Week 3 Pregame Thoughts: Broncos vs. Texans

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Kyle will be traveling throughout the day, so Mr. East will be running the LiveBlog this week.  In the meantime, here are some pregame thoughts for your consideration:

Pregame Thoughts:

• It will be interesting to see what role Von Miller will have this week.  In Week 1, Miller played the ‘Sam’ linebacker position extensively against the Steelers and recorded four tackles and two sacks.  In Week 2, Miller played defensive end throughout much of the game against the Falcons and recorded three tackles and a sack.  The Broncos likely moved Miller to a pass rushing role last week to counter the Falcons’ pass-heavy offense.  This week, against Houston‘s run-heavy attack, expect Miller to have more of a traditional outside linebacker role.

• Over the past two weeks, Demaryius Thomas has been quarterback Peyton Manning‘s favorite target.  If that continues and Thomas scores again this week, Demaryius will have scored a touchdown in three consecutive games.  Meanwhile, fellow receiver Eric Decker will be looking to get his first score of the 2012 season after leading the team in touchdown receptions last year.

• The Broncos’ offensive line will have their hands full this afternoon.  The Texans have one of the better defensive units in the league and they specialize in harassing quarterbacks.  If Manning is going to improve on his three-interception performance from last week, he’ll need solid protection from Ryan Clady, Zane Beadles, J.D. Walton, Manny Ramirez, and Orlando Franklin up front.