Broncos Fanzone: Quick takes with Ryan Koenigsberg

With just four games left in the Broncos season, I sat down with Ryan Koenigsberg ahead of the upcoming game against Carolina.

The Denver Broncos were very close to ending the long losing streak against the Kansas City Chiefs. Sadly, it was not meant to be. Perhaps some day, the Broncos can secure the win and get back to more consistent victories.

However, it is time to prepare for the final four games of the 2020 season. First up is the Carolina Panthers. We all remember this team from our third Super Bowl title as it is inching closer to five years to the date when we heard the famous words…

“This one’s for Pat!”

Both the Broncos and Panthers have changed so much since their last two meetings in 2016. One for the Super Bowl title and to kick off the season. What can we expect out of a matchup between not Manning vs. Newton, but Lock vs. Bridgewater? A lot of questions will be answered on Sunday.

But let us talk to today’s guest. Ryan Koenigsberg is the co-founder and Vice President of Content Strategies at DNVR. He also commonly pops up on the DNVR Broncos podcast.

Let us check and see what he has to say about the state of the Broncos.

Ty: The Broncos had a narrow loss to the Chiefs. What stood out to you the most in that game?

Ryan: From a player perspective, Shelby Harris was incredible in that game. With the way that he played, the Broncos have to think twice about the way they let things end with him last year. They were okay with them letting him walk. Denver has to take a hard look in the mirror and say we cannot let this guy walk again. Harris’ ability to knock down passes is a top three ability you can have in a game against the Chiefs.

From a coach perspective, I think Vic Fangio really padded his job security in that game. For the first time, he put a defensive game plan to stop the Chiefs. When Elway hired Fangio, there was an idea there that it is going to be tough to have an offense like the Chiefs, but if we can have a defense that is better than what the Chiefs have to offer, one that can slow them down, we can hopefully get our offense to a point to compete with them.

Ty: Despite the losing streak against Kansas City continuing, Denver held their own. Are they closer than we think?

Ryan: It is so hard to say. That was the first game in the Fangio era where they were in it until the end. I will say this. You give the Broncos a fully healthy roster in that game, they win. I also think with better quarterback play and all the injuries, they win the game.

Everyone wants to talk about Drew Lock right now. To me, it is not about Drew Lock. He is not good enough and everyone can see that. The question is can he be good enough later. I still have a lot of faith that he can be the guy, but right now, Lock is not.

I believe they are not that far, it is just tough to say because we have not seen them get over the hump yet. Now you have shown you can compete, but can you hold your own on defense or will Reid have a counter punch next time? Like I said, Denver would have won if healthy or with better quarterback play.

Ty: What are your realistic expectations for the Broncos in these final four games?

Ryan: I just want to see offense, put something together. I trust the defense to show up. My realistic expectations is to score 20-plus points in their remaining games. They are not going up against crazy good defenses. I want to see the passing offense improve a little bit. You need something from Drew to really sell the fans on. Something that we can believe in.

Ty: The Broncos travel to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers. What will it take to get a win?

Ryan: To me it is very simple, stop the run. If you can stop the run, you can hold the Panthers to a number that you can eclipse. The Panthers have not won a game when their opponent scores 22 or more points this season. So, very simple. Stop the run and that should hold Carolina under 22, and Denver should be able to put up a number that puts you in a position to win the game.

Ty: Which Bronco on the roster do you see becoming the X-Factor on Sunday?

Ryan: A lot has been made about Jerry Jeudy’s frustration. I think they will make it a point to give him the rock this week. They should have been doing it from week one, in my opinion. But they have been easing Jeudy in the game. But he is ready to go. Make Jeudy the first read.

Thank You Ryan for taking the time to chat with me. If you would like to watch the entire interview, you can check it out here. Let’s Go Broncos.