Through four and a half weeks, the Denver Broncos have been one of the best teams in the NFL, but a lot of that success has come in the second half, as the Broncos have been prone to slow starts.
Entering halftime against the Atlanta Falcons, the Broncos trailed 13-3 and looked out of sync on both offense and defense.
It all started on the first drive of the game, where Matt Ryan and the Falcons’ dynamic backfield drove 75 yards down the field for a touchdown.
Once again, slow start for @Broncos D. Worried? Or you expect 'em to "do the tighten up" and make it tough for @Falcons rest of the way?
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) October 9, 2016
#Broncos allow 9 play, 75 yard drive, 3:42.. Big play was missed tackle by Ward that cost an extra 35 yards… #ATLvsDEN
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 9, 2016
The Broncos have given up more points in the first quarters of games this season (31) than the second halves of games (20).
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 9, 2016
Gotta get some pressure on Ryan. Or it's gonna be a long day. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) October 9, 2016
On the whole, Denver actually did a very good job defending the league’s No. 1 passer and receiver, holding Ryan to a 68.8 quarterback rating and keeping Julio Jones off the scoreboard entirely.
On the ground, though, the Denver defense continued to get gashed, giving up 78 yards on 17 carries to Devontae Freeman and Tevin Coleman — the two combined for an additional five receptions for 87 yards through the air.
The run defense is doing nothing so far for the Broncos. HUGE holes for the Falcons to run through #Broncos
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) October 9, 2016
No pressure on Ryan at the moment and huge holes for the running game. #Broncos reeling early
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) October 9, 2016
#Broncos have only scored one first quarter TD.. Keeping #Falcons close is important.. Falcons are explosive early. 38 1Q points this yr
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 9, 2016
The Broncos have been outgunned 118 to 59 yards through the first quarter #Broncos
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) October 9, 2016
Offensively, the Broncos didn’t perform much better, totaling just 76 yards of total offense and five first downs through two quarters.
Whether it was overthrows from Paxton Lynch or failed third-and-shorts from C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker, Denver couldn’t sustain drives, going three and out on half of their first-half drives.
As always, the problems started up front.
On passing downs, Schofield and Sambrailo are simply overmatched. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) October 9, 2016
The right side of the offensive line is struggling so far. Schofield and Sambrailo have not done well
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) October 9, 2016
The difference in this game so far is not Lynch or Ryan, it's the offensive lines.
— Casey Light (@lightonhisfeet) October 9, 2016
Another third-and-1 failure. Anderson got the ball deep in the backfield and was met 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 9, 2016
@Broncos keep telling us, the OL is close to getting its act together. Not if today is any indication. #Broncos
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) October 9, 2016
Man, this offensive line is brutal. Just get blown off the ball in running situations. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) October 9, 2016
Denver has turned things around before. They’ve arguably been the best second-half team in football through the first month of the season, with their defense making adjustments and their offense settling into rhythm.
They’ll need to find a way to do the same today.