Five Key Matchups: Broncos vs. Titans
Can Taylor Lewan handle Von Miller? Will Derek Wolfe get to Marcus Mariota? Those are just two of the matchups that could decide Sunday's game. (Photos by AP)
In Week 13, the Broncos' rushing offense showed glimpses of the consistent power they hope they can generate in the remaining weeks of the season. The rookie running back is still learning the ins and outs of Denver's rushing scheme, and the Titans provide another opportunity for him to put the pieces together.
Lewan, a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft, will face one of the biggest challenges of his young career when he takes on Von Miller on Sunday. Miller leads the league with 13.5 sacks after the NFL added a sack and forced fumble to his resume Wednesday after further review of a hit on Blake Bortles. Miller has the flexibility to bend underneath tall offensive tackles like Lewan, who is 6-foot-8. And if Lewan can't keep Miller away from Mariota, it could be a long day for the Tennessee Titans.
Corey Nelson is the next man up for the Broncos, who will be without Brandon Marshall on Sunday as he deals with a lingering hamstring injury that he reaggravated in Jacksonville. Nelson filled in admirably in his place, but the challenge gets tougher this weekend against the Titans. Running back DeMarco Murray ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards through 13 weeks, behind only Cowboys rookie Ezekiel Elliott. Murray, who himself was once a Cowboys standout, has rewarded the Titans' faith in him. He's racked up 1,043 yards and the entire offense runs through him. If the Broncos want to leave Tennessee with a win, they'll need to force the Titans into third-and-long and limit their opponent's time of possession. If the Broncos defense can't do that, they may be in for a long day.
In defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's defense, perhaps no defensive back is more dangerous than cornerback Jason McCourty. The eight-year veteran has two interceptions this season and 61 tackles after recovering from a groin injury that ended his 2015 season and required surgery. Back up to speed, McCourty has helped the Titans stay in the race for the AFC South title, which is currently tied at 6-6 between the Texans, Colts and Titans.Regardless of who's behind center, Emmanuel Sanders can provide the explosive speed and sure hands to help push the Broncos' offense downfield in bunches. Those big plays are vital, and they could help decide this game.
If the Broncos want to walk out of Nashville with a win, they'll need to slow down Marcus Mariota, who has been on a tear in recent weeks. The second-year player has thrown eight touchdowns and no interceptions in the last three weeks as he's guided the Titans to a first-place tie in the AFC South. As the Broncos try to stop him, they'll look for production from players like Derek Wolfe to assist Von Miller in rattling Mariota and keeping him in the pocket. Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips said Thursday that players like Wolfe and Miller are smart enough to decide on their own if they can get to a quarterback on a rush or if they should choose to contain. That decision-making process will be vital on Sunday against the mobile Mariota.
