NFL Week 11 Reaction: Denver Broncos beat Chicago Bears

Nov 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) talks with Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) after the NFL game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Two teams so alike in so many ways are bound to put on great games whenever they meet, and the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears didn’t disappoint.  In a close, defensive affair, it came down to the final seconds.  Miscues, turnovers and bad bounces along with a superior opposing game plan caused the home team to fall 17-15.

Here are a few reactions from the thrilling contest.

Brock Osweiler played very well but had lots of help

Make no mistake.  For his first game, Brock Osweiler played about as well as could’ve been expected:  20-of-27 for 270 yards and 2 TDs with no turnovers.  However, much of his success was less to do with his own skill and more about a great game plan by the coaches and execution by the players around him.

Gary Kubiak installed his trademark offense and successfully got 170 yards rushing out of what had been an anemic ground attack.  Aside from some breakdowns that led to five sacks, Osweiler was actually pretty well protected by the offensive line and of course the defense stood up three out of four times in the red zone to prevent touchdowns.

Injuries expose Bears’ lack of overall talent

Talented teams find a way to win and not-so-talented teams find a way to lose.  Unfortunately for the Bears, it’s not that they have no talent it’s that the limited talent they have is mostly hurt.  They went into that game without star receiver Alshon Jeffery, slot receiver Eddie Royal, and star running back Matt Forte on offense.

Breakout linebacker Pernell McPhee was gutting it out with a knee problem and secondary leader Antrel Rolle was also out.  Chicago battled through it all to have a chance, but the loss merely confirmed how depleted their roster still is.

Broncos defense misses DeMarcus Ware

Denver still has a really good defense that made the plays when they had to.  Still, considering the situation they faced and some of the long drives they allowed, it was apparent they weren’t operating at full capacity.  No loss has been felt more than not having DeMarcus Ware, their other great pass rusher.

He is the singular difference between that unit being great and really good.  Despite facing an offensive line playing a mix of former backups, rookies and guards transitioned to tackle, they only came away with two sacks.  Von Miller got the one that counted but this isn’t going to cut it against teams like New England.

Jay Cutler continues to shine late in games

It has been a difficult season for Jay Cutler.  He’s battled everything from doubters to injuries, both to himself and to his best weapons.  Yet he continues to forge ahead, aided by a coaching staff that can finally help him.  In truth though the success for the Bears this season has largely been thanks to his heroics late in games.

Twice in the fourth quarter of this game, against the #1 defense with backup receivers, he drove the ball the length of the field.  The first time was a 76-yard march that stalled at the Broncos 4-yard line after a failed 4th down conversion.  The second came with just 1:49 left on the clock as he went 65 yards for a touchdown.  This time the comeback fell short, but further argued that this team needs to keep him in place moving forward.