2014 Broncos Season, Week Seven


It's time for the weekly Broncos' recap. This one has a lot to celebrate as the Broncos pounded the 49ers, moved into first place in the AFC West, and saw Peyton Manning set the all time touchdown record.

Week Seven: Broncos 42, San Francisco 49ers 17
Season Record: 5-1 (4-0 Home)
Key Play: In the third quarter, leading 21-10, Peyton Manning connected with Demaryius Thomas on a 40-yard touchdown strike. The Broncos would add two more touchdowns in the third quarter — both on runs from Ronnie Hillman — to take a 42-10 lead and salt the game away.

Recap: There's not much more you could ask for in a game than what the Broncos delivered on Sunday night. Peyton Manning set the record for most touchdown passes all time. DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller pounded Colin Kaepernick all night. The Broncos posted 42 points in three quarters, and played their most complete team game. And, of course, with the Chargers' loss in the afternoon, the Broncos moved into sole possession of first place in the division and now boast the best record in the AFC. There are a few minor quibbles with some things on this team, areas they can improve, but when you win over a quality opponent, move into first place, and set a record, how can you not be overjoyed. And since this team battles San Diego Thursday, hopefully they'll get some rest and be ready to move ahead in the division. Fortunately, with the game out of reach at the end of the third quarter, the Broncos got to rest their stars. That should serve them well in a fierce division battle Thursday night.

Game Balls:
* Peyton Manning. When you throw four touchdowns, for 318 yards, have a near perfect quarterback rating, and set an all time NFL record, you get a game ball.
* Demaryius Thomas. The stewing he did during the Bye week served him well. Demaryius has been on fire the past three games.
* Ronnie Hillman. Montee who? That's right, I don't think Montee Ball gets his job back. Hillman has great burst, great instincts, and has put up two great games as the starter. The job should be his.
* DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller. These two have added the punch Denver needs to its pass rush. All they did last night was combine for five quarterback sacks and dominate the 49ers up front.

Lingering Concerns:
* Special Teams. If the Broncos have a weakness, it's on special teams. Too often Isaiah Burse makes risky decisions when returning punts. He hasn't cost the Broncos yet, but he's pressing his luck too often.
* Penalties. Even in a dominating win last night the Broncos cost themselves chances. Penalties have been an issue in several games, and something this team needs to get cleaned up.
* Right tackle. I didn't think Chris Clark was bad, but last night he got replaced by Paul Cornick, who got a couple penalties and got beaten badly on a sack of Manning. That needs to get tuned up for Denver.

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