Mile High Report
On Sunday, the Denver Broncos beat the Tennessee Titans, 20-12. It was the first game of the season and there was plenty of rust to go around. Bo Nix had two interceptions, a fumble, and only completed 25 of 40 passes for just 176 yards. The vaunted rushing attack failed to produce a 100-yard rusher. Special teams allowed a 71-yard return.
The sky is not falling.
Over the offseason, Broncos Country allowed expectations for this season to set themselves in the loftiest levels. It’s tough to look at where the Broncos have been over the last decade and not get excited at where Denver is this season with a killer defense, a franchise quarterback (finally), and a competent head coach.
After watching the Bills-Ravens game on Sunday Night Football, it’s clear that growth is necessary for the Broncos to compete at that level. Granted, they had known for months that their opener would be a rematch of the AFC Divisional round and that level of intensity showed on the field. The Broncos are not at this level… yet.
Last season, the Broncos learned how to walk with their new-found swagger. This season, the Broncos are learning how to run and that, unfortunately, looks like it will take some time. It may look ugly at times. There may be bumps and bruises along the way.
With the Bills and Ravens, the ceiling of their season was on full display in the first week. With the Broncos, it’s apparent that they haven’t even scratched the surface of their potential. We all know what Bo Nix is capable of. The explosive runs, especially RJ Harvey’s 50-yard rip, against the Titans are encouraging signs of an improved rushing attack.
Was Sunday’s win the dominant display that Broncos Country expected? No. Was it the first win of a very long season? Absolutely. So, consider it a bonus that the Broncos played the kind of game that provided them plenty of learning opportunities AND the win. It wasn’t too long ago that Denver struggled to amass a double-digit point total. In the past, the Broncos would have dug deep and found a way to lose to the Titans.
The arc of this season is long and bends towards Bo Nix and the Broncos. It’s going to multi-chapter story that will unfold as the weeks tick by. Lofty expectations are a benefit of rooting for the 2025 Denver Broncos, don’t let them prevent you from enjoying the ride.
