Broncos Week 7 Recap: an unfortunate pattern
Andy Cross/The Denver Post
The New York Jets don’t have much to celebrate after winning this game, despite the win itself. Quarterback Zach Wilson threw for under 125 yards and couldn't chart a touchdown for the second week in a row.
The Jets scored only 16 points, having only scored less than that in their two losses. And star rookie running back Breece Hall likely suffered a season ending injury which makes the future of this high potential season scary. Nonetheless, the Jets docked their fourth consecutive win on Sunday.
Still, a win is more than Denver can show for. The Broncos produced another loss in week seven, as the Jets left Mile High Stadium 5-2 for the first time since 2010.
Russell Wilson was inactive this week with a pulled hamstring, giving Brett Rypien his second NFL career start, both of which have been against the Jets. There was hope that he might have been able to give fire to the Denver Broncos, however his touchdownless game proved otherwise.
Denver, once again, was unable to produce on offense. In his postgame interview, Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett said, “I’m sick of being up here saying the same thing over and over again.”
Losing their fourth straight, the Broncos have recorded just two touchdowns in their last three games. Denver’s second half possessions looked like this: punt, punt, punt, interception, turnover on downs, turnover on downs. Again, the Broncos couldn’t save themselves in the second half.
Andy Cross/The Denver Post
Certainly, there will be growing pains for an offense with a new head coach and quarterback. But as we approach midseason, the concerns remain persistent.
With so many offensive weapons in Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and even breakout rookie tight end Greg Dulcich, why is the offense unable to score more than an average of 14 points per game? For comparison, the Kansas City Chiefs average 32 points per game. If the Broncos want a chance to compete for a playoff spot in the AFC West, something needs to change there.
The pass rush has continued to apply pressure in the pocket and the defense as a whole has been a solidified unit, moving up in the ranks as the number two defense in the League. Only four teams have allowed fewer points than Denver so far this season.
Denver unfortunately also encountered some injuries on Sunday against the Jets. Mike Boone has been placed on injury reserve after suffering an ankle injury during the game. He has been crucial to filling the absence of Javonte Williams at running back. Linebacker Baron Browning, who had an exceptional game against the Los Angeles Chargers last week, also was injured on Sunday; he is expected to miss several games with a hip injury.
Andy Cross/The Denver Post
“Opportunities are there; at some point we have to take them,” Hackett said postgame. Although he is correct, that slot for opportunity is growing smaller and smaller. Before the season began, broadcaster Colin Cowherd predicted that the Denver Broncos would win the AFC West and make the playoffs at 11-6. Approaching week eight, the Broncos are nowhere near the playoff picture.
