The Denver Broncos are set to play host to the Indianapolis Colts in week two of the NFL season. Here is your open game thread…
The Broncos are seeking to get to 2-0 with a favorable start to the season on the schedule as they have their first two games at home, definitely an asset for a team breaking in a new quarterback. For the Broncos thus far, it’s been great as NFL neophyte Trevor Siemian, who had never passed in a regular season game before, did well in completing 18 of 26 passes (69.2 percent) for 178 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
As I watched film, I could see what Sunday Night Football on NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth was critiquing him for on the interceptions, as he didn’t put enough air under the ball. The same criticisms were echoed on the Broncos Radio Network by play-by-play announcer Dave Logan, so in the mouths of these two witnesses, it was easily confirmed.
Still, Siemian has the poise and moxie that current Broncos general manager John Elway exhibited in his playing days and that covers a multitude of errors. For those of us in Broncos Country who remember Elway before his Super Bowl championships, it’s the same grit, tenacity and desire to excel against all odds that Elway showed which Siemian emulates. I think this is why Elway and Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak are so bullish on him.
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Anyway, against a beleaguered Colts defense, that is currently 26th in total defense, after giving up 448 yards to the Lions in a 39-35 loss (the 39 points they gave up is the most in the NFL after Week 1), Siemian should have a chance to excel once again.
Furthermore, the Colts’ defense is also banged up as defensive tackle Henry Anderson, cornerback Vontae Davis, safety T.J. Green and cornerback Patrick Robinson have all been ruled out for Sunday’s tilt at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
As for the Broncos, receiver Bennie Fowler (who technically will always be the answer to a trivia question as he caught quarterback Peyton Manning’s last pass) is out Sunday for the second consecutive week. Star wide-out Demaryius Thomas (4 rec, 48 yards against Carolina) is questionable with a nagging hip injury and also questionable for the Broncos are defensive end Derek Wolfe and offensive lineman Ty Sambrailo.
In any event, the Broncos are blessed to have things generally going in their favor, with an 87-degree weather day and sunshine in the cards for them and “a sea of orange” in the stands as outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware called it during Thursday’s press conference with Denver media.
The Colts will still compete in this one, notwithstanding the odds stacked against them (all Las Vegas sportsbooks have them as at least a 6-point underdog to the Broncos) as signal-caller Andrew Luck (31 of 47, 385 yards, 4 TD’s) looks as good as he ever has and is 3-1 (including playoffs) against the Broncos in his career.
In any event, this is your game thread, please use it accordingly. Horseshoe Heroes consists of friends and if any of them happen on us, please treat them nicely, the Broncos Way.