In what was touted as a prime opportunity to realize their playoff aspirations, the Denver Broncos faced a harsh reality check in their 42-17 loss at the hands of the Detroit Lions.
On paper, the Broncos’ strategy seemed foolproof: run a fast, physical defense paired with a ball-control offense that protects and maximizes field position.But as the game unfolded, it became painfully clear that Denver’s schedule might as well have been written in invisible ink. Instead of the aggressive, calculated play we expected, the Broncos’ defense was as intimidating as a nap under a ray of sunshine, allowing the Lions’ offense to dictate the pace of the game.This lack of physicality and precision has spread to the Broncos’ offense as well, making the team look less like a playoff contender and more like a bystander to its own demise. With that said, let’s continue the post-mortem of the Broncos’ seventh loss of the season by chronicling the good, the bad, and the not-so-good from Week 15.Finding the positive in such a one-sided game is hard work. However, there was a glimmer of hope in the form of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. His 74 yards on three receptions for an impressive 24.7 yard average were rare highlights.Jeudy’s ability to gain significant yards after the catch under head coach Sean Payton is a testament to the fourth-year receiver’s evolving abilities. Maximizing Jeudy’s potential is a necessity if the Broncos’ offense is to reignite. The Broncos’ defense, typically a bastion of resilience, was anything but in this game. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who seemed to have lost his aggressive playbook, opted for a passive strategy that left Broncos Country scratching its head.This allowed Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who normally struggles under pressure, to find his rhythm and confidence, finishing the game with a stellar 134.6 passer rating and five touchdown passes. Unfortunately, the Broncos’ misfortunes don’t stop there; Missed tackles and poor positioning saw the Lions gain yards and morale at crucial moments. This allowed the Lions to finish with 185 rushing yards with a whopping average of 6.6 yards per attempt.Likewise, the Broncos’ offense, led by Russell Wilson, was hampered by an offensive line more porous than a sieve, forcing them into one uncontrollable third-and-long situation after another. On the ground, the Broncos’ starting five couldn’t get their shots off, as evidenced by the team’s 83 rushing yards on 28 carries (3.0 average).Disappointing failure to seize the opportunityThe real horror of this game lies in its context. With the playoffs on the horizon, this was more than just a regular season game for the Broncos; it was a litmus test of the team’s preparation for the big stage. Unfortunately, Denver’s players and coaching staff failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Payton and Joseph’s game plan seemed incomplete and the players’ preparation could have been much, much better.Jeudy’s success did little to mask the Broncos’ collective failures in strategy and execution. This was a game where the Broncos didn’t just lose; they seemed disinterested in the game, even though the stakes were high. As the dust settles on this disaster, the Broncos have a mathematical chance at the playoffs – little consolation to fans clutching at straws. The lesson here is as clear as Coach Payton’s frustration was on the sideline: It’s time for the Broncos to go back to the drawing board.This involves a sharpening of pencils in the strategy department and a fundamental shift in mindset. Players need to transition from passive recipients of pressure to those who apply pressure.A return to the winning formula that has seen the Broncos win five straight games against playoff-relevant opponents will save Payton from a few more gray hairs and sideline outbursts. Let’s hope the Broncos can recalculate their path to victory, because at this point a slide rule could be more valuable than their current playbook.
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