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Broncos: Week two report card

Under Center

For the second consecutive week, Trevor Siemian has looked the part of a franchise quarterback. That’s quite the jump seeing as 4 weeks ago Denver was a city divided by quarterback controversy. Siemian has the clear respect of his teammates. Aqib Talib told ESPN on Sunday that the second year starter can be a star in this league. Siemian is now the league leader in touchdown passes with six. Additionally, he is third in total QBR, a stat that measures a quarterback’s contribution to his team’s win probability by measuring both efficiency and “clutch factor.” Through two weeks, Siemian has shown growth in his pocket presence and assertiveness. With that said, we are only two weeks in. Let’s see how Siemian performs against the rest of the AFC west before Denver gives Siemian the key to the city. However, you can’t help but be impressed by the 25 year old. Week 2 Grade: A-Season Grade: B+

Running Back

For Denver, the passing game and running game go hand in hand. The balance between the two has been offensive coordinator Mike McCoy’s greatest success. Denver leads the league in total run plays through two weeks. The leader of the train, C.J. Anderson, looks like a fire has been lit following the signing of Jamaal Charles. Anderson had one of his best performances in a Broncos uniform Sunday, and is currently third in the league in evaded tackles per game with six. We’ve known that Anderson is capable of being the team’s bell-cow; the question has always been whether or not the fifth year runner can stay healthy. Jamaal Charles continues to show flashes of his famous burst of speed. The tandem leads the league in total rushing (159 yards per game) and is in the conversation for the league’s best duo though two weeks. Week 2 Grade: A- Season Grade: B+

Receiving Core

Denver paid up for the likes of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders a few seasons ago. In a salary cap league, many question if wide receiver is a position worth the investment. So far, the receiving core as a whole has seen an improvement over a year ago. Both the receivers and tight ends have been efficient on shorter routes, particularly on third down. However, we are still waiting to see the offense open up with the big play over the top. With defenses narrowing in on Anderson, the deep passing game should be there for the taking in the coming weeks. Week 2 Grade: B Season Grade: B

Offensive Line

The Broncos were determined to get “nastier” up front. The move from a zone-blocking scheme to a more man-blocking scheme has helped tremendously and players have bought in. While pass protection still has its issues at times, run blocking on first and second down has helped Siemian stay out of third and long. Denver leads the NFL in rushes for first downs. Garett Bolles went down on Sunday and is week-to-week with a bone bruise in his left leg. The Broncos have more depth than they did a season ago, part of the reason why the team felt comfortable moving on from former second round pick Ty Sambrailo. Look for Denver to turn to Allen Barbre to fill in for Bolles. Barbre is noted as the more effective run blocker than the other reserves. The key remains keeping Siemian upright. Week 2 Grade: B Season Grade: C

Dominant D

A year ago the Denver defense was still among the league’s best, but something seemed to be missing. After Sunday one thing is clear – the Broncos defense has its edge back. A defense that will continue to strike fear in opposing offenses and send them home with their tail between their legs.

Sep 17, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos nose tackle Domata Peko Sr. (94) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line

Coming into Sunday, one of the biggest keys to beating the Cowboys was to match the physicality of their offensive line. “I think it’s an attitude to stop the run, it’s an attitude,” said defensive tackle Domata Peko. “You got to go out there and you got to draw a line in the sand and say, hey, I’m not going to be moved back and no one’s going to push me around. That’s the attitude we have.” The defensive line set the tone on Sunday and then some, holding Ezekiel Elliott to eight yards on nine carries. The best Denver free agent acquisition this offseason so far has been Peko. Peko was the rock for a solid Bengals defense for eleven seasons. It’s evident that Peko still has plenty left in the tank. Add in Derek Wolfe and the surprise advancement of Adam Gotsis, and opposing rushing attacks will have a difficult time exploiting this Denver front seven. Week 2 Grade: A Season Grade: B +

Linebackers

Von Miller was anxious to get his first sack on Sunday. So much so, that Miller jumped offside on multiple occasions. Miller finished with two sacks but fans will have to wait to see him dance. On the other end, Shaquil Barrett continues to show that he is more than just a back up. Barrett will continue to play a key role even when Shane Ray returns from a torn ligament (left wrist) in a little over a month. According to Pro Football Focus, Miller and Barrett rank one and two in pass rushing productivity from outside linebackers. Week 2 Grade: A Season Grade: A-

No Fly Zone

Denver has something the rest of the league doesn’t – three elite corners. That’s part of the reason why you won’t see other teams repeat what Denver did to Dallas on Sunday. Both Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby saw their fair share of Dez Bryant. Bryant was targeted 16 times, and came down with just seven receptions. Chris Harris Jr. spent time at safety while also shutting down Cole Beasley in the slot. Jason Witten caused problems over the middle but it was slim pickings for the Cowboys. There isn’t much else to say about the No Fly Zone, they bear the name for a reason. Week 2 Grade: A Season Grade: A

Sep 17, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) celebrates after a 100 yard interception touchdown return in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

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