5 Takeaways From Denver Broncos’ Week 5 Win

For the first time this season, the Denver Broncos weren't trying to pull out a victory late in the fourth quarter. The defense was able to play consistently in the second half, and the offense was able to score points with explosive plays and had very few non-executed drives.

It was good to finally see receiver Demaryius Thomas back to full potential. He broke the Broncos' single-game receiving yards record previously held by Shannon Sharpe in 2002 with 226. Being covered mostly by Cardinals defensive back Antonio Cromartie, Thomas nearly had a 300-yard day when a 77-yard touchdown was called back on a questionable Julius Thomas chop block.

Peyton Manning delivered his 500th touchdown of his career early in the first quarter and threw three more. Getting 500 is definitely an awesome accomplishment, but passing Brett Favre's mark at 508, which could come next week against the Jets, will be the impressive one. Manning will pass Favre this season, and if he decides to play in 2015, his record will undoubtedly be unreachable.

In addition to Peyton and DT's record setting days, Wes Welker also added to the record books. A record held dearly by Broncos fans, Welker reeled in his 850th career reception, the most catches by an undrafted player, passing Broncos Ring of Famer Rod Smith. Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton also registered a new milestone, as he got his 300th career tackle.

Although the running game still looks pathetic, a bright spot for the future came out Sunday. After Montee Ball, who was struggling most of the game, went down with an apparent groin injury, Ronnie Hillman and undrafted rookie Juwan Thompson showed explosiveness and finally got the run game going. Hillman showed great speed finishing with 65 yards on 14 carries, as Thompson showed solid pass blocking abilities and got his first career rushing TD.