In arguably the worst game of football played this season, the Denver Broncos wet the bed again on primetime television. At home at Mile High Stadium, Denver welcomed the Indianapolis Colts, both without their star running backs, to play a game of punts, penalties, turnovers, and disputed play calling. 

The touchdown-less game was culminated by a two possession overtime, ending with a Russell Wilson interception on fourth-and-one from the five yard line to seal the game for the Colts. Nathaniel Hackett opted out of kicking a game tying field goal or even running the ball for the first down. Denver went for the win on fourth down and came up short. 

This followed another red zone interception from Wilson late in the fourth quarter. The Colts took over at their own 13-yard-line, put together an efficient drive, and sent the game to overtime, and eventually a win, with a 31-yard field goal by kicker Chase McLaughlin. 

With a final score of 12-9, there isn’t much to applaud for either team. Matt Ryan and Russell Wilson both threw two interceptions. Wilson was sacked four times, Ryan six, and both teams together recorded a dozen punts. Denver made it to the red zone four times but completed zero of those trips and the team was unable to convert a third down in the second half. Those statistics don’t win games, and certainly not Super Bowls.

Injuries also plagued this game. Indianapolis’s defensive end Kwity Paye left the game with a leg injury while Denver’s offensive tackle Garett Bolles was carted off due to his right knee. Denver’s cornerback Ronald Darby will also miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. This follows the devastating loss of Javonte Williams in week four. The Broncos have lost three starters in two weeks. 

Hackett and Wilson called this disappointing stretch “adversity” in their respective post game interviews and expressed confidence that the team will overcome. Fans seem to be disagreeing in anger and frustration live in Denver and on Twitter.

Who’s really to blame for this?

Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson took accountability in his post game interview saying, “I got to be better. I got to play better”. In reference to his two interceptions, Wilson elaborated, “I let the team down tonight”. 

Denver married Russell with a massive contract so he is here to stay. In terms of making necessary and urgent change, the Broncos have one option. Fire Hackett. Maybe he wasn’t the answer that the restless Denver fans so badly yearn for.

Denver clearly suffered from the short week so maybe the extra practice days this week might make a difference. The Broncos have another chance at prime time on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers.