Three Keys for the Denver Broncos Versus the Indianapolis Colts

Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes the ball during the second half against the against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos have been pointing to this game since the moments following their Super Bowl loss last February. The regular season was a nice but the success of the Broncos season will be decided by what happens in the playoffs, and it starts on Sunday with the Indianapolis Colts.

Everything is magnified in the playoffs; every turnover could be the difference between moving on and going home, every third down conversion is huge and every defensive stop is vital. The Broncos are the better football team but the team that plays the best in the playoffs is the one that ends up with the trophy.

If the Broncos want to move on to the AFC Championship Game next week, then they will need to focus on these three keys.

Start fast: The best thing any team can do in the playoffs is to jump out to a lead, and keep building on that lead. As we mentioned earlier, everything is magnified in the playoffs and being behind at any point is scary. The Broncos are at their best when they play with a lead; the offense can run or pass and their defense can pin their ears back and go after Andrew Luck.

If the Broncos can jump out to a 10 or 14 point lead, then they can dictate the pace of the game. It also allows the crowd to stay in the game and make life difficult for the Colts offense. On the other hand, if the game remains close or the Colts can get a lead then the Broncos will begin to feel the pressure.

The first score of any game is important but it will be even more important on Sunday.

Let Peyton be Peyton: The Broncos have made a concentrated effort to be a more balanced team since the loss to the St. Louis Rams in mid-November, and that will need to continue through the playoffs.

However if the Broncos are going to get to where they want to get to, then it has to be on the arm of Peyton Manning. The Broncos need to throw the ball early and often in an effort to get Manning into a rhythm. That aggressive approach will also lead to the Broncos hopefully getting out to that early advantage that we’ve already talked about.

The Colts struggle to rush the quarterback and their secondary, outside of Vontee Davis, is average at best. Manning had a good night in the opener by using the middle of the field and should be able to do it again on Sunday.

The running game with CJ Anderson should be mixed in and used a lot later in the game if the Broncos are able to jump out to a lead, and the Broncos must stay balanced. However the best way for the Broncos to take control of the game is by going up tempo and creating mismatches for Manning.

Consistent pressure on Andrew Luck: As great as the secondary has been for the Broncos, if the front four does not get pressure on Luck then it could be a long day. Luck is the best in the NFL at escaping the pocket and making a play with either his arm or his legs, and the Broncos cannot let that happen.

The pressure is squarely on the shoulders of DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller on Sunday. Those two along with the rest of the front seven must pressure Luck and that pressure must result in sacks, hurried throws and hopefully a couple of turnovers. The Colts don’t even try to run the ball and even if they did, they would have little success versus the Broncos.

The Colts have one chance to win this game and Luck is that chance. If he’s allowed to run around and make plays, then the Broncos could be looking at another early exit. If the Broncos can pressure Luck and make him uncomfortable, then the Colts have no shot.

Prediction: Luck will make some plays, he’s too good not to, but he won’t make nearly enough. The Broncos find their big play ability and the defense makes a few big plays of their own. Broncos-31 Colts-20