2023-11-13 17:44:23
Hardly anyone expected that! The Denver Broncos pulled off a big upset in week eight of the NFL season, winning 24-9 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
This ended the team from the Mile High City’s black streak of 16 consecutive defeats against their division rivals. “It means a lot to us,” linebacker Baron Browning told the Denver Post after the game.
But it wasn’t just the first success over the Chiefs since 2015: it was already the second triumph in a row, so that the team has a taste of the playoffs again after a weak start to the season before the visit to the Buffalo Bills in the Monday Night Game.
Broncos with a weak start to the season
Almost a month and a half ago, things were anything but rosy for the franchise. In the third game under the direction of new head coach Sean Payton there was a violent 20:70 defeat against the Miami Dolphins.
“I’m at a loss for words,” said Payton, shocked, before he got into a heated argument with a reporter. Many players were also ashamed of their appearance, as it was one of the clearest defeats in NFL history.
There wasn’t really much improvement at first. Although they narrowly defeated the Chicago Bears, this was followed by two offensively weak performances against the New York Jets and the Chiefs, so that the team ended up at the bottom of the conference with just one win.
With the trade deadline approaching, rumors have already increased that the Broncos are sending away some stars like Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton in order to collect important draft picks for a rebuild.
Broncos defense on the rise
However, those responsible decided differently, especially due to the recent successes. After all, they are now back in the middle of the race for the coveted spots for the postseason.
“There was a lot of self-reflection after the loss in Miami,” safety Justin Simmons said after the Chiefs win. He probably meant not least his own unit.
Although they still rank low in most categories, their performance has improved enormously. They have never allowed more than 19 points in the last three games – even though they played twice against the reigning Super Bowl champions from Kansas City, who were only able to score a meager touchdown.
Mega praise for Broncos returnees
The Broncos also benefit from numerous returnees on defense. Simmons, linebacker Josey Jewell, defensive tackle Mike Purcell, safety Kareem Jackson, linebacker Baron Browning and safety PJ Locke all missed several games but have since returned to action.
While Jewell became only the second Broncos player since 1987 to collect at least ten tackles in five consecutive games, Browning improved the previously lame pass rush. The Broncos set a new season record with 33 pressures in the Chiefs’ win, and Browning sacked quarterback Patrick Mahomes twice in his second game of the season.
“He has moves like Von Miller,” enthused his teammate Zach Allen. Simmons also praised the comebacker: “We need him and his talent.”
Broncos defense believes in Joseph’s concept
But the much-criticized defensive coordinator Vance Joseph also gave the unit stability through some personnel moves. He sent star player Randy Gregory to the San Francisco 49ers via trade after he was only partially convincing. He also called cornerback Fabian Moreau into the starting lineup and converted Ja’Quan McMillian to nickel cornerback.
McMillian delivers in the new role. The youngster, who joined the team as an undrafted rookie in 2022, caught his first interception in the NFL against the Chiefs, backing up the words of Joseph, who sees him as the “perfect profile” for this role.
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The focus is on discipline and winning the ball. With four forced turnovers against the Chiefs, Simmons and Co. impressively demonstrated their strength in this category, even though the Broncos have “only” taken the ball twelve times so far.
Wilson outshines Mahomes
In the shadow of the improved defense, the offense has also improved little by little. What particularly stands out is the much-maligned Russell Wilson.
After eight games, the quarterback has 16 touchdown passes and just four interceptions – putting even Mahomes in the shade. His passer rating of 101.7, which puts him fourth in the league, is also better than that of his competitor (95.8).
Although Wilson is still behind Mahomes in efficiency statistics such as quarterback rating, in which more factors than just pure passing statistics play a role, Payton and his playmaker are getting along better and better.
The screen passes, in which the receiver has several pre-blockers, have proven to be an important guarantee of success. According to TruMedia, the Broncos lead the league with 15 catches and also have the best passer rating (134.8).
Broncos focus on the run game
These plays particularly benefit the running backs. Rookie Jaleel McLaughlin has already scored two touchdowns, and Javonte Williams ran into the opposing end zone once. “If you ask us what we think is important in terms of running back screens, we’re going to play it against teams that rush a certain way,” Payton said.
In addition, the star coach adjusted the game plan in recent duels and placed full focus on the run game. Since week six, his team has managed 4.7 yards per run – only two teams have been better.
In the duel against the Chiefs, he often relied on two running backs and two tight ends. A lineup like this is very rare in the pass-heavy NFL. “We’re starting to develop our identity,” says the Broncos coach.
However, he also knows that his offense still has a lot of room for improvement. He continues to look in vain for a functioning play-action game, as well as deep passes. Accordingly, he will use the upcoming bye week to continue to work on the problems.
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