What has happened to the Denver Broncos?
The Denver Broncos got off to a 3-1 start in the 2017 NFL season. Ever since that 3-1 start though, they have lost eight in a row and their record is now 3-9. The Broncos are in last in the AFC West.
Vance Joseph is in his first year as Broncos head coach. He was the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator last season. Gary Kubiak had to retire because of health problems and it is possible that Joseph won't be at the helm next season if he finishes this season poorly. John Elway will have a tough choice to make if that actually happens.
The Broncos' final four games are against the (vs) New York Jets (5-7), (at) Indianapolis Colts (3-9), (at) Washington Redskins (5-7), and (vs) Kansas City Chiefs (6-6). If the season ended today, the Denver Broncos would have the sixth pick in the NFL draft. The game against the Colts in week 15 will probably decide whether or not the Broncos get a top-five draft pick.
Denver need help on the offensive line and they need a running back who doesn't disappear from the face of the earth. The Broncos are ranked 23rd in the NFL for team offence. Mike McCoy was removed from his offensive coordinator duties a couple of weeks ago in favour of Bill Musgrave. That switch hasn't turned out well for the Broncos at all.
The Broncos have only scored 206 points this season. It is one of the lowest in the NFL. One of the reasons is that their quarterback play has been inconsistent. Trevor Siemian has completed 182-of-309 passes for 2,018 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Brock Osweiler has completed 62-of-117 passes for 701 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. Paxton Lynch has completed 9-of-14 passes for 41 yards and one interception. Lynch has been plagued for most of the season with injuries.
Denver shouldn't draft a quarterback because Siemian isn't that bad and needs a better offensive line. Lynch too needs to be given a chance.
C.J. Anderson has rushed for 652 yards on 159 carries and two touchdowns. Jamaal Charles has rushed for 296 yards on 69 carries and a touchdown. Devontae Booker has rushed for 170 yards on 48 carries and a touchdown.
Demaryius Thomas has caught 60 passes for 678 yards receiving and three touchdowns so far this season. Emmanuel Sanders has caught 39 passes for 471 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Sanders has been plagued this season with injuries as well. Bennie Fowler has 25 catches for 294 yards receiving and three touchdowns.
Despite struggling on offence, the Broncos are ranked 5th in the NFL on defence. However, they have given up the most points in the NFL with 315. Denver have recorded 26 sacks this season and Von Miller has nine of them. The Broncos' secondary though is still solid with Aqib Talib, Justin Simmons, Darian Stewart, Chris Harris Jr., and Bradley Roby.