The Denver Broncos don't have a problem on offense. It's the defense that is the lingering elephant in the room. Just take a look at today's 36-33 loss to the St. Louis Rams. After opening up the game with a 10-0 lead, the Denver Broncos were down 33-13 at the start of the fourth quarter. The offense showed up for 20 points in that quarter, but the defense was barely anywhere to be seen all day long. As a result, the St. Louis Rams won their first road game in over a year.
Rams rookie quarterback Sam Bradford set career bests in yards (308) and touchdowns (3). He repeatedly found wide open receivers, including two touchdown passes to tight end Billy Bajema. Those were the first two in Bajema's six-year career. Rookie receiver Danario Alexander actually played today and put up a solid four catches for 95 yards. Running back Steven Jackson edged his way to 72 yards on 29 carries.
Kyle Orton had another 300-yard game (347) on 24-of-41 passing with three touchdown passes. All three touchdown passes came in the fourth quarter when the Broncos managed to make the game a three-point difference. Brandon Lloyd caught two of the touchdowns (76 receiving yards in the game), while Eddie Royal dominated the drive in which he caught the touchdown. He made three consecutive catches, all over 15 yards. Royal finished with six receptions for 74 yards.
Running back Knowshon Moreno rushed 12 times for 56 yards and a touchdown, the score coming on the first drive of the game. He also caught six passes for 62 yards. Rookie receiver Eric Decker caught his first two career passes, the second a 38-yard pass that set up Orton's final touchdown pass to Lloyd.
The Broncos are now 3-8 and still last in the AFC West. They travel to Kansas City on Sunday, Dec. 5 to face the Chiefs.