Notable ups and downs from Rams’ victory against the Broncos on Sunday.
UP: Third-down defense. The Rams’ dynamic offense struggled throughout converting on third down, which allowed the Broncos to hang around in a game that early appeared headed to a blowout.
DOWN: Temperature. Quite literally. It was 25 degrees at kickoff inside Mile High to mark the second-coldest home game in team history played in October (No. 1 — 22 degrees versus Oakland in 1969). Snow flurries rolled through during the pregame but relented as the game began and made way for some sunshine and scattered clouds through the afternoon.
UP: Die-hard fans. A total of 9,131 no-shows exposed plenty of blue seats at Mile High. Those in apountry who showed up (66,888) and stayed through the fourth quarter deserve a tip of the (very cold) cap.
DOWN: ‘ composure. After hauling in a 44-yard reception in the first quarter, Sanders’ celebration included face-to-face jawing with Rams’ cornerback Marcus Peters, which drew a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct. But it gets worse. Upon further review, Sanders was touched down at the 1-yard line, meaning Denver took over at the 16 instead of the 1-yard line. The Broncos couldn’t convert and settled for a field goal. That potential loss of four points proved huge.
UP: . The Broncos’ No. 5 overall draft pick recorded three sacks to tie the franchise single-game rookie record. Chubb has 4-1/2 sacks over six total games.
DOWN: O-line depth. Starting left guard left the game with a lower leg/ankle injury in the third quarter. The Broncos were already without starting right tackle Jared Veldheer (knee). stepped in for Leary.
UP: . A stat-stuffing game for the Broncos’ safety with eight tackles, a 1/2 sack and one interception.
DOWN: Run defense. Another week, another record-setting performance by an opposing running back. set a single-game career high with 208 yards rushing on 28 carries (7.4-yards per attempt) with two touchdowns.
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