Monday Night Football
provided an opportunity for the Broncos to show the nation just how good they
were at this point in the season. The Broncos took full advantage of that
opportunity as they dominated the Oakland Raiders en route to a convincing
37-21 win. The victory gave Denver a 3-0 start, and it was their first win in
the AFC West this year. The Broncos jumped out to an early 7-0 lead, and they
never trailed or remotely threatened after that. They built a 27-7 lead at
halftime, and cruised to the finish line from there. It was another solid win
for the Broncos, but there is still more work to be done. Here are my thoughts
on the game…..
1) Peyton Manning was once again spectacular.
Early on, I texted numerous friends that Manning was “dialed in tonight.” He
certainly was to the tune of 32-37 for 374 yards and 3 touchdowns with no
interceptions. It was one of those vintage Peyton Manning games that he
routinely put up in his heyday in Indy. The defense tried everything, but
Manning had the answer every time. As I say almost every week, it is just a
pleasure to sit back and watch the master do his job.
2) Eric Decker had another big game with 8
catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown put Denver up 7-0, and it
was a sweet play action play near the goaline. Demaryius Thomas added 10
catches for 94 yards, and Wes Welker added 7 catches for 84 yards and a really
nice touchdown catch. Welker’s 12 yard TD catch was a really nice play because
Welker ran a corner-post route and split double coverage. Great route and great
hookup between Welker and Manning.
3) The Broncos have scored 49, 41, and 37
points the first three games. This offense is just clicking right now. The
scary thing is that they can probably play better. Monday night was just a
clinic from Manning and company. I love how they come out in the second half
and used a 3 TE package and finished off the Raiders.
4) The Broncos defense continues to play solid
without Champ Bailey and Von Miller. Give Robert Ayers credit because he has
played well in Miller’s absence. He added 2 sacks in the game. Wesley Woodyard
continues to be our best defensive player, and Danny Trevathan continues to
play well every week. Nate Irving really had a nice game, and the Broncos defense
stuffed the Raiders run game all night long. We’ll see how the unit plays once
Bailey and Miller come back.
5) Although the Broncos thoroughly dominated
the game, there were some things that need to be addressed. Montee Ball fumbled
the ball again this week, and this time it was when Denver was up 37-14 and
trying to run out the clock. That can’t happen and Ball has to fix his fumbling
issues. That kind of mistake could come back to haunt the Broncos later on in
the season.
6) The Broncos did improve to 3-0 and they
look like one of the best teams in the NFL, but let’s not get too far ahead of
ourselves. Denver just needs to worry about the next week, and the Eagles come
to Denver on Sunday. This game could be a tricky one for Denver, and the focus
should by on Philly and nothing else. Yes, I love how the team is playing, and
I love the fast start, but I’m just focused on seeing the Broncos beat the
Eagles and get to 4-0. That’s all that is important right now.
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