2017 Broncos' Season, Week 3

Yesterday wasn't a great game, and I'll get to analysis in a minute. But yesterday was about more than games. It was about the future of our country, and I was proud to be a football fan when I saw those men bravely stand up for what is right by taking a knee during the anthem. If you're offended by that, you should also be offended by someone who claims to be our leader that has no regard for the Constitution and no problem using profanity to defame his citizens. Now on to the game, which left us feeling anything but proud.

Week 3: Buffalo Bills 26, Broncos 16
Season Record: 2-1 (2-0 Home)
Key Play: There were many, but the one that stood out was a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Von Miller as he had fun and joked with Bills' quarterback Tyrod Taylor. The penalty extended the drive and helped the Bills salt the game away with a late field goal. It was ridiculous for many reasons and was a key point in the game.

Recap: Prior to the start of the game, as early as last Monday, I called this a trap game for the Broncos. Many did. Denver started off 2-0 and looked incredible at times in pounding the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. The Bills, meanwhile, struggled to beat the Jets in Week 1 and posted just three points in Week 2. This had the makings of a slaughter. But the Broncos had weaknesses in their wins, and a team is never more dangerous than when its back is against the wall. That was true for both the Broncos, who came out flat and looked like they'd read too many of their own press clippings, and the Bills, who aren't quite ready to pack in the season. And the result was what you'd expect in that circumstance, a 10-point Denver loss. The reality is the Broncos aren't good enough to overcome themselves yet, and there's work to be done. The Broncos have a tendency to play to the perceived level of their competition, and that's a dangerous thing. Let's hope the team will rebound Sunday against the Raiders and head into the bye week on a solid note.

Game Balls:
* Jamaal Charles. Charles is starting to round into form. He had 56 yards and a touchdown on nine carries, his best game as a Bronco. And, in fact, I like the two-man rotation with Charles and Anderson.
* Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Both continue to look strong and to help carry the Broncos' offense. Thomas caught six passes for 98 yards while Sanders caught seven for 75 yards, but it could have and should have been more. They are as dangerous a duo as there is in the NFL right now at receiver.

Lingering Concerns:
* The Playcalling. I had questions about playcalling and rotation yesterday. A week after watching Anderson destroy the Cowboys he only got eight carries, spaced out over four quarters. That's not enough to develop a rhythm. In fact, the whole offense looked off at times. And, the decision to go for a fake punt given the down distance and time in the game was brutal, too.
* Blocking. Our offensive line is better at times and in certain places, but there is still room for improvement. An acid test will be facing Khail Mack on Sunday.
* Justin Simmons and Will Parks. I like our young safeties, and I think their future is bright. But there were always going to be some growing pains in them taking over from a veteran like TJ Ward, and we've seen that in these first three games. Their play needs to improve.
* Trevor Siemian. I like Siemian, and I think he's the right choice to lead the Broncos. He did some great things in the first two weeks, but this was still just his 17th start. And, at times, he still looks like that. He made a couple poor decisions in this game that cost the Broncos.