It was hard to get excited about a dry run. Yes, it was a must-win game for the Broncos. But it was a who-cares game for the Colts. And all that was proven is that a motivated Broncos 1st team is better than the Colts 2nd team at Invesco.

We have been here before. Last season, the Broncos dominated the Colts to clinch a wild card spot. And were then trampled by the Colts in a quick playoff exit. It’s commonly believed that game was the prime motivation behind the Portis for Bailey trade.

Now it’s the Broncos at the Colts redux. A chance to see whether Champ Bailey is a difference maker. And a chance for Shanahan to demonstrate that he’s still the MasterMind.