Finally.
That was the message coming out of the Broncos’ dressing room Monday night. They finally did what they’ve been saying they could do. As opposed to, you know, actually doing it.
They finally jumped ahead of an opponent at home and stayed there.
They finally made some big plays in the passing game.
They finally broke a long touchdown run.
They finally showed signs that they’re capable of dominating a quality opponent.
Before Monday night, the Broncos had lost three of their five home games, bringing to 3-7 their record in a 10-game span at Invesco Field at Mile High. Playoffs? That was the stuff of doormats, not playoff contenders.
Before Monday night, they had won four games, three by three points or fewer. And they had lost five games by an average of more than 21 points.
Add it all up and the Broncos haven’t been a very good team this season. But then, there’s a lot of time left in the season. And unless you wear silver and black on Sundays, the AFC West is there for the taking.
Suddenly, the Broncos have won back-to-back games, something they hadn’t done since their first two games, and by 16 and 14 points. You don’t do that without making plays, big and small.
So what’s been the difference between these Broncos and those Broncos?
“It comes down to executing,” said Brandon Stokley. “When we execute, we’re a good offense, and when we don’t, we’re not. That’s what it comes down to.”
Well, it’s a good start anyway. But executing is a byproduct of having the confidence that you can execute. That’s what the Broncos had been lacking until these past two weeks.
Makes sense if you think about it. They had lost Ben Hamilton and Tom Nalen, two huge figures in their running game, to season-ending injuries. They never had Rod Smith, who wasn’t able to bounce back from hip surgery. The list goes on and on. Javon Walker has missed most of the season and Travis Henry a good chunk of it.
No, the Broncos’ problems haven’t all been about injuries. Far from it. But they finally seem to have come to grips with who’s in the lineup and who isn’t. With all those young players, many of whom had little if any NFL experience, it was bound to take time for the Broncos to find their way.
I have to be honest. I thought, given all their issues, it would take until next season for the Broncos to become legitimate contenders, even in the mild, mild AFC West. But maybe they can pull it off this year.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily Broncos commentaries on The Jimmy Page at 7 a.m. and noon, and read his columns on Sundays and the day after Broncos games at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
