The Week 7 situation in Denver seems simple. The Broncos are 1-5, the season is over, and a fire sale is imminent. All that’s left to do is lay down, take the losses, and draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams. But the Broncos players and coaches apparently had other plans. While fans are ready to give up (and understandable so), the team isn’t quite there yet. They believe they can win, they believe they are close, and they won’t go down without a fight. And so, the Denver Broncos hosted the Green Bay Packers, and Denver played a close game, a respectable game, a commendable game. The result, however, might surprise you.
The Result Might Surprise You After Denver Played A Close Game
A Game To Remember!
With many fans demanding a tank in order to get a high draft pick, the Broncos did the opposite – they tried. The result was that Denver played a close game, one that the team can be proud of. Quickly leading 0-9, the Broncos took control and aimed at victory, despite few reasons to do so. But, as professional athletes, losing isn’t something any player can stomach, especially not intentionally losing. So the Broncos tried, and so the Broncos played a highly competitive game. However, the three field goals were double-edged, since they were points, but not touchdowns. When Green Bay came back and took the lead in the 4th Quarter, it seemed that fans would have their wish, after all.
But here comes the surprise – Denver won the game. An inept, 1-5 team played well at home when they most needed to, and the result was a victory. The Broncos kicked yet another field goal to take the lead, and an interception on the Packers’ last drive sealed the deal. Quarterback Russell Wilson’s stats impress: 20-29, 194 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs. But even more relieving to see are running back Javonte Williams’ stats: 15 rushes, 82 yards, 3 receptions, 14 yards. Williams *had* to be more involved in the game, and he was, carrying the ball the most he had all year. This is the Broncos team the fans want to see if tanking is not an option. And this is the result they want, even if it’s surprising.
A Season to Surrender?
Now, with a record of 2-5, are the Broncos back in contention? Yes, Denver played a close game, but is that enough to turn the year around? The fact that they actually won helps, but the season is still long, with many tough games ahead. The Chiefs and the Bills are the Broncos’ next two opponents, and those are not easy games at all. Can Denver turn things around quickly, using this surprising win as a springboard? Well, time will tell, but at the very least this is a positive moment. The Broncos finally have a home win, their first of the season, and that’s a proud moment for the team. And now that head coach Sean Payton finally has two wins under his belt, maybe his team will change course.
And maybe not? On the other, more negative hand, the Broncos are still on track to have yet another losing season. They will most likely have a high draft pick, where many great young quarterbacks will be available. Tanking isn’t something the team wants to do, but each random win takes the team farther away from choosing their own destiny in the 2024 NFL Draft. Perhaps winning isn’t really positive, and maybe losing isn’t really negative. If Denver loses their next two games and then has a 2-7 record, each win will look like a bruise on the face of a loser. But, if, however improbably, the Broncos fix their season, this surprising result in Week 7 might be the close game that decided a season.
Main Photo: [Ron Chenoy] – USA Today Sports
