2013 Broncos Season Week 14


Another week and another giant performance for the Broncos' offense. They hung 51 points and held on to the top spot in the AFC West and AFC.

Week 14: Broncos 51, Titans 28
Season Record: 11-2 (7-0 Home)
Key Play: With the Broncos trailing 21-17 and the first half winding down, the Broncos got into scoring position and kicker Matt Prater lined up for a 64-yard field goal, which would set an NFL record. Prater lined it up, made history, and gave the Broncos momentum heading into the second half. The Broncos, who were down 21-10 at one point, outscored Tennessee 41-7 down the stretch for the commanding win.

Recap: Denver survived the brutal stretch of its regular season by going 3-1 against San Diego, Kansas City (2) and New England. They are in first place, so all they have to do is hold on and stay healthy. The Broncos didn't look great at times against Tennessee, falling behind by two scores in the first half. But as they have been prone to do all season, the team finished with a flourish. This wasn't a great win because it continued to expose some flaws for the Broncos, but it was what needed to happen. Going forward, all the Broncos have to do is win, beginning Thursday night with the game against the San Diego Chargers. If the Broncos win out, the top seed, a bye, and home field advantage is ours. Of course, it would help if the Broncos could stay healthy... With more injuries Sunday, depth is becoming an issue.

Game Balls:
* Matt Prater. Any time you nail an NFL-record setting field goal, you get a game ball. Prater has had an incredible season, and his record-setting field goal is just the icing on the cake. He has been clutch all year for the Broncos, and with that leg he is a weapon.

* Peyton Manning. A lot was made about his efficacy during the cold weather. Manning went 39-59 for 397 yards and four touchdowns Sunday. And his day, shockingly, could have been better. There were a lot of drops early, or his completion percentage could have been over 75 percent. He has been great all year, knocking down team and NFL records along the way.

* Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. These two young receivers have become incredible weapons. They each put up big numbers, moving the ball during key situations to help the Broncos pile up the second half points on the Titans.

Lingering Questions:
* Special Teams. The Broncos' special teams have been awful. The team gave up another long kick return on Sunday, which helped the Titans build a big early lead. The team also had a lot of special teams penalties that negated big returns. Ugh. Hopefully Trindon Holliday returns soon and this unit gets its mojo back.

* Wes Welker. Welker is a dynamic weapon, but he plays a tough role. His concussion yesterday was the second of the season. He has had a lot in his career and that is a problem. To win the Super Bowl, the Broncos need their best players. Welker is an important weapon, but you have to wonder about his long-term health.

* Injuries. The Broncos are getting thin. At one point yesterday with Welker out, Holliday out, and Decker on the sidelines, the Broncos only had two wide receivers left. This has been the case all over the field. The Broncos have gone six deep at corner this year and five or six deep at safety. This is a problem. We need to get healthier to make a playoff run.

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