December 17th 2024.
Comparing the Broncos' run game to a classic 1911 Model T, it's safe to say that it has three distinct gears: first, second, and reverse. And just like any driver would get tired of constantly shifting gears, head coach Sean Payton is probably just as sick of this constant back-and-forth with the team's run game.
During a press conference on Monday, Coach Payton, who is in his second year with the Broncos, admitted that there are some plays where the team needs to improve. He explained that when they face tough defensive looks, they struggle to find an advantage, and as coaches, they need to come up with better solutions to overcome these challenges.
With a record of 9-5 and a rookie quarterback, the Broncos have already exceeded expectations this season. They have a mix of young players, veterans, and are facing salary-cap limitations. It's truly been a pleasant surprise for the team and their fans. However, as the regular season comes to an end and the playoffs approach, things are about to get more intense.
As the weather gets colder, teams tend to rely more on their running game than their passing game. And if the Broncos end up facing opponents like Pittsburgh or Buffalo in the playoffs, having a strong running game will be crucial for their success.
Unfortunately, during their recent game against the Colts, the Broncos were unable to capitalize on a golden opportunity to showcase their run game. The Colts had one of the worst run defenses in the league, but the Broncos were only able to manage two explosive rush plays, one for 12 yards and the other for 16. This was a missed opportunity for the Broncos to establish their dominance on the ground.
Coach Payton emphasized the need for consistency in their run game, especially with only three weeks left in the regular season. The Broncos have a record of 7-2 when they rush for 100 yards or more as a team, but only 2-3 when they don't. It's clear that a strong running game is a key factor in their success.
Playoff football is a whole different ball game, and the Broncos have experience with it, having played in 15 postseason games from 2000 to 2015. They have a record of 7-8 in those games, and their performance in the running game has played a significant role. When they rushed for at least 95 yards as a team, they had a record of 6-4, but when they didn't, they were only 1-4.
It's interesting to note that since 1984, only two Broncos quarterbacks have won a playoff game without rushing for at least 95 yards as a team. Those two are none other than John Elway and Peyton Manning, two of the most iconic players in Broncos history.
In their recent game against the Colts, the Broncos' running backs were only able to gain a total of 48 yards on 18 carries. This lack of production on the ground can put a lot of pressure on the quarterback, who may feel the need to make big plays on his own. This could explain why quarterback Bo Nix has thrown five interceptions in the last two games, compared to only two in the previous 10.
Coach Payton has been impressed with Nix's poise and leadership on the field, but he knows that the young quarterback will need help from his team. And as they face tough opponents like the Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Kansas City Chiefs, the Broncos will need a strong running game to support their quarterback.
Looking at the Chiefs, who have been a dominant force in the AFC in recent years, their success can be attributed to not only their superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes but also their strong run game. In their 15 playoff games since Mahomes became the starter, they have a record of 13-2 when they rush for at least 95 yards as a team and 2-3 when they don't.
It's clear that in the playoffs, when the stakes are higher, a strong running game is essential for a team's success. And for the Broncos, who have exceeded expectations this season, it's an area that they need to improve upon if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.
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