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Denver Broncos: Positives and negatives from loss to the Rams

By Graham Tiedtke

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos passes under pressure by linebacker Dominique Easley #91 of the Los Angeles Rams at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos passes under pressure by linebacker Dominique Easley #91 of the Los Angeles Rams at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a catch before drawing a taunting penalty in the first quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a catch before drawing a taunting penalty in the first quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Positives

Broncos’ ability to get takeaways

The Denver Broncos’ pass rush was able to get to Goff and the Rams quarterback threw one interception, a play made by Broncos safety Darian Stewart.

The fact that Denver got an interception was a positive sign even though the end result was still a loss.

It was not a clean interception, as it bounced off a Rams receiver, so it was technically not on Goff. However, something like this could boost the Broncos’ confidence heading into the short week, when they face rookie quarterback Josh Rosen and the Arizona Cardinals.

It would have been a better situation if the Broncos could get pick-sixes.  Giving the ball back to the Denver offense just isn’t working. We need defensive scores because our offense does not seem like it is able to get the job done.

Case Keenum found his top receivers

Despite Keenum’s inaccuracy in important parts of the game, he got his top two receivers involved.

Keenum found seven targets on Sunday. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders led the way with seven receptions for 115 yards and a score. Sanders has been fairly reliable for Denver this season when passes are catchable.

Sanders has 40 receptions for 501 yards on the season. Both of those stats lead the team.

Demaryius Thomas caught just three passes for 57 yards but also caught one of Keenum’s two touchdown throws.

Running back Phillip Lindsay caught six passes for 48 yards.

If Keenum cleans up his inconsistent play, the Denver Broncos could be a much better team. Unfortunately, even with changes being made to the offense, it doesn’t look like this will happen anytime soon.

It is also important to point out that not all of the bad things that are happening on offense are Keenum’s fault. As it goes with losing, the quarterback does take the majority of the blame. But that is not always fair.

The Broncos’ issues go far beyond the play of the quarterback.

Broncos pass rush showed up

Broncos rookie pass rusher Bradley Chubb had a great day. The fifth-overall pick in the 2018 draft recorded three sacks against Jared Goff, as well as four tackles.

It is fantastic news that Chubb finally had the type of game that the Broncos had hoped he would have.

Unfortunately, despite Chubb’s stellar day in terms of stats, running back Todd Gurley was still able to torch the Broncos defense for 208 yards.

The Broncos got to Rams quarterback Jared Goff five times for a sack.

Denver’s defense held Goff to just 201 yards, which is his lowest total so far this season. Goff also was held without a touchdown pass and threw one interception.

Goff also completed just 50 percent of his passes (12-of-24).

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