Has Broncos’ HC Nathaniel Hackett lost the locker room?

The Denver Broncos are 3-6 through nine games and are likely the most disappointing team in the NFL. Has Nathaniel Hackett lost the locker room?  In my opinion, one of the worst things that can happen to an NFL head coach besides losing their job is losing the locker room.

What does that phrase mean, though?  To me, losing a locker room means a few things.  It means that a divide develops between the coach and the players.  It means to me that the words that the coach sends fall on deaf ears, and the buy-in from the players is becoming less and less.

It could also mean that one side of the ball feels isolated in this case.  The Broncos’ defense is the best in the NFL and tops in many categories.  With how bad the offense has become, isn’t there reason to believe that some of the defensive players and staff members have slowly begun to turn on Hackett?

I’m not necessarily saying that they’ll become defiant, but perhaps they develop a sense of apathy.  Everyone and their mother can predict that the Broncos’ offense is likely to score a small amount of points.  It’s been nine weeks and a weekly occurrence.

Why should the defense then care anymore about the team?  Shouldn’t they turn their focus to performing at a high level simply for themselves?  One of the main draws of Nathaniel Hackett was his leadership qualities and ability to motivate.  He’s also apparently an extremely likeable guy.

However, when do we think the players draw the line there?  Sure, he’s probably a great boss to work for, but if the boss has shown that he’s unable to do his job effectively, how would you, as an employee, react?

It’s time to start asking these serious questions.  It’s been nine weeks and nothing has changed.  Hackett doesn’t appear to be willing to alter the status quo very much.  However, virtually nothing he’s done on offense has worked.