Three numbers that tell the story of Broncos-Chiefs
Jan 2, 2023, 6:02 PM | Updated: Jan 3, 2023, 12:18 am
DENVER — Unfortunately for the Broncos, a defining aspect of their struggles in recent years is their road woes.
But it hasn’t been worse in their post-Super Bowl 50 malaise than it is right now. For that matter, it hasn’t been worse — if you don’t count neutral-site games — since the AFL-NFL merger.
That’s the jumping-off point for this week’s quick look at some key numbers:
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11
The Broncos’ current losing streak in games played in other teams’ home stadiums. That is the Broncos’ longest streak in true road games in over 57 years.
Only once did the Broncos lose more true away games. From Nov. 9, 1963 through Sep. 11, 1965, they lost 12 consecutive road contests. Denver ended that streak with a 27-10 win over the Boston Patriots on Sep. 24, 1965.
Officially, the Broncos’ current road losing streak is just five games. That’s because the 21-17 win over the Jaguars in London counts as an away game — even though it was, at worst, a neutral-site contest.
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68 and 6.8
Russell Wilson’s completion percentage and yardage per rushing attempt, respectively in Sunday’s loss.
It marked the 19th time in Wilson’s career that he has hit those marks in the same game. Wilson actually completed 68.4 percent of his passes Sunday.
But it was the second time in Wilson’s last three starts that he hit those standards on the same day. He also reached those thresholds in the 34-28 loss to Kansas City on Dec. 11, when he left the game in the fourth quarter due to a concussion.
Wilson also accounted for 3 total touchdowns Sunday — two rushing, one passing. It was his third 3-touchdown game as a Bronco, but his second in his last three starts. Wilson now has 61 games with at least 3 total touchdowns in his career.
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44.6
Corliss Waitman’s net-punting average Sunday. It was his third-highest of the season, bettered only by a 46.1-yard average at Carolina and a 46.8-yard average against Jacksonville.
But what is more significant than his single-game net average Sunday is his net average over the last three games: 43.7 yards. This is his best three-game average of the season, and his first three-game net average of at least 43 yards. It’s worth noting that a net average of 43.7 yards would rank fifth in the NFL if maintained for an entire season.
As it stands, Waitman’s season-long net average of 41.6 yards ranks 16th in the NFL. Not elite, but not bad. And with improved coverage to help him, that number should improve.
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