Sean Payton Tackles Key Issues for Broncos Ahead of Week 2 Showdown with Steelers
After a tough Week 1 loss, the Denver Broncos are in need of adjustments before facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. Luckily, with a home game on the horizon, the Broncos have an opportunity to regroup and fix some critical problems. Head coach Sean Payton, who led the team to a remarkable turnaround last season, will look to get his team back on track.
Here are three crucial areas the Broncos must address to improve their performance before their Week 2 clash with the Steelers:
1. Establish Offensive Rhythm
In Week 1, the Broncos struggled to find balance on offense. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix was forced to throw the ball over 40 times, completing just over 60% of his passes in his NFL debut. While Nix showed flashes of accuracy, the offensive game plan leaned too heavily on the passing game. Denver only ran the ball 20 times, which isn’t a sustainable formula for success given the team’s emphasis on the run game.
Sean Payton’s play-calling at times seemed forced, as if he was pushing the offense in directions that weren’t necessary. Heading into Week 2, Payton will need to establish a more balanced approach, incorporating more running plays to take pressure off Nix and allow him to ease into the offense. A better run-pass balance will help the young QB make strides in his second NFL game.
2. Stop the Run Early
While the Broncos held the Seahawks in check for much of Week 1, they faltered against the run in the second half. This is an area they must clean up before facing the Steelers, who will likely rely on their ground game to control the tempo. Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is known more for his legs than his arm, and in Week 1, he barely threw down the middle of the field during their win over the Falcons.
If Denver can shut down the run early, they’ll force Fields and the Steelers’ offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to adjust their game plan and rely more on Fields’ passing. That scenario favors the Broncos, as Fields has struggled as a passer. With Fields, Jaylen Warren, and Najee Harris forming a powerful trio in the run game, neutralizing their strength on the ground will be key to Denver’s success.
3. Activate WR Troy Franklin
The Broncos’ wide receiver group was largely ineffective in Week 1, with no one able to create significant separation. Josh Reynolds led the team with just 45 receiving yards, underscoring the lack of production from the receiving corps. To remedy this, the Broncos should activate rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin for Week 2.
Although Franklin is young at just 21 years old and may still have room to develop, giving him a chance could inject some much-needed speed and separation into the offense. Even if he struggles in his NFL debut, the potential upside he brings to the field outweighs the risk. Initially considered a “redshirt” candidate for the season, Franklin may be called upon earlier than expected to help improve a sluggish Broncos passing attack.
With these key adjustments, the Broncos will have a better chance to bounce back and put a more competitive product on the field in Week 2. While perfection may not be expected, cleaning up these issues will go a long way in improving their chances against the Steelers.
Leave a Reply