The Denver Broncos are in trouble against the Los Angeles Rams. They’re close to repeating history. And not the good kind.
As they went down 34-16 to the New York Jets, it was a painful realization that this was their third consecutive loss.
Denver Broncos Are in Trouble Against the Los Angeles Rams
The season began with such promise at 2-0, but 2018 is looking more dismal than last year, when the Broncos were 3-1 before tumbling through an eight-game losing streak. They finished 5-11.
It looked like there was no way the team could do any worse than that, but after three consecutive losses so early in the season, hopes are already beginning to fade.
They will face the Los Angeles Rams at home, but with the Rams as seven-point favorites and currently undefeated, Denver will need to pull off some magic tricks to win.
What’s Holding Them Back?
No one can understand what’s holding back the Broncos. Not the coaches, not the players. As quoted by ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, tight end Derek Wolfe said, “Something much deeper is happening here that I can’t even really understand.”
The Rams’ offense and defense are so strong, they haven’t lost yet this season. And seeing as Denver was unable to keep even the Jets’ 29th-rated offense at bay, it will be an absolute miracle if they’re victorious over the Rams.
Denver quarterback Case Keenum had his worst performance last week – sacked four times and threw his seventh interception of the season. He holds himself responsible. “We’ve got to do better… I’ve got to do better.”
But It’s Not Just The Offense Anymore…
As per usual, this needs to be said of the entire offense, and for the second time, the defense. Denver’s defense is a shadow of its former self. As Legwold pointed out, the Jets’ rushing total was the “fifth highest for an opponent in a single game in Denver’s franchise history.” They averaged 8.4 yards every time they ran a play, and that is just unacceptable and should not be replicated by any other opponent moving forward, or the Broncos are doomed.
Their last three opponents went 21-of-44 on third down. The conversion rate of 47.7 is something new to Denver. These power rankings by Benjamin Allbright paint a dire yet accurate picture.
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/1049804837792055296
Attitudes Need To Change Now
Head coach Vance Joseph mentioned again that the team is schematically sound. However, he acknowledged it’s no longer just the fault of the coaches, but the players, who aren’t doing what they were paid to do. And no one can disagree with that.
Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. knows the team is lacking serious gumption and they need to “figure out who wants to be here, who wants to change this.”
The Broncos are 1-9 in their last 10 games. And it won’t get any better unless everyone – coaches and players alike – gets their fighting spirit back.
