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Broncos' confidence returns as try to win first road game of season

Posted at 4:26 PM, Dec 11, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-11 18:44:22-05

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- The Broncos do have teeth. Multiple players smiled exclusively at Denver7's camera on Monday. Nothing like the first victory in 70 days to restore hope. With a burst of confidence, the Broncos look to remove another stain of indignity: their road record.

Denver has yet to win a game in a visiting stadium this season. The last Broncos team to lose out on the road was 1964. The Colts are a beatable opponent. They are 1-7 in their last eight games, and opened as a 2.5-point underdog. 

Time to break out the Revlon and camouflage another blemish. 

“I try not to think about it, that we haven’t won a road game. It is what is. It sucks," defensive lineman Zach Kerr said. "But just winning our next game, no matter where it is, would be big.”

Of course in this 4-9 season, nothing comes easily for the Broncos. They will be without starting right guard Ron Leary, who is likely headed to season-ending injured reserve with a back issue, and there's no guarantee promising young safety Justin Simmons will play. Simmons injured his left ankle while celebrating Brandon Marshall's strip sack Sunday. He remained in a boot on Monday.

"It was just one of those things. It feels better today than I expected," Simmons said. "I am still hopeful."

Thursday night brings a national audience and concern. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, Bills offensive lineman Richie Incognito and Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin have helped create a chorus of criticism about the games. The complaints focus on two issues: player safety and quality of play. The Broncos are up next in Indianapolis. How do the players feel about the quick turnaround?

"I am not a big fan of it. Nobody wants to play two football games in less than a week. That's what the NFL wants. They are paying the bills right now," Kerr said. "They are calling all the shots. They make the rules and we go out and play, you feel me?"

Added Broncos linebacker Todd Davis, "You know it is tough. But Thursday night, Sunday night, Monday night games, I love being able to play in front of those crowds."

The Broncos' mood is a reflection of a victory. For the first time in two months, the team has a morsel of momentum.

"For us it's the opportunity to win two games in five days," said punt returner Jordan Taylor, who produced 62 yards on five returns in Sunday's 23-0 win over the New York Jets. "We are looking forward to it."

Footnote

According to his Instagram, tight end Matt LaCosse was added to the Broncos active roster. He was a member of the New York Giants practice squad. ... Coach Vance Joseph admitted Sunday's game plan "fit our personality" on offense. The Broncos relied on the run to set up the pass, used 11 personnel, ditching many of the three-wide sets that created turnovers and sacks for weeks. ... Joseph said Marcus Rios played in front of Brendan Langley because he earned the opportunity. 


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Want Broncos news? Denver7 Broncos insider Troy E. Renck is your source. He talks to the players, covers the games and reports scoops on Denver7 and the Denver7 app. He is a CU grad who has covered pro sports in Colorado since 1996, including 14 years at The Denver Post. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and TheDenverChannel.com’s Broncos page. Troy welcomes most of your emails at Troy.Renck@kmgh.com.