A ton of positive takeaways from the Broncos win over the Giants

• Now that it’s over, can we all admit the Giants game was a must-win? Seeing what the Giants look like, a loss would’ve been very deflating considering all the positive vibes that had been created over the summer. This gives the Broncos a huge momentum boost, a legitimate chance to start 3-0, and every opportunity to be a playoff contender this season.

• Teddy Bridgewater was everything as advertised – and more. He’s got the leadership and the intangibles down cold. What stood out was his playmaking ability. He kept plays alive with a keen pocket presence and used his legs to extend plays. He pushed the ball down field. He put the ball in his playmakers’ hands giving them a chance to use their individual talent to take passes short of the sticks and convert them into first downs. He was a combination quarterback/point guard distributing the ball and making sure all the mouths were fed – nine different Broncos caught balls.

• It’s just one game. I understand. Give me, say, nine to 11 more of those and I’ll be quite content.

• When I hear my man Mark Schlereth talk about how Pat Shurmur loves having both Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams to use as three-down backs, I can’t help but think that’s a subtle dig at Philip Lindsay who wasn’t that type of back, thus limiting what the Broncos could do when he was out there because the defense knew his limitations.

• 36 passes and 28 runs? Maybe, just maybe Shurmur is set to call an offense for what’s good for the Broncos and not for Pat trying to get another head coaching job?

• NFL injuries just aren’t fair. Jerry Jeudy worked his butt off during the offseason, had a superb camp and was off to a good start in this one until he got hurt. Luckily, he’ll be back. A full-season washout injury would’ve been a real gut punch.

• Nice to see the mystery man Noah Fant back. Dude was a veritable ghost during the preseason. He looked fast and powerful. Ditto Albert O. It’s tough to not to get the mouth watering at what these two could do as a tight end tandem.

• Vic Fangio! Riverboat gambler! Love it. That’s a guy who knows he’s coaching for his job from day one saying, “Screw it; I’m going for it!” If he was an established head coach with job security, he’s punting from midfield in a 7-3 game with a minute left in the half.

• Just love the double score. Broncos score right before the end of the half and then take the opening possession of the second half down for a TD. Go from being down 7-3 to up 17-7 with the Giants’ offense going almost a full hour of real time in between touching the ball.

• Welcome back Von Miller. Two sacks and strong run support. How long before we start debating a contract extension?

• I’m really worried that Bradley Chubb will never be healthy enough to live up to his prodigious potential.

• Dre’mont Jones is the best player on the Broncos defense (heck, maybe whole team) that no one’s talking about.

• My guy Stink dazzled on the FOX broadcast. A “clear leather” phrase that pays with the added touch of mentioning Old West fictional legend Smoke Jensen. Plus, “gumdrop buttons,” “snot bubble” and “Man 101,” plus that very relaxed button on his dress shirt. The dude is already in midseason form!

• Yeah the Giants aren’t very good, but don’t try and kill my buzz. The Broncos have been bad for so long and absolutely atrocious in September the last two years, let me enjoy this one, will you?

• Assuming they take care of business and beat Jacksonville and the Jets, Denver will be 3-0. A soft 3-0? Sure, but when we got our first look at the schedule we all agreed there was a great opportunity to get off to a fast start. No need to apologize for taking care of business against New York. Might a 3-0 record be a mirage when they head into the meat of their schedule? Perhaps. But that’s a theory I’d love to test!

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