If Broncos fans want to take any solace in the loss to the Colts – and that’s a big thing to ask after Denver failed in a couple of big ways – it’s that their team is not happy.
Following the 27-24 loss on Sunday, the players had their communication devices firing on all cylinders, sending messages to fans, each other and the rest of the league.
As Omar Bolden put it in true 21st century form, the Broncos aren’t looking at this as a loss. We’ll translate his hashtag for you: “No losses, only lessons learned.”
The good fellas will bounce back, believe that! #NoLosesOnlyLessonsLearned #BroncosUp #WeBelieveInUs #PositiveLiving
— Omar C. Bolden (@OmarBolden) November 9, 2015
Bolden had some good perspective on his big punt return for a touchdown, which kickstarted the Broncos scoring and kept them in the game heading to halftime.
I appreciate the love but big plays just don't feel the same when you lose….. #BackToWork #PositiveLiving
— Omar C. Bolden (@OmarBolden) November 9, 2015
Here’s how the rest of the team responded both directly, and via the media following the loss…
T.J. Ward had some words of encouragement and some words about the penalty called against him on TY Hilton…
Not what we wanted. But that fire will never be takin away from us. Take it with wins and the loss. On to next week. #BroncosCountry
— T.J. Ward (@BossWard43) November 9, 2015
@nfl when did this become a penalty?! I must play too hard! Maybe I just gotta go lower! #bossup… https://t.co/HnokoXmTa0
— T.J. Ward (@BossWard43) November 9, 2015
So when i start flipping these wide outs and tight ends Ima be dirty. 😊
— T.J. Ward (@BossWard43) November 9, 2015
Here’s what Ward had to say through the team media channels…
.@BossWard43: "We didn't play #Broncos football. Too many mistakes." #DENvsIND
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 9, 2015
Peyton Manning was his usual non-specific self when speaking at the postgame press conference…
Peyton Manning on loss to Colts #DENvsIND pic.twitter.com/iFqSA5W6Z6
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) November 9, 2015
Luckily, other players were more forthright about the game.
Chris Harris Jr. owned a tough performance for himself and the secondary. They allowed 245 passing yards, their second-highest total of the year…
Terrible game by me , I'll be bounce back next week . #BroncosUP
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) November 9, 2015
Linebacker Danny Trevathan is ready to get back to work and put this one behind him…
It will get better. Back to work. #BroncosUp…
— Danny Trevathan (@Grindin_59) November 9, 2015
Ronnie Hillman is staying positive, despite gaining just one yard on seven carries…
Back to the grind…gotta keep ya head up on nights like these #BroncosUp
— Ronnie Hillman (@MrHillman2U) November 9, 2015
Never again!!!…Sorry to the die hard Bronco fans. We will do better I will do better
— Ronnie Hillman (@MrHillman2U) November 9, 2015
And Bennie Fowler wants to keep those positive vibes going…
https://twitter.com/b_fowler13/status/663540099888472064
After a tough day on the ground, C.J. Anderson was short and sweet with his thoughts…
Let's get better
— Cj Anderson (@cjandersonb22) November 9, 2015
But Emmanuel Sanders probably put it best…
💩
— Emmanuel Sanders (@ESanders_10) November 9, 2015
Not everyone had a “stinky” day, though. Malik Jackson had a monster day (perhaps his best as a pro), but took the loss as a team and has his mind focused on the next opponent already…
.@TheMalikJackson: "It sucks that it was an AFC loss, but it builds character. … Now, we got to get ready for Kansas City." #Broncos
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 9, 2015
And even though they’re not playing anymore, Ed McCaffrey and Shannon Sharpe got in on the conversation as well, offering some real perspective…
Glad you and I didn't panic with every win or loss. Would've been in an asylum "@87ed: Now I'm going to go … https://t.co/ytnUOywOJP
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) November 9, 2015
Indeed! Probably sharing a room. https://t.co/Yb3fmTvydQ
— Ed McCaffrey (@87ed) November 9, 2015