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Published on 09/26/2010 at Sun Sep 26 17:40.
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Red zone woes doom Broncos to consistent Colts, 13-27

Posted Sun Sep 26th by

Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos delivers a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 26, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos delivers a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 26, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Kyle Orton threw for nearly 500 yards. Not that you could tell from the scoreboard.

Orton’s career-high 476 passing yards took the Denver Broncos into the red zone five times, but he and the Broncos escaped with a mere six points, falling to the Indianapolis Colts by a final score of 13-27.

Questionable playcalling, sloppiness when it mattered, and a wholly inefficient ground game doomed the Broncos in the red zone, where they went 0-for-3 on fourth downs and settled for field goals otherwise. The Broncos will look at this game as a blown opportunity considering how well the defense played through three quarters, and how frequently the offense let potential scores slip through their fingers.

Because while the offense moved effortlessly from 20-yard line to 20-yard line, it was the Indianapolis Colts, led by the consistent Peyton Manning, who found pay dirt when it mattered. Manning finished with 325 yards and three touchdowns, two to WR Austin Collie, who was the latest beneficiary of Manning’s tried-and-true favorite strategy when facing the Broncos: pick on the cornerback not named Champ Bailey (in this case, rookie Perrish Cox).

It was a rough outing for Cox, who got the start for the injured Andre Goodman. Cox muffed a Colts punt in the first quarter, and Indianapolis recovered to score the game’s first points. Then Manning would target Collie repeatedly in the second half, who get the better of Cox for two touchdowns that made the difference on the scoreboard.

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  • MrEast

    Were we watching the same game last night? Cutler won with the assistance of the refs yet again.

  • MrEast

    Using Bruton and Vaughn as defensive ends was more directed towards getting Orton used to the pressure rather the the offensive linemen. It wasn't a drill for the o-line. The offensive line played better because of experience.

    Also why would you put 5 DTs upfront in a 3-4 scheme? That means we would have only 3 DBs on the field with your game plan.

  • MrEast

    Agreed.

  • MrEast

    I think you're wording it wrong, because Orton obviously handled something well to pass for 470+ yards.

    Orton CANNOT handle CONSTANT pressure. Whereas only 1 or 2 QBs in the league can, that beeing Brees and Manning. You understand that the offensive line didn't play that well, Orton was quick to let go of the ball because he had to. Better he threw it early where Lloyd was supposed to be rather than take a sack.

    It's easy to blame it all on Orton, but he was really the Superman of the offense on Sunday. The line didn't hold up and the backs didn't do squat. But we're still saying he panicked? I don't get that one.

  • anthony33

    East,

    I think you missed the crux of the comment. If you listen to McD, it was for the O Line and they bitched about it… no doubt this is a very good O line.

    The point of the running drill is for practice only… the idea is to start playing smash mouth football in practice so it can be replicated during the game.

  • anthony33

    IMO… this team is much closed to being a good team then a bad team… once they start getting confidence in the red zone (and that is a big “if”), they will be dangerous.

  • mascollector
  • MrEast

    Having two defensive backs that weight less 219 and 195 as defensive ends is hardly smash mouth. Ryan Clady or anyone on that line would hardly have a problem handling a guy over a 100 pounds lighter than them even if they had jetpacks strapped to their backs.

    I don't believe this is a good line. This line has great potential, but they are mediocre right now.

    However, Orton needs to get used to the pressure because the line can't contain good DE's and OLBs. Unfortunately he can't handle it everytime, which honestly no QB can.

  • Anonymous

    Orton panicked like Rose on the Titanic. Before the ship started sinkin the boy started slingin. Threw the ball straight into the ground, had a funky look like a clown. Or maybe it was just gas, but all I know is he shouldn’t have thrown the pass. OHHHHHHHH a boom ahka chick ahka boom ahka chick!

    I believe my bombdillyosus rap skills just sealed the win on this debate. lol

  • Kel505

    Come on McDaniels: On third down and short–especially in the red zone–put Tebow in. OBVIOUSLY, you have nothing to lose.

  • Vince_marine

    Oh and by the way it's Chicagos Defense that wins the games for them, not crybaby Cutler.

  • garyyu

    we need Harris and Goodman back. I don't think Goodman is that good. He is constantly getting beat.

  • garyyu

    we need Harris and Goodman back. I don't think Goodman is that good. He is constantly getting beat.

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