6 Takeaways from Week 12

Andrew LewisRegular SeasonLeave a Comment

  1. Brock Osweiler is now the starter. The fourth year quarterback is surprising everyone right now. Although he is not putting up monster numbers his performances speak for themselves. He has shown good pocket presence and escapability and it’s no coincidence the run game has gotten going now that the threat of the deep ball is all too real and opponents can no longer stack the box or sit on routes. Brock showed good touch and accuracy in the pocket as well as when running bootlegs, several of his passes were absolute beauts and although we shouldn’t anoint him as a great anytime soon it’s easy to be excited by what he has shown.
  2. CJ Anderson have a day. He’s back, the second year undrafted player who exploded in the final six games of last year has been MIA so far with Hillman looking the better back all year. Against the Patriots however CJ was able to break tackles and make people miss in open space. 15 carries, 113 yards and 2TDs with an average of 7.5yards per carry showing pro bowl form on his touchdown runs. Hillman also ran for 59 yards setting us up for a nice 1-2 punch.
  3. Injuries continue to mount. The defence lost two more starters early on with hard-hitting Safety TJ Ward, Nose Tackle Sylvester Williams both leaving with ankle injuries. On offence Pro Bowl Guard Louis Vasquez also left with a groin injury. The depth on the defence showed and the Broncos were able to step up and shut down Tom Brady in the second half. How deep we are remains to be seen with three big players on defence now out, the offensive line also can’t afford any more losses.
  4. A bye week is in our own hands with Bengals to play at Mile High in Week 16. Before that though a tough test against another AFC North opponent in the Steelers as well as two divisional games @ San Diego and at home to the Raiders. The final game of the regular season is at home to San Diego. The ability to rest starters here would be huge.
  5. Demaryius Thomas had easily his worst game of the season. The receiver consistently failed to come back to the ball and was shut down by no name Patriot’s corner Logan Ryan. DT was targeted 13 times for only 1 catch of 36 yards late in the game which went on to set up the go ahead TD which proves that you don’t give up on player like 88. It was obvious even to the untrained eye that his timing with Brock needs work but I’m confident a quality receiver like DT will get this nailed down.
  6. Where Thomas faulted Sanders excelled. Number 10 was excellent against the Patriots bouncing back from his recent spell of nagging injuries. With 6 receptions for 113 yards Sanders is proving how valuable it is to the Broncos to have two receivers who could easily be considered No.1 receivers on most teams. This production as well as the 48 yards put up by tight end Owen Daniels will be crucial to the development of Brock.

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