Broncos Watch Lead Evaporate For 2nd Straight Week, Lose to Bills

by PapaManningsPizza | 7 years ago | 0 Comments

Denver, Colorado

For the second straight week, the Denver Broncos watched as a once large lead evaporated in front of their eyes. This time, they weren't able to overcome it.

The Broncos fell to 1-1 on the season, losing to the Buffalo Bills 41-40 in what was an instant classic. Jumping out to a lead as big as 21 points, adjustments at halftime for the Bills turned out to be the difference. Broncos head coach Peyton Manning took the blame for the loss, admitting to adjusting play calling to "not lose", instead of keeping his foot on the gas.

Broncos GM Swan didn't mince words when addressing the issue.

"It's hard, you know? You come out after three straight losing seasons, and you put it to the Patriots in Week 1, and then come out guns blazing in Week 2, only to watch the lead disappear again. I don't care if you're up 50 points. In my opinion, you should never let off the throttle. When you do, things like this happen. So it will be taken care of, because frankly, that's some 7-9 bull***."

Coach Atkinson of the Bills didn't mince words, either.

"You know, after a big 45-12 win in Week 1, we came into the Mile High City with high confidence on offense and defense. Unfortunately, after the first half, I realized that the confidence was more of a, "my s*** doesn't stink" attitude, and our defense got beat like a drum and our offense was making crucial mistakes. I was able to check the team's privilege on both sides of the ball, and I told the defense to look alive, and threatened them with gassers for every TD they gave up. Coming out in the second half after getting our s*** rocked, we were able to hold them to only three points and German, our rookie running back, showed me he wanted it and Peterman did his thing. I'd describe this performance as a "that'll do pig, that'll do", because of the s*** this team took in the first half and the way we were able to get it together in the second."

Broncos' QB Ben Roethlisberger turned in his second quality game in as many weeks, throwing for 356 yards and 2 TDs. Sophomore HB Stephen Jett racked up 90 yards on 19 carries, but it was veteran HB turned FB C.J. Anderson who found the end zone twice for the Broncos on the ground. Roethlisberger's favorite target was All-Pro wideout Darian Robiskie, who found the end zone for the 5th time in two games.

Nathan Peterman had a rough first half for the Bills but righted the ship in the 2nd half, throwing for 383 yards and 3 TDs. The Bills running game was held in check throughout, as the rookie phenom Andre German was held to 42 yards on 18 carries.

The MVP of the game, for both teams, could have been the kickers. Broncos kicker Brandon McManus hit all four of his field goal attempts, with his longest coming in at 57 yds to give the Broncos a 18 point lead at halftime. Bills kicker Zane Gonzalez tucked a 59 yard field goal inside the right upright with just over three minutes left in the game, giving the Bills their first lead of the game.

The Bills (2-0) will look to continue their winning streak as they host the Raiders (0-2) in Week 3. The Broncos (1-1) will host the Saints (1-1), and will look to cure their choke job reputation.

GAME STATS

Passing

Nathan Peterman (BUF): 18/22, 383 yds, 3 TDs, 1 INT

Ben Roethlisberger (DEN): 22/28, 356 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT

Rushing

Stephen Jett (DEN): 19 carries, 90 yds

C.J. Anderson (DEN): 2 carries, 6 yds, 2 TDs

Andre German (BUF): 6 carries, 42 yds

Nathan Peterman (BUF): 5 carries, 26 yds

Receiving

Darian Robiskie (DEN): 4 receptions, 170 yds, 2 TDs

Andre German (BUF): 5 receptions, 121 yds, 1 TD

Taurean Stanlet (BUF): 6 receptions, 106 yds, 1 TD

George Boulware (BUF): 2 receptions, 91 yds, 1 TD

Defense

Broncos Interceptions: Brandon Marshall

Bills Interceptions: Tre'Davious White

Broncos Sacks: Shane Ray, Kashawn Iwuoma

Bills Sacks: Alex Anzalone (2)

Kicking

Brandon McManus (DEN): 4 FG, 57 yd. long, 4 XP

Zane Gonzalez (BUF): 2 FG, 59 yd. long, 3 XP

Punting

Jacob Schum (DEN): 2 punts, 51 yd avg, 1 I20, 69 yd. long

Chad Hochstein (BUF): 2 punts, 50 yd avg, 52 yd. long