Broncos Grades

OFFENSE D

The Broncos had 69 yards rushing in the first quarter. Moving the ball after that was like pulling teeth. Brock Osweiler’s firstquarter interception in the end zone was a crushing blow. And C.J. Anderson’s fourth-quarter fumble was a dagger.

DEFENSE B-

The Broncos held the Bengals under 200 total yards. The defensive line had one of its best games of the season. But two long TD passes down the left sideline, both of which targeted cornerback Bradley Roby, were all Cincinnati needed.

SPECIAL TEAMS B

Shaquil Barrett’s blocked punt in the first quarter helped wipe away the dreadful special teams performance from a week earlier. Denver did have a 61yard field goal blocked and committed a penalty on a return.

COACHING D

Any schemes drawn up to prevent big pass plays into the end zone failed. The Broncos ran the ball to the doorstep of the goal line in the first quarter, then called for a pass that turned into a crushing interception and subsequent Bengals TD. More questionable calls followed.

GAME BALLS

Shaquil Barrett, Broncos LB. Barrett blocked a punt in the first quarter and applied heavy pressure on Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton.

Vontaze Burfict, Bengals LB. His hit on C.J. Anderson early in the fourth quarter knocked the ball loose as the Broncos were driving for a potential tying or go-ahead drive. He also sacked Osweiler.

A.J. Green, Bengals WR. His fourth-quarter TD catch put Cincinnati up 20-10, and he drew a pass-interference penalty later in the period that helped seal Cincinnati’s first win in Denver since 1975.