Broncos are 5-3 at midseason and still improving
A Bronco said, after the Bengals game, it's a good thing when you can find your weaknesses and still come away with a win. What a great comment.
Before looking at those weaknesses, why not mention some of the defining characteristics of this year's Broncos team? The most notable thing to me is that the Broncos are playing with great discipline. Hats off to Fox, Del Rio, McCoy, and Manning. If there is a weakness, these coaches have proven capable of effecting a change in gameday execution that will correct that weakness. The early adversity has certainly helped sharpen this unit, because they seem to shore up any weakness quickly.
Young Broncos are on the rise. Von Miller, Harris, Carter, Wolfe, Moore, DT, Decker, Beadles, Bruton, Franklin, Unrein, Trevathan, these guys are all 25 and under, and many of them are 22, 23. They are seeing a lot of playing time. They are on an upward trajectory, trusting each other and doing their job better with each week.
Broncos are playing complete games for the first time in a long time. The team is known most for a great passing attack with an MVP caliber quarterback (#1/32 w/ 7.7 NY/A, #3/32 w/ 29.4 Point/G). But the running game, while not spectacular, is solid. The defense is known for the pass rush (#6/32 w/ 5.5 NY/A, and consider the quality of their opponents), but they are near the best in the league in low YPC against running backs (#6/32 w/ 3.7 Y/A). Kicking, coverage units, and return game look solid after the bye. Plus, the team is playing through the entire game, and playing their best ball in the fourth quarter. Dad always used to say that street fights, his forte, always went in favor of the guy who still had something extra left in the tank at the end. A mix of aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, and resolve. I see that with this team.
What has concerned me the most so far this season are the breakdowns on 3d down when a mobile QB extends a play. The other concern is the turnover differential. No reason to be concerned about the bad bounces; it's just bad luck that Broncos have lost nearly all of their fumbles, and recovered fewer than their fair share. The three turnovers against NE (10 pt loss) and four against Atlanta (6 pt loss) are a big reason why the team is 5-3 and not better. But regardless of bad bounces, no team can turn the ball over that much and win playoff games.
Overall, this looks like a solid team from A to Z that executes consistently, doesn't ad lib, and has few glaring weaknesses. There is more talent at some positions than others, but coaches are properly accounting for this. Still, you know quality opponents will find those weaknesses (like NE did) and thoroughly exploit them.
What weaknesses do you see? What is your midseason assessment?
Originally Posted by Sting
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