I previewed the game with Joe Rowles on Mile High Report’s podcast, Cover 2 HERE.
I also answered a few questions for Mr. Rowles on Mile High Report regarding Titans-Broncos HERE.
1. Let me start off by asking how you’re doing my friend? Football is back, fall is getting closer, it seems like everything is shifting for the better.
Joe: Football season’s when the living is easy and at least until Monday I’m riding sky high on the Broncos this year.
2. Putting the non football things aside, tell me about the ascension of the Broncos. They’ve been heralded as a meh team the last few years, but now there’s a lot of young talent ready to take the league by storm. How has the feeling been among Broncos fans this off-season?
Joe: There’s a ton of optimism about the team this year in part because it looks like there may finally be a young quarterback to rally behind. No one really knows how good Drew Lock will be just yet, but he’s surrounded by a ton of pieces and has every reason to succeed. In a way Kansas City being so good takes the pressure off for many fans, and they’re just excited to see this offense grow together.
3. I got my first chance to watch Drew Lock play when he took on the Texans and absolutely obliterated them on the road. How has his off-season been like and how do you think the addition of Pat Shurmur will impact the second year stud?
Joe: Originally Lock planned to work with Peyton Manning this offseason. Unfortunately Covid-19 threw those plans up in the air, but he spoke with Manning to pick his brain and figure out how to maximize his offseason. From there he spent time at home and then came back to Denver working to master the playbook and all the intricacies of playing quarterback.
I’m excited for the Shurmur in part because he’s had success in a number of locales with young talent. That seems like an underrated skill this season where there’s no preseason and less practice time than usual. I believe moving back to more spread type of sets will suit Lock. He’ll also do a better job maximizing Noah Fant.
4. The Broncos have a lot of exciting talent on the offensive side of the ball — specifically at wide receiver and tight end. Is this the best Broncos supporting cast we’ve seen in some time? Further, which specific young talent on this Broncos offense excites you the most?
Joe: The Broncos haven’t had this kind of skill position talent since 2013. While they have a lot to prove before I’d put them anywhere close to Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Wes Welker, and Julius Thomas, the potential is there. As far as who excites me most, until his injury I would have told you Courtland Sutton, who really broke out with a bad quarterback situation last year. I’m anxious to see how he adjusts, but until I see it I’m keeping my expectations reasonable.
I’ve also been sky high on Jerry Jeudy since last year and think he’s a perfect fit for the new offense.
The #Broncos really got Jerry Jeudy at 15. pic.twitter.com/VtfPBQIVHj
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) April 26, 2020
5. Let’s switch gears and discuss this defense, which was looking pretty good until the unfortunate injury to Von Miller. What do you like most about this Broncos defense, and what players should Titans fans keep an eye out for on Monday night?
Joe: One thing that helps ease the pain of the loss of Von Miller a little bit is how Fangio did such a masterful job adjusting to Bradley Chubb’s injury a year ago. There’s no replacing the overall play 58 brings to the table, but I think the pieces are in place to remain very competitive.
How do the #Broncos replace Von Miller?https://t.co/tFGHfCW6qU
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) September 11, 2020
There’s a number of players who could be X-factors against Tennessee, but I’d say the three every fan needs to know are Alexander Johnson, Justin Simmons, and of course Jurrell Casey. Last year’s contest between the Broncos and Titans really woke people up to Johnson’s ability as an elite run defender. With Todd Davis’ release he’s going to be really crucial in slowing down Derrick Henry.
6. We can’t discuss Broncos-Titans without bringing up Jurrell Casey. Even without Von Miller, how much do you expect him to impact this Broncos front 7 as a whole?
Joe: I think it’s night and day. Jurrell Casey’s lateral mobility is going to help unlock the things Fangio will do to survive Miller’s loss. He’s so good on stunts and twists that it will help the Broncos run games on passing downs in order to create havoc. He’s also been the kind of veteran presence you pray for, which should help younger players like Dre’Mont Jones and McTelvin Agim.
The Saints are facing 3rd and 8, Jurrell Casey is the only 300 lb player on the Titans defense. pic.twitter.com/OyzxMHkcXq
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) March 20, 2020
7. Both teams have some matchups that look good to exploit on paper. Which matchups do you expect the Broncos to take advantage of?
Joe: I’ve had the Von Miller vs. Dennis Kelly and Nate Davis matchup circled for a couple weeks now. Even without 58, I still expect the Broncos to try and attack the right side of the Titans’ line. Davis really struggled with Derek Wolfe last year and both Casey, Jones, and Shelby Harris could get their chances to abuse him.
Before Sutton got hurt, I was really excited to see how the receiving corps matched up with the Titans’ secondary. I’m not a big enough homer to guarantee they had the advantage there, but I do believe it was set to be a really good battle. Now we’ll have to see.
8. Which matchups for the Broncos concern you?
Joe: Until Garett Bolles and Elijah Wilkinson show me something on the field, I’ll worry about the Broncos’ tackles. It also puts pressure on Drew Lock to recognize and adjust to the blitzes Tennessee is sure to scheme up. I’m anxious to see if he’s grown in this area. Adding Jadeveon Clowney to the Titans’ front could make it THE X-factor of the game. I’ve gone back to watch his tape under Vrabel back in Houston and the way he was used as an interior rusher could help turn Tennessee’s pass rush into one of the scariest in the league.
9. How about an X-Factor on both offense and defense for the Broncos?
Joe: Beyond Lock’s ability to diagnose and survive the pressure he’s sure to see, I’d say Noah Fant is huge. If the Broncos are without Courtland Sutton he’s the best combination of talent and experience Monday night. It won’t be easy for him as Kevin Byard and Kenny Vacaro are one of the best safety duos in the league.
Defensively, the Broncos linebackers are going to really go a long way towards determining the contest. Ryan Tannehill’s so good off play action that Johnson and Josey Jewell are going to be stuck in a bind almost every snap: play the run too hard and Tannehill will toss it over their heads for easy completions in the middle of the field. Play it too softly and Henry will bludgeon them all game.
10. Last question — what’s your prediction for Monday night’s game?
Joe: Losing Miller will create a huge void in talent, but it could also provide an early rallying point for a young team eager to prove itself. So long as Fangio can exploit the glaring weakness on the right side and the pass defense holds up, I think the Broncos can win a nail biter. Let’s say 20-17