FanPost

Denver Preview (why we pull upset and put Denver on outside looking in!!)

If many of you were like me, you probably were kind of hoping Denver would struggle and get banged up but be able to pull out the win against the Rams. The last thing we wanted was a desperate Denver team getting jacked up at home to play against us. Well that is what we got. Now why do I see us winning the game despite playing an elite QB and a great pass rushing team that is nice and jacked up? I know what we match up well with and what we don't. While I can see Denver finding their grove and it getting ugly on Sunday afternoon, I honestly don't see it happening. We have the tools to beat a Denver team.

Irony: If we pull off win and get to 7-4 and knock Denver to 7-4 and normal events happen. It would put Denver in a scramble just to make the playoffs. Going from potential 1 seed to a team that would have lost 3 of 4 and be on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.

Reasons for concern:

1) Manning. He generally doesn't have 2 bad games in a row. He is elite and even tougher at home with no crowd noise allowing him to audible all he wants. "Omaha, Omaha" Manning will be at his best, putting our DB's in tough spots.

2) Denver at home. Always tough. Especially coming home for first time in a month to more than likely cold weather against a team from South Florida that just played in 75 degrees.

3) Denver's pass rushers. If we get behind on either the scoreboard or the sticks...look out. These guys can get after the QB, and we aren't exactly great at protecting a QB.

4) Aqib Talib. He will be able to cancel out one of our WR's. My guess is Wallace. Making guys like Landry, Clay, Hartline and others earn their keep.

Reasons for optimism:

1) We played well last year in the snow against the Steelers. Tannehill handled the snow just fine. You know who doesn't handle cold weather well....Manning. And watching the last few games here are some of my notes. If you allow him to throw short passes in middle of field, look out. If you can get pressure (check for us) and stop the weaker run game (check for us) he will throw balls up for grabs if you have any type of playmaker in the secondary (check for us).

2) Injuries to Denver have left them much weaker at skill positions. Just judging from the game against the Rams, I'd say J. Thomas, Sanders and Ball are all going to be out or at minimum limited. That was my greatest fear. With Grimes and (hopefully) Finnegan around I think we can give the rest of the skill guys problems.

3) Denver defense: Not very impressive in almost any game. We should be able to move the ball and keep the defense rested. The other hope is we can get some type of lead at any point, we can turn it loose on Manning and play man with all of them (give Grimes a little help with Thomas).

4) We win the physicality battle. That is something we don't always get the advantage in, but should this week. Playing an offense that is not very physical is something we have done well (see Green Bay, New England). We should also be able to run the ball and throw the short passing game (something we have excelled at also).

I understand I am probably looking at this game in aqua colored glasses, but I see several advantages all over the field for us. While I would have preferred they beat St. Louis, I still feel we may have the better team than Denver (minus 2-3 of their big weapons).

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Phinsider's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of The Phinsider writers or editors.