Another year, another losing record(barring some miracle). The Broncos have now lost 6 straight games to their divisional rivals. The Broncos now have a losing streak vs the Raiders along with the infamous streak vs KC. The biggest reason the Broncos have not even been competitive since 2017 is their inability to win within the division. 9-24 since the beginning of the 2017 season. If you are not even competitive in the division you have no shot to make the postseason. This year has been no different as the Broncos are 0-3 and they have still 2 games left vs the Chiefs and 1 game left vs the Chargers. A clean 0-6 sweep is very much a possibility. The Broncos have barely avoided that going 1-5 the last 2 years each time beating the Chargers at home. Here's what the Broncos should do, in my opinion, in this upcoming offseason:
Draft OL
Thanks to the Bradley Chubb trade, the Broncos now have a first-round pick. Unfortunately, it is San Francisco's pick so it will most likely be a bottom-10 pick in the first round. Regardless of placement, the Broncos need to shore up the offensive line. The Broncos have not had a respectable line since 2014 it feels like. Elway neglected the O-line for so long and that's a mistake George Paton should not repeat. The Broncos have given up the 5th most sacks this season at 33. Drafting an O-lineman is a must.
2. Move on from Hackett as HC
This one is tough because I think Nathaniel Hackett is an amazing person to be around but he has shown an inability to call plays to Russ's strength and make in-game adjustments. I do not believe he is fit to be an HC. I would be more than ok to move him to OC. The Broncos are the worst 3rd quarter-scoring team in the league as they average 1.2 points in the quarter for the year. That's horrendous. Halftime is when coaches are supposed to make adjustments or give that rousing speech. Seems like neither of things happens and the Broncos come out flat every time in the 3rd quarter which is a big part of why they have blown every 10-0 lead this year. The Broncos just got rid of Melvin Gordon so they are showing they are not shy about pulling the plug. Denver should give Ejiro Eviro a chance at HC or go after Sean Payton.
3. Establish an Offensive Identity
The Broncos have no clue what they are on offense. They don't know if they are a ground and pound or if they are an air raid type of offense and we are reaching Thanksgiving. The Broncos next season need to establish an identity and stick with it. The best teams in the league all have one. Buffalo and KC love to air it out. Philly runs it down your throat. These teams know what their game plan is week in and week out. Denver, on the other hand, has no clue and we have no security blanket to lean on when things go wrong.
It has been another tough year for Denver. Next year is going to be a big year for George Paton and Russ. If Paton does not find the right coach, he will be on the hot seat big time. As for Russ, fans want to know if he is washed, or if he just needs the right scheme.
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Good Article Arjun! well Done