Sean Payton and Bo Nix Spark Offensive Revival for Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have faced their share of challenges this season, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. However, a noticeable shift has occurred since their bye week, especially within the offense, spearheaded by head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Bo Nix. Following a disheartening loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10, the Broncos utilized the subsequent mini-bye week to recalibrate their offensive strategy.
A Dramatic Turnaround
The transformation on offense is striking. Film analysis reveals a team that appears revitalized, and statistics support this observation, with one glaring exception: their rushing game. The loss of running back J.K. Dobbins during the Raiders game has been felt keenly; he was a cornerstone of their backfield, offering both consistency and reliability.
To understand the Broncos’ offensive dynamics, it’s essential to examine their production over the first ten weeks of the season:
Total Yards per Game: 334.6
Passing Yards: 206
Rushing Yards: 129.2
Points: 23.5
While these numbers seem respectable, they are somewhat inflated due to standout performances in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals and Week 8 versus the Dallas Cowboys. In those two games alone, Denver amassed nearly 1,000 total yards, eclipsing 500 passing yards, and scored a combined 72 points. Context is vital here, as the team’s overall metrics paint a less flattering picture. Over the same span, the Broncos ranked:
18th in Total EPA
28th in Success Rate
20th in Dropback EPA
30th in Dropback Success Rate
14th in Rushing EPA
17th in Rushing Success Rate
These statistics reveal a team grappling with offensive efficiency, even if some of the rushing analytics remain positive.
Post-Bye Week Performance
Since Week 11, the narrative has shifted dramatically. The Broncos have not only improved their scoring but have also enhanced their overall offensive metrics:
Total Yards per Game: 373.2
Passing Yards: 270.5
Rushing Yards: 102.7
Points: 24.5
The analytics underscore this improvement. Since the bye week, the Broncos rank:
7th in EPA
4th in Success Rate
6th in Dropback EPA
6th in Dropback Success Rate
18th in Rushing EPA
7th in Rushing Success Rate
Despite some lingering issues with rushing efficiency, the offensive resurgence is undeniable. The Broncos’ ability to adapt and enhance their play has become increasingly crucial, particularly as their defense grapples with its own struggles.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the Broncos must continue to lean on their revitalized offense to maintain competitiveness. The question remains: how will they further develop and sustain this momentum? The coming games will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of their season, and fans will be keen to see how Payton and Nix adapt to the challenges ahead.
