Don’t look now, but the Broncos are two games out of first place in the AFC West.
A road win last week over the Chargers and then a dominant 16-0 victory at home against the hapless Titans on Sunday have the Broncos at 2-4 and about to host the 4-2 Chiefs on Thursday Night Football. Quite the contrast since Denver opened the season with a 0-4 record.
Like Rocky Balboa — and later Randy Marsh — said, “I didn’t hear no bell.” Here’s a look at what you may have missed from yesterday’s game:
- Seven sacks. Three takeovers. Zero points from the Titans. Does the Broncos defense finally look like a Vic Fangio defense? Ryan O’Halloran breaks down how Denver took down the Titans in his analysis.
- The Broncos “loudly declared they’re back in the hunt with the ferocity of linebacker Alexander Johnson screeching like an angry dinosaur,” columnist Mark Kiszla writes.
- Denver’s defensive backs flexed their muscle against Tennessee. The Denver defense is allowing 196 passing yards per game, fourth-best in the NFL. Not bad for a unit missing Bryce Callahan (foot), who was expected to start opposite Chris Harris Jr. at corner as well as other backups, Kyle Newman reports.
- Former Highlands Ranch star Mike Purcell made his first start in Denver, calling it “surreal.”
- A “second-round bust?” DeMarcus Walker recorded two sacks at critical fourth-quarter junctures Sunday. Kyle Fredrickson takes a look at the defensive lineman’s fresh start under coach Vic Fangio.
- Broncos Status Report: Things are getting interesting after 0-4 start, Ryan O’Halloran writes.
- Broncos up-down drill: Here’s a look at the best and worst performances against the Titans.
- Champ Bailey stood at midfield amid the roar of Mile High and looked up toward the east stands as a banner fell from the nameplate cementing his Broncos legacy, Kyle Fredrickson reports. “Itap surreal,” Bailey said after the ceremony.
- If you missed it, we have some highlights for you, including Chris Harris Jr.’s 20th career interception, Phillip Lindsay’s touchdown run and DeMarcus Walker sacking Marcus Mariota on fourth down late in the fourth quarter.
- … speaking of Mariota, he might be out of a starting job after getting benched.
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter or by email.
— , The Denver Post
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
What’s on Tap?
- Avalanche: At Washington Capitals, 3 p.m. Monday, ALT |
- Nuggets preseason: At Phoenix Suns, 8 p.m. Monday, ALT |
- Avalanche: At Pittsburgh Penguins, 5 p.m. Wednesday, NBCSN |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
NFL: Broncos 16, Titans 0
Full story |
.
Must-Read
Washington reunion for Avalanche’s Philipp Grubauer and Andre Burakovsky
In obscure roles, Philipp Grubauer and Andre Burakovsky helped the Washington Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2018.
On Monday, they return to Washington as front-line players for the 4-0 Avalanche. Grubauer is Colorado’s clear-cut No. 1 goalie and will make his fourth start. And Burakovsky is one of the Avs’ top-six wingers, Mike Chambers reports. Read more…
How Wyoming’s Black 14 learned to forgive — but never forget
Last month, to honor the 50th anniversary of one of the worst days of Ted Williams’ life and one of the seminal intersections of sports and civil rights, Wyoming had him and seven of his former teammates, eight survivors of the Black 14, take a victory lap at War Memorial Stadium. The group of 14 African American football players were kicked off the Cowboys football team on Oct. 17, 1969, for wanting to wear black armbands in protest of BYU, that weekend’s opponent, Sean Keeler writes. Read more…
Wade Davis’ meltdown forcing Rockies into major bullpen decisions
If the Rockies are going to rebound in 2020, the bullpen must do a 180. Because in 2019, Colorado relievers posted a 5.14 ERA, the worst since 2004 (5.53) and a precipitous fall from 2018 (4.62), Patrick Saunders reports. Read more…
- Rockies’ rotation resurgence revolves around Kyle Freeland.
Quick Hits
+ How Gary Harris’ two-way toughness fits into Nuggets’ title-contending puzzle.
+ Mark Barberio returned with something to prove for the Avs.
+ For Mel Tucker and the CU Buffs, how much fight is left after a pummeling at Oregon?
+ Broncos Journal: Red zone defense has made positive strides after slow start.
+ Colorado Prep Football Rewind, Week 7: Smoky Hill playing for November, Regis’ new weapon and Cherokee Trail’s big upset.
+ Saunders: Hey Dad, I’m rooting for your St. Louis Cardinals, too.
+ Chambers: NHL should ditch video review for offside.
+ Eliud Kipchoge first to break 2-hour mark in marathon event.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
25
How many world championship medals U.S. gymnastics star Simone Biles has won in her career, the most all-time. Read more…
Parting Shot
Kiszla: Would the best way to honor Mr. B’s memory and save Broncos from downward spiral be for Bowlen kids to sell the team?
Could the current squabble over future control of the Broncos be more imperfect, more awkward or more troubling for anyone who loves this franchise? Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
