Broncos vs. Packers Early Week Report

The Packers come into this game at 3-0 and facing their first AFC opponent of the season. Last week against the Bears, the Packers ran a lot of their plays out of shotgun, and were effective. The Broncos are a middle of the road defense and I would expect the Packers to attack their secondary because of the injured Champ Bailey (hamstring) and the slow play of Andre Goodman. The Broncos also have been vulnerable with safeties Brian Dawkins and Rahim Moore. Expect for Jermicheal Finley to be a major focal point down the middle of the field for Aaron Rodgers. For the Packers defense, they will have to get pressure of Kyle Orton and stop the running of Willis McGahee. Pass rush will be key. The Packers will most likely be without starting right tackle Brian Bulaga (Bruised Knee) and running back Ryan Grant (Bruised Kidney) for the game. Also look for Derrick Sherrod to be active for the first game of his career in a backup role to Marshall Newhouse on right tackle. Newhouse did a great job against the Bears in both run blocking and pass protection. Also expected to be out will be Frank Zombo (Scapula) and Mike Neal (Knee).

The Broncos come into this game at 1-2, after losing a heartbreaker to the Tennessee Titans, 17-14. Head Coach John Fox came under fire for his fourth and one call late in the game against the Titans. This was a game the Broncos should have won but couldn’t deliver late. With the loss, Kyle Orton has now lost 17 of his last 25 starts for the Broncos. The fans want Tim #Tebow but I think he will stay on the sidelines for one more week. Orton is a good passer and the Broncos will look to get Charlie Peprah in one on one coverage against Daniel Graham and try to exploit him. Also look for the Broncos to incorporate Knowshon Moreno in the passing game and single him up on either AJ Hawk or Desmond Bishop, both of whom have had trouble in coverage. The Broncos will try to take advantage of Marshall Newhouse and throw multiple looks at him. Expect Elvis Dumervil to play and go against Newhouse as well as stud rookie Von Miller. As far as injuries for the Broncos, it looks pretty good. Champ Bailey was held out of the Titans game but is expected to play, the same goes for Dumervil and Moreno. We will get a better gauge later in the week when the injury report is released.

Matt