DENVER – The theory that it doesn’t matter who plays quarterback for the Denver Broncos might have been debunked Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, as the team suffered their first loss of the year by a score of 23-16.

After a strong debut in Week 4, Paxton Lynch looked like a rookie in his first full start; holding onto the ball too long at times, struggling to read coverages and not feeling out pressure. Paxton didn’t get much help from the rest of the attack, though, as Denver had major issues blocking up front, leaving the rookie under constant pressure.

The Broncos were on their heels from the start of the game as Atlanta took 10-0 lead with a combination of running the ball and throwing to their backs. After limiting damages and going into halftime down just 10, Denver seemed to gain some momentum stopping the Falcons on 3rd-and-8 with a Von Miller spin sack.

Some lucky bounces on the ensuing Atlanta punt pinned the Broncos offense at their own one-yard line where Lynch tried to make something happen, airing it deep into double coverage where he was intercepted by Ricardo Allen, the safety who read the pass to perfection. Soon after that interception, the Falcons would score on 2nd-and-19 with a 31-yard pass to running back Tevin Coleman who burned Brandon Marshall on his way to the end zone.

Any time Denver’s defense seemed to gain some momentum the Falcons handled it, coming up with big plays. Once again, at the beginning of the fourth quarter, momentum seemed to swing back towards the Broncos with a T.J. Ward forced fumble. After the offense got a field goal to make it a two-score game, the Broncos touted defense couldn’t get the stop, allowing another Coleman reception for 49 yards on the very first play of the Falcons drive.

A common struggle through the game for the defense was stopping the running backs in the passing game as Atlanta’s backs combined for 167 yards and one touchdown receiving, more than the rest of their teammates combined.

That Coleman reception would lead to a field goal pushing the Falcons lead to 23-6, the game was over right then and there with 8:24 remaining.

The Broncos would make a late push, even coming within an onside recovery and a hail mary away from trying the game, but the team was unable to get the ball back, left to lick their wounds and get ready for a quick turnaround.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

In an odd match for these Broncos, it was Atlanta’s pass rush that was more dominant. Vic Beasly, a former top-ten draft pick had a breakout game, dominating the right side of the Broncos offensive line for 3.5 sacks and two strips.

The Broncos even made a change at right tackle and tried adding blocking help in the form of a tight end, none of it seemed to matter. Beasly did to the Denver offensive line what Miller and company have done to the opposition all year.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Ward made a great play, forcing the fumble and giving Broncos a chance at getting back into the game.

#ATLvsDENhttps://t.co/2UILBd5hDA

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 9, 2016

QUOTE OF THE GAME

Head coach Gary Kubiak: “We have to help Paxton better as coaches. We couldn’t run the ball; we struggled to protect.”

TURNING POINT

On 4th-and-goal for Atlanta at the one-yard line on the opening drive of the game, the Falcons decide to go for it, and the Broncos couldn’t get the push to stop the Devonta Freeman run. The Falcons offensive line did a good job against Denver’s front, a theme of the day.

BY THE NUMBERS

6 – Lynch was sacked six times, almost as many sacks as Denver’s allowed in the previous four weeks combined (9) and more than double the total sacks Atlanta had coming into the game (4).

286 – Yards created by Falcons two running backs on both the air and ground.

3 – The Broncos have been unable to rush for 100 yards for three consecutive games now.

LASTING IMPACT

This performance will likely end any talk of Lynch being the starter right now, as most people invested in this team will be hoping Trevor Siemian is back and healthy next Thursday.

After showing endless promise in his first real NFL appearance last week in Tampa, the young rookie showed his youth today. Gone was his decisive downfield passing, as he just seemed indecisive and struggled to feel out the Atlanta pressure.

As folks look forward to Siemian’s return, the same could be said about the Donald Stephenson as the right tackle spot was a weak point for almost the entire game.

While these two issues will be improved with the return of injured starters, the struggles that Denver is having running the ball are becoming a noticeable trend. Regardless of who’s playing quarterback, 3.4 yards per carry isn’t going to do it for this offense.

WHAT’S NEXT

Denver has a short week to prepare for Thursday night’s game against the Chargers. The team will have only a couple of days to right the ship before heading to San Diego.