It was not a game that many people expected the Broncos to win. Yet, they went to Tennessee and defeated the Titans, 26-20, on Sunday.
On defense, they did it the old fashioned way, stuffing Titans’ running back Chris Johnson and bottling up their mobile quarterback Vince Young.
On offense, they did it whatever way they could, overcoming the complete lack of a running game, getting dominated up front most of the game, yet still finding success going to the air.
Whatever it takes.
Before too long, the Broncos will have to find a running game, or at least something resembling one. Teams do not win consistently in the NFL if they can’t run the ball.
For now, the Broncos are getting away without being able to run the ball. Against the Titans, head coach Josh McDaniels finally gave up trying, deciding that the passing game was the way they were going to try to win.
While the utter lack of a running game is problematic, quarterback Kyle Orton’s success throwing the ball is impressive. Through four regular season games, Orton has 1,419 yards, the second-highest total in NFL history over the first four games.
He has shown a the ability to move the offense, distribute the ball to a group of receivers and on Sunday, he did a better job of producing touchdowns in the red zone.
For now, expect more of the same.
“Until we get things fixed in the running game, the burden has to be placed somewhere,” McDaniels said on Monday. “Kyle has readily accepted that challenge along with the rest of our offense. We have to work hard to fix that other element of our team and our offense but right now, that’s the best way for us to move the football and we’re going to have to continue to do it.”
I am under no illusions. Playoff football teams can run the ball. Playoff football teams get tough yards by grinding them out. They keep opposing offenses on the bench, especially in the fourth quarter.
For a variety of reasons, including health, youth, and continuity up front, the Broncos are struggling mightily in the running game. If that continues all year, it will be difficult for them to make the playoffs.
But I’m not going to race off and live weeks down the line. They won a game on Sunday doing what they had to do. They don’t have to apologize for winning a certain way. If anything, they deserve credit for being resourceful and beautifully executing the part of their offense that was working. Shame on the Titans for making a team one-dimensional and then being unable to stop the one dimension.
And kudos to the Broncos for getting the job done while still not playing their best.
Finding some sort of running game would be a big help this week against Baltimore. But the bottom line is the Broncos will take a win any way they can get one.
Feel free to post your thoughts about the win over the Titans. Thanks for reading and posting.
Sincerely,
Mike
Yeah, Mike pretty much the same line of thought just echoed on the Cooper blog that just came out before this one, no way we can be serious contenders without a running game, but I’m not going to bore the bloggers with repeating myself, I just said plenty on Coop’s blog. I’ll leave the stage to the ones who haven’t spoken their peace about it yet.
In closing I’ll take wins however we can get them, in this one we got extremely lucky, we basically got all the calls and all the breaks went our way, and I’ll gladly take it.
Great post Mike,I think our Defense played a heck of a game,the best I’ve seen all year,holding CJ and containing VY.Played great on ST too,all but the kickoff return for a score.Orton has impressed me tremendously,I didn’t think he had it in him,our WR played with a lotta heart too.Now the running game,well what running game,it has to be addressed in practice this week,I think we have to run the ball to beat the Ravens and the Jets,what do you think????
BFE
baylinorcrush…thanks for checking in. I think it was more than luck. In many ways, the Broncos played really well. It is easy to focus on the glaring need of a running game, which while legitimate, isn’t the whole story.
I’m also not sure I agree with you that the Broncos “basically got all the calls.” Yes, they got a big pass interference penalty on the Titans to set up the winning TD but if you watch the play (which I know you did), it was clearly pass interference. No doubt. Is that more lucky for the Broncos, more bone-headed by the Titans? The Broncos will definitely take it, though.
You don’t hold Chris Johnson to 50-something yards by being lucky. We both know that. Plenty to work on for the Broncos, to be sure. They also did some good things, too.
Mike
Mike,what do you think is the problem with the running game????
Is it the blocking,the scheme,or the RBs????Or a combination of all???
BeastFromEast92…thanks for posting.
Yeah, the D was really good. I agree with you on that. Maybe we’re seeing this unit develop into the tough, physical unit that Coach has wanted. They have given up some plays, but the last two weeks in particular, the defense has done a really good job.
Good point, too, on the wide receivers. As a group, they have been great. Orton has multiple options from which to choose and he has done a great job distributing the ball.
Special teams…to me, still a work in progress. Thomas looks like he could be a huge plus on kickoff returns. But they have to tighten up the coverage units.
Being able to run the ball would be a huge plus the next two games. Not only would it help the Broncos control the tempo and time of possession but running the ball also helps a team establish a physical presence. There is no doubt the Ravens and Jets are really physical. Let’s hope the running game takes steps forward…and soon.
Mike
I know a few teams can win without a REAL legetimate running game,(Colts,Saints,Patriots),but do we have the Defense and the QB they have???
What I mean when I say a legetimate running game is that they seldom have 100 yard rushers,just rush enough to keep the Defense honest.
In other words,we have to be able to run better than we have to win consistantly,it’s hard to win being one dimensional.
BeastFromEast92…here are some of my thoughts on the problems with the running game.
1 – Continuity. The Broncos have been shuffling in different running backs and offensive linemen all year. Moreno and Buck got hurt early in training camp. Then LenDale White went down. Now Maroney is trying to work his way into the mix.
Up front, health and youth have been two big factors. Clady and Harris are just getting back into the lineup and trying to get back to playing at their normal high levels. But it takes some time.
Kuper has been banged up at times. And the Broncos have been giving substantial time to three guys who have never had any NFL playing time…Stanley Daniels, J.D. Walton and Zane Beadles.
Those aren’t excuses; they are facts. The fact is that the running game is pretty much non-existent right now. I don’t believe that will continue all year. We shall see.
Mike
Mike I think everyone saw that the CJ fumble was not, his lower legs were clearly down before the ball came out, and Maroney was an inch from having his being a real fumble, just a lot of luck to me, but hey we all have different point of views, either way it’s a win.
Mike good asessment of the running game,you have some very good points,I don’t think Clady,Harris,or Kuper are in 100% playing condition.
baylinorcrush…what I saw on the fumble was that Johnson’s back was to the camera when he was being tackled so there was no conclusive shot that showed where the ball was when his knee(s) touched the ground.
If they showed a different camera angle, then I didn’t see it and I’ll take your word for it. But from what I saw, the replay was inconclusive and they had to go with the ruling on the field.
Mike
Baylin….I’m with you,we’ll take a win anyway we can get it bro..remember the Cincy game last year,sometimes all it takes is for the ball to fall your way one time,and with a win confidence will build,and it makes the team more confident,thus makes them play harder.
After watching NEs new RB last night,now I know why they traded Maroney to us.
Was watching the local news last night(Knoxville) and Fisher(which I do have a lot of respect for)said their defense played good enough to win and DIDN’T play dirty.We know better,anyway their DC was fined 40,000.00 for the finger.
Expensive finger, LOL.
While I believe the Ravens will pose a threat on D, their O is subpar to say the least. While Flacco and Bolden are gaining a little chemistry, I still think they’re an underachieving O who struggles to put points on the board. I think our D are up to the challenge.
Getting some sort of running game will be crucial to get the Ravens D off-balance. But I believe if we have to keep it in the air, our WRs will own the Ravens’ CBs. I expect another huge game in the slot from Royal…….and a lot of screens to alleviate the pass rush. It won’t be easy but I think our O can score 20 points against this D, which will more likely be enough for the W.
GO BRONCOS!
And Mike I hear you, we did a lot of real good things to which I referred to in my good bad and ugly weekly pieces posted yesterday morning at 10:38, 10:48 and 10:59 on the seond half blog, it’s just that in the end having luck on your side is a good thing and for some reason we got a whole bunch of it Sunday.
Mike, I post so much nearly daily that I cannot repeat myself over and over about things just because the subject is brought up since I probably have touched on it already, first it would be too much work, then some guys don’t like it when I refer to stuff I have already said, so that’s why my comments were kind of taking a short cut to where I had already been before, I could see how it would be taken out of context but if you read the above mentioned, you’ll see I’m with you about we did a lot of good.
My problem is I always do my best to stay on top of it, it happens I’m usually talking about it right then, but as most don’t have the time I do, they come on a day later and yesterday’s news is their news of the day, it’s like being in a time warp, LOL.
Nice post. And interesting dialog in the comments.
I will echo what BFE said: some teams can win without a real running game. Colts come to mind first. Granted that is Peyton Manning’s doing. But I think we can see Kyle Orton doing some of the same things. I will say I have noticed him getting a little over confident with some hot routes instead of looking for the open man.
It will be really interesting to see how the team continues to get and if the running game make progress.
Mike,
Thanks for the post. I concur – we’ll take it anyway we can get it.
As you say getting the job done, while not playing their best.
The O-line pulled through and hung tough after getting punched in the gut…(literally…lol). On a serrious note, they were resilient thru it all.
They will grow to be a more cohesive unit.
What else can be said about Kyle Ortons’ performance and the great core of wide receivers. Kudos to these guys !
Defense did a very good job overall, as the OLB did get upfield and seal the edges
On the CJ fumble, we were all watching at home on big screen. On the reply you could see the ball was not tucked in as there was a gap of open space. It looked like, was it DJ, has stripped it, but again no camera view from opposite side…inconclusive, so our ball.
I’ll take luck anytime it comes our way!
The guys I watched the game with all thought the ball came out after his lower legs went down, maybe we had a different feed in Austin, LOL.
I don’t think I’ve ever discussed a call in our favor so much, LOL.
Sorry meant “re-play”.
We can vote for Orton on the next blog, and Hillis too.
i think my favorite part of the game there were alot of great parts but this was when thomas returned that kick return and ran over the titan. Man that was amazingly awesome and funny at the same time.
I just pray to God that the injury bug has no more interest in the Broncos. If Orton goes down, we are completely and utterly screwed.
The passing game and D to some extent currently outshine the obvious. How long will it last will be tested next week in Baltimore.
The ‘RB Committee’ has more negative connotations than positive. Other than keeping the RB’s fresh it offers little else IMO. Having your main RB carrying 85-95% of the time is what hardens him and gives him more time to develope his game increasing his repertoire. Is he gonna run/block/recieve?
The blocking scheme for our RB’s has changed. For the good? It would at this point appear the answer is flat out NO. Having players return to game fitness does take time, but as highly tuned (and paid) atheletes one would hope they are back on deck this week.
I see we have RB depth, so why do we only use Bucky and Jabroni? Give Brown a go, man he can’t do any worse then we have at the moment, or can he?? lol
4 tough games leading to the bye week and then a long stretch to Dec culminating with a game against those we love to hate, the Bolts.
The running game needs to be fixed last week. If some coaches have been sacked after a couple of failures this far into the season why are we so paitient?? Shouldn’t Studesville be on the chopping block?? Maybey, maybe not. Definition of ‘Insanity’ is to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result. Maybe Buck/Jabroni should be dumped?
Love your articles, Mike!
Good Morning Mike and Broncfans!
Great article Mike,
I’m with you 150%….(I think I started my post to your last article the same way) LOL! Maybe I can sit in the booth with ya!
Maybe my glass is a little to much half full but although the lack of a running game is concerning, I won’t say it can’t be fixed!
You know what I love about this team right now? Too me, we don’t have to be in the top 10 or even 15 in the NFL in rushing offense! It’s clear to us and the rest of the NFL how we are going to move the ball! Even if we rush for 80 – 100 yds in any particular game, I will bet you a fuzzy squirrel (for you Bay) that Orton still throws for 300!
For the first time in a long while, I can see a QB and his WR’s saying basically “Come getcha some!” or “I dare you to stop all of us!”
My glass would probably be a little less half empty if we struggled moving the ball. If we were having trouble putting drives together. You know, when we get in 3rd and 4 or 3rd and 7….I’m sitting there saying “Just move the chains we’re getting the first!” That’s HUGE!
I know the running game will come along. I’m just here to say it probably won’t and don’t have to be a big part. Yes it needs to be present and if a particular Sunday shows it to be blasting….then obviously ride that horse to the win! But to me this is a passing offense! This is our identity and I like it.
As you said, Tennessee knew that and still couldn’t stop it! That is a credit to McDaniels and his stable of WR’s and QB. Orton is a direct reflect of McDaniels PERIOD!
I’m with everyone else on this blog and want a running game, trust me I do
I’m confident it will come. Maybe where I differ is, that with what we got in the air, I’m not asking for much.
Just my opinion!
Mike, great to hear from you my friend and as always keep up the great work!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
Love the post. I agree we need to find our running game and having so many injuries really has hurt us, but we will find ways to win untill we get our ground game figured out. Denver will find a way to run the ball we always have and always will. Don’t fret Bronco fans as the season goes on we will continue to get better and better. Broncos for life!!!!!!!!!!!
We are playing another stout defense this week. I think for the sake of our defense we need to make sure an control the tempo of the game on both sides of the ball. That means nice lenghty steady drives that end in touchdowns on offense and quick 3 and outs on defense. Hopefully we can force Flacco into some mistakes and contain Rice like we did CJ. Gotta admit that our ST coverage needs to drastically improve also. Not sure what is happening, if guys are just getting out of their lanes, or not shedding blockers or what but we need to get that under control. Looking foward to the game, I think it will be a good one.
Go Broncos!!!!
Hey, Squirrel Monger, get a room! LOL.
Hope so too, unfortunately history has given us very few good games to watch against the Ravens ever since Sharpe left us to join them, that was the beginning of the slaughter for us against them, or pretty close to slaughter, at least severe embarrassment, like last year, maybe this will be different, hate that D though, not feeling very spiffy about this one, and with just cause may I add. Any given Sunday, heck it worked last week, gotta get back to my mantra. ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY. Can’t it work twice in a row or is there a NFL rule against it? LOL.
although the running game isn’t gellin, it seems moreno, buck, and maroney are doing ok with screens and short passes directed to them. Maybe the short term answer is more screens and short passes to them until the o-line finds chemistry together. If the broncos can get a running game going, it would make the passing attack scary. If the opposing team had to consistently drop a safety into the box, Orton would pick them apart.
Go Broncos
Now Bay, that’s not playing nicely with others. LOL! Hey Bay, I wanted to get this out to you quickly. A couple of blogs ago you and I were kinda going back and forth a little on Coop’s blog. You pointed out some things and asked for my response to them. I apologize for not showing you the same respect. I got called away on an apointment and never did get back to the blog. As I sit here now, it dawned on me that I never did get a chance to respond. No dissrespect my friend, just got pulled away!
With that said Bay, have you heard is Moreno expected to be back this week? I haven’t heard anything.
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
Broncfalls, don’t sweat it, and they are hoping for Moreno to be back Sunday, which doesn’t sound all that promissing, if there is one game we could afford to lose it would be this one, at the Ravens, they just happen to be the team I picked to win the SB this year, point is with Moreno’s hammy’s history he better sit out this one and give us a shot at beating the Jets at home, anyway that’s what I’do.
This could be the pivotal game this year for us. We were the underdogs at Tennessee, and everyone was saying that CJ would be tough to stop. The rushing D isn’t getting enough credit as MJD didn’t hit 100, and I believe he got alot of yards on one carry, so the average wasn’t that great. The big question is whether we can stop the passing game, and all I can say is that Flacco is not Manning, and Manning was the reason we lost to the Colts. Think about it, we were only 7 down going into the 4th quarter. So, it’s strength against strength, #1 passing offense against #1 passing defense, but how will the Ravens score their points? If we can play solid ST and not have turnovers–make them drive the field to get points, we will win this one!!