CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- The Beatles. Heard of them, right? British Invasion. Mop tops. Teen idols.
They released their first U.S. album in 1964. So?
So, that was the last time a Broncos team went winless on the road, going 0-7. The current Broncos team seeks to avoid this indignity. When the Broncos face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday it marks a calendar year since Denver has triumphed in a visiting park.
"Man, we are just trying to get a win," said cornerback Bradley Roby, who starts in place of the suspended Aqib Talib. "We have to get everybody on the same page and get it done."
The goal became more difficult this week with the team ravaged by flu and injuries. So bad is the flu -- which has affected eight players and counting -- defensive lineman Shelby Harris earned the nickname "The Big Germ" for starting the bug. He disputes the notion. Regardless, it has spread through Trevor Siemian, Shane Ray, and the latest to spend all day vomiting, linebacker Todd Davis.
"It's bad," Davis said.
As they attempt to snap a seven-game losing skid, the longest since 1967, the Broncos will be without Domata Peko (knee), Derek Wolfe (neck) and Ron Leary (back). Peko held out hope of starting his 124th consecutive game until Thursday.
"All week I was trying to be positive. Running around yesterday and moving around in the pool today I just felt the knee was unstable. You can’t have a bad wheel," Peko said."I am also excited for my young cousin to go out and prove himself and go out and do his thing.”
Kyle Peko joins the defensive line rotation. Domata spent this week prepping him in meetings.
"Honestly, he's been nailed down in the game plan, taking notes for me," said Kyle Peko, who will be joined by DeMarcus Walker as a reserve. "It’s awesome I get to have that.”
Connor McGovern starts at right guard for Leary. He had a strong training camp, and hasn't been a factor since. Leary hopes to play next Sunday against the Jets.
"I should be ready," he told Denver7.
No decision has been made regarding Wolfe's long-term status, but there remains a chance he will be shut down for the remainder of the season after dealing with numbness in his right arm. The Broncos also will be compromised in the secondary with Talib sidelined. Roby starts, Brendan Langley moves to nickel and the Broncos promoted Marcus Rios from the practice squad for depth.
"This is huge for Roby," Joseph said. "He's been our third corner for a number of years but that I've seen as a starter. It's his chance to go out there and prove it."
If Roby plays well it will only accelerate speculation that he will replace Talib next season. There are a lot of questions surrounding the future of several players on this team. There is one overriding everything? When will they win again?
Ray fined for brawl
Broncos linebacker Shane Ray has experienced a rugged week. He spent the last several days sick with the flu, and Friday he was fined $12,154 for his involvement in the Raiders melee involving Talib and Oakland receiver Michael Crabtree.
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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.
