The Denver Broncos dominated the Indianapolis Colts in the first half.
Through 30 minutes, the Broncos outgained the Colts, who had 450 yards of offense last week, 294 to 73. Behind Trevor Siemian, Denver drove into Indianapolis territory on five of their six drives, and on the other side of the ball, they held Andrew Luck to 5/15 passing for 53 yards.
And yet, at halftime, the Broncos led by just seven, 13-6.
A series of miscues turned what should have been an overwhelming positive first half into a concerning trend, and it all started with a misread by Siemian and a missed kick by Brandon McManus on the first drive.
After moving the ball down to the Colts’ 36-yard line, the Broncos faced a third and 2. Demaryius Thomas lined up in the slot uncovered and Siemian missed him entirely, forcing a field goal attempt.
DT was literally uncovered in the slot, and Siemian had no idea
— Michael Jaycox (@MilkyMike) September 18, 2016
Missed DT wide open on the left. Wasn't first read. Siemian panicked. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 18, 2016
McManus preceded to miss a 54-yard attempt that would have put the Broncos up early.
#Broncos can't settle for FG's vs. #Colts Luck… Or missing them for that matter.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) September 18, 2016
On the next drive, Siemian again drove the Broncos down the field on a seven-play, 70-yard drive, only to stall out at the 5-yard line after missing Emmanuel Sanders in the back left corner of the end zone.
Broncos having no problem moving the ball to start the game. Having a problem finishing the drives though
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) September 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/RonnieKRadio/status/777609775425003520
https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/777609719712067584
https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/777610239554129920
On the next drive, the Broncos again looked to be moving the ball down the field with ease, only for Demaryius Thomas to drop a third-down pass that went through both of his hands.
https://twitter.com/PetersenWill/status/777612956485857280
DT, gotta be better than that, buddy. Beautiful pass by @trevorsiemian. @Broncos
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) September 18, 2016
pass placement from Trevor Siemian was good on the pass to Demaryius – bad drop for #Broncos on 3rd down
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) September 18, 2016
The Broncos would eventually score their first touchdown of the day on a 4-yard C.J. Anderson rush, but Siemian threw away another scoring drive the next time they had the ball with what should have been a pick-six, only saving a touchdown because Darius Butler pulled up with a hamstring injury.
https://twitter.com/RonnieKRadio/status/777620559987212288
https://twitter.com/billbarnwell/status/777620544858550272
Darius Butler just lost a pick-six to a sniper who took out his hamstring. Colts about to be playing cement truck drivers at cornerback.
— Chris Wesseling (@ChrisWesseling) September 18, 2016
Both the Colts and Broncos would tap on a field goal to end the first half, but it wasn’t a satisfying 30 minutes for Broncos fans at all.
Despite the seven-point lead, Denver expected more.
As lopsided as this game has been, the Colts are still very much in it. That's what comes with dink and dunk. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 18, 2016
Four Broncos giveaways this season. All inside the opponent's 30. 31 of a possible 63 points from nine drives inside the opponent's 30.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 18, 2016
10 points against a JV defense just isn't cutting it. #Siemian #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/RonnieKRadio/status/777623466166018048
It was a similar story last week when the Broncos turned the ball over three times inside the Panthers’ 30-yard line. Siemian’s second-quarter interception added to the tally.
The Broncos need to start taking advantage of each and every opportunity if they want to put themselves back in Super Bowl contention.
