Thursday, September 26, 2013

Broncos Roll Through Raiders, Start 3-0


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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