Broncos-Packers – Around the Web

Taking a look around the Internet, on what the experts, beat writers, soothsayers, and your grandpa are saying about the upcoming game. We’ll give you a snippet, then you can jump through the links provided and read everything they had to say.

“The Broncos will need to take advantage of the aggressiveness of the Packers’ defenders, especially linebackers Brady Poppinga and [A.J.] Hawk, by throwing screens and dumpoff passes to running backs Selvin Young and Travis Henry (if he’s healthy enough to play) and fullback Cecil Sapp. By allowing the Packers’ starting defensive ends, [Aaron] Kampman and Cullen Jenkins, to rush upfield, the offensive linemen, led by center Chris Myers, can make their way into the open field to pick off Hawk or Poppinga.” [The War Room]

“MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Broncos SS Nick Ferguson and OLB Nate Webster vs. Packers TE Donald Lee — The Broncos have given up six touchdowns to tight ends, including three against Pittsburgh last week. Brett Favre has always liked throwing to his tight ends, and Lee is having a nice year. The Packers will probably try to test Denver’s defense against tight ends.” [Inside Slant]

“Although the Broncos take great pride in their ability to run the ball they are somewhat unsettled in the running game right now. There is instability in the interior of the offensive line and RB Travis Henry is nursing bruised ribs and facing a suspension. Still, Denver’s philosophy will be to use the run to set up the pass. The Packers have an excellent edge rush with DEs Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila so look for the Broncos to run inside even though their offensive line situation is shaky. They may have to depend on FB Cecil Sapp as a lead blocker on isolation plays and attack the athletic Packers linebackers. If they can run inside with some effectiveness the Broncos will have a chance to negate the Green Bay pressure off the edge.” [ESPN Insider]

“This game features the two strongest arms in the NFL. It might be Jay Cutler and if it is not him then it is Brett Favre. They ought to have a contest before the game or something. For years I would have taken Favre for velocity but now I think I would probably take Cutler. He has the ability to throw the ball with more velocity than Brett Favre.” [John Madden]

“The Steelers win may have been exhilarating, but the Broncos still have major problems on defense and serious injuries on both sides of the ball to overcome. The Broncos host a Packers team refreshed after their bye and committed to improving their running game.” [Fox Sports]

“In his only career game at Denver on Oct. 17, 1999, Favre went just 7-for-23 for 120 yards and three interceptions of a 31-10 loss. Denver is one of just three cities where the future Hall of Famer has not thrown a TD pass. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are the others.” [Yahoo! Sports]

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