2015 Broncos Season — Week 11


The Broncos won, snapping a two-game losing streak, and did it all without Peyton Manning. The team is up three games with six to play.

Week 11: Broncos 17, Chicago Bears 15
Season Record: 8-2 (3-1 home)
Key Play: Near the end of the fourth quarter, after Jeremy Langford scored on a two-yard touchdown run to make it 17-15, the Broncos defense stiffened and blocked the two-point conversion that would have tied the game.

Recap: I am on the fence about Brock Osweiler as a starter. During his limited pre-season work in four seasons we've seen some flashes, but not enough consistency. That didn't really change on Sunday, either. But it was his first regular season start, it was on the road, and he was facing a team coached by the coach that drafted him. He had a couple nice plays and did enough to win. More importantly, he didn't turn the ball over — something Peyton Manning had done in each of his previous nine starts. So the question now becomes, is there a QB controversy? I think it's possible. But how do you say no to Manning if he can go? Is he going to be healthy enough? Can he regain form? Or should Osweiler lead this team for the rest of the season and into the post season. Osweiler is a fourth year player, true, but he's essentially a rookie when it comes to playing in regular season games. Is that enough for a team with playoff aspirations? It's good to win, and at 8-2 the Broncos seem a near lock for the playoffs. But there are still plenty of questions.

Game Balls:
*Brock Osweiler. Ostweiler was solid in his first start, going 20-for-27 for 250 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. It was a solid effort that helped the Broncos win.
* Vernon Davis and Owen Daniels. The Broncos' tight ends were a big factor in the win. Daniels four catches for 69 yards and Davis had six for 68 yards. Having tight ends that are productive will help the Broncos this season.
* Von Miller. Miller didn't have an exceptional game, but he did make the most when it counted, getting a sack and forcing a fumble that killed a Chicago drive late. Miller is a great talent and the engine that drives the Broncos' defense.

Lingering Questions:
* Who plays quarterback. Manning has been bad this season. But he is still Peyton Manning. Do the Broncos make the change? Will Manning's injury keep him out? Can the Broncos win in the playoffs with either QB?

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Burial a courtroom drama with heart

Broncos Draft Targets

Favorite Westerns, No. 43