By Jordan Long
The Denver Broncos hit their bye week at 3-6. Denver will try to improve their record on November 18th when they travel to face the L.A. Chargers. Let’s take a look at their season to this point.
The Broncos were optimistic Case Keenum would be the answer at quarterback. Denver agreed to a 2-year, $36 million contract on March 14th. The Broncos hoped Keenum could protect the football like he did in Minnesota last season when he tossed 22 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
Unfortunately for the Denver Broncos, Keenum isn’t protecting the football. He is taking chances throwing the ball downfield. Those passes are often intercepted which end Denver’s drives. Keenum has 10 interceptions. Those need to improve for Denver to have a chance to any of the final 7 games of the year.
It hasn’t been all Keenum’s fault on offense. The offensive line hasn’t done its’ part to protect Keenum. They allow him to be blitzed and he is running for his life or he doesn’t have time to chuck the football away. The offensive line has given up 24 sacks and Keenum has been hit 58 times. That isn’t helping the Broncos.
On offense, Denver averages 250.4 yards passing, 18th in the league. That is not above average. Denver scores 22.8 points per game, 19th in the NFL. For Denver to have a chance to win more games down the stretch these stats must change.
The bright spot on offense is their running game. They are able to gain yards, averaging 126.7 yards per game on the ground, 8th in the NFL. Denver must use it more in the game plan. There are games where Denver is moving the ball at will on the ground then they decide to abandon it. The running game is key for Denver to drive down the field.
On defense, Denver has a difficult time stopping the opponents from gaining yards. They give up 364 yards ranking 20th in the NFL. Rival teams use the running game to open up the passing game. Denver can’t halt it allowing 131.6 yards per game on the ground. They permit 23.7 points per game.
The only area Denver is playing well on defense is sacks. They blitz to put pressure on the quarterbacks. Those end in the defense taking down the quarterback. Denver is tied for 2nd in the league in total sacks on defense with 28.
Looking at the final 7 games of the season, Denver must figure out a way to hold onto the football on offense and stop teams from gaining yards on defense. If Keenum chucks the ball to the open receiver rather than double coverage, this will keep drives alive for Denver to score. On defense, it is simple, end opponents’ drives. Denver can’t let quarterbacks continually hit the open receiver for long gains. Denver needs to find a way to shut drives down and give the ball back to the offense for them to score. At this rate, Denver will not make the playoffs, but a strong finish may go a long way to build for next year.
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