Five Takeaways From The Broncos’ Season Opener

Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Erik Walden (93) sacks Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) late in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Colts 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Dangerous Trend

Not finishing games strongly in their entirety can sink the very best teams. In some of the more recent high-profile matchups the Broncos have had, they’re not closing out games at the championship caliber they should be.

In Week 12 of last season, they coughed up a 24-0 halftime lead over the Patriots and went on to lose 34-31 in overtime.

The Broncos started the fourth quarter versus the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs up 17-0. Despite not getting any closer, the Chargers were able to close the gap to 24-17 with just under four minutes to play.

The same Patriots were down big again 23-3 and ended the game but a two-point conversion and possession away from possibly tying the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.

Denver’s killer instinct was almost nonexistent on Sunday night as they watched the Colts come all the way back from a 24-0 deficit to nearly complete the upset.

Peyton Manning took the glass half-full approach on surviving Indy’s comeback attempt.

"“Obviously we would have liked to have kept the ball there at the end, and out of their offense’s hands, but our defense stepped up when it had to all night… “"

This is a trend the Broncos must buck if they hope to make it back to the Super Bowl, let alone win the AFC for the second consecutive year.