The Denver Broncos became the first NFL team to reach eight wins this season after a narrow 10-7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The offense struggled to generate consistency while their defenses controlled the tempo throughout the contest.
Criticism quickly followed regarding the playcalling decisions and quarterback Bo Nix’s execution during key moments. Moreover, former NFL quarterback and current analyst Dan Orlovsky offered his assessment of Denver’s offensive struggles following the win.
His critique focused on fundamental issues that have persisted despite the team’s winning record through the first half of the season.
“The Broncos as an offense lead the NFL in penalties now (83). The QBs feet are a mess. The offense is in the shotgun way way too much,” Orlovsky posted on X.
The @Broncos as an offense lead the NFL in penalties now (83)
The QBs feet are a mess.
The offense is in the shotgun way way too much. pic.twitter.com/zzhg6l88Nj
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) November 7, 2025
Denver currently leads the league with 83 offensive penalties, reflecting a lack of discipline that has disrupted drives consistently. The Broncos have operated out of shotgun formations on 86 percent of passing plays, ranking ninth in the NFL.
They have taken snaps under center just 14 percent of the time, which ranks 24th across the league. This approach represents a departure from Sean Payton’s previous offensive tendencies and creates predictability for opposing defenses.
Overreliance on shotgun sets can limit rushing efficiency and expose quarterbacks to more pressure. Those issues have surfaced in Nix’s recent performances.
Against the Raiders, Denver committed 11 penalties while recording only 10 first downs. That troubling ratio illustrated how self-inflicted mistakes have hindered offensive production.
Through ten weeks, the Broncos have been flagged 40 times on offense alone, the highest total in the NFL. These repeated infractions have negated gains and placed additional strain on the defense to maintain leads.
With important matchups ahead, Payton’s team must address these structural problems. The issues that have been masked by wins could derail their playoff hopes once the postseason begins.
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