Denver Broncos Struggles Will Put a Chip on Their Shoulder

Dec 22, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) runs the ball away from Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball had good and bad moments. The defense was unable to stop the run. Jeremy Hill’s touchdown run after Aqib Talib’s interception return for a touchdown stole all the momentum, and seemed to put the defense on their heels. Again, injuries. It showed in the short game for Denver. Screens went for big gains. What looked like sure tackles in the backfield turned into positive yards for Cincinnati.

If you can not protect the quarterback, he will not play well.

Peyton Manning looked rattled by the end of the game. It seemed like he took a hit on every pass attempt. His throws looked bad, but he was constantly in a hurry, and constantly under attack. If you can not protect the quarterback, he will not play well. By the end of the game Manning’s footwork was bad, and he looked scared. The interceptions he threw were caused by a desire to get rid of the ball and avoid getting hit.