Broncos 2015: Defense shines again in 16-10 victory

Oct 11, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward (43) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

So, Broncos fans, do you still have a pulse? It has been some ride for 60 minutes, but the defense has helped out once again and has made it the reason behind 4 of the team’s five victories.

Thanks to a Chris Harris Jr. pick six, the Denver Broncos have moved to 5-0 on the season with a 16-10 victory. It was another ugly win as the Broncos offense could not get anything going on offense when it mattered most.

Peyton Manning completed 22 passes for 266 yards. But however he had two huge turnovers, both to Charles Woodson. After not being picked off by Woodson for his entire career, he throws two of them to him. I am sure Woodson was happy about his two interceptions.

The run game also could not get anything going. C.J. Anderson has 22 yards rushing on eleven attempts. Not good at all. In fact, the entire offense just looked lost in the Black Hole.

What was not lost was the defense. Minus the one touchdown they have allowed, they were really solid and proved why they are the best in the league.

Here are your three stars from this afternoon’s game.

Third Star- Shaquil Barrett, Edge Rusher

Shaq Barrett had quite a solid game, especially when Demarcus Ware was ruled out. He had four tackles and one sack. He also forced a fumble.

His performance today helped ease some minds of Broncos fans as far as depth is concerned. He can make a huge play whenever his number is called upon. Cannot wait to see what else he has to offer.

Second Star- Brandon McManus, Place Kicker

Brandon McManus continues to prove that he was a solid option for the Broncos for 2015. He made all three of his field goal attempts for the day and moved to 12/12 on field goal attempts on the year.

One thing that has frustrated me this season is the lack of finish from the Broncos offense in the red zone. At least when it comes down to it, McManus is quite a reliable option through the first five games of the season.

It remains to be seen how he will perform down the stretch, but I give him an A+ through the first five games.

First Star- Chris Harris Jr., Defensive Back

The Broncos offense just could not get anything going, so just like the Baltimore Ravens game, it was going to come to the defense. And did it. With the Raiders’ offense driving, Derek Carr attempted a pass to a crossing route and it was jumped by Chris Harris Jr.

He would return the interception 75 yards for a touchdown. It is the second pick six for the Broncos this season and the third defensive touchdown. An interesting stat for you all. All three defensive touchdowns have come from the secondary. Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby have the other two.

The No Fly Zone was in full force in the game and the touchdown that put the game away helped seal a victory for the Broncos.

The Broncos are 5-0 and one of the handful of undefeated teams in the NFL. They travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns in Week 6. They are coming off a huge overtime win against the Ravens. Go Broncos!

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