Pending the results of a defensive struggle between the Chargers and Raiders (laughs out loud) the Denver Broncos (1-0) will return home to face the Cleveland Browns (0-1) tied for second in the NFL in defense.

Yes everyone, you read that right: Defense.

Inversely, Cleveland comes to the Mile High City tied for third worst in the NFL in scoring defense after surrendering 34 points to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, 21 of which came on rushing touchdowns by Mr. All Day himself, Adrian Peterson.

The Broncos are in need of an offensive explosion, or maybe just a little pop after Sunday’s performance in which the Broncos were only able to obtain 10 first downs.

Against the Browns, the Broncos are facing a seemingly improved pass defense and a run defense that, well, was flat out embarrassed by Minnesota.

After two runs by Correll Buckhalter went for first downs against Cincinnati, it seems crucial that the Broncos blueprint their offensive attack for Sunday with running plays.  Despite a rocky finish to the game in terms of carrying the ball, the Broncos handed the ball off to their two primary ball carriers a total of 16 times, which is unacceptable.

The inability to effectively run the ball was the demise of the Broncos’ passing game, which actually made a lot of good plays throughout the course of their first contest, namely a clutch play by Kyle Orton to roll out and hit Daniel Graham on a long pass play.

The Broncos are going to have their hands full with the likes of Brady Quinn, Braylon Edwards, and Jamal Lewis, and their defensive plan should be centered around flustering Quinn early.  Jamal Lewis is not the same player he was five or six years ago, and it is apparent that the most improved aspect of Denver’s defense is against the run.

If the Broncos can pressure Quinn, they will force him into bad throws and their defensive backfield will take advantage.  Denver has the clear advantage in receiver/defensive backs matching up, and the Cleveland tight ends are mediocre at best.

It seemed as though Denver was using five linebackers in passing situations at times against the Bengals, and I expect to see a lot of the same on Sunday.  Wesley Woodyard did an excellent job playing a hybrid linebacker/safety role, and ended up with an interception on a tipped pass.

Essentially, these are just my random thoughts heading into the Broncos’ week two matchup, but I think some of these are key aspects:

1. It is fine if Orton manages the game, but he needs to orchestrate longer drives.
2. The running game needs to get going, and early.
3. Pressure Quinn early, force turnovers/punts.
4. Take advantage of youthful secondary.

After a miracle victory in week one, the Broncos head into their first home game of the 2009 campaign full steam ahead with confidence and need to ensure that this high is not short lived.

The cohesiveness of this offense depends largely on the production that is/was/will be expected of the wide receivers and tight ends of Denver.  For so long, the Broncos have established a solid running game to set up the pass, but it seemed like they were trying to rely on Kyle Orton’s arm too much.  

Yet another intriguing matchup, and one that the Broncos cannot overlook.  Cleveland and their fans are looking for redemption in week two, and the Broncos cannot let the Browns catch them riding a high.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Sponsored Links

Buy Denver Broncos Tickets, NFL Tickets, Football Tickets and Sports Tickets at StubPass.com.

BroncosZone Latest

• The Denver Broncos Must Face Their New Reality
• Denver Broncos: The Beginning of a New Era, Or The Beginning of the End?
• Hey Denver, Where’s the Love for Josh McDaniels?
• Josh McDaniels Is the Poster Boy for “Too Much, Too Soon”
• Denver Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall: “I Love Being a Bronco”