With their 19-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18, the Denver Broncos took care of business to earn the top seed in the AFC and all the perks that come with that. It’s the second time in franchise history they have notched 14 wins in a season. The regular season is over, and the Broncos have two weeks to prepare for the lowest seed that makes it out of the Wildcard Round.
After years of struggling, the franchise is finally back to their winning ways. They’ve drafted well and have tremendous
new ownership. However, there is no doubt Head Coach Sean Payton and his staff have been a significant needle mover in Denver’s rise from irrelevance to Super Bowl contenders in just three seasons leading the team. After yesterday’s big victory, Payton offered had one simple message for where the team is at and what they need to do in order to get where they want to be.
“To be able to host the Divisional Round is significant. Yes, we have to clean some things up, and we will. We’ll be ready,” Payton stated.
All week long, Payton had stressed his desire to see the defense create more turnovers. They did that against the Chargers, registering a pick-six from Ja’Quan McMillian, a strip-sack fumble from Nik Bonitto, and a turnover on downs late in the game. It’s that sort of tenacity and playmaking ability that will have Denver poised to make some noise in the postseason. The defense did their job and rose to the occasion.
As far as cleaning things up? It seems like that will be a big area of focus for Payton and the Broncos’ offense as they prepare diligently for the postseason. While there have been flashes of brilliance with momentous fourth quarter comebacks throughout the regular season, it’s safe to say Denver’s offensive endeavors have lacked consistency most weeks. In order to win when it matters most, that will have to be corrected.
“We’re always looking for improvement. We could’ve scored 30 today, and we’re stilling looking to improve. We’re going to get back to work, we have a nice week to rest up and clean some things up. Then we’ll see what unfolds next weekend, and we’ll put together a great plan,” tight end Evan Engram stated with confidence in his offensive teammates.
I’m not sure what that game plan may be. But I’d wager hitting throws downfield in the passing game, being more consistent with the run, and protecting quarterback Bo Nix will be critical for the Broncos to be successful in the playoffs. But for now, it’s okay for players to enjoy the moment. They’ve worked hard all season to get to where they are at now.
For veteran players like Garett Bolles, the team’s longest tenured player, this newfound success is unchartered territory. Last season was the first year in his career he ever had the opportunity to play in the postseason. Now, the stalwart left tackle, even with a rolled ankle, won’t let anything stop him from playing in Denver’s first home playoff game in a decade.
“This place is special to me. This team, this organization, my family grew up here, I grew up here, I became a man here, so to be able to give back to this city and this community to where it belongs and get the Broncos organization back to where it needs to be, it’s a special moment for sure,” stated Bolles.
Can the Broncos rectify their issues in order to embark upon a strong postseason push? I think so. They’ve got the grit and determination, and the perks of a hometown crowd cheering them on at Empower Field in just two weeks. Regardless of who they face, I’m confident that the Broncos will come up with the right formula to avoid being one-and-done in the playoffs.
