11/20: Vance Joseph’s Full 180* - Broncos Gut Out 4th Straight W

• Although it was another odd and seemingly "lucky" win in some aspects, the Denver Broncos have continued to play gritty football to sneak out their 4th straight victory. Everyone did their job when we absolutely needed it. Especially Russ, Sutton, and our Denver defense.

• For Vance Joseph to come back with his head held high after going 11-21-0 as Denver's head coach for two seasons shows a lot about his character. There were high expectations for Vance as the DC heading into the year with another talented defensive roster. After starting the season 0-3 and giving up 70 (!!)) pts, which is almost an NFL record in points in a game, I myself expected nothing less than a firing of Vance and a further spiral into what was set for one of the worst Broncos seasons in history. Instead, Vance has absolutely rallied this Denver D, totaling 17 (!!)) forced turnovers since week 3 (4 by CB Ja'Quan McMillian alone). This defense is playing with energy. They are playing with heart. They are playing to take the ball. And most importantly, they are playing for each other. The forced turnovers paired with Russell Wilson’s ability to protect the ball on the offensive end has been the winning formula. Aiding the Broncos in huge wins over big opponents with powerful offenses like rival Kansas City, snapping a painful 16-game losing streak to the Chiefs, and taking down Josh Allen and Bills Mafia. So much credit goes to the players for rallying and playing for each other, but if anyone deserves their flowers for this turnaround, look no further than Vance Joseph.

Other Key Trends:

• Cortland Sutton 5 straight games W/ TD

• Russell Wilson 19tds 4ints

• Ja’Quan McMillian responsible for 4 turnovers in 5 games / defense 17 total TO since week 3

• Will Lutz is now tied 3rd for best kicker in the league with a 91.7 FG% going 7/7 from 20-29 yds, 9-10 from 30-39 yds, 3/3 from 40-49 yds, and 3/4 from 50+ (52 being the longest)

SIDE NOTE: Samaje Perine's late catches in the 4th were huge in getting the Broncos down the field and I'm not discounting that at all. BUT... something about #25 reminds me of our old friend Melvin Gordon and it's not just his jersey number. Samaje has carried the ball 29 times and has 3 fumbles. Samaje doesn't have near the fumble record Melvin had, but all these fumbles have come at big moments and the Broncos are lucky they haven't lost all 3 of those. Learn from what happened with Gordon and DONT give Perine the ball with the game on the line.