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Denver was handed their first loss of the 2016 campaign by the Atlanta Falcons at home on Sunday by a score of 23-16. Just because the game did not go in favor of the home team, though, doesn’t mean it was all bad. There are always rays of sunshine on a cloudy day and we have found our three stars that shined brightest in the ugly loss.

T.J. Ward

Ward was all over the field in the loss, racking up a team-leading eight total tackles while being a main component in a defensive backfield that allowed Falcons’ wideouts only five catches for 72 yards.

No. 43 also had the only takeaway for Denver after ripping the ball away from veteran wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.

Ward and the rest of the squad will be hungry coming off a short week as they travel to take on division rival San Diego.

Shane Ray

After veteran DeMarcus Ware was sidelined with a broken forearm, Wade Phillips and his staff knew exactly who they were going to use to replace the perennial pro-bowler and Shane Ray is showing why he was the right choice.

Ray fought hard to work himself into the backfield all afternoon, recording seven total tackles, including two for loss, and one quarterback hit. Ray also added a sack which gives him four on the season, matching his total from last season.

Brandon McManus

When you alone account for more than 56-percent of your team’s total points, you deserve some credit.

McManus was 3-3 on field goals against Atlanta, converting his longest of the season (46 yards) in the process.

The young leg out of Temple is now 10-11 on the season; and has made his last 10 in a row.