The Denver Broncos suffered a disappointing defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 24, 2023, with the final score reflecting a narrow margin that left them searching for answers. Head Coach Sean Payton attributed the team’s offensive struggles not to quarterback Bo Nix but rather to a lack of execution across the board. Nix, who missed two significant deep-ball opportunities to receivers Marvin Mims Jr. and Courtland Sutton, was supported by teammates who insisted the loss was not solely on him.
Payton, speaking to the media on Monday, emphasized the internal challenges that hampered the team’s performance. He pointed out that the Broncos faced an uphill battle with an average of third downs sitting at third-and-11, which made it exceptionally difficult for any quarterback to find success. “It was a hard day to play quarterback when your average third down was third-and-11,” Payton explained. He noted that without better efficiency on first and second downs, even the league’s best quarterbacks would struggle under such conditions.
The statistics from the game paint a clear picture of the Broncos’ offensive woes. Denver averaged just 4.5 yards gained on first downs, and without a 41-yard run from running back J.K. Dobbins, this figure would have plummeted to an alarming 2.2 yards across 16 attempts. The inability to sustain drives was evident, as the team had to punt on three of their last four possessions despite having opportunities to extend their lead.
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey voiced his frustration after the game, stating, “I think we, collectively as an offensive unit, have to be so much better than we were today.” This sentiment echoed throughout the locker room as players reflected on the team’s performance.
Despite the challenges, Nix offered a straightforward insight into potential solutions. He highlighted a trend that when the Broncos effectively ran the ball, they were able to score. Unfortunately, the first half saw Dobbins struggling to find any traction, finishing with negative yardage, while rookie R.J. Harvey faced similar difficulties. The situation improved in the second half as Dobbins received more carries, yet he only touched the ball once in the fourth quarter during a crucial stretch.
The Broncos have yet to establish a cohesive offensive identity in their first three games this season. While Nix showcased his potential with a three-touchdown performance against the Colts in Week 2, the inconsistency has been apparent. Payton noted the team’s fluctuating efficiency on all downs, which has led to fourth-quarter stagnation in close games.
“Between getting in a groove or being in a rut — I don’t think we’re in either,” Payton assessed. He acknowledged the disappointment of losing two consecutive games decided by last-second field goals and stressed the need for the team to learn from these experiences. “We’ve got to learn, alright, why were these games this close towards the end? And how do we put ourselves in a position to finish better?”
As the Broncos look ahead, the focus will be on improving their execution on both sides of the ball. The coaching staff and players alike will need to come together to find solutions as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the season. The road ahead may be difficult, but with a commitment to improvement, the Broncos hope to turn their fortunes around.
