In the midst of a tumultuous season, the Denver Broncos are clawing their way back to respectability, thanks in large part to a stingy defense that’s currently ranked among the league’s top four in most major statistical categories. However, as they enter the crucial month of October, the Broncos are desperately seeking something that’s been elusive thus far: touchdowns.
With a paltry four offensive TDs, the Broncos are tied for last in the league. Their anemic offense ranks 27th in total yards per game (266.0), 27th in passing yards per game (159.8), 31st in third-down conversion rate (24.6%), and tied for last in percentage of touchdowns scored on red-zone drives (33.3%). Coach Sean Payton has been vocal about the team’s struggles, particularly with the run game, which, surprisingly, is the offense’s most consistent aspect, ranking 20th in the league (106.3 YPG).
As the Broncos prepare to face their AFC West rivals, starting with the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Payton emphasized the importance of October for teams looking to make a push. “You’ve gotten four games kind of on film with everyone. There’s really not this plateau. You’re getting better, or it’s the other [direction].”
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has faced his fair share of growing pains, and getting him on track will be crucial to finding the end zone and securing those all-important divisional wins. Nix has managed to avoid taking sacks, but his overall performance has been underwhelming. He ranks 20th in QBR (49.5), 32nd in yards per completion (8.0), 29th in completion percentage (60.1%), and tied for 34th in touchdown passes (1).
The Broncos’ receiving corps has been similarly underwhelming, with only two players – Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds – averaging more than 10 yards per reception. The team’s tight ends have a mere eight catches combined, and defenses have successfully crowded the short areas of the field where Nix is attempting to throw.
Despite these struggles, Payton remains confident in his young quarterback and the collective unit. “The execution, the details still have to get better with younger players,” he said. “If everyone else can paint the right picture, then you truly get to evaluate and watch a really good quarterback.”
History suggests that Nix has some time to develop, and the Broncos are hoping that their offense can find some much-needed equilibrium and start scoring more touchdowns. As Sutton noted, “I think the guys are focused… We came in Monday, watched the film, got better from it, and put it to bed…. [Just] continue stacking those days so we can go out there Sunday and put our best foot forward.”
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