DETROIT — As the Broncos third straight win came to an end, the attempt to explain it began. On deadline with a 6 am flight waiting. How did the Broncos send Detroit’s season into peril — only three teams have made the playoffs since 1990 after an 0-3 start — without running the ball well? And did Peyton Manning realize he ruined the national narrative that he’s Willie Mays playing with the New York Mets, gasping and limping toward the finish line?
The two facts are related. The Broncos ground game remained in idle, managing 41 yards on 19 carries.