[Quesadilla Joe]

Don't expect Broncos to start buckling after first loss

It's hard to believe the Broncos team that took the field for Sunday's 30-7 loss at Baltimore was the same one that had dispatched Dallas, New England and San Diego in the previous three games to build a 6-0 record.


WR Eddie Royal and the Broncos got away from their winning formula in Sunday's 30-7 loss to Baltimore.Everything the Broncos had done well — protect the ball, move it efficiently, play strong second-half defense, win the battles on special teams — unraveled over four brutal quarters against the Ravens.

One of the reasons rookie coach Josh McDaniels had such a good start to the season is that he didn't get caught up in the unbeaten record, regarding each victory as just one step toward a bigger goal. Now he'll have the task of making sure Denver's first loss doesn't lead to bigger problems.

"Even the things that you feel like you're doing well, after a loss become more glaring, and you really take the time to evaluate what you're good at and what you're not good at," McDaniels said. "Some of the things that you think you're pretty strong in, you need to address those and become stronger."

So what lessons should Denver have learned from Week 8? Here's what the Broncos, who have a two-game lead over San Diego in the AFC West, need to do to avoid a free fall out of the playoff picture:

1.) Don't take it with you. The Broncos can't afford to hang their heads after the loss because the reigning Super Bowl champion Steelers are coming to Colorado for a Monday night showdown. That's just the start to a daunting second half schedule that includes the Chargers, Giants, Colts and Eagles.

Coming off the loss at Baltimore, it may be in the Broncos' best interest to play an equally tough AFC North opponent rather than face the potential for a letdown against a lesser opponent. Like the Ravens, the Steelers feature a physical 3-4 defense and a versatile offense.

"They're coming off a bye, so they'll be well-prepared," Broncos wide receiver Jabar Gaffney said. "We're coming off a big loss, a very bad loss, and we don't want to feel like this again." Being at home, in front of an electric prime-time crowd, will provide a necessary boost.

2.) Don't go changing. Under McDaniels, the Broncos have stuck with a simple yet effective blueprint to win games. Offensively, it's about balance and ball security. Defensively, they have been able to win the battles up front -- both against the run and the pass.

Despite the lopsided score in Baltimore, some of the formula was executed. The defense did its part, putting up two sacks and holding the Ravens to 3.6 yards per rushing attempt.

The offense was able to slug it out for some tough rushing yards but lacked punch in the passing game. By losing a first quarter fumble and struggling on third down (converting 3-of-13 plays), the offense put too much burden on the defense. The Ravens also used a no-huddle approach to further tire out Denver's D in the second half.

With the Broncos unable to consistently move the chains like they had in previous games, everything was thrown off.

"We have to play complementary football," running back Correll Buckhalter said. "The offense has to help out the defense, and the defense has to help out the offense."

3.) Don't think about last year. Although the Broncos have many holdovers from the 2008 team that tumbled out of the playoffs down the stretch, they had enough of an offseason personnel overhaul to prevent the memory of last year becoming an issue.

Most important, they have a new leadership structure, from McDaniels and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan on the sideline to former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins, the defensive captain, on the field. The individual accountability is there, which will help them regroup as a unit.

"You always hear players say, 'We'll have to look at the film,' but most of us know where he messed up," Dawkins said after the Ravens game. "Now we just go back to practice and work on correcting our mistakes."

NFL Network analyst Matt Millen, who will be part of the broadcast team when Denver hosts the Giants on Thanksgiving night, thinks this version of the Broncos won't meet the fate of the '08 team, which lost its final three games.

"They've created an atmosphere where they believe in each other," Millen said. "The key to a winning season is confidence."

http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/arti...ter-first-loss