2013 Broncos Season, Week 4


I have been a Bronco fan for a long time and I don't think I've ever seen our team look this good. And, by all accounts, we might get better as key defenders get healthy and Manning and the offense have more time to work together. That is a scary thought for 31 other NFL teams.

Week 4: Broncos 52, Eagles 20
Season Record: 4-0 (3-0 Home)
Key Play: In the third quarter, after taking the opening kick-off, the Broncos culminated a 10 play, 80-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown toss to Demariyus Thomas. Like so many opening drives of the second half, it extended Denver's lead and opened the flood gates. The Broncos, who led 21-13 prior to the touchdown, put up 31 unanswered points on the way to a 32-point home win.

Recap: This was a tale of two teams seemingly going in opposite directions. While the Broncos and Eagles came into the game with the top two offenses in the league, the Broncos continue to build while the Eagles have stumbled after an opening night win over the Washington Redskins. This figured to be a big test for the Broncos' defense. In the early going, the Eagles' fast-paced offense was able to move the ball. But Denver adjusted, and even without Champ Bailey and Von Miller for the fourth straight game, the Broncos defense held the Eagles in check. DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, and Michael Vick struggled to gain yards and put up points, settling for two field goals and one touchdown in the first half. As the Broncos poured it on with three passing touchdowns in the third quarter, the Eagles were buried by the Broncos pass rush as man-to-man coverage was enough to keep the Eagles' offense in check. Denver also had a great day on special teams, with Trindon Holiday returning a kick-off 105-yards for a touchdown and the Broncos blocking a punt in the fourth quarter that was returned for a touchdown. Overall, the Eagles were shut down, trailing 52-13 before the starters for both offenses found a seat on the bench to end the game. It has been a good start to the season. It's hard to quibble after your team puts up a club record for points in a game — 52 — and your quarterback has the most TD passes through four weeks — 16 — in NFL history. For Broncos fans, this season has been a dream.

Game Balls:
* Peyton Manning. I think sometimes we expect greatness from Manning because he's always done it. But he has been incredible. Four weeks, 16 TD passes, no interceptions, and a 75 percent completion percentage. It's like a video game, but it's real life. I think Dan Patrick summed it up best on "Football Night in America" when he said he was surprised to see an incomplete pass. That's how good Manning has been.

* Demariyus Thomas and Wes Welker. The Broncos have great receivers, and yesterday it was Thomas and Welker carrying the load. Both caught two touchdowns and about 80 yards. It is hard to know who to cover on this team.

* Special Teams. The Broncos generated two special teams touchdowns. Holiday is a beast, and the Broncos have been hitting on all cylinders.

* Broncos Offensive Line. Manning was hardly touched, the Broncos ran well, and the whole offense moved like an incredible machine. Big ups to Chris Clark as he's taken over for Ryan Clady. None of this happens without the great people up front.

Areas of Concern:
* Can this last? The biggest concern with super teams like what the Broncos have been over the first four weeks is whether it's sustainable. Injuries, apathy, and an easy schedule can fail to prepare teams like this for the Post Season. It's hard to see Denver losing, but at the same time the quest for perfection can be the biggest obstacle. Look at what happened to the Patriots in 2007. There are minor things to quibble about with this team, but right now the biggest concern has to be how good they can be, how long it can last, and whether it carries to the Super Bowl. Because absent a Super Bowl, even a great season is meaningless.

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