Slow Starts Plaguing Broncos Offense

(The Sports Xchange) - No team has fewer first-quarter points than the Denver Broncos, who mustered just 23 points in the opening 15 minutes of games so far this season. Their slow start Sunday -- in which they fell behind 10-0 before even gaining a first down -- was as predictable as the sunrise.

They didn't convert a third down until the third quarter, by which point the Broncos had a streak of 17 consecutive failed third downs dating back to the previous week.

"It's really disappointing," said Broncos coach Gary Kubiak.

"Offensively, we did nothing in the first half. Good news is, we're only down two scores, and we had every opportunity to win the game in the second half. We've got plays to make down in the red zone that we just don't make."

While the offense is the primary culprit, the Broncos have allowed 70 first-quarter points this year -- more than in any other quarter. The Broncos rank 25th in points allowed in the first quarter -- and second, 14th and first in the second, third and fourth quarters, respectively.

"Man, we just started playing too late," said CB Chris Harris Jr. "On the road, early morning, we've got to come ready to go, firing on all cylinders. We started too slow and got behind too early."