Once 30 other NFL teams have played their Week 1 games, the Los Angeles Chargers will face the Denver Broncos in the second half of a Monday Night Football doubleheader.
With the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders already winning their season openers, the loser of this game will already be sitting in the cellar of the AFC West division.
For more on this game, I spoke with Tylor Walden of Predominantly Orange, who shared his insight on the Broncos and on this game in particular. Read on for our interview.
Bolt Beat: “The Denver Broncos had one of the messiest quarterback situations in the league this summer? Did the team make the right decision?”
Predominantly Orange: “I honestly believe the team made the right decision at quarterback. A lot continue to doubt Trevor Siemian despite his numbers for a first year starter. I will not use injury as an excuse, but I do believe that with a better O-Line and running game, he will thrive in Mike McCoy’s offense. I believe that he is ready to take the next step forward and elevate his play at the position.”
Bolt Beat: “The offensive line was all but terrible last season. Do you feel the team’s offseason additions will get that unit to where it needs to be in 2017?”
Predominantly Orange: “It will take some time to gel, but I am really hoping that they can get that unit to where it needs to be. The addition of Garett Bolles was exceptionally helpful. Not to mention getting Ronald Leary to help at the right guard position. I believe that Menelik Watson improved as the preseason went along and Matt Paradis will continue to do what he does. My only concern is at left guard, and this is where I hope they make a switch. I would feel a lot better with a veteran in Allen Barbre there then Max Garcia, who seemed to be pushed around a bit.”
Bolt Beat: “Give an under-the-radar player on the Broncos’ roster that Chargers fans should look out for in the opener.”
Predominantly Orange: “How about our undrafted free agent that made the roster? Jamal Carter did such a solid job during the preseason. The Broncos are known for doing well with late round picks and undrafted guys. I just see something special in Carter. It is almost like he can play three positions on the field. Would be amazing if he ended up becoming the Swiss Army Knife of the Broncos defense.”
More from Bolt Beat
- LA Chargers: 3 early takeaways from 2021 minicamp thus far
- LA Chargers: Drue Tranquill takes a jab at Gus Bradley’s defense
- LA Chargers second-year players: Nothing to lose and a lot to gain
- LA Chargers: Why running back could be a big issue for the Bolts
- LA Chargers: Chris Rumph’s upside is Melvin Ingram-like, but better
Bolt Beat: “Which Chargers player do you think will give Denver the most trouble?”
Predominantly Orange: “If the offensive line does not show that they can improve, I will have to say Joey Bosa. The AFC West has at least one pass rusher that is dangerous to any offensive line. For the Chargers, that is Bosa. In the first meeting last season, he was so disruptive off the edge. Garett Bolles will have a tough task defending him. I think if the Broncos can keep Bosa and the rest of the pass rushers off of Siemian for most of the game, it should be smooth sailing.”
Bolt Beat: “Finally, who wins this one and starts the season 1-0?”
Predominantly Orange: “I’m going with the home team. An interesting stat is that the Denver Broncos have won 16 of their last 17 home openers. This includes a 29-4 record since Pat Bowlen bought the team in 1984. That is quite amazing.
But I am knocking on wood because this could be one of those games that could be a close game or a dominating performance by either team. But I have faith in the Broncos. The fanbase will be rocking and the defense will make one more play to seal the deal.”
To see more of what Tylor and his staff at Predominantly Orange are doing, be sure to visit predominantlyorange.com.