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TXBRONC
11-10-2009, 01:20 PM
http://www.denverpost.com/premium/broncos/ci_13751177

Armstrong: Broncos' offense stuck in neutral
By Jim Armstrong
The Denver Post
Posted: 11/09/2009 09:46:30 PM MST
Updated: 11/09/2009 11:11:13 PM MST

Will the real Broncos please stand up?

Mike Shanahan was fired after last season because the Broncos' defense couldn't stop anybody. Now, the Broncos are mired in their first losing streak under Shanahan's successor because their offense can't get started.

The Broncos' defense played well enough to win Monday night against the Steelers. So what else was new? The Denver defense has played well enough to win every week. But the Broncos' defensive players couldn't get by without a little help from their friends on the other side of the ball.

Your final score from Invesco Field: Steelers 28, Broncos 10.

Once again, Denver didn't score a touchdown in the first half and scored no offensive touchdowns for the game. If you've misplaced your scorecard, the Broncos have scored four first-half offensive touchdowns in eight games. Is it any wonder they're suddenly riding a two-game losing streak that has dropped their record to 6-2?

The key stat of the game, beside the one on the scoreboard: The Broncos, through three quarters, were 0-for-11 on third down. And in case you're wondering, the answer is yes, the boobirds noticed.

With the loss, the Broncos' lead in the AFC West dropped to one game over the resurgent San Diego Chargers. No really, we're not making this up. Three weeks ago, it appeared as though Denver was going to run away with the division.

Instead, the Broncos' offensive players had better sprint back to the blackboard. With the offense spinning its wheels, the Denver defense tired in the second half, as was the case in the team's first loss of the season at Baltimore. The Steelers, after gaining 54 first-half yards, stormed their way downfield for 199 yards in the third quarter alone.

But then, just when it looked like the Steelers were going to take a 21-10 third-quarter lead, Andre Goodman intercepted Ben Roethlisberger's pass to put the Broncos back in business. But they failed to take advantage and Pittsburgh took over to put the game away.

Did we hear chants of, "We want Simms!" from the peanut gallery? Things may not be that ugly for Kyle Orton. Then again, if Josh McDaniels is looking for a spark for his moribund offense, what better place to start than at quarterback?

Jim Armstrong: 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com