Denver Broncos: Winners and losers from Week 1 loss to Titans

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 14: Melvin Gordon III #25 of the Denver Broncos catches a ball one-handed as he warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High on September 14, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 14: Melvin Gordon III #25 of the Denver Broncos catches a ball one-handed as he warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High on September 14, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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Denver Broncos, Garett Bolles
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 29: Offensive tackle Garett Bolles #72 of the Denver Broncos stands on the field against the Jacksonville Jaguars before the game at Empower Field at Mile High on September 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Jaguars defeated the Broncos 26-24. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos had their chances in Week 1, but still came away with the short end of the stick.

In a league where a win is a win, a loss is a loss and there are no moral victories, the Denver Broncos are not only 0-1, but they are the only team in the AFC West to have lost in Week 1.

It wasn’t really because they were outplayed. It’s not as though the Tennessee Titans were a juggernaut. They were just a little bit better in the end. Despite missing a total of four kicks on the night, Stephen Gostkowski was able to put the winning points on the board with a 25-yard field goal with just seconds remaining in the game.

The Broncos had every opportunity to put more points on the board and put the game away, but plenty of miscues led to the defeat. It was the first time the Broncos have lost a season opener at home since 2011.

It’s not a great feeling, but it is just one game.

The Broncos must now prepare for a trip to Pittsburgh to face a rejuvenated Steelers team that has a terrific defense. The team might be without Phillip Lindsay and A.J. Bouye for this game, as both left the game on Monday night with injuries.

Before we look to much further toward the Steelers, here is a look at the good and the bad from Monday night’s defeat.

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