2016 Broncos Season, Week Two


The Broncos continued their strong start, while the Colts have some work to do.

Week Two: Broncos 34, Indianapolis Colts 20
Season Record: 2-0 (2-0 Home)
Key Play: In the fourth quarter, leading 26-20, Andrew Luck took the snap, dropped back and was immediately hit by Von Miller. The sack resulted in a fumble that was scooped up by Shane Ray and returned for a touchdown, sealing the game.

Recap: When the Broncos and Colts met in the playoffs in January 2015, it seemed like the two teams were trending in opposite directions. The Colts one a physical game over the Broncos, advancing to the AFC Title game. The Broncos and Peyton Manning fell, and questions mounted about where the franchise was headed. Less than two years later, the script is flipped. The Broncos are 2-0, the reigning NFL Champions. The Colts are 0-2 with a lot of questions for a team that floundered last season and missed the playoffs. The questions begin on defense and end with an offense that can't protect its biggest asset, Andrew Luck. The Colts look much like the team that struggled in 2015, and less like the team that advanced to the AFC Title game following the 2014 season. At this rate, only one of these teams is making the playoffs, and it's not the one many people thought back in July. The Broncos, meanwhile, just keep plugging alone. Losing DeMarcus Ware for 3-4 weeks is a blow, but the team has shown its strength on defense. In fact, the Broncos scored two touchdowns on defense in the fourth quarter after Ware was lost for the game. So there's that. On offense, despite an injury Demaryius Thomas looked good and Trevor Siemian continues to look like a serviceable starting quarterback. After two games at home against tough teams, the Broncos' road doesn't get any easier. The team will travel to play the Bengals on Sunday.

Game Balls:
* Demaryius Thomas — Thomas came into the game hobbled, or so we were led to believe. After five receptions for 90 yards, Thomas looked like the Broncos' top receiver.
* Von Miller — Miller had never sacked Luck in his career. That changed Sunday, as he posted three sacks and forced a big fumble. Miller looks every bit the Super Bowl MVP.
* Aqib Talib — Talib had one of the biggest plays of the game, an interception returned for a touchdown that put the Broncos up 10 points and deflated the Colts.

Lingering Concerns:
* Depth — The Broncos have good depth, but they've had some injuries. Ware will be out 3-4 weeks, so that's a concern. It's time for Shane Ray to show what kind of player he can be.
* Hitting the Road — Siemian has looked solid, but not exceptional over two games. He has more turn overs than touchdowns, despite helping guide the offense to victories. But that was at home. Now he hits the road against a tough Bengals defense. Sunday will be the real test for Siemian and this new Broncos' offense.

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