Good morning, Broncos Country.
The next four weeks of the season are the most important the Denver Broncos will have endured in ages. It has been eight years since they’ve achieved a winning record. It has been a year longer since they have reached the postseason. That’s when they were victorious over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 and one of the last football memories Broncos Country could be happy reminiscing about.
Nobody knows what will happen by month’s end, but I’m damn happy the Broncos are playing relevant football in December. While the Broncos can’t clinch a playoff berth outright with a win on Sunday, their matchup against the Indianapolis Colts may be one of their most important games in the aforementioned timespan—not just this season.
At 8-5, the Broncos sit alongside the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens with the same record in the AFC’s playoff chase. However, the Chargers and Ravens have the all-important head-to-head tiebreaker relative to playoff seating due to their wins over Denver earlier in the year. That’s just one of the reasons this weekend’s gridiron battle is a must-win for them. They can’t afford to lose another tie breaker for a team looking to make their way into the postseason.
For the Broncos to do what they haven’t done in nearly a century, they need to improve in several key areas. What would those be? Running the ball and early down efficiency. That was a primary message from Head Coach Sean Payton in his press conference yesterday afternoon.
“A lot of it is opponent driven, but it’s certainly important in these final four weeks. It’s staying on schedule. One of the things we talked about this week is our first and second-down efficiency. That’ll be important,” stated Payton.
While the Broncos have had success in recent weeks on zone concepts with Jaleel McLaughlin, veteran Javonte Williams has struggled immensely. He has had 1 yard or less rushing in three of the past four matchups. That has to change against the Colts and if it doesn’t, it might be best to give rookie Audric Estime reps down the stretch—even if he lacks experience.
On top of that, the Broncos need to be more disciplined. Over the past several weeks, drives have stalled or went backwards due to self-inflicted wounds and penalties. Fixing those issues will be paramount to make their playoff dreams come true and that starts this weekend against the Colts.
“I think staying on schedule, trying to avoid penalties—things that set you back that maybe becomes tough to overcome in a drive. It’s a combination of both the run and the pass and avoiding the minus plays. Avoiding the sack, avoiding the penalty. The things that can stall a drive or at least make it harder,” added Payton.
If the Broncos can establish the run and clean up the penalties and miscues early on in drives, the dream of reaching the playoffs should be easy to achieve. Will that happen? Only time will tell. Though I’ll say this much, I’m all-in on this year’s Broncos and think they’ll make it into the dance. They’ve come too far to falter this late in the game. It’s time for them take care of business.
As always—thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.
Broncos News & Tidbits
Bo Nix can ‘make anything work’ for the Denver Broncos
The rookie quarterback has led the Broncos on a three-game winning streak and a potential playoff berth.
Broncos assistants could be drawing interest from other NFL teams
Denver Broncos' Joseph, Mougey, Webb and Leonhard are qualified for promotions elsewhere in the NFL.
Broncos named potential landing spot for Steelers $13 million star playmaker
The Denver Broncos have been named as a potential offseason landing spot for a Pittsburgh Steelers playmaker.
Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos: Game predictions, picks, odds
Predictions and picks for the 2024 NFL Week 15 matchup between the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts.
NFL News & Tidbits
Six-time Super Bowl-winning HC Bill Belichick finalizes deal to become University of North Carolina head coach
Six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick is heading to the college ranks to take over as coach of the University of North Carolina football program.
Facemask penalties could be subject to replay assistance in 2025 NFL season
Facemask penalties could be subject to replay assistance next season, NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent told reporters on Wednesday during the December League Meeting.
Five teams facing make-or-break Week 15 games heading into stretch run of 2024 NFL season
Will Anthony Richardson's Colts elbow their way into the playoff picture by beating the Broncos on Sunday? Or will they fade with a loss? Kevin Patra highlights five teams facing make-or-break games in Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season.
Eagles' Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown say they're 'good' amid off-field drama
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown each told reporters they're "good" following a few days of off-field drama.