Evans: Broncos Country, it’s not time to worry about style points
Oct 3, 2017, 7:18 PM | Updated: Mar 12, 2023, 7:39 pm
My observations from the Denver Broncos much-too-close win over the Oakland Raiders:
1. The Broncos defense is starting to look a lot like …
… The unit that carried Denver to the Super Bowl 50 victory a couple of years ago.
The run defense is on a historic roll, shutting down some very good backs in Melvin Gordon, Ezekiel Elliott, LeSean McCoy and Marshawn Lynch.
Couple that with a secondary that is starting to find its way with Justin Simmons and Will Parks, and you’ve got a defense that looks capable of going anywhere and winning.
2. That is going to be important because …
… The offense has regressed during the past couple of weeks.
Perhaps that was to be expected, with the Broncos enjoying the benefit of surprise early with a new coaching staff. But the NFL catches on quickly, and defenses are adjusting to Denver’s offensive line and Trevor Siemian.
Siemian, in particular, is getting different looks, and it is slowing down his decision making, forcing him to hold onto the ball longer and not make the kind of plays he was making the first two weeks of the season.
The next step in his development is to counter what defenses are throwing at him. Every good quarterback has to go through it at some point. It’s his turn. We’ll see if he’s up to it.
3. Demaryius Thomas has been a disappointment.
He had just one catch for 11 yards against the Raiders. He doesn’t have a touchdown catch through the first four games, and he hasn’t gone over 100 yards.
He was supposed to experience a revival under offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. It hasn’t happened yet.
The DT critics are circling, and his performance is giving them reasons to believe he just doesn’t play hard enough.
4. There are no problems with the way C.J. Anderson is running the football, but …
… I really would like to see more Jamaal Charles. There is more energy and possibility for a big play when he’s touching the ball.
I understand the Broncos want to guard against injury and wearing down, but at some point, the wraps need to come off.
5. I don’t believe guys get paid and then get fat and lazy.
What I do believe is guys get it in their heads they need to justify that new contract.
That said, Brandon McManus: R-E-L-A-X and kick the damn football.
6. It’s good to see A.J. Derby give the Broncos …
… A real, live pass-catching tight end option.
This is important because I believe talk of Jake Butt coming in midseason and riding to the rescue is way too optimistic.
Here’s someone who’s coming off a wrecked knee, who hasn’t played competitive football in a long time, who will be trying to ramp up and join an NFL season already going 100 miles per hour, all while being a rookie.
What I’m saying is: Don’t expect too much, and keep hoping Derby can deliver like he did against Oakland.
7. T.J. Ward doesn’t make the kind of athletic play …
… Simmons did on the game-clinching interception.
Score one for John Elway and his personnel decision making.
8. Score another for his adding Domata Peko.
The dude has been an absolute stud in the middle of that run defense.
9. And while I’m at it, anyone missing Wade Phillips?
Well, maybe for his personality.
But not his running of the defense. That side of the ball is in good hands with Joe Woods.
10. Raiders fans better hope …
… My morning partner, Mark Schlereth, is wrong about the timetable for Derek Carr’s injury.
If it is indeed close to four weeks, watch out Raider Nation.
We all saw last year how you guys crumbled without your Maybelline QB. If it is going to be four weeks, 4-4 when he comes back isn’t out of the question.
If that’s the case, good luck even making the playoffs.
11. I hate the bye week this early.
This sets up 12 straight weeks of football — seven games on the road — with no breaks.
Rest up, boys. It’s going to be a grind.
