Kiszla vs. renck:
Which Bronco most affects the team’s chances of winning the Super Bowl?
Kiz: The Broncos are the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They earned it. But I don’t think the Patriots, or any other conference rival, is scared about the prospect of visiting Denver for a playoff game. The Broncos have been inconsistent from game to game and quarter to quarter. Denver will have to play its best football to reach the Super Bowl. Which player or coach should the Broncos count on most to get them to the championship game? Renck: The quarterback provides the easy answer but misses the point. The Broncos need Peyton Manning — yes, I am saying it — to manage the game. Get the offense in the right plays to run the ball well, while hitting on a handful of crucial passing plays on third down. Denver’s most important player is a group: the defensive backs. They are better together than anyone else in the NFL. The Denver secondary’s ability to produce big hits and big stops, along with creating turnovers, represents a potential margin for victory.
Kiz: I know this league is all about the quarterback. But, if we’re honest, the Broncos don’t have one of the top six quarterbacks in the playoffs. When the all-pro team was announced, and Cleveland offensive tackle Joe Thomas was on it, I whispered a curse. That was a trade Denver had to make. Thomas could have been the rock on which Super Bowl dreams are built. I would like to see wide receiver Demaryius Thomas step up and lead this offense, but I’m not certain his position or personality will allow that to happen. Renck: The Broncos could use Joe Thomas. I am shrinking into the minority among those who maintain the price was too high. Tyler Polumbus can be serviceable at right tackle. He needs to run-block well — which he did against the Chargers last Sunday — and avoid giving up a crucial sack. Manning can camouflage the offensive line’s weakness by getting rid of the ball quickly and by making an audible to the correct protection on blitzes.
Kiz: It’s all about the defense for Denver. While Wade Phillips has done a spectacular job, players, not a coach, make the difference in big games. The health of linebacker Brandon Marshall is essential to the Broncos; he is the glue guy on this defense. If the Pats come to town, cornerback Chris Harris could shut down Julian Edelman on third down. But the most crucial player on defense is linebacker Von Miller. If he’s the Vonster in three games, the Broncos win the Super Bowl. If not, Denver could be one-and-done in the playoffs. Renck: Miller is a star by any measure. He can take over a game, but it’s a challenge because he’s constantly double-teamed and chipped by running backs. Opponents will continue to challenge the secondary because they have no choice. Seattle rode its “Legion of Boom” to a Super Bowl crown. The “No Fly Zone” is capable of carrying Denver to the big game.