By the Numbers - A tale of two halves

Statistically speaking, yesterday’s game was a tale of two halves. Denver’s run defense was uncharacteristically bad, while Trevor Siemian struggled with accuracy issues posting a terrible 54% completion percentage.

Denver also had zero sacks in the first half, in what was a pretty ugly first half for the team all around, outside of one big play.

However, the team turned it around in the second half, and posted some eye popping numbers.

Let’s start with Siemian.

Even with the two touchdowns, his first half numbers don’t look so hot. So he proceeded to string 9 completions together and finished the half 10/11 with 168 yards and two more touchdowns.

Denver’s defense also picked things up after halftime by absolutely shutting down the Bengals running game.

The Broncos only allowed the Bengals 43 rushing yards in the second half which were mostly scrambles by Dalton as Hill gained only 12 yards on 6 carries.

Outside of Hill’s long run, Denver held him to 47 yards on 16 carries for a paltry 2.9 YPC all game.

Chip in the four sacks and interception in the second half, and this defense continued to show why they’re the best, by closing out games.

Kubiak reiterated this in the post game comments. “We had some challenges and counted on some young players who came in and played well. It was a tough day to play — very warm. Another grinder, like last week, and I thought we were at our best late in the game.”

They certainly were at their best in the second half. Great to see both sides of the ball stepping up when it counts.