Running the ball and running it with success will be important. But overall its just a matter of things coming together in all facets of the team. You have to stay healthy, hope for a better matchup team wise and have some good bounces go your way.
I don't think there is a "blue print" on how to beat Manning...or any great QB. That's not how great QBs become great. You can't simply plug in a "formula" and beat him. If thats all it took, EVERYONE would beat them and the teams they lead.
(the previous comment was not directed at any particular individual and was not intended to slander,disrespect or offend any reader of said statement)
I think its the same "style" that works against every QB. Try to mess with the timing, and put pressure on the QB. Every defense in the NFL tries to do that. Teams aren't going to 'outsmart' Manning, Rodgers, Brady, Luck, or Brees. Instead, they try to manhandle what they CAN control, and hope it causes enough havoc to cause THOSE players to make mistakes.
(the previous comment was not directed at any particular individual and was not intended to slander,disrespect or offend any reader of said statement)
The "blueprint" to beat Manning is the blueprint to beat any elite quarterback.
Denver needs to do better finding an early offensive rhythm in each game and hope that carries through to the playoffs. Shanahan, for all his faults, always emphasized first-drive scores, mostly touchdowns, and after last season that's what I'd like to see Kubiak emphasize.
This is the simplest and best answer to the question - run game and defense.
Peyton's teams through the years have been great regular season teams when he can do his thing and dominate. Playoffs are usually a different animal. The team needs an identity that is not just PFM trying to outsmart everyone else. That often works (and carried us in 2013 when our defense was in shambles and the injuries were piling up) but if you run into a buzz saw that takes this away, we need something else.
Like most things, though, coaching is a big part of it. The Seahawks should have been able to do to the Patriots the same thing they did to us. However, we had no game plan to beat them and Belichick had a masterful one.
In 2012 the Ravens won the Super Bowl. That year they ran the ball 472 times and passed it 560 times during the season. In the playoffs they only passed it 126 times while running it 136 times. In 2013 they ran the ball much less than passing, 405 to 614, and missed the playoffs. In 2014, under Kubiak, they had more similar number to 2012. They ran the ball 435 times and passed 554 times. In the playoffs, they didn't balance out like they did in 2012. They ran it 52 times and passed 74 times. So, will Kubiak have what it takes to run the ball in the playoffs? He doesn't have a ton of experience (4 games).
I think this is why Denver wants to get back to being more than just a threat to run a draw play to keep defenses honest.
The good thing about this year is that the running games deficiencies will mesh with Manning's decades-long strengths, in their ZBS Denver typically doesn't give a fat rats ass about goal line, short yardage and pass pro and this is where Manning still excels. Goal line will inevitably feel the loss of JT, tho.
If all else fails we could just "perceive" Manning is better than he is, kinda like we've done for decades when the ZBS racks up tons of yards between the 20's.
"Tuning ... into each other ... lift all higher”
“I’m just different!”
“ . . . Picture a cup in the middle of the sea”
Draft
1st round— Cooper Dejean CB
2nd round— Jack Sawyer OLB
3rd round— Will Shipley RB
4th round— Ricky Pearsall WR
5th round— Ladd McKonkey WR
6th round— Cash Jones RB
7th round— Carson Steele RB
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)