What is wrong with the Broncos defense? List is lengthy and fixes must come fast
1 year, 3 months ago

What is wrong with the Broncos defense? List is lengthy and fixes must come fast

New York Times  

Denver Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders played the first four snaps of his NFL career against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. In each of the first two games, third-down penalties extended an opponent’s fourth-quarter drive when the Broncos had the chance to get the ball back. What follows is a closer look at Denver’s struggles defensively and where fixes could come as the Broncos head into a Week 3 road game against the high-powered Miami Dolphins: Screen game failures After the Broncos’ second preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers last month, Payton quipped that the next time his team’s defense properly executed against the wide receiver screen would be the first. The Commanders catapulted themselves back into Sunday’s game when Howell completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Thomas on fourth down in the second quarter. We’re just going to focus more on it this week and, like I said, if we’re getting off the field on more of those third downs, we’re probably not even talking about it.” The Broncos were able to sack Howell four times Sunday, but their struggle to move the quarterback off his spot in the red zone continued.

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History of this topic

Broncos’ breakdowns ruin a rare fast start and keep them from clinching 1st playoff berth since ’15
2 days, 22 hours ago

Broncos’ breakdowns ruin a rare fast start and keep them from clinching 1st playoff berth since ’15

Associated Press  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sean Payton was kicking himself after Denver surrendered both the momentum and the NFL’s first successful fair-catch kick in 48 years. Cameron Dicker’s gift 57-yard field goal sparked the Chargers’ 34-27 comeback Thursday night that snapped Denver’s four-game winning streak and prevented the Broncos from clinching their first playoff berth since 2015. “It’s just a dumb penalty,” …

Bo Nix efficient again as Broncos complete season sweep of Raiders: Key takeaways
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Bo Nix efficient again as Broncos complete season sweep of Raiders: Key takeaways

New York Times  

By Nick Kosmider, Vic Tafur, Tashan Reed and Chris Licata The good times kept rolling for Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, securing a 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium to improve to 7-5 and sweep their regular season series against the Las Vegas Raiders for the first time since 2014. The Raiders led 13-9 at halftime despite Minshew’s …

Coach Sean Payton accepts blame for the botched field goal that cost the Broncos a big win at KC
1 month, 1 week ago

Coach Sean Payton accepts blame for the botched field goal that cost the Broncos a big win at KC

Associated Press  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sean Payton doesn’t want Alex Forsyth catching all the flack for getting bulldozed by a wave of Kansas City defenders and allowing linebacker Leo Chenal to block Wil Lutz’s game-winning, chip-shot field-goal attempt. It’s disappointing, and yet it’s not something that’s new when a big play is made at the end of the game.” It was difficult …

Payton Triumphs in Emotional Return to New Orleans, Broncos Dominate Saints in Thrilling Game
2 months ago

Payton Triumphs in Emotional Return to New Orleans, Broncos Dominate Saints in Thrilling Game

Associated Press  

The Denver Broncos dominated the New Orleans Saints 33-10 in a thrilling matchup. Sean Payton made a triumphant return to New Orleans, leading the Broncos to victory with his team dominating statistically. The Broncos gained 389 yards to 271 while forcing the Saints to turn the ball over five times. The game was a testament to Payton's coaching prowess and …

What fuels internal competition for Broncos’ pass rush? ‘It’s a race to the quarterback’
2 months ago

What fuels internal competition for Broncos’ pass rush? ‘It’s a race to the quarterback’

New York Times  

It was only a few days into Denver Broncos training camp, but Jonathon Cooper was ready to share a lofty goal. The Broncos, after all, haven’t had a single player reach double-digit sacks since 2018, when prime Von Miller and all-rookie linebacker Bradley Chubb had 14 1/2 and 12 takedowns, respectively. “It’s a race to the quarterback,” said Allen, whose …

Justin Herbert paces improved Chargers offense in win vs. Broncos: Key takeaways
2 months, 1 week ago

Justin Herbert paces improved Chargers offense in win vs. Broncos: Key takeaways

New York Times  

By Daniel Popper, Nick Kosmider and Lauren Smith Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw for a season-high 237 yards, the Los Angeles offense posted a season-best 350 yards, and the defense kept the Broncos off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter, holding off a late rally to pick up a 23-16 win in Denver. — Daniel Popper, Chargers beat writer GO …

Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers: Two Top Defenses Clash in Thrilling Matchup
2 months, 1 week ago

Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers: Two Top Defenses Clash in Thrilling Matchup

Associated Press  

The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers meet in a battle of top defenses and offenses. Both teams boast strong defenses, but the Broncos' offense has found its footing with a 34-point outburst against Las Vegas last week. The Chargers' defense has been equally impressive, allowing only 12.5 points per game. The matchup will be a test of which team …

Broncos' Offensive Line Faces Test as Injuries Loom
2 months, 1 week ago

Broncos' Offensive Line Faces Test as Injuries Loom

Associated Press  

The Broncos' offensive line is facing challenges with injuries, but they are prepared to face the Los Angeles Chargers in a pivotal AFC West matchup. The Broncos have lost right tackles Alex Palczewski and Luke Wattenberg to sprained ankles, and right tackle Alex Forsyth has been playing well in place of McGlinchey. However, the backups have performed well and the …

What I’m seeing from the Denver Broncos: Bo Nix’s rare feat, O-line depth, TE issue
2 months, 2 weeks ago

What I’m seeing from the Denver Broncos: Bo Nix’s rare feat, O-line depth, TE issue

New York Times  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sean Payton chose an interesting time to use the word “perfect” Sunday at MetLife Stadium. So this is an important month of football.” As the Broncos prepare to embark on this critical stretch, let’s break down some things I’ve been seeing from the team: Positive trend for Nix Bo Nix made rather ignominious history at MetLife Stadium …

Why Sean Payton may be facing his most important game as Broncos coach vs. Raiders
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Why Sean Payton may be facing his most important game as Broncos coach vs. Raiders

New York Times  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — When the Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs for the first time in eight years last October, first-year Denver coach Sean Payton wasn’t eager to celebrate the win as a monumental achievement. “It’s a division opponent; this is our first chance to play a division opponent,” Payton said Wednesday. It would also be a nod of respect …

Sean Payton realizes he has to be the one to jump-start the Broncos’ clunker of an offense
3 months ago

Sean Payton realizes he has to be the one to jump-start the Broncos’ clunker of an offense

Associated Press  

DENVER — While Russell Wilson was getting a game ball in the visitors’ locker room Sunday, Sean Payton was playing the blame game — pointing the finger at himself for the Denver Broncos’ sputtering offense that’s the primary culprit in their second straight 0-2 start. That starts with me,” Payton said in the aftermath of Denver’s 13-6 loss to the …

Broncos stock report: High marks for goal-line scheme; questions about rookie WR
4 months ago

Broncos stock report: High marks for goal-line scheme; questions about rookie WR

New York Times  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos are nearing the finish line in their quest to arrive at the right 53-man roster ahead of the Sept. 8 regular-season opener in Seattle. Ahead of this critical stretch, let’s take a look at some players and aspects of Denver’s overall team trending up — and down — after a 27-2 victory against the …

No clarity yet about who will start at quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 2024
4 months, 2 weeks ago

No clarity yet about who will start at quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 2024

Associated Press  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The only clarity in the Denver Broncos’ quarterback competition two weeks into training camp is that no clear-cut leader has emerged. Jarrett Stidham was listed first on the team’s initial depth chart this week, followed by Zach Wilson at second-string and rookie Bo Nix behind him. That led to quite a national conversation noting Nix’s supposed standing …

Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders to miss most of ’24 season after tearing an Achilles tendon
7 months ago

Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders to miss most of ’24 season after tearing an Achilles tendon

Associated Press  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos will be without Drew Sanders for at least the first half of the 2024 season after the versatile second-year linebacker tore an Achilles tendon at the start of the team’s offseason program last month. A third-round draft pick out of Arkansas last year, Sanders started off playing inside linebacker before being switched during the …

Chargers’ 16-9 road loss to the Denver Broncos by the numbers
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Chargers’ 16-9 road loss to the Denver Broncos by the numbers

LA Times  

The Chargers’ Austin Ekeler, who had 46 yards rushing against the Broncos, runs near the Broncos’ sideline. Breaking down the notable numbers behind the Chargers’ 16-9 road loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday: 1 Career NFL victories as a starter for Denver quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who completed 20 of 32 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown against the …

Broncos know they must finish on 3-game win streak. Here are 3 ways they can
1 year ago

Broncos know they must finish on 3-game win streak. Here are 3 ways they can

New York Times  

The Denver Broncos know the math. We’re going to go from there.” GO DEEPER Sean Payton's flare-up at Russell Wilson puts coach-QB relationship back in spotlight The Broncos finish the season with three opponents sporting sub-.500 records. “I think in this next three-game stretch, we’re going to have to run it better than we have.” The Broncos across the past …

Broncos’ swarming defense dominates Chargers, shows it’s ready for stretch run
1 year ago

Broncos’ swarming defense dominates Chargers, shows it’s ready for stretch run

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Lions vs. Broncos INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Zach Allen barely had time to grab a seat on the Denver Broncos sideline before he had to stand up and push his helmet back onto his head. On Denver’s first offensive play at SoFi Stadium after its defense had forced a quick punt, quarterback Russell Wilson threw …

Broncos’ slim playoff hopes hinge on improving struggling goal-to-go offense
1 year ago

Broncos’ slim playoff hopes hinge on improving struggling goal-to-go offense

New York Times  

When Russell Wilson scrambled five yards for a first down in the final minute of the Broncos’ 22-17 loss to the Texans on Sunday, setting Denver up with a first-and-goal at the 8-yard line, it seemed like a slam-dunk opportunity to cross the goal line for a winning score. The Broncos this season, following Texans safety Jimmie Ward’s interception of …

Broncos bring five-game winning streak into meeting with Stroud, Texans
1 year ago

Broncos bring five-game winning streak into meeting with Stroud, Texans

Associated Press  

HOUSTON — Heading into Sunday’s meeting with the surging Denver Broncos, Houston coach DeMeco Ryans was asked what he thinks has allowed them to bounce back after starting 1-5. “The biggest thing that I’ve seen from the Broncos and how they’ve turned things around is how their defense is attacking the football,” Ryans said. And that’s where it starts with …

Toughness at core of Broncos’ NFL-best winning streak on display vs. Browns
1 year ago

Toughness at core of Broncos’ NFL-best winning streak on display vs. Browns

New York Times  

DENVER — The Denver Broncos had already carried their celebration of Baron Browning’s vicious, drive-killing hit on Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson to the sideline when the flag was finally tossed on the ground. Three plays later, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson danced through Cleveland’s pass rush until he could fire a dart on the run to tight end Adam Trautman …

Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos are still searching for the right chemistry
1 year, 2 months ago

Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos are still searching for the right chemistry

Associated Press  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sean Payton is a man in search of his mojo. Payton’s play-calling and the Broncos’ execution weren’t good enough to capitalize on a suddenly stout Denver defense that limited Patrick Mahomes to a single touchdown drive Thursday night. Payton, whose scathing criticisms of his predecessor, Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, backfired in a 31-21 loss last week, …

Broncos aren’t basking in victory and know they can’t stay sloppy with tough schedule ahead
1 year, 2 months ago

Broncos aren’t basking in victory and know they can’t stay sloppy with tough schedule ahead

Associated Press  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Winning does not cure all ills in the view of Sean Payton, who isn’t about to let the Denver Broncos feel too good about themselves after his first win as their coach. Denver only allowed one sack, but guard Ben Powers was the only O-lineman who didn’t get flagged as the Broncos committed five false starts. Russell …

Why Broncos must lean further into diverse run game that showed promise in Week 1
1 year, 3 months ago

Why Broncos must lean further into diverse run game that showed promise in Week 1

New York Times  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As Javonte Williams emerged from a pile Sunday and began heading toward the huddle, he felt someone lightly tap his surgically repaired knee. “Being out there free, it felt like last year.” As encouraging as Williams’ first game back was Sunday, it must prove to be a scratching-the-surface moment for he and the Broncos rushing attack if …

Broncos pass rush quickly under microscope after failing to generate heat in Week 1
1 year, 3 months ago

Broncos pass rush quickly under microscope after failing to generate heat in Week 1

New York Times  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos had one more chance to disrupt Jimmy Garoppolo. "https://t.co/cFL5WzqQNO — The Athletic NFL September 11, 2023 The Broncos did not lose the game on that one play alone, of course, but the sequence illustrated Denver’s general failure to impact the Las Vegas passing game Sunday, creating concern about whether a defense that failed in …

Big penalties and special teams issues lead to Broncos’ loss to Raiders in coach Sean Payton’s debut
1 year, 3 months ago

Big penalties and special teams issues lead to Broncos’ loss to Raiders in coach Sean Payton’s debut

Associated Press  

DENVER — The Sean Payton era in Denver began with an onside kick. Beleaguered by costly penalties and special teams blunders, the Broncos opened Payton’s tenure with a 17-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. “We’ve got to find ways to do that, and we will.” Payton made his return to the field after spending last season in …

Raiders show resolve in ugly win over Broncos: ‘We’re not the same team from last year’
1 year, 3 months ago

Raiders show resolve in ugly win over Broncos: ‘We’re not the same team from last year’

New York Times  

DENVER — This was the type of game the Las Vegas Raiders let slip away far too often last year. “This type of game was the difference in our season last year.” It was clear the Raiders belonged in their 17-16 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday — neither team ever led by more than six points — but …

The Broncos are more functional under Sean Payton — but familiar issues remain
1 year, 3 months ago

The Broncos are more functional under Sean Payton — but familiar issues remain

New York Times  

DENVER — You could almost see the entire scenario being painted inside Sean Payton’s head. With the clock reading two minutes and 53 seconds left in the second quarter of Sunday’s Week 1 opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Denver Broncos’ new head coach took his second timeout of the first half. We have to break this cycle where …

Raiders’ Jimmy Garoppolo, Jakobi Meyers spoil Sean Payton’s Broncos debut
1 year, 3 months ago

Raiders’ Jimmy Garoppolo, Jakobi Meyers spoil Sean Payton’s Broncos debut

New York Times  

By Vic Tafur, Tashan Reed and Nick Kosmider Jimmy Garoppolo threw two touchdown passes to Jakobi Meyers and picked up a key first down with just under two minutes to play to help the Las Vegas Raiders spoil Sean Payton’s debut as the Denver Broncos’ coach in a 17-16 victory Sunday. — Reed GO DEEPER Jimmy Garoppolo era starts off …

Broncos show they are still working out offensive bugs in practice with Rams
1 year, 4 months ago

Broncos show they are still working out offensive bugs in practice with Rams

New York Times  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson prepared to take a snap Wednesday during the first of two joint practices with the Los Angeles Rams, a whistle, followed by a flag, interrupted his cadence. It has been a major emphasis of camp and the Broncos largely avoided pre-snap problems in last week’s preseason game against the San Francisco …

Broncos’ ‘race’ for improvement before Week 1 starts with better pass protection
1 year, 4 months ago

Broncos’ ‘race’ for improvement before Week 1 starts with better pass protection

New York Times  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As Sean Payton addressed the media following Monday’s training camp practice, the Denver Broncos’ head coach spent two minutes and 15 seconds providing a winding overview of his team’s performance in its preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Friday. Five observations: Broncos lose preseason opener, but Russell Wilson looks “sharp” after overcoming a slow start: https://t.co/nlfCXqhQTg …

Sean Payton laying down the law on Broncos’ pre-snap fouls: ‘It has to go away’
1 year, 4 months ago

Sean Payton laying down the law on Broncos’ pre-snap fouls: ‘It has to go away’

New York Times  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sean Payton waited until the seventh practice of Denver Broncos training camp to conduct a two-minute-drill period. The tao of Sean Payton’s tempo: “We’re trying to stress them, so when the game comes, it’s a little slower.” The Broncos offense, long stuck in mud, is learning to move fast, unperturbed by the growing pains that come with …

Frustration spills over for Broncos in humbling loss to Rams
1 year, 11 months ago

Frustration spills over for Broncos in humbling loss to Rams

Associated Press  

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Russell Wilson, ever the optimist, couldn’t find a way to rationalize the Denver Broncos’ dire 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. It can’t happen, and it’s been disappointing.” Wilson threw interceptions on the Broncos’ first two possessions, allowing the Rams to build a 17-0 lead before the visitors had even gained a first down …

Why Broncos’ K’Waun Williams is the piece tying together NFL’s best pass defense
2 years, 1 month ago

Why Broncos’ K’Waun Williams is the piece tying together NFL’s best pass defense

New York Times  

Justin Simmons glided along the goal line like a hawk stalking its prey. The Broncos’ star safety was waiting for Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence to make a mistake in the first quarter at Wembley Stadium, and when the second-year quarterback locked onto his target and tried to throw toward the back of the end zone on a first-and-goal play at …

Broncos’ offense hurt by awful 3rd quarter in loss to Vegas
2 years, 2 months ago

Broncos’ offense hurt by awful 3rd quarter in loss to Vegas

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS — Russell Wilson had his most productive day with the Broncos, but it wasn’t enough to overcome numerous mistakes and an awful third quarter by Denver’s offense in a 32-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. “And then in the third quarter, we hurt ourselves.” The Broncos’ totals for that quarter: 11 offensive plays for 7 …

How the Broncos’ San Diego workouts set the tone for ‘fast break’ offensive pace
2 years, 4 months ago

How the Broncos’ San Diego workouts set the tone for ‘fast break’ offensive pace

New York Times  

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — When Kendall Hinton arrived at Russell Wilson’s sprawling compound in the middle of July, it was hard not to notice the high-arching palm trees or feel of the steady summer breeze drifting off the Pacific Ocean. “If you’re lax with your offense, defenses are going to be able to pick up on tendencies,” said Saubert, who caught …

Examining Broncos’ run game as Phillip Lindsay prepares to return and more
4 years, 2 months ago

Examining Broncos’ run game as Phillip Lindsay prepares to return and more

New York Times  

Melvin Gordon III did not sound Tuesday like a player who is eager to give up the ball. Time will tell and I’ll get it to where I want it to be.” The plan heading into the season was never to run Gordon so much that he was chasing a league rushing title. DEN - RB Melvin Gordon III 2020 …

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