Just What the Dr. Ordered

It's a wonderful life for any NFL franchise with quality players at the receiving position. The Broncos and the Patriots are perfect illustrations of what a difference two receivers make. Javon Walker made the big plays; Rod Smith kept the chains moving in another workmanlike effort; and the Broncos pulled off what I, for one, consider a huge upset. On the other side of the ball, Tom Brady, who is arguably the best quarterback of the last 5 years, put up impressive numbers but lacked big-play capability without Deion Branch and David Givens. With a quality receiver playing in the slot, and another quality deep man to stretch defenses, Brady and the Patriots might have won. Fortunately for Denver, Brady had no one to pass to and Javon Walker signed with the Broncos in the off-season. It made all the difference.

Sunday night's game was exactly what the Broncos needed. The offense made plays, the defense turned in another dominating performance, and the Broncos boarded the plane in Boston with a dominant victory under their belts. It was great! The Broncos needed something to boost their confidence, and yesterday's victory contained all the elements: hundred-yard rusher, check; consistent passing attack, check; big-play ability, check; minimal mistakes by the Jake the Fake, check; offensive production, check; shut-down defense, check; victory over a quality opponent on the road, check. It was all there. The Broncos have two long weeks to simmer over their success before jumping back on the Super Bowl highway. Viva Javon!

One final observation: this was the first game where the Broncos started the game with one primary ball-carrier, and this was the first game where the Broncos had a consistent rushing attack. Tatum Bell has earned his spot in the backfield and should be the starter for the rest of the year. His breakaway ability opened up the field for the entire offense. Tatum's success was the main reason that Jake Plummer had such a good day. With a solid ground game, Plummer is able to play the way he knows best - without a clue in the world and happy feet. If it ain't broke...