Much ballyhoo has been made since the final whistle blew on Sunday about the penalties that ultimately “cost” the Broncos the game against the Colts.
(Editor’s note: Penalties were no doubt a huge factor in the Colts’ final drive. However, a 60 percent third-down conversion rate allowed by the defense, 35 total yards rushing yards on offense and two interceptions by Peyton Manning were also major contributors to Denver’s first loss on the season.)
Indeed, penalties have been a problem for the Broncos all season. Through Week 9, Denver ranks seventh in the league in penalties per game, giving up 8.13 for an average of 74.5 yards per game. That’s roughly the equivalent of the Colts’ third scoring drive on Sunday, which went 63 yards in eight plays for a touchdown. In essence, the Broncos are giving away an entire offensive drive’s worth of yardage every game.
Until Sunday, Denver (especially the defense) has been able to overcome those setbacks, which had been described as mostly “aggressive” penalties. Against the Colts, “aggressive” became “irresponsible.” Aqib Talib, specifically, has been Public Enemy No. 1 after the “eye poke” that gave Andrew Luck and the Colts a fresh set out downs at the Denver 6-yard line instead of a third-and-seven from the 13 with 2:35 on the clock. But Talib is far from the worst offender on the Broncos.
