Initial thoughts on the Broncos’ 31-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15 at Empower Field at Mile High:

Defensive false start: Riley Moss can’t be The important, can he? The results in the first five quarters of the second-year cornerback’s absence — 35 first downs and 674 yards for 42 scores from the start of the Browns game through the first seven seconds of the second quarter on Sunday — weren’t very encouraging. Nor was running back Jonathan Taylor ripping off first-down runs on third-and-10 and third-and-9 on the Colts’ first two drives. Or quarterback Anthony Richardson destroying the secondary in the middle of the field with two third-down throws. For much of the season, Denver’s ability to generate pressure in the third period has been a defining feature of their success. After John Franklin-Myers and Co. got back to it in the second quarter, everything turned around.

Runs empty: The other alarm bell from early Sunday afternoon? A Broncos running game that was far too dependent on Bo Nix in the first two quarters. This was supposed to be the game where the Broncos unleashed Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime against the NFL’s 31st ranked run defense. Instead, Denver’s running backs had eight runs of 15 yards before halftime – with Estime not getting a single touch of the ball. Even more puzzling? Head coach Sean Payton told the CBS sideline reporter at halftime that the Broncos needed to run more … and then picked a third-and-short pass early in the second half that Bo Nix sailed for a pick.

Beginner lessons: Speaking of the Broncos’ quarterback…let’s face it, Bo Nix was due. Rookie QBs are supposed to turn in a few duds in their first season in the league. We just thought Nix got them out of the way in September. Unfortunately, the lucky feet returned, as did the questionable decisions – and the picks (three in total). If you still couldn’t judge Nix’s credentials as a franchise quarterback, this game was for you. If you bet on the Offensive Rookie of the Year odds early on, this is your recipe for success. Of course, the Tower still clinched a win with three touchdown passes. No doubt Broncos Country will endure a bad day like this every time.