Colorado Sports 2007

Bracing for the bolts

Broncos QB Jay Cutler will make his second start on Sunday against the Chargers. But is he ready for the challenge?

Is Jay Cutler, making his second NFL start for the Denver Broncos, going to get his first victory against the San Diego Chargers?
No.
In fact, the Chargers' defensive focus in this game is to try and force Cutler to win the game with his throwing arm. They should be able to do so by shutting down Denver's running game. The Broncos have the fourth-ranked rushing offense in the league, so they are capable of making an impact on the ground. But the Chargers' defensive front, led by spectacular linebacker Shawne Merriman, should be able to blow up most running plays before they get started. As a result, Cutler will often find himself in unfavorable down-and-distance situations. He made several rookie mistakes against Seattle in Week 13, but he does have the arm strength to connect on some big throws if he has the chance.


LaDainian Tomlinson scorched the Broncos with four TDs in Week 11.
In the previous meeting of the teams three weeks ago, the Chargers fell behind by 17 points and seized control of the game on the strength of the NFL's Most Valuable Player, LaDainian Tomlinson, who produced 179 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. Given the way he has performed in every game since, there is every reason to believe Tomlinson can have another huge game.
The key to Tomlinson's -- and the Chargers' -- success has been their ability to get stronger as the game progresses, allowing them to overcome early deficits and hold off late surges. Unfortunately for the Broncos, their defense has had a tendency to wear down late in games.
NFL.Com

posted by WestEnd @ 8:09 AM