The Denver Broncos improved to 4-1 on the season with a 27-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Broncos used their stiffling defense to dominate the game over the Bengals. This marks the third straight week the defense has brought their best effort.
The defense allowed barely over 200 yards of total offense. Bengals QB, AJ McCarron, was knocked out of the game with what looked to be a severe injury early in the 2nd quarter. McCarron had been intercepted once in the game prior to his injury. For backup QB, Grayson, things did not get much better. He was intercepted twice on the day after taking over for AJ. Reggie Nelson had another INT with a 40 yard runback, extending his league led in INT return yards. Rookie Nygel Fender also added another INT to his season, as did Lamar Jackson. The Broncos D currently leads the NFL in INTs.
The offense performed at an ok level. Aaron Rodgers threw 3 TD passes and did not turn the ball over. Thomas, Green, and Turbin all reached the endzone from Rodgers. The running game was minimal and both Turbin and Peterson were stalled on the ground. A wrinkle with a rookie QB proved to be the best rushing output for the Broncos.
Denver welcomed the Super Bowl runner-up Arizona Cardinals for a week 3 matchup at Mile High. The Cardinals came in a perfect (2-0) while the Broncos dropped their week 2 contest to the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Denver came into the matchup with a chance to upset one of the top teams in the league. Broncos Head Coach Beas said, "We came in with a gameplan of how to attack on offense. The plan was an absolute failure. Luckily our defense made some great plays. Our special teams came through in the clutch like always."
Coach couldn't have said it better. Despite winning 37-20, the Broncos only amassed 150 total yards offense. Seems very odd for an offense to score that many with such little offensive output. This is how the defense took over though.
After an opening series of game INT by the Cardinals, the Broncos forced a punt to get control of the ball at their own 10. Two plays later, Aaron Rodgers would be INT again by the Cardinals. Cardinals took over in prime position to take control of the game. On a 3rd and 3 from the 20, Reggie Nelson stepped in front of a flat pass to RB David Johnson and returned the INT for a TD. Not to be outdone, on the next possesion rookie CB Gabe French (1st round pick) INT a route and returned it for a TD. Broncos would continue to add defensive pressure as they would intercept Garrapolo 4 more times throughout the game. Two of those would be returned inside the Cardinal 20.
Nolan would not go quietly however. Honey Badger had his own pick 6 early in the 2nd half to cut into the lead. Cardinals would eventually cut the Bronco lead to 7 with about 6 minutes to go in the game. That would only last for a kickoff, as Connor Rucker would return the kickoff for a TD to stretch the lead back out to 14.
One down, three to go. Denver won to advance to 7-6. "Going into this week, we knew we had to win out to have a chance at the playoffs. I'm glad we came out and took care of business at a tough place to win (Philadelphia)" Coach Scott Beas said after a 28-20 win over the Eagles. The win keeps the playoff hopes alive for the Broncos. Coming off back to back tough losses, the outlook was looking bleak. The Broncos would still need some help at 10-6 to get in but the hope remains. With the Bengals, Steelers, and Browns expected to battle it out the next few weeks there should be a few losses on the horizon. "We just want to make the dance, then we can create some havoc" Beas said.
Denver struggled early in their game at the Eagles. Aaron Rodgers threw 3 first half INTs. The first Rodgers threw was inside the 10 yard line. It would be returned past midfield. His 2nd would go for a pick 6. The 3rd would be returned inside the 40. Rodgers credited the defense, as it only allowed 10 points (3 from offense) on the 3 turnovers. Rodgers got it clicking in the 2nd half as Rucker and Latimer would make several nice catches.
Denver looks to finish their first half strong after back to back wins. They will face the Giants in week 7 before having their bye in week 8. The coaching staff didn't show up (literally) for two weeks and forced the Broncos to fall to 1-3. After back to back dominant wins against two solid opponents, Denver feels good at 3-3. The division leader sits at 3-2 currently so the Broncos don't have too much ground to make up. With a win next week, the Broncos would be sitting at 4-3 and likely tied atop the divison heading into the bye week.
Some reason for the recent turnaround has been the coaches actually showing up! Arian Foster has played a large role as well. He is coming off back to back 100 yard rushing games. Aaron Rodgers has been a good game manager as well. The defense led by Von Miller (2 sacks against Jets) has been terrific. Rookie FS Jackson has been a bright spot and one of the best draft picks of the most recent NFL draft. Jackson is 2nd on the team in tackles and has 2 INTs as well.
Denver defended their home turf in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. The game featured two QBs breaking into their new teams. Neither offense got in rythm the whole game as the Broncos secured a 14-7 victory.
Denver got the scoring started on a 56 yard TD run by Robert Turbin (6 carries 77 yards). Turbin was spelling starting running back Arian Foster (12 carries 31 yards) when he took a pitch off right end and tip toed down the sidelines. Cowboys would not be outdone however striking back in the 2nd quarter to tie the game.
Both offenses stalled on multiple occasions throughout both halves. A strong wind of 12 mph didn't help in the kicking game as both teams missed FGs. On several occasions both teams could have kicked 50 yarders but the wind was too much. Denver finally got the ball back to begin the 4th quarter tied 7-7.
On a 12 play 77 yard TD drive that took 5:45 off the clock the Broncos finally pulled ahead. Aaron Rodgers connected to Thomas (3 catches 25 yards/1 rush 13 yards) for a 15 yard grab across the middle. Broncos would end up picking off the Cowboys twice in the game. The first INT was by the Broncos first pick in this years' draft at FS. The second INT was by another rookie selected in the 6th round.
Broncos travel to play the Redskins (1-0) next week.
Denver has been near the top of the league all year. That doesn't always mean they are ready for the playoffs, however. Broncos have gotten by all year with spotty QB play from Logan Thomas. However, in week 15 of a sim game Thomas went down with a hamstring injury that will likely sideline him for the season. "Logan wasn't great, but he was the best of bad options" Broncos Head Coach Scott Beas said. The Broncos turned to Mr. Wilson in week 16 and it was painful. Wilson tried to cost the Broncos the game but lucky their defense wouldn't let it happen. A 90 yard pick 6 and two other crucial INTs sealed a 14-10 victory over the Jags.
For the Broncos to win in the playoffs the defense will likely have to be lights out. Week 17 will likely see a two QB system between Wilson and Matt Scott. Whoever plays better will likely get the first round playoff starting job. Coach Beas is trying to get to the offseason just to get a better QB. Rumors have floated about possible trades for Cam Newton or Aaron Rodgers but the Broncos have seemed hesitant to trade away some top WRs and young defensive pieces. Time will tell, but right now the Broncos don't forsee a long playoff run.
The transition from college to the pros has been a rough one so far for Coach Beas of the Colts. Taking over a 3-3 Colts team that was needing a change in direction, Coach Beas knew it would not be as easy task. To make matter worse, the Colts first 3 games under Beas have come against division leaders. In his first game, Beas held an early touchdown lead against the Patriots but a lack of offense in the second half doomed the Colts. In game two against the Titans, it was more of the same. Offense played better but still drives stalled out on 3 occasions that led to FGs. After a late Luck INT inside the Titans 30 the Colts were once again losers this time by 5.
Next up is the Denver Broncos. Yeah, the undefeated Denver Broncos. In what is likely an elimination game for the Colts playoff chances, this is not the opponent you want to see. Coach Beas has talked about looking for a spark on offense. "You have to not only move the ball but score once you get inside the red zone to compete with the top teams. Right now, we don't have a playmaker to get over the hump. Hopefully, we will have some guys step up." One guy that could be in line is T.Y. Hilton. Hilton has been injuried since Beas took over but looks like he is recovering. He is still unlikely to play against the Broncos but Beas hopes to have him back soon.
While the Broncos will be a tough test, the Colts are conceding the game just yet. The Colts feel they are close to turning the corner if they can put together a solid game on both sides of the ball. The defense was much improved against the Titans. If a playmaker steps up and gives the offense a spark, the Colts feel like they have a chance against the Broncos.
It's been a wild week for new Colts Head coach Scott Beas. After a 15 year run in the college ranks he finally decided to move to the pro game (PS4). Beas took the heading coaching job with the Jacksonville Jags but was promptly traded before his first game. Rumor is the Colts were only willing to part with a 6 pack of beer for Beas but surprisingly the Jags took it. Beas lost his opener to the Patriots by 11 a game in which he held an early 8 point lead. "They made some good defensive adjustments during the 2nd half and we got away from what was successful", coach Beas commented. He will see how the future looks in the AFC South as he takes on the division leading Titans in week 9.