Evans: This Denver Broncos organization stands at a crossroads
Nov 5, 2018, 4:03 PM | Updated: 4:22 pm
» The missed field goals at the end of the first half and as time expired serve as a perfect microcosm of the Denver Broncos current plight.
It was bad coaching to decide to try a 62-yarder with 18 seconds left in the half knowing the Houston Texans had two timeouts, were only down three, and you’d be getting the ball back to start the second half.
It was bad coaching to not run a more productive play that could’ve shaved several yards off a 51-yard field goal attempt to win the game. But it was also your kicker, the eighth-highest paid in the NFL, not doing his job.
If I have someone who is paid among the top 10 players in the league at his position, I expect him to come through. McManus failed.
» That’s the Broncos right now — a poorly coached team that isn’t talented enough, doesn’t have enough depth, and the few good players they have who are being paid well aren’t doing their jobs.
That’s the recipe for a 3-6 record.
» I don’t see the point in firing Vance Joseph right now.
The team hasn’t quit on him. It’s not like you would be replacing him with someone who’s going to be your coach of the future.
And for all the draftniks out there, why not keep the guy in place and let him drive this thing to the bottom and the best possible draft pick?
» Here’s another factor to keep in mind: If you fire Joseph midway through the season, does it make the Broncos job less attractive to an established coach like a John Harbaugh?
If John Elway fires VJ now, after admitting to the reservations he already had about bringing him back in the first place, will an established coach want to come here and coach for Elway knowing how unpredictable he could be?
» I know I come across as a VJ supporter. That’s not the case.
I don’t believe he has what it takes to be a top-notch NFL coach. But I fear that if he’s fired, it instantly becomes: “VJ was the problem. Now the problem is gone. Happy days are right around the corner.”
Fact: The Denver Broncos are 13-24 in their last 37 games going back to Gary Kubiak’s final 12 games here (5-7). This thing has been trending in the wrong direction for some time.
To make it all about the coaching, I believe, would be a dangerous mistake that would mask a deeper-rooted problem.
Elway deserves more blame in this. His coaching picks. His quarterback picks. His string of missed drafts. I would like to see him accept and face more criticism.
If this was any other organization, Elway would be on the hot seat. I understand why it’s different here. He’s John Freaking Elway, and he doesn’t really answer to anyone.
» Go ahead and change the coach. I get it.
The fans want the Broncos to do something. Change for change sake. That’s fine.
But until Elway improves his performance, it won’t matter who’s the next coach of the Broncos.
