Mile High Report
The Denver Broncos aren’t yet the sum of all their parts, but Head Coach Sean Payton isn’t concerned about that. He’s focused on the team earning their fifth victory of the season against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Sunday’s matchup at home against the Carolina Panthers gives the Denver Broncos a huge opportunity to show what kind of football team they are. After starting off the season 0-2, the Broncos have won four of their last five games and are one of the hottest teams in the National Football League.
Their success has been propelled by a dominant defense and special teams' units that have been consistent throughout their first seven games. The offense has been a work in progress, but their Thursday Night Football beatdown of the New Orleans Saints should give fans confidence that side of the ball is trending in the right direction.
On Friday afternoon, Head Coach Sean Payton was asked about what progress would mean for the offense which has had its fair share of ups and downs to start the year. Instead of divulging specifics right off the bat in that regard, Payton discussed that progress means the franchise secures their fifth win of the season against the Carolina Panthers.
“Progress is getting to our fifth win. That can come in different ways. The focus is really on our preparation internally and externally to what they do scheme-wise. There’s a lot of moving parts,” stated Payton.
As the post-practice interview went on, Payton stated one significant adjustment that could be in store for the Broncos this weekend is a variance in their offensive play calling. Payton admitted he is confident in his beliefs and script he has put together. Nevertheless, he acknowledged it’s important to be open to suggestions from other coordinators and position coaches who might see a better path forward. With that in mind, it appears that will be a focus of his in-game management and philosophy on Sunday and moving forward.
“You have to be a good listener. I like when coaches have conviction. I think a strong opinion means something. That happens in games a lot.”
The Broncos head into Sunday’s matchup with a clear advantage in health over the Panthers. Very few Broncos players are on the injury report. However, the Panthers’ reads like an infirmary log with well over a dozen starters and role players designated as questionable, doubtful, or out for the game.
As I outlined in my Scouting the Enemy segment, the Panthers have struggled mightily due to their injuries. They are definitely a team that has underachieved to start the season. Both their offense and defense are ranked in the bottom 5 in the National Football League. That’s certainly not a good formula to be competitive on a weekly basis.
All things considered, it’s hard to envision them performing at a high level given that, but the Broncos can’t afford to underestimate them.
This is a game where the Broncos should win decisively. It should...
