Five Takeaways From The Broncos’ Season Opener

Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) is congratulated by wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos outlasted the Indianapolis Colts Sunday night to win their third consecutive season opener.

Bronco quarterback Peyton Manning threw three touchdown passes in the first half, which helped secure a 31-24 victory over his former team. Manning also joined Brett Favre as the only two quarterbacks in NFL history to have defeated every single team in the league.

But for those of you who had a curfew to uphold, the Broncos did not completely roll the Colts and coast through their prime time matchup as you might’ve thought.

A 24-7 lead going into halftime can be very misleading against the Colts, more specifically, quarterback Andrew Luck.

Luck endured his fair share of troubles versus Denver’s revamped defense, but ultimately led the Colts within one drive of tying the game up.

The Broncos have a whole lot to be proud of after the performance they turned in Sunday night.

A 17 point margin doesn’t just evaporate into thin air, though, and Denver still leaves their season opener with a fair amount that they need to work on if they’re going to be the first team in 42 years to win the Super Bowl after being beaten in said championship game.

Here are five takeaways from the Broncos 31-24 triumph over the Colts.