The Broncos evened up their record at 6-6 with a 24-10 win over the Bengals on Sunday in Cincy. It wasn't the prettiest game, but the Broncos got the job done and are in the thick of the AFC Wild Card picture with four weeks to go. Here are my thoughts and observations about the game....
1) It was a pretty game at all. With over 30 mph winds, the Broncos had to rely on the run game on offense. They were able to do that. Philip Lindsay was once again great with 157 yards on 19 carries and 2 touchdowns,. His 6 yard run gave Denver the lead late in the second quarter, and his 65 yard run gave Denver a 21-3 with 7:35 left in the third quarter. That run essentially put the game away for good. Lindsay should be the Offensive Rookie of the Year this year, and he is the Broncos MVP this year as well. It was another amazing performance by Lindsay to help propel the Broncos to another win.
2) Case Keenum's numbers weren't great, but he took care of the football and made some key throws when needed. He hit Devontae Booker on a 30 yard pass play to set up Denver's first TD. Then, he hit Courtland Sutton for a 30 yard TD to give Denver a 14-3 lead in the 3rd quarter. Give him credit for not making the big mistake and controlling the game.
3) The Broncos defense took advantage of backup QB Jeff Driskel. Justin Simmons picked off Driskel in Denver territory in the third quarter, and that led to Lindsay's big touchdown run to seal the game. They also sacked him four times. It seemed that anytime Cincy threatened, the Broncos defense clamped down and made a big play to knock them out of scoring position or field goal range.
4) The other key sequence in the game was when Denver led 7-3 and they punted after their first possession. The Bengals fumbled the punt and the Broncos recovered. Keenum hit Sutton for the 30 yard TD and the Broncos had a 14-3 lead at that point.
5) This game was a slog. It was filled with penalties, both teams played sloppy, and the Broncos were fortunate that the Bengals were starting a backup QB because for a period of time in this game, the Broncos didn't look good and were struggling. The bottom line is that they got the win, no matter how ugly, and they are 6-6 and in the thick of the Wild Card race. This team was 3-6 four weeks ago, and the season looked lost. Now, they have won three in a row and have some meaningful December football ahead of them. It's a lot more fun to think about playoff scenarios than draft scenarios. They go back on the road next week to take on the Niners, and they have to take care of business once again.
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