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5 keys for Broncos to beat Giants this Sunday

By Scott Rogust

Aug 28, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) prepares to pass in the first quarter during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) prepares to pass in the first quarter during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Vic Fangio of the Denver Broncos stands on the sideline during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Vic Fangio of the Denver Broncos stands on the sideline during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

There are five keys for the Denver Broncos to defeat the New York Giants and emerge out of Week 1 with a 1-0 record.

The Denver Broncos have a clean slate heading into the 2021 season. Last year was an unmitigated disaster for the Broncos, as they finished the campaign with a 5-11 record and in last place in the AFC West division. But, they have made some improvements throughout the offseason where they could rise up the AFC power rankings.

In Week 1, the Broncos face off against the New York Giants, a team who is looking to make the leap and clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2016. If the Broncos want to walk out of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. with a win, they must follow these five keys to victory.

5. Eliminating New York’s running game

The Giants did make some additions in the passing game to help quarterback Daniel Jones to make the leap. However, the biggest threat on the Giants offensive roster is running back Saquon Barkley.

After winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Barkley has been plagued by the injury bug. In 2019, Barkley missed time due to a high-ankle sprain. Last year, Barkley suffered a torn ACL during a Week 2 matchup against the Chicago Bears. But entering 2021, Barkley is on track to play against the Broncos, but could be on a limited workload.

Regardless of who is lined up at running back for the Giants, they face a significant disadvantage in the form of their own offensive line. Behind the same line (minus Kevin Zeitler) last year, Barkley was only able to put up 34 yards on 19 carries. A short sample size, yes, but still, it is not exactly ideal situation for Barkley.

If the Broncos can stifle the run game (i.e. Barkley, Devontae Booker, Gary Brightwell), that can help them in limiting the Giants’ offensive production.

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