The Broncos got off to a victorious start to the 2018 season with a 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Denver on Sunday. It is always nice to start off the season with a win and Denver came back from a 24-20 deficit to win the game in the 4th quarter. It is still hard to tell what we have with this Broncos team, but to get a win in the first game is all that matters at this point. It was a good day for the Broncos and their fans. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game.....
1) The Broncos really dominated the game. With the exception of few big plays given up by the Denver defense, and the three Case Keenum picks, the Broncos should have run away with this game. They amassed 470 yards of total offense, had 25 first downs, and held the ball for over 35 minutes. They were the better team overall on Sunday and the fact that they were able to win the game after committing three turnovers is a good sign.
2) Case Keenum had a great debut despite throwing three picks. On the three picks, he simply made a bad read and that is expected in a new offense and new system. He finished 25-39 for 329 yards and 3 TDs and 3 INTs. He was efficient and accurate and I love how he brought the Broncos back down 24-20 in the 4th quarter and threw the game-winning TD pass to Demaryius Thomas. He best throw of the game was a 3rd and 10 completion to Jake Butt on that drive.
3) Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders were solid as well for the offense. Sanders finished with 10 receptions for 135 yards and 1 TD. That 43 yard catch and run TD gave Denver a 14-10 in the second quarter. Thomas had 6 catches for 63 yards and the game winning score. Courtland Sutton also had two big catches. The receiving corps looks to be a weapon once again for this offense. I was also really impressed by Bill Musgrave's gameplan and play calling. I think he did a good job all game and kept Keenum in comfortable situations.
4) The rookie RBs shined as well. Royce Freeman had 71 yards rushing and was huge in the 4th quarter as he helped move the chains and pick up some big first downs to kill the clock late. Philip Lindsay had a great debut. He had 71 yards rushing and another 31 receiving and he scored the Broncos first touchdown on a 29 yard catch and run in the flat in the 1st quarter to tie the game at 7. Both guys look like the real deal it will be fun to watch them compliment each other each week. We need a good nickname for this duo. Interestingly, Devontae Booker barely played in the game.
5) The defense played well despite a few big plays and missed assignments. We still have trouble covering the tight end as Seattle's Will Dissly had 3 receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown that put Seattle up 7-0 after Earl Thomas picked off Keenum in the 1st quarter. The Broncos had 6 sack, three by Von Miller, and they harassed Russel Wilson most of the day. If we can shore up the few mistakes and tackle better, the Broncos defense will really start to be dominant once again. Bradley Chubb played well and had half a sack. Chris Harris was awesome with a big pass breakup in the 2nd quarter in the endzone and big sack late in the game.
6) Von Miller was all over the place. Not only did he have three sacks, he had two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He was unblockable. It was nice to see that type of debut from him. We need him on that level every week-especially at home.
7) The Broncos special teams were fine yesterday and Brandon McManus made two long field goals. In a game that featured us giving up 3 turnovers, sloppy tackling, and a few big plays on defense, it was a great sign that Broncos came back down 24-20 and took the lead back and then the defense shut the door to finish the game. Good start to the year. The Broncos have plenty of work to do, but we got the win and are moving on. It is always good to start the year with a win and be 1-0. This week the 0-1 Raiders and Jon Gruden come to Denver to renew their old rivalry. It's Raiders Week and the Broncos have to shore things up to get to 2-0. Go Broncos!
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