On Sunday down 28-17, the Broncos continued to run the ball. Why? It was effective. There are many times however when the running game is effective yet abandoned, but after finding balance on Sunday, don't expect the Broncos to be so quick to dump the run. That was step 1, the offense and more specifically the offensive line needed to get back on track in order for the Broncos to become more balanced. The name of the game is taking pressure off of Peyton Manning and adding a dimension to the passing game with playaction.
Real Broncos D stand up?
This unit has has held an opponent to 17 points or less just four times on the season. Remember, that is the average the Broncos need to attain in order to activate the "Manning win effect." No that isn't a made up phenomena, when Peyton's defenses allow just 17 points or less, their team winning percentage is through the roof.
While the offense may have put together the most complete game of the season on Sunday, the Broncos defense has yet to match that effort.
Special Teams gets better, hopefully
The worst unit on the Broncos by far was Special Teams. They had allowed some big returns and points against New England and routinely gave up field position in the kicking game. Lately, the issue was young kicker Brandon McManus who could not hit the broadside of a barn if his life depended on it.
Instead of prolonging the mistake, Elway went ahead and signed someone who should be able to make a clutch kick or two when called on. The knock on Connor Barth was touchbacks, but all of his numbers go back to when kickoffs were made from five yards further back. He'll also be kicking at altitude so there is that factor to consider.
Monty on the Brandon Spano show
Our very own Kyle Montgomery was a guest on the Brandon Spano radio show yesterday to discuss the game with the Dolphins, the AFC Playoff Picture as well as other Broncos related topics.
Horse Tracks
Briefs: Kapri Bibbs returns to Broncos after tryout with Cardinals - The Denver Post
Kapri Bibbs works out for Cardinals, could still return to Broncos
Upon Further Review: Broncos-Dolphins
Denver's defense mounted pressure for most of the win over Miami; it just took a while for it to get results.
Broncos sign K Barth, waive McManus
The Broncos signed kicker Connor Barth to the active roster and waived Brandon McManus on Tuesday.
QB snapshot: Denver Broncos' Peyton Manning - ESPN
A quick observation about quarterback Peyton Manning and how he played in the Denver Broncos' 39-36 win in Week 12.
Denver Broncos RB C.J. Anderson expecting a larger workload - ESPN
Part of Denver's running back shuffle, C.J. Anderson will likely see the lion's share of carries this coming weekend.
Boneheaded plays overshadowing Raiders OLB Sio Moore's solid season - ESPN
Some boneheaded plays have obscured the fact that Raiders linebacker Sio Moore has been playing at a very high level this season.
San Diego Chargers place Rich Ohrnberger on injured reserve - ESPN
The San Diego Chargers finally brought center Rich Ohrnberger's season to a conclusion, placing him on the season-ending injured reserve.
Jeremy Maclin doesn't enjoy Cooper's quip on contract - NFL.com
Players on one-year deals rarely like talking about them. Eagles wideout Jeremy Maclin is no different. But Riley Cooper decided to go there, anyway. Maclin was a little perturbed about it.
Redskins planning to start McCoy over RGIII on Sunday - NFL.com
With Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III struggling mightily, the team is planning to start Colt McCoy against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.