NFL Week 3: New Orleans Saints vs. Denver Broncos

The surprising Ponies and marching Saints fight it out in NFL week 3

Broncos vs. Saints Preview:

The New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos both turned in dismal seasons in 2007, but both are on the rise in 2008. Thanks to 2006 first-round picks Reggie Bush and Jay Cutler playing to their full potential, both teams have superstars and a supporting cast to help them on the road to victory. The Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints also play in wide open divisions and every game helps their playoff chances down the stretch.

New Orleans Saints Overview:

Running back Reggie Bush has weathered much criticism but looks to finally be tying all of the pieces together. A threat in the passing, rushing, and punt-return games, Reggie Bush is showing all the talent he was said to have. QB Drew Brees has become a top-five quarterback and thrives in the pass-happy system of the New Orleans Saints. TE Jeremy Shockey is another amazing talent and gives Drew Brees a mid-level target. WR Marques Colston is out, but the often injured WR Robert Meachum is playing up to his potential.

Offseason moves strengthened the lackluster New Orleans Saints defense. Rookie DT Sedrick Ellis can stuff the run and rush the passer. New MLB Jonathan Vilma has recovered from injury and is thriving in the 4-3 defense again. Bookend DEs Will Smith and Charles Grant constantly put on the pressure along with DE Bobby McCray. The New Orleans secondary is banged up, but rookie CB Tracy Porter is stepping up along with a returning Mike McKenzie ready for action.

Denver Broncos Overview:

Quarterback Jay Cutler has developed into the best QB of his draft class, surpassing both Vince Young and Matt Leinart. Part of this reason is the quality of targets he has in WR Brandon Marshall and rookie WR Eddie Royal who have caught a ridiculous amount of balls in two games. Even with Brandon Marshall facing trouble Jay Cutler has more targets in WR Brandon Stokley and TE Tony Scheffler. The zone-blocking system of the Denver Broncos has also given Jay Cutler a great RB in Selvin Young.

The Denver Broncos defense is built upon speed. The cornerback tandem of Champ Bailey and Dre Bly is the best in the NFL and can shut down even the best receiving corps. The front seven of the Denver Broncos can bring a ton of pressure on QBs with players like DEs Elvis Dumervil and John Engelberger. OLBs Boss Bailey and DJ Williams are two of the fastest linebackers in the NFL and fly from sideline to sideline.

New Orleans Saints Keys to Victory:

Both Jeremy Shockey and Reggie Bush must have big games to assist Drew Brees and help their receivers escape Champ Bailey and Dre Bly. If Reggie Bush can get into space, he can take any play to the house. Getting Reggie Bush involved will be key. Getting pressure on Jay Cutler will also be priority for the New Orleans Saints. With an injured secondary, the New Orleans Saints must get to the quarterback to defend against the deadly Denver Broncos receivers.

Denver Broncos Keys to Victory:

A healthy dose of Selvin Young will help keep the powerful pass rush of the New Orleans Saints off of Jay Cutler. With time to throw against a poor secondary, Jay Cutler should be able to shred the New Orleans Saints. The Denver Broncos defense must stop Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey to win that battle. With their two mid-range weapons taken away, the New Orleans Saints will be forced to throw right at Champ Bailey and Dre Bly.

Saints vs. Broncos Outlook:

Reggie Bush is having a great year and the New Orleans Saints can always count on Drew Brees. Even with Marques Colston temporarily out of the picture, the New Orleans Saints have all the weaponry to win. Their critical weakness is their fragile secondary and no opponent is better equipped to exploit it than Jay Cutler and the Denver Broncos. In the battle between these two rising teams, the Denver Broncos have all the match ups needed to get a hard-fought victory over a great New Orleans Saints team.