The Denver Broncos Week 4 game against the San Francisco 49ers feels even more important than Weeks 2 and 3. Denver hits the road for the first time since Week 1 and look to earn their third win in a row and second in a row against an NFC West team.
Denver has played rather sloppy football through three weeks and honestly have not played like a 2-1 team, but this isn't unexpected, as Sean Payton's teams typically start slow in September before turning it up a notch in October and November.
And with Week 4 being the first October football game this year, it's a perfect time for the entire team to elevate their game, but it's also a perfect time for these three players in particular to step up.
These Denver Broncos players have to step up big-time in Week 4
J.K. Dobbins, RB
Perhaps it's just a slow start, but J.K. Dobbins just has not looked like his old self, even from a year ago. The veteran running back has averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, and he's had a success rate of 48.6 percent. Dobbins has not rushed for more than 49 yards in a game and was under 3.0 yards per carry in Week 3.
For reference, across his first three games last year, Dobbins totaled 222 yards on a healthy 5.4 yards per carry. His 121 rushing yards through three games this year is a huge regression.
Yes, the Broncos have played some stingy run defenses, but 49ers are dealing with a ton of injuries along the defensive line, and, at least we think, the Broncos have one of the better offensive lines in the league.
Dobbins has been an efficient runner his entire career, but what we've seen thus far has not been that. The Broncos inability to establish the run is also a driving force in this team starting slow, as when it's time to mount a comeback, the run game takes a backseat.
Being able to establish the run earlier in the game would totally change things for the offense for the better, and it would help this next player get going a bit...
Bo Nix, QB
I am of the belief that the reason the Broncos have not been able to get going early in games is because they have not been able to establish the run, which does not allow the passing offense to get into any sort of rhythm. Bo Nix also seems to be a quarterback who plays best when things are more 'backyard football-y.'
We have seen Nix win from the pocket before, and we also have seen this offense put up a ton of points, so it's most certainly not a lack of ability from Nix. If the Broncos were struggling in all four quarters, we'd be having a much different conversation.
This doesn't mean that Nix hasn't missed throws and hasn't had some poor reps in the pocket. Nix does tend to drift in the pocket and doesn't always step up in the pocket, either. Having a stronger pocket presence and perhaps even getting outside of the pocket earlier in the game can both be huge factors that help Nix play a more complete game in Week 4.
And with the 49ers being a juggernaut, or close to one, the Broncos have to keep pace with them for at least part of the first half.
Alex Singleton, ILB
This is almost a daily discussion at this point, but the Broncos simply need more from Alex Singleton. It might not be physically possible for the linebacker, but one can hope. It also feels like the 49ers could be one of the worst possible matchups for Singleton, as not only can he simply not cover, but the Niners have two top-7 players at their respective positions: Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, and you know that Kyle Shanahan is going to try to get Singleton in a one-on-one matchup with both players.
It might be wishful thinking, or totally unrealistic to suggest that Singleton can step up, but it's needed.
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