NFL: Grading Each Team’s First Half
By Brad Rowland
Denver Broncos
At this moment, the Denver Broncos are the favorites to return to the Super Bowl as the AFC representative, and this time, they are expected to take home the title.
Peyton Manning is still Peyton Manning, and with Emmanuel Sanders and Julius Thomas vaulting past every conceivable expectations, the Broncos are excellent on the offensive side of the ball. The situation at running back is slightly murky with Ronnie Hillman playing well and Montee Ball set to return, but the offensive line is playing better than they were at the end of the 2013 season, and that has facilitated overall success.
Defensively, the Broncos have been excellent this season, using the acquisition of DeMarcus Ware and Aqib Talib to improve in conjunction with the full-fledged return of Von Miller. Denver has one of the most talented defenses in football, and that is flatly unfair given the state of their offense.
The only blemish on their record is an overtime road loss to Seattle, and that is pretty darn impressive.
Grade: A