10/22/2007: A much improved team in a big win!

Seems like the bye week was just what we needed to start getting back on track. I unfortunately didn't get to see the whole game, but I was pleased with what I did see. This was a huge win anyway you cut it and I hope it will silence some of the Cutler critics. He is outstanding for a rookie (still a rookie to me, until he's played in 16 games).

Offense: I saw a much improved offense take the field. I though losing Nalen would be disasterous to our o-line, but they held up well. The red zone offense showed that they have the ability to score, much to my relief. The passing game was also much improved, especially without Walker in the lineup. I would still like to see Cutler cut down on his picks (that was a forced and ill advised deep ball to Marshall in the end-zone), but I restate that he is a rookie. The key to their success in my book was much better situational play calling (i.e. red zone and 3rd down calls were clutch).

Defense: Once again, the rookies showed up to play. Moss had a couple of big plays including a sack and a tackle for a loss, and was getting decent pressure and always near the ball. Crowder had the huge fumble recovery for a TD. Dumerville came up huge with 2 sacks. The lb's showed coverage improvement, and have show that they have the ability to stop the run (as did the d-line). I would be more impressed with the d if they were more consistant on 3rd down situations and they could work completely as a team. The secondary has been a bit questionable thus far, especially on those 3rd and long situations, and with 3 pro-bowlers, I know we can improve. I am definitely happy with the improvements so far though, but we can't keep giving up 20+ points a game.

Helluva game though, and a huge win for the Orange and Blue, and we have a Super Bowl Rematch this Sunday against a very good Packers team. I hope we can continue to improve and get back on top of our division.

GO BRONCOS!!!!