The Denver Broncos have to get back on track.
After a 30-20 divisional loss to the rival Oakland Raiders on Sunday night that dropped their record to 6-3, this team needs to rally this week.
It won’t be easy.
Denver heads to the Big Easy to take on the 4-4 New Orleans Saints. But don’t let their .500 record fool you, the Saints are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now.
After starting the season 0-3, New Orleans has won four of their past five games and are averaging over 35 points per game in those victories.
In fact, the Saints lead the league in passing yards under perennial Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees, and we all know that the New Orleans Superdome can be a difficult place to play.
If the Broncos are going to get their season corrected, it needs to start this week.
Here are five players that need to step up their game on Sunday.
Bradley Roby
Filling in for Aqib Talib in Week 6 against the San Diego Chargers, Bradley Roby was selected as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week after logging seven tackles and a pick six.
But things change quickly in the NFL.
On Sunday night, Raiders quarterback Derek Carr targeted the third-year cornerback, throwing at him repeatedly. For most of the night, Roby drew the assignment of covering Oakland wideout Amari Cooper. Cooper caught six passes for 56 yards, and drew a defensive pass interference that led to a Raiders touchdown.
Things won’t get easier on Sunday, as the Broncos face the dangerous receiving tandem of Brandin Cooks and Michael Thomas.
Roby needs to bounce back this week.
