Wow, here we are at Week 18, and the “Playoffs or Bust” headline from my sign-up post is standing strong for the first time in years (which reminds me…I might need a few volunteers for the Playoffs, baby!!!)
What a fun season, and it’s not over, which is literally the best part! And it’s so appropriate that our final regular season post is from a UFG rookie with the handle, “Big Nix Energy.”
Bring on the Chargers, the Throwbacks, the Mile High noise and all that Bo Nix magic.
Let’s do this, Broncos!
Week 18: Chargers at Broncos
MHR – Last week’s win over the Chiefs felt closer than it should have. Were you worried during that game about a loss or about future ability to really compete with playoff caliber teams? Or perhaps you weren’t worried at all?
Big Nix Energy: Yes, I do get worried at times. Especially with the No. 1 seed on the line – especially when you see the way some of these high caliber teams can score so quickly. I do believe in our head coach, Sean Payton. I have seen the explosiveness from the offense in past games (i.e., vs Eagles) and also the amazing comeback vs the Giants. The ability is there for those style plays, and maybe, just maybe the head chef in the kitchen, “Payton,” is holding his cards with these Turtle-style games until we are in the playoffs.
MHR – Trey Lance is starting for the Chargers on Sunday instead of Justin Herbert, who has done some magical things at QB this season. How lucky is Denver that the Chargers are sitting Herbert? What would you like to see from the defense that would tell you this unit is ready to dominate in the playoffs if necessary?
Big Nix Energy: I do believe Trey Lance is dangerous. As a high draft pick – third overall in the 2021 Draft – he has tons of talent, especially with his legs. Hmm who is the biggest AFC threat at QB we think about in this playoff picture with their legs? Josh Allen, another QB we may face in the playoffs. One thing I would love to see the defense work on is QB containment, keeping them in the pocket and tightening it down. Bonitto and Cooper have been huge in pass on the edge, but with how far Bonitto lines up outside the tackle, it leaves a running lane for designed QB runs for the backend to pick up. Singleton has done a fabulous job in my opinion after coming back from surgery. He has been flying all over and laying the boom down, but this will be a test. Lance is faster than many assume. You can see it in his tape when he has a lane and no receiver open. He doesn’t hesitate, knows he is faster, and takes what the defense gives. His downfall is his interception ratio. If we can stop the run, and force him to throw, we have a much better chance of walking out with the W and the first-round bye.
MHR – The last few games Bo Nix has looked a lot better – more confident, more consistent. What do you want to see from him early on in Sunday’s game that would make you feel confident that the Broncos offense can extend drives, score in the red zone and generally look like a well-oiled offensive machine before the playoffs?
Big Nix Energy: I love Bo Nix, real Bo-liever here. He’s exactly what Denver needed. Yes, he is crushing records this year. However it still feels like a down year in some ways. The offense has looked lights out in the previous mentioned comebacks, but has struggled in other games to get down the field versus lesser rated teams. The potential and trajectory are still soaring in the right direction Nix. I see an even bigger Year 3 for him on the horizon. For this game he just needs to settle down earlier and play loose. He seems too tight and fidgety at times, like Mumble from Happy Feet. Versus the Chargers you saw him rocket passes to receivers that struggled to haul them in, ending up as dropped passes. Even Courltand Sutton, the big man with hands like glue, was dropping passes. No. 1 thing, Nix needs to stop trying to kill his receivers with that cannon of his. Take a little off on the shorter passes and get the completions. No. 2 is to continue the good work not staring down receivers, throwing off the defense with his eyes. Work through those progressions with timing and pace in mind.
MHR – Khalil Mack is always a problem. Will the Broncos’ offensive line be able to handle the Chargers’ pass rush? What do you expect from the Broncos’ run game this week?
Big Nix Energy: OK, let’s get real. Khalil Mack isn’t a Denver problem; he’s an opponent’s problem every time he is on the field. Doesn’t matter what team he’s playing. We need to know where 52 is at all times. Denver has done fairly well against pressure, mainly due to Bo Nix’s low sack rate. Look what we did to Maxx Crosby in Vegas. I get it, apples and oranges aren’t the same, but… “Any given Sunday.” I think our line has played better as the season has gone on, and have dealt well with the injuries sustained.
I’d like to see the run game continue to grow. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear when I read the news about Dobbins’ foot injury. The guy was on a tear, having himself a year. Then an illegal tackle ruined it against the Raiders. Payton did his homework in the draft again, though, and brought in a stud via RJ Harvey. The rookie has stepped up in a big way since the aforementioned happened to Dobbins. Same with McLaughlin. I’d like to see them lean a little more on the run and the Playstation ability Bo has in order to open things up.
MHR – (*editor’s note: the following question is from last season…and ironically it’s appropo this year too!) For a team that had a history of great running backs under Mike Shanahan, it has struggled to find that kind of dominance at the position. Can the running backs on the roster now be good enough throughout the playoffs to help the offense be multidimensional?
Big Nix Energy: Per above, losing Dobbins was a big hit. Replacing a talent like that is hard especially with his leadership and strength on the field at that position. Harvey is bigger though, just slightly. So we aren’t completely in the dark here. McLaughlin plays with a ton heart, and can rip of 10 yards in a blink of an eye. I think they can get us through the playoffs. It will be a little tricky for the Offensive coordinator to not paint himself in a corner with schemes, and personal. I’d like to see a little more rotation and play adversity between the two to confuse the defense more, and keep them on their toes.
MHR – Scenario: It’s 3rd-and-11, Broncos need a first down to keep the ball and avoid some late-game heroics from the Chargers. Who is Nix’s go-to in order to ensure a first down?
Big Nix Energy: This is a tricky scenario, depends on defense. If Bo has Sutton 1 on 1 obviously he is going there if the coverage leaves even just a hair too much room. If Sutton is double covered, it’s been a crap shoot. Depending who is on the field, is it Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims, or Troy Franklin? Are they 3 wide or flankers with a heavy line? Pat Bryant has been clutch as of lately. We also haven’t seen Marvin Mims featured as often on offense as we did last year. Troy Franklin has been the barn burner blowing the top off defenses and stretching the field like a stretch Armstrong between two kids, lol. Nix had some issues earlier in the season connecting with Franklin, so maybe they try to resparkle that connection going back to Oregon State moving forward as well.
All in all Sutton is the main guy, as long as he is not doubled. You double him, and you leave open whoever is opposite in the right offensive play. Defenses can’t double everyone without leaving holes. We just need to identify them quickly, and strike before they know what hits them.
MHR – The defense started the season hot, got hotter and then cooled. Are you concerned about the defense or do you believe its M.O. to get the job done just enough or when it needs to is ok?
Big Nix Energy: In my personal opinion, we have known we are going to the playoffs now for two weeks, maybe a little longer, even if not definite. If you have been watching every game like me, I think we are holding back and trying to cross the finish line with no huge injuries that could devastate our playoff chances. Get through the season first, then concentrate on the playoffs. One game at a time. Knowing the hurdles we have had to overcome with penalties and everything else on defense, we have come a long way. With that being said, the good offenses have come a long way too. Like we saw against the Jaguars, when they came rolling through. If I were a betting man, which I am, I’m 100% certain that Joseph is going over that tape with a fine comb figuring out the counters and answers so it doesn’t happen again. I also expect him to turn it up come the playoffs.
MHR – Even without Herbert, the Chargers do have a slew of offensive weapons, whether it’s Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal, Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey or even 100-year-old Keenan Allen. Does the Chargers offense concern you for the Broncos’ defense? Which part of the offense will test the D the most?
Big Nix Energy: The biggest issue I have seen is the run game. Like I said above, the way we line up so far outside leaves running lanes open. It also gives us the higher sack rate and more defensive moves at our disposal to work over the Tackle or TE in your face. The Chargers have been a run heavy team since Harbaugh has taken over. Hampton and Vidal have been putting in some work over there, and with Lance in the picture, I expect a lot of RPO, play action, and runs coming this weekend.
MHR – Payton made an interesting comment about sacks earlier this week, saying he doesn’t care about sack numbers. He cares about pressure that doesn’t allow the QB a chance to move up in the pocket and then make a bigger play, which definitely seems to happen to the Broncos a fair amount. Even though it isn’t Herbert on Sunday, what kind of pressure scheme would you like to see from VJ and the edge rushers?
Big Nix Energy: I have covered this above already so I’ll make it short. Containment, containment, containment – four-man rush, extra pressure on 3rd-and-long intermittently. Let the DBs do their jobs and hopefully force Lance into some risky throws.
MHR – Riley Moss has been targeted by QBs – and refs – all season. And as different DBs have been in/out for injury, a lot of “next man up” guys have had to step in, which has definitely been noticed by offensive coordinators. Do you like the Broncos’ depth at DB? And what do you expect from the Chargers on Sunday to help their backup QB and to take advantage of Denver having to dig deep on the roster at corner and safety?
Big Nix Energy: I really do like our depth at DB this year. We retained a bunch of the big names and brought in a few players this off-season. None bigger than Hufanga at safety; Baron, McMillian, and Abrams-Draine have been clutch as well.
I wish we could see Justin Simmons return for some depth at safety for the playoff push. I know he is a little older, he still has some tread on those cleats. Sadly there might be some bad blood in the water still after everything ended the way it did when the Russel Wilson experiment went belly up and landed right on the CAP space. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 until that guaranteed money is paid. It is even more impressive that we have been able to do what we have done the last two years with a more limited CAP.
MHR – At the beginning of the season, Sean Payton mentioned the Super Bowl for this team. Many of us (me included!) loved the confidence but assumed that was a little premature…or maybe even thought it was crazy. But at 13-3, you can’t argue with anyone who gives Denver a chance as much as any of the other potential teams. What did you think of that comment way back when and when did you start to think it wasn’t crazy?
Big Nix Energy: When I first heard the comment, I was like, “OK, Payton, calm down, we know you like what you have built here and showing confidence in the guys you have brought in.”
I’d say it was roughly Week 9 vs the Texans. I was biting my nails all week for that game. Once I saw us overcome that defense, and the way our defense played, I was like, “Payton did it again.” It was almost like he was manifesting it when he said it. He knew it, but had to speak it into existence. Then, boom! Here we are going into week 18 with a chance at a first-round bye.
MHR – If the Broncos gain the No.1 seed and skip the Wild Card round of play, which potential playoff team would you hope to play in the divisional round?
Big Nix Energy: Hmm not sure how it would play out, but I’d like to see anyone other than the Bills. I still have a bad taste in my mouth from last year in the wild card round. Ideally it would be the No 5 Texans, or Ravens/ Steelers, depending who comes out on top this weekend.
MHR – Once again the Broncos will close out the regular season in the greatest Throwback uniforms known to fans. So far, the Broncos are 4-0 when wearing those gems. What is the No. 1 key to making it 5-0 on Sunday?
Big Nix Energy: Playing Smart, controlling time of possession, and competing drives. Taking what the defense gives, and not forcing the ball into tight windows. Chargers DB’s are no slouches.
MHR – What was your favorite moment from this season so far?
Big Nix Energy: The Nik Bonnito blocked two-point conversion versus the Commanders. When he left his feet, I was like “oh no…he’s going to pump fake and run.” Then the ball was released, and Bonitto’s hands were like tractor beams sucking the ball right to them. That was the play for me so far this season! (*editor’s note: yeah, I was at that game…what a f***ing play!)
Predictions
Stats for BO NIX? 245 passing yards, 2 TDs
Stats for each Broncos RB? RJ Harvey: 95 yards rushing, 1 TD, 45 rec yards, 1 TD; J McLaughlin, 45 yards rushing, 25 Rec yards
Number of yards receiving/TDs for the receivers?
C. Sutton: 95 Yards, 1 TD; P. Bryant: 60 yards; T. Franklin: 49 yards; M. Mims: 15 yards;
Longest FG for Lutz? 45 yards
Number of sacks to Trey Lance? 5 sacks
Broncos player with the most tackles? Singleton
Who gets the first sack of the game for the Broncos? Cooper
How many times will the announcers go over the No. 1 seed playoffs scenario and lament that the Patriots should be getting it? 3 times
How many INTs/FF/FR for the Chargers D? 1
How many INTs/FF/FR for the Broncos’ D? 3
How many terrible PI calls will go against Riley Moss? 0
Final Score? Broncos, 21- 10
The Favorites
Favorite John Elway win outside of the Super Bowls? 1990 Monday night football game vs the Chiefs with a 49-yard bomb on 4th down. Only saw this due to a rerun of the game many moons later, but just an amazing play.
Favorite Broncos win ever? Manning’s Super Bowl versus the Panthers.
Favorite Peyton Manning win? Superbowl 50, seeing him go out on top!
Favorite win by any other Broncos QB? Nix’s Week 7 win vs the Giants. That comeback was amazing.
Team you love to beat the most in the AFC West? Chiefs, stopping the reign of the AFC West champs
Favorite win over the Chargers? Hopefully this weekend. Haha
Coach you laugh at the most in the NFL? Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel…dude cracks me up in the after game interviews.
Coach you most want to throat-punch? Robert Saleh, aka “Handsome Squidward.” I don’t know why but I can’t stand him.
Team you hate to lose to the most in the rest of the AFC? The Patriots, due to Brady and their long time hold of the No 1 seed in the playoffs. It was always guaranteed to be a show when you had Brady and the Sheriff “Manning” on the field for a game.
NFC team you could cheer for in the Super Bowl? The Rams, I am originally from the L.A. area. Also been a fan of Stafford since his Lions days connecting with Megatron. Wouldn’t mind seeing him get another ring as long as it’s not at our expense.
NFC team you want to face more than any other in the Super Bowl? Eagles or Packers. I mean, we already beat them once this year.
Favorite Broncos player on the current roster? Umm im going to go with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year here… give me Pat Surtain II. There is a reason Moss gets picked on.
Favorite Broncos player of all time not named John Elway? This is tough… Manning at QB, Atwater for S, and Von Miller OLB
Favorite new guy/rookie on the team? HUFANGA!!!!
Favorite game analyst/commentator? Tony Romo
Who is on your Broncos’ Mount Rushmore? Elway, Manning, Von Miller, and Terrel Davis
How did you become a Broncos fan?
I liked the Broncos as a kid with Elway, I was born in 1990, and saw games here and there growing up. In the early 2000s I really started getting into football, and watching college as well. I switched to the Colts when they drafted Peyton Manning. But as fate would have it, it brought me right back to the Blue and Orange when he was picked up as a free agent by the Broncos in 2012. When I bought my first Manning Broncos Jersey, that’s when my dad reminded me as a little kid I always rooted for the Broncos when they were on the TV.
