Despite losing star receiver Eric Decker in the offseason, the Denver Broncos kicked off their 2014 season by outpacing the Indianapolis Colts enroute to a 31-24 win, proving the Mile High city’s offense is once again a force to be reckoned with.
The Broncos jumped to a 24-0 lead in the first half against the Indianapolis Colts and managed to sustain some late game heroics from up-and-comer Andrew Luck.
Denver showed off a much more balanced and talented roster than the team fielded last season, giving fans and players alike high hopes for a successful 2014 campaign.
Somewhat unnoticeably missing from the Manning’s offensive arsenal was Eric Decker, who, after racking up 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, left for the New York Jets in the summer for a large payday.
Even then, offense didn’t skip a beat without the talented redzone threat, displaying an impressive array of weapons at the pass-catching positions. Blossoming tight end Julius Thomas turned in a huge week, catching seven balls for 104 yards and tacking on three touchdowns for good measure.
One area where Decker was sure to be missed was the redzone, where he could utilize his large frame to shield defenders from the ball.
However, 3- and 5-yard touchdowns from Thomas quelled any worries Broncos fans had about aerial redzone scores.
Without a big bruising running back, Denver relies on their passing game to get into the endzone often, as evidenced by Manning’s 55 touchdowns last season.
The lead back Montee Ball did account for a 3-yard score, but even on that run he was pushed back and used his agility to get around the pile. Between Julius Thomas’ and Demaryius Thomas’ big bodies and leaping abilities, the Broncos’ redzone effectiveness should continue at a high level.
Bronco’s defense looked improved compared to last season’s. Much healthier and with a few extra additions, the defense held the very-hyped Colts offense to 7 first-half points.
In the second half, the entire team entered the inevitable lull which arises from gaining such a large lead, but managed to avoid a Colts comeback.
Andrew Luck passed for 370 yards as result of being behind for nearly the entire game, but his team only ran for 54 yards.
While the passing yard total is a bit alarming, this game was won by the Broncos because of momentum plays made by the Denver defense which simply did not occur last season.
Early in the third quarter, Denver stopped the Colts on a four down goal line stand, effectively turning the tide and further frustrating Luck’s offense.
Rahim Moore nabbed two interceptions off of tipped passes, taking the ball away from the Colts and giving it back to Manning.
Newcomer Demarcus Ware contributed 1.5 sacks, although Von Miller recorded only one tackle. This dynamic pass rushing duo had a fairly productive first game together, but needs to cause more pressure consistently to live up to their immense potential.
First round draft pick Bradley Roby, another new addition to the Broncos, actually led the team with seven solo tackles.
Roby had a difficult time with the wily veteran Reggie Wayne, but overall showed a lot of potential when flashing his physical traits. With a more vicious mentality, this defense is shaping up to be more of a compliment to the record breaking offense, as opposed to being a liability.
While the Colts’ comeback was a bit too close for comfort, the Broncos displayed a potent offense, along with a revamped defense.
Health permitting, this roster has the talent to return the Broncos to the Super Bowl in one of Peyton Manning’s last seasons in the league.
Week one provided the team with a great test and an even better result as they embark on another valiant attempt at capturing the Lombardi Trophy.
The Broncos also defeated the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 14, making their record 2-0.
