Rice Takes

The Broncos can exhale again. A win enables a team to do that.

Shaking off their three-game losing streak, the Broncos flat-out got it done Sunday night against the Steelers.

It wasn’t a work of art by any means, but it was a win. And that is exactly what the Broncos needed.

Let me summarize all the qualifiers by simply saying the Broncos still have work to do. They still need to improve. But the fact is they played well enough to beat a very good Pittsburgh team.

More than anything, the Broncos played with passion. From their first drive when they answered Pittsburgh’s touchdown with one of their own, the Broncos showed life and energy and toughness that seemed to lack during the three-game losing streak.

Hats off to the Broncos defense. That unit made adjustments during the bye week and it showed.

The Broncos’ eight-man front seemed to be effective. They forced three turnovers, sacked Ben Roethlisberger four times and scored a touchdown. In addition, the Broncos held the vaunted Steelers’ rushing attack to 119 yards. And let’s not forget Champ Bailey didn’t even play.

On offense, touchdowns were the order of the evening in the red zone. That was a big-time step forward. Instead of settling for field goals, the Broncos kept the pressure on the Steelers all night by getting into the end zone.

And how impressive was Jay Cutler in the clutch again? When Denver had to have a drive at the end of the game, he delivered. I know, he’s still young, still learning and at times makes mistake but Cutler embraces the crucial moments and has shown an incredible ability to make plays with the game on the line. That is something you can’t teach.

The Broncos gave people reason to feel better. Now we’ll see if they can keep it up against the Packers.

What pleased you most about the Broncos win? I’d love to get your thoughts.

Thanks for reading!

Best,
Mike

Sometimes adversity has a way of sneaking up on you. In the process it tests one’s character. This Sunday, the Broncos take a midterm examination of sorts against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After two last-second wins to start the season, the Broncos have lost three straight games, including a completely out-of-character 41-3 setback to San Diego two weeks ago.

The Broncos had a bye last week to regroup, refocus and clear their heads. The challenge before them now is to respond and rebound from a 2-3 start to the season.

They clearly have not played the way they envisioned or believe they should have played. We will find out if the week off has given them a fresh outlook and whether or not it will lead to improved results.

(more…)