Broncos ready for the Colts?
They haven’t publicly admitted it, but the Denver Broncos changed their defensive philosophy because they were tired of being hammered by the Indianapolis Colts. This week, the new-look Denver defense, which has been spectacular for the first six games of the season, will get the chance to see if it has worked. It might work against the rest of the NFL, but the Colts have been Denver’s albatross.

That’s why Denver drafted cornerbacks with their first three draft choices in 2005. They were coming off back-to-back seasons in which they were knocked out of the playoffs by Peyton Manning’s offense. In the two playoff games, Denver allowed a total of 90 points.

So, in came the cornerbacks, and they’ve made an impact. Second-year cornerbacks Darrent Williams and Domonique Foxworth pair with superstar Champ Bailey for the best cornerback group in the NFL. Overall, though, Denver’s defense has been brilliant.

It has allowed an NFL-low 44 points in the first six games and two touchdowns, both in garbage time. The Broncos are best in the red zone.

Whether or not, the Broncos can get Manning to garage time remains to be seen, but expect a much different defense to attack Manning than the Colts last saw.

Chargers are in trouble
First, the Chargers got beat in Kansas City and fell a game behind Denver in the AFC West race. That was trouble enough for the 4-2 Chargers, who will host the St. Louis Rams.

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However, then news broke that all-world linebacker Shawne Merriman will miss the next four games, three against teams with winning records, while serving an NFL suspension for breaking the league’s steroids policy. Mix in off-field incidents involving Steve Foley and Terence Kiel and injuries to defensive stalwarts Shaun Phillips and Igor Olshansky and the Chargers have some big problems.

Of course, Merriman’s suspension is critical. This might destroy this team. Problems have been nothing, but Merriman’s suspension could be a back breaker.

While the defense is outstanding, Merriman makes this unit go. He can carry the Chargers alone. With him out, the team is just not as good. Not even close, really.

Plus, the reason he is out can mess with the Chargers’ psyche. Don’t be surprised if the Chargers fall apart while Merriman is gone. He is that important to this team.