Offensive LVP

Thomas and Hillman, two heroes from last week’s win against the Green Bay Packers were mostly non-factors Sunday. Thomas caught some crucial third down passes but was held to only five catches for 50 yards. He also, once again, had an inexcusable drop. On top of that, Manning’s second interception was intended for Thomas and Butler simply beat him to the ball. Manning admitted just that in his postgame comments.

“I think that 20 (Darius Butler) made a heck of a play, to tell you the truth. He kind of beat our guy to the ball. Obviously a good play by him, and had to throw it probably a little earlier than I wanted to. So obviously, a throw that I would like to have back for sure.”

Hillman did not get the carries he saw last week due to the team’s sudden deficit but also could not match the Colts physical front. He gained only one yard on seven carries.

Defensive LVP

Aqib Talib played well in coverage Sunday afternoon holding Andre Johnson to zero catches. That was not the problem. His late penalties were both ill-timed and completely unwarranted, especially for a player of his experience. Both penalties that came in the final minutes of the game cost the Broncos a chance to get Manning the ball and a chance to win the game. Outside of Manning’s second half interception, he was playing exceptionally well. Talib, an eight year player, simply lost his cool. His response to the penalties after the game was to deflect blame.

“From my angle I saw him head butt Von [Miller] a little bit.  I went over there and tried to poke his head. I think my hand slipped there and hit his face. He acted like he got into an 18-passenger car wreck. I guess that’s what type of guy he is,” he said of the eye gouge that cost him an unnecessary roughness penalty.

The Broncos have had penalty issues all season and Sunday, Talib highlighted the severity of the problem.

Offensive MVP

Owen Daniels was the leading receiver by either team in the loss Sunday. He has struggled to connect on a regular basis with Manning but made some big plays in the game to help bring the Broncos within a field goal of a comeback win. He finished the game with six catches on nine targets for 102 yards and a touchdown. He had multiple plays of over 25 yards on the day.

Defensive MVP

Ward had a heck of a game despite the penalties he received. He totaled 12 tackles, 10 unassisted and one for a loss. He also had two passes defended. He was flying around throughout the night and was asked to do a lot with several front-seven players and at times, cornerbacks, blitzing Luck. The unnecessary roughness in the first quarter of the game appeared to catch T.Y. Hilton under the chin but it looked like Ward made a conscious effort to hit the receiver in the chest as apposed to the head. A late holding call tainted what was otherwise a great effort from the strong safety. After the game he was ready to move onto the second half of the season.

“Just a bad day. You know how those days (can) be. We’ll bounce back. 7-1. It’s a long season ahead of us,” he said.