2013 Broncos Season, Divisional Round


The goal all year for the Broncos has been to be in the Super Bowl. They are now just one game away.

Divisional Round: Broncos 24, Chargers 17
Season Record: 14-3, (8-1 Home)
Key Play: In the fourth quarter, up 17-7 with the Chargers gaining momentum, Peyton Manning missed on a pass to Wes Welker over the middle, but Welker drew the pass interference penalty. The penalty sustained the drive, and the Broncos went down to score on a three-yard run from Knowshon Moreno that made it 24-7.

Recap: The Broncos did what they needed to do on Sunday — they beat the Chargers and advanced to the AFC Title game. But to win on Sunday against the Patriots, and to advance to the Super Bowl, the team is going to need to avoid the kind of let down they had in the fourth quarter. All season it was the Broncos' offense that was the big story, but through three quarters on Sunday it was the defense that was getting it done. The Broncos shut out the Chargers out for three quarters, then fell a part a bit at the end. That furious rally stopped the hearts of plenty of Broncos fans, and gave everyone serious pause about whether this team is built to make it to the Super Bowl. The Patriots looked impressive in putting away the Colts Saturday night, while the Broncos stumbled a bit at the end. The offense needs to be sharper, and the defense needs to make plays for the Broncos to make it to the Super Bowl.

Game Balls:
* Broncos front seven. This group, minus Von Miller and Derek Wolfe, got four sacks, contained Phillip Rivers, and shut down the potent Charger run game. That was a key to the win.

* Peyton Manning. It wasn't a great looking game statistically, but Manning saw a lot of passes dropped or missed by receivers. That being said, he was good enough to get the win, and he made the big passes when it was needed.

* Montee Ball and Knowshon Moreno. These guys were solid, putting up gutsy runs and keep the ball moving. That will be key to long-term success.

Lingering Concerns:
* Chris Harris injury. Chris Harris has been a great corner for the Broncos for two years. After he went out Sunday, the defense wasn't the same. With a torn ACL, he is gone for the year and that is a HUGE blow for the Broncos.

* Special Teams. I've said it before and I'll say it again, our Special Teams suck. Denver had a huge penalty that cost them a big run back and let the Chargers recover and onside kick on Sunday. That is terrible. This needs to improve or it could hold the Broncos back.

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