It seems like every week the same people say the same thing about the Broncos defense.  We hear how horrible they are, how they can't stop the run, how they can't defend the pass, how they can't put pressure on the quarterback.  Some of that is true, we all know that, but something has become a disturbing trend, something that continues to be overlooked.  Much of the problems with the defense start with the offense and special teams.  No, really, it does. 

Specifically against Kansas City, I'd go so far as to say the defense, for over 3 quarters, played as well as it did against the Raiders Week 1.  Unfortunately, the offense didn't give them much of a chance. What is certain is the Broncos defense is by no means a dominant defense in any facet, run defense, pass defense, pressuring the quarterback, none of it.  The defense as a group is average at best, but with the offense the Broncos put on the field this team should be able to win, unless the offense, the strength of the team, let's it down.  On Sunday, that is exactly what happened.

Take a look at the drive chart for the Chiefs on Sunday --

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IN DENVER BRONCO PRE-GAME ANALYSIS

MILEHIGHREPORT.COM

  For all your Kansas City Chiefs News, check out Arrowhead Pride

Yesterday we took a look at both sides of the ball for both teams, and looked at some adjustment issues.  We also tried to come up with a game plan for KC.  Today, let's look at Denver's possibilites, as well as what we can do with system match-ups.

Read on...

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On if anyone called him and asked him why he went for two against the Chargers -- "Not really. I am pretty happy we made it though."

On if he was planning on attempting the two-point conversion ahead of time --
"We talked about it when we got the ball. I told these guys to get ready for it because if we score a touchdown, we are going for two. I just wanted to get it into the back of their mind. You can always back off of it if you want but I wanted them to be ready. If we scored, to go for two."

On attempting the two-point conversion to win the game --
"As I said before, you kind of have a gut feeling. We have a lot of confidence in our offense, offensive line, your receivers getting open and just coming into an important game. We only got about six plays in the third quarter and we had a bunch of plays in the fourth quarter that got our momentum going. I thought that with the coin flip, it was worth taking the chance."

On if it is in his personality to go for two in a win-lose situation --
"You go with your gut feeling. I remember the one time we were playing the Rams and we had the ball backed up right around the 30-yard line and we went for it on fourth and one. Our defense had been on the field for a long time. Was it a smart call? Probably no. You can kind of get a gut feeling with your football team and you just do what you think is right. I thought that was the right call and thankfully it worked."

On Chargers RB Darren Sproles --
"Sproles is one of the most underrated backs in the National Football League. He has great strength and great speed. When he caught that screen pass he ran away from a couple of our players that can run. He has strength, quickness, agility and if you make one mistake on kickoff coverage, he is gone. I have a lot of respect for him. It is a great one-two punch that they have."

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IN DENVER BRONCO PRE-GAME ANALYSIS

MILEHIGHREPORT.COM

  For all your San Diego Chargers News, check out Bolts From The Blue

So you thought week one was important?  Well, it was.  After all, Denver was playing a division rival (ok, ok, the division rival), it was a Monday Night Football game, and the first game of the 2008 season.  Still, this week's game goes well beyond all of that.

1. Denver leads the AFC West.  With a win against SD, Denver takes a commanding lead over the team many "experts" pick to represent the AFC West in the playoffs.
2. Along with NE, this is supposed to be one of the toughest games on a weak schedule.  Did I say NE?  They of "Bradyless" fame?
3. More than any other game this season, this game should indicate the readiness of Denver to get back to the playoffs.  SD is a better team than Oakland.

While many Denver fans waited for the season to start on Monday against the hated Raiders, this is perhaps the game fans have really waited for.  Monday was the game we wanted emotionaly.  Monday's game was a test.  Now the season really starts.  This is the game where Denver answers the question, "Are we for real?"  This is the game where the quest really takes off.

Let's take a look at both teams; the systems, the players, the Xs and Os, the match-ups.  The last game was nice, but against a basement team.  This game is against the current AFC West Champions, and we need to know what's in store for the game.

Read on...

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One last look at the Raiders game before moving full throttle to Week 2's Home Opener against the Chargers. We'll talk much more about that, but another new feature here at MHR is "Making The Grade" where I will grade the Broncos performance from the night before. I will also provide the numbers for the team leader in that particular category.  While it should be a lot of fun to look back, I will turn a critical eye on the Broncos performance, because the Broncos are going to have to beat teams that are alot better than the Oakland Raiders if they are really going to take that next step.

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 For a look at the game from the Raiders view, check out SilverandBlackPride 

2007 OFFENSE

2007 DEFENSE

Welcome to a Week 1 edition of The Edge, MileHighReport's in-depth look at this week's Broncos game. Each week I'll take a look at the rosters and give my thoughts on which team had the advantage in each area. I'll then give my official prediction. As always, I look forward to your feedback.

Enough talk, it's Broncos/Raiders. Who has "The Edge"?

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For a look at the game from the Raiders view, check out SilverandBlackPride

Denver Broncos

Oakland Raiders

CHANGES IN BOLD

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IN DENVER BRONCO PRE-GAME ANALYSIS

 FROM MILEHIGHREPORT.COM

How important is this game to the Broncos?  After all, this isn't a game against the Chargers for the title of AFC West best.  However, it is an important game in many, many ways.

1. The winner is undefeated, the loser has to win two games in a row for a winning season.
2. The game is a divisional pairing; crucial for playoff tie breaks.
3. This is Monday Night Football; the big stage.  The confidence boost (or lag) could be a major factor going into the early season.

For Denver fans, it doesn't get any better than this.  Denver playing in the opening MNF game against the hated Raiders.  Let's break down the Xs and Os, and take a look at how these teams match up.

Read on...

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For a look at the game from the Raiders view, check out SilverandBlackPride

Denver Broncos

Oakland Raiders

From CBS4 Denver, here is the latest on the injuries to DE Elvis Dumervil and S Marquand Manuel --

Defensemen Elvis Dumervil and safety Marquand Manuel suffered hand injuries during the Broncos 27-24 preseason loss to the Packers Friday night.

Dumervil told CBS4 Broncos Insider Gary Miller he will have surgery on Saturday. He told Miller in the locker room after the game there's "no way he's going to miss the opener."

Safety Marquand Manuel has a fractured thumb and will also have surgery Saturday, according to Steve Antonopulos, the Broncos head athletic trainer. Antonopulos said Manuel and Dumervil should both be ready for the Broncos regular season opener in Oakland.

With two weeks to heal and prepare, both should be ready for Oakland in 16 days.  SIXTEEN!  That's all there is.  I, for one, cannot wait!