Colts Entering Difficult Stretch in Schedule
By Evan Reller
October 11, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes the football against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos (5-0)
Efficiency through Week 4: 30th in Offense, 1st in Defense
This Denver defense is relentless. It is as if they knew they underperformed in the playoffs last year, and want to demolish every opponent to atone for their failures. They lead the league in sacks (22) and forced turnovers (14) this season. The Broncos are on pace to tie or break the single season team sack record set by the Bears in 1984 at 72.
The defense has saved the Broncos every week as the offense has failed to find anything resembling consistency. Peyton Manning doesn’t have the arm strength he needs anymore and they simply can’t run the ball (29th in passing, 31st in rushing). There is a clear scheme split between Manning and head coach Gary Kubiak.
The Broncos are simply not playing to their strengths on offense and for some reason are trying to make Manning change the scheme he’s been using for the past 15 years of his Hall of Fame career.
If the Colts can figure out their offensive woes, this becomes a winnable game that looks very similar to the AFC Divisional game in the playoffs last year.