By all accounts, the Broncos turned in a heck of an opening act to begin the regular season Sunday night against the Steelers. No, they didn’t play a perfect game but they did a lot of things right.
They won. And at times, they looked really good in doing so.
I was anticipating this season more than any other Broncos season in recent memory. What I saw only reinforced the fact that Broncos fans could be in for a really fun year.
First off, the Broncos beat a good team but didn’t play their best. I know the Steelers were without some key players. But the Broncos held a good offense to 19 points and the Broncos’ offense scored 24 points against a defense that is considered one of the better ones in the league.
No doubt the Broncos have some things to shore up. The defense gave up some big plays and had issues on third down. My guess is the offense would like to run the ball better, even though part of that was due to the fact that the Steelers controlled the ball so well.
As much as the defense had some problems, it also made some big plays. Tracy Porter had the game-sealing pick six and also batted down a sure touchdown pass. Five different players had a hand in a total of five sacks. And the defense played better as the game went along.
Granted, Pittsburgh’s running game has major issues right now but nonetheless, the Broncos gave up only 284 yards of offense, just 75 on the ground. Those kind of numbers keep a team in the game.
In addition, that kind of defensive performance gives the offense a chance to get things going. The Broncos did just that. After falling behind 19-14 early in the fourth quarter, the Broncos responded with an 80-yard touchdown drive (one of three in the game) on its next series, a possession that was vintage Peyton Manning. He efficiently operated the no-huddle, completed 6-of-7 passes for 57 yards, found four different receivers and kept the Steelers completely off balance.
The Steelers forced Manning and the offense to stay on the bench for all but 36 seconds of the third quarter. When they had the chance to stop Manning and the Broncos offense in the fourth quarter, they couldn’t do it. The Broncos scored the final 17 points of the game and shut the door on the Steelers’ efforts to rally for a win. The Broncos’ offense and defense played its best football in the fourth quarter.
Manning is just too good. He hadn’t played in an NFL game since January of 2011 and in his first game back, with a new team no less, he completed 19-of-26 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. The guy is incredible. And to think he’ll only get better as he continues to play this year. Going into the game, if anyone had any doubt about whether or not Manning could still be a great NFL quarterback, I don’t see how that person could still be wondering.
On top of everything, this all came in front of the home fans. They got a glimpse of what is to come this season and I have to think they came away both pleased and excited.
We all know the Broncos have work to do. There are plenty of things they need to tighten up as soon as Monday night when the play the Falcons on the road.
But there is also no doubt they did plenty of things well in the opener and most importantly, came out with a win.
There is a long, long way to go but the Broncos are off to a terrific start.
What impressed you most in the win over the Steelers? Thanks for reading and weighing in.
Sincerely,
Mike
Mike I love the line “The Broncos beat a great team, but didnt play there best.” That is very true! But first game of the season some things are going to be off some. Just gotta work on them during the season.
Man so on my flight im sitting in the front row of first class with my Broncos hat on. About Halfway into boarding a guy walks on wearing a Steelers jersey….He sees my hat and says “I hope that we never EVER have to play you guys in Denver again…..you guys just beat us there…..and I hope next time we face you we have a great corner to cover Thomas…..He just burns us for a big play” and as he walks away I hear him mutter “god I hate Ike Taylor” it was HILARIOUS LOL
To answer your question about what impressed me most. I would say Tracey Porter for sure. 8 tackles 5 pass deflections and the pick 6 made for a great game for him. Receivers are in trouble this year if he continues to play like that opposite of Champ on the other side. Looking to be a great year already for the Broncos.
Take care AB…funerals are never fun.
Nice write up Mr. Rice! You’re sounding like a fan!!!
Porter and Manning are the obvious standouts. I was also passionate about the class shown by Miller as he ‘Tebowed.’
DMT was absolutely electric.
TP meet DMT…..hahahaha!!!
I loved seeing TP running his heart out 5 yards behind with DMT pulling away. TP knew he’d been burned. The size differential was dramatic as well. (Of course Champ next to BB was just as dramatic.)
Champ had the blocked pass in the endzone early in the game that reminded BB why he didn’t want to go there. It likely set up Porter’s success on the day.
I’m talking to much and way too excited. Just saw the judge on a business thing – the whole thing got dismissed. Whoayeah!!!
Despite his couple of miscues, I was happy to see Knowshon score and come out of the game healthy. It will be an amazing thing if he turns out to be a key player this year (meaning through the end of the season).
What impressed me most? I loved that Peyton was able to successfully spread the ball around so well. That means there’s trust in his receiving corps which is a GREAT sign. And on D, I really liked the young Mr. Wolfe. He’s going to be something else!
Thanks for the write up Mike! I`d have to say Tracy Porter playing a big role opposite of Champ. There was 3 other instances where Porter almost intercepted the ball. He was anticipating just about every throw from BB. And our D is only going to get better. This is totally exciting!! BRONCOS 2012!!!!!
OMG! I didn’t think I had achanced of any points, much less win the first game!!!!!!!!! i’m actually in Denver helping our daughter celebreate her big 50 birthday!!!!I wasn the road and was able to listen to only the first half. Second half we were at our daughters, so didn’t worry about the game. I recirded is so I’ll replayt it when we get back to Upper Michigan. Have all the foirst game contest results been posted yet?? If so which blog. Busy with the family so I don’t have the trime to scroll throuigh all of the them.
1-0 Mr. Rice!
You touched on it, but I’d like to reiterate- the defense gave up a lot on 3rd down not playing their best at times, but still held them to 19 and came away with that W!
I’ll bet Steeler fans feel about DMT, like Browns fans do Elway!!!
I can`t stand these scab referees. The worst is the spotting of the football after a down, flat out ridiculous. This has got to stop.
Score Prediction:
Broncos 41
Falcons 34
Dang Strand – both teams have defenses. That looks like a scorefest!!
What happened to the results from this past weeks score prediction??
We`re going to light up the sky with Manning. Ryan is no slouch at QB. This game will be high scoring in my mind. IMO
They haven’t place them up yet. Probably tonight.
watching Manning and Polamalu “play chess” at the line of scrimmage was CLASSIC! NO matter what they did Manning already had them figured out. To have a hall of famer like Manning calling the shots, doesn’t get any better than that! I used to hate it when he did it with the COLTS, I love it even more when he does it now for the BRONCOS! this team will only get better! Thank you John Elway!!!
CHECKMATE!!!!
Could you imagine playing a real game off chess with Peyton? Holy Cow!
OF chess. ooops
Well, I`m off to go play some poker tonight. Later on!
CHECKMATE all day everyday! lol By that 1st game alone I’m sure that BOAT is now the Space Shuttle. Damn young players are hella lucky
Hey Melo, hadn’t had a chancce to catch up with you. What were the Saints thinking or not thinking by letting Porter walk?
Don’t get me wrong, glad he’s here in Denver and after watching him step up the other night, nothing but a baller right there.
His speed in the 40 (4.37) and cat quick closing speed on WR’s is impressive!!
I did read your response last week and you’re right… only concern is that he does stay healthy.
I LOVE MY BRONCOS!!!
I hope Wolfe chomps down on Ryan hard… Miller to get 2 more sacks!!!
This will probably be the most complete offense we play this season…imo.. Ryan under the center, Julio and White at WR, Gonzales at TE, and Turner in the backfield. Shoot out!!!!!!!!!!! I think our Dline will wreak havoc on their offensive front.
Porter was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! i love what he said,, playing opposite Champ means you will be picked a lot,, something like that, and he says he is ready to step up…. love this kid’s attitude..
Let Porter pick another and take it to the house… Then teams will start throwing towards Champ a little more… Lol
Ok, I am so having a say in this! Bay, you don’t get to randomly show up and criticize Turtle because he is not running it the way you wanted it run. If you wanted it run a certain way you should’ve been here to set the scoring prediction contest up! His rules make sense and I’m sticking with him. Sorry. If you didn’t like it you had plenty of months to plan your own prediction scoring contest.
;P
Mike, I really was impressed by that drive Big Ben lead down the field that took like the whole third quarter and all they got out of it was three points…. Nicely done defense!!! And I loved when Peyton ran for the first down (;
While Bay might have come off a little harsh on the critique of the contest, he does have a point.
Total points doesn’t seem right, and not the way I thought it would be tallied.
I mean, if someone predicts we win 40-10, they should share first place with someone who actually predicted 31-19, just cause they both equal 50 total points? That doesn’t really make sense.
Just trying to put that into perspective………
No, I guess I understand that Kod, I am planning on just playing the blog version because it’s all done electronically…
Kod I agree that it shouldnt be that way but it is Turtles contest this year. So we just have to deal with it. He is the one taking the time to keep track and try and see all the scores.
But I still don’t think it’s ok for him to come on and rant that it’s not being done his way because he simply was just not here to set it up.
Broncos game is being replayed on NFL Network tonight. Thank you NFL!!!
I understand that Turtle is running the contest this year and he will do it his way but I just wanted to know how he came up with his formula. I can live with it just wanted to know how it came about
Marsh, it does seem confusing. He should explain it.
what time is the game cat
Broncos Country:
I agree it’s a new contest with BT running it! And BT can run it and make the rules and as long as everyone understands his contest rules it’s up to who wants to join in based on those rules. After all he is putting in the time to run it and keep track (which is very difficult)!
“What we have here is a lack of communications” We have a NEW contest that those who were posting their predictions based on the score thought it was like Bay’s rules. Witch I think is the better way to judge the winner based on the score of each team not total points! But what I think means squat!! It’s BT’s contest!
It’s like I paid $50 bucks to join a U Pick Um and I picked 9 correct but was only credited for 6 because I did not know I was picking vs. the spread! I did not know that because I did not read the rules! So be careful and know the rules before participating!
We are all Bronco fans and have a very interesting mix of old and new posters! From Morten to Deburg to Jake the snake to Grease and then Elway fans that went on to be Tim Tebow Fans and now it’s Manning’s turn!
Do not come down on Bay!! He has more time here and is due his respect!! Some posters do not understand Bay cuz you were not here and are quick to judge him! I can tell you this he would never call anyone out with smart ass remarks! But he would go toe to toe with you if you had a good debate!
Just saying from an old member of the Broncos Country!
ILMSDB!!!!
FTR
ab:
Stay strong!
FTR
I lost a lot of respect for Polamalu when he tried to break Thomas arm on that one play!!
For the newbies you have to understand that three seasons ago I gave birth to this scoring contest, invented it from scratch, organized it, and ran it for three straight years with zero help whatsoever, it’s like my baby, so beware if you are going to mangle it, LOL. Anyone who wishes to carry it on should be respectful enough of some of its merits. I used to organize bicycle races and golf tournaments for a living, making fun and entertaining competitions is one of the things I’m good at and I’ll just post here last year rules as an example to show you how fun and competitive this thing can really be if it is used up to its full potential:
The weekly score prediction contest rules:
1. You must post your score prediction for every Bronco game starting the day AFTER the previous game and ending the day BEFORE the game is played. Anything posted outside of that time frame will not be entered, no exceptions.
2. Each week, congratulations and points will be awarded to the top five closest to the correct score and the worse predictions will have the dubious non honor of being placed on our Wall Of Shame and will be made to feel the disgrace, LOL.
3. The points awarded will be as follows:
1st place 7 points
2nd 4 points
3rd 3 points
4th 2 points
5th 1 point
Entry onto Wall of Shame minus 5 points
4. Example of how points and places are awarded:
Last year Broncos Jets 20-24
Two way tie for 1st place:
WieminCA 17-27 prediction, 6 total points off actual score = 7 points
Baylinorcrush 20-30, also 6 total points off = 7 points also
3rd place (no 2nd place since there was a two way tie for 1st):
CarnageBronc 10-24, 10 total points off = 3 points
4th place:
MANDIEGO 17-34, 13 total points off = 2 points
5th place:
oldsouthstander 20-38, 14 total points off = 1 point
Wall of Shame:
ddk002, picking us to win 31-14, total disrespect for Rex, haha = minus 5 points.
5. You cannot place top five no matter how close you are points wise if you pick the wrong team to win.
6. At year end all points will be tabulated and we will get our new scoring guessing Champion of the year, the King of the Kingdom, i.e. the Ruler of Bronco Country, and we will also extend congratulations to bloggers finishing in the top 12 places, and brace yourselves Wall of Shame people, you will be made majorly fun of, you can count on that too, haha.
7. Remember, it’s all for fun and pride, no prizes, no affiliation with the organization, just a figment of my imagination, feel free to enter one week or all 16 and have some major fun doing so, many bloggers do, watch out for that Wall of Shame though, it can be a beatch, and by entering you agree to release me from any abuse I might throw your way, LOL.
Right now as is in Turtle’s hands this contest doesn’t have anywhere near the fairness, organization and competitive nature than it used to. And the funny part is when I called it quit a couple of folks were saying, no problems, I’ll run the contest, it’s easy. But you guys run it how you want, just don’t be all bent out of shape when I attack the current formula, it makes no sense. I feel like my baby has been beheaded, HELP! haha.
FTR, with all due respect baylin ‘retired’…
Supposedly.
Since his retirement, He has come back a few times only to stick his tongue out at a few people. Saying in no certain terms “I’m better than you…”
How can someone be shown respect, when obviously he only respects his point of view?
His contributions certainly helped shape the blog into what it is today. What exactly were his contributions today?
Or the day of Brian Dawkins retirement?
Or the day he named the bloggers that he respected?
Like I suggested to the blogfather then, I will again tonight- STAY RETIRED
Unless you have something to contribute to the blog….
Great to see my bro bay back on here! Hope all is well on your end.
Perfect timing!!!
Nothing but fun and games left for us all this season. I say we are going to win them all, 19 – 0 till proven otherwise. I’m a homer though.