When the Denver Broncos traveled to take on the New Orleans Saints in week 10 action on Sunday, I thought one thing, this was a game for the offense to get healthy. However, that was far from the truth. The Broncos offense was, again, not hitting on all cylinders. Here is 3 observations from the last-minute victory on Sunday.
Trevor Siemian is not healthy
Earlier this season, Denver Broncos QB Trevor Siemian was knocked out a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He missed the following game with what was diagnosed as a sprained AC Joint in his non-throwing shoulder. However, since his return, he still has not looked right. I am not sure if it affecting him or not. A report came out before Sunday’s game that he is still feeling some discomfort in the shoulder and that is could be affecting some of his throws. It has shown in some of his throws. He has been short on some throws that he would normally be on with. He is a very accurate passer when healthy. If this is the case, the bye week came at the right time for the Denver Broncos. The Broncos cannot afford to not have their young QB down the stretch. The one game that backup QB Paxton Lynch did start showed that he was not ready for full NFL action yet.
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Denver has O-line issues
I have been saying all season that the Denver Broncos have offensive line issues. If an opposing defense has any type of speed rusher worth two pieces, they can get the Denver QBs. Also, lately there has been an issue with the Denver Broncos running game. The offensive line is not getting off the ball. In Sunday’s action, the Broncos only ran for 103 yards. This is not a typical output for a Gary Kubiak coached football team. They are usually up there with the top rushing teams in the league. The Denver Broncos are currently ranked 24th in rush offense. There needs to be a fire lit under someone to get this back in gear.
Defense holds fort
The defense of the Denver Broncos is still holding true in all aspects. After Sunday’s game, they are currently ranked #5 in total defense (318 yards/game), 28th against the rush (124 yards/game), and 1st against the pass (194 yards/game). Where you beat the Broncos is between the tackles. Denver is surely going to have to improve on those rushing numbers in order to make a deep run into the playoffs. Where Denver is winning on defense is against the pass and in turnovers. They are 4th in sacks (3.0 sacks/game) and 3rd in turnovers (2.0 turnovers/game). The defense of the Denver Broncos is going to have to continue to force the issue. I do not think its offense will be able to win many close ones.
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The Denver Broncos head into their bye week with currently 3rd in the tight AFC West. They are going to have to get some help in order to get back to the top. The fortunate thing is they control their own destiny to the playoffs. Although it is a tough haul with 4 out of 6 games against teams with winning records. Can the young Denver Broncos stay the course?