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Some people say playing in the altitude can affect your conditioning. I think being able to handle whatever elements come along is part of being a professional, whether it's the altitude or the loud and screaming fans. The preparation we put into the offseason, getting our bodies in top shape, will definitely play a big part in this game and in this part of the season. All the things the coaches did to get our bodies ready will definitely help us, but I don't think it's something that will determine the outcome of the game. I think whoever plays most consistently for 60 minutes will win the game.
Not only does the atmosphere make it feel like a playoff game, but the Broncos need to win. They are 4-5, and they're a playoff-caliber team. We want to be one of the top tier teams in the NFL. We have to go out and play very well. It will be exciting. There is a lot at stake because it's an AFC opponent, and those games count towards the end.
Regardless of who they play at the running back position, their offensive line does a great job of opening lanes to create space for them. We have to have gap control and be able to stop the run, but we're all expecting Travis Henry to play. We know he is nicked up with a few injuries, but there is no question in my mind that he wants to play against his former team. Based on how he played last year when he was here with us against Buffalo, I'm expecting him to come out on Monday night and give 110 percent effort. We're excited to play against our old friend, but at the same time we want to take him down, too.
We played very well in every aspect of the game when we were on Monday Night Football against New Orleans. We were clicking on all cylinders. This Monday night, our identity as a team has not changed. We want to run the ball on offense and go out and stop the run on defense. We need to force Denver's offense to become one dimensional. Our philosophy has not changed. Coach Fisher has us focused in on doing the things we need to do.
We're looking forward to going out and trying to redeem ourselves and get back on a winning streak. It's always a tough feeling to lose a game, but the quickest way to get rid of that feeling is to go out and win the next week. That is what we're looking forward to doing Monday night.
