The Denver Broncos have started out a disappointing 2-3 this season. The offense and Russell Wilson have struggled by epic proportions under Nathaniel Hackett’s guidance, but week 6 is no time to wave the white flag.
In fact, Chargers coach Brandon Staley recently said he sees a team that could easily be 5-0. Encouraging to hear from the division foe, but they’re not 5-0 they are 2-3 and when they face the Chargers on Monday they have to win or fall into a deep hole in the competitive AFC West.
The Broncos have not thus far shown the offensive capability to compete with the likes of the Chargers. As fans, we’re all hoping that changes, and hopefully Monday because despite how terrific the defense has been holding Justin Herbert and Co. to 16 PPG allowed is a tall task and Denver doesn’t actually have a win when the opponent scores over 10. They’re going to need more points.
Making that more difficult coupled with early season woes is that the injury bug has reared its ugly head in a big way. Most recently the gigantic loss of perhaps the Broncos’ best lineman and blindside protector Garett Bolles.
The Broncos were already without RB1 Javonte Williams and WR Tim Patrick. The Bolles injury could prove the most problematic as it’s just about impossible to replace a top-notch LT. The Broncos don’t have a true LT to plug in as Calvin Anderson has bounced around filling in for injuries over the past couple of years and veteran swing tackles Billy Turner and Tom Compton are injured.
So the Broncos are left to do things the hard way after coughing up winnable games if they hope to save the season. Now more than ever the game plan will require Wilson to escape pressure and Nathaniel Hackett to scheme plays and protections away from any problem areas in protection.
Wilson and Hackett along with the rest of the offense now face a tougher hill to climb if they are to get back on track. So will the Broncos overcome adversity and find a way to get it done letting Wilson’s skill and Hackett’s offensive mind cook? Or is it a season quickly spiraling downhill?
Hope is that FanSided’s Lou Scatglia’s wishes come true