NFL.com Apologizes to Vance Joseph as Broncos Climb Power Rankings
In this story:
The win over the Kansas City Chiefs was no fluke as the Denver Broncos continued their momentum by turning the Buffalo Bills season upside down, defeating them 24-22. Back-to-back wins against the defending Super Bowl champions and Buffalo, who was a playoff team last year for a Broncos team that looked dead in the water after only three weeks, is impressive, to say the least.
As ugly as it was at times, the Broncos pulled out a win in a game they'd typically lose, but the primetime lights weren’t too big in Buffalo. As their momentum carries in the win column, so does Denver's rise in the NFL.com's power rankings, in which they leaped up four spots just ahead of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Let’s look at Eric Edholm’s analysis of last night’s victory and his apology to a certain defensive coordinator.
Broncos Ranking: 20
“I’m going to start with an apology. Vance Joseph, I’m sorry. I underestimated you and your defense. In my defense, things were looking a little rough early. But boy, since the first Kansas City game, the effort’s been pretty terrific, even with the late TD drive allowed Monday. Lemme also shout out Russell Wilson, who hasn’t always had it easy (or made it easy for himself) in Denver. But Monday was strong, as the 34-year-old delivered some clutch throws at winning time -- including a few clever flip passes under duress -- to sting the Bills’ defense on the two late scoring drives. There were two three-and-outs and a fumble in the second half, so the offense remains an unfinished project. But even two botched extra points somehow didn’t prevent a second straight statement victory over a quality foe.”
As a whole, Broncos Country also owes Joseph an apology, myself included. Obviously, with the terrible start to the year and his prior history as head coach in Denver, it was hard to give him the benefit of the doubt amid the defense's historically poor start to this season.
However, Sean Payton did right by sticking with Joseph, and the Broncos defense has had a drastic turnaround. In Buffalo, Denver forced five turnovers, including a turnover on downs. That’s 10 total in the last two games.
Patrick Surtain II only allowed one catch for 11 yards when lined up against Stephon Diggs, who finished the night with three catches for 34 yards. Ja’Quan McMillian continues to prove that he belongs in the NFL by forcing a fumble on the game’s first play.
Fellow cornerback Fabian Moreau has also been a pleasant surprise, playing opposite Patrick Surtain ll. Vance Joseph’s experience as a defensive backs coach is shining through as the secondary has been exceptional.
The only problem for the Denver defense was getting consistent pressure on Josh Allen. The Broncos must make due in that department for the rest of the season.
Russell Wilson had another solid game Monday night. His improbable touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton was vintage Russ.
Wilson may not be able to pull off plays like that as consistently as he used to, but he conjured magic when he absolutely had to on Monday night. Again, there were a few sacks that he could have avoided, but he didn’t turn the ball over.
Wilson only has seven total turnovers, fewer than Patrick Mahomes, Tua Tagovailoa, and Lamar Jackson. The Broncos' offense still needs to figure out how to score.
The game is a blowout if Denver turns even half of the Bills turnovers into touchdowns. Marvin Mims Jr. still isn’t seeing the field beyond gimmick handoffs for no gain and punt returns where he’s looked great.
The Broncos' offense needs a spark, and Mims can be that if Payton allows it. The run game was vital in defeating the Bills, just like against Kansas City.
While Javonte Williams didn’t break 100 yards, his battering-ram run style tired out the Buffalo defense, so by the time the Broncos needed to score late, the Bills were gassed. What might go unnoticed is Williams' will to always fall forward for extra yards.
Overall, there are still kinks to work through on offense for the Broncos, but they're still getting some Wilson magic to help alleviate some woes. The Broncos will play in primetime again this week against the 6-4 Minnesota Vikings, who have been on a winning streak of their own.
If the Broncos' defense shows up like they have the past two weeks, there is no doubt they can kill Minnesota’s momentum. From an 0-3 start to a 3-0 streak, things are coming together for this Broncos squad.
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
