Broncos vs Vikings: 5 Things We Learned About Denver in 35-32 Win

The fans of Denver can now officially set their watches by "Tebow Time," because it has become as reliable as anything right now.

Although, that term may be transitioning into meaning a total team effort that helps the Broncos to win close games after trailing. The title may always bear the name of the quarterback, but today it could have just as easily been called "Goodman Time,"  "Thomas Time" or even "Prater Time."

The Broncos scored an impressive road victory that has vaulted them into a tie for the top of the AFC West division right now, and with four games remaining, they are close to being able to determine their playoff fate.

Here are a few things we learned in Denver's tough fought victory.

Von Miller Puts the Denver Defense over the Top

Mario Haggan did a great job filling in for Von Miller against the Vikings, providing a key score via his interception return.

However, the absence of Von Miller confirmed what most had believed was starting to become the truth—that he is the key to making the defense dominant.

Christian Ponder probably thought that the Denver defense was doing a decent enough job of putting him on the ground, but truthfully had Miller been in the game Ponder might not have made it out of the first half.

Instead, Ponder was given just enough time to make throws and showed decent enough poise to hurt the Broncos on blitzing downs. On a few of the plays the sheer speed of Miller might have been the difference in flushing Ponder before he could make the throws.

The Offense Needs a Faster Start

The Denver Broncos could have done without all the last minute heroics if they simply would have scored on offense in the first half. Considering how well they adjusted and were able to move in the second half, the mystery of the stagnant first half is a perplexing one.

If nothing else, the coaching staff and the offense should be commended for the work they did in the second half to win the game, but falling behind to the New England Patriots too far in the first half might be hard to dig out of.

Willis Is the Steady Captain

Willis McGahee is quickly proving to be one the big steals in free agency for the Denver Broncos, and what's more is that he is asserting himself as the right choice for "Captain" on offense.

Downs when McGahee carries the ball are simply different, and no other runner shows as much will and desire with each rush as Willis.

His latest 100-yard rushing effort and late touchdown for the Broncos are symbols for the way that Denver is committing to winning games during their streak.

Demaryius Thomas Could Be the RB

This story has played out before with Demaryius Thomas flashing brightly in a game, so there is really no way of knowing whether this flash will last.

What was clear in this game was that Decker and Thomas as a "1-2" punch at receiver is very promising for the Denver Broncos' offense.

Thomas almost completed the hat trick in the fourth quarter on Denver's game-tying drive, but the ball just slipped through his fingers. Regardless, the Broncos need to hope that this was a breakout game for Thomas, because they need the offensive spark that he provided today. 

Denver Almost Lost...to Themselves

Bad penalties, blown coverages and turnovers almost cost the Denver Broncos the game on the road in Minnesota. 

Had Denver been their typical disciplined selves and not turned the ball over, they would not have required the nail biting comeback to win the game.

Denver is proving to be a good all around team, but against a more veteran and poised team they might not have survived the self-inflicted wounds like they did against the Vikings.