Denver Broncos: Stock Report After Letdown vs Chiefs
Denver Broncos stock report following a devastating loss to the Chiefs.
The optimism that ran through Denver Broncos Country of the team starting to look like a playoff contender after beating the New England Patriots was short-lived with the team’s 43-16 loss over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
While it is important to keep in mind that the Chiefs are the gold standard in the AFC West, and losing to them does not necessarily eliminate the Broncos’ playoff chances, it is more about how the Broncos lost that has caused panic and pessimism throughout the fanbase much of this week.
With the Los Angeles Chargers coming to town, the pressure is on for the Broncos to bounce back big this week.
In the meantime, let’s look at the stock report.
Stock Up
Broncos’ Pass Rush
Once again, the Broncos’ defense was the bright spot of the game, although allowing 43 points on the day. The Broncos’ pass rush was able to give Patrick Mahomes fits all day, generating lots of pressure, and getting four sacks on the day.
This defense is currently in a much better position than it was last season. In 2019, the Broncos’ pass rush started the first four games without a single sack. In 2020, the Denver Broncos are currently tied for 8th in the league in sacks at 18 and are averaging three a game (per Lineups).
Although it may not look as impressive as a top-five ranking, it is important to remember that it is much improved from the 2019 season, and most importantly? The Broncos’ pass rush is still managing this level of success without Von Miller.
The younger generation is finding its’ footing, with guys like Bradley Chubb, Malik Reed, and Dre’Mont Jones stepping up in a major way.
Although confidence is still high that Von Miller is not likely to see the field in 2020, the news that he was at practice without a walking boot was encouraging news. Imagine how scary this pass rush could be with its’ leader back at the helm.
It may not happen, but it’s fun to think about.
Either way, this young group of men is building an identity for themselves without their future Hall of Fame leader, and will only get better as the season progresses.