Gassers and a look ahead following the Broncos’ overtime loss to the Colts at Empower Field.
Gassers
Nathaniel Hackett
Tough to win a game when you can’t even get a touchdown. The offense turned in a fraudulent performance, right up to and including the failed fourth-down play at the Colts’ 5-yard line to end the game in overtime. Coach Hackett’s play-calling could never get the Broncos into a rhythm, and Russell Wilson had multiple miscommunications with his targets. The Broncos also had four drops and could never come up with the clutch play in the red zone. Sound familiar?
Broncos offensive line
Denver continues to deal with injuries up front (right guard Quinn Meinerz and right tackle Billy Turner didn’t play, and left tackle Garett Bolles was carted off with an injury in the second half) but the offensive line turned in a rough performance. Russell Wilson was sacked four times for 23 yards, and though the Broncos finished with 125 yards rushing, they could never fully lean into the rushing attack in the first game without Javonte Williams. Throw in penalties, and the stock of the Broncos’ front has declined in recent weeks.
Russell Wilson
The Broncos’ quarterback continues to fall far short of expectations. He had KJ Hamler wide open on the final play of the game in the end zone; Wilson was brought in to make that read, and that pass, to win the game. Instead, Wilson tried to force the ball into coverage to Sutton, and it fell incomplete. Wilson finished 21 of 39 for 274 yards, with a 54.9 rating and two interceptions in the end zone.
Up Next
Monday, Oct. 17 at Chargers at SoFi Field, 6:15 p.m. (Week 6)
Record: 2-2
Week 5 result: at Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m.
Coach: Brandon Staley (2nd year, 11-10)
About the Chargers: Los Angeles beat the Raiders in Week 1 and the Texans in Week 4, with losses to the Chiefs and Jaguars in between. The Chargers have been one of the most injury-riddled teams in the league so far, with notable dings to quarterback Justin Herbert (fractured rib cartilage), receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring) and kicker Dustin Hopkins (quad), plus edge rusher Joey Bosa (groin) on injured reserve. Brandon Staley is still looking for traction in his second year on the L.A. sideline, while running back and Eaton graduate Austin Ekeler is one of the Chargers’ most potent offensive threats.
