The Broncos’ 19-8 loss to the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football was another stain on quarterback Russell Wilson’s legacy in Denver. He threw for 95 yards — third-fewest in his career — a touchdown and two interceptions as the Broncos struggled to establish their passing game, despite the defense holding up its end.
“To win in our league, you have to be better at throwing the ball,” coach Sean Payton said following Denver’s 16th straight loss to its divisional foe.
On Monday, Payton clarified that his comment wasn’t directed at any one player but on the entire offense, and he’s right. The Broncos’ last two losses to the New York Jets and Kansas City have exposed issues within the passing offense, from play calling and protection to lack of production from wide receivers and Wilson.
“You want to have confidence in the pocket, and we need to find ways to get guys open,” Payton said. “Typically speaking, that has to happen efficiently on early downs. It can’t be just on third down.”
Even through Wilson’s undying optimism, he couldn’t shy away from how poorly he played under the lights. He averaged 4.3 yards per pass attempt and had a passer rating of 46.6. In the first quarter, Wilson tried to throw to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy but was intercepted by Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton. With 5:45 left in the third quarter, Wilson’s pass to tight end Greg Dulcich was tipped at the line of scrimmage by linebacker Willie Gay Jr. before Justin Reid secured the interception.
Wilson had 16 passes batted in his last four seasons (62 games) with the Seattle Seahawks. He’s had 25 pass attempts batted by a defender in 21 games with the Broncos.
“I have to play better,” he said in a somber tone after the game.
Denver’s play calling was questionable at times on Thursday. Denver faced a third-and-2 with 2:17 left in the second quarter when the Broncos attempted to execute a rollout under center, which led to Wilson getting sacked as Jeudy and wide receiver Courtland Sutton were not open down field.
The Broncos’ pass protection hasn’t helped, either. It allowed four sacks for the second straight game. Mike McGlinchey didn’t stand a chance against Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who blew past Denver’s right tackle for a sack with less than 22 seconds left in the second quarter.
Denver has allowed 19 sacks — sixth-most in the league — and 57 pressures.
“The bottom line is that we’ve all got to get better,” left tackle Garett Bolles said. “Our players have to get better. Our coaches have to be better.”
Payton doesn’t care too much about Jeudy’s issue with former NFL wideout Steve Smith Sr., but the former Saints coach said he understands if the Alabama product is frustrated by his lack of production. Jeudy has nine catches for 64 yards in the last two games, and Payton mentioned that the team will continue to find ways to put him in a position to make plays.
Payton added that it’s been a challenge trying to find a balance between Jeudy, Sutton and rookie Marvin Mims Jr. Sutton has totaled eight catches for 86 yards in the last three games. Mims had three targets during that span, even though Payton said the team can use him in a multitude of ways on the field.
“We’ve had packages where both (Mims) and Jeudy are on the field at the same time opposite of one another,” Payton said. “Again, that’s still a work in progress, but I don’t think it’s a work in progress specifically toward Marvin as much as it is for us finding packages and touches for both in the passing game.”
Denver’s tight ends haven’t been much support. Adam Trautman has 10 catches for 64 receiving yards and a touchdown, as he lacks the speed to create separation from defenders. Meanwhile, Dulcich has battled hamstring issues. In Dulcich’s first game since coming off the injured reserve, the second-year tight end had one catch for three yards in 11 offensive snaps before reinjuring his hamstring.
To Denver’s credit, Wilson has played better compared than last season. He ranks fourth in passing touchdowns (12) and seventh in passer rating (99). But against Kansas City, Wilson looked more like the player from 2022, whom many thought was at the downslope of his career. More importantly, Denver’s fifth loss of 2023 showed the lack of continuity in the passing game and that needs to be fixed.
“That’s one of the things that we’ve discussed here early today,” Payton said. “(We’re) looking at our pass list and drive starters and making sure that we find a way.”
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