The Denver Broncos have stumbled out of the gate in the 2024 NFL season, starting 0-2. While they’ve kept games competitive, they have yet to secure a win, leading to growing concerns. Head coach Sean Payton, once lauded for his offensive brilliance, is now facing scrutiny, with some pointing the finger at his outdated schemes.
NFL writer Oliver Connolly is one such critic, arguing that Payton’s offense lacks the innovation expected from a coach of his stature. According to Connolly, Denver’s offense ranks among the worst in the league, better only than the struggling Carolina Panthers. Advanced metrics back this up, casting doubt on whether Payton’s system is maximizing the Broncos’ potential.
“We have to start really looking at who we are asking to do what,” Payton said on Sunday, per The Guardian. “What scheme fits our players? What scheme fits our quarterback?”
Connolly found Payton’s response troubling, especially for a coach who is supposed to have the answers. The lack of clarity is particularly concerning given that rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been thrust into the starting role. If Payton is unsure of the scheme, how can a rookie quarterback be expected to succeed?
One glaring moment from Sunday’s game highlighted the team’s disarray. Nix entered the huddle, rattled off a lengthy play call, only to see confusion across the offense. The Broncos had to burn a timeout just to regroup, a sequence that exemplified their struggles.
If Denver doesn’t make adjustments soon, their season could be in jeopardy. They face a tough Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a daunting task for Nix and the Broncos’ offense.
Despite the challenges, Nix has shown maturity in handling adversity, particularly when teammates make mistakes. In a press conference, the rookie quarterback explained how he supports his teammates when things don’t go according to plan.
“When I miss a pass, they don’t come up and harp on me,” Nix said. “So I think I gotta treat them the same way. We’re professionals, and we have a high standard, but we’re allowed to make mistakes.”
Nix praised his teammates’ work ethic, noting their dedication during practice and games. He emphasized the importance of staying positive, even when things go wrong.
“I see ’em work every day… So I’m not gonna get too uptight about one play. If there’s something I can do to help them, I’m definitely always there,” Nix added.
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Though the team is struggling, Nix admits that there’s work to be done across the board. “It’s a work in progress,” he said. “All 11 of us on offense have things we can improve on. Sometimes a drop is seen on national television, but you didn’t see the inaccurate throw or someone else’s mistake within the play.”
While the Broncos face a difficult road ahead, fans can take solace in the fact that Bo Nix, despite his inexperience, has shown leadership and resilience. His attitude makes him an easy player to root for, even in tough times. However, without swift improvements, Denver’s season may slip away quickly.
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