Broncos’ loss versus Chiefs proves that Hackett was main problem
The Denver Broncos’ week 17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs was about as good of a loss as a team could endure in the NFL and proves Hackett was the main issue. Maybe this is an overreaction since it’s only been one week, but this latest loss, unfortunately, extends the Chiefs’ winning streak against Denver, but it does also leave some of us encouraged as to what may come from this team.
Jerry Rosburg, after being named the interim head coach, took a good bit of initiative. He fired both Butch Barry and Dwayne Stukes, tweaked the practice schedule, and also gave offensive coordinator Justin Outten play-calling duties.
All in all, the changes seemed to work, even if it was just by a little bit. Defensively, the team was able to keep themselves in the game and not bust open like they did on Christmas Day. Even though all of DJ Jones, Dre’Mont Jones, Randy Gregory, and Baron Browning were missing, the defense held firm and was able to put the offense in a position to tie or take the lead late in the fourth quarter.
Offensively, the unit was able to score an adequate amount of points, which is especially encouraging given the number of injuries and the environment in which they were playing. Russell Wilson had a solid day overall, completing 26 of 38 passes for 222 yards, three total touchdowns (one passing, two rushing), and one interception.
Not only that, a whopping five Broncos players were able to have at least 30 yards receiving. Latavius Murray rushed for 56 yards and Chase Edmonds added 34 himself.
Even the special teams seemed to hold their own for the first time in a while. Punter Corliss Waitman had a solid day, Brandon McManus made his lone field goal attempt, and new punt returner Kendall Hinton had 37 return yards on three attempts.
I think welcome changes were made over the course of the last week. Interim head coach Jerry Rosburg had the team ready to go, and it just felt like Denver was much more prepared for this game than they were in any game with Nathaniel Hackett.