Denver Broncos face challenges after Jaguars defeat as Chiefs loom large
The Denver Broncos have encountered a stark reality check. After an exhilarating stretch of 11 consecutive nail-biters, they were brought back down to earth by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Once viewed as the “overdogs,” a term made famous by Bo Nix, the Broncos are now reminded that wisdom often comes through failure. While the loss to the Jaguars was disheartening, the lessons learned may prove invaluable as they navigate the remainder of the season, with significant stakes still on the horizon.
With their playoff berth already secured, the Broncos have their sights set on clinching the AFC West crown and the coveted No. 1 seed. However, they must win out to achieve these goals. Complicating matters is the looming presence of the Kansas City Chiefs, who, despite facing their own challenges this season, would relish the opportunity to thwart Denver’s aspirations. Having not won at Arrowhead Stadium since Week 2 of the 2015 season, the Broncos will need to overcome several hurdles to emerge victorious.
Back to the Post-Bye Bo Nix
Since the Broncos returned from their Week 12 bye, quarterback Bo Nix has demonstrated a renewed vigor, leading a dynamic passing offense that began to flourish against a full-strength Chiefs squad in Week 11. However, during the second half of last week’s loss to Jacksonville, Nix’s performance faltered. He appeared unsettled in the pocket and made several costly errors, including a fumble, an interception, and a poorly judged pass that resulted in a concussion for Pat Bryant.
The pressure of the lengthy winning streak may have weighed heavily on Nix, or perhaps it was simply the Jaguars’ formidable defense. Whatever the cause, it’s crucial for Nix to regain his composure. Fortunately, history suggests he rises to the occasion against Kansas City. With so much on the line, expectations are high for Nix to deliver a standout performance once again.
Shore Up the Tackling
The Broncos’ defensive struggles were glaring last week, particularly in their tackling against the Jaguars. Missed tackles were alarmingly prevalent, especially at the second level and in open space. For any defense aspiring to be elite, such inconsistency is a troubling sign, especially as playoff contention looms.
Recognizing this, the Broncos’ coaching staff has undoubtedly emphasized the importance of tackling discipline throughout the week. If they can rectify these issues, the Chiefs’ offense, led by third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun, may find themselves under significant pressure. Oladokun is still finding his footing and has yet to face a pass rush as relentless as Denver’s. However, if the tackling woes persist, the Chiefs’ speed and agility could exploit the Broncos’ vulnerabilities on the edges and in open field situations.
No More Turnovers
As the Broncos prepare for this critical matchup, minimizing turnovers will be essential. Each possession holds significant weight in a game where every point can determine the outcome. The Broncos need to take a page from their earlier successes and maintain possession to keep the Chiefs’ offense at bay.
With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming game is set to be a pivotal moment for Denver. Their resilience will be tested, and how they respond to adversity could define the remainder of their season.
