What a time to be alive as a Denver Broncos fan.
There have been miraculous comebacks in the fourth quarter, an incredible defense, and even a sputtering offense that transforms into fourth-quarter magic.
Some people are questioning how far they will go in the playoffs; others are simply wondering how they manage to even win games. Even so, every team has its weaknesses and strengths, so what better time than now to do an early-season report card?
Offense: C+
Disappointment. Anger. Hope. The emotions range from jumping into the chair to throwing it away. A rollercoaster of emotions is but a glimpse at what this offense has given those who love the horsemen.
They’ve been shockingly bad in three quarters, to outright domination in the fourth. Stats don’t lie, and sadly, these stats hurt. Per Team Rankings, the Broncos are 24th in 3rd down conversion percentage (35.7%), 20th in yards-per-play (5.3), and 30th and 32nd in penalties per game (8.7) and penalty yards per game (82.1). Self-inflicted wounds can’t summarize the inconsistencies blatantly displayed in an offense built with undeniable weapons.
However, running the ball has been a strong suit for Peyton and his Broncos. Ranked seventh in yards per rush (4.8), seventh in rush TDs per game (1.1), and fifth in rush yards per game (131.9), Denver has found unfamiliar success on the ground.
Not to mention that Nix is a powerful runner at will. A team that consistently struggled to find rushing success for almost a decade has found its missing link, which boosts its overall grade to a C+.
Offensive Coaching: C-
When looking at the Denver Broncos coaching staff, it may very well lead to the effects of some late-night Taco Bell. There’s a whole lot of flavor with massive risks involved.
It’s a tale of two sides. The defensive coaches this year have been outstanding. The offensive coaches, though? Abysmal. Sean Payton really is a mastermind, so much so that it leads to his downfall. If Bo Nix has taught us anything, it’s that he knows how to throw a football. Three-yard check-down passes and wide screens are wonderful, especially to get in the groove, but there needs to be more.
Too often, we see a common theme in Denver’s games. Run the same offensive plays, paint them a different color, and expect the defense not to adjust. If the Giants game didn’t convince Payton and crew what needs to change, nothing will. Nix needs to be let loose, to take more risks than just late in a miraculous fourth quarter comeback. This offense thrives when their wild child quarterback lets loose his inner Tasmanian devil.
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Defense: A
There isn’t a soul in the NFL fandom who has yet to hear about Denver’s defense. Nine sacks against the New York Jets? Wow. Forcing an average of eight penalties a game? Scary. However, the story is not just about the improbable stats they create.
The Broncos’ defense throughout the entire season has single-handedly kept this team in the game, between inefficient offense, neck-and-neck scores, and even devastating turnovers. In spite of this, it hasn’t led to the Broncos losing, due to the terror that opposing offenses have to face.
Not that they are perfect, not by any means. However, defenses like this are seldom built in the blink of an eye. Knowing a team is elite at every position, it’s a sight to behold. Years of diligence, patience, and even questionable signings have led to this defensive powerhouse.
Overall: B+
The Broncos have impressed when it seemed impossible and have also left us with shocking disappointments. However, for a team that was a playoff contender last season, success seems on the horizon for Sean Payton’s Broncos.
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