The Mile High Club: Broncos (Deuce) Season 2

Miggy_Ray

Starter
After finishing up Season 1 in the Deuce winning the AFC West at 11-5 and getting blasted in their Divisional Round matchup by the rival Chargers the cash strapped Broncos were only able to make minor Free Agent moves in the offseason. But they were able to keep their core group together.

They added 2 players they hope will be key pieces to another playoff run however in HB Jerrick McKinnon coming over from Minnesota to replace the departing veteran Jamal Charles as a change of pace back and solid receiver out of the backfield.
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They also signed a former 1st round pick who has never quite panned out around the league other than a few flashes. Quinton Coples was brought in as a starter on the Defensive Line opposite Derek Wolfe hoping with enough defensive talent around him he will be able to shine not being asked to do to much but just needing him to just contribute.
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The Broncos also signed veteran Offensive Guard Jon Moffit who spent a little time with Denver in the past to fill a need of depth on the OLine.
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The Broncos wanted to add a QB but the only viable option was Sam Bradford and the Broncos could not afford to get into that bidding war with their limited funds.
 

Miggy_Ray

Starter
Broncos Draft Recap:

Not going to make excuses for the Broncos draft but they really only had 1 positions they wanted to upgrade heading into the draft. They wanted to draft a QB but the draft class was limited especially with Denver picking near the bottom of the 1st round. So instead of trying to bring in the best player available at a position they did not need they decided to just add some athleticism to some areas they felt they were aging in.

1st Round: (27th Overall)
FS Martinez Draughn (LSU) 75 OVR

Martinez is a great athlete but his development traits will be a little slow. However he is still expected to compete for a starting safety spot and see plenty of action in different formations. His athleticism is just to hard to keep off the field.

2nd Round: (54th Overall)
CB Marcus Foschi (Boston College) 67 OVR

Marcus has good size at 6'1 212 LBS and is expected to help out in the return game from Day 1. The kid has 93 Speed and 95 Acc. We fill like he can quickly be worked into a more prominent role once he learns the game a little better.

3rd Round: (81st Overall)
WR Bryant Ramsey (Idaho) 64 OVR

This kid has really good hands for a rookie wideout. As of now he has the 2nd best CTH rating of all the Denver WRs. This was probably the biggest reach of the night for Denver. But a developmental WR who can already catch is always a positive.

4th Round (87th Overall)
DE Lawrence Aikens (Idaho) 71 OVR

Back to back Idaho players drafted by 1 team that has to be a record? The Broncos run the 3-4 defense and the defensive ends need to be big and strong. Aikens definitely fills those boxes at 6'6 308 Lbs and 88 STR. For a man his size he does have some athletic ability as well however.

4th Round: (108th Overall)
CB Ace Ginn (Indiana St) 67 OVR

Ace give the Broncos another CB to develop he has a solid base to work with. Needs to get more familiar with the step up in competition he will see now coming from a small school.

5th Round: (135th Overall)
DE Martinez Wayne (ECU) 70 OVR

The Broncos battled injuries at DL last year especially heading into the playoffs. So they wanted some more beef up front. Martinez is another big 3-4 DE at 6'4 and 314 LBs. But again for a big man he has solid athleticism.

6th Round: (162nd Overall)
HB Veneton Sims (Wisconsin) 65 OVR

Took a chance on Sims based on his 40 time but he is a going to be a bit of a project going forward. Likely will start his career on a practice squad.

7th Round: (189th Overall)
WR Pearson Grice (Fresno St) 68 OVR

Pearson is probably a season or 2 away from making a big impact but he had a really good debut in the preseason and looks like he could be fighting to make the roster as a 5th maybe even 4th WR. Another rookie WR with a solid CTH rating.

 

Miggy_Ray

Starter
Preseason Week 1 Recap:

The Broncos opened up season 2 in The Deuce on the road in Chicago. Coach Vance Joseph has stated he is holding an open tryout at the QB position after the ups and downs suffered by Trevor Siemian last season. So all 3 of Denver's QBs saw action in a 20-17 Overtime Win in Chicago.

Siemian started the game for Denver as the Broncos received the opening kickoff. After a 3 yard run by CJ Anderson to start. Siemian hit his new starting TE Jake Butt for 11 yards and a first down. But then after a run for a short loss Siemian was sacked on back to back plays by the Bears Defense to force a punt. The Bears started with a Trubisky pass for 7 and then a Howard run of 6 for a 1st down. Then Chicago picks up another 1st down. After forcing the Bears into a 3rd and 9 Trubisky finds his TE Zach Miller for 22 yards down to the Denver 8. 1st and 2nd and goal Denver stuffs 2 runs to leave a 3rd and goal still from the 8. But Trubisky finds Cam Meredith on a slant for a TD.
7-0 Bears Lead.

After a 32 yard return by Rookie 2nd rounder CB Marcus Foschi. The offseason acquisition HB Jerrick McKinnon goes to work picking up 9 on 2 carries. 3rd and 1 Siemian drops back to pass and is sacked for the 3rd time in the 1st qtr. This is a strip sack recovered by Jerrell Freeman. The 2nd quarter begins and the backups start to work their way in. Bears backup QB Mike Glennon finds WR Josh Malone for 17 yards into the redzone. Denver again stuffs the run twice and leaves a 3rd and 9. But like Trubisky, Glennon is able to convert on 3rd down hitting WR Daniel Braverman for 14 yards setting up another 1st and goal for Chicago. Denver stuffs the first down run. On 2nd down Mike Glennon drops back but Denver has everything covered. So Glennon takes off and scrambles for a 6 yard TD run.
14-0 Bears

Rookie CB Foschi again with a solid return of 25. Former 1st round pick Paxton Lynch has entered now. And he comes out red hot going 5 for 5 on the drive with some runs sprinkled in which ends with Lynch finding Rookie 7th Round pick WR Pearson Grice for a 17 yard TD on an out route.
Bears lead cut to 14-7

As the 2 min warning approaches both teams trade 3 and outs. The Broncos punt it back to the Bears with just over 1 min left and all 3 timouts. Glennon works the team down the field with a couple 20 plus yard completions getting all the way down to the Denver 25. But with just 8 seconds left Glennon was sacked for a big 13 yard loss. This left the Bears young kicker Jordan Gay to have to try a 55 yard FG which he missed badly.
Bears up 14-7 at the half

The Bears received the 2nd half kickoff. Glennon immediately found Josh Malone for 36 yards to start the drive. But after an incompletion and another Denver sack. This left the Bears facing a 3rd and 18 from the Denver 40. The Broncos thoughthe the Bears would just try to get back into FG range but Glennon and his big arm had other ideas as he zipped one to Braverman for 27 yards and a 1st down to the Denver 13. The Denver defense shut things down from there and forced the Bears to extend their lead only with a FG.
Bears up 17-7 now

After another nice return from Foschi of 29 yards. Lynch comes back out and after starting 5 for 5 all of a sudden cannot hit anything. Then on 3rd down he was sacked and that forces a 3 and out. Denver seems to be in a little trouble now. Even if it is preseason other than Lynch's first drive it had been rather ugly on offense. After the punt Glennon comes back out and on first down throws a little late on a comeback route and CB Lorenzo Doss picks it off and takes it to the house from 51 yards out finally giving the Broncos team a spark.
Bears lead cut to 17-14

This fires up the Denver defense as they quickly force a 3 and out. After Denver gets the ball back we can see the pick 6 must have inspired the offense. 3rd string HB Devontae Booker picks up 13 yards. Lynch then completes a check down pass for 3 yards on first down. On 2nd down Lynch somehow escapes the grasp of the rushing DLman and takes off and slides for a 1st down. A solid first down run by Booker again for 6 and then a screen pass to De'Angelo Henderson goes for 7 and another 1st down. Lynch finds possibly a diamond in the rough Rookie FA signee TE Herschel Curtis who was the Broncos leading receiver in this game for 7 yards. Booker ends the 3rd quarter with a run for a first down to the Bears 39.

The Broncos made a mistake starting the 4th quarter that killed their momentum but they wanted a whole quarter to evaluate Chad Kelly. So after a negative yard run Kelly dropped back on 2nd down and threw a pick on his first pass attempt. The Broncos defense forced a quick turn around after 1 quick 1st down. After the punt pins the Broncos at the 5. De'Angelo Henderson starts the drive with a run of 11. Then Chad Kelly gets a chance to show what he can do hitting Rookie WR Pearson Grice on back to back plays for 12 and 17 yards. After a 4 yard loss on a toss play. Kelly comes back with back to back completions again. This time to Lucky Whitehead for 11 and then a big catch and run by Rookie 3rd rounder Bryant Ramsey for 41 yards all the way to the Bears 7. But after 2 negative plays left a 3rd and goal from the 12. Kelly threw incomplete to Pearson Grice looking for his 2nd TD of the game but it was just slightly overthrown in the back corner of the endzone. McManus hits the chip shot FG to tie it up at the 2 min warning.

Game tied 17-17 now.

The Bears did manage a 2 min drill that reached the Broncos 39 but on 3rd down Glennon was sacked to kill the drive and force a punt that pinned Denver back to the 4 yard line and with only 38 secs remaining the Broncos just ran out time in regulation.

The Broncos won the toss in overtime and came out with 3 straight runs. This got them up near midfield and left a 3rd and 2 which Chad Kelly converted as he found his TE Herschel Curtis for a 19 yarder to the Bears 29. Denver tried 2 runs but that left a 3rd and 8 and Kelly was sacked back to the 34. Luckily still in range for McManus and he hits a 51 yarder to give Denver it's first lead of the game.

Denver takes a 20-17 lead

The Bears had a good start to a drive and then Glennon found WR Josh Malone for 21 yards down to the Denver 37. A false start on first down put the Bears behind the sticks. Then a sack made it 2nd and 21 then an incompletion made it 3rd and 21. Glennon was sacked again to force a desperation heave that was almost caught in the end zone as the Bears wideout got one hand on it but could not pull it in and that is how it ended.
Final: Broncos 20-Bears 17

Offensive Players of the Game:

Paxton Lynch: 8-11 92 Yards 1 TD 0 INT
De'Angelo Henderson: 7 Att 34 yds
Herschel Curtis: 4 Rec 43 yds
Pearson Grice: 3 Rec 46 yds 1 TD

Defensive Players of the Game:
James-Michael Johnson: 5 tkles 1.5 scks
Martinez Draughn: 6 tkles 1 FF
Shane Ray: 3 tkles 2 sks
Lorenzo Doss: 3 tkles 1 INT 1 TD




 

Miggy_Ray

Starter
Week 1 Recap:

Broncos @ Ravens (CPU)
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Unfortunately I accidentally deleted my play by play breakdown for this game :cry:.

The Ravens scored first in this game taking the opening drive down spending most of the first quarter with possession of the ball. Their drive ended with a Justin Tucker FG.
Ravens lead 3-0

The Broncos answered right back with a long drive of their own. Trevor SIemian was hot beginning the game completing his first 4 passes. In a surprise move HB Jerrick McKinnon who came over in free agency got the start at halfback and he also was off to a hot start picking up solid runs. The Broncos drive ended with a CJ Anderson TD run however into the 2nd quarter.
Broncos lead 7-3

For the next couple of possessions both teams traded punts back and forth and HB Jerrick McKinnon was injured (dislocated hip) until Denver came on to punt later in the 2nd quarter. But the Veteran Safety Eric Weddle busted through and blocked Riley Dixon's punt setting the Ravens up with prime field position. They held the ball until under the 2 min warning but the Denver Defense as they did all day kept making stops when they needed to. Tucker came on and added another FG to make it a 1 point game.
Broncos lead cut to 7-6

After a nice kickoff return by the rookie CB out across the 30 yard line and about a 1:15 remaining in the half. SIemian called a safe HB screen to get the drive started with McKinnon now injured they subbed in their other speedster De'Angelo Henderson. Henderson caught the screen and the blocking downfield was masterful and after weaving behind and around some blocks he was in a foot race with Safety Tony Jefferson and he was no match for Henderson as he took the screen pass to the house from 67 yards out.
Broncos go up 14-6 into the half

The Broncos got the ball first in the 2nd half and carried over that momentum smoothly driving down the field to the Ravens 24 yard line. On 3rd down the Broncos spread the Ravens defense out and seemed to cause some confusion as they completely blew their coverage assignments and left Rookie TE Herschel Curtis running all by himself down the middle where Siemian hit him for an easy catch and run TD.
Broncos increase lead to 21-6

The Ravens came out on their next possession and mounted a solid drive of their own into Denver territory. But again the Denver defense shut the drive down and held them to a FG.
Broncos lead 21-9

The Broncos get it back now but they do not keep it very long as on the first play of the drive again they run a Toss play with Anderson and again with outstanding blocking he goes untouched for a 75 yard TD run.
Broncos up 28-9

Give the Ravens credit as they just would not quit. Again they put a drive together only to see it fizzle out again and lead to the 4th Tucker FG of the game.
Broncos up 28-12

The Broncos feel like they are in control of this game but somehow it is technically still a 2 possession game. Still they try to get maybe a little to conservative playing a few of the backups on offense and are forced to punt. The Ravens again get across midfield but Denver again shuts the drive down and forces a turnover on downs. Denver conserves alot of the remaining clock running Booker and Henderson they get down to the 14 yard line and the Broncos know 1 more score of any kind should end it. Then due to a mixup in personnel (I did not realize I was in a formation where I manually subbed in Anderson) Anderson ends up back on the field and takes the handoff and he is smacked in the backfield for what should have been about a 3 yard loss. But he spins his way out of the tackle and by the time he regains his balance it seems the entire Ravens defense was on the ground so Anderson literally walks in for another TD to end the scoring.
Final: Broncos 35- Ravens 12.
 

Miggy_Ray

Starter
Week 2 Recap:

Cardinals @ Broncos
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The Broncos improve to 2-0 on the young season in an impressive total team effort victory over the visiting Cardinals.

Denver received the opening kickoff but both teams traded 3 and outs to start the game. The Broncos next possession saw them pick up a first down on a De'Angelo Henderson 14 yard run but Siemian came out of the gates very erratic and the Broncos were forced to punt again. The Cardinals picked up a first down of their own as on 3rd down AJ McCarron found Jimmy Graham for 12 yards. But 2 Denver sacks in the next 3 plays forced a punt. Arizona got a sack of their own to start the Broncos drive bit on 2nd and 17 Siemian was able to hit Demaryius Thomas on a deep out route for 22 yards. Devontae Booker then picked up a 13 yard run to close out the 1st quarter still scoreless. The 2nd quarter began with Siemian hitting TE Jake Butt returning from injury after missing the opener for another 17 yards. 2 stuffed running plays left Denver in a 3rd and 10, but Siemian was able to keep the drive alive hitting Carlos Henderson on a short comeback route for 13 yards putting Denver in the redzone at the 19. The very next play from scrimmage Siemian handed it off to De'Angelo Henderson who scampered to paydirt from 19 yards out.
7-0 Broncos

After the touchback the Cards offense took the field and again did nothing with it on 1st and 2nd down. Then on 3rd and 15 McCarron dropped back and overthrew his receiver right into the waiting hands of Aqib Talib and he returned it to the 18 yard line. But the Broncos failed to pickup a 1st down and Kicker Brandon McManus was forced to come on and hit a 29 yard FG.
Broncos up 10-0

After another touchback followed by an incomplete pass and a 4 yard run. McCarron found Jimmy Graham again on 3rd down for 26 yards into Denver territory for the first time all day to the 45. But they never gained another yard and had to punt. Just over 2 mins remain in the half when Denver takes over. The drive starts with back to back runs of 5 and 7 yards for CJ Anderson. Then Siemian connects with Emmanuel Sanders for 22 yards followed by a check down to De'Angelo Henderson for 7 more. Siemian completes his 3rd straight pass going back to Sanders for 15 more yards. Siemian then makes it 4 straight hitting Carlos Henderson for 16 yards down to the goaline with 30 secs left in the half. Next play Devontae Booker punches it in from a yard out and basically ends the half.
Broncos lead 17-0 at the half

The opening play of the 2nd half was a perfect example of how the day was going for the Arizona offense as they started the 2nd half with a false start. After a short dumpoff to David Johnson for 4 yards he left the game banged up. That brought in HB Jeremy Hill and he gained 9 yards on his first run and then on 3rd and 2 picked up 3 for a 1st down. Then McCarron completed a pass for 31 yards to TE Jermaine Gresham into Denver territory for only the second time all day. But again they would not gain another yard in fact they lost 7 thanks to a sack. Denver gets their first 2nd half possession with nearly half the quarter gone already. Siemian completes a 1st down pass to Thomas for 12 yards. Then after a stuffed run and an incomplete pass leaves a 3rd and 10. Siemian drops back and perfectly reads the coverage and hits his 4th WR Lucky Whitehead on another deep out throw for 20 yards. Siemian throws again on first down going back to Thomas for 7. Then De'Angelo Henderson runs for 8 yards. Siemian again throws on first down hitting TE Jake Butt this time for 8 yards. But after a negative run and then a coverage sack stalls the Broncos drive at the Zona 36. McManus comes on and adds to the lead with a 53 yard FG.
20-0 Broncos increase the lead

McCarron came out firing to start the Cards drive hitting John Brown for 15 yards. But 3 straight incompletions after that forced a 4th and long from their own 37 to start the 4th quarter. The Cards elect to go for it but yet another incompletion gave the ball to Denver basically in FG range already. Anderson finally got things going a little bit after going for over 100 last week the Cards seemed ready for him. But he gained 5 to start the drive and Siemian converted on 3rd down hitting Thomas for 9 yards. Anderson picked up a short gain on first down but they go back to him on 2nd down and he picks up a 13 yard run down to the Arizona 9. First down run for Henderson goes for no gain. 2nd down Siemian dumps it off to his FB Janovich for only 1 yard. On 3rd and goal Siemian dropped back but Arizona played coverage all the way so Siemian just scrambled for a short gain of 3. McManus hits the chip shot FG from 22 yards.
Denver now leads 23-0

Now with under 6 mins to go and the game seemingly in the bag Denver decides to rest their entire defense to avoid injury for no reason. They really wanted the shutout but the bigger picture is more important. This allowed Arizona to move the ball alot easier than they had been all day. McCarron was throwing on every down now. He got into a small groove and moved the Cards the deepest into Denver territory than they had been all day to the 32. But the Denver reserves wanted to preserve that shutout as well. James-Michael Johnson sacked McCarron in place of Von Miller and then on the very next play in place of Aqib Talib backup CB Brendan Langley picked off McCarron for the 2nd time just outside of the 2 min warning. Denver then ran out the rest of the clock and get the win.
Final Score: Denver 23-Arizona 0
 

Miggy_Ray

Starter
Week 3 Recap:

Bengals @ Broncos
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This was an ugly game for the Broncos especially along the offensive line and even more specifically for LT Garrett Boles. The Broncos allowed a ridiculous 13 sacks on the day with 7.5 going to DE Carlos Dunlap alone!!! (Can we suspend CPU players? Lol) The Broncos tried everything they could think of to slow down the rush but it just kept coming over and over.

The 1st quarter was just a disaster for both offenses it was just a total puntfest. The only highlight of the 1st quarter was a missed 55 Yard FG by the Broncos Brandon McManus. That was as close as either team came to scoring until the final minute as Cincy started to put a little drive together spilling over into the 2nd quarter. Near the beginning of the 2nd quarter the Bengals kicker Randy Bullock connected on a 43 yard FG put the Bengals up 3-0.
Bengals up 3-0

Now Denver finally started to get some offense rolling in the 2nd quarter. Mostly a balanced rushing attack with both Anderson and Booker with an occasional pass mixed in when Siemian could actually get the ball out of his hands. Denver drove the ball using up most of the time in the 2nd quarter all the way down to the Cincy 2 yard line where Siemian was of course sacked on 3rd and 1. Denver settles for the chip shot McManus FG
Game tied 3-3

Just over 2 mins left in the half when Cincy gets the ball back and Denver forces a 3 and out. Denver takes over with 1:40 left but after an incompletion Siemian was sacked on 2nd down and then completed a short pass on 3rd down well short of a first down. Cincy uses their timeouts wisely and force a punt with still 1:27 remaining. Dalton comes out on first down and throws a terrible pass on a post route into essentially double coverage, but both Donte Moncrief and both Broncos defenders all collide and the ball pops way up in the air and about 10 yards further down the field. Moncrief somehow manages to stay tracked right on it and runs underneath it for a fluke 59 yard TD.
Bengals go up 10-3

The Broncos should have just cut their losses and headed to the lockerroom but now they were angry and not thinking clearly after giving up that fluke TD. So Siemian came out firing but on 3rd down he was picked off by S Shaun Williams at the Broncos 38. Luckily Randy Bullock missed a 55 Yard FG of his own to keep the halftime score at 10-3
Halftime Bengals lead 10-3

The 2nd half started with Denver going 3 and out with of course Siemian being sacked on 3rd down. The Bengals started the 2nd half with another big 36 yard pass to Moncrief to put the Benglas in FG range already but Denver gave up virtually nothing from there. Randy Bullock came on and hit the FG from 45 yards out.
Bengals extend lead to 13-3

The Broncos went back to Anderson and Booker to start their next drive and four straight run plays resulted in 2 first downs. Then Siemian hit Emmanuel Sanders for 20 yards and then Anderson picked up another first down with a 10 yard run. After a short Anderson run of 3 Siemian was sacked yet again to force a 3rd and 13. But Siemian was able to find TE Jake Butt for 24 yards to keep the drive alive down to the Cincy 3. First down Booker was stuffed for no gain. 2nd down Siemian was dropped again for a loss of 6. So 3rd and goal from the 9 to start the 4th quarter now and Siemian gets sacked again. So after backing up to the 14 now McManus is called upon again for a short FG.
Bengals lead cut to 13-6

The Bengals start the next drive with a 8 yard pass on first down to TE Tyler Kroft. Then Dalton gets sacked to leave a 3rd and 14 but Dalton finds Donte Moncrief again for a 27 yard gain. Dalton got greedy though trying to throw 3 straight passes but he was sacked twice and threw incomplete to force a punt. After a short punt into a stiff wind and a 12 yard return by Lucky Whitehead the Broncos took over near midfield down 7. They go back to the running game as they realize they cannot really protect Siemian. Anderson picks up 12 on 1st down then 2 plays later De'Angelo Henderson breaks off another 12 yard run down to the 18. 1st down Siemian drops back and the rush is surrounding him again, but this time he sees a crease and squeezes through taking off. He had a chance to slide or get out of bounds and after the beating he took all day I would not have blamed him but he decided to fight for the goaline he came up just short but his 16 yard scamper seemed to fire the team up. Cause on the very next play CJ Anderson punches it in to tie the game up.
Game tied 13 all

3:00 exactly left in the game now. Denver has clawed their way to a tie ballgame. Defense just has to make a stop. After an initial firstdown on a pass to TE Kroft the Denver defense did force a punt with 1:53 remaining in the game. Punting into that wind again the Broncos took over at their own 41 with the wind at their back and needing just a FG to win it. Anderson runs on first down for a solid 6 yards. Knowing the pass rush is coming Denver tries a WR screen on 2nd down but it is dropped for a 2 yard loss. 3rd and 6 from their own 46 Siemian drops back and gets hit again but he gets the pass off this time but because of the hit the ball is off target and right into the waiting arms of veteran LB Kevin Minter who proceeds to return it all the way for a pick 6 TD with only 29 secs left.
Bengals back up 20-13

The Broncos need a miracle they complete a pass up to the Denver 43 but Siemian is sacked forcing Denver to use their last timeout. Siemian drops back with just 3 secs left and gets sacked again but they call a face mask penalty on the defense with no time on the clock and move the ball to near midfield. Hail Mary time to try and tie it. But of course Siemian never gets the pass off as he is sacked again to end the game.
Final Score: Bengals 20-Broncos 13

This loss drops the Broncos to 2-1 on the season and next week they are on the road in Primetime on Sunday night to face the Tennessee Titans.
 

Miggy_Ray

Starter
Week 4 Recap:

Broncos @ Titans
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The Broncos came into this Sunday Night Primetime game after the debacle last week and got back to playing Denver Broncos football with ball control offense and solid defense to improve to 3-1 on the season.

The Broncos received the opening kickoff and got things going early after a solid 4 yard run to start the game by Anderson, Siemian hit Carlos Henderson for a 20 yard pass. Then after Anderson went backwards on first down Siemian hit Emmanuel Sanders for 8 yards to set up a 3rd and 3. Denver elected to run it and it payed off with De'Angelo Henderson taking the handoff and going for 12 yards. After another negative run on first down by Booker, Siemian hits Demaryius Thomas for a 17 yard gain down to the Titans 11. CJ Anderson got back to back carries from there going for 5 yards and then going for 6 yards into the endzone for a TD.
Broncos take 7-0 lead

The Titans started their first drive off in good fashion as well. DeMarco Murray went for 5 on first down and then Mariota hit Corey Davis for 13 yards. Then however after a short 2 yard run by Henry the Broncos broke up a 2nd down pass and on third down Mariota was sacked to force a punt. Denver again put another solid drive together with a 4 yard run from Anderson followed by a De'Angelo Henderson run again for 11 yards. Siemian then throws on first down hitting Sanders for 12 more. A short run for Booker led to a 2nd and 8 from the midfield stripe. Siemian then hit Demaryius Thomas for 11 yards and a first down then Anderson was stuffed on 1st down for no gain to end the 1st quarter. The 2nd quarter started with an incomplete pass. But on 3rd and 10 Siemian threw a laser right on target on a deep post route to Sanders who made the catch inside the 10 but got blasted and appeared to fumble. But after a booth review it was clear he was down before the ball came out. So 1st and goal from the Titans 7. The Broncos tried to pound the rock in from there but after 2 runs got them down to the 1 Devontae Booker was denied and actually lost 2 yards. So McManus came on to knock in a chip shot FG.
Broncos take 10-0 lead

The Titans know they need a score now. So after a negative Derrick Henry run on first down Mariota dropped back on 2nd down and could find nobody open. So he scrambles outside and takes off for a 13 yard run. Mariota then throws incomplete on 2 straight passes leaving a 3rd and long. But Mariota finds a 3rd time is a charm hitting Corey Davis for a 16 yard gain to keep the drive alive. Murray picks up a nice run of 13 yards for another 1st down. Then a 4 yard run followed by a negative run leaves another 3rd and long for the Titans. But again Mariota finds Corey Davis on a 27 yard gain all the way to the 1 yard line. Next play 3rd string back David Cobb punches it in.
Denver lead cut to 10-7

Denver gets the ball back with plenty of time to mount a drive. Anderson got it started with a 9 yard run on first down. Then was dropped for a 3 yard loss on 2nd down leaving a 3rd and 4 as we reach the 2 minute warning. Siemian calmly hits Sanders for a 12 yard gain to keep the drive alive. But a sack on first down for an 8 yard loss and then an incomplete pass on 2nd down all but ended that drive as Denver with the lead just runs a draw on 3rd and 18 and punts it back to Tennessee with 1:14 remaining in the half. The Titans were backed up inside their own 20 so they wisely played it a little safe knowing they would get the ball first in the 2nd half. They started the drive throwing a screen and a short dumpoff to their backs to pick up a 1st down. But after breaking nothing big they decided to take it to the half.
Broncos still lead 10-7 at the half.

The Titans opened the 2nd half with a 3 and out as on 3rd and 1 the huge back Derrick Henry was stopped to force a punt. The Titans punter with the wind to his back boomed a punt pinning the Broncos all the way back inside their 20 at the 14. CJ Anderson picked up 9 on first down. So on 2nd and 1 the Broncos tried to catch the Titans napping and take a playaction deep shot. Siemian got the 1 on 1 coverage he wanted but the receiver could not get behind the speed of the 2nd year man Adoree' Jackson and he was able to go up and make the pick. A 4 yard run by Derrick Henry and then a short pass to Taywan Taylor leaves a 3rd and 3. Denver dials up a zone blitz scheme and Mariota makes the right read throwing hot on the slant route but what he did not see or should he expect was the big 334 pounder backup DE Zach Kerr dropping back into a zone and the more amazing thing was he caught it for a INT and he has a short return up near midfield. Siemian shakes off the INT on his last pass and hits Sanders for 17 yards to start the drive. Backup HB Devontae Booker then picks up 5 yards on first down followed by a big 21 yard run down to the Titans 5 yard line. De'Angelo Henderson then almost gets it in but he is stopped at the 1. CJ Anderson then takes it in from there for his 2nd TD of the game.
Broncos extend their lead to 17-7

The Titans next possession is a 3 and out and after another booming punt Denver starts out with a decent 4 yard run on first down. Siemian then hits TE Jake Butt for 6 yards and they mark him just shy of the marker. 3rd and inches Siemian elects to pass to convert the 1st down and hits Demaryius Thomas for 8 yards. Then on 2nd down Siemian goes back to Butt for 7 yards and that ends the 3rd quarter. It also pretty much ended Denver's drive as the 4th quarter starts with a short run and then a negative run. Siemian then throws incomplete on 3rd down to force a punt. The Titans very first play after the punt was an INT by the veteran Aqib Talib to set Denver up at the Titans 36. But the Titans defense stuffed 2 straight runs leaving a 3rd and 13. The Broncos play it conservative and run a screen to De'Angelo Henderson that picks up 9 yards and shortens the McManus FG attempt to a 47 yarder which he hits.
Broncos go up 20-7

The Broncos defense is smelling blood now as the Titans take over down 2 scores but plenty of time left at 6:26 remaining. Mariota gets sacked on 1st down for -7 but then Mariota scrambles on 2nd down for a positive 7 leaving 3rd and 10. The 3rd down pass was knocked away by nickelback Bradley Roby leaving a 4th and 10. Again down 2 scores but still over 5 mins remaining the Titans make the choice to go for it now. Mariota dropped back but could find nothing open. He tried to take off late but could only manage a gain of 1. So the Broncos take over at the 27 yard line. They know a FG could pretty much end the game if they can use up a little clock. So after 2 short runs for 2 yards each leave a 3rd and 6. Siemian hits Emmanuel Sanders for 13 yards to the Tennessee 11 yard line. After 2 runs went nowhere we reach the 2 min warning. On 3rd and goal from the 10 Siemian handed it off to Booker who almost got in actually getting stopped at the 1. McManus chips in a 18 yarder to make it a 2 TD and 2 two point conversion game.
23-7 Broncos

The Titans got it back with 1:17 left in the game and technically only down those 2
scores elected not to just sling it around and actually just ran out the clock although highlighted by a Murray 31 yard run.

Final Score: Broncos 23-Titans 7

GG WKXT85 good luck the rest of the season.

Next week the Broncos travel on the road again to take on the winless 49ers.

 

Miggy_Ray

Starter
Week 5 Recap:

Broncos @ 49ers
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The Broncos took control in the 2nd quarter and cruised to victory against the winless 49ers.

The 49ers started the game off and established the run off the bat with 2nd year pro HB Joe Williams. Williams picked up gains of 3 and then 11 yards to pickup a 1st down. But then Denver dropped Williams for a 3 yard loss. Then HB Anthony Goodwin got in on the fun with a 7 yard gain leaving a 3rd and 6. Brock Osweiler facing one of his former teams attempted his first pass but it was incomplete forcing a punt. The Broncos got the ball for their first possession and tried to establish a running game of their own. CJ Anderson started with an 8 yard run and followed that up only gaining 1. Devontae Booker came in on the 3rd and 1 and was stuffed for no gain forcing a 3 and out. The 49ers took back over and went back to pounding the rock. Joe Williams busted runs for 13, 10, and then 7 picking up a couple first downs and moving the ball just across midfield. Then Osweiler threw an incompletion again on 2nd down. On third down Osweiler hit his backup TE Cole Hikutini for 13 yards and a 1st down to the Denver 35. Williams picked up another chunk run for 14 yards but Denver finally bowed up and held them to 2 short runs leaving a 3rd and 7 from the 18. But Osweiler had his pass dropped by WR Markus Wheaton that would have kept the drive alive. K Kai Forbath came on and hit the FG from 35 yards out.
49ers take 3-0 lead.

The Broncos finally get the ball back near the end of the 1st qtr. Siemian starts the drive with a 15 yard pass to Demaryius Thomas followed by a 12 yard run by CJ Anderson quickly moving the ball up near midfield and to end the 1st quarter. The 2nd quarter starts with Siemian hitting WR Emmanuel Sanders for more yards. After a short run by Devontae Booker for 2 yards. De'Angelo Henderson gets his first carry and picks up 9 yards and another first down. Siemian with another first down pass goes back to Demaryius Thomas for a 19 yard TD connection.
Broncos take the lead 7-3

Osweiler comes out passing on first down himself and completes a short pass to his TE Jeffery Truong for 5 yards. Then a false start moved it back to 2nd and 10. HB Williams went back to work with a solid 7 yard run. On 3rd and 3 the Niners went back to Williams for another big 19 yard run. The Broncos defense then finally stopped a run followed by 2 straight incomplete passes to force a punt. The Broncos started the drive nicely with a 22 yard run by CJ Anderson but then failed to pickup another first down and punted it back to San Fran. However on first down Osweiler was picked off by Chris Harris Jr giving it right back to Denver. Anderson again started with a big run of 16 yards. Then a run went nowhere followed by Siemian hits WR Lucky Whitehead for 17 yards down to the Niners 9 yard line. Devontae Booker was stuffed on 1st down but on 2nd down Siemian hits TE Jake Butt for his 2nd TD pass of the game.
Broncos increase lead to 14-3

The 2nd half started with the Broncos having the ball but each team traded 3 and outs which led to Denver having the ball back. They start with 3 straight short runs that just barely pickup a first down. On first down Siemian drops back and finds Demaryius Thomas for a big gain of 32 yards. After De'Angelo Henderson got a run for 9 yards Siemian dropped back and hits WR Carlos Henderson for 11 yards down to the Niner 5 yard line where on the very next play Devontae Booker takes the handoff and scores.
Denver up 21-3 now

HB Joe Williams came right back and led his team down the field in the final minutes of the 3rd quarter with a 6 yard gain and then he busted a run of 58 yards all the way to the Broncos 9 yard line. His backup Goodwin came in and was dropped for a 2 yard loss. Osweiler then threw 2 straight incomplete passes that forced the 49ers to kick another FG this one from 28 yards.
Broncos lead cut to 21-6

The Broncos next drive started with another long 24 yard run from CJ Anderson and Henderson with another run for 6 yards. Siemian then hits Sanders for a 13 yard gain. The 4th quarter starts now with 2 short Anderson runs leaving a 3rd and 2. Siemian then finds his backup TE Herschel Curtis for a short 5 yard gain but keeps the drive alive. Siemian then finds Thomas for another first down to the 49ers 14 yard line. After 2 runs leave a 3rd and 3 Siemian throws incomplete forcing Brandon McManus to come on and hit a chip shot 24 yard FG.
Broncos extend lead to 24-6

Osweiler comes out and picks up a first down with a 23 yard pass to Pierre Garcon but he was then sacked on 1st down. 2nd down pass was broken up by Bradley Roby. 3rd and 20 Osweiler hits Garcon again for 10 yards. The Niners are forced to go for it on 4th and 10. But Osweiler has his pass dropped by Jeremy Kerley. So the Broncos take over near midfield. They keep things on the ground for 5 out of 6 plays down to the 49ers 25. McManus then connects on a 42 yard FG. The Niners get the ball back but could do nothing with it as the clock runs out.
Final Score: Broncos 27-49ers 6

The Broncos improve to 4-1 on the season and will be at home next week against their division rival Kansas City Chiefs.


 
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