Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker is congratulated by center Dan Koppen (67) after Decker scored on a 13-yard pass reception in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Michael Keating)

Sometimes, it’s not about necessarily outplaying your opponent. Sometimes, it’s about keeping your composure. It’s about staying the course.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton out-threw Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning 299 yards to 291. The Bengals outgained the Broncos 366 to 359 yards. The Bengals earned two more first downs than the Broncos, and they forced two Denver turnovers while only surrendering one.

But special teams proved to be a huge X-factor in favor of the Broncos on Sunday, who escape Ohio with a hard-fought 31-23 win. A missed Mike Nugent field goal at the end of the first half left the Bengals trailing 10-3, then the Broncos’ Trindon Holliday returned the second half’s opening kickoff 105 yards for a franchise-record-breaking, game-changing touchdown. Those turned out to be the difference-makers.

Along with a very resilient Denver team.

Because while Holliday was able to run away with the touchdown, the Broncos weren’t able to run away with the game. Peyton Manning was intercepted twice — on back-to-back pass attempts in the third quarter — that led to 10 Bengals points and ultimately saw the Broncos’ 14-point lead disappear into a three-point deficit.

Then Manning and the Broncos, who have been terrific in fourth quarters this season, kept their composure while the Bengals lost theirs. Penalties, sacks, and an interception suddenly ailed the Bengals in waves, while a cool and confident Peyton Manning finished two drives with touchdown passes to Joel Dreessen and Eric Decker to retake the lead. The Bengals’ last-minute comeback effort fell short, ending this physically-demanding roller coaster of a game with the Broncos’ fifth win of the season.

It was a bit of a wake-up call for the Broncos, who were flying perhaps a little too high following statement wins against the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints. Still, a win in the NFL is a win, and the Broncos showed they can keep cool under pressure and despite their own mistakes. Who gets your game ball, Broncos fans?

LET’S GO BRONCOS!!!

We’re starting a new weekly series, Between the Numbers (BTN), evaluating where some of Denver’s biggest stars stand in comparison to the rest of the NFL. Today, we’ll look at OLB Von Miller.

Miller, who ranks second in the NFL with fourteen tackles for losses this season, is looking to build off of his 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign. Here’s a look at how he stacks up against fellow pass rushers across the league:

Though Miller does not rank high in tackle and pass coverage stats, he has excelled at his main job: pass rushing.  Miller, frequently moved to defensive end, has made fourteen tackles in the backfield, proving to be effective both against the pass and against the run.

What have you thought of Miller’s performance through the season thus far? Has he lived up to your expectations?

The Denver Broncos (4-3) will take on the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) on the road this weekend.  The last time the Broncos played in Cincinnati (2009), this went down:

Following the 2009 season, Stokley, battling injuries, spent time with the Seahawks and Giants from 2010-11, catching 32 receptions for 364 yards during that time.  This offseason, Stokley returned to Denver to join former teammate Peyton Manning as the Broncos’ third receiver.

Half way through the 2012 season, Stokley has caught 21 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns.  In his career, Stokley has caught more touchdown passes from Manning (18) than any of the other seven quarterbacks he has played with (19 combined).

That play never gets old.  Hopefully the team won’t have to duplicate it in order to pull out a third consecutive win on Sunday.

(Rick Wilking / Reuters)

Cornerback Tracy Porter (illness) has been ruled out for a third consecutive week due to seizure-like symptoms that were diagnosed by the team’s medical staff in August.  Porter did not travel with the team to Cincinnati on Friday afternoon, as the team continues to evaluate his situation.

“We’re still regulating the medication,” Broncos coach John Fox said.  “Not that it was a setback, but there was a little bit of an issue, and we’ll evaluate that moving forward.  His safety is what’s the utmost concern right now.”

In Porter’s absence the past two weeks, young defensive backs Tony Carter and Chris Harris have stepped up to fill the void in the secondary, combining to record eight passes defensed and intercepting an additional three passes.  Expect to see Harris and Carter see more playing time this week across from Champ Bailey, with rookie Omar Bolden providing additional depth.

The Broncos will take on the Bengals this week, kickoff is scheduled for 11 (MT) Sunday morning (broadcast map).  In franchise history, the Broncos have faced Cincinnati 26 times, owning an 18-8 all-time record in those matches.

The Broncos are wise to play it safe with Porter.  In this case, the team has shown true concern for a player, which is refreshing in a world where player safety is often trumped by a win-at-all-cost philosophy.  

We’re starting a new weekly series, Between the Numbers (BTN), evaluating where some of Denver’s biggest stars stand in comparison to the rest of the NFL. Today, we’ll look at WR Demaryius Thomas.

Thomas is averaging 97.0 receiving yards per game heading into Week 9 of the season, which ranks second in the NFL.  Here’s a look at how the stacks up against the rest of the receivers in the NFL:

Denver Broncos Must Resolve Fumbling Habits

Posted in Broncos Blog by Jon Heath on Wed Oct 31st

(BroncoTalk.net)

Over the past seven games, the Denver Broncos have fumbled the football 11 times (5th-most in the NFL), losing 10 of those fumbles (2nd-most). Although the offense has been on fire in recent weeks, its Achilles’ heel has been ball security.

From quarterback, to receivers, to running backs, all of Denver’s main skill players have been plagued by the fumble bug this season. Fourth-year receiver Demaryius Thomas and veteran running back Willis McGahee have been the chief offenders, with three lost fumbles apiece.

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