Sunday, September 24, 2006
Broncos 17 Patriots 7
It took 2 hours, 50 minutes and 17 seconds of NFL game time for the Broncos defense to finally give up a touchdown this season. That touchdown came as the Broncos, who ran the ball effectively and stopped the Patriots from doing the same, were already ahead by 17 points. It wasn't quite the same as giving up a touchdown in "garbage time" as the game was still in doubt at that point, but the Broncos D once again kept them in another game.
Tatum Bell was featured at running back against the Pats, running the ball effectively, picking up tough yards as well as busting off the big gainer from time to time. Javon Walker had another fine game, catching to TD passes for the Broncos 2nd and 3rd touchdowns of the young season.
But it was the defense, effective in the first two games but bending more than I would like, who really stepped up in this game. The New England running game was stymied all night, veteran RB Corey Dillion was ineffective before he left with an injury and rookie Laurence Maroney didn't fair much better. QB Tom Brady threw for over 300 yards, most of it on two desparation drives late in the game, the Pats aerial attack not fairing much better than their running game.
Much maligned Broncos QB Jake Plummer had a solid game, throwing two TD passes against no interceptions. While his numbers were not stellar, Jake avoided the mistakes that were particularly costly in the first game against the Rams. Broncos fans, stop calling for a start by Jay Cutler. It's not going to happen. This is a good Broncos team, too good to hand over to a, admitedly very talented, rookie QB. Jake took this team to the AFC Championship game last year and while his starting doesn't gaurentee and return to that level of excellence, Plummer makes that more likely than starting any rookie QB could ever do.
To me, the bright point of this game was the coaching. I have always loved watching New England coach Bill Belichik coach. In my opinion he is the best pure X's and O's coach in the game. And while I won't say the Belichik was outcoached by Shanahan (that rarely, if ever, happens), the two coaches were evenly matched. Both coaches had to deal with injuries, the Pats' obviously more serious than the ones the Broncos had to deal with. Both coaches disuised weaknesses caused by this extrmely well. These are two coaches that always put their players on the field in the best position to excel. That's refreshing in the world of NFL coaching.
Two pass interference penalties on the Patriots were, in my mind, a bit questionable. Neither had a huge impact on the game, however, and the game seemed to be pretty well called by the officials. The Broncos, after commiting no penalties the previous week, were called for several infractions, most notably on the offensive line. I'd like to see less of this in future games.
A final note to Darrent Williams: Never, EVER field a punt inside the 5 yard line. If you should do something that stupid ever again, don't take your first step backward. You were very lucky to get away without giving up a safety. Giving up two points and the ball at that point could have been bad. How bad? You were playing against a Bill Belichik coached team. You had the lead. Don't give him a chance to put his players back in it.
In short, a much more satisfying victory than last week's overtime victory over the Chiefs (even if it was the Chiefs). A solid effort generally by every unit by the good guys. Let's see more wins like this one..
BOJ
Tatum Bell was featured at running back against the Pats, running the ball effectively, picking up tough yards as well as busting off the big gainer from time to time. Javon Walker had another fine game, catching to TD passes for the Broncos 2nd and 3rd touchdowns of the young season.
But it was the defense, effective in the first two games but bending more than I would like, who really stepped up in this game. The New England running game was stymied all night, veteran RB Corey Dillion was ineffective before he left with an injury and rookie Laurence Maroney didn't fair much better. QB Tom Brady threw for over 300 yards, most of it on two desparation drives late in the game, the Pats aerial attack not fairing much better than their running game.
Much maligned Broncos QB Jake Plummer had a solid game, throwing two TD passes against no interceptions. While his numbers were not stellar, Jake avoided the mistakes that were particularly costly in the first game against the Rams. Broncos fans, stop calling for a start by Jay Cutler. It's not going to happen. This is a good Broncos team, too good to hand over to a, admitedly very talented, rookie QB. Jake took this team to the AFC Championship game last year and while his starting doesn't gaurentee and return to that level of excellence, Plummer makes that more likely than starting any rookie QB could ever do.
To me, the bright point of this game was the coaching. I have always loved watching New England coach Bill Belichik coach. In my opinion he is the best pure X's and O's coach in the game. And while I won't say the Belichik was outcoached by Shanahan (that rarely, if ever, happens), the two coaches were evenly matched. Both coaches had to deal with injuries, the Pats' obviously more serious than the ones the Broncos had to deal with. Both coaches disuised weaknesses caused by this extrmely well. These are two coaches that always put their players on the field in the best position to excel. That's refreshing in the world of NFL coaching.
Two pass interference penalties on the Patriots were, in my mind, a bit questionable. Neither had a huge impact on the game, however, and the game seemed to be pretty well called by the officials. The Broncos, after commiting no penalties the previous week, were called for several infractions, most notably on the offensive line. I'd like to see less of this in future games.
A final note to Darrent Williams: Never, EVER field a punt inside the 5 yard line. If you should do something that stupid ever again, don't take your first step backward. You were very lucky to get away without giving up a safety. Giving up two points and the ball at that point could have been bad. How bad? You were playing against a Bill Belichik coached team. You had the lead. Don't give him a chance to put his players back in it.
In short, a much more satisfying victory than last week's overtime victory over the Chiefs (even if it was the Chiefs). A solid effort generally by every unit by the good guys. Let's see more wins like this one..
BOJ
# posted by Blind Orange Julius @ 10:49 PM 
