In the biggest game of the season to date, the Denver Broncos appear to have used the bye week to their advantage. On both sides of the ball, Gary Kubiak has his team showing a completely different hand than they’ve showed in the first six games of the year that led to a perfect record entering the week off.
At the end of the first half, Denver led Green Bay 17-7.
Tight ends were getting involved in the passing game. Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson ere splitting reps and both finding holes. The offensive line was giving Peyton Manning plenty of time. Manning was hitting the deep ball.
On defense, the blitz was used sparingly. Wade Phillips was dedicating bodies to the box to stop Eddie Lacy. The defensive backs were left in man coverage and absolutely blanketing their opponents.
Denver dominated not only on the scoreboard, but in the stats department too. Denver carried time of possession 17:06 to 12:54 and total yards 295 to 100.
The MHS team and the greater Denver media keyed in on the variety Kubiak’s crew was employing as Denver took it to the Packers in the first half. We’ve collected the best for you here…
On Manning and the offense…
Manning bootleg to Virgil Green for a first down.
No typos.
— Spano (@BrandonSpano) November 2, 2015
No, Manning is not "fixed" still an aging QB with deficiencies but solid game plans/execution can cover up what he can no longer do.
— Josh Dover (@JoshuaDover) November 2, 2015
Beautiful play. PM had plenty of time. Stepped into throw. Didn't rush it. DT outraces CB. Just like old times, eh? #broncos
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) November 2, 2015
Why does #Broncos offense look better… Meaning why does Manning look better?
Running game has been great, O line great, TE's involved.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) November 2, 2015
Okay, please excuse the language, but the Broncos look they finally have their shit together on offense. OL, RBs, TEs, PM. #ByeWeekFix
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) November 2, 2015
#Broncos are winning the Bye week chess match so far for sure. https://t.co/1BVbrKIDbZ
— Sam Cowhick (@SamCowhick) November 2, 2015
I loved Gary Kubiak the last 9 months because he wasnt John Fox; I love him tonight because he put his ego aside & let the Sheriff take over
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) November 2, 2015
The perfect Peyton Manning deep ball.
It's back. Like, really back.
And that means Demaryius feasts. #GBvsDEN https://t.co/1vwiuii8fi— NFL (@NFL) November 2, 2015
Crossing routes are eating the Pack alive.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 2, 2015
For those who yelled, "you can't run out of the shotgun!," yes, you can. Draws, zone reads, etc, especially when your OL is creating lanes.
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) November 2, 2015
TEs playing very well. Manning spreading the ball with ease. Hillman and Anderson running very well. Every. Thing. Clicking. #Broncos
— Rich (midnight blue 🌠and sunshine yellow ☀️) (@RichKurtzman) November 2, 2015
Great stat:#Broncos Hillman has more rushing yards than #Packers Rogers has passing yards.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) November 2, 2015
On the defensive variety…
Aaron Rodgers had an eternity in the pocket there. #Broncos D holds. Peyton and Co will start at their own 15
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) November 2, 2015
Denver is playing super physical right now. Green Bay looking like they showed up for some 7-on-7 flag football. #KnifeToAGunFight
— Spano (@BrandonSpano) November 2, 2015
Rodgers had ALL DAY but couldn't find anyone open. GREAT coverage. Pack to punt. #GBvsDEN
— cover32 Broncos (@cover32_DEN) November 2, 2015
#Broncos defense doing a great job with Rodgers. Won't let him out of the pocket. And their shutting down the run game
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) November 2, 2015
If the #Broncos score on this drive that takes away the running game of #GreenBay.U know what this defense can do to a 1dimensional offense!
— Chad Brown (@chadbrown94) November 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/661007749719789569
New wrinkles on that series — Harris at safety for a play, base package with 3 CBs and a single high safety (Ward).
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 2, 2015
so much for that #Packers offense being unstoppable on their first (scripted) drive of game… #puntAway #BroncosDefenseLegit
— Nick Griffith (@NickGriffithTV) November 2, 2015
Most impressive part of #Broncos 14-0 lead… Defense hasn't forced a turnover yet.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) November 2, 2015
Broncos movement on defense pre-snap seems to be confusing Rodgers. He doesn't looks sure of himself while standing over center.
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) November 2, 2015
Broncos have laid off the blitz so far. Sending mostly 3 or 4. It's working.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) November 2, 2015
#Bronocs defense is suddenly morphing into 2013 Seahawks defense..
They don't need to blitz to be great.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) November 2, 2015
And here’s your staggering first half stat…
halftime. 17-7 Broncos.
A. Rodgers 37 yds. passing
P. Manning 212 yds. passingA. Rodgers 70.5 rating
P. Manning 115.7 rating— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) November 2, 2015
