ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The unexpected and tragic death of former receiver star Demaryius Thomas pierced the hearts of the Broncos and their fans.
Besides his former teammates still on the team, veteran safety Kareem Jackson (Macon, Ga.) grew up 35 miles away from D.T.’s hometown (Montrose). They were the same age (33) and were selected two picks apart in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft (Jackson went No. 20; Thomas’ No. 22).
>>Video above: Klis & Tell: Broncos host Lions team fresh off first win
Somehow, the Broncos have to refocus their energy on their what they’re paid to do – win on Sunday. On the outskirts of AFC playoff contention with a 6-6 record, the Broncos can move back to the fringes with a win against the 1-10-1 Detroit Lions.
The Broncos better win. They are now listed as 10 ½ to 11 ½-point favorites for the game Sunday afternoon at Empower Field at Mile High. Here are 5 keys to the Broncos emerging triumphant against the Lions:
1. Play for D.T.
Among the lessons from Demaryius’ death is tomorrow is not promised. Let it rip today.
2. Respect the Roar
Jared Goff is a legit quarterback who just three years ago guided the Rams to the Super Bowl. The Broncos caught a break in that the Lions’ top two weapons, running back D’Andre Swift (shoulder) and tight end T.J. Hockenson (hand) won’t play. And backup running back Jamaal Williams is among 7 Lions players who tested positive for COVID-19 this week. But the Lions still have their physical offensive line intact and receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and former Bronco Kalif Raymond aren’t bad. And the Broncos just lost their top pass rusher, Malik Reed, to COVID-19 protocols.
The Lions may only have one win this season but it was in last week's game against the Vikings.
3. Chip Charles
Lions outside linebacker Charles Harris is with his third team in three years, but he’s had a breakout season with 6.0 sacks. Harris did not practice Thursday or Friday because of non-COVID illness and is listed as questionable.
4. Score 28 points
The Lions are 29th in total defense and 28th in scoring defense. No more 20-play, zero-point drives for the Broncos. They should score four touchdowns in this game – without help from their defense, although if the Denver D wants to set up good field position with a turnover, Teddy and the offense wouldn’t mind.
5. Throw it deep
It’s become clear in recent games that opposing defenses are beginning to squeeze the Broncos offense. There are likely two reasons for this: One, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater throws a high percentage of short routes. Two, the Broncos with Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon III run the ball pretty well. Teddy will have to throw deep, and throw deep early to keep the Lions’ offense honest.
Broncos podcast: Klis' Mike Drop
Denver Broncos headlines, game previews and interviews with our 9NEWS insider Mike Klis.
HOW TO LISTEN
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.