Joel Klatt “appalled” by Broncos preseason strategy, worried about Week 1
Sep 7, 2022, 9:05 AM | Updated: 9:15 am
Former CU quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt is not real happy with the Denver Broncos.
Klatt joined “Schlereth and Evans” on Wednesday morning on 104.3 The Fan and ripped the Broncos and new head coach Nathaniel Hackett for their preseason strategy. Klatt told Mike Evans and Orlando Franklin, in for Mark Schlereth, he doesn’t think the team is ready for one of the most hostile environments in the NFL in Week 1 at Seattle.
“No. I think that’s a simple answer. I think that they are not ready judging by how they approached the preseason. They approached the preseason like they had won seven Super Bowls together and have a long history. And boy, we know exactly what we’re doing so don’t worry about it. I know this going to sound harsh, but I was kind of appalled with the way they handled the preseason,” Klatt said.
When asked to elaborate, Klatt pointed out guys need work together. The Broncos played very few of their starters in the preseason and none of the stars. New QB Russell Wilson hasn’t worked with the No. 1 offense in any sort of live game setting.
“Listen, you got no history. There are no reps together. This is a game of repetition and confidence and the only way to gain that confidence is through the repetition. It was shocking how they handled the preseason. I don’t think they’re going to be ready for Monday night and yet they have to win. There could not be more pressure on Denver. You can not roll into Seattle and lose to Geno Smith,” Klatt said.
He makes a good point there. If the Broncos want to make the postseason, this Seahawks game looks like a must win. Seattle’s roster is just not very good and their QB situation is less than ideal. If the Broncos do miss the playoffs, Klatt says the blame will get pointed at guys not on the field.
“There’s no doubt, Nathaniel Hackett would get all of the blame. I mean, Russell Wilson got his contract, folks. It’s not going on Russell Wilson. Maybe it would go on the offensive line, but in turn that would land on George Paton. Everybody outside of the players is going to be getting the blame in this scenario. The roster they feel like is good enough to make the playoffs. They’ve made the moves necessary,” Klatt said.
It was a fiery interview with Klatt and one that raises a lot of good questions. That is, if the Broncos look flat against Seattle. If not, Hackett will get the last laugh, with his preseason strategy working — at least in Week 1.
To listen to the full interview with Klatt, click here.
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