Denver Broncos’ roster talent on full display after 1-1 start
The Denver Broncos 1-1 start has been quite embarrassing, but one thing that it has shown is their insane roster talent on both sides of the ball. I am trying to find reasons to be optimistic during this 1-1 start, but it’s not working all the time.
However, one thing I have noticed during this team’s start is just how talented their roster is. Sure, the team has played two sub-par teams, but that doesn’t discount the team that George Paton and John Elway have assembled.
Denver Broncos have clearly upgraded the overall roster talent
Paton has essentially failed at the depth aspect at a few positions, but the overall talent among the starters is with the best teams in the league. Despite Nathaniel Hackett already proving to be a poor game manager, play-caller, and head coach, the Broncos have still done some serious work in certain statistical categories.
The Broncos currently sit 9th in the NFL in total rushing yards after two weeks with 252 yards gained. Their yards per carry of 4.9 ranks 7th in the entire league. It’s clear that Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon, besides his fumbles and costly holding penalty yesterday, are holding their own on the field.
Denver also ranks 6th in passing yards. Even though Russell Wilson wasn’t at his best on Sunday, the team was still able to push the ball down the field with Courtland Sutton, who had a monster game. Their 13 yards gained per reception ranks 4th in the league, and 3rd in the AFC. They also have the third most 20+ yard passing plays in the NFL with 9, tied with the Raiders and only 1 behind the Commanders.
The Broncos lead the league in forced fumbles with five already. They rank 8th in the NFL in passing defense, 7th in rushing defense, and are in the top half in fewest yards gained per carry by the opponent, ranking 13th. Courtland Sutton ranks 5th in the NFL in receiving yards; Javonte Williams is 15th in the NFL in rushing, and Melvin Gordon is 19th.
Denver’s scoring defense ranks 4th in the NFL. They are allowing just 13.0 points per game. Based on these statistics, the Denver Broncos should have cruised to a 2-0 start. They are all over the leaderboards among players and team rankings.
It’s clear that the rushing game isn’t the issue. No, Russell Wilson is not the issue, either. The defense is not the issue. They have shown the ability to get to the quarterback early on this season. They’ve also made a ton of quality plays in forcing fumbles and stopping big plays in the secondary.
The reason why the Denver Broncos are not 2-0 is Nathaniel Hackett, full stop. He has shown about as little ability as head coach as possible through two games. If the Broncos want to finish with a winning record, forget even making the playoffs, Hackett is going to need to fix what needs fixing. The penalties are becoming ridiculous, the goal-to-go offense is non-existent, and the clock management is terrible.
Those three things are 100% on the head coach, in my opinion, and they need to be fixed urgently.