Broncos Rally Past Dolphins Get to 8-3

There was some doubt in Mile High yesterday as the Broncos faced deficits of 14-3, 21-10, and 28-17 at various points in the game to Miami. It looked like it wasn’t going to be their day, and they would suffer a crushing loss at home. But as doubt started to seep in, the Broncos rallied and pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat the Dolphins 39-36 in a huge game for both teams as far as the playoffs is concerned. The game had a real playoff feel to it, and it was one of the most impressive performances of the season for the Broncos. To battle back like that was just a tremendous compliment to their team, and it was a win that could really serve as a big moment for them going forward. Here are my thoughts and observations on the win…

1)    You had to worry about Denver’s defense after the first half. The Dolphins were able to do anything they wanted. They were running the ball effectively, and Ryan Tannehill was picking them apart. Three touchdown drives in the first half really put Denver in a hole. I’m not so sure that Jack Del Rio is the greatest defensive coordinator. I have been puzzled by him the last few weeks. At least Denver’s defense was able to rebound and play better in the second half because that first half was really bad.

2)    I love the Denver gameplan. They came out with a focus to run the ball, and they did just that. Give the offensive line credit because they controlled the line of scrimmage all day long. C.J. Anderson was great. He had 167 yards on 27 carries, and it seemed like everytime he ran the ball, he was falling forward for positive yardage. It was a great performance by the offensive line and the running game. Finally, we had that type of game this season!

3)    A lot of people texted me saying that Manning was off, but outside of missing Emmanuel Sanders on a couple of deep throws, I thought Manning was really solid. Being able to run the ball that well, will make Manning even more effective. When he needed to throw and spread the Dolphins out, he was great. He finished 28 for 35 for 257 yards and 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. I’ll get to his drive before the half in a minute.

4)    Down 21-10, Denver needed a score before the half because they were getting the ball to start the second half. Manning orchestrated a beautiful drive, and finished the drive off with a 14 yard laser to Demaryius Thomas to make it 21-17. The key play was a big 35 yard pass to Sanders on a 3^rd and 20 to keep the drive alive. Manning was awesome on that drive, and that changed the game.

5)    After driving down the field to start the 3^rd quarter, Manning missed a wide open Wes Welker on 3^rd and goal. It was very un-Manning like to miss Welker there, and naturally Brandon McManus missed a 33 yard field goal and the Broncos were still trailing 21-17. The McManus experiment is over and it needs to end soon. He is going to kill us going forward. They need to find a new kicker. I have been saying this for a month (On Tuesday, the Broncos cut McManus and signed former Bucs kicker Connor Barth.)

6)     The Isaiah Burse fumble and Dolphins ensuing touchdown to make it 28-17 was a moment where you felt the Broncos were going to lose this game.

      7)    Great drive by Manning to cut it to 28-25. Great play call to Thomas for the touchdown. I liked the decision by Fox to go for 2 to cut it to 28-25 with 14 minutes left in the game. Even though Phil Simms didn’t like it, I thought it was the right choice.

8)    The Broncos got a big stop by their defense and forced a punt on the next drive. That drive was huge and that was the key stop that they needed.

9)    What a  championship drive by the offense and great play call to Anderson, who runs for a TD untouched to give Denver first lead of the game at 32-28.

10) Chris Harris provided blanket coverage to force a tough throw by Tannehill, which T.J. Ward picked off and returns inside the 10. That is why John Elway invested in his defense this offseason, and that is the turnover that a great defense forces late in games. Harris also proves how he is our best corner each and every week/

11)  It was nice to see Wes Welker get a touchdown on a sweet pick play with Manning to make it 39-28. Maybe we can get Welker going here in the last five games.

12) Denver’s defense couldn’t get a stop on the next Miami drive and the lead was cut to 39-36. An onside kick was recovered by Denver and the game was over. Too many times though the Broncos defense lets teams back into the game late. This game should have not come down to an onside kick. It still bothers me that they let teams drive down to make this games even closer at the end. 

13) Huge, huge win. It was a playoff type atmosphere, and a lot of breaks went against Denver. They had a bad start, trailed by 11 heading into 4^th quarter, turnovers and missed field goals looked to doom them in the second half, and they rallied back to pick up the win. Statement game to say the least

14) Great gamplan by offense. They were able to pick up for the defense who had a really bad day. The offensive line got killed by the media all week, and they just ran the ball down the Dolphins throats. It set up the play-action game, and when Manning needed to be Manning he did what he usually does.

15) Denver is now 8-3 and heading to Arrowhead for showdown with Chiefs. This win gives them some breathing room in the division. Hopefully, there is some confidence back for the Broncos and that offensive line. It will be a tough game on Sunday Night, but the Broncos definitely have what it takes to take down the Chiefs in KC.