Indianapolis Colts
vs.
Denver Broncos
Week 2
NFL Pick
9/18/16
Denver opened the 2016 NFL season last Thursday in a rematch of Super Bowl 50. Different time, same result. Back in February it was Denver claiming its third Super Bowl 24-10. This time the Broncos came from behind to defeat the Panthers 21-20. They trailed Carolina 17-7 heading into the Fourth quarter, but oNCe again the Broncos’ defense limited Cam Newton enough to give the offense a fighting chance. This made for a triumphant Trevor Siemian debut.
Siemian, who had previously played just one NFL regular-season snap, went 18-of-26 with 178 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. As Denver fans found in last year’s playoff run, the Broncos defense is good enough to only require mid-level quarterback play in order to win.
As Siemian GAins more experieNCe and grows as a quarterback he’ll have the luxury of throwing to a couple of dynamic playmakers at wide receiver. Emmanuel Sanders had 49 yards receiving on five catches, while Demaryius Thomas added 48 yards on 4 receptions. Modest numbers at best, but these talented receivers will prove to be vital to the maturation of Siemian if he proves to be successful in Denver. Siemian also connected with C.J. Anderson Four times out of the backfield for 47 yards and a touchdown.
Not only were the Broncos strong on the defensive side of the ball, but the running Game was vital to their success as well. In addition to being effective catching the ball, Anderson ran the ball 20 times for 92 yards and another score. Andy Janovich added another touchdown on the ground with his only carry of the night for a 28-yard score.
It already seemed to be a difficult proposition for the Broncos to win an opener with a quarterback making his first NFL start. The win becomes even more impressive when noting that the Panthers won the turnover battle 3-1. The Broncos will be patient at quarterback, but they will continue to find their fair share of success because of the defense and playmakers surrounding Siemian.
The Indianapolis Colts fell in their home opener 39-35 to the Detroit Lions. The Colts allowed 448 yards, iNCluding 332 through the air. They did play a turnover-free Game, but the Colts’ defense was not able to force any turnovers, either.
Andrew LUck excelled, throwing for 385 yards and Four touchdowns in completing 31-of-47 passing attempts. LUck will continue to put up big numbers. It will just be up to the defense as to whether Indianapolis will have the ability to win any lower-scoring Games.
One thing is for sure: LUck has a litany of targets to throw the ball to. Phillip Dorsett caught Four passes for 94 yards. T.Y. Hilton added 79 yards on six receptions. Donte MoNCrief and Dwayne Allen each caught one touchdown pass. MoNCrief finished with six receptions, totaling 64 yards. Allen added 4 catches for 53 yards.
Prediction: Trevor Siemian overcame a lot of obstacles in helping the Broncos beat the Panthers. Andrew LUck and his weapons will stress the Denver defense, but Von Miller and company will look to supply a lot of pressure as well. Siemian should have better opportunity to play well against Indianapolis’ defense. Broncos win; Colts cover. SCore: Denver 27, Indianapolis 24