Quarter One - The Denver Broncos Recap

By: Ryan Koenigsberg (RZ Network Beat Writer)

The first four games of the Denver Broncos has definitely been very "rocky". They enter week five with a record of 2-2 and tied for second in the AFC West. The 2nd quarter consists of games versus the Patriots, Dolphins, and a struggling Chiefs team. Realistically, they could go 3-0 on the second quarter of the season and be looking at 5-2 going into the home stretch. Anything less than 2-1 during this stretch will be very disappointing, all things considered. Up until the New York Jets game, the tone of this article was much more negative and I was ready to sound the alarm. The team looked awful on offense and defense and I was starting to wonder if we were headed to another top ten pick in the draft. Could the Jets victory change the outlook of the season or was it just a lucky break? Let's break down parts of the roster over the first four games.

Quarterbacks:

I'm really getting sick of COVID-19 and it speared it's ugly head in week 2, when Drew Lock came down with the illness and was forced to sit out. Without their leader, the team still managed to whoop the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10. Overall, I've been pleased with the QB room. Drew Lock has had 5 touchdowns to two interceptions in the last two games and is really starting to find his groove. If Lock can stay on this current pace and limit the interceptions, I expect the front office to give him the keys to the franchise. Overall, I'll give this squad a B.

Runningbacks:

I'm going to be the one to say it, for the life of me, I cannot understand what this team is doing in the runningback room. To date, Phillip Lindsay has 2 carries, Melvin Gordon with 22, and Royce Freeman with 52 CARRIES!!! Why!?!? The critics will point out to me that he's averaging 5.1 YPC, so you can't bench him. Is any defense legitimately afraid of Royce? I can't beleive many teams are gameplanning around him. However, Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay? Teams have to adjust for that talent. By starting Royce Freeman, this offensive coordinator is putting a lot of pressure on Drew Lock and his receivers to get open. The reason Royce is averaging 5.1 YPC is because teams aren't taking him serious or focusing on containment. If Royce is going to beat them, they deserved to lose. I truly hope this is an area that sees improvement in week two. In my opinion, this should be a 40/40/20 split, with Royce seeing 20% of the carries. I'm giving this department a D-.

Receiving Core:

I was ready to walk in here today and SCREAM about the team's lack of use for one of the greatest receiver talents we have ever seen as a rookie. Prior to week 4, Jerry Jeudy had ONE reception. How is that possible? I'm hopeful the team finally realized his potential in week 4, where he busted out for a 5 reception, 78 yard, and 1 touchdown game. I truly believe that is the type of performance you can see from him weekly. Another bright star in this offense? Noah Fant. Drew Lock has absolutely fell in love with him, albiet force feeding occationally. Fant is on pace to be a top TE in this league and the chemistry he has developed with Lock is impressive this early on in the season. I'll give this department an incomplete grade, as I want to see how they incorporate Jeudy in the next couple games.

Defensive Line:

It's hard to write about something when there is nothing to write about. Have these guys even suited up each game? I swear, I haven't seen any of them. This team has one sack through four games. I thought for sure that was a typo so I went back through the film and watched every defensive snap and it's true. This is a league worst and is truly remarkable. Obviously trading Von Miller had a huge affect on the pass rush but I expected Bradley Chubb to step up. Perhaps they traded the wrong pass rusher because I don't think Chubb has been in the stadium on Sunday's either. It's easy to second guess the trade but this team is not making the playoffs if they put up 4 sacks all year. In addition to the awful pass rush, run defense hasn't been anything special either finishing in the second half of the league. In past systems, Coach Astin has been able to get everything he needed out of their defenses but thus far, it's been underwhelming. I'll give it a D+.

Secondary:

I beleive this might be the most inconsistent committee on the team. Through 4 games, they have forced 13 interceptions (second in the league trailing the Buffalo Bills). The problem for the Broncos is a majority of these turnovers were forced in one game. Justin Simmons has had an interception in every game, including a 3 interception game in Week 2 versus the Steelers. Can he keep this up? Not likely but if he can even stay close, he's an early nom for Defensive Player of the Year. Outside of Justin, the other safety, Kareem Jackson, has also had a good season. Dues to the safety play, I'll grade this area a B+ but I would like to see a bit more consistency from game to game.

Overall, I'm much more positive on the team than I was 24 hours ago but I also don't see this team being a serious contender in the AFC this year. I'd expect a 9-7 record with sneaking into the wild card. Here's to hopeful thinking!