contender
The Broncos’ Promising Beginning
Table of Contents
The Denver Broncos entered the 2022 NFL season with lofty expectations after a blockbuster trade for quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite a tumultuous preseason and concerns about the team’s offensive chemistry, the Broncos came out of the gate strong, winning their first two games and looking like a potential dark horse in the competitive AFC.
Deflating Reality Sets In
However, the Broncos’ promising start has given way to a sobering reality in recent weeks. Consecutive losses to the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Jacksonville Jaguars have exposed significant flaws in Denver’s roster and coaching staff, casting doubt on their ability to truly contend with the AFC’s elite teams.
Offensive Woes and Coaching Concerns
The primary culprit for the Broncos’ struggles has been their underwhelming offense. Russell Wilson, the marquee offseason acquisition, has failed to live up to his lofty reputation, struggling with accuracy, decision-making, and a seeming lack of chemistry with his receivers. The play-calling of head coach Nathaniel Hackett has also come under scrutiny, with critics arguing that he has not done enough to maximize Wilson’s strengths and the talents of Denver’s offensive skill players.
Defensive Inconsistency
While the Broncos’ defense has shown flashes of brilliance, it has also been plagued by inconsistency. The unit has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the secondary has been susceptible to big plays, especially in crucial moments. This lack of defensive reliability has put added pressure on the Broncos’ offense to keep pace with their opponents.
Lack of Closing Ability
Perhaps most concerning for the Broncos is their inability to finish games. In multiple contests this season, Denver has held the lead late only to watch it slip away in the final minutes. This trend suggests a concerning lack of poise and clutch performance from a team that was expected to be among the AFC’s most resilient.
Competitive but Not Contenders
Despite their promising start and the presence of talented players like Wilson, wide receiver Courtland Sutton, and pass rusher Randy Gregory, the Broncos have proven that they are still a work in progress. While they may be competitive and capable of pulling off the occasional upset, they are not yet ready to be considered true contenders in the AFC.
The Path Forward
To join the ranks of the AFC’s elite, the Broncos will need to address several key areas. Foremost among them is the need to get Russell Wilson and the offense firing on all cylinders. Hackett must find a way to put Wilson in positions to succeed, leveraging his unique skill set and the talent around him.
Defensively, the Broncos must shore up their pass rush and coverage units, ensuring that they can consistently disrupt opposing offenses and get off the field on crucial third downs. Improved discipline and situational awareness will also be critical, as the team has struggled to maintain focus and composure in the closing moments of games.
The AFC Landscape
The reality facing the Broncos is that the AFC is a minefield of talented, well-coached teams that are only getting stronger. The Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens have firmly established themselves as the conference’s powerhouses, while upstart squads like the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers have also proven their mettle.
For the Broncos to truly be considered contenders, they will need to not only address their internal issues but also find a way to consistently compete with and defeat these elite AFC opponents. The margin for error is slim, and the Broncos will need to make significant improvements in all phases of the game to have a realistic shot at securing a playoff berth, let alone making a deep postseason run.
Conclusion
The 2022 season has been a rollercoaster ride for the Denver Broncos, with flashes of promise giving way to disappointing reality. While the team’s early success hinted at the possibility of a turnaround, the past few weeks have made it clear that the Broncos are still a work in progress, far from joining the AFC’s elite contender class.
The road ahead will be challenging, requiring a concerted effort to address the team’s offensive, defensive, and coaching deficiencies. If the Broncos can find a way to unlock Russell Wilson’s potential and build a more complete, consistent team, they may yet have a chance to become a factor in the AFC playoff race. However, as it stands, the Broncos’ aspirations of immediate contention appear to have been premature, with more work required to bridge the gap between their current state and the lofty expectations they set for themselves this offseason.