Bummer

The debacle against the Chiefs was most undoubtedly a bummer. In many ways it was a Plummer bummer, but the defense must shoulder some blame as well for dramatically self-destructing early, often, and late. While the Plum reverted to his old ways in throwing two costly interceptions, the defense played against type in their inability to stop the run or the pass. Larry Johnson is a quality RB (I have him in two fantasy leagues and haven't lost since he became a starter), but the Broncos had the best run defense in the league going into the game. As I've been saying all year, the Broncos secondary is suspect. The early failure by Champ and Co. to stop the big play opened up the running game for the Chiefs. If the Broncos had made a few early plays against Trent Green and the KC receivers then Larry Johnson would not have been able to run for 140 yards much less the two TD's. The loss was bad enough, but now teams know how to beat the Broncos: spread the field and work the passing game until the wholes open on the line. It's too simple.

Fortunately the Broncos play the underachieving Ravens this weekend. Kyle Boller is much like Joey Harrington - both should be bankers or construction workers or high school coaches; neither have the talent to be quality NFL quarterbacks. This is just the game to rebuild the confidence of the Broncos secondary. The defensive line should be able to get pressure on Boller, which should result in hasty passes leading to at least two interceptions. The Broncos speedy linebackers ought to keep Todd Heap in check, and aside from Heap the Ravens have no other offensive threats. Chester Taylor is out and Jamal Lewis has had a horrendous year at RB. Lewis will start on Sunday, and he might even get 100 yards, but he should be non-factor against a Broncos defense looking to reassert themselves.

The Broncos will be back at Mile-Hi which should also help. Arrowhead Stadium has long been the hardest place to play in the NFL, and it was obvious the offense was struggling with noise. The cosy confines of Mile-Hi ought to put the players at ease; plus, the Broncos haven't lost at home this year. The Ravens are having a bad year to put it mildly. The Broncos are having a great year. This should be an easy win. It should keep the Broncos on track to gain the second seed in the AFC playoffs, home-field advantage, and a first round bye. That's what the Broncos are playing for right now, and the Ravens should be just another notch on their belt.