All that matters is the win, and the
Broncos got their first win of the season over the feisty Colts on Sunday night
31-24 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos led this game 24-0 at
one point in the 2nd quarter, and they led 31-10 midway through the
4th quarter. Andrew Luck was able to rally the Colts late, and the
Broncos defense was forced to make a stop to preserve the victory. Bradley Roby
knocked down a 4th down pass intended for Reggie Wayne to secure the
win. It was a tale of two halves for the Broncos, but despite the late rally,
Denver holds on, gets the win over a quality opponent, and is 1-0 heading into
next week. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game…
1) Peyton Manning and the offense were in midseason form in the first half. Manning finished 22-36 for 269 yards with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The first four drives of the game looked like last year. The Broncos scored a field goal and three touchdowns to start the half and were up 24-0 and cruising. They were certainly emphasizing the running game early too. There were a lot of two and three tight end sets to start with some counter runs to Montee Ball. I like this approach, but after a while it wasn’t working. The Broncos should just be who they are: Shotgun spread and let Manning find the mismatches on the defense. His pass to Julius Thomas on 3rd and 10 on a fade route on the second possession was about as perfect as you could throw that kind of ball. Just a thing of beauty.
2) Defensively, I thought the Broncos played really solid at times. DeMarcus Ware made his presence known with 1.5 sacks and constant pressure all night. Aqib Talib played really well at cornerback, and Nate Irving played really well in the middle. The Broncos defense forced three punts and got an interception by Rahim Moore on the first four drives to help Denver take the 24-0 lead.
3) Andrew
Luck’s touchdown run to cut the game to 24-7 late in the 2nd quarter
swung the momentum. It seemed that the Broncos offense couldn’t get out of
their own way. They have bad field position, drops, and penalties to kill
drives. The defense started to look tired and gassed having to deal with Luck during the second half. Give the Broncos defense credit for that huge goal line
stand early in the 3rd quarter. At 24-7, to stop the Colts inside
the five was a big moment in the game.
4) The Broncos just couldn’t get this game over with. At 24-10 with 13 minutes left in the game, Denver took over at the Indy 48. This drive was classic Broncos as they mixed in runs and a quick screen to Demaryius Thomas to set up a short Ball touchdown run to give them a 31-10 lead.
5) The Broncos really suck at closing games out. They had trouble finishing off the Chargers and Pats in the playoffs, and they had trouble once again last night. At 31-10, this is where the game got crazy. After giving up a touchdown pass from Luck to Dwayne Allen, the Broncos screwed up the onside kick and gave the ball back to Indy up 31-17 with just over seven minutes to go in the game. After a big interception by Rahim Moore, the Broncos offense stalled once again, and Luck got the ball back and drove Indy again to a late score on pass to Hakeem Nicks. Now, at 31-24 the game became way too close. Denver’s offense went 3 and out, and Manning missed two open receivers for first downs on that series. Indy got the ball back, but give credit to the defense as Bradley Roby swatted away a 4th down pass in Denver territory. The Broncos need to get better at closing these games out. At 31-10, this thing should have been over. They never should have had to make a stop on defense to hold on. They have to shut the door on these teams when they can. Also, there is no way in hell I want to see Luck again in the playoffs. No thanks on that one.
6) Overall, you take the good and the bad with the first game of a new season. Manning and the offense looked brilliant at times and put up 31 points. Julius Thomas scored 3 touchdowns and looked like a difference maker once again. Emmanuel Sanders had over 77 yards receiving and looked like a big-time playmaker that we need. The defense had 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, a goal line stand, and a 4th down stop to end the game. Obviously, the Broncos know there is room for improvement and they know they have to close out games better. As a fan, you are happy with the win, relieved to be 1-0, and satisfied knowing the Broncos beat a good team with a great, young quarterback at home to start the year.
7) Next week, Denver hosts Kansas City at 4:25pm EST. The Chiefs come in at 0-1 after a 26-10 loss at home to the Titans. The Chargers and Raiders also lost in Week 1, so this is a great chance for the Broncos to take an early lead out of the gates in the AFC West.
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