The Jazz represent a similar challenge as the one the Broncos failed to overcome last night. The Broncos, who have lost 5 of the last 7 home games against San Diego had to overcome a short week, a line-up change with the loss of Welker, a hot quarterback in Philip Rivers and the reality that they beat Rivers in his house earlier in the season. To win that game would have taken a great game plan which we did not have, a couple of turnovers, which we gave but didn't gain, and a really bad day from Rivers which was far from the outcome. The fact that we only lost by 7 and gave up an interception late while driving to score is admirable. Mostly the schedule had us trapped.
Now the Nuggets are in a similar trap. Utah is also a division opponent, but one that has not performed well this season. Yet, they are capable of a big game and they are usually motivated to give it to Denver. Word on the street is that the first game back from a road trip can be a difficult game to win so I would expect the Jazz to come in to town hoping to jump on us early. Fortunately the schedule makers have had the Nug's resting since Monday nights win over Washington, which my be the only opening of light in this scheduling trap.
Practice during the season doesn't happen much so it will be good to see what new wrinkles @CoachBrianShaw has worked on during the break. I'm still all in on Coach Shaw for Coach of the Year even though that new dude in Portland will have something to say about that if he keeps winning like he is. Tonights game will be a coaching challenge to see if Shaw has properly adjusted his team away from common errors or will he have to keep fishing up and down the bench to win games. The beauty of any great team is their ability to win in multiple ways. Show me a team that can do this and I will show you a coach that teaches it and demands it on the court. Go Nuggets.
(Don't worry Bronco fans. Philip Rivers is a big jerk....who is really really good at football)
No comments:
Post a Comment