Evans: Season ‘worth saving’, but week of reckoning upon Broncos
Nov 8, 2017, 12:00 AM | Updated: 8:12 am
Well, here we are. The Denver Broncos season comes down to Sunday’s game against the hated New England Patriots.
Yes, I believe there is still a season worth saving. I know there is a lot of doom and gloom out there after the debacle in Philly. I know there’s a strong sentiment to turn the page and start looking ahead to 2018.
I get it, and, believe me, I’m very close to doing that as well. But not yet.
The Broncos are 3-5 — ugly record. But, in this wacky, parity-driven (mediocrity) NFL world we live in, I believe the two AFC wild card teams will have seven and eight losses.
That gives the Broncos some — but not much — wiggle room. A win over the Patriots would carry some serious ramifications. It would be the type of win that would thrust Denver right into contention, especially since the schedule evens out after this New England game.
It’s not hopeless. Sure, the Patriots are 6-2 and have won four straight. But they have a defense that is still suspect, ranked in the 20s in all of the major categories. They will be the weakest pass rushing defense the Broncos have faced all year.
Plus, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have such a healthy respect for this Denver defense they came in last year with the most vanilla offensive approach seen in some time.
And let’s not forget that no place has been tougher for “Uggs” to play then Denver.
So, that’s the good news. The bad news is the Broncos have some serious issues to fix.
The switch to Brock Osweiler did not provide the spark so many counted on. He impressed during the week with knock out press conferences and a “go get ’em” attitude, oozing leadership and confidence, but he went out and played like the same Brock who’s seen his career fizzle since he left the Rocky Mountains for Houston.
The game plan and play calling lacks imagination. The talent drain on offense is painfully obvious. Peyton Manning isn’t around to cover up the warts of the offense, thus exposing the terrible job general manager John Elway has done drafting on the offensive side of the ball.
All that has led to the worst-case scenario — the Broncos defense finally acting like they’ve had enough.
That was embarrassing and sobering to see the once-vaunted Denver defense play with such a lack of spirit. It seemed like players weren’t into the game. Some even appeared to quit.
I still believe this is a very good defense, and the combination of being humbled by the Eagles and the challenge of going up against Brady will bring out the best in these guys.
The offense needs a fresh approach when it comes to play calling. Perhaps a one-week demotion for offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, and a quick promotion for Bill Musgrave, ould provide a lift.
Make no mistake, I do not fall into the category of “blame all this on the coaches.” It still comes down to players, and the Broncos don’t have enough on offense. That falls into the lap of Elway. I know he’s a sacred name around here, but come on. He’s not doing a good job, and he needs to face the heat.
I agree with the decision to start Osweiler. He deserves a second game to see if he can improve after not playing all season. Trevor Siemian looked like a rattled mess after the Kansas City game. I can’t all of a sudden see him coming in having pushed the reset button.
If this is indeed the last stand for the Broncos, then it rides with Osweiler.
So here we are. The Broncos’ week of reckoning. Win, and the season means something again.
Lose … then it’s time for Paxton Lynch and wait ‘til next year.
