By Jordan Long
The Denver Broncos opened up the Sean Payton era at 0-2. Both losses were by a total of 3 points. Denver hopes to get back on track when they hit the road to take on Miami. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph is the problem.
The Denver defense was supposed to be the strength of this team. They were going to put pressure on quarterbacks causing sacks and turnovers. Those would help the offense for better field position to start drives.
The defense is in the middle of the pack when it comes to allowing yards. Denver gives up 324.5 yards per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. Denver is not stopping opponents’ offense when they throw the ball. Every time a wide receiver, tight end, or running back catches the football, it is a large gain on this defense. Denver permits 233 passing yards per game, 21st in the NFL.
The biggest problem with the Broncos defense is the opponent’s offenses are scoring points at will. Denver hasn’t been able to stop them from putting up points on the scoreboard. Denver gives up 26 points per game, 23rd in the NFL.
The Broncos anticipated they would be great on run defense. That is their strength on defense. Offenses are having a difficult time running the football on this defense. The Broncos allow 91.5 yards on the ground, 11th in the NFL.
In the end, the Broncos defense isn’t doing enough in ball games to help this team win. This starts with and ends with Vance Joseph. He calls the plays on defense. His defense hasn’t shown the ability to stop anybody. That puts the pressure on the offense and they have to be perfect. It’s hard to win football games that way.
At least the season is young. Denver knows they must improve on defense. Head Coach Sean Payton shouldn’t wait too much longer if Joseph’s defense doesn’t improve. A new defensive coordinator could put some fire into this defense. It’s only been two games so there is a chance Joseph’s defense can recover from a horrible beginning to the season.
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