Super Bowl 50: Five keys for the Denver Broncos
By Dani Bostick
3. Avoid penalties and dumb mistakes
The Denver Broncos were penalized a total of 142 times during the regular season. While some of the Broncos flags were for pass interference and could have been a calculated decision to prevent a touchdown, many of the Broncos penalties were avoidable. Against New England in the postseason, for example, they had two unnecessary roughness penalties, one for unsportsmanlike conduct, and two false starts.
While Aqib Talib is one of the biggest treasures on the Bronco’s defense, he is also one of the most penalized member of the team. This season, he has given up 80 yards to opponents
The Broncos cannot give free yardage away to the most menacing offense in the entire league. Likewise, with Manning at the helm, the Broncos also can’t afford presnap penalties that move the offense in the wrong direction.
In addition to penalties, the Broncos have a turnover problem on offense. Though Manning has been more disciplined in the post season, he threw 17 interceptions in nine regular season starts. Manning cannot afford to be the Carolina Panther’s defensive MVP. He needs to focus on playing smart football and recognize his limitations, namely lack of accuracy, when he attempts to go for longer plays.
Next: 2. Terrorize Cam Newton