For the second time in three games, the Broncos had a really good chance to win. For the second time in three games, they came up short, falling to Indianapolis on Sunday.
It isn’t that difficult to see that struggles in the red zone were critical for the Broncos. Five trips to the Colts’ 20 yard line or deeper and the Broncos could only come away with two field goals while turning the ball over on downs three times.
Some may question Josh McDaniels’ decision to go for the touchdown on 4th and goal at the one yard line in the second quarter. I liked the call.
The Broncos were down 13-0. The Broncos had the ball at the one yard line. They had four plays to get the ball into the end zone. Four plays.
They gave the ball to Laurence Maroney, whom the Colts stopped on first and second downs. Third down was a fade route to Demaryius Thomas, a big, physical target who has the ability to go up and get the ball. Orton’s pass was a bit long and out of bounds. Thomas never had the opportunity to make the play.
On fourth down, the Colts stopped Maroney short of the goal line, thanks to a correct reversal by instant replay.
Coach McDaniels’ decision to go for it on fourth down is certainly a decision worthy of discussion. But I don’t see there being an obvious right or wrong decision. That is only determined in hindsight, after the play works or doesn’t work.
There was not a single play call in that series where I was thinking, “What in the world was that?” The Colts held. In situations like this, many people like to blame the coach for deciding to go for it. But when you come up short four times from the one yard line, and there was no clear cut mistake in the play calls, I have to look at the guys on the field. Somehow, someway, they have to punch it in.
I also like the decision to go for it for a couple of other reasons.
First, you’re playing the Colts. A team only gets so many chances in the red zone in any given game. Against Indy, there is more of an urgency to take advantage of those opportunities because of the Peyton Manning and the potent offense he leads.
Second, the Broncos were trying to get the game down to one possession. Even though it was still pretty early, it was an understandable thought. Plus, while they didn’t convert, the defense held the Colts three-plays-and-out, forced a punt, got good field position and drove for a field goal right before halftime.
The other interesting fourth down decision came with just under nine minutes to go and the Colts ahead 20-13. Fourth-and-three at the Indy 12 yard line. There was a miscommunication between Kyle Orton and Brandon Lloyd on the route and the pass was incomplete. As I understand it, there was an option for Lloyd to run one kind of route if he got one defense and another kind of route if the Colts played something else. Apparently, the Colts switched, Lloyd and Orton each thought different things and the pass had no chance to be caught.
Some people think Coach McDaniels should have kicked the field goal. And there is merit to that point. In my opinion, however, it is not a no-brainer to kick the field goal.
They trailed by a touchdown. They had been moving the ball. They were deep in Colts’ territory. The defense had already had some success slowing down Manning and the Colts’ offense.
Why not go for it, try to keep the drive going and score a touchdown and tie the game in the fourth quarter? I can’t argue with it. In fact, I liked that the Broncos were again aggressive.
Going for it as the Broncos did in some key situations and being smart about what they were doing, which I believe they were, sends a message of confidence to the team. It sends the message that the coaches believe their guys is good enough. I like that.
I would have liked it better had either decision worked out and the plays been executed on the field.
But let’s not take the easy way out and blame the coach for this loss because of a couple of decisions to go for it on fourth down in the red zone didn’t work out.
In many ways, the Broncos played well against a terrific team. Yes, they lost and that is the bottom line. But the season is three games old. I’m not ready to come to any conclusions except the obvious one that the Broncos are 1-2.
What did you think about the game on Sunday? Thanks for reading and posting your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: 2010, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Mike Rice
The first 4th down was fine. The one in the 4th qtr was terrible. There was 7;00 minutes left on the clock and that call deflated the entire team and the fans.
The coach keeps saying he wants tough smart football players what was wrong with Peyton Hillis was he not a tough football player. Just ask the Baltimore Ravens after he got 144 yards.
I thought McDaniels really handled the week leading up to the game with class. He lost credability when after the game he said he would make the same call. Thats bad news in my mind because he is not learning friom his mistakes.
Good afternoon Mike & GREAT post!
You know, I share your thoughts 150%. 4th and whatever? Go for it! I was watching with other fans of other teams and they said “should of kicked and got the 3″ Here’s was my take on it.
Mike, if we kick those field goals and go on the board by incriments of 3 fine! But then what? We kick off giving the Colts field position around the 20/30 yard line due to the return? Heck no! That is giving Peyton a much less field to work off of. You know he’s going to move the ball to possibly a field goal of his own and maybe a touchdown. In my opioion, kicking field goals against the Colts is merely giving Peyton better field position due to the ensuing kick off and ultimately taking more time off the clock for him to move the ball his own way!
I love the call!
Mike, can you give me your take on something that I keep hearing WAY to much? There is this theory that Coach is in jeopardy of losing the “leadership” characteristic of being a head coach with his players. I keep hearing about this “grow up” or “what is he doing with the roster” stuff. I personally tend to gather that it is quite the opposite, but this theory of he’s already on the hot seat or the players are questioning his leadership…I just don’t see it!
Mike, always great to hear from you and please keep up the Great work!
p.s. How about that Orton guy huh? What a difference a year makes huh? so happy for him the year he is having.
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
The fourth down was just a small part of what went wrong on those two instances, but this was my original write up after the game about that specific part:
Part of The Ugly: McD going for it on 4th down for the second time, after it failed the first time he tried it, 2 easy FG’s for 6 points up in smoke. I understand it the first time going against the Colts, but the second time you fail the intelligence test.
So I’m with Bones on this one, however we need a feel good blog right about now, so I’m gonna let the forever optimists claim the stage.
I liked the call to continue toi be aggressive in both scenarios. What i don’t like is the creativity in the red zone. 4 down to move the ball 1 yard. I think McD has to be pretty upset that he can’t have his team ‘force’ the ball one yard. Howver i disagree with McD’s comments about how it would wouldnt make sense to have Tebow in those situations. With a guy that is as physical as Tebow, they could have QB sneaked the damn thing 3 times in a row and Im sure Tebow would move the ball one yard.
The second scenario (4th and 3) was almost the same play call they used against Jacksonville. Lloyd wanted Orton to throw that back shoulder pass, but he should have peeled off for the 7 yard quick hit. Total miscommunication, and again McD has to be disappointed by the boys lack of performance when it is needed.
Plus, where is the damn running game? This team can’t sell run if they don’t attempt to run. Zone blocking or power blocking – both schemes are proving way in effective and i have to wonder what Mr. Barone thinks of this mess.
Great Post Mike,
I think that there are valid points to both sides of this argument however the final statement is the clinching factor and that is the Broncos lost the game. I agree that the fourth down play inside the one is a no brainer. If you don’t make it then you give your defense a chance to make a big play. When throwing or running out of the endzone, things can go wrong in a hurry and when they do at that end of the field it usually means points for the defense. Giving Manning 99+ yards to work with is also preferable to 80 if you kick the field goal.
The problem with the other attempts really rests with the field position. At that point in the game we could have taken the lead for the first time. This factor is a moral push for our players and may have actually forced Peyton Manning to attack us in a different manner. At the very least there were points to be had that were left on the field. In the second half of the game you take the points. This gives your team the ability to get back in the game especially if there is a big play on either side of the ball. You hear coaches talk about turn overs and how costly they are. In the second half your talking about a minimum of 6 points that turned into a 14 point swing in favor of the Colts. I love the aggressive nature by our head coach; don’t get me wrong, but leaving that many points on the field is a remarkable statement.
I am massively impressed with the strides that Kyle Orton has taken but he is still playing like a soft sell QB in critical situations where his WR’s are making agressive reads. For the first time though, I can honestly say that the Broncos beat themselves on Sunday. The defense gave the team the opportunity to win by holding Manning to the lowest point total against the Broncos in five years. Again our offense failed them. Put another 3 yrds per carry on our running game. Stop throwing fades inside the five yard line and put some points on the bleeping board. I still believe…Don’t make me regret it.
Dominate their will to win,
Mike in San Diego
I liked both calls to go for it on 4th the only thing i didnt agree with was that the second time it was 4th and 3 from the 12 and they went for the touchdown instead of just gettin the 3 yards and having 4 more chances to get it in
And why didnt they give andre brown any touches and see what he could do or did he even suit up?
Nice post Mike. I too, liked both risks of going for it on 4th & goal because when you play a team like the Colts you need to take those risks… HOWEVER, when you decide that’s what you’re gonna do, you better know something the Colts’ D doesn’t. If you have 4 chances to get that ball in at the 1 yard line, you better make sure you can make it happen. That extra chance at 4th down is something they shouldn’t have failed at. I do blame the playcalling… do something smart to get the ball in the endzone, something that would surprise the defense. Its common sense to me… you go for it on 4th, you better have a sure-fire plan to get the 6 pts. Duh!
Keep the faith Broncos Country…
GO BRONCOS in 2010!!!!
I agree with the statement about us not being creative in the red zone. I like the 4th and 3 call… It shows the confidence mchoodie has in his offense. However, the ACTUALY PLAY CALL was terrible. Have some double crosses go in the middle or something. DId any 1 notice royal had an open window!?? The throw to lloyd was just terrible. It just makes me mad that we can throw for 476 yards but come up with 13 points. Atleast were close to breaking out. And that colts defense is pretty good… Hopefully we contain CJ2k sunday or were screwed. However i dont think we have had a 100 yard rusher yet..Which is amazing thus far. If we stop CJ…WOW.
I think mcd had the right idea, you cannot beat the Colts with field goals, but that is the difference between teams that make the playoffs and teams that don’t. Teams that will make the playoffs convert those, when you can’t score a TD when your inside the redone 5 times you arnt going to win. Denver had more than enough chances to beat the colts but we just couldn’t find the end zone! D held up their end but the O couldn’t do it. I will saw I liked what I saw though, we moved the ball well and IMO our D played better than they have since week 6 of last year!
GO BRONCOS!!!!
LETS GET MARSHAWN LYNCH!!! Oh boy, they are looking to trade him off.
I agree with 07elway all the way,and I almost always agree with you Mike,but I will have to agree to disagree on this one bro…bad playcalling lost this game.IMO..change it up a little.
No….Bad execution lost us the game…On the 4th and 1..On all 3 plays that were runs, i dont think i say ONE dive over attempt. the 4th and 3…If lloyd woulda run his cut back shoulder catch its a first down. The fumble by perish cox. The stupid penalties.
The one bad play call that i hated though, was the stupid 3rd and long and we ran the ball..Horrible call there.
Saw** sorry.
I agree Elway07, the play calling was horrid, why would you run off tackle 3 times At the 1? But as much as the play calling was bad Maroney was worse, I was at this game and I could see HUGE holes open up in front of him and time after time he hesitated and didn’t hit them. The same happened on that drive we got to the one, had he just pushed forward instead of dancing he would’ve made it!
With 7 minutes left in the game on 4th down, kick the FG. Our D kept us thus far. I`m proud of our Bronco`s even though we lost. Our D played a heck of a game. The Bronco`s played better than I thoght they would. The play I was most pissed off about was the muffed punt return by Cox. I believe that changed the game even though they only got a FG. We could have drove down for a TD if Cox caught that punt. Just saying.
I for one don’t like this “power blocking” scheme. Can anyone tell me how the power blocking scheme is better than the zone blocking scheme in the running game.
Pass blocking is pass blocking, so using zone or power blocking doesn’t change the way you pass block. I’m just not a fan of the power blocking scheme. We have sucked at running the ball last season and now we are 30th in the league in running.
Also, I agree with 07elway, you got to be creative and have as close to a “sure fire” play as you can to covert a 4th down. It’s like pee wee football, we keep running the same run play that never works for us in short yardage. Baylin has already mentioned the several reasons we stink in short yardage running, so I’m not going to bring all the reasons up again. But what about this blocking scheme? It’s just not my cup of tea.
Yovi, its kind of funny that Moroney said he needed to be more patient. But many people are pointing out that he wasn’t hitting the open holes fast enough. They better figure it out cause this is little league junk. We NEED to be able to run the football and have a balanced attack on offense.
If we stink in the Red Zone Offense,it’s McDs job to fix it,Hell he runs the team,sure we made mistakes too,but to run the SAME play 3 outta 4 times on the goaline was terrible playcalling.
Hello Everyone!
Ok I get it that he wanted to be aggressive but like many have said…. Points against any team is key and especially against the Colts. Funny how is play calling isn’t all that aggressive any other times. Matter of fact many other times his play calling is foolish. Yes they guys didn’t execute and get the ball in the endzone so McDani doesn’t get all of the blame.
Yes I understand we have Running Backs who think they are on “Dancing With The Stars”, but why call run plays on 3rd and forever when we need a Century to get a first down! The biggest thing that bothered me about McDani on Sunday was the foolish comment he said about…. “Touch downs wins games not Field Goals.” Well try telling that to Chicago, Green Bay, Arizona, ChOakland, Atlantam and New Orleans. Teams who either won or lost bc of a Field Goal. Tell that to the Steelers and Ravens who won many games bc only Field Goals were kicked.
The same Intensity he shows when he Tears the players down should be the same Intensity and then some he uses to Build them up.
Sorry about a few of the misplaced letters! I think I was feeling a little Aggressive!
Big D, I share your sentiments regarding the power blocking vs. the zone blocking. The only argument of some value I have heard so far is that teams with the zone scheme don’t finish up the season strong at running the ball, they just flat wear out. To make that point, it was said the Broncos are the last team to win the SB with a zone blocking scheme, but other than that I obviously don’t see one good thing about the power blocking since we haven’t been able to overpower anyone on the ground since we’ve switched to it.
I told everyone Goody was one of the best Corners in the NFL,Cox will be good,but right now Goody has him beat hands down.
If Goody was playing he might not have gotten burned twice for tds.
If Harris was playing and Kuper at 100%,maybe we run better.
If not for Cox’s muff and Orton’s int,maybe we win.
If not for McDs playcalling(same play 3 times on goaline,not taking fgs).5 redzones with 0 points,we could’ve kicked 5 fgs=15 pts….13+15 =28.we would’ve won 28-27.just saying
take your pick.
I liked the zoneblocking too,but no sense griping about it(I know I been doing it since last year)McD is gonna run power scheme whether it works or not…..I don’t know maybe we need a new Oline coach???
There is nothing new I can say that hasn’t already been said. I will always be supportive of the team as a whole, including the coaches, but it’s hard not to question McD. One thing is for sure, if he is on the hot seat and we end up with a new coach in a year or two or three, McD cannot blame anybody but himself. McD’s comment in the DP about Tebow in short yardage situations being ridiculous is definitely cause for concern.
I am confident our boys can beat the Titans. There are a lot of questions and things I don’t understand, but I will remain optimistic. We will win 31-17.
GO BRONCOS!
BTW….the Oline did a GREAT job at pass protecting,Orton had plenty of time to pass,thus 472 passing yards,I don’t know how a QB can throw for that many yards and only 1 td.
If we can protect Orton like we did last week and hold CJ under 130 yds we can win against the Titans.IMO
Anyone know if Goody has been practicing,man we need him.
Thank you baylinocrush, I actually remember hearing that now that you bring it up. If that is true then we are borderline terrible at executing the power blocking scheme. Guess, I just got spoiled watching Shannahon plug anyone in with legs and produce 1,000 yard + rushers. To me the zone blocking scheme (done correctly) is a thing of beauty. It was fun watching the texans execute the zone blocking scheme against the Colts in week one.
But if we start winning consistently, that will surely help me to accept this power blocking scheme.
ILMSDB….
The colts had the ball 3 and 15 inisde their own 20 after stopping us on fourth down, and we bring a 3 man rush. Peyton can Hit a MOSQUITO with that much time to throw. Thus he hits Collie for a 48 yard back breaker. If WE CAN be that aggressive on the offensive side of the ball then lets carry that over to the D side… Orton looks great, and THOMAS looks like he will be the NEW BEAST… Bronco lifer in JERSEY
Sorry only one WR will I ever call the “BEAST”.
BeastfromEast I agree… Just trying to ease my pain by putting words to paper. I teared up watching him Sunday night against the Jets hahaha..
I agree with Mike, being aggressive is good, especially against the Colts. They stressed all week playing in the redzone and converting both on offense and defense which is what we obviously did not do. The calls themselves were solid though. The execution is what we need to work on. I like Maroney but felt let down by his performance. I understand he has recently been hampered by a leg injury, however the tough power running was not there. My understanding was that we got him for that specific purpose, powerful running to compliment Knowshon and Buckhalter. Maroney should have punched it in on the goal line. Although I’m not going to write him off yet.
The positives that I think people are forgetting about is that we are playing with not only a lot of new players but also backups. A number of our starters are down, especially the offensive line, running backs and corners. The scheme and system is working we just are not converting like we need to be. As stated before its not the play calling, rather the execution and follow through.
Weve lost two games, one to the Colts, which could have gone either way. Growing pains and the learning curve should be taken into account. Championships are not won on passive and conservative play calling. Mcd and staff are doing a pretty good job, lets just not forget the some of the context of the situation.
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!
However I agree and am not so foolish to have forgotten that the ultimate goal is to win, which we haven’t done very well lately.
We had the best running back system in the NFL bar none. They had Bobbie Turner last year as a coach and they ran the power system and the Zone. Why not leave the best system in place Turner could have shown us the way last year with the Zone System that Alex Gbbs made famous.
I think Josh is alittle stubborn what do you guys think.
Glad to see the O-line do a great job of protecting KO. KO did a great job for the most part except of course the all important red zone, but that was the Team a whole. Hate to give the Colts credit but they stopped us when they had to…of course they knew what was coming. Currently ranked 30 out of 32 teams with rush offense which is now making us truly one dimensional.
We had some good moments with passing Offense and Defense did a good job against Colts first couple of drives.
Already looking ahead to next weekend. Tough loss, the boys will bounce back.
Correct me if I am wrong, we always had problems in Redzone (in offense) even before McD was here, isn’t that right? I just hope we learn from mistakes and correct them soon. We are becoming more & more one dimensional and I am sure the league is watching and will use when they play against us.
I am caught between being positive and being realistic
BFE, not sure on Goody yet. Bronco`s don`t practice on Tuesday`s. We need Goody and Harris back thats for sure.
Good point dendins, we had quite a bit of trouble in the red zone in Cutlers two years as a starter. Great at moving it between the twenties.
Thanks strandofts on the info,I agree we need them both badly,and Moreno too,I think Maroney would do a lot better if he just hit the gap quick and hard,instead of dancing around and trying to find a bigger hole.
Hey rfb1 whats up???
sorry I mean rbf1.
I have supported McD through all this drama the last two years. 4 & 1 I don’t mind at all and used to wish Shanahan went for 4th and 1 more often.
But 4th and 3 with no running threat with 9 minutes left…YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! He preaches situation, situation, situation but in critical “GAME DECIDING” situations he makes flat out irresponsible call. If he doesn’t allow the team to be undisciplined he really needs to practice what he preaches. Then for him to say I would do it again is just flat out arrogant!!!
Well McD seems to think he knows everything and the older players are paying the price. B Dawk needs a ring now.
Not taking points is just flat out unacceptable! Kick the field goal, stop them with good field position and then try to score the “game winning” touchdown! Somebody has to talk to McD. The players played great! The coach lost Sunday’s game plain and simple.
Bones1965 I couldn’t agree with you more. Wow! That is 2 games now
I agree with going for it Kicking field goal against the colts i don’t believe should be and option they need to run reverse or a bootleg maybe or find something that work in the redzone when you’re facing teams like the colts and you can’t get touchdowns then we deserve to lose kicking field goal everytime where in the red zone. wont be good enough against high powered offenses likew the colts. It only 3 games in and if we can’t figure how to get it into the end zone and score touchdown then we have no business gettin into the playoffs. Kickin Field goals everytime where in the red zone isn’t going to win games
How you doin BFE? Just stayin busy with work and watching some Broncos football. Sure was a hot one last Sunday! Almost a qtr of the way as next weekend will be our 4th game.
Yeah its been in the 60′s and 70′s here in Tn,probably be in the 70′s Sunday for the game.Great football weather tho.Hate to see the Broncs and Titans play,I bleed Orange and Blue,but I like the Titans too since they are my home team,but GO BRONCS!!!!!!!!!!!
I think we can beat’em if we hold CJ to respectable yardage.
McD on Tebow:
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/17868/coach-game-plan-reason-why-tebow-was-no-3
Stokley signed with the Seahawks.
If it is the right call, the Broncos score most of the time. That just isn’t the case when you have almost the worst running game in the NFL. Bad call every time. When you can’t run, you need to score from further away from the goal line, give your recievers room to operate. I’m sure Paytom Hillis has more yards than the entire Bronco backfield. Another bad call giving him away. However, This team will get better every game this season and make the playoffs. I think Coach McDaniels has improved immensely as a head coach and Wink is doing pretty good too. The defensive line pass rush will improve when/if the weather ever cools off, hot and thin air is tough on those big fella’s. I like this team, still need a couple of more pieces but I hope they don’t hock the farm and give aways next years draft to try to get them now.
One thing is for sure, after watching pro football for for 40+ I never put much stock in what goes on in September. After the first 4 games you can really tell who’s really got it and who don’t! I’m still believing in this Bronco team! Go Broncos!