Despite the Broncos’ 26-16 loss to the Bills, there were several positives to take away from the game that the Broncos should be able to build upon as they move forward.
The run defense is real
After back-to-back-to-back games against some of the NFL’s best running backs, the Broncos find themselves ranked fourth in the league in rushing defense, giving up only 179 yards yards through the first three games. They are holding opponents to a league-best 59.7 yards per game, an average of 2.6 yards per attempt and have yet to give up a rushing touchdown. LeSean McCoy is the latest victim to the Broncos’ improved run defense, only collecting 21 yards on 14 attempts, an average of 1.5 yards per attempt.
The passing offense is coming together
Depsite two interceptions and no touchdowns, quarterback Trevor Siemian threw for 255 yards, his most this season. While the stats show Siemian being sacked three times, Siemian only gave up four yards, and ran for 12 yards total — including converting a third-and-six, broken play late in the third quarter to keep a drive alive.
The defense has buckled down on points after turnovers
One of the points of emphasis by head coach Vance Joseph during the week was limiting points off of turnovers. The Broncos had given up four touchdowns off of the four turnovers in the previous two games. The defense forced a punt after the first turnover, and only allowed a field goal after the second turnover.
Jamaal Charles looked like Jamaal Charles
Running back Jamaal Charles looked like his old self. Taking advantage extra carries as C.J. Anderson struggled, Charles rushed nine times for 56 yards, a 6.2 yard-per-carry average. He scored a touchdown on a 12-yard scamper that saw him dodge several defenders and receive a block from wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Charles received the most touches of the running back group.
The team is still ranked well in offensive and defensive categories
Despite the loss, the Broncos did manage to hold the Bills to 272 total yards. The team is ranked seventh in total defense (789 yards) and fourth in yards per game (263.0) through three games. Offensively, the team is ranked 11th in total offense (1,067 yards), and 11th in yards per game (355.7). The offense is still ahead of pace in comparison to the 2016 season in scoring at 27.3 points per game, and they rank third in rushing with 143.0 yards per game.
The Raiders lost, too
The Broncos will remain tied for second place in the division after the Oakland Raiders lost their Sunday night game to the Washington Redskins, 27-10. The Raiders were held to only 128 yards and seven first downs by a Redskins’ defense that ranks ninth in the league in total defense, two places below the Broncos. The Raiders also gave up three turnovers in the effort.
The Broncos will play the Raiders in their second divisional game of the season at home. The Broncos are currently favored by two-and-a-half points — and are 2-0 at home — while the Raiders are 1-1 away this season.