A Win In September

The Broncos finally win a football game under Vic Fangio in September. Yeah its been about 3 years we won an opener. Can't wait to talk about this one as the Broncos played a complete game both sides of the ball beating the Giants 27-13. Here are my takeaways:

1. Von Miller Still got it

Von Miller finished the game with 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, and 3 tackles for loss. He looked better than ever and played a big part in Saquan's no show as he carried it 10 times for 26 yards averaging 2.6 yards per carry. If it weren't for Chandler Jones, who had 5 sacks in week 1, Von Miller would have been the talk of the week as he had 2 sacks in his first game back from injury. It was great to see his sack dances once again. It's been too long!

2. Teddy Bridgewater is a Leader

Teddy Bridgewater was outstanding as he finished with 28/36 2TDs and no interceptions which was key. He looked poised all game not being flustered by mistakes especially from his teammates. I believe part of the reason Fangio went with Teddy as the starter had nothing to do with his tangibles and everything to do with his intangibles such as leadership. Bridgewater's leadership was on full display when he was able to makeup for mistakes his teammates made. An example was when Albert O fumbled down in the goal line down 7-3 in the second quarter. It was devastating at that moment because the broncos had the chance to take the lead. However, Teddy was unfazed and led them to a TD on the next drive throwing a pass to Tim Patrick of an RPO. Another example was when Teddy threw a deep pass to KJ Hamler, who was wide open, in the 3rd down the middle of the field and KJ dropped it. It would have put Denver up 17-7 at that moment but Teddy was never flustered and they went down to score that very same drive on a 4th down play. I'm not sure Drew Lock in this stage of his career is capable of making up for mistakes by teammates. An example was last year when Jerry Jeudy had 5-6 drops against the chargers in week 16 and great QBs find a way to overcome that and Drew was unable to. This is no knock on Drew as he is still young and is not expected to possess the leadership quality such as Bridgewater but the decision to start Bridgewater over Lock makes a bit more sense now.

3. Jeudy's Injury Impact

Unfortunately, the Broncos lost their star wideout mid 3rd quarter after a Giants defender rolled over his leg and many speculated he may have broken his foot and been out for the season. Thankfully, the MRI results came back and stated it was a high ankle sprain which would sideline him for 4-6 weeks which is best case scenario as the Injury in real time looked gruesome. How will it impact the Broncos? Jeudy was having a great game up until his injury logging 6 receptions for 72 yards which led the team. Jeudy's absence could force Courtland Sutton to hit the ground running as opposed to easing his way into the season. Losing Jeudy will enable defenses to zone in more on Sutton meaning Patrick and Hamler must step up. The Broncos could also run more 12 personnel which would allow Fant and Albert O to be on the field at the same time which would also help the run game as well and that way Sutton does not have as much pressure on him during the early stages of the season. The Broncos can still start the season 3-0 as their next 2 opponents are the Jags and Jets. However, the 3 games after that are against the Ravens, Steelers, and Raiders. The Broncos must find a way to win one of those games assuming Jeudy will be back in 6 weeks. 2 of the 3 games are at home which are against the ravens and raiders. Worst case, they need to be 4-2 by the time Jeudy returns. Being 3-3 going into Cleveland seems to be a less than Ideal situation to be in.

Side note: The AFC West looks scary this year!

Those are my take ways from week 1. Onto the Jags!