Mile High Report - Denver Broncos 31, Indianapolis Colts 24: Week 1 GamedayBy Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2014-09-12T09:30:58-06:00http://www.milehighreport.com/rss/stream/58681542014-09-12T09:30:58-06:002014-09-12T09:30:58-06:00Faulk asks: Who needs to Bronco up?
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas had three drops in Week 1, making him our pressure-player for Week 2.</p> <blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Wow. Many surprises in Wk 1. <a href="https://twitter.com/SBNation">@SBNation</a>: on your team, who is now facing the pressure to perform? ... <a href="http://t.co/fez0V7D33a">http://t.co/fez0V7D33a</a></p>
— <span>Marshall Faulk</span> (@marshallfaulk) <a href="https://twitter.com/marshallfaulk/status/509698689095700480">September 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Based off of Week 1, there is certainly more than one answer to this question. That being said, the clear cut answer for me is <span>Demaryius Thomas</span>.</p>
<p>DT was targeted 11 times, had three drops, only caught four passes, and only had any yardage at all because of one big play. This isn't how you want to play during a contract year, and the bottom line is that he's capable of far more.</p>
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<p>"It was bothering me after the first one and I guess I let it linger on and bother me the other two," Thomas said Thursday, "but my main thing was trying to get the ball up the field too fast. So this week has been mainly watch the ball in before you make the move. I've been doing that, catching balls on the sideline with my coaches, trying to fix the problem."</p>
<p>One of the most consistent complaints <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> Country has had with DT is that he gets out-manned at times. As harsh as that sounds, it is a fair assessment as Week 1 showcased a match-up where DT was muscled around by a smaller guy.</p>
<p>"It's over with. It's gone now," said Thomas. "New team, new week. That game right there, we won and that's all that really matters, so it's over with now."</p>
<p>It is Week 2, DT. Bronco up and get it done!</p>
<p><i>Join the #GMCPlaybook discussion at <a href="http://sbnation.com/sponsored-gmc-playbook" rel="nofollow">sbnation.com/sponsored-gmc-playbook</a> and on Twitter by following <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/thisisgmc">@thisisgmc</a> & <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/marshallfaulk">@marshallfaulk</a>.</i></p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/9/12/6140113/marshall-faulk-broncos-player-pressuresadaraine2014-09-12T06:01:02-06:002014-09-12T06:01:02-06:00O-line needs some conditioning to avoid disaster
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<p>With his own successful preseason of evaluating the offensive line, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CH74" target="new">CH74</a> has agreed to a full-season contract to bring us reports on (and practically from!) the trenches. Here he breaks down how the starters performed in their first full game against the Indianapolis Colts (hint: they may need a little more cardio in the gym) and helps us look forward to the much-anticipated matchup with Kansas City this Sunday. </p> <p>Real football is back, and school is in session, so <a target="new" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CH74">CH74</a> is here to give us the inside scoop on our favorite Offensive Line with grades and comments. And take notes because there just may be a quiz at the end!</p>
<p>CH74: The preseason is over and the grading will be as real as the football. My scouting in the regular season will be a little different because I have access to the All 22 Coaches Film. I am able to see more, and it's almost like being back on the field! I will be spending a little more time looking at the unit as a whole rather than breaking down individual performances like I did in the preseason. But I will still be using the "KRONK Kode" and handing out individual grades.</p>
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<p>I know the concern following Sunday's game has been in one area in particular - the running game. I was concerned about this area myself, so I dialed in and really scrutinized all the running plays. I have some observations, some of which I was able to identify in the preseason and others I observed due to the fantastic field view of the All 22!</p>
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<li>Like we noticed in the preseason, backside seals are presenting a problem for the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>. I counted three runs that would have gained considerable more yardage if the pursuit had been disrupted. This play design just looks shoddy to me. The back is usually lined up on the weak side of the formation and runs a counter action to the strong side; giving the backside end a perfect view and read on the play. Please fix this, Gase.</li>
<li>Orange Julius, it's a good thing you hauled in three touchdown catches, because you had some whiffs, SON!</li>
<li>Right now, conditioning is an issue with the big fellas, they were looking gassed throughout the fourth quarter. Magazu, give the boys some more sprints!</li>
<li> <span>Montee Ball</span> needs to run more decisively and look to cut back on the outside zone plays where the backside end doesn't run him down. I noticed a couple plays that if TD were running the ball, they would have gone for big gains! Ball also looked tired in the fourth quarter, so more sprints for him too!</li>
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<p>So, without further adieu, let's get into the meat and potatoes of the report, shall we?</p>
<p><b>LT Ryan Clady (#78):</b> We've all become used to Clady being a dominant force from his left tackle position, and he was very dominant from a pass protection standpoint, but Clady had a rough night in the run blocking department. On the second run of the game, Clady put up a rather weak backside block and lost leverage. He followed that up on the next play by missing a combo block into the second level that would have helped spring Ball for some nice yardage. He steadied himself until late in the fourth when he was beat inside on an outside zone run. In the pass game, Clady was solid outside of one play early in the game where he was beaten by a strong outside rush. He was also flagged for a false start.</p>
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<p><b>CH74's Grade: PB (+) RB (-) HD (+) LV (=) FT (+) PL/T (=) PNT (=)</b></p>
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<p><b>LG Orlando Franklin (#74):</b> Orlando also had a rough night run blocking. On the first run of the game, Franklin was a little sloppy on a trap block, but it was effective enough. <span>Julius Thomas</span> didn't help matters by whiffing on a down block, but he was bailed out by <span>Virgil Green</span> who ended up taking out both linebackers with a well-timed cut block and barrel roll combo! Franklin atoned for his sins on this play by getting a nice tandem with Ramirez and combo blocking to the second level to spring CJ Anderson for a big play on a draw.</p>
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<p>Just when Big O peaks, he falls down into a valley though. Later in the quarter, he lost leverage and was slow getting outside on back-to-back zone runs respectively. Franklin finally logged a nice trap block late in the game, but the play was nullified by a Vasquez holding penalty. On the last run of the game, a tired Big O failed to sustain his block on yet another outside zone play. Franklin did hold up well as a pass protector, but he did get beat by an outside swim in the second offensive series.</p>
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<p><b>CH74's Grade: PB (+) RB (-) HD (+) LV (=) FT (=) PL/T (=) PNT (=)</b></p>
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<p><b>C <span>Manny Ramirez</span> (#66):</b> The ManRam was a little up and down in the run blocking department. Early in the game, he missed on a second-level combo block that would have sprung the runner for a big gain. On the next running play, he was out-leveraged and knocked into the runner. In pass protection, Ramirez missed a well-timed stunt in the third quarter but was bailed out by Manning's quick release. On a rough night for our O-Line, Ramirez performed pretty consistently, and I noticed him far less than I did his peers.</p>
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<p><b>CH74's Score: PB (=) RB (=) HD (=) LV (=) FT (=) PL/T () PNT (=)</b></p>
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<p><b>RG Louis Vasquez (#65):</b> Lou got caught with his hands in the cookie jar twice and neither of these calls was of the phantom variety like he was tagged with in the preseason. Outside of the holding calls, Vasquez did put together some nice blocking in both the run and the pass. He did get caught playing high on one particular play in the second series. Deep in the fourth when our boys were sucking wind, Vasquez managed to lose leverage and was unable to sustain a block on an outside zone play. If not for the penalties, which is very unlike Lou, he would have had a solid game.</p>
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<p><b>CH74's Score: PB (=) RB (=) HD (=) LV (=) FT (=) PL/T (=) PNT (-)</b></p>
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<p><b>RT <span>Chris Clark</span> #75):</b> I know I have probably defended Chris Clark more than anyone here on MHR, but my man probably had the roughest night on the O-Line. Clark started the game off strong but started to fade as the game wore on. Toward the end of the first half, Clark was beaten by an inside rip move that blew up an inside run. Clark was gassed toward the end of the game. Late in the fourth quarter, Clark failed to sustain a block and was called for holding on the next run play. Early in the third quarter, Clark was beat by a strong outside rush, but it looked like he was expecting a chip from Montee Ball, who missed a cut block on the defender. Once again, Manning's release saved the day.</p>
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<p><b>CH74's Grade:</b> <b>PB (=) RB (=) HD (=) LV (-) FT (=) PL/T () PNT (-)</b></p>
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<h4><b>What to look for against the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a>:</b></h4>
<p>The O-Line needs to clean up the penalties. Like I mentioned above, conditioning. Can the Broncos perform better in the late stages of the game? Better conditioning should also help to improve the penalty situation. Tired O-linemen forget to move their feet and get caught reaching. Tired linemen can be a recipe for disaster. It's still early in the season, and we should start to see improvement here week to week.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">The O-Line needs to clean up the penalties; better conditioning should help. Tired O-linemen forget to move their feet and get caught reaching. Tired linemen is a recipe for disaster. <span>-CH74</span>
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<p><span>If </span><span>Julius Thomas</span><span> hasn't been spending quality time with Magazu and the O-Line, he should start. With JT's frame, he should be a wrecking ball when run-blocking. If the O-Line won't take you in, spend some quality time with Virgil because that cat can block!</span></p>
<p>I want to see Ball run more decisive and use better vision to find the creases and cutback lanes and hit the hole quicker when it develops. Our guys can't keep a lane open indefinitely, and this isn't that Wisconsin O-Line that outclassed the competition week in and week out. You have to do your part too, SON!</p>
<p>I would like to see a solution to the backside pursuit fails that are becoming a trend with the outside running game of the Broncos.</p>
<p>It seems to me that these plays are designed to set up play action, and the Broncos may have the cart before the horse here. I come from the school of thought that you account for 10 out of the 11 defenders on the field when designing a run play, and the Broncos aren't doing that. The Broncos either need to slow up the pursuit, or the backs need to get north and south as soon as possible for these plays to be more effective than they have been. Get this fixed and we'll see a boost in the YPC average! Maybe a few more runs using man schemes and some well-executed draws can fill in the gap. CJ Anderson's draw play early in the game against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colts</a> was well executed and worked quite well, but I don't think the Broncos ever went back to it.</p>
<p>This Kansas City team was embarrassed by what was thought to be an inferior foe last week. They had some key injuries in their front seven, but this is still a potent group with <span>Dontari Poe</span> in the middle and Big Vick likely to see some time. Vick will be carrying a big chip on his big shoulder.</p>
<p>Our guys need to take care of business and not allow any tummy bumps on <span>Peyton Manning</span>.</p>
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<p>Go Broncos!</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/9/12/6137547/conditioning-a-factor-as-o-line-needs-to-improve-run-blockingLaurie Lattimore-VolkmannCH742014-09-11T13:45:59-06:002014-09-11T13:45:59-06:00Water Cooler Quarterbacks talk Week 1
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<figcaption>Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Water Cooler Quarterbacks share some thoughts from 2014 Week 1</p> <p>The Water Cooler Quarterbacks watched a lot of football on opening day. As with our discussion last week, a wide variety of topics came up and it was virtually impossible to narrow it down to just a single topic. So here are a few things we took away from Week 1 of the 2014 NFL season.</p>
<h5>#0.5 - The Broncos need to take a long hard look at themselves after letting Indy back into the game</h5>
<h5><b>#1 - The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> are who their fans thought they were</b></h5>
<p>Cowboys were ranked 32nd in a recent poll based on "fan sentiment" which we can take to mean the degree of confidence a fan base has regarding the chances of their team. The "Boys" were 11-point losers despite gaining 63 more total yards, have 7 more first downs and amassing 63 more passing yards than the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>. Four turnovers beat all of that.</p>
<h5>#2 - <span>Maurice Jones-Drew</span> should not give up his running back job</h5>
<p>He'll never make it as a punter. If you missed his involuntary punt versus the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>, it can be found <a href="http://lightlybuzzed.com/2014/09/07/maurice-jones-drew-fumbles-punts-ball-quarterback/">here</a>.</p>
<h5>#3 - Chances are punter <span>Spencer Lanning</span> will never try to tackle a runner again</h5>
<p>This could have been a horrible tragedy. By the same token, the returner (<span>Antonio Brown</span>) DID make an effort to hurdle Lanning. If you missed the video, you can find it <a href="http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/09/steelers_antonio_brown_penaliz.html">here</a>.</p>
<h5>#4 - <span>Percy Harvin</span> makes a good Seattle team even better</h5>
<p>Seven catches on seven targets for 59 yards plus four rushes for 41 yards. That equals eleven touches for 100 yards, or 9.1 yards per touch.</p>
<h5>#5 - The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> are picking up right where they left off in 2013</h5>
<p>Remember when Kansas City was 9-0? Neither do we. They have now lost three straight regular season games (with a post season loss squeezed in). That makes a streak of losing six of their last eight regular season games and seven of their last nine, if you include the playoff loss. Add in getting man-handled at home, and Kansas City finds itself with a huge uphill battle.</p>
<h5>#6 - Wonder if the Broncos are regretting parting ways with <span>Knowshon Moreno</span>
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<div class="pullquote">Remember when Kansas City was 9-0? Neither do we.</div>
<p>Moreno's 24-carry, 134-yard, 1 touchdown effort in Miami's opening is raising some eyebrows. Then again, the game was played against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> whom Moreno torched for 224 rushing yards in Denver's 2013 loss to New England.</p>
<h5>#7 - Johnny Football is going to have to wait</h5>
<p><span>Brian Hoyer</span> did a good job in leading the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> back from a 24-point deficit to tie Pittsburgh in the fourth quarter. Chances are he'll hold the job for a while yet.</p>
<h5>#8 - The Tampa Bay defense made a backup quarterback look good</h5>
<p>The Bucs' defense allowed <span>Derek Anderson</span> -- a quarterback who had not started since 2010 and had thrown just four passes in the last two seasons -- complete 70.6% of his passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns.</p>
<h5>#9 - The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> are missing <span>Sam Bradford</span>
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<p>Quarterbacks Shaun Hill and <span>Austin Davis</span> combined for 24 completions out of 36 attempts, 273 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. Add in an offense that produced just 72 rushing yards and a defense that gave up 102 rushing yards to a wide receiver . . . well, it speaks for itself.</p>
<h5>#10 - Yellow snow is still falling, but not as fast</h5>
<p>Fans were outraged by the fact that NFL officials were throwing an average of around 19 flags per game during the preseason. This gave rise to fears that games would drag on for hours due to laundry hitting the turf. Interestingly enough, though the officials threw an average of nearly 19 flags per game during the preseason, they only threw an average of nearly 14 flags per game during Week 1 -- for comparison, this is still about 1 more flag per game than was thrown on average during the 2013 regular season.</p>
<h5>#11 - Roger Goodell is screwed</h5>
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<p>Had he hammered Rice after the police declined to charge him with a crime, many would have been decrying the way that the commissioner had violated due process. Now critics are claiming that he had either seen the video or not asked for it. He states that he asked law enforcement officials for relevant evidence and the TMZ video was not given as part of that. If the police had that video why was it not acted on and charges filed? Reality is, Goodell-haters will continue to hate and look for reasons to bring him down. Goodell-lovers will continue to defend him.</p>
<h5>#12 - The Broncos are the only AFC West team with a win</h5>
<p>The Patriots are the only AFC East team with a loss. Just sayin'.</p>
<h5>#13 - Peyton's younger brother is who we expected him to be</h5>
<p>Eli is now 4-6 in opening games for his career and has lost the last four season openers. To be fair, he DID win a Super Bowl in the first of those four seasons, but his team has never topped 9-7-0 when opening with a loss during that span. Add in that he only made the playoffs during that Super Bowl season and the prospects do not look good.</p>
<h5>#14 - <span>Philip Rivers</span> couldn't save San Diego</h5>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> trailed 6-3 at half but jumped out to a 17-6 lead in the third. After Arizona cut the lead to 17-12, Rivers went only completed one pass in the next drive, was bailed out of an interception by a defensive penalty and fumbled the ball (though he recovered it) to kill the drive. After the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> took an 18-17 lead with 2:25 left, he followed two completions for 20 yards with three straight incompletions to turn the ball over on downs.</p>
<h3 align="center"><b>LET THE SEASON ROLL ON</b></h3>
<h3 align="center"><b>OH, AND GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!</b></h3>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/9/11/6129625/nfl-2014-season-more-thoughts-from-the-water-cooler-quarterbacksBrian Shrout2014-09-10T09:02:04-06:002014-09-10T09:02:04-06:00Orange Julius named AFC offensive POTW
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<figcaption>Julius Thomas was an absolute nightmare for Colts defenders on Sunday, catching seven passes for 110 yards and three TDs. | Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Julius Thomas was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, capping off a remarkable week for the young tight end.</p> <p><span></span></p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> TE <a href="https://twitter.com/Julius_Thomas">@Julius_Thomas</a> is the AFC Offensive Player of the Week (1st of his career)! RT to congratulate him! <a href="http://t.co/5rJSbNCKOo">pic.twitter.com/5rJSbNCKOo</a></p>
— <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/509710242792615937">September 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Denver Broncos tight end and mismatch king, <span>Julius Thomas</span>, was deservedly named the AFC's Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday morning.</p>
<p>Thomas was an absolute nightmare for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> defense in Sunday night's 31-24 victory, in which he made seven receptions for 110 yards and three touchdowns - including this double-move that shows you how dangerous Thomas is in the red zone.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4991996/JT_TD__3_IND.gif"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4991996/JT_TD__3_IND.gif" style="width: 99%;" class="photo" alt="Jt_td__3_ind_medium"></a> <br id="1410361535806"></p>
<p>The honor of AFC Offensive Player of the Week is Thomas' first of his career, despite some impressive offensive performances in his breakout 2013 season.</p>
<p>Since the award's inception in 1984, this is the 54th time a Broncos player has taken home the award, including the fourth by a tight end (the previous three: all Shannon Sharpe). Thomas' three touchdown receptions on opening night were <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2014/9/8/6120481/julius-thomas-broncos-record-shannon-sharpe-colts-2014">enough to tie Shannon Sharpe's Broncos record</a> for most receiving touchdowns in a game by a tight end. Sharpe repeated the feat two more times, which is definitely not out of the question for Thomas with his skill-set and connection with <span>Peyton Manning</span>.</p>
<p><i>To buy tickets, visit the <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=4292&awinaffid=173843&clickref=PreRec&p=http://www.ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com/NFL/" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NFL Ticket Exchange</a>.</i></p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/9/10/6131213/orange-julius-named-afc-offensive-player-of-the-weekjacobdearlove2014-09-09T16:58:45-06:002014-09-09T16:58:45-06:00Broncos 31, Colts 24: Game Balls
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<figcaption>Justin Edmonds</figcaption>
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<p>The Broncos offense got Denver off to a 24-0 start before Andrew Luck and the Colts came roaring back. Still, Denver survived, <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2014/9/7/6119663/broncos-colts-final-score-2014-peyton-manning">winning in Week 1 31-24</a>. Alright, MHR Staff. Game Balls!</p> <h5><span>CB <span>Bradley Roby</span></span></h5>
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<p>No rookie plays a perfect game their first time out on the field, but Roby's trial by fire proved to be a success after securing the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a>' victory after a 4th down pass break-up on future Hall of Famer <span>Reggie Wayne</span>. Roby also had several impressive outings in red zone defense and was sound and aggressive in run support. With Chris Harris, Jr. being limited in reps after returning from his ACL injury and <span>Kayvon Webster</span> being benched for Dallas pre-season shenanigans, Roby's quick acclimation to the NFL learning curve is an exciting development for the Denver Broncos. He performed well and admirably against <span>Andrew Luck's</span> passing attack and played played well on special teams, recovering Isaiah Burse's muff early in the game. <b><i>- Christopher Hart*</i></b></p>
<h5>DE <span>DeMarcus Ware</span>
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<p>In his Broncos debut, DeMarcus Ware logged 1.5 sacks, putting the defensive end at 17th on the NFL’s all-time sack list and tying <span>Julius Peppers</span> for third best among active NFL players with 118 sacks. More important than the records or the fact that Ware’s solo sack forced the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indianapolis Colts</a> to kick a field goal, is the fact that Ware was constantly running down Pro Bowl quarterback Andrew Luck.</p>
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<p>In his regular season <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> debut, veteran defensive end <a href="https://twitter.com/DeMarcusWare">@DeMarcusWare</a> had 1.5 sacks. That'll do. (AP Photo) <a href="http://t.co/5oAibLqrle">pic.twitter.com/5oAibLqrle</a></p>
— Jon Heath (@JonHeathNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeathNFL/status/508826438842474496">September 8, 2014</a>
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<p>The veteran edge rusher was always just inches away from sacking the big, tall, mobile QB, even coming dangerously close to getting a safety at one point. Without Ware in this game, Luck would have had time to be a lot more accurate than 35 of 53…and that could have spelled doom for the Broncos. -<b><i> Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann</i></b></p>
<h5>TE <span>Julius Thomas</span>
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<p><span>Julius Thomas</span> gets my game ball. Derptastic fielding of an onside kick aside, he quickly reminded us of why Broncos Country got so hyped last year about him. Two great TDs off man-to-man coverage on crossing routes showed off both his size and speed advantages. Julius made Manning's job look easy in the first half and helped the team score 18 of its 31 points.<b><i> - Sadaraine</i></b></p>
<h5>LB <span>Nate Irving</span>
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<p>Nate Irving gets my Game Ball for his impeccable play in his first regular season game as the starting Mike linebacker for the Broncos. Irving played a strong game from start (well, after the first defensive play of the game, where he lost coverage of Reggie Wayne) to finish, and showed how he can and will be a difference-maker on this defensive unit. Despite missing time during the second half with a leg injury, Irving racked up five tackles, two of which were for a loss (8 yards total), and added a sack on Andrew Luck in the second quarter.</p>
<p>Irving was a key part of the defensive stand which kept the Colts out of the end-zone in the third quarter on four downs, and was all over the field the entire game. If he continues to play at the level that he did tonight, Irving will be a big-time difference-maker on the Broncos' defense this season, something that was anticipated when he was drafted in the third round of the 2011 draft.<b><i> - Jacob Dearlove</i></b></p>
<h5>S Rahim Moore</h5>
<p>All of the defensive starters who were returning from offseason rehabilitation due to injury were on a pitch count, except Moore apparently. Moore's reason for missing most of last season is well known around these parts, as is his blame in the divisional playoff loss to the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a>. My personal feelings on Moore's blame are possibly well known to you too, but I think that fans can finally put that game behind them. <br><br>Moore accumulated two interceptions and that could be the difference in winning this game. His first interception was in the first quarter and ended the Colts second drive on 2nd and 7. The interception came off of a <span>Aqib Talib</span> tipped pass. His second interception on the day came with 5:26 left in the ball game and probably should have ended the whole game. It just didn't.. Perhaps unnoticed was Moore's stop of <span>Ahmad Bradshaw</span> early in the fourth quarter after Andrew Luck connected to him on 4th down and Moore was the last man standing between Bradshaw and the goal line after a 22 yard gain.<b><i> - Ian Henson</i></b></p>
<h5>QB Peyton Manning</h5>
<p>No Bull... pardon my partner's expression, but Peyton Manning gets my game ball. Three touchdowns with no interceptions is nothing to sneeze at, and he led the Broncos to 31 points, which should win them maybe every game with this defense. Manning struggled in the second half, there's no denying it. But the Colts didn't get in his head this time, he did a good job standing in the pocket under pressure (<a target="_blank" href="http://abload.de/img/untitled-32ss9a.gif">or running 11 yards in just less than 28 seconds</a>), and his receivers didn't do him any favors. Demaryius Thomas and Bubba Caldwell - catch the ball.</p>
<p>But mostly Manning gets my game ball because I'm trying to appreciate him and not fall under "Peyton Manning hypnosis" in the twilight of his career. Even on a "bad day", Manning won a shootout against a Conference playoff foe and didn't throw a pick. That gets my game ball. <b><i>- Monty</i></b></p>
<h5>WR Andre Caldwell</h5>
<p>This may not be the most popular choice, but I believe a game ball goes to Andre Caldwell. In the fourth quarter, with the Broncos leading 24-10, after forcing the Colts into a three and out, Denver was on the move. On a 2nd & 9 from the Colts 35, Caldwell "picked" a defender off Julius Thomas. Thomas caught a Manning pass and burst forward for a ten yard gain. Unfortunately, Thomas was stripped of the ball. It was Caldwell who dove and recovered the ball, extending the drive which resulted in the Denver touchdown that turned out to ve the margin for the win. <b><i>- Brian Shrout</i></b></p>
<h5>CB Aqib Talib</h5>
<p>Talib showed why the Denver Broncos signed him to such a big contract back in March. He was constantly blanketing Indy's top receiver, he was responsible for <span>Rahim Moore's</span> first interception, and just played solidly all game long. I had a hard time choosing between Talib or Roby, but I think Talib had a little bigger impact overall then the rookie. Both did play very well though! <b><i>- Scotty Payne</i></b></p>
<h5>RB Montee Ball</h5>
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<p>Talk all you want about his "KnoMo-like" ypc of 2.9 last night, his second effort on multiple plays and his ability to break tackles were both manifest and critical to last night's victory. His 3 yard TD run was beautiful in that it highlighted his balance, vision and determination. His OL wasn't helping much as he seemingly had to dodge defenders in the backfield on every running play. <b><i>- Joe Mahoney</i></b></p>
<h5>The fans at Mile High</h5>
<p>The Bronco fans at Mile High Stadium were in top form Sunday night. Screaming and stomping their feet on defense, quiet (and offering friendly reminders to their neighbors to do the same) on offense. There was a lot more standing than normal and a playoff feel to the game from the first snap. During the first half of the game when everything was going the Broncos way it was clear the crowd wanted to make a statement against the Colts. The word shutout was being thrown around. However, when dreams of dominating the Colts turned into crossed fingers they could just hang on to a victory in the dicey second half of the game, Broncos fans kept their energy up and didn't panic. (OK fine, maybe a few people panicked). But they continued to make noise and toughed it out to the end because that's what the best NFL fans in the world do for their team. <b><i>- Amy Richau</i></b></p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/9/9/6128535/broncos-31-colts-24-game-ballskmonty2014-09-09T15:00:02-06:002014-09-09T15:00:02-06:00Vote for the play of the game
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This will be a weekly fixture on Mile High Report. We give you the best plays from this past week, and you vote on which one you think is the best, pretty simple amirite?</p> <h4>Bradley Roby saves the game</h4>
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<p>On 4th down with a touchdown lead, rookie corner Bradley Roby was locked one on one in the slot against Reggie Wayne. Reggie gained separation off the snap, but Roby recovered and deflected Luck's last ditch effort to bring the Colts back from a 31-10 deficit.</p>
<h4>Julius shows why you can't guard him with a LB</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4991988/JT_TD__2_IND.gif"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4991988/JT_TD__2_IND_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Jt_td__2_ind_medium"></a></p>
<p>Julius is working the crossing route here and beats ILB D'Qwell Jackson bad. He's wide open on a deep cross when Manning hits him right over the shoulder for a long TD. Let this be a lesson, you cannot win with a LB against Thomas.</p>
<h4>Luck shall not pass!</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4992030/Defense_goal-line_stand_Luck_sneak_IND.gif"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4992030/Defense_goal-line_stand_Luck_sneak_IND_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Defense_goal-line_stand_luck_sneak_ind_medium"></a></p>
<p>Nothing like seeing a swarm of Broncos thwart the sneaky efforts of ogre Andrew Luck. I'm just glad the refs didn't blow the call and award the TD to Ahmad Bradshaw.</p>
<h4>They call him Emmanuel</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4992070/Manning_to_Sanders_40_yards_IND.gif"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4992070/Manning_to_Sanders_40_yards_IND_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Manning_to_sanders_40_yards_ind_medium"></a></p>
<p>Manning put a little too much muscle into this throw, but Sanders absolutely owned the coverage here. This is but one example of what his speed can add to the offense.</p>
<h4>Irving is the new "MIKE"</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4992078/Nate_Irving_sack_IND.gif"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4992078/Nate_Irving_sack_IND_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Nate_irving_sack_ind_medium"></a></p>
<p>Perfectly timed "A" gap blitz that Andrew Luck never saw coming. A thing of beauty!</p>
<h4>Rahim the dream, part 1</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4992102/Rahim_Moore_INT_1__IND_.gif"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4992102/Rahim_Moore_INT_1__IND__medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Rahim_moore_int_1__ind__medium"></a></p>
<p>First of all, Aqib Talib had perfect coverage on TE Dwayne Allen. He tips the ball into the waiting hands of Rahim Moore who correctly read the throw and is tracking the receiver.</p>
<h4>His name is Quinton</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4992086/q._carter_prevents_TD_IND.gif"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4992086/q._carter_prevents_TD_IND_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Q._carter_prevents_td_ind_medium"></a></p>
<p>Two things at work, Bradley Roby does a fantastic job of making up ground after being picked. From there Carter steps up and ensures that Hakeem Nicks does not cross the goalline. Love the aggressiveness from both players.</p>
<h4>Malik and Ware have a Luck sandwich</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4992038/Jackson__Ware_sack_of_Luck_IND.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4992038/Jackson__Ware_sack_of_Luck_IND_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Jackson__ware_sack_of_luck_ind_medium"></a></p>
<p>Malik flushes Luck out of the pocket and into the waiting arms of DeMarcus Ware on 3rd down. Malik was playing with a heavy heart as his father had passed away just a week ago.</p>
<h5>All right MHR, what's your vote for the week 1 play of the game?</h5>
<p>GO BRONCOS!!!</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/9/9/6127441/broncos-vs-colts-play-of-the-gameBronco Mike2014-09-09T13:30:02-06:002014-09-09T13:30:02-06:00Broncos vs. Colts: The No Bull Review
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<figcaption>Win #1 is in the bag Broncos Country! | Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Welcome to the no-nonsense review of our beloved Broncos most recent game. Here you get Sadaraine's observations and thoughts on players, coaches, and plays. Join the discussion below and add your thoughts and points of view to the mix!</p> <p>Welcome to the 2014 regular season of Bronco football brothers and sisters! I'm excited to see some real football and get a glimpse of what our team is going to do this year. Even though I only got to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2014/8/19/6029689/broncos-preseason-2014-49ers-shutout">one review this pre-season</a>, I'm squarely saddled up and ready to ride for the rest of the season.</p>
<p>If you've never read my reviews before, click that link in the previous paragraph for a run down on who I am and what this is about. It is the last I'll mention it for the season. Let's dig into this thick, juicy game and get filthy with some football.</p>
<h3>Offense</h3>
<h4>Offensive Line Play</h4>
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<p>Let's start with our boys in the trenches since they never get enough love in the mainstream media. I for one appreciate the job these cats do and groove as much on a good pancake as I do a TD pass.</p>
<p>I'm going to start by praising their pass-blocking. They did a superb job of keeping Manning clean overall. The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colts</a> were throwing the kitchen sink at us with varied blitzes throughout the game and we stood up very well to it. The line only gave up one sack and even then in one take I didn't see a blown assignment (I believe the Colts brought guys up both A gaps and we didn't have enough blockers).</p>
<p>The run blocking was very up and down though. I think we all got spoiled last year by the All-Pro play of <span>Louis Vasquez</span>, but he looked rusty to say the least this game with a rare penalty and a couple of ole blocks that I saw. I'd love to give <span>Orlando Franklin</span> a pass on the left side, but he also looked fairly up and down in the run game. I also want to give some love to <span>Virgil Green</span> in the run blocking phase as he led the charge on a sweep early in the game to spring a very nice run.</p>
<h4>Running Game</h4>
<p>Our running game tended to go as the line blocked. When we opened holes, we got decent pick ups. When we didn't, we got to watch our backs try to break a tackle so they could gain a yard. Here's what I saw from our guys carrying the rock:</p>
<h5><b><span>Montee Ball</span></b></h5>
<ul>
<li>This kid looks like he has the raw abilities for every area of the run game. He can run outside and in as well as pass blocking and catching. He didn't wow me in any one area, but so far I think he handled his role in the offense.</li>
<li>Early in the game he ran with nice power up the gut to get a 1st down. Those aren't flashy plays to watch, but I love seeing a team that can pick up a 3rd and 2 right through your bigs.</li>
<li>There were multiple times in the game where I finally got to see more of Montee breaking tackles or being elusive. I really didn't see much of that last year and am glad to see him do it consistently in one game...now only if he weren't having to do that at the line of scrimmage and instead had the chance to do it down field some...</li>
<li>Montee gave great effort to get that score...he bounced twice off the defenders before he had daylight.</li>
</ul>
<h5><b><span>C.J. Anderson</span></b></h5>
<ul>
<li>We didn't get to see CJ a ton, but he looked every bit as competent as Montee from what I saw. The funny thing was he seemed to get bigger holes from the line than Montee did which is probably pure chance.</li>
<li>His 13 yard gain is what you want to do to teams that put 6 in the box trying to slow down our pass game. We need to see more of that for a truly complimentary run game to our passing offense.</li>
<li>He also picked up a short 3rd down up the gut like a boss.</li>
</ul>
<h5><b><span>Emmanuel Sanders</span></b></h5>
<p>Let's give props to our WR running the end-around. That was some good stuff that really showed off how fast Emmanuel is. Watch for that same formation in the near future with duel play action off of it. This is the type of play that sets up an undisciplined defense to give up a big play down the line a bit.</p>
<h4><span>Peyton Manning</span></h4>
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<p>Here's where the "No Bull Review" gets to earn its pay as far as the "No Bull" part goes. For those of you who are new to MHR, just know Sadaraine has a special place in his heart for stats. It isn't that I hate them...it is that I hate people using them to draw stupid conclusions. Peyton was kind enough to give us a perfect example of this in our home opener.</p>
<p>So if you glance at the stat sheet you say, "Wow...that Peyton did it again. 3 TDs, 250 yards. That was a great game for a quarterback right there." Congratulations...you drew a very dumb conclusion.</p>
<p>Here's the No Bull truth: Peyton Manning had an off game. He overthrew guys five times that I noted. I've been watching Peyton closely with pride since he joined our beloved team and let me say that it was a bizarre game for him. He's usually much more accurate. The great thing is that oftentimes a bad game by Manning looks like this. At least one of his overthrows the Colts bailed us out with a defensive holding penalty.</p>
<p>That being said, there were MANY times that our receivers weren't helping him a darn bit. I noted four consequential drops and believe one of our staffers said there were seven in the whole game. That's junk...those four that I noted were all first down plays and one looked like a makeable TD run.</p>
<p>Like the game for the team overall, Peyton has a lot to work on based off of game 1. His timing with <span>Demaryius Thomas</span> (catch the ball son!) and <span>Julius Thomas</span> was superb. He still needs to keep working with Sanders and Caldwell (or <span>Cody Latimer</span>).</p>
<h4>Receivers</h4>
<p>Other than JT, this group was all over the place. There were peaks and valleys with the whole group of pass catchers and a lot of inconsistency starting with dropping the ball. Whoever our receiver coach is needs to get those chumps on the Juggs machine daily and throw in a few beatings until morale improves and the ball stops hitting the grass.</p>
<h5><b>Emmanuel Sanders</b></h5>
<ul>
<li>I got really excited in the first three plays going to Sanders. It looked like very good chemistry early on.</li>
<li>Sander's deep post was a TD if Manning just doesn't overthrow it. Sanders would have walked that stuff in if it would have just been a foot or two to the left.</li>
<li>Look for more deep throws to Sanders this year...he's a heck of a burner and it adds a big dimension to our offense.</li>
<li>I said this off season that Sanders was signed to replace Wes Welker. Did you notice who worked a lot of the slot with Welker out? I was just talking about this to the cool cats over at Gang Green Nation the other day...</li>
</ul>
<h5><b><span>Andre Caldwell</span></b></h5>
<ul>
<li>Early on Caldwell impressed me with his route running...it was smoothly ran and exact.</li>
<li>Also he did a great job hanging onto the ball as he hit the ground extended.</li>
<li>Even after a couple of drops, he kept on fighting and playing hard for us...this showed on his fumble recovery that had me ready to forgive all his sins for this game (and yes, I know fumble recoveries are largely luck...he still got the ball didn't he?).</li>
<li>Soon after that, I remember why I've largely been overlooking him lately and wanting to see more of Cody: He runs a corner route and turns around to run backwards at the top of the route. Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot. Over? Dude...someone who played WR please tell me when you'd ever do this in the NFL...cause that looked stupid as hell, son!</li>
</ul>
<h5><b>Demaryius Thomas</b></h5>
<ul>
<li>Dude had a rough night going up against a very physical opponent. I give a lot of credit to <span>Vontae Davis</span> as he is a hell of a cornerback (or at least he plays like one against us).</li>
<li>At least two EASY drops on all but perfect passes. You have a date with the Juggs machine son. Play like you are in a contract year for goodness sakes!</li>
<li>It was good to see a nice screen play in space for DT for a big gainer late. We really needed a big play at the time and DT needed it or <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> Country would have heard a great wailing and gnashing of teeth over his stat line.</li>
</ul>
<h5><b><span>Julius Thomas</span></b></h5>
<ul>
<li>I feel like I'm living in the past but here goes: he's too big for safeties to cover, he's too fast for linebackers. Shannon Sharp made a love child with Wonder Woman and out popped Julius Thomas.</li>
<li>For an example of him being too big for a safety to handle see the 3rd and 10 in the 1st quarter when he blocked out Laron Landry like a boss for 30+ yards.</li>
<li>For an example of him being too fast for a linebacker, see the 2nd touchdown of the night when he is matched up with <span>D'Qwell Jackson</span>.</li>
<li>At no point in the first half did Indy feel the need to stop Julius Thomas and they paid for it dearly. He had more brackets in the 2nd half as a solid adjustment by their DC.</li>
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<h3>Defense</h3>
<h4>Run Defense</h4>
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<p>Overall our guys did a very decent job against the run. Sure, the Colts had some nice runs here and there, but they had just as many getting nothing special. We held their running backs to 35 yards largely because they had to abandon the run game.</p>
<p>As ugly as the game may have looked, that's what our team was built to do...get a big lead and make teams have to pass the ball to keep up. Keep that in mind when you are feeling worried about our team. From my No Bull perspective, we did exactly what we wanted to, but didn't execute well enough in the 2nd half to have our plan work to perfection.</p>
<p><span>One shining moment in the 2nd half was our goal line stand which began and ended with our run defense getting it done.</span></p>
<h4>Pass Rush</h4>
<p>Overall, I pass rush left me a bit wanting. Especially in the 2nd half when the team looked gassed overall we were giving Luck way too much time to throw. I was really quite impressed with the tackles for Indy. They did quite a number on our outside pass rush.</p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Nate Irving</span> made a superb looking A-gap blitz</li>
<li> <span>Malik Jackson</span> was a stud on his sack (and Ware getting half of it was a little lame in my books...Malik made that play).</li>
<li>There were times that I would have liked to see more of <span>Von Miller</span> playing spy (like in the red zone for instance...I'm just spit-balling here JDR). As it stands, I only saw him do it once and I believe he was behind the line watching the RB to make sure there was no outlet.</li>
<li> <span>Marvin Austin</span> had some very good flashes in this game with a hulk push early and single-handedly screwing up a screen play to force an illegal man down field flag.</li>
<li>Too bad there was also a play where our call was a five man blitz and no one recognized the screen play until we were toast.</li>
<li>Demarcus Ware's sack that he totally earned was a work of art. His hop-step and hand fighting was a complete work of art. You make that uniform look good Demarcus!</li>
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<h4>Secondary</h4>
<p>Let me start by saying that our strengths at corner back are at playing man to man coverage. Press or off, take your pick. But the time for playing soft zone to get our guys to play it better was in the pre season. We had games like this last year too where Jack Del Rio was calling zone all over the place...then it was because of injuries. You don't have that excuse for this game. Play to our strengths!</p>
<h5><b><span>Chris Harris</span></b></h5>
<ul>
<li>Here's reason #1 why we should play more man coverage. Chris is a stud...early on in the game he was all over his guy's hips like a tight pair of leather pants. Dude probably needed a shower after that play. Honestly there were at least three plays where I noticed Harris on his guy's hip pocket...that shizzle was text-book.</li>
<li>The pass interference call on Harris was absolute Bull. A) it was overthrown and B) He looked for the ball and ran to it...he has as much right to go after it as the receiver.</li>
<li>In case you want to know how to cover a fade route in the end zone, just get some tape on this game and look for Harris in the 2nd half.</li>
</ul>
<h5><span>Rahim Moore</span></h5>
<ul>
<li>I was ecstatic to see Rahim get his first pick of the season. That's the kind of play that good free safeties make every time.</li>
<li>I peed myself a little when I saw his second pick in the same game. One of my big nits with Rahim has been his derptastic ability to drop and easy Int. Both of the picks he got in this game were not easy (he had to grab them before they hit the grass while falling) and he made it look easy. Keep that up Rahim...that is precisely the kind of play this defense needs from you!</li>
</ul>
<h5><span>Aqib Talib</span></h5>
<ul>
<li>So far, I still think this was the right guy to replace Dominique Rogers-Cromartie. He played physical and with great technique all game.</li>
<li>Rahim needs to buy Aqib a drink on our bye week...Talib's play made that pick happen.</li>
</ul>
<h5><span>T.J. Ward</span></h5>
<ul>
<li>If you want to know why I thought this guy was our best acquisition of the off-season, you can see it in this one game.</li>
<li>Early on we had a 2nd and 5 against the Colts and TJ covered <span>Trent Richardson</span> like a boss...it is the kind of pass coverage you want out of a guy on either a RB or a TE. We had no one last year with that type of man skill to face a bigger receiving option.</li>
<li>Late in the game Ward laid a devastating hit on a run up the middle. Having a safety that can thump like that and cover as well is such a blessing for our defense.</li>
</ul>
<h5><span>Tony Carter</span></h5>
<ul>
<li>I'm totally okay with our new youth at CB playing so well. Tony had an up and down game. He's still decent depth in my opinion, but I'd rather see <span>Kayvon Webster</span> out there honestly.</li>
</ul>
<h5><span>Bradley Roby</span></h5>
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<li>Color me blown away...I liked what we saw from him in the pre-season, but not enough to think we'd be leaning on him early in the season. This kid just had a trial by fire and walked out cool as a cucumber.</li>
<li>He wasn't all money, even on his big stop at the end of the game, <span>Reggie Wayne</span> juked him out of his shoes, but the kid recovered to make a great play. That's the scary thing though...the kid has enough athletic ability to recover after a bad initial read and still denied a pass in a critical situation.</li>
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<h3>Special Teams</h3>
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<li><span><span>Isaiah Burse</span> needs to rewatch his early punt return as an example of when your sorry tail needs to wave for a fair catch...that was crazy risky.</span></li>
<li><span><span>Britton Colquitt</span> at least had a couple of very nice punts in this game.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3>Coaching</h3>
<ul>
<li><span>I'm not sure about Foxy not taking the offsides penalty on the backed-up punt. Don't you think we could have gotten more yards out of it?</span></li>
<li><span>I was aghast that Fox didn't challenge the spot on the stop <span>Quinton Carter</span> made when he stripped the TE at the sideline...that was a yard and a half short of the first down easily (and screw you refs for making that horrible of a ball placement).</span></li>
<li><span>The play calling in the 2nd half was stupid. We have Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Julius Thomas, and RBs that can catch out of the backfield. Why in the name of everything good would you run, run, pass over and over and over!?</span></li>
<li><span>Adam Gase needs to check the play at 4:36 that Manning took his one sack on. All the routes were top-stem with no hot reads and no outlet options for Manning. Either someone blew their assignment or the play call was dumb.</span></li>
<li><span>1st down and 20 - Run. Low reward play that is completely predictable and the Colts had 7 in the box. Let me take this time to remind everyone that Manning is one of the most proficient passers in the game.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>
<p>Let's wrap this up by saying I'm very happy with this win. I'll take it any way we can get it when it comes down to it. This kind of game will keep our team humble and working hard to get better. I hope the coaches do the same as they have a LOT of room to improve on game day (and they have for years honestly...this is one of Foxy's downfalls).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Go Broncos!</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/9/9/6124967/broncos-vs-colts-the-no-bull-reviewsadaraine2014-09-09T10:44:42-06:002014-09-09T10:44:42-06:00Manning up: Peyton's pursuit of two huge records
<figure>
<img alt="Peyton will already go down as one of the greatest players ever, but these records would make his career even more prolific." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2C9hKd-kqea2cfIRVJzpSPiCDMY=/0x1170:2500x2837/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38234542/20140907_pjc_aq2_287.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Peyton will already go down as one of the greatest players ever, but these records would make his career even more prolific. | Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A breakdown of all three of Peyton Manning's touchdown passes from the Broncos victory over the Colts on Sunday Night Football. See where Manning stands in pursuit of the all-time passing touchdown record, as well as his own single-season touchdown record.</p> <p><span>Peyton Manning</span> has, and continues to have an incredible football career. Manning has won five NFL MVP awards, one Super Bowl, and one Super Bowl MVP, along with various other distinctions that set him above others at his position and within the league as a whole. Manning has become known for his record-setting abilities, especially as of late; just last season he set records for most passing touchdowns (55) and most passing yards (5477) in a single season. As far as career numbers go, Manning ranks second in essentially every major career quarterback record, second to only <span>Brett Favre</span> in most of those categories. Many of those records will require Manning to play at least one more season past the current one, but the one that is very attainable is the record for most touchdown passes in a career.</p>
<p>Manning's touchdown count entering 2014 was at 491, while Favre's record stands at 508, which means that Manning can pass Favre with yes, 18 touchdown passes; it's almost too perfect. In Peyton's career, he has not passed for under 26 touchdowns in a season, and coming off his record-setting season in 2013, Manning has an equally strong, if not stronger offense than before; in other words, the record should happen, and it should happen soon.</p>
<p>This here is the first installment of the Manning TD Tracker, which will count down Manning's pursuit of the all-time passing touchdown record, as well as his pursuit to surpass his own TD record from last season. Each week I'll be breaking down each of Manning's touchdown passes, complete with GIFs and illustrations.</p>
<h4>Touchdown #1:</h4>
<p><b>17 remaining for Favre's all-time record, 55 remaining to break 2013's single-season record</b></p>
<p><b>Receiver: </b><span><span>Julius Thomas</span></span></p>
<p><b>Quarter/Time: </b>2nd Quarter/14:14</p>
<p><b>Down/Distance: </b>3rd and 3, IND 3 yard line (3-yard score)</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4991980/JT_TD__1_IND.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Jt_td__1_ind_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4991980/JT_TD__1_IND_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1410280889214"></p>
<p>On third-and-three from the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colts</a>' three yard line, the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> lined up in a 3-wide set, with a base offensive line; <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> was split out wide to the left, <span>Demaryius Thomas</span> lined up in the left slot, and <span>Andre Caldwell</span> was the outside right wide receiver. <span>Julius Thomas</span> was the lone tight end on the play, lined up off-set and to the left of the offensive line, <span>Montee Ball</span> was the lone running back, lined up to the right of Manning, who was in shotgun (five yards from the LOS).</p>
<p>The Colts countered the Broncos with a 3-3-5 Nickel defensive alignment, with three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4985386/FirstTD.PNG"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4985386/FirstTD_medium.PNG" class="photo" alt="Firsttd_medium"></a> <br id="1410156739969"></p>
<p>Indianapolis rushed five defenders on the play, sending two linebackers on a blitz (one delayed) along with the three defensive linemen. The Broncos O-line picked up the blitzing linebackers, but failed to stop <span>Cory Redding</span>, who went nearly untouched by <span>Orlando Franklin</span> into the backfield, putting a hit on Peyton as he released the ball.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4985378/FirstTD3_copy.png"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4985378/FirstTD3_copy_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Firsttd3_copy_medium"></a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4985378/FirstTD3_copy.png"></a>Despite the impending hit, Manning delivered the ball to Julius, who was cutting across the field on a drag route, covered by linebacker <span>Jerrell Freeman</span> on the play. Freeman was called for defensive holding, but Julius still managed to gain separation anyhow, reeling in Manning's first touchdown of the season.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>Touchdown #2:</h4>
<p><b>16 remaining for Favre's all-time record, 54 remaining to break 2013's single-season record</b></p>
<p><b style="font-size: 1em;">Receiver: </b>Julius Thomas</p>
<p><b>Quarter/Time: </b>2nd Quarter/6:41</p>
<p><b>Down/Distance: </b>1st and 10, IND 35 yard line (35-yard score)</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4991988/JT_TD__2_IND.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Jt_td__2_ind_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4991988/JT_TD__2_IND_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1410280974811"></p>
<p>On Manning's second passing touchdown of the game, the Broncos lined up in a two tight-end set, with Julius Thomas lined up in a three-point stance on the LOS directly to the right of RT Chris Clark, and <span>Virgil Green</span> directly to Thomas' right, in a three-point stance, slightly behind the LOS. Demaryius Thomas lined up as the left wide receiver, with Emmanuel Sanders in the left slot position. Montee Ball was the only running back, lined up seven yards behind Manning, who took the snap from under center.</p>
<p>The Colts lined up in a base 4-3 defense, with four defensive linemen, three linebackers, and four defensive backs. Two defensive backs lined up in press man coverage against the Broncos' wide receivers, while two linebackers lined up in coverage against the Broncos' two tight ends.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4985474/SecondTD.PNG"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4985474/SecondTD_medium.PNG" class="photo" alt="Secondtd_medium"></a> <br id="1410159152719"></p>
<p>Off the snap, the Colts did not blitz, simply sending four rushers at the quarterback. Montee Ball was on a release route, staying in the pocket for blitz pick-up, before running a short out route. The Broncos O-line gave Manning plenty of time and a sizable pocket to throw from.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4985482/SecondTD1_copy.png"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4985482/SecondTD1_copy_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Secondtd1_copy_medium"></a> <br id="1410159279226"></p>
<p>Sanders and Thomas took their defenders deep, while Julius ran a crossing route underneath. Taking advantage of the mismatched defender in coverage (<span>D'Qwell Jackson</span>), Thomas found separation across the middle where Manning found him with the pass. Julius caught the ball at the Colts' 21-yard line with plenty of separation on D'Qwell Jackson. From there, it was smooth sailing to the end zone, as Thomas simply outran Jackson and slipped by safety <span>Darius Butler</span> for the score, putting the Broncos up 17-0.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>Touchdown #3:</h4>
<p><b>15 remaining for Favre's all-time record, 53 remaining to break 2013's single-season record</b></p>
<p><b style="font-size: 1em;">Receiver: </b>Julius Thomas</p>
<p><b>Quarter/Time: </b>2nd Quarter/2:00</p>
<p><b>Down/Distance: </b>2nd and 5, IND 5 yard line (5-yard score)</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4991996/JT_TD__3_IND.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Jt_td__3_ind_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4991996/JT_TD__3_IND_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1410281045484"></p>
<p>Peyton's third and final touchdown pass of the game and first half came from a four-wide set, with Manning lined up under center, and Montee Ball aligned directly behind Manning as the solo running back, six yards off the LOS. In the four-wide set, Julius Thomas lined up as the right wide receiver, Demaryius was the left wide receiver, with Andre Caldwell (outside) and Emmanuel Sanders (inside) both in the left slot.</p>
<p>The Colts defense was lined up in a 3-4 formation, with three linemen, four linebackers, and four defensive backs. The defensive backs all lined up man-to-man on the Broncos receivers. Colts safety <span>LaRon Landry</span> was lined up in coverage on Julius Thomas, who would eventually haul in the touchdown pass.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4986262/ThirdTD.PNG"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4986262/ThirdTD_medium.PNG" class="photo" alt="Thirdtd_medium"></a></p>
<p>Off the snap, the Colts defense brought the house, rushing the entire front seven defenders on the blitz. The Broncos offensive line was able to hold off the blitz just long enough (a mere one second) for Manning to find Julius Thomas on the slant route in the end zone. Thomas beat Landry inside off the snap and never looked back, catching the ball with Landry nowhere near him in coverage.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4986294/ThirdTD1_copy.png"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4986294/ThirdTD1_copy_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Thirdtd1_copy_medium"></a> <br id="1410194172090"></p>
<h4>Recap:</h4>
<p> </p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p align="center"><b>Week</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p align="center"><b>Current TD Count</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p align="center"><b>This Time Last Year (2013)</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p align="center"><b>On Pace For</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p align="center"><b>% of Last Year's Total</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p align="center">7</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p align="center">48</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p align="center">42.86%</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>After throwing a trifecta of touchdown passes to Julius Thomas in last night's victory over the Colts, Manning now sits 15 touchdowns away from the all-time record, held by Brett Favre. If he maintains his current pace of three touchdowns per game, Peyton should hold the record by the end of the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Jets</a> game on October 12, which would have him breaking it against one of Favre's former teams. If Manning hopes to beat his own record from last season, he'll need to average 3.53 touchdowns per game for the remainder of the season. The <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a> are next on the schedule, and they present a favorable matchup for Manning, with numerous injuries to their defense. Peyton has averaged two touchdowns per game against the Chiefs over his career (10 games), and 2.75 per game (11 touchdowns in four games) against the Chiefs since becoming a Denver Bronco, including a five touchdown performance last season. If all goes well, Manning could be in for a hey-day against the ailing KC defense and take a big leap closer to both records he is chasing.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/9/9/6120357/manning-up-peytons-pursuit-for-td-recordsjacobdearlove