tidbit, though, is Jalen Hurts is not ultra effective against zone and thrives in man coverage. Look for the Broncos to use some zone blitz looks that complement certain situations in down and distance.
MHR – Which pass-catcher on the Eagles is the biggest threat for the Broncos’ defense – Brown, DeVonta Smith or Dallas Goedert? Or is the offensive threat still mainly Hurts and Barkley?
Dondada64: DeVonta Smith is the guy that scares me most. In terms of pure athleticism, he might be more dangerous than Brown. But make no mistake, the most explosive player on that offense is still Barkley. Between their weapons, elite O-line, and that unstoppable “tush push,” it’s a complete offense. The Broncos will need near-perfect defense and at least one turnover to tilt this game in our favor.
MHR – The Broncos’ defense is tied for the lead in sack production at 15 on the season – an average of nearly 4 sacks a game. Any chance they can get close to that against Jalen Hurts?
Dondada64: I love our front! I’d take them over just about anyone right now, but the sack numbers won’t be as high this week. The Eagles’ offense doesn’t rely on deep dropbacks or 40 pass attempts. Hurts gets the ball out quickly, which limits sack opportunities. So while we have the capability, the game flow won’t lead to those types of sack numbers.
MHR – Vance Joseph’s defense will be compared to Vic Fangio’s defense. Which former Broncos’ head coach will have the more effective defense on Sunday?
Dondada64: Fangio is a brilliant defensive mind, no question. His only problem in Denver was that he never had a quarterback like Bo Nix. Joseph, meanwhile, is a strong defensive coach even if his head-coaching days didn’t pan out. I think Joseph’s unit will look more effective this Sunday, not because they’ll completely dominate, but because Denver’s offense is finally coming alive and is gonna take it to Philly. Still, fun fact: Joseph is 0-3 all-time against the Eagles as a coordinator and head coach.
MHR – Last week the Broncos’ running game finally looked competent – in some circles they’d even say good. Although it was against a flailing team, are you encouraged by the rushing attack from JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey? Do you think we’ll see continued success even against this much stronger Eagles team?
Dondada64: This is what we love to see in Broncos Country — a big time run game that plays complementary to the passing attack. I’m more than encouraged by our run game; I’m ready to go buy a Dobbins jersey after this game. He is an elite running back and fits perfectly in Sean Payton’s offense.
Here’s where it gets juicy — we have found our “Joker” in RJ Harvey. I doubt it ever was Engram, and it always was Harvey. This fits Payton’s old scheme with the Saints with Mark Ingram splitting time with Alvin Kamara as the “Joker.” I’m excited to see what really could be if we pull the reins off and go full throttle past the learning phase of the first four games.
MHR – Bo Nix still needs a breakout game where his throws are consistently on target and to the right guy. Will this be the game or are we going to have to give it a little time?
Dondada64: This won’t be a breakout game for Bo Nix, but it will be a statement game for him. If he can pull out a win by just managing the offense without turnovers, this game will place him with the big dogs in terms of respect. You have to beat the champs to be the champs, and nothing says you’re on the right path like a big W against the best. His breakout game will come in the playoffs this year as he cements his status as a top 10 QB in the NFL.
MHR – What kind of creative plays from Sean Payton would you like to see on Sunday? Which ones would you like him to never even think about in a million years? Any chance he has the offense do the Tush Push if they end up at the goal line?
Dondada64: While I don’t expect the Broncos to run the Tush Push, this is where we see the real confidence Payton has in this team. He is gonna open the playbook up and bring the kitchen sink with it. I’m expecting a lot of RPOs showcasing Nix’s footwork. He is gonna spread the field and give lanes for the backs and receivers to work some magic. He is so creative using our dynamic receivers to make sure the other team doesn’t stack the box and creating matchup nightmares for the defense, it’s fun to watch. What I hope we can move away from is the jet sweeps with receivers that have such a small frame, I get worried about the injuries from the Hogs squashing them.
MHR – Hurts has 5 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Eagles have had very few turnovers overall. But the offense has also seemed a little timid for all its talent. Is this a game where the Broncos take proper advantage of this early sputter from the Eagles and get some game-changing takeaways…pick six for Surtain perhaps?
Dondada64: Take-away margin is one of the biggest indicators of success in the NFL. To pull this one out we will need a turnover or maybe a halftime onside kick. Stealing a possession from the Eagles and keeping their offense off the field or controlling the clock is pivotal to victory. I don’t think Hurts is reckless with the ball so anticipate a fumble or blown assignment on the line that leads to something wild being the cause. My hope is it’s not us with the turnover, especially in the red zone.
MHR – Which ONE player on offense and ONE player on defense has to be an MVP on Sunday for this game to end with a check in the W column?
Dondada64: On the offense, the player we need to be an MVP is Courtland Sutton. As Courtland goes so go the Broncos. If he can use acrobatic catches to grab us a touchdown, we will be cooking with hot grease. It’s as if his touchdowns are demoralizing to the other team; he sets a tone for offense that I don’t see other players set.
On defense we need someone to cover Barkley out of the backfield. I don’t know who is capable or up to that job and maybe it’s better if by committee. Perhaps seeing Hufanga shadowing him now and then and cleaning up the mess all around the field will be the difference we need.
MHR – What is one word to describe the season so far? What one word do you hope describes it the rest of the season?
Dondada64: I look at stats and numbers a lot, and Sean Payton does not have a great record in September. He front-loads his team with expectations and demands and they pay off in the back end. So my word for the season is “expected.” I expected the Broncos to be learning themselves and developing chemistry to defeat the Eagles, Chiefs and Chargers and Packers in the last half of the season.
MHR – Philly is known as a tough place to play and this seems like a really tough game for Denver to win. But we thought that last year when the Broncos went on the road for two games on the East Coast and got two wins. Will that Mile High Magic travel with the Broncos again?
Dondada64: Philly is as tough a place to play as you can get; they have even roughed up Santa Claus, so no one gets a pass. Broncos fans are worldwide and Broncos Country will send out that Mile High Magic so it will be in the air. This will be a game the Broncos can feel that magic from across the nation and will use it to play hard.
Predictions
Stats for BO NIX? 20 of 28, 275 yards, 2 touchdowns
Stats for each Broncos RB? Dobbins 15 carries and 2 receptions for 87 yards and 1 touchdown.
Harvey 8 touches and 3 receptions for 75 yards
Number of yards receiving/TDs for the receivers? 225 and 1 TD
Longest FG from Lutz this week? 54
Number of sacks to Jalen Hurts? 3
Broncos player with the most tackles? Singleton with 12
Who gets the first sack of the game for the Broncos? Cooper
Who gets the most sacks? Bonitto
How many INTs/FF/FR for the Eagles D? 0
How many INTs/FF/FR for the Broncos D? 1
How many TushPushes by the Eagles? 2 The Broncos??? 0
How many Broncos’ penalties negate a big play? 1
Final Score? 27-24, Broncos
The Favorites
Favorite Broncos win ever? The Drive
Favorite Orange Crush win? RAIDERS
Favorite Peyton Manning win? 7 touchdowns vs Ravens
Favorite John Elway win? Superbowl 32
Favorite win by any other Broncos QB? Brock Oswieler vs Patriots
Team you love to beat the most in the AFC West? Kansas City Cheaters, I mean, Chiefs
Coach you despise most in the NFL? HARBAUGH
Team you hate to lose to the most in the rest of the AFC (outside AFC West)? Patriots
NFC team you could cheer for in the Super Bowl? RAMS
NFC team you’d want to face more than any other in the Super Bowl? Giants
Toughest game remaining on the schedule? Chargers
Favorite Broncos player on the current roster? Nik Bonitto
Favorite Broncos player of all time not named John Elway? Champ Bailey
Favorite new guy/rookie on the team? Harvey
Food/Snack you have to eat on game day? Wings are for winners (*editor’s note: Bone-in, I assume?)
Favorite game analyst/commentator? John Madden
Who is on your Broncos Mt. Rushmore? Elway, Davis, Von Miller, Champ Bailey
How did you become a Broncos fan?
I moved from Texas to Colorado when I was seven. That same night, the Broncos were playing the Browns in the AFC Championship. Watching The Drive unfold, the emotion, the electricity, I was hooked for life. Been riding with the Broncos ever since.
