The Denver Broncos go back on the road this week, putting their undefeated record on the line against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After starting off the season with two home wins against the Carolina Panthers and the Indianapolis Colts, the Broncos played their first road game of the season last week, knocking off the Cincinnati Bengals 29-17.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are 1-2. After starting the season strong with a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in their season opener, they’ve dropped two games in a row to the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams.
A talented young team that is hoping to earn a playoff berth, the Bucs will present some unique challenges to a Bronco team that has its sights set on more than just making the postseason.
Can Denver keep their perfect record with a win in West Florida?
In their illustrious history, the Broncos have started 4-0 eight different times. Six of those times they have made it all the way to the Super Bowl. I like those odds.
Here are five keys to making it to 4-0 on Sunday.
1. Play the game not the opponent
If you look at this game on paper, it might look like a blowout in favor of the road team. The Broncos are the defending Super Bowl champions and look like they might contend again this year. The Buccaneers, conversely, are a young team still trying come into their own.
But these games aren’t played on paper, and if Denver goes to Florida thinking that the bus driver will be named the MVP for simply getting them to the stadium, it could be a long day.
Denver must prepare to play excellent football, and they can’t worry about the opponent that lines up across from them.
We all know that on a given Sunday, any NFL team can beat another. The Broncos have to bring their A game on Sunday if they want to avoid such an upset.
