Heading into today’s matchup against the New York Giants, the Denver Broncos had the clear energy advantage. The benefit of playing in front of a hometown crowd, the Super Bowl 50 winning team on deck
to cheer them on, as well as the positive vibes of honoring Demaryius Thomas. After three quarters, things weren’t looking so good for the Broncos. But with their backs against the wall, the Broncos embarked on a miraculous comeback to defeat the Giants 33-22. This was a wild and crazy game, so my thoughts below might be a little all over the place. Nevertheless, let’s talk about today’s incredible win!
Once again, it’s another Jekyll and Hyde performance on offense
One of the keys for victory in today’s game against the Giants was Bo Nix and his teammates taking advantage of New York’s lackluster secondary. I felt it presented an opportunity for them to find a rhythm and get back on track considering the Giants’ issues defending the pass. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen at all early on.
In the first half, the Broncos’ offense was shut out. Nix was 9-of-19 for 82 yards. Overall, the offense had just 102 yards after two quarters and couldn’t get the running game established early on. Additionally, they converted just two of eight third down attempts and averaged a lackluster three yards per play. There were just six first downs.
All hope seemed to be lost that Denver’s offense would figure things out. But out of nowhere, in the most serendipitous of fashions, the Broncos offense came alive in the fourth quarter. Magic happened. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. They were able to reel off 33 fourth quarter points.
When it mattered most, Nix hit his stride and earned himself another fourth quarter comeback victory. It was a gutsy and impressive rallying performance worthy of praise. He finished the game going 27-of-50 for 279 yards and two passing touchdowns. As well as having five rushes for 48 yards and two big rushing touchdowns. However, the Broncos are going to need him to be more consistent moving forward. Perhaps today’s late game heroics are the spark that ignites the offense as the second half of the season approaches.
The Broncos continue to struggle with penalties and miscues
A sign of a well-coached football team is discipline and always putting your best foot forward. Through seven games this season, there are few games where the Broncos have played a fundamentally sound game.
Whether on offense or defense, the Broncos continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties. They had twelve in today’s game. That’s simply unacceptable. On top of that, Denver’s skill position players had at least a half dozen drops in this game. They also didn’t execute very well as blockers in the screen game either. It already hurts enough that Nix is struggling as a drop back passer, but the inopportune drops don’t to him any favors.
I’ve talked a lot about the offense, but let’s talk about the defense. There is no doubt Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph and his players have done well for most of the season. Without question, they have been the biggest bright spot for the team this season. Sadly, today wasn’t their best effort.
They gave up a lot of explosive plays to Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and the Giants’ receivers and tight ends and also had a lot of bad penalties that extended drives. Heck, the penalties at the end of the game (even though I think some are questionable) could have put Denver’s comeback in peril.
Overall, Denver has been able to pull some rabbits out of the hat and notch five wins despite all these issues. But moving forward, they need to become more disciplined. They can’t keep committing all these penalties and having all these miscues or else they won’t be able to realize their potential as team.
What a special way to honor Demaryius Thomas
There are a lot of other things to talk about, but how about just keeping it real with this last tidbit. Like all of you, I was significantly concerned and underwhelmed how things went through three quarters. Though it’s very fitting Denver was able to answer the call and find a way to gut out a monumental win on the day they enshrined Thomas in the Ring of Fame. This was a game of big ups and downs, but I’m super stoked the Broncos were able to put it together and come out on top. What a magical ending and way to honor Thomas with this victory!
