Broncos vs. Bears: First Half Reactions and Analysis

Nov 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) is congratulated for scoring a 48 yard touchdown reception by quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos lead the Chicago Bears 10-6 at halftime. My worries were that Brock Osweiler would feel the pressure early. However, he has responded well so far today.

Let us look into the first half key moments of the game.

Brock Osweiler leads the Broncos to a TD early

After the Denver Broncos forced a three and out, the offense got to work. With a balance of great running and on target passes by Brock Osweiler, the Broncos took their first lead since the Green Bay Packers game. The drive ended with a 48 yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas.

On that touchdown pass, Thomas did most of the work as he walked the tight rope for the last few yards. It is something that I had pointed out as well as Julie that if you throw it short, let the wide outs do the rest of the work. Thomas did that on that touchdown pass.

It was the start that the Broncos were looking for. Great to see such a great drive end well.

Broncos running game solid in first half

The Broncos have had a difficult time getting the running game going. James Palmer of NFL Network noted that having Manning in the pistol made it difficult to running backs to read what is in front of them.

It appears that they were right. With Osweiler under center, the Broncos running backs have been solid. Ronnie Hillman has rushed for 50 yards while C.J. Anderson has 26 yards rushing for a total of 76 yards rushing.

Perhaps having the quarterback under center helped the Broncos a bit in regards to the running game. So depending on how Osweiler play, we could see more under center.

Broncos Defense Keeps Bears out of end zone

On the first drive, the Broncos did a solid job forcing a three and out. Since the opening touchdown by the Broncos, the defense has struggled a bit getting off the field on third down. But have limited the Bears to two field goals.

I think if the Broncos are going to have a shot, they need to get off the field on third down. They have also allowed quite a few deep balls too. And that is not good.

Hopefully, the Broncos defense brings more heat as they have not gotten to Jay Cutler a lot in the first half. More intense pressure will be better.

Next: Game thread: Broncos vs. Bears

The Broncos will receive the ball to start the second half. Go Broncos!