Question: The Broncos didn’t start a quarterback of any kind, choosing to go with the wildcat early on. Agree, disagree or indifferent?
Answer: Disagree.
The main objective in the first quarter for the Broncos’ coaches should have been to get practice squad receiver-turned-quarterback Kendall Hinton comfortable and in some type of rhythm even if that meant an early hand-off or three.
Instead, Hinton’s first snap was on third-and-3 (throwaway), his third snap was on third-and-12 (incompletion) and his fourth snap was on third-and-9 (five-yard scramble). Not ideal.
The other nitpick was having him roll out on his first pass and others throughout. Hinton needed to be kept stationary and worrying about the pass, not the footwork and the pass.
Q: The Saints didn’t score first until the 10:19 mark of the second quarter. What went right early on for the Broncos’ defense?
A: Saints quarterback Taysom Hill’s first six drop-backs ended in two sacks, a three-yard scramble, one incompletion and completions of two and three yards. The pass rush was getting to Hill.
But starting with its third drive, New Orleans decided to take the air out of the football and run it, .. and run it … and run it. The Saints finished with 44 carries, the most allowed by the Broncos since only last year (Buffalo 49 carries).
On their first scoring drive, the Saints ran on the final 10 plays (53 yards total). They did it by using two-tight end or tight end/sixth offensive lineman personnel and ran at the Broncos’ nickel front, which has one fewer defensive lineman on the field.
The Saints gained 4, 14, 1, 5, 5, 2, 6 and 1 yards, all but the first play coming against the Broncos’ nickel package.
Q: The Broncos’ committed three more turnovers, bringing their season total to a whopping 26. What happened on those plays?
A: Fumble — center Lloyd Cushenberry’s snap to running back Phillip Lindsay late in the second quarter was low and went through Lindsay’s legs. The Saints recovered when Lindsay tried to pick it up instead of falling on it. New Orleans started at the Broncos’ 13 and quickly made it 14-0.
Interception — two plays from scrimmage later, on second-and-8 from the 27, was the final turning point. Hinton had good protection vs. the Saints’ four-man rush (threw in 3.28 seconds) and undershot receiver DaeSean Hamilton. Janoris Jenkins returned it to the Broncos’ 41 and the Saints added a field goal for a 17-0 lead. Ball game.
Interception — on the opening drive of the third quarter, Hinton faced second-and-10 from his 44. This was a young guy trying to make a play. Hinton rolled right and with two rushers coming after him, threw off his back foot, overshooting tight end Troy Fumagalli.
Q: Lindsay (knee) and cornerback Bryce Callahan (ankle) were unable to finish the game. Reasons for concern?
A: Yes, yes, a hundred times yes.
Lindsay was grinding away for yards when he sustained his third injury of the season after a Week 1 turf toe and Week 7 concussion.
Callahan’s absence would be huge because he’s been arguably the Broncos’ best cornerback. When he departed, rookie Michael Ojemudia, who was benched after the Atlanta game for poor tackling, joined A.J. Bouye and rookie Essang Bassey on the field.
Playing Kansas City on Sunday night minus Callahan should be a scary thought for the Broncos.
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