The Denver Broncos defense is once again bearing the burden for the team, while the offense continues to struggle to put points on the board.
The offense was once again held without a touchdown in the first quarter, failing to convert in the red zone again and settling for a Brandon McManus field goal on the Broncos’ second possession of the day. Peyton Manning was intercepted to open the game.
Denver was just 2-for-7 on third downs and had just 70 yards passing in the first half. Manning was 11-for-17 and his passes resulted in just 4.1 yards per pass.
Aqib Talib, however, gave Denver a huge boost with a 63-yard interception returned for touchdown, giving the Broncos the 10-0 lead they would take into halftime.
Brandon McManus missed a 51-yard field goal with less than 30 seconds left in the half.
The real story, though, was the Broncos’ continued offensive struggles, who have now gone more than six quarters without an offensive touchdown and repeatedly failed to convert in the red zone. Manning’s interception meant the Hall of Famer has two more picks than touchdowns through five and a half games. And worse yet, it appears that Manning’s teammates are growing frustrated with the inconsistent play of their leader.
As the first half in Cleveland unfolded, here’s how the Denver media weighed in on those three disturbing issues with the Broncos offense.
On the red zone offense…
Another red zone opportunity ends with a field goal…
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) October 18, 2015
.@Broncos red-zone running this year: 17 carries for 19 yards (1.12 yards per carry).
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 18, 2015
McManus kickoff died in wind- helps explain going for it on 4th. His longest pregame FGs were toward opposite end zone.
— Paul Klee (@bypaulklee) October 18, 2015
On Manning’s turnover…
Manning intercepted. Dansby fading back into coverage with the INT.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/655792218020708352
And there it is. Peyton big mistake on first drive. Picked off.
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) October 18, 2015
Peyton wanted to avoid turnovers and score TD's in Red Zone. 0 for 2 so far.
— Steve Cox (@SteveCoxDenver) October 18, 2015
On Manning’s relationship with the offense…
Manning threw over Latimer's head.. Was miscommunication on route. That is Latimer's first target of the year I believe. #Broncos
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 18, 2015
Manning very animated with his receivers on the sideline. How can this offense be more complex than the Gase offense? Don't get it.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) October 18, 2015
PM frustrated. Yelling at Bennie Fowler on the sideline. The man is NOT having a good time. Very evident. Extremely frustrated. #broncos
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) October 18, 2015
Manning misses a wide open Sanders. Emmanuel did not look happy. 3 & out
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) October 18, 2015
Sanders now animated at Manning. This is like a Soap Opera.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) October 18, 2015
That's the first time you've seen a WR get pissed at Manning
— Michael Jaycox (@MilkyMike) October 18, 2015
I asked a week ago if the locker room would get frustrated with Manning, you see a little from Sanders there.
— Josh Dover (@JoshuaDover) October 18, 2015
Yes, PM doesn't look good. But it ain't ALL him. OL, RBs, play calling. Elway/Kubiak trying to force the run. Lots wrong right now on O
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) October 18, 2015
McManus misses first field goal of the season. Broncos get no points. This is game 6 and this offense is getting no better. #DENvsCLE
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) October 18, 2015
Broncos total offense in 1st half.. 141 yards and one field goal.. Against one of the worst defenses in the NFL.
— Rod Mackey (@RodMackeySports) October 18, 2015
