Halfway through the season, the Broncos are 5-3 and riding a three-game winning streak.
Don’t be surprised if that streak grows in the coming weeks.
Good teams find a way to win games even when they don’t play their best. The Broncos were able to beat back the Bengals 31-23 last Sunday even though Denver had to struggle some to get the job done.
I like that.
After jumping up 17-3, the Broncos saw the Bengals reel off 17 straight points to take a 20-17 lead.
Peyton Manning then engineered a five play, 80 yard drive and capped it with a one yard touchdown pass to Joel Dreessen. The Broncos never surrendered their lead.
“That was a big drive,” quarterback Peyton Manning told 850 KOA after the game. “The more scenarios this team can get into—fourth quarter being down, two-minute drill to win it—whatever it is. This team needs to form its identity going through those types of situations. Any time you can persevere when you’re doing it for the first time as a unit, to that’s a real positive.”
It absolutely is. The Broncos had given up a big lead. Then in five plays, they gained it back. They overcame adversity and won on the road.
Talk about impressive.
That is exactly what good teams do. And in case you were too distracted by months of election coverage, here’s a news flash: The Broncos are a good team.
And they’re getting better by the week.
I think 5-3 and winning three straight games is only the tip of iceberg for the Broncos. They’re one of the best teams in the AFC and it would not surprise me at all if they are able to secure a bye in the first round of the playoffs. I’m not saying it will definitely happen but I am saying it is possible.
It’s also possible that the Broncos will make a run to the Super Bowl. I know there is still half the season left. But from what I have seen, they are good enough to win the AFC West and make a run in the playoffs.
Not only do the Broncos have the talent to make a run but they have the veteran leadership, too. This week, the Broncos are simply focused on preparing for the Carolina Panthers, not on their winning streak, not the rest of their schedule or not what might happen in two months. They take nothing for granted in their preparation. Veterans like Peyton Manning and Champ Bailey demand that things be done the right way.
When you put their talent together with their approach, you get a team with the opportunity to go far.
I can’t wait to see how far they go.
What are your thoughts about the first half of the season for the Broncos? Thank you for reading and posting your thoughts.
Best,
Mike
Tags: Mike Rice
Don’t count out the Panthers. They are a better team then the record shows.
look here…
http://www.advancednflstats.com/2012/11/team-efficiency-rankings-week-10.html
The Broncos have been playing a complete game. Lets hope they keep it up & not have a let down. One thing they need to work on is the dropped passes. Three dropped passes for a first down against the Bengals. Can’t let that happen.
As always, great article, Mike.
I agree, RH. I was very surprised at how they dismantled the Redskins, but now I know they won’t be a walk in the park. It’s very possible Peyton will get his wish for some adversity for the team to deal with. I hope our D can play responsible and controlled, but with just as much intensity as they’ve had. If they can “jam” things up in the middle and “wrap up the outsides” of the pocket as well, maybe they can turn Cam Newton into Fig Newton!
I want to hear how McGahee feels about things. He never seemed like much of an outspoken guy, but when he said the Saints were “getting us at a bad time”, boy was he right. You bet a veteran like that can tell when a team is firing on all cylinders.
Definitely check out the interview with Champ and how he talks about how PM makes everyone on the team want to live up to his standard of preparation and dedication. It really makes it clear why things are trending upward on this team. http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/NFLN-Champ-Bailey-joins-Around-the-League/ba493d61-b601-4e7e-a213-4844b31c7768