Denver, CO——The Denver Broncos are officially in the driver’s seat to potentially capture their first AFC West title since 2015, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some challenges along the way. Despite their 8-2 record which leads the AFC West Division, the Broncos haven’t been executing consistent offensive football for a while now.
Bo Nix has been erratic at times; seemingly forcing some throws (which have occasionally led to some turnovers) , and the Broncos have been penalized 52 times in 10 games this season. That’s the 2nd most in the league. Denver is 16th in the NFL in terms of total passing, 18th in passing yards per game, and 10th in overall scoring.
Speaking of overall scoring, no NFL team has been hotter and more dominant this season in the 4th quarter than the Broncos. Denver leads the league in 4th quarter points, particularly noticeable in that epic comeback vs. the Giants when the Broncos scored 33 points in the 4th quarter of that wild contest. Despite the Broncos magic tricks to win games late this season, that formula may be short lived when playing stiffer competition.
The Broncos have 7 games left, and some of them won’t be easy. Denver still has to play the Chiefs twice, the Chargers (whom they lost to early this season) one more time, and a tough Green Bay Packers team in Denver. None of these games will land Denver on the winning side if the offense struggles and doesn’t provide more consistency.
Head coach Sean Payton has openly admitted that he’s not completely satisfied with the Broncos offense and their recent struggles, as they certainly have the potential to play better. From a personnel perspective, Denver has great athletes on both sides of the ball. Rookie running back CJ Harvey has provided a spark at times, and WR’s Troy Franklin and Courtland Sutton both have made key contributions this season.
Bo Nix seems to be a little on edge early in games, as there seems to be a level of anxiousness to the second year QB. However, Nix has made some great plays when it really counts, particularly in late games and 4th quarter situations.
Defensively, Denver hands down is top three in the NFL. The Broncos defense currently leads the league in sacks (46 total); and they’re poised to possibly break the all-time sack record which currently sits at 72 from the 1984 Chicago Bears team. Denver’s defensive line has been dominant on the edges and in the trenches upfront. Nik Bonitto has led the way with 9.5 sacks this season. Let’s not forget about other key players on that Denver defense; including Zach Allen (6 sacks), Franklin-Meyers, and Tillman. On the back end, you’ve got the former Defensive Player of the year in Patrick Surtain II, Riley Moss, and Talanoa Hufanga all making an impact.
With other AFC teams like the Bills, Patriots, Steelers, Ravens, Colts, Chargers, and Chiefs still jockeying for playoff positions and also fighting for their own division titles, Denver needs to be aware of what lies ahead. As many of us (me included) know, never rule out Kansas City and Buffalo is also catching momentum at the right time. The Colts have been doubted all year and have proven many wrong, Justin Herbert and the Chargers are always a threat and the Ravens may surprise us in the end.
Only time will tell in the Mile High City if the Broncos can finish this season on top and ride their own wild horses on the trail of a championship that awaits in Santa Clara, CA. Buckle up and get your soda and popcorn ready, as I believe this will be one heck of a story line to watch over the next 3 months.