December 28th 2024.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the Denver Broncos face off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. We'll be keeping you updated on all the action as it happens.
First Quarter:
The Broncos started off strong with one first down, but then had a bit of a setback after a false start. In a game where every mistake counts, they can't afford to have any shenanigans like that. On top of that, they also suffered an injury to Damarri Mathis, who may not be able to return due to a hamstring injury. But the defense stepped up with a big stop early on, thanks to Vance Joseph's group. Nik Bonitto also had a great play with a fourth-down stop, showing why he's a force to be reckoned with on the field.
The Bengals made some surprising calls with back-to-back runs up the middle, despite having Joe Burrow's strong throwing abilities. But the Broncos defense stood their ground, with Nik Bonitto making an unblocked play on that fourth-down run. It looked like the Bengals might have gotten a first down, but the chains showed they were a couple of scoops of Skyline Chili short. The Broncos took over at the 22-yard line, and Nik Bonitto continued to impress with his coverage on Ja'Marr Chase. It's almost impossible to throw on "Bonitto Island."
We saw some curious play calls from both teams on third down, but the Bengals decided to go for it on fourth down, which seemed like a more suitable choice for them. And it paid off with a third-down conversion from Chase, who managed to get first-step separation from Pat Surtain II, something you don't see very often. But then again, Chase isn't like most players. It's going to be a great matchup between him and Surtain.
Nik Bonitto continued to shine with a pass break up on Ja'Marr Chase, showing off his versatile skills. On the next play, Moss managed to shed a block from Tee Higgins and make a tackle on Chase Brown, a good sign that he's moving well after his injury. But the Broncos defense will also need to keep an eye on Mike Gesicki and Chase Brown, who are dangerous targets in the passing game. And let's not forget about Andrei Iosivas, who is also a threat in the slot.
We may see a bit of rust from Riley Moss, who is returning to the field after a three-week absence. He was a little late in run support, which could be expected after being out for a while. But the Broncos defense still managed to hold off the Bengals and force them to kick a field goal. It was a smart decision to take the points and get on the board early in the game.
The Broncos did waste a timeout on a fade play on third-and-2, which didn't seem like the best call. They could have run the ball and potentially gone for it on fourth down if needed. But overall, it was an impressive opening drive for Denver, who managed to score on their opening drive for the fifth time this year.
Wil Lutz's 30-yard field goal gave the Broncos a 3-0 lead with 9:45 left in the first quarter. But there were some questionable play calls, like the slot fade on third-and-2, which didn't seem to work in their favor. It's something they'll need to improve on as the game goes on.
Pre-Game:
The Broncos won the coin toss and elected to receive, giving them an early chance to control the pace of the game. It will be interesting to see how aggressive they are from the start.
It's going to be a fun matchup to watch between Pat Surtain II and Ja'Marr Chase, two of the best players at their positions. Both have had a great season and will be looking to make a big impact in this game.
In other news, Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper was fined for a horse collar tackle in last week's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. DL Malcolm Roach was fined for taunting, and undrafted rookie RB Blake Watson was fined for illegal use of his helmet.
Finally, the Broncos have announced their inactives for this game, including QB Zach Wilson, RB Blake Watson, OL Frank Crum, ILB Levelle Bailey, and DL Eyioma Uwazurike.
Welcome to our live updates and analysis of the Denver Broncos as they take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. We'll be keeping you up to date on all the action during this exciting game.
First Quarter Updates:
Unfortunately, the Broncos didn't have a great start to the game. After a false start, they only managed to get one first down before stalling. In a game where every mistake counts, it's important for the Broncos to avoid errors like this. We also have an injury update - Damarri Mathis is questionable to return with a hamstring injury.
But the defense stepped up and made a big stop on fourth down, giving the ball back to the Broncos. They stood strong against the Bengals' run game, which was a bit surprising considering the Bengals have a talented quarterback in Joe Burrow. Nik Bonitto made a great play on that fourth down, showing off his skills as a defender.
The Bengals also made some curious play calls, choosing to run the ball twice in a row instead of using Burrow's arm. But the Broncos defense was up to the task and didn't allow them to get a first down. It was great to see Bonitto and the rest of the defense step up in a crucial moment.
We also saw some interesting play calls from both teams on third down. But the Bengals ultimately converted on a third down, with Chase getting some separation from Pat Surtain II, which is no easy feat. However, Surtain has been exceptional this season, and it will be interesting to see how he matches up against Ja'Marr Chase.
And speaking of Bonitto, he made another great play, this time breaking up a pass intended for Chase. It's clear that Bonitto is a versatile player who can make an impact in multiple areas of the field.
We also got to see Moss back in action after being out for three weeks. He showed that he's still in good shape, making a great tackle on the Bengals' running back. It will be important for him to continue playing at a high level to help the Broncos' defense.
We also got a reminder that this game isn't just about individual matchups - the Broncos' safeties and ILBs will need to step up to contain the Bengals' passing game, which includes dangerous targets like Mike Gesicki and Andrei Iosivas.
But we can't forget that Moss may be a bit rusty after his absence, as seen in his late run support. However, it's great to see him back on the field and contributing to the Broncos' defense.
The Broncos also started off strong on offense, making it all the way to the Bengals' 12-yard line. However, they couldn't convert on third down, and we saw a questionable play call with a fade route. The Broncos ultimately decided to kick a field goal, which was a smart move to get some points on the board early on.
But the Bengals also had some confusion on offense, forcing them to call a timeout. And there was some controversy when Javonte Williams was not called for holding on a play that could have been costly for the Bengals. But the Bengals ultimately converted on third down, thanks to a great throw from Bo Nix to Devaughn Vele.
The Broncos also started off their first drive with a 12-yard run from Jaleel McLaughlin, which is a great sign for their run game. And it looks like the Bengals' defense is having some trouble tackling, which is a good sign for the Broncos.
Pre-Game Updates:
Before the game even started, we got some interesting updates. The Broncos won the coin toss and elected to receive, giving them an early chance to control the pace of the game. And it will be interesting to see how aggressive they are on offense.
We also got some insight into the Bengals' game plan, with their three game captains being Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. If the Broncos can contain this trio, they'll be in a good position to win the game.
But the most anticipated matchup of the game is between Pat Surtain II and Ja'Marr Chase, two players who are considered among the best in their positions and have had great seasons so far. It will be exciting to see them go head-to-head on the field.
And we also got some updates from the NFL police, with some players getting fined for various infractions. But let's hope the Broncos' undrafted rookie RB Blake Watson can avoid any costly penalties during the game.
Finally, we have the Broncos' inactive players for the game, with QB Zach Wilson, RB Blake Watson, OL Frank Crum, ILB Levelle Bailey, and DL Eyioma Uwazurike all sitting out. We'll see how this affects the team's performance on the field.
Stay tuned for more live updates and analysis as the game progresses. Go Broncos!
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]