1. Keith Brooking is old and slow. The suspension of Joe Mays forced Keith Brooking into starting at middle linebacker for the Broncos and he is certainly not the Keith Brooking of old. Lost in the inept Raiders offense was a liability that the Patriots will surely be looking for this weekend. Even with the return of Joe Mays this week, Brooking figures to get some action and if Tom Brady is smart he will use his speedy weapons to take advantage of Brooking who is clearly a liability.
2. Tracy Porter isn't on the same level as Champ Bailey. Tracy Porter had an impressive debut for the Broncos, but since has struggled to play anywhere near that same level. As suspected Porter will receive a majority of the targets until he can prove it is unwise to do so, however he has given up several long touchdowns to opposing teams since week 1. Look for Tom Brady to take advantage of this other liability in the Denver Broncos defense.
3. Derek Wolfe has the potential to be great for the Denver Broncos. A dominant defensive tackle is something that the Broncos have been in search of for many years. Only 4 games into his rookie season Derek Wolf looks as though he has the potential to be a game changer going forward. Thrust into a starting role Wolfe has not disappointed. He is a major contributor to a much improved run defense for the Broncos this year.
4. With Jim Leonhard returning punts for the Broncos, they have zero chance of returning a kick for a touchdown. Leonhard is reliable, steady, and anything but exciting to watch. Coach fox is obviously focused on ball safety by allowing Leonhard to return punts when there are at least 2 other players on the team who are much more talented when it comes to the actual return. Decker has fielded at least 1 punt this season and figures to see spot duty when a long return is needed, but Fox obviously doesn’t trust him or want to expose him to injury by allowing him to field punts on a regular basis.
5. Peyton Manning will win the comeback player of the year award if he can continue to produce at a level anywhere near the one he displayed on Sunday. There is no doubt that Peyton still has some question marks. He’s thrown multiple interceptions, passes have fluttered or floated on him, yet when he is on he remains one of the best in the NFL. Peyton will no doubt do everything within his power to continue improving. As the season goes on the timing between Peyton and his skill players will improve and we will see just how far Peyton has come.
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