In the high-stakes arena of the NFL, the Denver Broncos’ 16-9 triumph against the Los Angeles Chargers resembled winning a hand in the casino but missing out on the jackpot. Regrettably, this hard-fought victory, showcasing Denver’s resilience and determination, came at a time when it could not salvage their playoff aspirations.
The Broncos, enduring a season that unfolded more like a nightmare than a dream, faced a challenging 1–5 start. Despite their commendable effort in this late win, their playoff hopes were extinguished on Sunday. Importantly, it wasn’t due to their own performance but rather the outcomes of games played by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, which sealed Denver’s postseason fate.
In a game that felt like déjà vu, with the defense’s Hercules to the offense’s Icarus, the Broncos were unable to capitalize on their November surge with a 2-3 finish in December. Week 17’s win brought the Broncos back to.500 and gave the team the chance to secure the first winning season since 2016, though it’s cold comfort in the wake of missing the playoffs for the eighth straight year.
As we sift through the aftermath of the Broncos’ win over the Chargers, let’s get to the good, bad, and ugly.
In a game that seemed like a repetition of past events, with the defense playing a Herculean role while the offense faced challenges reminiscent of Icarus, the Broncos couldn’t build on their November momentum, concluding December with a 2-3 record. The Week 17 victory brought the Broncos back to a .500 win-loss ratio and provided an opportunity for their first winning season since 2016. However, this achievement offers little solace considering the disappointment of missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year.
As we evaluate the aftermath of the Broncos’ triumph over the Chargers, let’s delve into the positive aspects, the drawbacks, and the less-than-ideal elements of their performance.Jaleel McLaughlin and Lil’Jordan Humphrey showcased glimpses of excellence in the Broncos’ offense, with the rookie running back and wide receiver combining for an electrifying 54-yard catch-and-run play.
The Downsides:
Sluggish Offense
The offensive struggles persisted, and head coach Sean Payton’s endeavor to revive the spirit of the 2010 New Orleans Saints proved unsuccessful.
Jarrett Stidham
Despite his earnest efforts, Stidham completed 20-of-32 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he couldn’t spark a significant offensive surge. The Broncos’ offensive unit remained puzzling, particularly lacking cohesion in critical moments.
The Unpleasant Aspect:
Lack of Quarterback Vindication for Payton
The narrative of Russell Wilson’s benching took center stage this week, resembling a surprising plot twist in a prime-time drama as Coach Payton chose to sideline the star quarterback.
This decision extended beyond Wilson’s on-field performance; it was a convoluted mix of contract disputes, a reluctance to adapt his playing style, and potentially a touch of ego. The benching, executed with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, reverberated shockwaves throughout the NFL.
For a team in need of augmenting its roster with media-savvy Generation Y talent, the decision by Payton, Broncos CEO Greg Penner, and GM George Paton appeared to be a misstep in a delicate dance. Handling a potential Hall-of-Fame quarterback, the Broncos seemed to overlook the old adage: “It’s not just what you do, but how you do it.”
Payton expressed his eagerness to see Stidham play, hoping the young quarterback could inject some energy into the offense. However, Stidham’s ordinary performance failed to justify Payton’s decision in the face of a public relations backlash stemming from Wilson’s demotion.
As the Broncos conclude this season, they find themselves contemplating the missed opportunities and potential scenarios that might have unfolded differently. Despite the defensive resurgence starting in Week 9, it cannot completely overshadow the offensive challenges and the quarterback-related drama that unfolded.
Heading into the offseason, the Broncos are confronted with more uncertainties than resolutions, with the most pressing question being: How will the team navigate through these turbulent waters?
In the NFL, a realm where every action undergoes intense scrutiny, the Broncos have guaranteed that they will be the center of attention, whether for positive or negative reasons, as they venture into the year 2024.
