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5 Takeaways From Broncos' 38-24 Drubbing of theTexans
After the Broncos trounced the Texans in Houston on Sunday afternoon, it 's not easy to find the right superlative to describe how well they played.
Forget about the 38-24 final score that came courtesy of two late touchdowns by Houston, this game was a blowout.This was the most complete the Broncos have looked in almost two full seasons - and nobody saw it coming.
Denver's defense was able to constantly pressure Texans DeShaun Watson, sacking the elusive quarterback three times as well as generating several other pressures, hits and hurries. On the other side of the ball, Denver was carried by a masterful performance from rookie QB Drew Lock, who won his second career start - after making his debut last week - and first on the road throwing for 309 passing yards and three touchdowns.
With a season-high in points, takeaways, and their fifth victory of the season, things are starting to turn around for the Broncos.
What else did we learn?
Lock Makes History in Multiple Ways
After watching Lock in his second career start, the Broncos now have hope that GM John Elway may finally found his franchise quarterback. Lock's moxie, poise and composure were on full display against the Texans, and he made several big-time throws.
Lock had completions to 10 different receivers, but that wasn't the only big development.
He made franchise history on Sunday by becoming the just third Broncos rookie quarterback to win his first two career starts, and is the first to do so since Elway in 1983, although Elway was replaced in both games by Steve DeBerg.
But that wasn't the only history Lock made with performance.
According to Broncos PR director Patrick Smyth, Lock became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 300 or more yards and three touchdowns in his first career road start.
If the growth and development continue, Lock is poised to be the Broncos' starting QB for years to come.
Scangarello Calls his Best Game Yet
IOn this week's Dove Valley Deep Divers podcast, I predicted that we would see the same old song and dance from the Broncos offense in regards to the inefficiencies of OC Rich Scangarello's play-calling after the first quarter.
However, Scangarello came out with his most aggressive and creative game plan of the season and finally took the handcuffs off of his unit. Even when the Broncos were sitting with a 38-10 lead in the third quarter, the embattled coordinator continued to dial up deep-shot passing plays.
It's been a work in progress for the first-year play-caller, but it appears as if he has found his niche with a quarterback that fits his philosophy.
Explosive Plays Lead the Way
With the creative play designs came a myriad of explosive plays from the Broncos offense. On the opening offensive snap of the game, Lock hit fellow rookie TE Noah Fant for a 48-yard gain, and from there, the chuck plays piled up.
Denver had six passing plays of 20-plus yards, and was able to unleash an absolutely lethal play-action passing game, despite not being able to generate much momentum in the running game.
The most surprising aspect of the explosion is Denver didn't get much from wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who had a relatively quiet day with five receptions for 34 yards. Denver had been looking for somebody to step up and relieve the pressure on Sutton, and there were several guys that helped out with the No. 1 receiver drawing double teams and bracket coverage.
Jackson Goes Off in Return to Houston
Safety Kareem Jackson was primed to be a big key in helping decipher the Texans offense with his insider information compiled from his nine-year tenure in Houston prior to this season. However, his impact on the field was even greater than expected coming into his emotional homecoming.
Jackson was everywhere Sunday, collecting 11 total tackles (six solo), a tip-drill interception as well as scoring a defensive touchdown on a fumble recovery by Jeremiah Attaochu in the first quarter.
Jackson's physical play has set the tone for the Broncos defense all season, but with him being fired up to face his former team it was even more evident and impressive. Jackson crushed All Pro wide receiver with a legal hit over the middle and also made a huge tackle on a 3rd-&-1 situation to halt a Texans drive in the first half.
Jackson was an impact player as usual, but he was the Broncos best defensive player Sunday by a rather large margin.
Follow Lance on Twitter @SandersonMHH and @MileHighHuddle.
