On a macro-level, it was the most even game of the week, meaning a 12 point victory seems high for such a statistically equal game. But it was only equal because of how the Colts approached the game after going up 21-0:
The Broncos had all of 52 yards on 15 plays in their first 3 drives. After the Colts went up 3 TDs, the Colts defense went into the classic Tampa-2 mode: Keep everything in front of you, and don’t give up the big play. Sure Marshall had all those catches, but it was because that is the way the Colts were defending him. BBS said it best:
Marshall caught 21 balls because the Colts kept tackling him after every catch. Down 21-0 after a little more than a quarter’s worth of play, the Broncos had to use 28 total plays and well over 13 total minutes of clock time to score at total of 16 points on their three scoring drives. That is far to long, and far too many plays, when trying to overcome a 21-0 hole.
Again, vintage Tampa-2.
Consider this as well: How many offensive plays did the Broncos run where they could have tied/taken the lead in the game? Three, and they were on their first possession of the game. Even though it may have felt the game was out of hand, it wasn’t.
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