Five Takeaways From The Broncos’ Season Opener
Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos safety Rahim Moore (26) reacts after catching an interception 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
Defense Is The Difference
The most talked about and anticipated unit on this Broncos team was undoubtedly the defense.
The additions of safety T.J. Ward, cornerback Aqib Talib and defensive end/linebacker DeMarcus Ware started the extensive offseason hype. The return of four starters from injury, including safety Rahim Moore and All-Pro linebacker Von Miller, sparked talks of elite defensive status.
Well, the defense proved against the Colts that it truly has what it takes to be a top-ranked unit.
The Broncos forced two turnovers. Moore scooped up a tipped pass in the first quarter, and was able to snag another interception of Andrew Luck on an overthrown pass later in the game.
Ware recorded his first sack and a half as a Bronco and the defense racked up three altogether. A fourth-and-goal stuff of Luck at the goal line highlighted the new-look defense’s night.
When Denver’s offense stalled for nearly all of the second half, it was the defense that stepped up.
Yes, they did allow 17 points in the final two quarters of play, but were stuck on the field for most of the half. If not for a miracle recovery of Julius Thomas’ fumble, the Broncos would’ve been completely shutout in the second half of play.
To cap off the solid defensive outing, rookie cornerback Bradley Roby swatted away a fourth-down pass intended for Colts receiver Reggie Wayne to preserve the 31-24 victory.
Roby summed up the play of his defense after the game via Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post.
"“It was tight at the very end,” Roby said Sunday night. “We said: ‘We’ve got to make a play to win the game. We can’t rely on the offense. It’s on us.’ Defense wins the game. We went back out there and did what we needed to do.”"