Packers vs Broncos: Previews & Predictions

[TOPHAT]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7368022

Packers at Broncos:

Brett Favre and Co. will have a tough test in Denver. The Broncos host a Packers team refreshed after their bye and committed to improving their running game. Packers coach Mike McCarthy may be stuck with an uninspiring three-back rotation, but he feels DeShawn Wynn, Brandon Jackson, and Vernand Morency can be more effective if everyone does a better job — including the coach. "It's just more fundamentals, technique, pad level. I think going with one back in certain situations will help us get some rhythm there. And the play-caller needs to have more confidence at times. I'm being critical of myself." The Packers need to get one of their runners on track, because the Broncos have one of the league's worst run defenses. The Steelers got too crafty on Sunday night, throwing downfield too often and allowing the Broncos to play to their defensive strengths. McCarthy wants to make things easy for Brett Favre, especially since Evil Brett (the guy who throws the sloppy interceptions) has made some appearances in recent weeks. The Packers are three point underdogs. The Broncos never win by more than three points. That makes this an easy play. Points aside, the Packers will win outright.
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http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/preview?gameId=20071029007

Packers at Broncos

The Green Bay Packers have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL. They've climbed to the top of their division in spite of having a one-dimensional offense. Following their bye week, Brett Favre and the NFC North-leading Packers look to continue their early season success and win for the first time in Denver when they visit the Broncos on Monday night. After going just 1-4 before its bye week last season, Green Bay (5-1) has jumped out to its best start since winning eight of its first nine games in 2002. The Packers have managed to win despite having a rushing offense that is last in the league in yards per game (65.7), 30th in yards per attempt (3.3) and tied with Detroit for last in attempts per game (20.2). Green Bay may have a chance to get its running game on track against Denver, which is allowing a league-worst average of 176.2 rushing yards a game.

[Favre is] a huge reason for the Packers' success. Favre has 1,715 yards passing with nine touchdowns and six interceptions, and became the NFL's career leader in touchdown passes (423), attempts (8,470) and wins by a starting quarterback (152) this season. The three-time league MVP, however, is looking to bounce back from his worst game of the season. Favre was 19-for-37 for a season-low 188 yards with two interceptions in Green Bay's 17-14 win over Washington on Oct. 14. His two picks came on badly underthrown deep passes. Favre is 17-15 all-time on Monday nights, but has lost his five appearances. The 38-year-old is 3-1 all-time against the Broncos in the regular season, throwing for 751 yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions in those games.
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http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071027/PKR01/71026136/1989

Scouting report: Packers at Broncos


Packers run offense vs. Broncos run defense

Green Bay is last in the league in rushing but Denver’s anemic rush defense is also last and could provide temporary relief.

Edge: Packers.

Broncos run offense vs. Packers run defense

If Travis Henry plays, this could be one of the more potent rushing attacks the Packers run defense will see all season. Undrafted rookie Selvin Young, who had a fabulous preseason, will start if Henry can’t go.

Edge: Broncos.

Packers pass offense vs. Broncos pass defense

Green Bay’s passing attack is third in the league and the Broncos’ duo of Champ Bailey and Dre Bly is arguably the best in the league. This is a key matchup.

Edge: None.

Broncos pass offense vs. Packers pass defense

With former Packer Javon Walker out with an injury, the onus is on Brandon Stokley and rookie Brandon Marshall to produce. Both played well in last week’s win against Pittsburgh. Green Bay’s secondary continues to be solid.

Edge: Packers.

Special teams

Broncos kicker Jason Elam is one of the more clutch performers in the league. He’s had three game-winning kicks this season for Denver. The Broncos' coverage teams are ordinary.

Edge: Broncos.

Coaching

Denver’s Mike Shanahan has won two Super Bowls as the Broncos' coach and is one of the more respected offensive minds in the league. Mike McCarthy continues to improve in his second season as the Packers' coach.

Edge: Broncos.

Intangibles

Invesco Field at Mile High is a tough place for the Packers, but Green Bay is coming off a bye and has had two weeks to prepare for Denver.

Edge: None.
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http://gnb.scout.com/2/695168.html

PackerReport.com staff predictions: Most on panel feel Packers will break Rocky Mountain hex

Fox, Correspondent
Sunday's game: Packers 27, Broncos 24

Comment: The good: Head coach Mike McCarthy is 7-3 on the road. He is 1-0 after bye weeks as well. The Packers are 5-1, including a win against the San Diego Chargers, a team that whipped the Broncos earlier this year. The bad: The Packers have lost 5 straight Monday night football games. The Packers have never won in Denver. The Broncos just beat a pretty good Pittsburgh Steelers team. Something has to give. The Broncos are pretty solid against the passing game, so the Packers must mix up the play calls with run plays. The Packer defense has to force young QB Jay Cutler into turnovers. If Koren Robinson plays, he should give the Packers a lift in both the return game and passing game.

Steve Lawrence, Correspondent
Sunday's game: Broncos 17, Packers 10

Comment: Denver is a tough place to play, and Green Bay's offense strength — the passing game — goes against Denver's defensive strength — pass defense. In a hard-fought game, a Brett Favre interception is the difference.

Tyler Dunne, Correspondent/Rookie pundit
Sunday's game: Packers 27, Broncos 17

Comment: Denver boasts the second best pass defense in the NFL. That shouldn't stop Mike McCarthy from leaning on Brett Favre's right arm. The Broncos 'D' held J.P. Losman and Josh McNown to under 100 yards passing each, but neither of these quarterbacks currently start for their teams. Here's a better gauge of Denver's defense: In their most recent three games, against three productive QBs (Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger), Denver has yielded 753 yards and nine touchdowns. McCarthy should not force feed the running game as he did in the second half against Chicago. Airing it out will lead to a Mile High statement.

W. Keith Roerdink, Correspondent
Sunday's game: Green Bay 23, Denver 17

Comment: A week off wasn't enough for the Packers to fix their running game, but Green Bay can win this game through the air with their two Donald's -- Driver and Lee. Word is out that a 'Tampa 2' defense is the way to slow down Brett Favre, but look for Driver to turn some hard slants into big plays and the tight end Lee to slip behind the linebackers for a long gainer or two. Stay away from Champ Bailey. On the other side of the ball, the Packers D should come up with at least one pressure turnover on quarterback Jay Cutler. Ex-Buff kicker Mason Crosby may also get the chance to leg it out in the high altitude.

Jay Royle, Publisher
Sunday's game: Packers 27, Broncos 17

Comment: Packers come out swinging and rested! I’m not going to let the Broncos win over the Steelers fool me. I still think the Packers are the better team overall here. Definitely a tough place to play, but the Pack gets it done.

Harry Sydney, Correspondent
Sunday's game: Packers 24, Broncos 17

Comment: Even though I think this game will be closer than most think, I believe the Packers will win 24-17. The Packers can't run and the Broncos can't stop the run, so it will be interesting to see if the Packers try to re-establish their will to run, or just go with what they do best and that's throw the ball.

Todd Korth, Managing Editor
Sunday's game: Packers 20, Broncos 17

Comment: Even though the Packers are 0-5 in Denver and Favre had his career-worst passer rating of 9.6 the last time Green Bay visited at old Mile High in 1999, I feel the Packers will come off their bye week with a bounce in their step and focused on securing the football. Favre will do much better under the MNF spotlight and Mason Crosby, returning to his college stomping grounds, will drill a late field goal to lift Green Bay past the banged-up Broncos.

Tom Andrews, Correspondent
Sunday's game: Packers 17, Broncos 16

Comment: This game promises to be a serious test for the Packers. The Broncos are riding high after a last-second victory and, with the cold weather upon us, being able to run the football, at least to some degree, will be a must if Green Bay hopes to win. I look for a defensive battle with turnovers and special teams play as the key factors.

Matt Tevsh, Correspondent
Sunday's game: Packers 30, Broncos 17

Comment: With several interesting sub-plots to this game, including the Packers running game vs. the Broncos run defense, I think the Packers have a big day through the air and beat the Broncos convincingly. Denver is never an easy place to play, but the Broncos aren't as good as they used to be. A key matchup will be how the Packers' receivers get off the line against the Broncos' cornerbacks.

Doug Ritchay, Correspondent
Sunday's game: Packers 23, Broncos 20

Comment: The Packers have two advantages going into this game. One, they are coming off the bye and are rested. Two, they won't be facing Josh Beckett. Hey, who has a better fastball, Beckett or Favre? It's never been easy to play at Denver and last week's win against Pittsburgh at home showed the Broncos can beat good teams. At 5-1, the Packers are a good team, and they'll have to play their best game of the season to win. This is a tight game I see going into overtime. The Packers edge Denver, 23-20.

 

[TOPHAT]

SPORTS NETWORK PREVIEW

http://www.miamiherald.com/858/story/284593.html

NFL Preview - Green Bay (5-1) at Denver (3-3)

While baseball will likely be on the minds of most of the citizens of Denver this Monday night, the city's beloved Broncos will welcome Brett Favre and the resurgent Green Bay Packers to Invesco Field at Mile High for an interconference showdown. But just when it appeared the Broncos' season was spiraling towards disaster, the club regrouped after its bye week and responded with a gritty 31-28 victory over a Pittsburgh team that entered the Rocky Mountains with a gaudy 4-1 record. Denver blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead against the Steelers, but Jason Elam's 49-yard field goal as time expired prevented a potential devastating collapse. The Broncos will be attempting to knock off another one-loss squad on its home turf this week. With a rejuvenated Favre leading the way, Green Bay has sped out to a 5-1 record and a first-place standing in the NFC North. It's the Packers best start to a campaign since 2002, a year in which the team ripped off eight victories over its first nine games en route to a 12-4 regular- season mark and a division title.

Green Bay is coming off its bye week and was last in action on October 14, when the Pack pulled out a 17-14 decision over Washington at Lambeau Field. The defense provided the winning points late in the third quarter, with cornerback Charles Woodson returning a fumble by Redskins receiver Santana Moss 57 yards for the go-ahead score. While Monday's matchup between two of the NFL's more recognizable teams offers plenty of intrigue, it will certainly take second billing in Denver as long as the World Series between the upstart Rockies and star-studded Boston Red Sox does not end up in a sweep. Game 5 of the Fall Classic is scheduled to take place at nearby Coors Field at Monday night, which would move kickoff of the Packers-Broncos tilt up one half-hour to 8 p.m. (et).

WHEN THE PACKERS HAVE THE BALL

Green Bay comes in with a respectable No. 11 ranking in total offense (339.3 ypg) but has had trouble establishing balance on that side of the ball. The Packers own the NFL second-rated passing offense so far, having averaged over 273 yards per game through the air, but are dead last in the league in rushing yards (65.7 ypg). Favre (1715 passing yards, 9 TD, 6 INT) is enjoying a renaissance season under center after back-to-back subpar years, although the three-time league MVP has cooled off after a blazing start. The legendary quarterback has thrown four interceptions and tossed only one touchdown pass over the past two games. Favre's got a talented corps of receivers to work with, headlined by 2006 Pro Bowl honoree Donald Driver (36 receptions, 2 TD). Rookie James Jones (23 receptions, 1 TD) tops all NFC newcomers in catches and receiving yards (293), while second-year standout Greg Jennings (14 receptions) has hauled in three touchdown passes in four games since returning from a hamstring injury.

The Packers haven't run the ball often this year, mainly because the team is still searching for a dependable go-to back. Rookie DeShawn Wynn (202 rushing yards, 4 TD) has been the best of a mediocre bunch that includes third-down specialist Vernand Morency (56 rushing yards, 15 receptions) and youngsters Brandon Jackson (97 rushing yards, 1 TD, 11 receptions) and Ryan Grant (27 rushing yards, 5 receptions). Wynn missed some practice time this week with a neck strain but should be okay for Sunday, while center Scott Wells is expected to return after missing the Washington game with a orbital bone fracture.

Green Bay's ailing run game could get a boost against a Denver defense that is yielding a league-worst 176.2 rushing yards per week. The Broncos did take steps towards correcting the problem during the bye, moving rookie tackle Marcus Thomas (7 tackles, 1 INT) into a starting role opposite the massive Sam Adams (5 tackles), and the unit did hold Pittsburgh's powerful ground attack to a respectable 119-yard total last week. Middle linebacker D.J. Williams (51 tackles, 1 sack), the team's leading tackler, had nine stops and an interception in the win, while active strong safety Nick Ferguson (44 tackles) recorded eight tackles.

The Broncos have been far more effective defending the pass, having let up the second-fewest yards (164.7) in the league in that aspect. Denver's accomplished secondary suffered against the Steelers, however, with lockdown cornerback Champ Bailey (33 tackles, 1 INT) out of the lineup with a quadriceps injury. Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger racked up 290 yards and threw for four scores against the shorthanded backfield, but the Broncos did sack the star quarterback four times. Two of those came from playmaking end Elvis Dumervil (16 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 INT) and one forced a fumble that rookie lineman Tim Crowder returned for a touchdown. Bailey is expected to be back on the field for Sunday's test.

WHEN THE BRONCOS HAVE THE BALL

Denver has annually fielded one of the NFL's top rushing teams under Shanahan's direction, with offseason signee Travis Henry (549 rushing yards, 1 TD) thriving in his first year running behind the offense's famed zone- blocking system. However, the veteran back is dealing with bruised ribs that kept him out of the fourth quarter of the Pittsburgh game and could be a game- time decision on Sunday. If Henry isn't able to go, promising rookie Selvin Young (139 rushing yards, 10 receptions) would receive the bulk of the backfield work. For the year the Broncos rank ninth overall in rushing offense (130.7 ypg). Losing Henry could also put a greater burden on young quarterback Jay Cutler (1406 passing yards, 7 TD, 8 INT), who's endured an up-and-down sophomore season thus far but was at his best last Sunday. The 2006 first-round pick completed 22-of-29 throws for 248 yards and a career-best three touchdowns against the Steelers, while deftly engineering the two-minute offense on Denver's game-winning drive. The Broncos will be without top wide receiver and ex-Packer Javon Walker (19 receptions) for a fourth straight game due to a knee injury, but second-year pro Brandon Marshall (33 receptions, 2 TD) and savvy vet Brandon Stokley (17 receptions, 2 TD) have stepped up their play in his absence. Cutler also has a good rapport with tight end Tony Scheffler (7 receptions, 1 TD), who had a personal-best five catches for 50 yards and a score last week.

The Packers counter Denver's fifth-rated offense (358.3 ypg) with a defense that has certainly held its own this year. Green Bay is giving up a respectable 100.2 rushing yards per game (11th overall) and has allowed just one opposing running back (Minnesota's Adrian Peterson) to eclipse the century mark. Nick Barnett (56 tackles, 2 INT, 1.5 sacks) is having an excellent season at middle linebacker and leads a stout front seven that also includes emerging star A.J. Hawk (42 tackles) on the weakside. The defense could be without one of its run stoppers on Sunday, however, as starting right end Cullen Jenkins (21 tackles, 1 sacks) is questionable due to a sore knee. Green Bay has allowed over 220 yards per game through the air (22nd overall), but enemy quarterbacks have completed passes at only a 57 percent clip against the Packers' defense. The secondary boasts a pair of proven cornerbacks in Woodson (32 tackles, 1 INT) and Al Harris (14 tackles, 4 PD), as well as two excellent pass rushers in ends Aaron Kampman (29 tackles, 5 sacks) and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (13 tackles, 4.5 sacks).

FANTASY FOCUS

Owners of Favre and Green Bay's top receivers, namely Driver and Jennings, shouldn't be scared off by Denver's lofty ranking in pass defense, especially since it looks like neither Bailey or counterpart Dre' Bly (19 tackles, 2 INT, 6 PD) will come into the game at full strength. The Broncos have allowed 11 passing touchdowns in six games, including four to Roethlisberger last week. Wynn is the closest thing the Packers have to a feature running back and makes a decent flex option for this week's games. Those who have Henry or Young will need to closely monitor the former's health status during the week. If Henry is unable to practice by Friday, there's at least a 50/50 chance he won't be suiting up on Monday. Young would make a solid second back if he winds up getting the start. It's always hard to predict what kind of numbers the erratic Cutler will put up, but Marshall has emerged as an every-week starter at wide receiver with Walker on the shelf. Anyone looking for a possible sleeper at tight end should pay attention to Scheffler, who's becoming more involved in the Denver offense and has the speed to stretch a defense.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

Denver may have saved its season with last week's hard-fought win over a good Pittsburgh team that didn't play its best game, but it remains to be seen whether the Broncos have really solved the problems that plagued them through the early part of this season. Denver won in part by forcing three turnovers against the Steelers, and might need a similar showing to take down a Green Bay squad that's had an extra week to prepare, is pretty sound defensively and has quietly won nine of 10 games dating back to last season. The Packers should be able to generate more of a running game against a relatively soft Denver defense, and if Favre can get back to the mistake-free form he showed in September, Green Bay will be tough to slow down.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Packers 27, Broncos 20

 

[TOPHAT]

Broncos View of Packers

http://www.denverpost.com

A Closer Look: Packers

The Green Bay Packers will stroll into INVESCO Field at Mile High for a Monday Night Football matchup with the Broncos as one of the surprises of the NFL through the first half of the season. Sitting at 5-1 and atop the NFC North, the Packers have emerged as a contender. Their 9-1 record in the last 10 regular-season games is bettered by only one team -- the New England Patriots. The 8-18 ledger they logged from 2005 through Week 13 of last year is merely an unpleasant memory.

Leading the charge for the Packers is none other than quarterback Brett Favre, whose rejuvenated play has coincided with Green Bay's surge. Head coach Mike McCarthy said the most important aspect of Favre's resurgence has been his accuracy and ability to make the right throw. "(Favre) plays the game with a lot of passion," McCarthy said. "He's very aggressive, and he's staying within the scheme and making good decisions. We've been 'completion-conscious.' We were poor in our completion percentage last year and it was something that we spent a lot of time on in the offseason and needed to improve in that area. We're off to a good start there and a big part of that is his decision-making."

While Favre has been the impetus behind the Packers' second-ranked passing offense, the 32nd-ranked running game hasn't followed suit, perhaps a boon for a Denver defense that has struggled against the run. Vernand Morency has battled injuries, and McCarthy said the Packers have been going through the growing pains of breaking in young running backs DeShawn Wynn and Brandon Jackson. "The injuries in training camp and not getting the younger players the amount of reps has been a disappointment, as far as the running back position, because we are so young there," McCarthy said. "We haven't been able to get one of those players established." The need to usher in some youth at the position also arose from the offseason departure of longtime running back Ahman Green, and McCarthy said replacing such a stalwart is never easy. "Ahman was an excellent player for us last year and throughout his career," McCarthy said. "I think any time you replace a feature back like that, there's always a transition." Regardless of the early struggles running the ball, McCarthy and the Packers are not ready to throw in the towel just yet.

On the other side of the ball, the Green Bay defense is led by a former Heisman Trophy winner in Woodson, and will be facing a Denver offense without starting receiver Javon Walker -- a former PackersPro Bowler --as well as center Tom Nalen, anchor of the offensive line. But despite the injuries, Woodson knows what the key to the Broncos success is: running the football. "They've been able to move the ball up the field and they've been able to make some big plays, and then plus the running game," Woodson said. "That goes without saying, with the Broncos and the running game. The running game has been a staple of their team for a long time, and no matter who's in there, they're going to be pretty good. They've got a very good back in Travis Henry, who has been a good back for a lot of years. The running game keeps them going." Statistically, the Packers rank 11th against the run but 22nd against the pass, so a heavier dose of quarterback Jay Cutler could be in store, despite Walker's absence. But Woodson said he's ready, as he plays witha quarterback everyday in practice that Cutler reminds him of.

This could turn into an interesting matchup. The Broncos are coming off an enormous win over a solid Pittsburgh team and now must face the sizzling Packers. The Packers struggle running the ball. The Broncos have had difficulties against the run. The Packers are extremely effective passing the ball. The Broncos are extremely effective in containing the pass. Something's got to give, and the Broncos are hoping the momentum of a prime time win over the Steelers will carry them to another victory under the lights against another hot team.

 

[TOPHAT]

ESPN PREVIEW

http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?gameId=271029007


Can the Packers get the running game going?


Why To Watch

In the midst of the Colorado Rockies' baseball magic, the Denver Broncos finally created some excitement of their own last week with a last-second win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a Broncos team that was starting to unravel has gotten a bit of a reprieve. The Packers are coming off a bye week sitting at 5-1, but we're beginning to see signs of QB Brett Favre getting a little careless and going back to a gunslinger mentality. Green Bay hasn't run the ball effectively all season but the Broncos can't stop the run, either, so something will have to give. And both team's passing games should be fun to watch with Favre going against Denver CBs Champ Bailey and Dre Bly, and Broncos QB Jay Cutler up against Green Bay CBs Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Those will be great matchups that will have a big impact on the game.

When the Packers have the ball

Rushing: What run offense? The Packers are a pass-first, run-second offense right now and are last in the NFL in rushing at 65.7 yards per game. They have two decent young backs in DeShaun Wynn and Vernand Morency but have not been committed enough to the run with only 121 attempts through six games. Running the ball 20 times per game is just not enough to keep opposing defenses honest. Favre is using the short passing game as a substitute for the run game, but if ever there was a week to establish a true running game this would be it. The Broncos are last in the league in rushing defense at 176.2 yards per game, and while they were improved and showed better gap integrity against the Steelers they still have flaws and are susceptible to being gashed. Green Bay has a size advantage up front against a smaller, active Denver defensive line and the Packers could wear the Broncos down if they stick with the run. With a passing game that features a lot of slant routes and passes over the middle that will keep the safeties back in coverage, the Packers have a chance to get their running backs to the second level with a full head of steam. That could result in Denver S John Lynch coming down into the box and opening up play-action passes.

Passing: As effective as the Packers have been throwing the ball, Favre is starting to take more chances and improvising more often  things he didn't do early in the season. He faces a Denver pass defense that is ranked at the top of the NFL, but that is a very deceiving statistic because offenses move the ball so well on the ground that they simply don't need to pass the ball against the Broncos. Look for Favre to get the ball out quickly in the Packers' short to intermediate passing game. He could have good success "dropping" his tight end across on underneath routes, but his bread-and-butter play is the slant route to WRs Donald Driver and Greg Jennings and that should work well because the Denver safeties, especially Lynch, are vulnerable in pass defense and could be burned by big plays over the middle. Bly might also be a target for Favre, because he has talent as a cover guy but is sometimes undisciplined and can get caught jumping routes. We could see a reverse pass or some Favre trickery to create a big play.

When the Broncos have the ball

Rushing: 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. Also, an early inside power run game gives Denver a chance to lure Green Bay's linebackers into the hole and then hit some play-action passes. The Broncos might also choose to run at the edges a little more than we think with their zone-blocking stretch play, because an effective way to neutralize the athletic ends is to run right at them.

Passing: Cutler can make all the throws but he is at his best when throwing on the move. The Broncos' coaching staff will likely try to get him out of the pocket where he can not only break down the Packers' coverage schemes but also get outside their edge pass rush. Cutler will face a secondary that has two physical corners in Harris and Woodson, and they love to play press coverages and disrupt the receivers' routes. They are capable of taking the Denver wide receivers out of the game without help over the top and that gives the Packers some flexibility if they decide to blitz. We may see more throws to the backs and tight ends this week and Cutler must make good decisions and not force the ball on the perimeter. There will also be pressure on the young Green Bay linebackers, Nick Barnett and AJ Hawk, to play with discipline and not get caught out of position inside on play-action plays. Look for the Broncos to utilize some two-tight end sets with Daniel Graham and Tony Scheffler, not only to protect Cutler from the Packers' defensive ends but also to give him some safe and easy targets in the short-to-intermediate passing game.

Special Teams

Green Bay does a pretty good job of covering punts and kickoffs, but after that the Packers are just an average special teams unit. They don't always dominate the battle for field position despite not making a lot of mistakes. Denver has an excellent kicking game led by K Jason Elam, who has hit game-winning field goals in all three of Denver's victories this season. The Broncos also do a pretty good job of covering punts, but the rest of their kicking game is pretty pedestrian. This is probably not a game that come down to explosive plays in the kicking game.

 

[TOPHAT]

PACKERSNEWS.COM POLL

http://www.packersnews.com

PACKERSNEWS.COM POLL:

Who Will Win Monday's Game? [4100 votes]

Packers Win by 10 or more/close one....81.6%

Broncos Win by 10 or more/close one...17.1%


op: op: op: op: op: 8) 8) 8)

 

[CalifPacker]

I think Mc Carthy will mix in plenty of runs and the team will get over 100 yards rushing. The Packers will pull away from a close game in the first half.

Packers 24
Broncos 10

 

[TOPHAT]

PACKER NATION PREVIEW

http://www.mytvisonfire.com/packersnation/?p=2413

POSITION BREAKDOWNS:

Quarterback-Advantage Packers

I believe the Brett Favre is better than Jay Cutler at this point in the season. Brett Favre has had a resurgence this season and has played very well. At this point in his career Jay Cutler is still prone to making mistakes.

Running Back-Advantage Broncos

The Packers have probably the worst running backs in the league at this point in the season. The Broncos have Travis Henry who might not be able to play because he is injured. (Why hasn’t he been suspended yet.) If Travis henry doesn’t play I would have to call it a draw because after Travis Henry the Broncos don’t have much.

Wide Receivers-Huge Advantage Packers

Since Javon Walker is out, this isn’t even a competition. I think the Packers have one of the best wide receiver corps in the league and the Packers also could have Koren Robinson back. If Koren Robinson is ready to play he will give us a good deep ball threat. With Javon Walker out the best receiver the Broncos have is Brandon Stokley.

Tight Ends: Advantage Broncos

If Bubba Franks wasn’t hurt I would give the advantage to the Packers. Since Bubba Franks is hurt the packers pretty much only have Donald Lee (we also have the TE from the practice squad but I doubt he will do anything). The Broncos have Daniel Graham who is a good TE.

Offensive Line: Advantage Broncos

Until the Packers offense line can show that they can open holes for the running game, I will not give the advantage to the Packers line in any games.

Defensive Line: Advantage Packers

The Packers have one of the best D-Lines in the league in my opinion. Our depth keeps out D-Line rested into the fourth quarter which makes our defense really strong at the end of the game. The Broncos D-Line is nothing special in my opinion.

Linebackers: Advantage Packers

The Packers linebackers have played pretty well this year at least in run coverage. The Broncos linebackers must not be doing that well since they have had a hard time stopping the run this season. I think the linebackers of both teams will be very important in this game.

Secondary: Draw

Both the Packers and Broncos Secondaries are really good. Both QBs should have their work cut out for them. Champ Bailey might not play so that is an advantage to the Packers.

MATCHUPS:

The Packers Running Game Vs. The Broncos Run Defense: The Broncos run defense has been bad this year. If the Packers can get a running game going the Packers will be in good shape to win the game. Hopefully the Packers have worked a lot on the running game during the bye week. If we can’t get the running game going this week I believe we won’t have much of a running game this entire year.

Packers Front Seven Vs. The Broncos Running Game: If we can stop the Broncos running game we will really put a dent in their offense. Denver has already been a running team so if we can stop their running game we should be in good shape. The Broncos passing game will really suffer with Javon Walker being out with an injury.

Brett Favre vs. the Broncos Secondary: The Broncos have a very good secondary so Brett will have his work cut out for him. Brett Favre struggled the last two games before the bye week. He is going to need to play better if we want to win this week.

PREDICTION: Packers 27 Broncos 17

 

[TOPHAT]

THINGS TO WATCH FOR

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com.../20071028/PKR01/71028044/1057/PKR&located=RSS

Three keys to Monday night's game

Weakness against weakness

This game might be the ultimate barometer on the state of the Packers’ run game. The Broncos have one of the two or three worst run defenses in the NFL — they rank last in rushing yards allowed, and second-to-last in yards allowed per carry. The Packers’ offense is their statistical counterpart, ranking last in rushing yards and 30th in yards per carry. Something has to give, right? Last week, Denver defensive coordinator Jim Bates brought a safety up to stop Pittsburgh’s run-oriented offense, and the Broncos had their best defensive game of the season. Perhaps, though, he won’t feel the need to bring the safety up as much against the Packers, who are starting rookie DeShawn Wynn and playing Vernand Morency as a passing-down and change-of-pace replacement. If Bates tries to stop the run with only his front seven, which has performed poorly this year, the Packers will find out whether they can run the ball against at least someone in the NFL. If Bates keeps his safeties deep on early downs and against two-back sets, coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Brett Favre probably will rely on the ball-control passing game that’s led them to their 5-1 start.

Cutler is a key

The Packers are catching Denver at an interesting time, because the Broncos were 2-3 entering last week’s game, when their franchise quarterback, Jay Cutler, had the best game of his brief career. The second-year pro will be making his 12th NFL start tonight. Cutler completed 22 of 29 passes against the Steelers, had a passer rating of 106.7 points, and led the Broncos to the game-winning field goal by completing four of five passes in the final 1 minute, 10 seconds. If Cutler’s growth curve is beginning a big upswing, this could be a major challenge for the Packers’ defense, because he has two good receivers in Brandon Marshall and Brandon Stokley, along with up-and-coming tight end Tony Scheffler, plus the NFL’s sixth-leading rusher in Travis Henry. Cutler, however, ranks 32nd in the league in interception ratio — he’s thrown eight in only 181 attempts – so he’s green enough to be vulnerable to making bad throws because of pressure and disguised coverages.

The intangibles

There are several interesting intangible factors for this game. The Broncos have an edge because they’re at home, where coach Mike Shanahan has a 78-27 record. The Packers, coming off their bye, have an edge because they’ve had time to get healthier and prepare more for this game. Last year, McCarthy went into the bye 1-4 but won the following week at Miami.

Then there’s the matchup of defensive systems — Bates with Denver, and the Packers with his protégé, Bob Sanders. Though Bates has made some minor adjustments in Denver, he and Sanders are running the same system, so both offenses practiced against that defense every day in training camp. Players are more important than scheme, and there’s a major difference in the makeup of the defensive personnel between the teams, but both offenses will see some familiar looks and techniques from all three defensive levels. In the NFL, sometimes a small edge can be the difference.

 

[Zombieslayer]

McCarthy should not force feed the running game as he did in the second half against Chicago.

This needs to be a key. I'm tired of forcing the run. Screw the run. If it doesn't work, use the pass to open up the run. Stop forcing it.

 

[TOPHAT]

KEYS TO GAME

http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/story/2007/10/29/13920/542

Preview: Green Bay at Denver

As far as my Packer predictions go, I said this before the last game against Washington: If the Packers can shut down TE Chris Cooley, hold onto the ball, and get all their wide receivers involved in the game, they should win what should be a tough, low scoring game. While TK the Packers Fan said this: and I really hope that McCarthy makes halftime adjustments this week, something he didn't do last week. The Packers did none of the three things I said they should do to win the game, although they did manage to recover the ball when they did fumble, and it didn't look like Mike McCarthy made any successful halftime adjustments, at least on offense.


NOTE: YESTERDAY, YOU SAW HOW GOOD THE BEARS AND REDSKINS ARE...IT IS TIME FOR THE PACK TO GET A REAL GOOD GAME PLAN DONE!

I wanted to point out a post from my fellow SB Nation site, Mile High Report, in which they preview the Monday night game. Unfortunately, I don't agree with any of it, so there is really no need for a point-by-point critique. Still it is a good summary of Denver so far this season, at least it was for me since I haven't watched them play at all in 2007. On defense the first key will be getting pressure on QB Jay Cutler, who has been very good at avoiding sacks this season. If DE Cullen Jenkins can't play, then another lineman like DTs Corey Williams or Johnny Jolly will have to step up and provide some additional pass rush. The Packers were willing to blitz LBs Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk against Washington in the 2nd half to provide some additional pass rush, but that is not defensive coordinator Bob Sanders' first choice. Denver doesn't have dangerous receivers at either running back or tight end, so that is one less concern for this game. Shutting down 6'4" WR Brandon Marshall is the second key for the defense, which has struggled against tall wide receivers such as San Diego's WR Vincent Jackson and Minnesota's WR Sidney Rice, but did shut down Giants' WR Plaxico Burress, who is having a great 2007 season otherwise.

On offense the key is Mike McCarthy. Back to what TK the Packers Fan said above, McCarthy has to make the proper adjustments. Against Chicago, they expected him to run out the game in the second half and they played their linebackers close to the line, which completely shut the offense down in the 3rd quarter. Versus Washington, they played their linebackers and safeties deep to shut down the wide receivers' slant and deep routes. Washington's defensive line did a good job closing the running lanes, but the Packers made little effort to try and open the lanes up when Washington was so committed to stopping the Packers deep. Plus McCarthy needs to forget, and help WR James Jones forget, Jones' two fumble performance against Chicago and get him back into the passing game with short passes and into the middle of the field. Jones and all the Packer receivers have been great at getting yards after the catch, so there is no need to throw to deep. Play the West Coast Offense as it was intended, start short and work deep, give your receivers a chance to run for yards after the catch, and let good things happen. But don't forget the run offense against a weak Denver run defense. RB DeShawn Wynn spent too much time running behind the line of scrimmage against Washington and needs to run hard through the line once the running lanes are opened up. Denver will have to respect the deep ball because of Favre's love of throwing deep, so no need to worry about opening up the field.

On special teams the key is to get K Mason Crosby some good shoes. How many times did he slip against Washington? Please let me know so because I lost count. I don't expect a blow out win, but this should be a game the Packers win as long as they make some adjustments and avoid turnovers.

 

[NDPackerFan]

Green Bay 24
Denver 21

Crosby hits a 48 yard field goal as time expires to win the game.

OK, chances are slim of this happening but it's my prediction and I'm sticking to it.

 

[bozz_2006]

I predict Al Harris kicks a 48 yarder as time expires

 

[NDPackerFan]

I predict Al Harris kicks a 48 yarder as time expires

I predict that Favre starts tonight and Harris plays DB instead of kicker and McCarthy has a pen sticking out of the back of his hat.

 

[bozz_2006]

son of a *****! you got me AGAIN!

 

[packerfan1245]

Pack -13 Broncos- 6

 

[TOPHAT]

THINGS TO WATCH

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=679672

Preview: Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

LEE ON SPOT: If Denver's defense performs as it has in recent weeks, Donald Lee might be in for a big night. A week ago, the tight ends for the Pittsburgh Steelers combined for three TD passes. In fact, tight ends have been killing the Broncos for the past month. "Jim Bates has a problem in the secondary and his linebackers aren't very good this year," an offensive assistant for a recent Broncos' opponent said. "John Lynch is a good, tough player but he's lost a step. The other safety, Nick Ferguson, is only in his eighth year but he spent one year out of football and three years in Canada. So he's a 12-year guy. He gets beat. He's lost a step. If you match him up against a good tight end he can't cover him. And he will get killed against an average wide receiver." As for cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly, the coach said: "Bailey may be the best in the league. Bly is more bark than bite. If he has 40 career interceptions (he has 35), he's given up 80 bad touchdowns. It's one thing to get beat. It's another thing to get beat because you're gambling. And he's a gambler."

CHANGING STYLE: Bates, the Broncos' defensive coach, went against his tendencies last week against the Steelers by crowding the line of scrimmage and blitzing Ben Roethlisberger. "They would have sacked us at least seven times (the Broncos had four) but Ben was strong enough to get away from it," one of the Steelers' coaches said. "I don't see (Brett) Favre doing that. If their defense isn't going to come after you and give you time, hey, you can throw the ball against them. But if they stack eight or nine guys on the line and they blitz you and you're not breaking some big runs, they're pretty tough, especially at home. You've got to pop a big one to get them out of their eight- and nine-man front." Generally, Bates tries to stop the run with seven in the box while keeping his safeties in a four-across look about 10 to 11 yards deep.

TOP THREAT: Now that WR Javon Walker has been declared out for at least a month with a knee injury, the Broncos can go about their business. Actually, they had Walker for just three games this season. In his absence, second-year man Brandon Marshall has developed into a fine player. "I think Marshall right now might be playing better than Walker," one opposing assistant said. "He's the same type of kid that New Orleans got two years ago that nobody heard of (Marques Colston)." A defensive coach for another team called Marshall "a true deep threat." Said a third assistant: "He has really stepped up his game a lot. He came into the league probably 10 pounds heavier than what he is now. He worked really hard to get his body fat down and lean up. He's a tough player."

AS HE GOES, THEY GO: Second-year QB Jay Cutler is coming off his best performance. "What hurt them early in the season was Cutler was not playing well," an opposing defensive coach said. "He had a lot of air under his balls. He was throwing behind receivers. Against Pittsburgh, he got rid of the ball. The strength of their team is three positions: the quarterback, the running backs and the tight ends. Their line can't block anybody. If they let Cutler take a five- or seven-step drop he'd be dead. So they put him in the gun and three steps to keep the rush from getting him." Said another coach: "He's right where you can expect a second-year player. He's a strong-armed kid that's got pretty decent vision. He will get a little bit of tunnel vision when you pressure him. But he's athletic and he gets dangerous when he's on the move."

HURTING HENRY: RB Travis Henry suffered bruised ribs against the Steelers and remains iffy. "He's just like (Frank) Gore from San Francisco," an opposing defensive coach said. "He can stop on a dime and doesn't lose one step. He's one of the best backs in the league." Henry is averaging 4.6 per carry. "He would look good in a Green Bay Packers uniform," another assistant said. "He's a nice slashing running back. I think he's still trying to figure out his identity in this offense. It's a little different than Buffalo. The zone scheme is a patient running game. You've got to let your offensive linemen do their work. You've got to let them seal and cut off and basically create your seam for you to hit eventually. It's not going to happen at the snap of the ball."

VIEWS OF THE GAME

McGINN: The Broncos are an aging, beat-up team with at least five starters out, including some of their best players. The Packers should be energized from their bye, they have youth on their side and all their key players will be playing. Green Bay stubbed its toe in one night game but really shouldn't this time.

NICKEL: Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly have something like 75 interceptions between them, Green Bay has never won in Denver and the Broncos had a spirited victory last week. And yet there's still something about the well-traveling Packers and their defense that gives them an edge tonight. Having forever and a day to prepare for this game also means Green Bay should win the battle of the worst rushing team in the NFL (Packers) against the worst rush defense in the NFL (Denver). Packers 24, Broncos 17.

 

[cheesey]

I predict Al Harris kicks a 48 yarder as time expires

I predict I expire at the same time the game time does. :wink: :lol:

 

[umair]

27-20 packers. favre had 3 td passes.

 

[DarkaneRules]

Yeah I like these relatively high scores here. I definitely think there will be 2 tds scored by each team at least.

 

[Aaronstory]

My weekly Madden prediction says:

Packers: 27
Broncos: 17

 

[agopackgo4]

Simple. A 5 and 1 team with an all around defense beats a 3 and 3 team.

 

[TOPHAT]

Simple. A 5 and 1 team with an all around defense beats a 3 and 3 team.

TO BORROW A LINE FROM "BLAZING SADDLES", "WHO CAN ARGUE WITH THAT?"



:lol: :joy: mg: mg: mg: :agree: :mug: :yeah:

 

[agopackgo4]

Simple. A 5 and 1 team with an all around defense beats a 3 and 3 team.

TO BORROW A LINE FROM "BLAZING SADDLES", "WHO CAN ARGUE WITH THAT?"



:lol: :joy: mg: mg: mg: :agree: :mug: :yeah:

Probably bronco fans!

 

[warhawk]

McCarthy should not force feed the running game as he did in the second half against Chicago.

This needs to be a key. I'm tired of forcing the run. Screw the run. If it doesn't work, use the pass to open up the run. Stop forcing it.

Mike McCarthy did not "force" the run against Chicago. The Bears came out in a defense that the Packers should have been able to run on and took the intermediate and slant routes away.

Briggs and Anderson flat out BEAT our guys and made plays against us when we SHOULD have been running it. There's a big difference between a coach that forces something than a coach that calls it right but the guys don't execute it.

 

[cheesey]

Simple. A 5 and 1 team with an all around defense beats a 3 and 3 team.

TO BORROW A LINE FROM "BLAZING SADDLES", "WHO CAN ARGUE WITH THAT?"



:lol: :joy: mg: mg: mg: :agree: :mug: :yeah:

Ohhhh....one of my all time favorite movies!
"What in the wide wide world of sports is goin' on here???"