VS 
Sunday was sort of a blessing for me. I was on pager duty at work and ended up working the entire day and did not see a single minute of any game. I set the DVR to record the Bronco game, turned off my cell to avoid texts and avoided all sports sites….even to check on my fantasy teams. I was really trying to stay in a vacuum and make the game a surprise for myself. It just so happened that one of the calls I was on had a Denver fan on and they ruined it for me. In hindsight, duty this past weekend wasn’t such a bad thing. Denver lost to the Washington Redskins (my God, I hate typing this) by a final score of 27-17 to drop to 6-3 on the season, losing their 3rd straight. I watched some highlights (and lowlights) and here is what I saw…
Positives
I thought that before he went out with an injury, Kyle Orton looked great. And yes, I am considering the entire half and not just the 40 and 75 yard touchdowns to Brandon Marshall. It was pretty clear that when he was out, Denver was missing the leadership they needed. He finished the first half 11 of 18 for 193 yards and 2 touchdown passes.
Brandon Marshall was a monster. Blown coverages help but the guy still has to make the plays and boy did he. Catches of 40 and 75 yards for touchdowns really set the first half off. he ended up with 5 catches for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Knowshon Moreno looked fantastic. They finally set some runs up for him that got him on the edge and into space and it really paid off. He ended up with 97 yards rushing on 18 carries including an early 28 yard jaunt. If he stays healthy, this kid will be great.
Negatives
Chris Simms. I could probably stop with that, but I will continue a little. Now, I may be wrong but this young man is paid a lot of money to carry a clipboard and be ready in case Orton goes out…right? Yes, I get that he doesn’t work with the starters as much in preparation for the game. Yes, I realize he hasn’t played in a game since last season (not counting preseason). So effing what. He was miserable on Sunday and was half of the problem (more on that next) in the loss. Simms finished 3 of 13 for 13 yards and an interception.
The run defense needs some help. I have a feeling that the line is missing Ryan McBean more than we think because they are missing gap assignments and allowing teams to run all over them the last 3 weeks. Denver gave up 174 yards rushing to the Redskins who were without their top running back.
Special teams continues to be an issue. I cannot even put into words how I feel about the fake kick that they “tricked” Denver with. Not only was it obvious the FIRST time they lined up what was happening, but Washington took a time out to talk about it and then proceeded to line up and make it obvious AGAIN what was going to happen and we still couldn’t stop it. That play makes me sick to my stomach to watch or think about.
Coaching. When it all boils down to it, this team wasn’t ready for the second half and was missing assignments. I put this loss on the coaching staff to be honest, and it is the first time I can say that this season. Denver is a better team. Denver has better talent and Denver should have won this game. I am a big fan of McDaniels but sir, you were out-matched by Jim freaking Zorn and the (then) 2-6 Redskins.
Injuries
The most glaring injury was Kyle Orton’s ankle. It is not the same one he hurt in Chicago but is a fairly serious injury in any case.
Miscellaneous Thoughts
I really learned to appreciate Orton Sunday. Say what you want, but this guy is a warrior and was ready to come out in the second half when really he shouldn’t have. It was blatantly obvious that they needed him in the second half. Don’t be shocked to see him out there Sunday against San Diego in an immensely important game.
Speaking of San Diego, remember that cushy 3.5 lead we had? No more of that crap. We are both sitting at 6-3 on the season with probably the most important game of the season for either team this week. I think it is tempting to think about last year’s meltdown, but I am fighting it. This is a different Denver team.
Some say it is too early to panic but I am saying right now that if Orton cannot play for a couple games, they should get Tom Brandstater some time in at quarterback. Simms looked good in flashes during the preseason but historically he just doesn’t get it done. My take on that is, if we are looking at a grim situation anyhow, start grooming the kid. Give me a solid reason why I am wrong, please.
I don’t care if it was blown coverage or not, I was glad to see Denver air it out to start the game. I hope people can shut up now about Orton’s arm, the 75 yard strike was 50+ in the air.
Player(s) of the Game
Offensively: Brandon Marshall. 5 catches, 134 yards and 2 touchdowns gets it done in my book.
Defensively: Brian Dawkins. The numbers aren’t flashy but he was everywhere. What a blessing he is to this team. He finished with 12 tackles on the game.
Coming up Next Week
As previously mentioned, Denver will host the division-rival San Diego Chargers in a game that will determine the division champion.
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