Broncos’ Defense Struggles After Chiefs Win, Alarming Trends Persist
The Denver Broncos secured a narrow victory against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Night, triumphing 20-13. However, the win was overshadowed by a lackluster performance that raised concerns about the team’s consistency, especially coming off a short week. This scenario mirrors the earlier clash with the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10, where the Broncos initially showed promise on offense in the following weeks. This time, however, the focus shifts to the defense, which is in dire need of a turnaround.
Defensive Decline Post-Mini-Bye
Since that mini-bye week after the Raiders game, the Broncos’ defense has taken a significant step back. They have allowed an increase of over seven points per game and have seen nearly 100 additional yards of offense from opponents. What was once a formidable unit has struggled with both penalties and a lack of turnovers—issues that plagued them earlier in the season.
The stark contrast between the defense’s performance before and after the mini-bye is troubling. While it’s important to acknowledge that the Broncos haven’t been abysmal, their shortcomings were glaringly apparent during their Week 16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Consistency has become a pressing issue, and the defense appears to be faltering under the weight of high expectations.
Room for Improvement
As the Broncos look to solidify their identity heading into the latter part of the season, the urgency to address these defensive lapses cannot be overstated. The team’s ability to execute effectively will be crucial as they prepare for upcoming games. The recent trend of defensive regression presents a challenge that the coaching staff must confront.
The question remains: can the Broncos find a way to stabilize their defense and regain their former prowess, or will they continue to let these issues linger? The answers may very well dictate the trajectory of their season.
