Another day, another roundtable question for the Mile High Report staff and loyal readership. So far, we have discussed the Broncos’ contender status and what gives the staff the most optimism after their
performance to date. For the third installment of Broncos at the Bye, I asked the staff: “What’s the biggest source of concern for Denver after their first 11 games?”
Christopher Hart
I’m primarily worried about not having J.K. Dobbins available during the final stretch of the season. Having a strong rushing attack is critical, especially in the final weeks of the season and playoffs. Will the Broncos make a move an add someone to the outside that could help? That remains to be seen. I think they might stand pat with the players they have. That situation is concerning.
On top of that, the Broncos’ passing attack has to get more efficient. That might be tough without a consistent ground game. I want Bo Nix, Troy Franklin, Courtland Sutton, and Evan Engram to step up, gain chemistry, and perform better. All three of those players have a sub-65 percent catch rate, which is certainly not ideal for the most targeted players on the team. If Denver can hit on a handful of plays each game, that would serve them well.
Adam Malnati
Stop throwing the ball to Troy Franklin so much. That being said, offensive play calling drives me bonkers with this team. The cutesy pass back, throw across the field—that BS has got to stop.
Jeffrey Essary
Offensive inconsistency and no clear big play talent. When the game is on the line and you need a big catch or you’re down and need big play to spark the offense who are you going to? Now ask yourself, do you feel confident in whoever came to your mind to deliver that play at least 5-7 times out of 10?
Tim Lynch
The run game with the loss of J.K. Dobbins is going to be my biggest concern down the stretch. He was on pace for a great season and that kind of production is going to be hard to find. I love RJ Harvey, but he has struggled on inside runs. Payton and company have their work cut out for them.
Joe Mahoney
The loss of Dobbins is going to hurt us, because now our heaviest RB is Harvey at 205. Unless you want to hand the ball to Prentice on the goal line or in short yardage you don’t have a power back who can break tackles. Also, Luke Wattenberg continues to lose at the POA unless he gets help from the guard in the run game. This can and will stall the run game against teams with elite run stuffers at the 0/1 spot.
Ross Allen
The run game. It’s absolutely taken a hit with JK Dobbins’ injury as they don’t have anyone that can really fight for those physical yards. Their backfield that remains is either fullbacks or dynamic backs that are quick, but not “run through a guy” strong.
But there is much that they can use to their advantage if they play it correctly. The Broncos can spread defenses out and create rushing lanes for Harvey and these other dynamic backs to attack and get those chunk gains. But if they need to close out the game with a four-minute offense, I’m not sure how well that will go at the moment.
Sadaraine
My #1 concern with this team is how many targets the team keeps forcing to Troy Franklin. With the emergence of Pat Bryant, the clutch ability of Marvin Mims, and the talent of Courtland Sutton, there is no good reason that the offense needs to start with a guy who I’d have a hard time arguing is a legitimate #2 WR.
What do you think, Broncos Country? What about the Broncos this season has you the most concerned? Sound off in the comments section and let me know how you feel.
