clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Takeaways focal point of Broncos’ winning streak

Seven takeaways and zero turnovers the past two weeks are the major reason why the Denver Broncos have won two games in a row.

Pittsburgh Steelers v Denver Broncos Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

Good morning, Broncos Country.

Just a few weeks ago the Denver Broncos were a 3-6 team that most everyone had given up on. With questionable coaching decisions and a penchant for being their own worst enemy, the idea that they would be able to turn things around and have a legitimate shot at a playoff berth seemed unfathomable. Though after two consecutive wins against the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers enthusiasm for the Broncos has reached an all-time high this year. It feels good to see our beloved Broncos winning again and it’s great to see renewed faith and optimism from the fans.

There are a lot of positives to take away from those games, especially the play of their revamped offensive line. However, the main reason the Broncos have had success against some of the league’s best is because of their ability to force turnovers and not turn the ball over. In the past two outings, the Broncos have forced seven turnovers and haven’t turned the ball over once. If they can keep doing that the rest of the year they will win a lot of football games and have a good shot at the postseason.

“It’s called ‘takeaways’ for a reason, right? You’ve got to make it happen, you can’t hope it happens. That’s been a key. Seven takeaways and zero turnovers in two weeks. That’s why we’re 2-0 in two weeks,” said Head Coach Vance Joseph.

With quarterback Case Keenum protecting the ball and playing the most efficient he has all season long, coupled with a strong running game spearheaded by rookie phenom Phillip Lindsay — the Broncos seem to have found a winning formula that could catapult them into the playoffs. The current mantra from Dove Valley is “one week at a time” and this coming Sunday the Broncos will head on the road to face the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that Joseph is very familiar with.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a tough opponent. [Bengals Head Coach] Marvin [Lewis] is a great friend, a great coach and he’ll have them ready to play. It’s also a 5-6 team that has the chance to make the playoffs too,” Joseph remarked. “They’ll be ready to play. It’s an AFC North opponent. It’s going to be a physical game. They have great playmakers on both sides of the ball.”

It’s a must-win game for the Broncos in respect to finding the right numbers game formula to make the playoffs. The Bengals will be without Andy Dalton and will start third-year quarterback Jeff Driskel, who performed admirable in place of Dalton last week against the Cleveland Browns. He is a threat to run on the ground and also has a live arm, but here is to hoping that his inexperience will be something the Broncos’ defense can take advantage of and continue their trek of takeaways en route to a third straight victory.

As always, thank you for reading and here is today’s offering of Horse Tracks.

Horse Tracks

Broncos promote Temarrick Hemingway to active roster, place Jeff Heuerman on injured reserve, sign three to practice squad
The Broncos made a handful of roster moves on Tuesday.

Broncos Mailbag: Questions about Phillip Lindsay, Vance Joseph and the team’s culture
Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season.

Despite Broncos’ recent surge, Vance Joseph says, “We’ve done nothing up to this point”
With Broncos still below .500, the head coach says talking about what’s beyond the next game is futile.

Ben Roethlisberger calls out rookie wide receiver James Washington after big drop in loss to Broncos - CBSSports.com
Washington, a 2018 second-round pick, hasn't yet lived up to his draft billing.

Who was that?!? Unheralded ballers who made a difference in Week 12
This week's batch of unsung players had some give (a Browns CB gifting an ex-coach) and take (a Broncos DE making a game-winning interception).

Rating job security of NFL head coaches - Who's on hot seat in 2018
Mike McCarthy's Packers are facing another season without the playoffs. Pete Carroll's Seahawks are pushing for a wild-card spot.

QB Lamar Jackson expected to make third start for Baltimore Ravens
Quarterback Joe Flacco isn't expected to practice this week for the Ravens, paving the way for Lamar Jackson to start Sunday against the Falcons, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Former 49ers LB Reuben Foster claimed by Redskins
The Redskins claimed linebacker Reuben Foster off waivers after the Niners cut him loose in the wake of another domestic violence arrest. He was subsequently placed on the commissioner's exempt list while the NFL reviews the incident.

Chargers need 'Mr. December' Philip Rivers to keep wearing the cape
Philip Rivers is 20 games above .500 in regular-season games played in December and January since taking over as a starter in 2006.

Lessons from Week 12 2018 - Sizing up the NFLs best rookies
Saquon Barkley is a front-runner, but there are 12 others who could muscle their way into the Rookie of the Year discussions.

Rams, Saints, Chiefs top teams most likely to win Super Bowl LIII - NFL.com
As we head into the final month of the regular season, it's time to start thinking about the only question that really matters: Who is going to raise the Lombardi Trophy? Adam Schein ranks the nine most likely Super Bowl LIII champs.