New Orleans Saints

Bold Predictions: Denver Broncos v. New Orleans Saints

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

We now enter the mid-way point of the NFL season and the Denver Broncos are struggling on offense. It might continue at New Orleans.

Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans in the fourth quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos offense is struggling mightily the past few games, which appears troublesome due to the opponents they faced. In a critical matchup squaring off against the Oakland Raiders, the offense was predictable. On paper, the Broncos needed to expose the weaknesses of the Raiders’ defense, which posted the 30th best defense in the NFL. The Broncos scored 20 points, but it took the entire game.

Fast forward to the New Orleans Saints matchup, where the hope is the Broncos learned from the primetime matchup to score more points against Drew Brees. Head coach Gary Kubiak must instill the running attack, and he needs to utilize the tight ends and wide receivers on offense.

This starts with Devontae Booker and the offensive line that must hunt starting from the first series. Whether it is against the run or in passing, New Orleans posts one of the worst overall defenses in the NFL. Kubiak needs to move away from the aerial attack to the rushing force he is known for as an offensive guru.

The Broncos offense could be the biggest question mark this weekend, but the No Fly Zone needs to turn the page from the Black Hole in Oakland to shut down Brees and Mark Ingram. It is the responsibility of the Orange Rush and defensive line to neutralize Ingram. Ingram is seeing Alabama Crimson Tide resurgence in 2016 and is licking his chops after Lavtavius Murray ran wild on the Denver line last Sunday.

Week 10 bold predictions are officially a go.

Devontae Booker: 130 yards rushing 2 TDs/55 yards receiving

Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) hands off the ball to running back Devontae Booker (23) in the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos rushing became primed for a big stretch with CJ Anderson and Devontae Booker. Anderson injured his knee resulting in a big void to fill. Booker is the future at the running back position and is primed for a monster future in the offense under Gary Kubiak. The ex-Utah back is a three-down back, but he needs to perform with better offensive line play. It can happen on Sunday.

On the year, the New Orleans allows 4.4 yards on the ground ranking them 12th in the NFL. For, the Broncos to establish any identity in rushing they need to start with the first series. Typically, a start of a game is telling to what the personality for a coach wants that particular Sunday. The Broncos perform against the Saints at 11am in an early test. This makes it imperative for the offense to start fast because the Broncos must find a way to score more than 20 points.

Furthermore, the capabilities are there for the Broncos to maintain some ground attack. However, due to recent struggles from the quarterback and the rest of the team’s offense it is unclear if they show up. Momentum in the running game all hinges on the first series, as stated before. It is essential for the offensive line to hunt like animals on Sunday and they are capable to do it.

No Fly Zone: Drew Brees under 225 yards/All WRs held to under 125 yards

Oct 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos inside linebacker Todd Davis (51) celebrates with cornerback Aqib Talib (21) after recovering a fumble in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The No Fly Zone took a significant hit a couple weeks ago after the loss of Aqib Talib; however against the San Diego Chargers the depth showed. Last week in Oakland became a “Black Hole” in the secondary after the performances by Bradley Roby and Chris Harris late in the fourth quarter. Drew Brees leads the NFL in passes completed and attempts per game. The secondary must step it up more than ever to hold Drew Brees to under 225 passing yards.

Michael Thomas is a stud wide out, but Willie Snead and Brandin Cooks are no slouch either. In terms of a complete set of wide receivers, the Broncos may not face a better corps than New Orleans. The Raiders can tout a solid number one and two, but the Saints roll out weapons Brees trusts every game.

An underrated advantage for the Broncos to stop Brees’ passing attack and the wide receivers is to knock passes down at the line of scrimmage. Brees is a magician with the ball in his hands. It is not his running ability but awareness of hand placement of the defensive line. Denver’s line must be mindful to jump at the right time.

Virgil Green/AJ Derby: TEs will total 120 yards on Sunday

Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Virgil Green (85) before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The tight end position is crucial to the Gary Kubiak offense. Virgil Green is gaining confidence in the passing game, but for different reason. Green is a blocker and a receiver. He is a valued part of the Broncos’ offense that is predicated on play action, as well as the wide receivers. Look for a concerted effort to run the ball from the team and by Demaryius Thomas/Emmanuel Sanders.

AJ Derby caught one pass in the game at Oakland, or so it appeared. The officials decided to overturn the catch rendering it incomplete. Derby became a non-factor after that. He is a big target at 6’5″ 255 pounds, the same size as Jeff Heuerman. This size means the Broncos must find ways to involve the newly acquired tight end in the offense more than just one catch. It is possible the knowledge of the playbook may be why Derby is not involved in the offense.

However, right now it is all hands on deck for the offense and something needs a change of course. The tight ends can see more action if the offensive line does a terrific job manhandling the defensive side of the Saints. I am expecting a better effort from the team this Sunday; however, an early test is trouble for a Broncos team that needs a bounce or two to go their way.