Welcome back to our Broncos at the Bye series. For the first installment, I asked the Mile High Report staff: “How can Denver achieve contender status in the last six games of the season?” With this second
installment, I wanted to switch gears a bit and reflect on what’s been so great about the Broncos to date. That’s why I asked the staff, “What about the team gives you the most optimism after 11 games?”
Christopher Hart
I’m absolutely stoked on how well the defense has been playing. The most sacks in the league, the best red zone defense, and they are executing well for the most part on third down outside of crucial penalties. Overall, it’s been the biggest bright spot for the Broncos this season.
On top of that, I truly appreciate Bo Nix’s ability to turn it up a notch late in games. Even if he is struggling, he finds a way to overcome adversity. The whole team plays with a chip on their shoulders and doesn’t falter under pressure. It’s a big reason why they are 9-2. They’ve got a tough and gritty identity that should bode well for them over the last six games of the season.
Adam Malnati
What the defense is doing right now is on par with some of the best the league has ever seen. That’s not exaggeration. That’s fact. Every game is one the Broncos can win because the defense is that elite. Pressure, coverage, tackling, keeping teams out of the end zone. How can anyone not look at what they’ve done so far and not be optimistic?
Tim Lynch
The defense will keep this team in every game. With Bo Nix being a clutch quarterback, this team can win any game. My target is 13 wins. Get to 13 and see what happens!
Joe Mahoney
Defense playing so well without Patrick Surtain II and missing Jonah Elliss for a few games. This has to be one of the deepest Bronco defenses in history. As we saw what happened last year when we were forced to play backup CBs against the Browns. It would seem like almost every player who was here last year has gotten better relative to last year and the rookies all appear to be getting better as the season wears on. The offense is playing ok without Ben Powers and with Quinn Meinerz at less than 100%.
Ross Allen
Obviously, the defense has to be near the top of some of the most impressive football I’ve ever seen. Their ability to dominate teams all year long in all facets of the game is incredible. Jahdae Barron has allowed for this team to finally stop opposing tight ends. Talanoa Hufanga has brought something they’ve been missing since TJ Ward, or even Brian Dawkins. The pass rush is historic. And the fact that they’ve been able to shut down opposing passing games without Pat Surtain II is wild.
Sadaraine
Bo Nix’s clutch ability has me excited for this team. When the moments get big, he’s the kind of player that steps up to the plate fearlessly and delivers. Seeing him win the way he has so consistently has helped bolster this whole team’s belief in each other and that they are going to win. Teams like this do great things. I’ve seen a few teams with this level of belief in their quarterbacks in 1997, 1998, and 2015.
What do you think, Broncos Country? What about the Broncos this season has given you the most optimism? Sound off in the comments section and let me know how you feel.
