2015 Broncos Season, Week 14


There are three weeks left in the NFL season. The Broncos are currently the No. 2 seed in the AFC, with a two-game division lead. But there's still plenty that can happen.

Week 14: Oakland Raiders 15, Broncos 12
Season Record: 10-3 (4-2 Home)
Key Play: With the Broncos leading 12-9 in the fourth quarter, Emmanuel Sanders went back to receive a punt. The punt got away from him, the Raiders recovered deep in Broncos' territory and quickly scored the go-ahead touchdown.

Recap: At this point in the season, good teams should win games they are supposed to win. You also have to take advantage of opportunities to improve your playoff seeding. When the Patriots lost to the Eagles last week, it opened the door for the Broncos. When the Bengals lost Sunday morning, losing quarterback Andy Dalton in the process, it opened the door even wider. But the Broncos slammed that door shut in their own faces thanks to some horrific second half play in a game they should have won. When you're facing a below .500 opponent at home, an opponent you've beaten in eight straight games, that is a game you need to win in December. Instead, the Broncos choked it away and now face a tough three-game closing stretch with a lot of pressure. The team still hasn't developed a consistent offense, and unless the defense plays a perfect game, they can't win. That's not the mark of a championship team. That's the mark of a team that's about to come up really short. The Broncos had a great chance to be the No.1 seed, and they still could be, but the effort has to improve. The Broncos have more questions than answers, which is not a positive development on December 14.

Game Balls:
* Brock Osweiler. Sure, his sack/fumble helped lead to the loss, but was it his fault? No. He was leading an offense with no running game, no real blocking, and receivers that dropped crucial passes. Osweiler should be 4-0 as a starter. The fact he's not isn't his fault.

Lingering Questions:
* Running Game. The Broncos reverted yesterday to the team that struggled for most of the first half of the season. The team had just 34 yards rushing -- with 10 of those coming from Osweiler. Sure, CJ Anderson was hurt, but the team can't seem to find a rhythm.
* Offensive Line. This has been a work in progress all season, and yesterday it was bad. Sure, the Broncos are banged up on the front line, but that's not going to improve much before the playoffs. The Broncos need to get it together.
* Butterfingers. Demaryius Thomas has been out of sync all season, and it's killing the Broncos. Yesterday, Vernon Davis joined him. The Broncos have to be better about making catches and ball security.
* Who's the QB. If the Broncos won yesterday, I still think it would be Osweiler. But they lost, though it wasn't Osweiler's fault. But I think it opens the door for Peyton Manning to return this Sunday. Will that be a good thing? Who knows. It could be his last ride, so it's time to see if Manning has anything left.
* Brandon McManus. McManus lost the kicking job last year because of his accuracy woes. He's had a good season, but he's started having misses on kicks he should make. Yesterday was one of those. That needs to improve.

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