OFFENSE: Explosive for a half
The Broncos had 20 points at halftime. They had 23 points through three quarters. But their final three possessions were punt, missed field goal and incompletion as time expired, turning a 20-0 lead into a 27-23 loss. Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello opened up the playbook in the first half and it was effective, including wide receiver throwing a pass. But Brandon Allen threw an interception right before the half to keep the Vikings in the game, albeit trailing by 20. Losing fullback (elbow) undoubtedly hurt, as evident by how much tight end Andrew Beck had to line up in the backfield.
DEFENSE: Big plays costly
The Vikings’ did nothing in the first half (five punts and one turnover). But about that second half for the Broncos’ defense. Ouch. The Vikings scored touchdowns on all four of their post-halftime possessions. And there were breakdowns all over the field. Safety Kareem Jackson was out of position on ’ 54-yard touchdown and cornerback Duke Dawson didn’t retreat enough on tight end ’s 32-yard touchdown with 6:01 remaining. Defensive lineman Shelby Harris was terrific (three sacks and a forced fumble) and the front four controlled the Vikings’ run game (37 yards).
SPECIAL TEAMS: Bad miss by McManus
The good was forcing a fumble on a kick return that was recovered by Josey Jewell even though the Broncos turned it over on the next snap. The bad was pushing a 43-yard field goal attempt wide right. Punter Colby Wadman averaged only 35 yards net on three kicks and didn’t land one inside the 20-yard line, which meant the average wasn’t hurt by directional kicking. Dionate Spencer had a 42-yard kick return to give the Broncos good field position on their final drive.
COACHING: Everything worked … and then didn’t
It was a near-perfect first half for offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello and coach/defensive play-caller . The Broncos trotted out several new plays while building a 20-0 lead and quarterback Brandon Allen looked comfortable with the game plan. On defense, Vikings quarterback looked flummoxed by Fangio’s game plan. But the second half was a complete meltdown. There is no reason why tight end Noah Fant should be running the football. He’s a receiver, period. As for Fangio, challenging a pass interference non-call cost him a timeout.
OVERALL — Team Can’t Finish
The Broncos have lost three games this year by two points and Sunday’s loss was by four points. Translation: They still don’t know how to finish. Itap up to Fangio and his staff to take advantage of the remaining games. At 3-7, the Broncos’ final six games should be about discovery. Who can help in 2020? Who needs to be moved on?
