The Denver Broncos fell to the New England Patriots 31-21 on Sunday, dropping to 2-3 on the season and further dampening the optimism that had built during the preseason.
The Patriots raced to a 31-7 lead before the Broncos offense came alive, with several blown third-down chances and turnovers in the second half dooming the comeback attempt. Peyton Manning passed for 345 yards and three touchdowns, yet Denver's slow start was too much for the veteran to overcome on the road.
Sayre Bedinger of Mile High Report feels the slow starts are one of the major factors to the team's struggles this season:
Denver has had a really bad habit of this season of starting slow, which isn't anything new to any of us, and that has to change. The Broncos looked like they were going to get out to a quick 7-0 lead before Demaryius Thomas lost his third fumble in as many games.
Even against the Raiders, the Broncos were up just 10-6 at the half before completely dominating the second half. I suppose if we get out of the first half of a game with a lead, we should pretty much consider it lights out for the opposing team.
The Broncos travel to San Diego for a key division game against the Chargers on Monday Night Football on Oct. 15.