The Lead
Just four days after their Week 6 game, the Broncos are set to take the field for a "Thursday Night Football" showdown in New Orleans.
And as the Saints and the Broncos both enter the game coming off Week 6 losses, Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi and Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph each believe the outcome of Thursday's game will be determined in large part by mindset.
"These games are all about energy and execution much more than scheme," Lombardi said Tuesday. "Hopefully our guys come out with that mindset."
Joseph, who noted that there isn't much time during a short week to "dive into heavy game plans," said "your basic system has to win these games." Joseph is confident Denver is prepared for the challenge, and he believes that sticking to the basics — and relying on mental strength — could be the difference-maker in securing the victory on Thursday.
"The teams who overcome the 'It's Thursday, I'm tired, I'm sore' — that's who wins these games," Joseph said. "But it won't be schematic. It's going to be a mindset to overcome the short week."
Joseph stressed the importance of getting back to a "let's play" mentality as both teams attempt to get back in the win column. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix believes the team is poised to embrace this heading into the matchup, noting that him and his teammates were eager to get back to work immediately following Sunday's game.
The mindset is one that has stuck with the Broncos throughout the short week.
"I think you have to [have a competitive nature], because No. 1, you are going to have fast turnarounds, and you are going to play on Thursdays," Nix said Tuesday. "You better get it in gear or you're going to be left behind. … That's definitely something that we're trying to do this week. We're trying to be very mentally tough and trying to be prepared on a short week. I feel confident that our guys can do it."
Denver has stressed the importance of starting faster, and Lombardi noted that doing so will be especially important in a Thursday night matchup that could be decided by who sets the tone early.
The Broncos are aiming to earn an important fourth win, and Joseph believes playing in the prime-time matchup could be the perfect opportunity to do so.
"Not winning last week, it does affect your mood," Joseph said. "So, you want to play quickly. Playing Thursday in this case is a good thing for our football team."
