Mile High Report
The offense needs to put up big numbers
The Denver Broncos are in an unusual position as they get ready to take on the Carolina Panthers. It’s not just the fact that they are a favorite to win the game.
No, they are a heavy favorite. At the time of writing this, they are a 10.5 point favorite. Not that they don’t deserve the double digit spread, but it’s not really a place that Broncos Country is used to being in recent seasons.
And as Ian and I discussed on Odds and Endzones, the Panthers being totally inept as a team right now plays a huge role in those odds. At 4-3, and currently the 7th seed if the playoffs started today (which I am aware is a silly thing to hang your hat on), the feeling in Broncos Country is… good.
Let me be clear, the playoffs are the goal. This team has a good enough defense to disrupt just about any offense in the NFL. The special teams has been huge in terms of setting up the offense and defense to have success. And recently, Javonte Williams has found his legs, making the rushing attack a key weapon.
It is a weapon that can only help Bo Nix continue to improve. For me, the goal for the season wasn’t really much more than to make the playoffs. If they can string together the necessary wins, that would be incredible. And having a rookie under center getting that kind of experience would be huge.
I mentioned to Ian on the show that if they missed the playoffs, it would not be devastating, if they looked like a team that was continuing their journey to get better. But as I sit here typing this, I find myself thinking about what a missed opportunity it would be for them to not get in.
Partly, it is that experience for the rookie, but mostly, it’s about that defense for me. Imagine the Broncos playing like they have all season, but not getting a chance to upset a team that is supposed to contend for a Super Bowl. It would be a shame.
So my feelings have changed overnight. Sean Payton has the team in a good position. These next three games are tough. They cannot overlook Carolina with the Chiefs and Ravens on the horizon. They must take care of business against a team that has just one win, (Raiders, hahahahaha), and then stealing a win against one of those big contenders would be so sweet.
If the goal at the start of the season was, “maybe the playoffs, but really just, Bo Nix grows into the starting quarterback job,” fine. But now, the playoffs have to be the main focus. Anything less would be a huge disappointment.
