NFL
By Keith Richards
There’s no other way to put it. Unfortunately, the Denver Broncos blew it in Week 1. Two goal-line fumbles and disastrous clock management/play calling at the end of the game doomed Denver. Yet, there were still many positives. As we review some of those positives, we also look forward to Week 2 and preview the keys to victory for the Broncos as they face the Houston Texans.
Offensive Keys to Victory
All things considered, Denver moved the ball well in Week 1. One of the catalysts of that success was Javonte Williams. Williams accounted for 108 yards of total offense (43 rushing and 65 receiving). That is a key in Week 2. The Broncos and Coach Hackett need to continue utilizing Javonte as he is a major talent and threat.
Though Williams did have one of the goal-line fumbles in Week 1, Denver needs to feature Javonte more in goal-to-go situations. In 2021, Williams only lost one fumble. Furthermore, in 2021, Javonte Williams was seventh in the NFL with 3.42 yards after contact. In Week 2, Willaims must be the featured back in goal-to-go situations. As history shows, he’s less likely to fumble and more likely to continue runs after the initial point of contact.
In Week 1, Javonte had 11 receptions for 65 yards. Much of that came as a pressure relief valve for Russell Wilson, but it should still be used in Week 2 against the Texans. It’s already in the game plan. The second key for the offense in Week 2 is to protect the ball. As mentioned already, Javonte Williams in at running back on the goal-line helps, but the formations also need to be better.
When the Broncos fumbled twice in Week 1 on the goal-line, it was from run plays out of the shotgun formation. In Week 2, Hackett and the offensive coordinator can’t be that cute in their play calling. They have a stud in Williams, three good tight ends, an improved offensive line, and an elite quarterback with excellent play-action command. Line up in single back formation with three tight ends and Courtland Sutton. Make them stop you.
Speaking of stops, it’s time to move onto the defensive keys to victory.
Defensive Keys to Victory
There are two simple keys to victory for the defense in Week 2: reduce the penalties and amp up the pressure.
The Broncos defense in Week 1 was a tale of two halves. Denver committed many of its 12 penalties in the first half and got very little pressure on Geno Smith. Because of that, Geno was allowed to “cook.” There were opportunities for the Broncos to end Seattle drives, but the Seahawks got seven first downs from penalties. It was a different story in the second half.
The Broncos sacked Smith twice in the second half and forced their only game turnover. Both sacks came from the two most important players in the Denver front seven: Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory. The Broncos will need Chubb and Gregory to apply the pressure in Week 2 as it achieves the goal of meeting both keys to victory.
The first is obvious. Applying pressure…applies pressure. What’s not as obvious is that applying pressure on the opposing quarterback forces him to release the ball sooner. That means all defensive backs not named Pat Surtain II don’t have to cover as long. No matter how good a defensive back is, the longer they have to cover, the greater the chance of committing a penalty.
Suppose the front seven can continuously apply significant pressure on David Mills, which is similar to the game plan against the Seahawks in Week 1. In that case, the DBs will have to cover in shorter periods, and they may produce more turnovers.
The Prediction
In Week 1, the Texans gave up 517 yards of offense to a less talented Colts offense. While Williams is not as great of a running back as Jonathan Taylor, he should still be a problem for the Texans’ defense. If the Broncos’ defense can get two turnovers, I believe the Broncos’ offense can match the Colts’ 500+ yards. Assuming Denver will play angry with a point to prove, I think they will cover the spread and beat Houston 31-17.
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Alright, what are you thinking for week 3? I think they are gonna focus on the run and let Rus get a little more settled. I’m still not too down on the Broncos yet but they need to get their coaching together.