The Denver Broncos will square off against an undefeated San Franisco 49ers squad on Sunday for their Week 4 matchup. The 49ers are a well-rounded team with a Top 5 offense and defense that will present a tough challenge for the Broncos. In order to earn their third victory of the season, these are three things Denver has to accomplish.
Flip the opening script: Start off hot on offense for a change
The late game heroics of quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense have been thrilling to watch over the past few seasons. However, their inability to start a game off hot
has been maddening for fans across Broncos Country. A win is a win, but it’s high time Denver finds a way to start off fast and put the foot on the gas.
The Broncos haven’t had a successful first drive of the season. No points scored, two three-and-outs, and one turnover to start their games. Even with a change in play caller, it’s still a surprise to see Denver struggle out of the gate with the number of talented weapons they have.
I’ve been highly critical of their rushing attack, which has been slowed down and inhibited due to injury. It’s one of the bottom five in the NFL, and their week-to-week consistency just hasn’t been there. With rookie running back Jonah Coleman on injured reserve, the trio of J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, and Tyler Badie will be on display against the 49ers.
Can those three find a way to get going early on? In order to do so, the offensive line has to be better too. It’s one of the highest-paid groups in the league. Hopefully they can be more consistent with their blocking up front. The 49ers will likely be without defensive end Nick Bosa, and will rely on two rookies in Gracen Halton and Romello Height to start up front for them.
On top of that, Bo Nix has to be better operating within the pocket. His penchant for fourth quarter comebacks and game-winning drives is incredible, but approaching 40 regular season games, he really has to start showing consistency at the beginning of games.
Limit the efficiency of a well-rounded 49ers’ offensive attack
The 49ers tout a Top 5 offense that has been effective on the ground and through the air. Fifth-year quarterback Brock Purdy has impressed and leads the NFL with 9 passing touchdowns. His running back tandem of Christian McCaffrey and Kaelon Black are finding a way to make the most of their split opportunities.
At 33-years-old, tight end George Kittle is still playing at a high level and leads their team in touchdowns and receiving yards. Deebo Samuel, who rejoined the squad after a one-year stint with the Washington Commanders, looks to be in much better shape and is averaging 17.7 yards per reception. Denver needs to limit their impact on the game.
Additionally, longtime wideout Mike Evans has been extremely effective, reeling in 12 of his 16 targets for 137 yards and two touchdowns. All of his catches have resulted in a first down or touchdown. The Broncos’ trio of corners regressed last week against the Los Angeles Rams compared to how they played in Week 2 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. Denver’s defense needs to make an impact in this game and limit the star power the 49ers have on offense.
Keep finding a way to force turnovers on defense
As noted above, the 49ers’ offense is a well-coached and efficient machine. They can engineer long drives, milk the clock, and dominate the time of possession. They’ve done a very good job of not turning the ball over this season and are on the right side of the turnover margin battle to begin the year.
Last week against the Rams, two big interceptions by safety Talanoa Hufanga wound up being game-changing and saving plays for Denver’s defense. Denver has had at least one turnover in each game, which is a most-welcome changed after struggle to force turnovers most of last season.
On the road against a formidable foe like the 49ers, Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph and his players will need to find a way to keep their turnover streak going. Whether it’s a key interception or a strip-sack and subsequent fumble recovery, they’ll need to make a big splash play to earn their third victory of the season.
