Offense — F
So much for building on last Sunday’s win at Carolina. It was another step back — or a step in place — for the Broncos’ offense. Jerry Jeudy’s first catch didn’t come until 11 seconds left in the first half. Drew Lock had three passes batted down/deflected at the line of scrimmage, but still had the Broncos within 21-13 at halftime with a solid two-minute drive (nine plays/75 yards), capped by a six-yard touchdown pass to tight end Noah Fant. But the second half was a debacle. Lock was sack/stripped, leading to a 21-yard fumble return touchdown by Jerry Hughes. The Broncos’ first four second-half drives gained seven total yards. Lock’s 20 completions gained only 132 yards (long of 19).
Defense — F
The Broncos were short-handed at cornerback, but that doesn’t justify why Buffalo did whatever it wanted. The Broncos had no answer for quarterback Josh Allen (28-of-40 for 359 yards and two rushing/passing touchdowns apiece), receiver Stefon Diggs (11 catches-147 yards), the Bills’ third-down package (nine conversions in their first 13 attempts) and the running game (three touchdowns). The Broncos hurt themselves with penalties — two apiece for offsides and roughing the quarterback. Cornerback De’Vante Bausby was worked over by Diggs and rookie cornerback Michael Ojemudia was ejected for a post-play punch. What summed up the game: The Bills faced a first-and-goal from the 30 in the first half … and scored a touchdown, and tried to run out the clock in the fourth quarter … and scored on a 51-yard touchdown carry.
Special teams — F
Hurry back, Brandon McManus. Fill-in kicker Taylor Russolino, called up from the practice squad because McManus was on the COVID-19/reserve list, missed a 51-yard field goal and two point-after attempts and his kickoffs were returnable. The Broncos’ highlight was long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer recovering a muffed punt by Andre Roberts, leading to a touchdown. To open the second half, the Broncos’ kick coverage unit appeared to get out of their lanes, resulting in a 53-yard return by Roberts that led to a short Bills scoring drive. Punter Sam Martin continues to do great work in terms of hang time (first six punts all over 4.00 seconds) and direction (working the edges).
Coaching — F
Coach Vic Fangio had to be concerned Monday when he looked at the Bills’ game video from their win over Pittsburgh and at his team’s injury report (two more cornerbacks hurt against Carolina). His figurative play-calling hands were tied because of the lack of available corners, so Allen pitching and catching all over the yard was half-expected. Not expected were the penalties that showed a lack of discipline, like falling for a hard count at Mile High, hitting the quarterback late and Ojemudia’s punch at an opponent. On offense, the Broncos ran some good stuff to Fant, but thatap about it. Not enough touches for Jeudy, Patrick or Hamler.
