Recap: Denver Broncos Fast Start All For Nothing, Patriots Win 16-3
Offense and turnovers continued to falter despite the Denver Broncos success in the first quarter and keeping the foot on the gas pedal.
The Denver Broncos own a winning record over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, but the Broncos’ offense failed to maintain their fast start. It is an unknown commodity for the Broncos to start fast; however the team did so without coming away with touchdowns.
Brady led the Patriots to the first score of the game in a field goal. The first quarter scripted about as well as one could ask for from the Broncos defense. Brady did not complete a pass in the first quarter while the Broncos offense marched down the field consistently. However, the team failed to score any touchdowns all game.
Special teams let the team down from the very beginning. For starters, head coach Gary Kubiak’s decision to not activate Kalif Raymond sparked controversy across Broncos country. In my opinion, it was not the best move to begin with. Raymond was more electric on returns and held onto the ball better than Jordan Norwood. Norwood muffed another punt giving it back to the Patriots offense.
Quarterback played pretty well, but the right side of the offensive line needs to change and fast in hopes of reaching the playoffs. The Patriots pressured the weakest part of the line near Donald Stephenson and Michael Schofield. All the phases were horrible on the offensive line.
Once the game rolled on, the Broncos became predictable on offense as they moved away from the running game with Justin Forsett. Passing for 36 times is not the staple of a Kubiak-led offense. If the offensive line cannot create holes for a running back, next best thing is the passing game. Yet, if that does not work, the Broncos offense hits a wall hard to come out of. We are entered week 15 of the football season. It is inexcusable the struggles on offense continue to be the same week in and week out.
There was a chance the Broncos might score before the half with 1:20 remaining in the first half; still, Kubiak made another wrong decision in not calling a timeout when they had three in the pocket. Kubiak’s clock management is troubling in a critical game. He is a veteran coach with plenty of meaningful games under his belt to make these calls.
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The Patriots’ offense only needed one touchdown. One touchdown to beat the Broncos is all it took to make it even tougher for he team to make the postseason. Now, the franchise finds them in unfamiliar territory in reaching the playoffs. Broncos were lucky last year and they will need the lucky charms for the final two games.
Before the game began, the key for Broncos offense is to start fast. Yet, starting fast results in touchdowns, not field goals. Especially against the Patriots, where Brady will get his, the Broncos must keep the foot on the pedal and sustain long drives.
Executive John Elway needs to look at this team and understand there are a few pieces to be added on the Broncos roster. There are too many playmakers for the Broncos to be at an 8-6 record. The race for the postseason is still in reach; however, an uphill climb just got tougher.