Denver Broncos need a collective ego check ASAP
By Aric Manthey
Coach Hackett, find your rhythm
Coach, you’re a man of many talents. You almost bypassed a career in coaching to become a Hip Hop Dancer. Surely, that experience alone should give you a sense of rhythm.
You came to the Mile High City full of life and vigor. The electric vibes you gave off in the off-season emanated from your game-planning prowess. You’re the son of a coach and have spent your whole life roaming the sidelines. So why, in your brightest moment to shine, are you wilting under the heat?
When you miss the beat, don’t chase it. Wait for the next one to come in and when it does, channel your inner Ciara.
Find a rhythm with your play calling and stick to it. Too often have we seen a designed run play go for negative yardage on 2nd-and-10. Or Wilson in shotgun attempting a 10+ yard pass on 4th-and-1. It seems like whenever the offense starts to click, an ill-timed play is dialed up.
That usually initiated a series that included a sack (or two), a negative play, and a punt.
To remedy those ails, I suggest putting together an excellent script. As we all know, Mike Shanahan (the godfather of this offensive scheme) was known to create a 15-play script to start every game with.
The offense that has become the en-vogue philosophy in the NFL today was built upon a stable, routine script. Maybe Hackett is using a script to start each game. To my eyes, it looks like he’s evading that idea.
My advice to Coach Hackett would be the following:
- Pare down the offense. If that means setting aside over half of it, then so be it.
- Codify your script. Find the most effective, but relatable plays to run.
- Execute it to its utmost potential. That includes keeping Russell Wilson in check (we’ll get to that in a bit).
We’ve seen it work already this season. Lost in the chorus of recent boos hurled Denver’s way was Wilson’s sizzling first half against the Raiders.
11/12 for 149 yards and 2 TDs.
When Hackett is able to dial up a coherent, consistent series of plays, this Denver Broncos offense can be as dynamic as any in the league. He just needs to get out of his own head and stop trying to “trick the opponent”. You have the talent to make this offense a top-10 unit. Use the plays that maximize their abilities and branch out from there.
Your QB is famous for making the best of broken plays. When the occasion arises, let him make the play. Don’t let your play calling overreach into that territory. Now for his spouse, let’s have a chat with Mr. Wilson and give him the pep talk he desperately needs right now.