Mile High Report
Sporting an 11-2 record, the Denver Broncos lead AFC West and are currently the top seed the AFC’s playoff chase. This weekend, the Broncos host the Green Bay Packers who sit atop the NFC North. This will be one of the toughest matchups for Denver all season. A win versus the Packers would officially punch the Broncos’ postseason ticket. Here are three players I believe need to play at a high level in order for that to happen.
The Packers have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Jordan Love. Love is having a great season and was deemed my offensive X-Factor for the Packers. That’s a big reason why Bo Nix will need to deliver a good performance on Sunday. Which quarterback performs best will have a huge impact on how the game unfolds.
I’ve been impressed with how Nix has played the past few weeks. He has been efficient, accurate, and is doing a good job getting a variety of different receivers involved. His mechanics and poise in the pocket look a lot better than earlier on in the season. Though I still think there is improvement for explosive plays downfield.
Last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, we saw more under center looks from Nix than we have all year. That really seemed to help him and the run game. It’s quite possible we will see more of that. With the Packers having a great pass rush led by Micah Parsons, I expect Nix to get the ball out quickly, and even some personnel packages with an extra offensive lineman to help keep Parsons at bay.
The Packers have a Top 10 passing defense and have done well limiting big plays down the field. Though I’m optimistic Nix can land a few deep shots in this game. One area of weakness for the Packers has been third down defense. Nix has been improving in this area and loves to find Courtland Sutton to move the chains. I have a feeling those two are poised to have a big game.
In 30 career starts, the Broncos have 21 wins with Nix at the helm. He has delivered 8 fourth quarter comebacks in that timeframe. A win against the Packers on Sunday, which would officially get Denver to the playoffs, would be one of the biggest of his career.
In his first two seasons in the National Football League, Marvin Mims Jr. has earned Pro-Bowl and All-Pro honors due to his dynamic ability as a returner. I’m hoping he can have a few good returns for the Broncos on Sunday.
However, let’s not forget that Mims is also a very talented receiver. He was one of the most accomplished high school wide receivers ever in Texas. Moreover, was a bigtime playmaker during his collegiate years in Oklahoma. At every level, Mims has succeeded in that regard.
Down the stretch last season, the third-year pro provided...
