Denver Broncos blog, news and rumors


FB

[hype it up!]
[Share with Yardbarker]

Published on 11/09/2009 at Mon Nov 09 22:10.
Tagged: ,,,,,.



Broncos drop two straight, lose to Steelers 28-10

Posted Mon Nov 9th by

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (L) slips a tackle for a long run in the third quarter past Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard (C) and cornerback Champ Bailey in their NFL football game in Denver November 9, 2009. (REUTERS/Rick Wilking)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (L) slips a tackle for a long run in the third quarter past Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard (C) and cornerback Champ Bailey in their NFL football game in Denver November 9, 2009. (REUTERS/Rick Wilking)

The NFL’s masters of the second half have been exposed.

The Denver Broncos couldn’t get their ground game going, rushing for 27 total yards and only one yard in the second half. Kyle Orton had his worst game as a Bronco, throwing three interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. And the Pittsburgh Steelers showed why they are the world champions, taking control in the second half, exposing Denver’s rush defense and dominating in all phases.

Both teams now sit at 6-2 after the Steelers rolled to a 28-10 win at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

The Broncos are left with questions. Perhaps most alarming is how dramatically half-time adjustments have gone the other way.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall (R) wearing fluorescent orange shoes, talks to quarterback Kyle Orton in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers of their NFL football game in Denver November 9, 2009. (REUTERS/Rick Wilking)

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall (R) wearing fluorescent orange shoes, talks to quarterback Kyle Orton in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers of their NFL football game in Denver November 9, 2009. (REUTERS/Rick Wilking)

The Broncos trailed at halftime for each of their past five games, but they were able to make crucial adjustments in the first three games to dominate in the second half and ultimately win. In their two losses, the second halves have gone the other way, and the Ravens and Steelers have outscored the Broncos 24-0 in the fourth quarter.

For a team that starts slowly each week, getting pounded late in the game is going to result in a loss every time.

Let us be clear — we’re not jumping ship. These Broncos are 6-2 and have defeated several quality opponents already this season. But the manner in which the Broncos have been dominated in the second half the past two games is alarming and concerning.

Add to this the slow starts the Broncos have had every game this season, and the Broncos certainly have issues to fix, particularly offensively. They now look forward to the Washington Redskins, a relative breather in the midst of a schedule firestorm.

  • Rodney

    Yes, there are giant issues that need to be fixed. But during the offseason, the team saw many new changes and reforms, so kinks are expected. With a new setup it will take time to iron out all the wrinkles. I am greatly surprised at 6-2 after such large alterations in the offseason.

  • milehighs

    I said it last week.The Ravens found the week spot on the Broncos team.Kyel Oten sucks cant have a qb like that and win games im sold.he needs to be fired and start Brandstater.Kyel Orten plays like he scared.START TOM BRANDSTARTER KYEL ORTEN IS TO SOFT TO PLAY FOOTBALL.IM BEGAINING TO THINK THE SAME WAY ABOUT BEN HAMILTON.

    BUT WANT TO TELL ALL OF YOU I WAS RIGHT.KYEL GOT TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!

  • con brio

    the broncos weren't outplayed. they were outcoached. mcdaniels has a great system. all offensive systems are eventually overcome by defensive systems and vice versa. when your system has been overcome you look for the exceptional athletes to make plays. if, for example, you have traded a cutler for an orton you have no one to turn to. thus we have tonight's outcome. mcdaniels will probably do well down the road, but first he has to overcome his rookie mistakes. it may take years.

  • milehigh

    YA KYEL ORTEN IS THE RINKLE THAT NEEDS TO BE IORN OUT.

  • kerry

    i have a question. last week the Troglodyte and other blames Morenos fumble on Orton, so now who gets the blame for Ortons 3 INT's?? since most on this site in the “Passing of the blame” business, who's fault are those INT's?? the Janitors maybe? and the reason our running game couldnt get going is the same reason why it hasnt been good all season, because nobody fears Orton so they stack the box and destroy the run game knowing Orton cant beat them. of course i said downgrading the QB position would hurt the whole offense but of course i have no clue what im talking about again.

  • MiamiMike

    OK I GIVE:
    If you go and look at all my posts I have always backed Orton. I am now at a point where I am not doing it any more. Bottom Line when you are down by more than 14 points with 24 es the seconds to go and you STILL THROW 5-7 YARD HITCH'S then something is wrong. Either Orton can't throw beyond 15 yards or McDaniels does not trust him which is saying the same thing. Orton has to throw more than 12 yards. NEVER ONCE DID HE THROW A DEEP BALL TONIGHT. If you can't do it then you need to go if your coach wont let you then you need to go. Either way you have to take a shot down the field.

    This team is exposed and GOD strike me now when I say this but our offense has only one change per say and that is Orton. I hate Cutler BUT something is not the same. HMMMM

    If McDaniels is this genius then that is not the answer. So it must be the Q.B. Nothing else has changed. Oh yes the defense is much better this year. But even so if the offense can't throw beyond 12-15 yards we will not move the ball on any good defense. With that our defense will be on the field far more than it should be. Decide on what our Q.B. can do. Either he can do it or you can trust him or we need to get someone who can.

  • Scottey

    for an offensive minded coach, did anyone notice that it was about 7 plays over and over again?

  • ocbronco

    Kerri you may be right about 1 thing out of 50 wrong assumptions you made this offseason. Way to point that out.
    Orton will get better. I don't care what anyone wants to say, the fact is he is running one of the most complex offenses in the league and he can't be expected to master it this quickly. Am I saying he is the guy? Not yet. Am I happy he is here over Cutler? Yes I am.
    We are 6-2. We are in 1st place of the Division. Last I looked no one named the Saints or Colts were undefeated. We will be fine.

  • http://manchester-architects.com T-Money

    I did. I'm starting to get really upset about it. Did you notice how we never through the ball deep. Not even an over throw just as a “hey i can do this crap too” sort of thing? We start to become so predictable in the second half. In the first 6 games we were sustaining drives and keeping the opposition on the sidelines AND….AND we put up more that 3 f-ing points on offense. That's how you win. Where that went? I have no idea.

  • ericinvegas

    Totally agree. 6-2 is acceptable, especially facing the last 3 teams coming off of their bye weeks.

    Kerry screamed and hollered for Shanahan to be fired, got his way, and then pi**ed and moaned because he wanted Jim Schwarz or Steve Spagnoulo to come in as head coach and fix the defense. I think McDaniels has done a fine job of fixing the defense by hiring Mike Nolan.

    What beat us the last two weeks wasn't poor offense – it was GREAT defense. The Ravens played like they haven't played in years, and the Steelers played like the Steelers usually do when they have Polamalu in the line-up. I'd rather face them now and get beat up now, to have a chance to figure out a better way to attack them down the road. We'll see one of them in January – mark it.

    Kyle Orton isn't the long-term solution, and it's entirely possible Brandstater is (the guy showed some amazing progress during the preseason), but putting Brandstater in now would doom his career path to that of Tim Couch, David Carr, and JaMarcus Russell. Not everyone is a Peyton or Eli or Matty Ice or Joe Cool that can step in Week 1 as a rookie and be successful. Most guys need time to absorb the knowledge and speed of the game. I'm glad Josh is giving him that.

  • mikebirty

    For the first INT I'm blaming the Pass Interference by the Ref ;)

  • mikebirty

    What a terrible game. Good job the Skins are next, don't think I could watch if it was the Chargers or Colts.

    Has anyone else noticed how the Ravens and the Steelers have both beaten the Broncos the same way Denver won the first 6. Good solid 2nd half defense and the ability to run the ball and break runs of 15+ yards when needed.

    Is it time to panic? I don't think so, if they're 6-3 next week panic can ensue.

  • Fan From Spain

    I just can't understand is how the D has fallen apart in the second half these 2 last games? they where #1 in points allowed the first 6 and now this. Orton is a f*kn statue in the pocket, 3 points by the O all night?? Shameful.

  • robtink242

    Rite on Kerry. Orton also tried to kill Buckhalter sending into the open field blinding from the reigning Defensive MVP. I don't want to anything bout our D.They played outstanding, its just they played 20 mins!!! in the second half. C'mon man, we talked about how Cutler maid quick scored that kept the D on the field but its no difference with 3 and outs. And a Major reason our run game sucked its the lack of a FB on the field. two TE sets with TE's on both sides on the field. Anyone noticed that wwe have Houch doing Litchys old job which he sucks at.

  • robtink242

    While I'm on a rampage against our offense and Coaching decisions anyone in favor of Bradstater getting some playing time. Especially against a horrible team like the Skins.

  • Frank

    It finally shows! Rookie coach; suspect defense; less than steller QB = 10-6 and no playoffs. Ha, and you guys had dreams of going all the way. And btw, tell Josh to stop wearing the hoodie. It only looks good on one guy; and we all know who that is. He will never be Him!

  • flbronc

    i think that our lack of running the ball last night did us in. we couldnt sustain a drive in the second half, therefore couldnt get the defense off the field for some rest. i agree that the play calling was not where it should be in the last two games. orton had a bad game, that's the bottom line. does he suck? no. he had a bad game. can he still win? yes he can and will. brandstater? no way. dont you think that if mcd thought he was a better qb then orton he would play him? how many times has he stated, 'we will do whats best for our team to win now'?

    that said, we did play two great defenses in the last two weeks. we should have an easier time this weekend with washington. we ought to be going into the second chargers game 7-2. at the begining of the season, i dont think anyone on this board- myself included- figured that we would have a record even close to that just past the halfway point. hopefully at that point the chargers are 5-4 and we will have the opportunity to distance ourselves even more with a win.

  • Bearfran

    welcome to the world of mediocre quarterbacks! Denver fans are spoiled by having had a great quarterback for so long. This is what you get with Orton. Even with a great defense, he can't win against another team's good defense. The Bears got rid of him because he was just a taller Rex Grossman, and never likely to be any better.

  • milehighs

    All I got to say is that Broncos will loose next week to the skins if they dont get rid off Kyel Orten.He is the worse qb in the leuge right now.

  • MiamiMike

    Don't laugh but just maybe we should look at Larry Johnson (IF) he clears waivers and we do not have to pay is crazy salary. I know he does not block and is not a great receiver BUT he has power to run straight ahead and get short yards. Even if we could use him as a short yardage back. We need to start picking up these short yardage downs. Pay him what you think he is worth. Give him incentive clause to motivate him and add a clause for poor behavior. Just a thought.I know this is not the only area we need to fix but just a idea.

  • herc_rock

    If Mitch Berger is still on the roster on Wednesday morning I'm going to lose it.

  • ocbronco

    Grossman and Orton are very different. Grossman is a gunslinger who makes mistakes and Orton tries to limit his mistakes and is far from a gunslinger. Every QB is going to have bad days. Orton had two against two very good defense who came with solid gameplans.

  • ocbronco

    Hellz No! He only averaged 2.7 yds a carry but more importantly is an absolute locker room cancer. He is the last thing we need right now!

  • broncoNM

    My 2 biggest questions are why did we cut kern for berger? Where is alphonso smith? I thought he would solidify our nickel spot? Instead we have an aged Ty Law trying to learn the system during the game. The defense did show up though… the score does not tell the story. Any team that throws 3 ints against the steelers will lose.

    Given this brutal schedule this team was bound to hit a rough patch… It was pretty predictable that it would come while playing the ravens and steelers back to back (both very good teams coming off byes). Because of this teams hot start expectations seem to have gotten a bit out of reach. Before the season this division was already chalked up as SD to take. Orton is going to have bad games (all QBs do). Orton had a bad game… straight up… and he will have bad games from time to time. But this team has some quality wins under their belt and SD has to come into our house next time we play. This team is fine… and Orton will be fine. We lost to the defending SB champs… not a big deal BUT if we lay an egg against WASH next week i might be singing a different tune. As we stand now this team is 6-2 and in the driver's seat for a playoff berth… thats all we can ask for at this point in the season.

  • ThePrariePrankster

    I hope that the Broncos wait until the end of the season before making any decision on whether to re-sign Orton. I do not think Orton is the long term answer for the Broncos, he is a a placeholder. However, we may need a placeholder for next year too.

    The 2 number 1 draft choices have underperformed. The number 2 guy we traded a 2010 #1 for did not even suit up last night. This year's draft is starting to smell bad. Peyton Hillis is a much better blocker and short yard runner than Moreno has shown. Buckhalter has a much better yards per carry average and is more dynamic than Moreno. Moreno has not done well pass blocking. Ayers, other than his excellent run after picking up the fumble to score a TD, has been invisible.

    Looks like another November-December fade into obscurity for the Broncos but I hope I am wrong. I had them at 8-8 and still think that is their destiny. I hope I am wrong and they do better and make the playoffs but I don't see them beating anyone but Washington and KC. The last few seasons we have been punked at home by the Raiders and I see that happening again this year.

  • kerry

    really? wrong about 50 things huh? well lets see what ive been worng about. yes ove been wrong about the defense and our record. everything else ive been right about. here let me lay them out for you:

    i was about:
    1.Marshall's production dropping because of an inept QB.
    2.Royal's lack of production due to an inept QB.
    3.the release of Ryan Torain.
    4.the lack of production from Jarvis Moss.
    5.Moreno would not have an impact.
    6.Ayers wouldnt be a factor. and he wasnt until the fumble.
    7.Phonz wasnt worth the pick we gave. Phonz got beat out by Law who hasnt played a snap this year until last night.
    8.Orton is a DOWNGRADE at the QB position and flat out sucks.
    9.Shanahan being fired.
    10.Maualuga wouldnt go in the first round or ahead of Laurinits.

    so id say ive been right about most everything ive predicted thus far. now list 50 things ive wrong about. go ahead. im waiting to see your list.

  • Gary_in_SD

    Ok it happened and it's over… Time to move on and look forward to playing the worst team in the league. We're still looking down the standings on the statics and they up at us. No reason to panic yet.

    I agree with MiamiMike about Larry Johnson… Two chances to stick it to the Chefs for denying him the KC record just might really fire him up to play hard the rest of the season. As anyone who plays fantasy football can attest to, RBs don't grow on trees – especially in mid-season!

  • postalmoose

    Here we go with everyone blaming Orton as the problem. To me the problem is the Oline can't run block against physical teams. Once the runnig game is gone teams go full bore after Orton. They blitz and so far the Oline can't block blitzes well. And then the Broncos are screwed. They need to establish the run early and often but highly physical teams like the Ravens and Steelers take the whoop out of the Bronocs offensive line. Something has to be done to toughen these guys up or teams are going to beat them up every game for the rest of the season.

  • Medicalgirj32

    he did stink these past two games against the ravens and steelers..but wth were they thinking when they traded this idiotic punter Mitch Berger? I mean my kid can punt better than that? what a JOKE!

  • Bearfran

    Yeah, they're two different quarterbacks with the same results. Orton can only limit his mistakes by limiting his game. Orton didn't have a bad day, he had the kind of day he has when his limited abilities aren't enough. He's just not a very good quarterback.

  • klund

    You guys want to jump ship after 6 good wins, one of the best QB ratings in the NFL, then he has 2 bad games? Did you really think, even if it was still Cutler under center that we would be 6-2 at this point? It was a horrendous 2 games, but we don't need to be walking the plank at this point.

  • steeplebomb

    hahahaha
    really? REALLY? That's an idiotic statement. Would you rather have Delhomme? JaMaracus Russell? Or the other ten no name quaterbacks in the NFL? Orton isn't perfect but you people are ridiculous. I notice you never comment here when things go well. you only show up when we lose. Go troll somewhere else. And someone liked your comment too. idiots.

    You and kerry and everyone else… More dramatic than a bunch of 13 year old girls. Last time I checked we are 6 and 2, not 6 and 10.

  • steeplebomb

    You people are oversimplifying everything. No loss is on one person. Orton has looked pretty bad the last two games, but you can't say its completely his fault. Over those 2 games, the Oline has been unable to a) provide consistent pass protection and b) open up any sort of run block. That isn't exactly a recipe for QB success.

    I'm tired of all the bickering here. I couldn't care less about what kerry said or what you people think of him. If you take a shot he's going to get in your face and be an asshole right back. I'm interested in the intelligent and insightful football comments that are regular here, not fandom pissing contests.

  • ocbronco

    All good points Steeplebomb………. Ben Hamilton is having major issues. The Steelers noticed that and made their gameplan to specifically attack him. I have to wonder about Olsen since McD hasn't already replaced Hamilton. Don't know that we'll find an answer there because it's not Hochstein either.
    Let's put Kuper on the left and run that way………

  • Pope Ray

    I have to agree that our “punter,” Mitch Berger hurt the team with his 27 yard punts, which gave Pissburgh outstanding field position. He did the same last week. I was shocked, after last weeks punting farce, that Josh let Berger not only make the first “punt” in the Pissburg game, but let him punt all night — 27 to 37 yarders in Denvers thin air. The longest one might have made it across my living room. This gives me pause to wonder what the hell Josh, as a coach, was thinking. Josh signed Berger about 8 days ago. Now Josh need to fire him for the teams sake.
    And the truth is that Orton, whom I repect and like, cannot throw an occasional bomb. With our talented receivers, we simply have to go long at least two or three times a game or else be happy with two more wins. We should win at least 3 more games, but without going long, only 2 more wins are all that are possible. After we play Washington this week, I would let Orton throw about two or three short passes on our first possession, or wait until we punt on a fourth down. Then I would put Brandstater in for three downs and see if the defense makes a shift, thinking that he might throw long. I would have him hand off until we come to a 2nd down and 1 yard situation for a 1st down. I would gamble that the defense would figure a running play. That's when I would go long — see how far Brandstater can throw under possible pressure. Of course I would practice this play during the week, letting Brandstater get used to the snap and the linemen used to Brandstater's cadence. Then I would let our defense, in practice, say, Dumerville — come through to see how Brandstater reacts to the rush and getting off the pass.

  • Pingback: Daily Links – Tuesday Morning Hangover | Denver Broncos Blog()

  • Pingback: Broncos drop two straight, lose to Steelers 28-10 | Denver Broncos Blog()

  • ltbroncosfan

    why listen to someone who can't spell??? you have issues you need to fix so stop bagging on kyle orton until you do…

  • slctray

    do you guys remember last year we were 8-8 with Jay Cutler,with NO defense, and about 10 diff't rb's? How do you think we got those 8 wins? Jay Cutler- and the awesome recieving corps!!! If we had Jay, the defense we have now, and the rb's we have now, there is a GREAT chance that we would be 8-0!

  • broncosfan7

    All you Broncos fans out there who doesn't care for Orton thats your opinion but hes only had 2 turnovers except one on a hail mary at half time i mean come on thats great its better than most QBs out there so give him credit. And yes i dont like the whole Mitch Berger pick but its only start of week ten and we have an easy game Sunday if Denver can even beat them. 6-2 is a great record but The Chargers can't do what they did last year and go to playoffs. McDaniels is a good coach better than Mike Shanahan but he needs to let Orton throw the ball does anyone agree? We cant throw 3 yrd screens all the time Orton is capable of soooo much more!

  • Dorothy

    I agree Orton has managed the game very well lets not be in such a hurry to condemn him. We've already had a better season than the ” experts ” predicted

  • Dorothy

    I agree Orton has managed the game very well lets not be in such a hurry to condemn him. We've already had a better season than the ” experts ” predicted