Mile High Report
The Denver Broncos sport an impressive 8-2 record after the first ten games of the season. Winners of seven in a row, their success has earned them a lot of praise and spotlight on the airwaves. Though with praise often comes criticism and one player in particular has been under more scrutiny than others. That would be second-year signal caller Bo Nix.
After the Broncos’ 10-7 win on Thursday Night Football, Nix’s erratic play was magnified. Some analysts such as Ted Nguyen have suggested for Nix to be benched if his struggles continue. Others, such as Colin Cowherd, floated the possibility of Payton looking for a potential replacement after just two years. Interesting timing, considering he called him a franchise quarterback just a month ago.
The Bo Nix Experience has been a series of highs and lows—simultaneously thrilling and extremely frustrating. While he has some of the most touchdowns and fourth quarter comebacks this season, his down-to-down and situational efficiency has been quite poor. Nix’s ability to operate the drop back game has been an issue and accuracy down the field has been amongst the worst in the NFL.
Even with those issues, most fans across Broncos Country remain optimistic about the future of the team. Moreover, have confidence that Nix and the offense will turn things around—just like they did in the second half of last season. With a bye coming after their Week 11 affair, Denver will have two weeks to prepare for their next game. But what better time than now to get things going and find a rhythm on offense?
Denver faces a familiar foe on Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs, who sit at 5-4 and unfamiliar territory in third place in the AFC West after nine straight years of division titles. This isn’t just any game for the Broncos; it’s their biggest test of the season. A game where they can strengthen their lead in the AFC West and help throw the Chiefs’ playoff hopes and aspirations into the wind.
In order to do that, the offense is going to have to play a lot better. One of the mantras Head Coach Sean Payton has repeated to all season long was the importance of starting fast. Alas, the Broncos have scored first just once this season and know it’s time to buck that woeful trend.
“I think it’s our jobs to offensively put ourselves in a position of starting faster. When I discussed this after the game, there aren’t many times when a game’s over—when you win even—where you’re fully satisfied. There’s something bugging you, there’s something. Certainly, getting that balance and the time of possession also to help our defense,” stated Payton.
So, why all the slow starts? The Broncos have among the most three-and-outs in football as well as drives that result in punts. A primary reason for that has been their penchant for penalties. The Broncos are tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the most penalties in the NFL with 83—40 of...
