At least it’s over.
That’s the best thing you can say about the latest dreadful performance by the Denver Broncos, this time a 20-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills. At least Denver didn’t get shutout.
The Broncos fall to 3-8 on the season and are simply playing for position in the NFL Draft. As it stands now, they’re at the No. 5 pick.
Per the usual, I’m bound to forget someone, so please mention them in the comments. To get this out of the way now, not a single member of Denver’s offense will make this list ... at least who played.
Winners
That fat squirrel
As CBS came back from commercial at the 11 minute, 54 second mark of the fourth quarter, they showed turkeys and then a huge squirrel. Maybe John Elway could look into signing that squirrel to play left tackle since all it holds is its weight.
Justin Simmons
Speaking of moves Elway needs to make, pay Simmons. The Broncos safety was one of the few bright spots on a day that was dreadful. Simmons finished with eight tackles (seven solo), one pass defended and an interception.
Alexander Johnson
The “Dino” continues to prove Denver has found its answer at middle linebacker. Johnson led the Broncos with 15 tackles (10 solo), one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit. I’ll add in Todd Davis here as well. Davis added 13 tackles (9 solo) and one tackle for loss.
Brandon McManus
When you get the only points for your team, you make the list. McManus made a 45-yard field goal.
Losers
Colby Wadman
To give you an idea of the day Wadman had, he produced a 13-yard punt ... with the wind at his back. Denver may have found its middle linebacker, but needs a punter.
Isaac Yiadom
At this point, the Broncos cornerback has one purpose — to hurt his team. Yiadom can’t play cornerback, and when given a chance on special teams, he proved he shouldn’t have gotten it. He got flagged for a personal foul on a punt coverage, and two plays later, Josh Allen hit John Brown for a 34-yard touchdown pass.
Chris Harris
The cornerback on that “coverage” was the Broncos veteran.
Brandon Allen threw 25 passes and had 82 yards today. He's the first QB since Charlie Whitehurst in 2014 to attempt 25+ passes and gain 82 or fewer yards in a game https://t.co/hYWQ27QcMu pic.twitter.com/9RLjWvUqTd
— ProFootballReference (@pfref) November 24, 2019
Brandon Allen
Denver still doesn’t have an answer at starting quarterback, but at least it has its backup quarterback. I get it’s only Allen’s third start, but that’s what he is. As Pro Football Reference noted, Allen threw 25 passes and had 82 yards. He’s the first quarterback since Charlie Whitehurst in 2014 to attempt 25 or more passes and gain 82 or fewer yards in a game. Wait, there’s more. As Benjamin Allbright said, in the second half, Allen was 3-of-12 passing for 4 yards. Allen had three balls dropped ... by Bills defenders. Vic Fangio, Elway and the Broncos need to unlock rookie quarterback Drew Lock and start him the rest of the season.
Broncos Country
While the result wasn’t unexpected, the way it came about is. For the second time this season, the Broncos were embarrassed. Now Denver is staring down its third-straight losing season.