Broncos "Leaps" into the #2 seed with Ravens beating.

Lets start by summing up the day in one sentence.  RB Knowshon Moreno is running straight ahead towards eight time pro-bowler and all-pro safety Ed Reed, and as he lowers his head for the tackle, Moreno leaves his feet and hops over Reed to keep the play going, leaving everyone in shock that Reed just got "punk'd!" 

The Broncos have struggled in recent history against the Baltimore Ravens, including going 0-5 in Baltimore.  The injury riddled Ravens still are considered a threat, and this having a "must-win", having the chance to lock up the division, was ready to get up for this game.

The Broncos and Ravens we locked into a defensive battle in the first quarter.  Through the first right combined drives, there was six punts, and turnover and field goal scored by the Broncos.  Again, the biggest issue Denver has is getting off to a fast start, particularly against the good teams they have played all season long.

The Broncos on their last drive of the first quarter were able to put together an eleven play, 78 yard drive lead by running back Knowshon Moreno.  Moreno, who is filling in admirably for the injury Willis McGahee, ran the ball for 71 yards on 17 carries in the first half, 118 yards for the game on 22 carries and a touchdown, helped give the Broncos build a lead.  After having been in the doghouse with Head Coach John Fox earlier this season, Moreno's play has taken notice amongst his peers says wide receiver Demaryius Thomas 

"I’ve been watching Knowshon since college. I played against him. I know what the man can do. It’s crazy what he’s done since he’s been back. I’m happy for him, and I just hope he keeps doing it."

The defenses, as mentioned came to play.  The Denver defense didn't give up a first down to Baltimore until eight minutes remaining in the first half and their first third down conversion until just over three minutes remaining in the first half.  They also keep the ball out of the Ravens hands with almost a 2-1 T.O.P. ratio.  Despite all this, the Raven were mounted a drive to help close out the first half.  The Ravens had won the toss to begin the game and deferred to have the ball to begin the second half, Baltimore began to build momentum.

The drive consisted of three plays going for 10+ yards, including a 43 yard strike from QB Joe Flacco to WR Jacoby Jones to help set the Ravens up with first and goal from the four.  Flacco, starring down his receiver to his left side, throws the ball, CB Chris Harris jumps the route and returns the INT the other way, and 98 yards later, the Broncos are close out the first half up 17-0 and steal all the momentum from the Ravens.  Fox knew that his game would be decided through momentum, and the Harris INT was the "swing" of momentum they needed.

"Yeah, this game is about momentum and making plays and those are the kind of plays that change games. We knew that turnovers were going to be important in this game. We ended up +2. It’s something that Baltimore’s done a tremendous job of taking the ball away and not giving it up. They’re +12 on the season. We were -2 going into this game so we knew that was going to be a real big factor in the game."

The Broncos being a team predicated on halftime adjustments and playing much better in the second half, did just that.  First drive for the Ravens resulted in a three-and-out.  Manning took to the field and lead five play, 83 yard drive that was capped off with Manning ( 17-of-28, 204, TD) hit WR Eric Decker in stride for a 53 catch and run good for a touchdown.

Meanwhile, the defense continued to play at an elite level.  Granted the Ravens had a major change on the offense with the firing of Cam Cameron and the promotion of Jim Caldwell to Offensive Coordinator.  The Raven offense found no rhythm against the Broncos defense.  Only on third down conversion in the first half and a first down didn't come until late in the second.  The Ravens could not get on the scoreboard until their first drive of the second half, resulting in a field goal.  The Ravens offense, looking for a jolt of life, did not find it on this day.  Having gone 1-of-12 on third down conversions and only 12 first downs throughout the entire game.  They could not keep any drive alive until the fourth quarter.  This game was seen as a test for the Broncos, and for them to come out and flex their muscles left a last impression in their minds that they are ready to play with the big boys.  Elvis Dumvervil told the Denver Post that they have what it takes to beat anyone.

The Ravens, lead by QB Joe Flacco (20-of-40, 254, 2TD's, INT) and RB Ray Rice (12 carries, 38 yards) took pounding after pounding.  The Denver defense hit the Raven offense with three sacks, five tackle for losses, three pass deflections, nine QB hits and the INT return for a touchdown.  In all, 23 players recorded a tackle in this game.  The Ravens didn't score their first touchdown until the game was out of hand, at the beginning of the fourth when Denver was leading 31-3.  Denver would give up a couple TD's late and go on to win 31-17.

Denver received help as well with San Francisco holding off a late comeback by the New England Patriots.  N.E. holds a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Broncos after beating them earlier in the season.  But Denver now sits 11-3 while N.E. sits at 10-4.  Currently, Denver is sitting in the #2 spot in the playoffs, should they win out as they wrap the season up now at home against the Cleveland Browns and the Kansas City Chiefs, they will be looking at a first round bye in the playoffs.

Broncos get it done in Oakland, sights on #2 seed...

The Denver Broncos continued their strangle hold over the rest of the division this past week as they traveled to the "Black Hole" to take on the Oakland Raiders.  Coming off a big and convincing victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Broncos had a quick turn around as they played their game on a Thursday night.

Records go out the window when these two teams play, particularly under the lights in primetime.  This matchup was no different.  The Broncos jumped out quick, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive as QB Peyton Manning connected with TE Joel Dresseen.  The Broncos following two drives resulted in field goals that put the Broncos up 13-0 going late into the second quarter.

As mentioned, when these two teams, records go out the window, and Oakland certainly showed it.  The result of the stalled drives was pressure put on Manning by the Raiders.  They managed to camp in the back field with the Broncos for much of the night.  The Raider defense played decent at times in the game, coming up with three sacks, three pass deflections and four QB hits.

What was key in the Raider defense was getting pressure on Manning, forcing him to try and take a stab at the endzone.  CB Phillip Adams was able to get his hands on a pass the was underthrown, touchback, Raiders ball at the twenty.  The Raiders took time of the clock, building momentum as the Raiders kept the Bronco defense for better than six minutes.  In that drive, Oakland went nine plays in "No Huddle" on a 14 play drive.  QB Carson Palmer went 9 for 11, 80 yards that was capped off with a six yard pass to RB Darren McFadden for the touchdown to help close out the first half down 13-7. 

Oakland came out in the second half giving the Broncos a little bit of a scare as on the first play of the third quarter, McFadden gets to the outside and runs up the sideline for 36 yards.  The Bronco defense buckled down and forced the Raiders to punt.  Manning (26-of-36, 310, TD, INT) helped moved the ball with a couple passes completed for better than 20 yards.  RB Knowshon Moreno (32 carries, 119 yards, TD) helped move the chains that eventually lead to a field goal. 

On a week in, week out basis, the Denver defense makes a play that helps blow a game wide open.  This week wasn't any different.  On 3rd and 6 from the Raider 12, LB and DPOY candidate Von Miller blew passed RT Clint Barmes to get to Palmer for the strip/sack, Bronco recovery.  Two plays later, Moreno bulls his way in to take a 23-7 lead. 

The defense gave up a touch late in the fourth quarter, but the game as out of hand as the Broncos go on to win 26-13 and improve 5-0 in the division and 10-3 overall.  The Broncos had their struggles in the game.  The running, despite having put up 140 yards on the ground, it took 39 attempts (3.6 yards per carry average) to get there.  This team is dealing with some injuries as G Chris Kuper is out for the second time of the season, and RB Willis McGahee gone until the AFC Championship at the least.  On this night, after taking a lead, it was enough to help run time off the clock to help preserve the win says Head Coach John Fox.

“I think you do what it takes to win. This is a timed game and we were trying to run some time off the clock. I think that will help us moving forward, you develop a little bit of a mindset. I think it was good for our offensive line. The blocking elements as well as the running backs to be able to do that to close out a game.”

The Broncos have some extended time off to prepare for the east coast trip to Baltimore to take on the Ravens.  Right now, the Broncos await to see what happens with the game between the Texans and Patriots.  Should Denver be able to go to Baltimore an exercise the demons with the Ravens.  Denver is winless (0-5) in Baltimore.  Last time these two matched up, Denver lost to Baltimore 31-17.  RB Ray Rice ran the ball 27 times for 133 yards and 2 TD's and as a team, 233 yards.  Should New England lose tonight, Denver will be the current two seed.  A New England win, Denver will be the three seed, a game up on Baltimore and a win against Baltimore would almost cement the Broncos in the three seed and a wildcard game at home.  A loss to Baltimore and Denver will be looking up at three teams as they would sit in the fourth spot. 

Three weeks of football left to be played, playoffs are coming into clarity, but positioning is very fluid right now and anything can happen.

Broncos struggle, win ugly in Kansas City

No matter who the opponent, every good team, once in a year, runs into a team far less superior to a good team comes out of the wood works and gives a team a run for their money.  Denver may have ran into that this past weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs.  The Denver Broncos were ten and a half point favorites against the then 1-9 Chiefs.  This game wouldn't indicated such numbers as the Chiefs came ready to play against the Broncos.

The Broncos were 14-36 all-time against the Chiefs on the road.  No matter what the circumstances, this is a rivalry that promises to be a fight to the end.  The Broncos struggled in the first quarter against the lowly Chiefs.  To make matters worse, with no RB Willis McGahee, the Chiefs were gearing up to play against the pass, and little did Denver try to punish Kansas City for doing so.  Through the first quarter, the Broncos ran the two times, and struggled to get 32 total yards in the first quarter.

The recipe for defeating the Broncos, keeping the Broncos fast-track offense off the field.  The Chiefs were on the field for 11:05 seconds in the first quarter, running the ball, letting the clock whine down, hitting the Broncos with 60 yards on the ground of their 92 total yards through the first fifteen.

On the flip side, the Broncos offense looked out of sync.  The Broncos first three drives culminated 47 total yards and resulted in a missed field goal, punt and interception thrown by QB Peyton Manning.  Manning tried to overthrow WR Eric Decker on the pass but, due to double coverage, Decker was thrown off his route and was not there where the pass was intended to be.  Credit the Chiefs defensive line for giving the Broncos fits as well, getting to Manning for two sacks and six QB hits.  The defense as a whole also got six tackles for losses and six pass deflections as well.

Broncos CB Champ Bailey knew that this wasn't going to be a easy game 

"It's never going to be pretty playing this team in this place, you might get lucky once in a while and get some turnovers and jump out on them.  But they've got good players now.  You can't come in here4 and think you're going to walk out with a win without fighting for in."

The Broncos didn't get on the board until late in the first half, on their last drive of the first half, the Broncos put together a 11 play, 94 yard drive that was capped off with a Manning touchdown pass to TE Jacob Tamme with 18 seconds left on the clock.

The second half faired a little better for the Broncos.  The first two drives, the Broncos were able to move the ball, racking up 108 yards of offense, including another touchdown pass by Manning (22 of 37, 285 yards, 2 TD's and 1 INT) to Demaryius Thomas thirty yards down field for the score.  Only four of Denver's ten drives resulted in points.  How did they win this game?  Defense!

The Broncos defense, virtually without LB Von Miller (2 tackles, sack and QB hit) played up to the meaning of "opportunistic football".  How so?  Penalties that occur at the right time.  Instance, 3rd and 1, Chiefs are in field goal range.  Von Miller was able to cause rookie LT Donald Stephenson to jump and be called for a false start.  Broncos then put the Chiefs in a passing situation, tackle QB Brady Quinn and put them out of field goal range.  They kept their good fortune lately of solid 3rd down defense going.  On this Sunday afternoon, they left the Chiefs convert 3-of-12 third downs (25% conversion rate).  The passing defense was superb, limiting Quinn to 13-of-25, 126 yards and a interception.  The Chiefs offense was only able to get 13 total first downs.  The defense did their part to keep this game close in game where the offense was not on their game.  This a total defensive effort to give the offense the opportunity to win.

"It's never going to be pretty playing this team in this place," said Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey. "You might get lucky once in a while and get some turnovers and jump out on them. But they've got good players now. You can't come in here and think you're going to walk out with a win without fighting for it."

Read more: Broncos escape Kansas City with a win behind Peyton Manning's veteran eye - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_22063604/broncos-kansas-city-win-peyton-manning#ixzz2DLoYsBmn
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"It's never going to be pretty playing this team in this place," said Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey. "You might get lucky once in a while and get some turnovers and jump out on them. But they've got good players now. You can't come in here and think you're going to walk out with a win without fighting for it."

Read more: Broncos escape Kansas City with a win behind Peyton Manning's veteran eye - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_22063604/broncos-kansas-city-win-peyton-manning#ixzz2DLoYsBmn
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse

"It's never going to be pretty playing this team in this place," said Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey. "You might get lucky once in a while and get some turnovers and jump out on them. But they've got good players now. You can't come in here and think you're going to walk out with a win without fighting for it."

Read more: Broncos escape Kansas City with a win behind Peyton Manning's veteran eye - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_22063604/broncos-kansas-city-win-peyton-manning#ixzz2DLoYsBmn
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse

"It's never going to be pretty playing this team in this place," said Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey. "You might get lucky once in a while and get some turnovers and jump out on them. But they've got good players now. You can't come in here and think you're going to walk out with a win without fighting for it."

Read more: Broncos escape Kansas City with a win behind Peyton Manning's veteran eye - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_22063604/broncos-kansas-city-win-peyton-manning#ixzz2DLoYsBmn
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse

Broncos continue to capitalize on weak schedule

The second half season success continues for the Broncos as they cruise passed the San Diego Chargers for their fifth game in a row.  A game that had meant much for the Chargers came up short and are gearing up for next season barring a miracle.

The Broncos continue to impress during their five game win streak as the shows no problem of slowing down, scoring in the 30's for a fifth week in a row.  The defense, lead by OLB Von Miller continues to shutdown offenses, giving up an average of 13.6 points per game.  One part of their game they struggled with in the early going of the season was third downs.  But the Broncos seem to be even figuring out their weakness and are correcting them.  The Broncos had a stretch of 26 third down's that were not converted by the opposing offense until the later stages of the third quarter where the Chargers converted on their 13th attempt.

But on Sunday, the game wasn't all good and dandy for the Broncos to begin with.  Each team went three and out on their first drives.  The Broncos, on their second drive, called out the blitz, yet the Chargers were prepared.  The Broncos looked to get a bubble screen to WR Mattew Willis, when the Chargers deflected the pass and put the ball up for grabs.  Safety Eric Weddle made a play on the ball and took the interception 23 yards the other way for the first score of the game. 

But not long after, the Broncos offense warmed up and started to move the ball on the Charger defense.  In just over two and a half minutes, Denver marched 43 yards on 6 plays with QB Peyton Manning connecting with WR Demaryius Thomas for a 13 yard touchdown reception.

The defense got involved in on the attack as well, and stand out LB Wesley Woodyard continues to make plays for the Broncos.  Folowing the kickoff, on the first play for the Chargers, Woodyard dropped back into coverage, Rivers not able to see Woodyard, gets picked off and Woodyard himself goes back the other for a interception.  He takes it 17 yards to the Chargers 8 yard line, setting the Broncos up for a field goal.

The all around performance continued for the Broncos as the special teams came alive for a third week in a row.  Nate Irving goes through the line untouched, blocking the punt.  On the next play, Manning connects with WR Brandon Stokley for 31 yards and the Broncos increase their lead to 17-7

The defense showed no mercy against the Chargers.  10 drives, 74 total yards, every drive resulted in punts with the exception of two drives that end in turnovers.  The defense was led by none other that Miller, who continues to state his case.  7 solo tackles, 3 sacks, 2 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles.

“It’s a long list. He’s a very talented guy. Last year, I thought he made a big splash as a rookie. He probably played seven or eight games with one hand and I think he’s just gotten better."  John Fox speaking about Miller after the game on DenverBroncos.com 

The Chargers would gain momentum on the Broncos first drive of the second half.  A missed block by rookie RB Ronnie Hillman lead to a free defensive player to get after Manning, resulting in a safety.

Following another Manning touchdown pass, who was 25-of-42 for 270 yards, 3 TD's and INT, the Chargers finally found the bread and butter to contain the Broncos.  Slow the game down.

On the next Charger drive, 10 of the 12 plays were passes where Rivers completed 7 of those passes to keep the Broncos off the field for 6:25 of the third quarter.  Also resulting in a touchdown grab by WR Danario Alexander, 24-16 Denver.  But we got a ball game.

Denver was forced into two field goals to extend their lead to 30-16 Denver.

The Chargers were able to score late in the fourth with just under two minutes to go to move the score to 30-23, attempting a onside kick, in which Broncos TE Virgil Green was able to recover and seal the deal for the Broncos. 

The Broncos don't come out of this game unscathed though.  Multiple reports have come out saying that RB Willis McGahee is out 6-8 weeks due to a torn MCL.  Expect to either see Knowshon Moreno activated or Jeremiah Johnson promoted to the 53 man roster.

For the Broncos, here on out, play only two teams with winning records.  With a three game lead and Kansas City up next, Fox isn't looking ahead to division title yet.

“We’re going to Kansas City next week, and this is our first time playing them. I’ve played in Arrowhead (Stadium) a number of times—never as part of a (AFC West) division game, but I’ve played in a playoff game there and against some good Kansas City teams in Arrowhead, and it’s a tough place to play. I just throw these records out the window in the division. I don’t know what their record is, but the film that I’ve seen and the TV games that I’ve seen, the defense has some good players, and I don’t know what’s going on with their offense, or whatever, but I know it’s a challenge. That’s all I’m worried about: trying to improve, trying to get a win, and, certainly, you want to be playing your best football down the home stretch here, in November and December.”

The Broncos continue their stellar second half of the season and move closer towards consecutive division titles.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/peter_king/11/19/week-11/index.html#ixzz2CgsFESTO

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/peter_king/11/19/week-11/index.html#ixzz2CgsFESTO

The Broncos have won five games in a row. Scored in the 30s five games in a row. Won the five games by an average of 13.6 a game.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/peter_king/11/19/week-11/index.html#ixzz2CgsFESTO

The Broncos have won five games in a row. Scored in the 30s five games in a row. Won the five games by an average of 13.6 a game.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/peter_king/11/19/week-11/index.html#ixzz2CgsFESTO

Broncos look to all but seal the Chargers fate this weekend

The game that turn the season around for two teams.  Coming into week six, the Broncos were looking to stay afloat sitting at 2-3 while the Chargers looked like the team of the past moving ahead at 3-2.  The first half of that game was dominated by the Chargers.  But remember that saying "it's not how you start, but how you finish".  Well, the Broncos finished this game, going on to score 35 straight points to win 35-24 on the spectacular efforts of the offense and defense. 

Since the start of the second half, the Broncos offense has been lights out.  The offense has put up 136 points since the second half of the Charger game, or 34 points per game.  QB Peyton Manning has thrown for 1206 yards, 10 TD's to 3 interceptions with a QB Rating over 100 in each outing.  The defense continues to improve, allowing 51 points in the last four contests total.  They haven't allowed a team to get onver the century mark on the ground and the secondary keeps getting better with the youth movement in Tony Carter and Chris Harris.  The Broncos are now on a four game winning streak and currently sit at 6-3 and lead the AFC West.

The Chargers mean while are spinning their wheels and are going no where.  Since the second half of the Broncos game, they have scored 61 points, including six points in a loss to the Cleveland Browns and scoring 30+ one time since.  Phillip Rivers posted a 54.1 QBR against the Broncos and a 65.1 QBR against Browns, but was above 100 the last two.  He's also thrown for 5 TD's and 7 interceptions.  The offensive line struggles to keep River jersey clean.  He's been put down on the turf eight times in the last 3.5 games.

Two teams that were going opposite directions saw a half that has completely done a 180 on their seasons.  It's not too late for something to change though.  For the Broncos, its simple.  If they win, they are 3-0 in the division and swept the team in second place.  They will have a four game lead with six games left to be played. 

On the flip side of the coin, if the Chargers win this game, they move to 5-5 and Denver falls to 6-4.  This would mean that San Diego would be one game out of first place and one game out of the sixth and final playoff spot.  They would have several tiebreakers going for them.  They would be 4-1 in the division, 5-2 in the conference and can give themselves momentum to make a late season push as the Chargers always seem to do.

Keys to this game for the Chargers will be simple, play mistake free football and run the rock.  The last matchup against the Broncos, the Broncos were able to score 14 points in crucial moments to get the win against the Chargers in the first matchup.  With the Broncos being able to score in bunches, slow down the Bronco offense and force Denver to score on every drive, put the pressure on them.  This is still a young team, even with Manning at the helm, they are still learning how to win.

For the Broncos, Defense.  Get after Phillip Rivers early and often.  Rivers is key to their offense with a non-existent running game lead by RB Ryan Mathews.  Whether he gets sacked or is hit after a throw, rattle Rivers, cause as he gets more rattled, he tends to lose his composure and the team feeds off him.  The entire offense goes through him.

Broncos cage and tame the Panthers

Even against the Carolina Panthers, the Denver Broncos faced a daunting task of going to the east coast on back-to-back weeks.  This time, Denver head coach John Fox heads back the place where he began his head coaching career.  He heads back to the place where he built a 73-71 record, three trips to the playoffs, two NFC Championships and a trip to Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Both teams went three and out to begin the game.  On Carolinas second drive of the game, QB Cam Newton had moved the offense down the field at will, including 26 yard pass completed to RB Mike Tolbert and two consecutive passes that lead to a touchdown grab by TE Greg Olsen.

The Panthers were able to move the ball down the field with ease, but that would be the last time Carolina would see a lead in this game.

The Broncos shook off the jet lag and went to work on the Carolina Panthers.  On all phases of the game as well.  Starting their third drive of the game, Peyton Manning (27 of 38, 301 yards, 1 TD) went to work on the Panthers.  Connecting with WR Demaryius Thomas for a 32 yard pass (9 catches, 153 yards) to help set up a 10 yard touchdown reception by Brandon Stokley.  The rout was on.

The Broncos put together a complete game on this afternoon, following the touchdown, the defesne went to work on QB Cam Newton.  On third down, DE Elvis Dumervil was able to get around the line and work his way to Newton, forcing a sack-fumble.  The Panthers were forced to punt the ball, and into the hands WR/KR Trindon Holliday.  75 yards later, Holliday was in for a score, presumably in for a score.  Following the game, footage came up showing that Holliday may have celebrated prematurely on the punt return.

Whether he was in or not, the ruling on the field was a touchdown, and no review necessary as the Broncos go up 14-7.  Manning told the Denver Post he was pleased to see other parts of the team putting points up on the board other than the offense. 

"It's the Broncos who scored those touchdowns," Manning said. "And anybody on the team that wants to score a touchdown I'm for it."

That wasn't the end of it for the Broncos on this day.  The defensive efforts continued to get to Newton.  LB Von Miller and the Broncos were camped in the backfield with Newton.  On 45 of his dropbacks, Newton was hit on 19 of them.  The defense held the Panther offense to 250 total yards, no third down conversions, 52 yards on the ground and holding Newton to 21 of 36 for 241 yards with two touchdown passes to tight end Greg Olsen along with two interceptions.

The Panthers and Broncos were the two teams that picked one and two in the 2011 NFL Draft with Newton going to Carolina and Miller going to Denver.  Denver did look at Newton prior to the draft as any team would, sitting at two, you evaluate all talent at every position.  Denver chose Miller, and he has paid off for Denver thus far with 105 tackles, 21.5 sacks thus far early in his career.  Head Coach John Fox had this to say about Miller.

“Well, he’s a dynamic guy. I think this kind of meant something to him. Sometimes where you are in the draft and that kind of stuff kind of motivates guys. You’ll have to ask Von, but he definitely came to play today, that’s for sure.”

The Broncos got solid efforts out of multiple players, Miller chipping in a sack, six tackles including four for a loss.  Seven total sacks for the day, seven QB hits as they rattled Newton to throw one of his INT's to CB Tony Carter for a pick six.  For icing on the cake, DB Mike Adams sacked Newton in Carolinas endzone for a safety. 

The Broncos dominance on offense, defense and special teams was on full display this past week, and in the process, a couple milestones were reached.  QB Peyton Manning passed for his 420th touchdown of his career, tying him with Dan Marino for the second most in NFL history, and RB Willis McGahee was the 44th player to surpass the 8,000 yard rushing mark of his career with 14 carries for 56 yards on the afternoon.

"Rumble in the Jungle" between Dalton and Manning

This game for the Denver Broncos had "trap game" written all over it.  The ingredients were there, emotional win over the Chargers, dominating win over the Saints, two weeks for the Bengals to prepare and the beginning of a soft schedule for the Broncos, this could have slipped into the Cincinnati Bengals favor...and it almost did.

To start the second half, the Broncos returned a kickoff return for 105 yards (club record) for a score in part to the speed and shifty moves of WR/KR Trindon Holliday.  17-3 Broncos against a struggling Bengals time, game over right?!  Wrong.

Game on after the kickoff return...The Bengals defense stepped up, took away the Broncos running game which was non-existent.

This game would be put on the arms of the leaders of each team, Peyton Manning for the Broncos and Andy Dalton for the Bengals.

Following the kick return,  Dalton took to the air on their first drive, which included a fifty two yard completion to TE Jermaine Gresham that would set up the Bengals for a TD pass from Dalton to WR A.J. Green.

It was Mannings turn to take to the field, and he showed off the skills that makes him a future H.O.F'er.
He moved the Broncos down the field with the Bengals knowing what was coming with no running game.  On this day, both defense's gave up yardage to opposing QB's, but played opportunistic defense as well.  The Bengals showed it off first by intercepting Manning in the endzone for a touchback.

The Bengals offense continued to move the ball down the field, and again, defense stepping up in a big way, this time by the Broncos.  LB Von Miller would step up and sack Dalton on third down to force the Bengals to a field goal.  Miller was good for three sacks on the day.

The ball would go back into the hands of the Broncos offense, and the pendulum would swing back into Cincy's favor. With pressure coming into the face of Manning, he attempted to get the ball down the field to WR Eric Decker.  Result?  Two straight passes to Decker, two passes intercepted by Bengals CB Terrance Newman.

Bengals offense went to work in the redzone, punching the ball in from two yards out.  Suddenly, the Broncos go from leading 17-10 to trailing 20-17 early in the fourth.

Although the Broncos defense had come up with plays at crucial times, Manning knew he had made a mistake that put the defense in a tough spot, allowing the Cincinnati to take the lead.

"I can't put our defense in that kind of situation. It was a poor decision on my part. We faced some adversity there and we were able to respond" says Manning to the Denver Post.

With the Broncos now in the fourth quarter, one must had to believe that they were going to make something happen, especially with #18 at the helm.  The Broncos would respond with several intermediate and deep passes.  With a little help from the Bengals defense with a pass interference call, Denver was set up nicely from one yard out.  Manning would connect with TE Joel Dreessen from one yard out for his third touchdown and 291 yards in the air.  Broncos now lead 24-20.

Dalton, who passed for 299 yards and TD pass, continued to work his way towards AJ Greens side, who was god for 99 yards and a touchdown on the day, eventually got see what it was like when you keep going towards CB Champ Baileys way, "when you play with fire long enough, your going to get burned".  Bailey picked off a under thrown pass Green's way, who had been getting the best of Bailey most of the day.  The INT would eventually lead to Manning TD pass to Decker and Denver would go on to win 31-23  and improve to 5-3 on the season.

This was a game for the QB's.  725 total yards in the game, 566 was from the arms of the Manning and Dalton, that would equate to 78% of the games yardage.  This game would be won on the arms of the QB's and also the mistakes that each defense was capitalize on.  3 INT's between each team, and 5 sacks by the Broncos defense.  What separated this game from being a Bengals win instead?  Timeliness of the defenses plays.  Denver would sack Dalton on second down, putting the Bengals in obvious third and long passing situations, or they would create pressure of the edge and get to the QB on third down.  Sure, Cincy came up with two INT's, but they came at a time where there was plenty of time to comeback from those mistakes.  Denver would take the lead and pick Dalton off late in the fourth, putting added pressure on the offense to come out and lead a comeback of a bigger deficit.

The Broncos survived several scares and overcame not a great performance by Manning to win a game that could've been seen as a "trap game"