09-13-2005, 03:14 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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FBF Coach
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,315
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Quote:
Originally posted by SDOGO@Sep 13th '05 @ 8:25 am
Game-day details
Sun., 4:15 p.m. ET, Invesco Field at Mile High
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Sunny. High: 77. Low: 47.
Why To Watch
Tight end Antonio Gates returns this week, bringing the Chargers offense to full strength. That will make RB LaDainian Tomlinson all the more dangerous. One of the NFL's most exciting young players, Tomlinson is the leader of the Bolts' offense.
The Broncos are looking for another running back to step in and succeed in coach Mike Shanahan's system. Meanwhile, quarterback Jake Plummer and the offense must fend off rumors of their quick demise.
Chargers Keys For Success
1. Get Tomlinson his touches. Tomlinson had 19 carries for 72 yards in Week 1 and should get at least 25 touches this week. The offense will set the tone by running the ball early and opening up the field for quarterback Drew Brees.
2. Pressure Plummer. The Chargers' athletic linebackers should look to blitz, as Plummer will make mistakes under pressure. But he will also pull the ball down and run, so the Chargers must contain him and keep him from getting free outside the pocket.
3. Exploit the secondary. Receivers stepped up last week in Gates' absence, and they'll have more opportunities against a banged-up secondary. Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey separated a shoulder in Week 1 and awaits further tests. If he does not play, the defense won't have the depth to handle Gates and the receivers in spread formations.
Broncos Keys For Success
1. Re-establish the running game. Running back Mike Anderson had a big preseason but left last week's game early with sore ribs. When he departed, the running game disappeared. In an offense based on the run, the team must get back to its game plan. That's no easy job against a tough run defense. Anderson might play. If not, Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne must make contributions. Success on the ground will set up Plummer's play-action passes, the strength of his game.
2. Attack the aggressive cornerbacks. These guys love to gamble, but they're the weakest link of the defense. Look for the Broncos to line up in spread formations, thinning a strong defensive front and leaving cornerbacks isolated against wideouts Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie. Last week, Cowboys receivers overwhelmed the Chargers on the perimeter, and it resulted in costly penalties.
3. Bring inside pressure on Brees. Last week, the Cowboys blitzed and got pressure up the middle, preventing Brees from stepping up in the pocket. The Broncos must follow suit and take Brees out of his rhythm, forcing him out of his comfort zone in the pocket.
Injuries at a glance
Chargers injuries
No injuries reported
Broncos injuries
9/12/05 Courtney Brown DE Elbow Will play in Week 2
9/12/05 Mike Anderson RB Strained rib cartilage Week 2 status unclear
9/12/05 Champ Bailey CB Shoulder Could be out several weeks
The Bottom Line
The Broncos will struggle to run the ball against the Chargers, which they must do to establish their offensive scheme. Their defense doesn't have the depth to contain both Tomlinson and Gates. Look for a decisive Chargers victory.
Pick: Chargers 31, Broncos 17
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Last week was a fluke for the Broncos, expect a closer game than that.
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Eunuch: a man or boy deprived of the testes or external genitals, e.g. Marty Schottenheimer.
our oline sucks.....
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