The Denver Broncos lost their first game of the 2023-24 season against the Las Vegas Raiders at home, by a score of 16-17. Denver had a good game offensively, but defensively it was a disaster.
Something to mention regarding the defensive performance against Las Vegas, was the lack of pass rush, despite facing a not-too-athletic quarterback, like Jimmy Garoppolo. The pass rush literally did not show up, as they had zero sacks, yes zero. Las Vegas' offensive line was second-best in pass block win rate against the Denver Broncos in week 1 with 75 percent.
Looked at team pressure production and blitz rate last year.
β Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) September 13, 2023
Here's the chart for Week 1 this season.
Dallas breaking the chart pic.twitter.com/JZUhHYWajk
There is something important to mention, the Broncos defense, led by former head coach Vance Joseph blitzed Jimmy Garoppolo, but with almost no pressure. If the rush does not show up, this defense will suffer a lot throughout the season.
In week two, it should be different, as they are facing a way different offensive line, and a very different quarterback in Sam Howell, compared to Garoppolo in week 1. Washington's offensive line really struggled against the Arizona Cardinals, it was a big issue for them, despite winning their game.
Regarding Washington's offensive line, as I mentioned before, they struggled against the Arizona Cardinals in week one, by allowing six quarterback hits, six sacks, and two forced fumbles. Quarterback Sam Howell also threw an interception.
I want to piggyback off something @alexisraeperry dropped on @DNVR_Broncos.
β πΎππ’ππ§π€π£ πππ§π ππ§ (@CameronParkerPO) September 14, 2023
Sam Howell was pressured on 13% of his drop backs and 46% of those pressures (P2S% percentage of pressure turned into sacks).
Specifically Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates. Wylie gave up one sack with threeβ¦
With Washington's offensive line struggling, Vance Joseph should take advantage of it, by putting a lot of pressure on second-year quarterback Sam Howell, making him uncomfortable, and forcing him to make mistakes. If the Broncos can put good pressure on Howell, not necessarily by sacking him, the secondary can have easy picks due to underthrows or overthrows from the quarterback.
Talent is there, but the Broncos pass rush MUST step up in a big way against Washington, it is going to be an X-factor for this game.
Will Denver's pass rush step up against Washington after struggles in week 1?