Evans: If the Broncos ain’t broken …
Sep 13, 2016, 1:26 PM
Throughout the preseason, whenever I heard someone say the Denver Broncos can’t possibly win again like they did last year, I steadfastly said that until I see last year’s model not working this year I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Well, after what I saw in the opening night win over the Carolina Panthers, I feel comfortable with the Broncos winning the same way again this season.
Another close game. Another game in which the defense made clutch plays. Another game in which the offense had to overcome turnovers. Another game in which the Broncos got the lucky breaks.
Observations from the game:
» All of the whining about the helmet to helmet hits on Cam Newton reminds me of the Bad Boys Detroit Pistons back in the day. They played on, and over, the edge. But they did it consistently — to the point where officials became accustomed to them playing that way and allowed a lot of the rough stuff to go because that’s who the Pistons were. Plus, it helped Detroit was winning.
I feel like that’s happening right now with the Broncos defense. Denver can’t dial it back. Keep playing on that edge. Sure, they’ll get flagged from time to time. But the effect they’ll have on their opponents — getting into their heads and throwing them off their games — is worth it.
» I thought Trevor Siemian passed the eye test. The numbers don’t jump out at you, but he looked calm. He seemed in control.
And, there’s no denying the Broncos moved the ball. They had three touchdown-scoring drives — plus eight- and 11-play drives that came up empty. The offense felt consistent, unlike so many games last year when the offense went into lulls punctuated by a high number of three-and-outs.
» C.J. Anderson seems poised for a big year. He looks fresh. He looks hungry. He looks smart.
Let me explain that. He’s running in a way in which he understands what he’s doing out there — what he’s looking for. And add in terrific blitz pick up and plays like the one where he chips the linebacker on his way out to catch a pass then rumbles in for a touchdown. There’s an intelligence to how C.J. is playing right now.
» Riley Dixon wasn’t awful … but wasn’t great either. He was OK, which I guess I’ll take because I was mostly expecting a train wreck. There’s still a chance we can be best buddies.
» I’m cautiously optimistic about the new-look offensive line. Pass protection was solid. It helped Siemian was getting rid of the ball quickly. In the run game there was some nice organized blocking going on. Even — gasp — Michael Schofield looked comfortable at right guard.
» I know Justin Simmons and Will Parks were drafted so the Broncos could let free agent-to-be safety Darrian Stewart walk after this year, but dude is a flat out an assassin out there. Talk about symbolizing what this Broncos defense’s attitude is — Stewart has it.