Thoughts on the Denver Broncos Disappointing Week 1 Loss

Some random thoughts from the horrible loss to the Raiders on MNF (In no particular order):

• Does anyone else remember when we used to be able to win at home? Yeah, me too. Even in our down years, we could always hold serve on our own field. But no one fears coming into Mile High Stadium anymore.
• I know people harp on Tim Tebow’s accuracy, but how many of Kyle Orton’s throws hit the turf last night? Orton finished with a 52% completion rate.
• The crowd and the atmosphere was fantastic. Broncos Country really impressed on the national stage. Unfortunately the product on the field fell well short. The Denver fans deserve better.

• The Broncos seem to be missing that one electric offensive playmaker who can make a clutch play.
• I give a lot of credit to the defense for hanging in there. Yes, at the end of the day they had been gashed by the run, and they couldn’t make the one stop at the end when they needed it, but they kept the team in the game early and played well enough to get the win. The offense never helped them out.
• As if losing to our rival at home (AGAIN) wasn’t bad enough, we let a Raider tie Jason Elam’s record. That just makes me sick.
• Knowshon Moreno has to be more effective than 22 rushing yards on 8 carries. Denver abandoned the running game early once again.
• You need an elite quarterback in this league. A great quarterback can cover up a lot of weaknesses and mistakes. The Denver Broncos do not have an elite quarterback right now.
• The instant that the Broncos get in a clutch situation, Orton drops the ball (Metaphorically and literally). He absolutely is the anti-Elway. He can put together a great drive when the game has already been lost, but he single-handedly gives up a 10 or 14-point swing on the drive where we can actually take the lead and gain all the momentum.
• Tim Tebow may not be the answer, but after Orton’s showing last night, how could he be any worse? Let’s see what he’s got.
• We are a young team with a new coaching staff and new schemes, and we didn’t have the benefit of a full offseason. I understand that there will be growing pains during our rebuilding process, but I really expected a better effort last night.
• The Raiders played a truly awful game and still won in our house. I’m going to be sick again. 

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