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The Broncos offense was not only balanced (29 passes, 34 rush) Sunday, they were efficient on critical third downs. They entered the game averaging only 89 yards rushing per game but ran for 170 yards against the Bears. Equally as impressive was their 10 percent increase on 3rd down percentage. Entering Sunday they averaged only 33.1 percent and went 6-of-14 (43 percent) at Soldier Field.
The defense played exceptionally well when it counted and, outside of their penalties, held the Bears offense in check. Big pass plays and penalties handed the Bears four red zone opportunities and the Broncos allowed only one touchdown.
“I don’t think people really understand how big a difference a field goal and a touchdown is in a game. It’s a huge difference,” T.J. Ward said of the Broncos’ red zone defense. “If you can hold them to field goals even if you’re coming off a turnover, that’s what you’ve got to do.”
The Broncos also held the Bears, who ranked 14th in rushing yards per game (114.6) to 86 yards. Only 57 of those yards came from the Bears running backs for an average of 2.59 yards per carry. Three scrambles by Cutler made it look better than it appeared for the Bears.
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