Broncos vs. Bengals: First Half Analysis

Dec 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) scrambles out of the pocket under pressure during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

With the Broncos trailing the Bengals 14-3 going into the half, I take a look at what the Broncos need to do to adjust and evaluate the first half.

The Denver Broncos trail the Bengals 14-3 going into the half. Instead of a quick start like we saw against the Steelers, it appears that offense has stayed in Pittsburgh since that first half game. And the defense seemed to have joined them.

The Broncos are going to need to adjust in a big way if they want to lock up a postseason birth. Let us take a look at the reactions and analysis from the first half.

Broncos Defense not Kicking and Screaming

The Broncos have been known for their defense for the majority of this season. However, in the first half of the Bengals game, they have not looked the part.

The Broncos are playing coverage defense instead of getting in A.J. McCarron’s face. This is not the defense that Broncos fans have seen. McCarron is converting on third down and getting key offensive plays.

Not to mention that the Bengals two touchdown drives have been for a good amount of eight minutes each. The big key is that they need to stop them on third down. Get the defense off the field. They will tire if they do not get off the field.

Broncos Offense Struggling

The Broncos offense has clearly been struggling. They are going on four straight quarters without a single point. It is quite embarrassing. I honestly do not know where to go with the offense.

Offensive line are not holding blocks. They are not getting anything going as far as moving the ball down the field. It is just plain embarrassing.

Where do I go with the offense? Clearly they stayed behind in Pittsburgh and have refused to come out of that locker room. What they need to do is to play smart and just take it one play at a time.

Next: Broncos vs. Bengals Game Thread

A silver lining. Emmanuel Sanders did go over 1,000 yard receiving on the season. Second straight season he has done so.  And the offense looked solid on their last possession of the half, until it stalled in the red zone. Stop me if you have heard that before.

Not much left to talk about. The Broncos do get the football to start the second half. The only thing that I am hoping for is that the Broncos become a second half team rather than a first half time from the last two games. We can only hope.