Broncos-Lions Preview – 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.

“Establish the run. The Broncos need to stretch Detroit’s defense out to the sidelines with their zone-blocking scheme. The offensive linemen can cut down defensive tackles Shaun Rogers and Cory Redding at the snap. Running back Selvin Young had solid production both running and catching the ball against the Packers. Denver needs to get him going early this week to take some of the pressure off quarterback Jay Cutler. Travis [Henry], who is expected to return from a rib injury this week, could also give the Broncos’ ground game a boost.” — The War Room

“Broncos TE Tony Scheffler vs. Lions SS Kenoy Kennedy — Scheffler has emerged as a dangerous weapon for QB Jay Cutler, and a reliable red-zone threat. The Lions, and especially Kennedy, need to keep an eye on him. The Lions have done a decent job this season defending the tight end, but Chicago’s Greg Olsen scored a touchdown against Detroit last week.” — Inside Slant

“The Detroit Lions are hot right now and the defense is playing to the liking of head coach Rod Marinelli. The offense isn’t putting up huge numbers like it did early in the season but isn’t turning the ball over, either, and the Lions are winning the important time of possession stat. The Detroit defense has also caused a league-high 20 turnovers. The Broncos will be coming off a short week and a crushing overtime defeat on Monday night against Green Bay and are now sitting at 3-4. Denver needs a win in Detroit and more in order to keep alive any hopes of making the postseason.” — ESPN

“The Broncos are dead-last against the run this season, and the Lions have found startling consistency and efficiency by feeding Kevin Jones the ball. That should continue this week, as Mike Martz seems to recognize that Jones plays heavily into the Lions’ success. That has come at the expense of their once-feared aerial assault, which has been slightly nullified in recent weeks.” — AOL Fanhouse

“The Broncos need somebody in the receiving corps to be the playmaker inside the 20-yard line. They have shown they can pile up the yardage with the catch-and-runs in the middle of the field, breaking tackles and finding the open spots. But in the scoring zone, they still, without Javon Walker, don’t have anyone who has shown they can be a go-to player down low. The Lions start a rookie at free safety – Gerald Alexander, who played for University of Colorado coach Dan Hawkins at Boise State – but they have plenty of speed at linebacker to drop into coverage if they need to.” — Rocky Mountain News

“The Broncos also are dealing with some key injuries. Pro Bowl safety John Lynch was knocked out in the first half, and Denver was already without No. 1 running back Travis Henry (ribs) and No. 1 receiver Javon Walker (knee). While Walker is expected to miss another month, it’s uncertain if Lynch or Henry will be able to play Sunday.” — Fox Sports / AP

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