Denver Broncos: Week 6 Position Grades

Wide Receivers Grade: D
Tight Ends Grade: D+

The wide receivers did not play like the past couple weeks, but it was nice to see Bennie Fowler catch his lone touchdown of the season so far in 2016. Unfortunately, the Broncos’ receivers turned the ball over twice costing the offense dearly on drives that could result in scores.

Jordan “Sunshine” Taylor grabbed another pass yesterday in the Thursday night game, but turned the ball over on the first drive involving a wide receiver turnover. The second such drive included the Broncos captain, Demaryius Thomas. Thomas fumbled the ball after a great play by the Chargers defender; however, he must learn to protect the football better in open space and not carry it like a loaf of bread. His lone turnover helped seal the victory for the Chargers. These costly turnovers by Thomas and Taylor put the Broncos grades at wide receiver with a D.

The Broncos offense will gel over time and having key players back will help in the molding process. Unfortunately in a time like yesterday, we needed the team’s offensive leaders to come through. Virgil Green had three catches for 21 yards and that alone was more production then the past few weeks combined. The team must find a way to utilize Green’s strengths as a receiver by making him run routes all over the field, not just to one side.

John Phillips also caroled three catches of his own in the game last night. One such catch resulted in a first down for 16-yards. Putting aside the three catches for Green and Phillips, the Broncos need to find a threat on offense from the tight end. At this point, Jeff Heuerman has been a waste of pick in the second round. The Broncos must create ways to get their tight end playmakers involved. If that is Green, then it is Green. If it is Heuerman and Green then play them both and do not telegraph which side is better in the run game or pass game. Overall, Broncos tight ends played ok, but the grade is a D+ because there were no turnovers from them.