Redskins vs. Broncos: Live Game Grades and Analysis for Denver

The Denver Broncos overcame a 21-7 deficit on Sunday against the Washington Redskins to improve their record to 7-1 on the season.

Denver scored 38 points to put the game away and avoid what would have been their second defeat in a row.

The Broncos now enter their bye week, but will return in Week 10 to face the San Diego Chargers.

Final Score

Redskins: 21

Broncos: 45

Positional Unit	1st-Half Grade	Final Grade
Passing Offense	B	B-
Passing Defense	B-	A
Rushing Offense	C	B
Rushing Defense	C-	B+
Special Teams	B	B
Coaching	C	B

Final Analysis

Passing Offense: Peyton Manning threw a very uncharacteristic three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. But he also passed for 354 yards and four touchdowns.

Passing Defense: A big factor in this game was the pressure Denver was able to apply to Robert Griffin III. They hit him several times and forced him to throw two interceptions. They also grabbed two more interceptions off backup quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Rushing Offense: Denver ran for over 100 yards as a team, using multiple running backs to do so. More importantly, there were no fumbles from the running-back position.

Rushing Defense: The Broncos made excellent adjustments at halftime in defending the run. After getting gashed in the first half, they gave up just 28 yards in the second half.

Special Teams: Matt Prater made his only field-goal attempt in the game, a 19-yard chip shot. Britton Colquitt averaged 49 yards on his three punts.

Coaching: Though Denver got the win, the bye week comes at a good time as the Broncos have areas that need improvement. It seems that sticking with Knowshon Moreno at running back is much more beneficial than the committee they insist on using.

First-Half Analysis

Passing Offense: Manning was effective when he was in the game, hitting 12 of his 15 pass attempts for 131 yards and a touchdown. He missed Wes Welker on a third down in the second quarter that stalled a drive.

Passing Defense: Griffin III has only thrown for 80 yards in the first half, but he has converted some key third downs with his playmaking ability.

Rushing Offense: Denver has gained 52 yards on the ground in the first half by using Moreno, Montee Ball, C.J. Anderson and even Trindon Holliday. They only averaged 3.7 yards per carry.

Rushing Defense: Washington was able to churn out 84 yards rushing, running the ball right at Denver. This allowed them to win the time of possession battle.

Special Teams: Missed tackles on a punt to start the second quarter allowed Josh Morgan to get 34 yards on a return for the Redskins.

Coaching: It is clear that Washington plans to win this game by keeping Manning on the sidelines. Denver needs to do a better job of getting their offense on the field.