The Denver Broncos put in a superb performance on Sunday as they knocked off one of the favourite’s for the NFC crown, the Dallas Cowboys, with a dominant performance on offence and defence. Here is what we learnt from that win.
1) A healthy CJ Anderson means a healthy offence
Last season the Broncos run game evaporated when CJ Anderson went down. And with it went the Broncos playoff hopes. However, after a good offseason Anderson has comeback better than ever and has started the season on fire. Ably assisted by offseason pick-up Jamaal Charles, who has been a great option out of the backfield, Anderson opened the season with a good game against LA. But against Dallas, Anderson had a terrific game with two touchdowns, rushing for 118 yards and picking up another 36 through the air. The additions of Garett Bolles, Ronald Leary and Allen Barbre have undoubtedly helped, however Anderson was terrific after contact, and looked impossible to tackle on a couple of his runs. With Anderson healthy, the Broncos offence has a genuine run threat to provide the spark needed.
2) Siemian has not reached his ceiling
All throughout the offseason, we were told if Siemian wins the quarterback job it’s because Paxton Lynch hasn’t improved enough, not that Siemian has improved. However, after two games it is evident Siemian has improved. He controlled the game fantastically well on Sunday, and was once again excellent on third down. Siemian used his legs when necessary, and threw for four touchdowns. But the best thing is, Siemian can get so much better. He threw a sloppy interception on a miscommunication with Demaryius Thomas, and didn’t notice a wide open Thomas for what would have been a touchdown. If Siemian can progress through his reads even just a tiny bit better, he can improve a lot.
3) The Broncos have the best defence in the league. Period
Last season, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott combined to spearhead a Cowboys offence that seemed unstoppable at times. Meanwhile in Denver, opposition running backs were averaging around 150-yards per game. Fast forward to 2017, and arguably the best running back in football was restricted to just eight yards on nine carries. The best defence in the league had one slight weakness, and it seems even that has been corrected. Domata Peko and Shelby Harris have been impressive, while Brandon Marshall was everywhere making seven tackles last night. We know Denver has the best pass defence in the league, and now their run defence is starting to step up to the mark. A scary proposition for opposition teams.
However, Broncos Country does need to remain calm.
Last season, the Broncos started off 4-0, and we all know what happened then. Granted, if the Broncos open up 4-0 this time round they will have done so against much tougher opposition. Siemian did play injured for much of last season, so if Siemian and the Broncos backfield can stay healthy, who knows where this season could end…