2015 Broncos Season, Week 9


The Broncos weren't going to win them all...

Week Nine: Indianapolis Colts 27, Broncos 24
Season Record: 7-1 (3-0 Home)
Key Play: With the Broncos trailing 27-24 and time winding down, the Colts ran for two yards to set up a critical third and seven. However, Broncos' corner Aqib Talib was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, giving the Colts new life and a chance to run out the clock.

Recap: The defense was the salvation of the Broncos for the first six games. Last night, it cost the team its first loss. Of course it's not all on the defense. But the nearly untouchable Broncos defense struggled to get sacks, failed to get a turnover, and allowed the first first-quarter points of the season to an opponent. The Colts jumped out 17-0, then the Broncos defense killed its comeback chances with stupid penalties down the stretch. Talib could, and should, be suspended. It was a dumb performance. Additionally, the Broncos' offense struggled again. Peyton Manning finished three yards shy of the all time record while throwing two interceptions, including one in the fourth quarter that helped seal the team's fate. And the Broncos couldn't run, again. After a couple good games, Ronnie Hillman was stymied, and the Broncos looked lost on offense against a Colts defense that has been lost all season. The Broncos weren't going to win every game, but this feels like a bad loss. The team will need to rebound at home next week against a suddenly feisty Chiefs team.

Game Balls:
* Omar Bolden. After Emmanuel Sanders was banged up on the first play of the game, Bolden stepped up to return punts. His punt return for a touchdown at the end of the first half was the spark the Broncos needed to get going.
* Owen Daniels. The talk this week was about the trade to acquire Vernon Davis, but it was the Broncos' OG tight end, Daniels, that looked great. He caught six passes for 102 yards and a touchdown.
* Emmanuel Sanders. Despite an ankle injury on the first offensive play, Sanders caught six passes for 90 yards and a touchdown, including a 64-yard strike in the third quarter.

Lingering Concerns:
* Peyton Manning. Sure, he threw two TD passes, which was nice. But Manning also threw two more interceptions (13 on the year) and seems to give at least one away in every game. That doesn't help the Broncos' cause offensively.
* Running Game. The Broncos went right back to struggling in the run. CJ Anderson looked good in limited work (getting 34 yards on five carries) but that's not enough for this Broncos' offense.
* Penalties. The Broncos defense has been heavily penalized all season. Most games it hasn't mattered. It mattered yesterday.

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