Redskins-Broncos Preview

November 14, 5:58 PMWashington Redskins ExaminerMark Newgent

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Elvis Dumervil making one of his 10.5 sacks
(AP Photo)

The 6-2 Denver Broncos come to FedEx looking to break a two-game losing streak. After reeling off six wins to start the season the surprising Broncos have come back to earth a bit with consecutive double digit losses to Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Denver Broncos Examiner, Greg Henry answers my questions about new coach Josh McDaniels moves to turn around the franchise after Mike Shanahan’s departure, what the Broncos will need to do to get their running game going to stop the losing streak, and why Shanahan might not want to coach in Washington.  You can read my answers to his questions here.

Mark Newgent: I see that Brian Xanders, the new general manager, made ton of personnel maneuvers including 16 unrestricted free-agent signing. What were some of the best moves that helped improve the Broncos from 2008?

Greg Henry: First, let me clarify that Josh McDaniels is making the decisions for the Broncos. Owner Pat Bowlen may have fired Mike Shanahan because he had too much power as GM and coach, but he gave McDaniels pretty much the same authority. I think the best move Denver made was hiring Mike Nolan as defensive coordinator. The defense not only had a near-complete turnover in players, but the Broncos switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 look. Perhaps the best player acquisition was getting safety Brian Dawkins. The former Philadelphia Eagle still has skills at 36 years old, but most important he provides a vocal, veteran leadership. Dawkins' presence has made other defensive players that much better, from Elvis Dumervil, D.J. Williams and even Champ Bailey.

MN: If McDaniels is calling the shots, then what is Xanders' role? And does the arrangement set the Broncos up for a situation similar to how Shanahan left, if McDaniels doesn't build a winner?

GH: It was a bit shocking for the Denver media, but Xander's role as GM is pretty much what it was for the GM (Ted Sundquist) with Shanahan. The GM has input with personnel decisions but all of us in the media believe it's McDaniels pulling the strings. Xanders' role is not a yes man, but he's certainly not a traditional GM who has autonomous authority.

MN: Has the two-game losing streak taken some of the shine off Josh McDaniels?

GH: No. A lot of people didn't expect the Broncos to even win six games (I picked them to finish 5-11). If he loses his last 10 games, then the luster will be gone.

MN: The Broncos running game has ground to a halt over the last few games. What can McDaniels do to get it going again?

GH: I think you could see a lot of different looks, maybe a fullback adding blocking for the running backs. Guys like Peyton Hillis or tight end Daniel Graham or even an extra lineman could fill that fullback role. I wouldn't be surprised to see McDaniels use WRs Eddie Royal or Brandon Marshall on reverses.

MN: Given Kyle Orton’s struggles could we see Chris Simms as the starting quarterback soon?

GH: I don't think you will see Simms unless Orton gets hurt. Benching Orton would undermine the trust McDaniels has gained with his team.

MN: Shanahan has been rumored to be on the short list to replace Jim Zorn. Can Shanahan work with a hands-on (read meddling) owner like Dan Snyder? Or would he want more control like he had in Denver?

GH: I think Shanahan will go to the team best fits him. Because of his experience with Al Davis and the Raiders in his first NFL head-coaching job was a disaster, and I doubt he'd want to go through that again with the Redskins and Dan Snyder.

MN: Who could be an x-factor for the Broncos in Sunday’s game?

GH: Hard to say. TE Tony Scheffler needs to get the ball more. Dumervil needs to put pressure on Jason Campbell, as does the linebacking corps.

MN: What weaknesses (offense and defense) can the Redskins exploit?

GH: Washington will have to run the ball. Without Clinton Portis I don't know if they can do that. Putting pressure on Orton and stopping the run will make Denver one-dimensional offensively.

Thanks Greg.

The Redskins defense stands an even chance against the Broncos offense and will keep things close. However, Mike Nolan’s 3-4 scheme will overwhelm the Redskins patchwork offensive line, and Jason Campbell will get well acquainted with Broncos linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who already has 10.5 sacks.

My Prediction: Broncos 20, Redskins 10