Game Thread: Week 12: Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills

After another disappointing loss at Minnesota the Broncos now prepare for traveling to Buffalo to take on the Bills. Here is how we both teams rank going into this match up:
Denver Broncos:
Offense:
Total: Ranks 25th with 319.7 yards per game.
Rushing: Ranks 16th with 113.1 yards per game.
Passing: Ranks 25th with 206.6 yards per game.
Scoring: Ranks 27th with 17.2 points per game.

Defense:
Total: Ranks 4th with 310.8 yards per game.
Rushing: Ranks 11th with 100.5 yards per game.
Passing: Ranks 5th with 210.3 yards per game.
Scoring: Ranks 8th with 19.7 points per game.

Turnover Margin: Ranks tied for 20th with -2 turnover differential.

Buffalo Bills:
Offense:
Total: Ranks 19th with 345.6 yards per game.
Rushing: Ranks 8th with 128.7
Passing: Ranks 23rd with 216.9 yards per game.
Scoring: Ranks 20th with 21.1 points per game.

Defense:
Total: Ranks 3rd with 304.1 yards per game.
Rushing: Ranks 19th with 106.3 yard per game.
Passing: Ranks 3rd with 197.8 yards per game.
Scoring: Ranks 3rd with 17.0 points per game.

Turnover Margin: Ranks tied for 16th with even turnover differential.

These 2 teams appear to be mirror images of each other. This should be another good game, but in another tough environment. I think this team will go in and play well.

The Bills started out 3-0 by beating the Jets, Giants and Bengals .. Their win total since then has been boosted by beating the Mariota-led Titans, Dolphins, Redskins and Dolphins again last week ...

That's 7 wins … Losses have come from the Pats, Browns and Eagles ..

Buffalo's wins have come against teams with a combined 15-55 record …

That said, playing on the east coast, esp trips to Orchard Park, have not always been friendly to the Broncos …

If the Broncos come out the way they did vs Minnesota, I think they are able to win … But this is the second road game in a row, and a let down after the loss last Sunday is a possibility ..

This game will really be a test for the coaching staff and we will definitely see who on this team wants to win ..

^^
Great post. Good info!

Early start on the road in a place the Broncos typically don’t play well. This is going to be a tough one.

I want to see the team win as many of the remaining 6 games as possible. I’m not worried about draft position I’m worried about the team developing a method of winning they can build on next year. I hope it starts with the Bills this week.

I think the defense can hold the Bills offense to 20 or below, and we saw our offense is capable of scoring 20+ with Allen leading the charge, and doing so against a top tier offense like the Vikings. So if they can shake off the rust from back to back trips east and get to a good start I like their chances.

Despite the 3-7 record I like what we are seeing with this team. It’s a transitional year and some foundations are going down. This was lacking under VJ, even as the team clawed it’s way back to 6-6 and gave us temporary hope, they still lacked the look of a team with any sense of long term direction. This group feels different especially now that Flacco is out of the way.

I think the Broncos get themselves a win here. 24-17 or so. And hopefully we see Lock after that. All respect to Allen, I hope he’s played himself into a long term #2 but we have got to get our rookie out and see what he’s got before the draft.

Even if we play Lock the final 4 games of the year I am not sure we can or can't declare him the QB of the future. 4 games is not enough time to truly evaluate a player, and especially a QB. When we drafted Lock we knew he was a bit of a project and that has not changed.

I trust Fangio and the staff to do what is right for Lock's development, but I think it is unlikely we draft a QB high in 2020 and we might not draft one at all. I would be happy taking Allen, Lock, and Rypien into next season. Allen has played as well or better then any QB we have had since Manning. This staff is actually developing players and we are bringing in guys that can contribute.

I think we will need to add 1 or 2 pieces on the Oline as I do not expect Leary back, and who knows if McGovern will return. I think Bolles' play has improved to the point that unless a top LT drops to us then we are going roll with Bolles at LT. We do need better Oline depth.

I grew, even if Lock started all remaining games it would not necessarily give us a complete picture of his potential. With that said we know the earliest he’ll start is the game with the Chargers so best case is 5 starts. 5 starts won’t be enough to declare him a bust or a future HOFer but it is better than 0 starts and a complete unknown.

It’s critical playing time in a no-pressure-to-win-now setting because the team is effectively out of the playoff picture anyway. It’s literally live game action with the future of the QB and team being the bigger goal.

Ideally they’re getting some wins while doing it, because learning how to win is also a critical skill in this coaching staff’s development.

iknowftbll said:

I grew, even if Lock started all remaining games it would not necessarily give us a complete picture of his potential. With that said we know the earliest he’ll start is the game with the Chargers so best case is 5 starts. 5 starts won’t be enough to declare him a bust or a future HOFer but it is better than 0 starts and a complete unknown.

It’s critical playing time in a no-pressure-to-win-now setting because the team is effectively out of the playoff picture anyway. It’s literally live game action with the future of the QB and team being the bigger goal.

Ideally they’re getting some wins while doing it, because learning how to win is also a critical skill in this coaching staff’s development.

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I agree completely, and it would be a way to create some excitement around the team when the games have no meaning as far as playoff seeding.

The idea that we need to start Lock before the draft to know if we need to draft a QB is the one I have an issue with.

Would you want this guy as your starting QB of the future?
Games: 16
Completion Percentage: 56.7
Yards: 3,739
TDs: 26
INTs: 28

How about this guy:
Games: 15
Completion Percentage: 65.6
Yards: 3,200
TDs: 20
INTs: 5

The first guy is Peyton Manning and the second guy is RGIII.

Yeah I don’t understand the reasoning for those who want to use 5 games to determine if the Broncos should draft another QB. I think the potential is there for Lock even if he doesn’t miraculously lead the team to 5 straight blowout wins in his starts. It’s really about allowing him to experience the speed of the game so that part of his development will be under his belt when 2020 starts.

One thing I will say though, even though I’m not for drafting a QB, count me solidly in the “start Lock” camp. There are a lot of people in that camp for a lot of different reasons. I simply see no value in not getting your rookie playing time in a season that is already lost. As much as I like Brandon Allen (what a breath of fresh air after those awful Flacco offenses) I don’t see him as the long term option. Lock could be, and I’d prefer to see the team start exploring that now instead of waiting until next season or drafting a guy and never even really giving Lock a chance.

iknowftbll said:

Yeah I don’t understand the reasoning for those who want to use 5 games to determine if the Broncos should draft another QB. I think the potential is there for Lock even if he doesn’t miraculously lead the team to 5 straight blowout wins in his starts. It’s really about allowing him to experience the speed of the game so that part of his development will be under his belt when 2020 starts.

One thing I will say though, even though I’m not for drafting a QB, count me solidly in the “start Lock” camp. There are a lot of people in that camp for a lot of different reasons. I simply see no value in not getting your rookie playing time in a season that is already lost. As much as I like Brandon Allen (what a breath of fresh air after those awful Flacco offenses) I don’t see him as the long term option. Lock could be, and I’d prefer to see the team start exploring that now instead of waiting until next season or drafting a guy and never even really giving Lock a chance.

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Much appreciate reasoned approach to this situation.

Mingo said:

Much appreciate reasoned approach to this situation.

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Haha thanks. I know it’s a bummer of a season but unlike the previous years since the Super Bowl win I think it’s evident this team has some direction. It’s tough now but there’s a lot to be excited about too.

iknowftbll said:

Haha thanks. I know it’s a bummer of a season but unlike the previous years since the Super Bowl win I think it’s evident this team has some direction. It’s tough now but there’s a lot to be excited about too.

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We need to keep up the momentum of the last 2 drafts. We have drafted 4 guys (Chubb, Sutton, Fant, and Risner) that I think are going to be STUDS in a couple of years.

If Lock does not play this year for a bottom 8 football team he’s not really a priority going forward

CEH said:

If Lock does not play this year for a bottom 8 football team he’s not really a priority going forward

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I don't know that I agree with that. If he doesn't play this year it means that he needs more development before they are ready to put him out there. I do hope we get to see him play though.

We need a top five pick. Every team ahead of us has the same o line issues we have.

Time to get a real LT

Orange Crush77 said:

Time to get a real LT

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Who shared this secret with you?!

CEH said:

If Lock does not play this year for a bottom 8 football team he’s not really a priority going forward

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I do agree with this Chris. Every new NFL QB has challenges - and those who start off well - get their challenge with the league adjusts. Lock has to get his experience now - since the games don't count - it seems ideal to me he will get snaps this season.

I am thinking he will oh I dunno the last 4 games or so.

That was a complete embarrassment. Start Drew Lock. This season is over. Let's see what we've got in the kid.

That was fun.