I’d be hard pressed to find a Denver Bronco fan two weeks into the month of October, say that they thought that their beloved Broncos would be jockeying for a Wild Card position by Thanksgiving.
Most may have even chalked up the 2023 season as a scratch, especially after Denver’s humiliating loss to the Miami Dolphins at the end of September. The Broncos defense gave up 70 points in the NFL’s most lopsided game in NFL history. Granted the Dolphins today, are considered one of the top AFC teams in the league sitting at 8–3 atop of their division after a 34–13 win over the New York Jets on Friday night.
Since the loss in Miami, the Denver Broncos leaned heavily on their coaches, specifically the Bronco’s defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph whose job was on the chopping block after the Miami game. Joseph’s response, though quiet and even keeled in front of the media has been loud and definitive over the past five games with his defense recording 15 takeaways in just four games (not including Denver’s win over Cleveland).
The Broncos added three more turnovers in Sunday’s win over the Browns bringing their average to 3.6 take-aways per game, over a span of five games. For this reason, Denver has been successful in turning their season around winning 100 percent of their games when they’ve won the turnover battle.
Many were worried about safety Kareem Jackson’s recent suspension and whether or not Denver’s next man up would be able to fill Jackson’s shoes during his suspension. The answer is emphatically yes! Jackson’s replacement, P.J. Locke made his presence known early as he single handedly put a stop to Cleveland’s first possession. Locke recorded a tackle for no gain on second down and knocked down a pass on the next play, forcing the Browns to kick. Locke recorded seven tackles (five solo) one sack, one batted down pass, and a hit on the quarterback.
Another huge contributing factor to Denver’s success has been quarterback Russell Wilson’s protection of the ball when passing, holding the best, touchdown to interception ration in the league. Unfortunately Wilson has had some problems holding onto the ball, fumbling five times this season.
Much of Wilson’s success has come from a newfound connection with wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Despite Sutton’s lower production-receiving yards than previous seasons, he’s been Wilson’s go to receiver on long yard-age situations. The two have paired up for some pretty amazing touchdown pass and catches that have made their rounds on highlight reels across the country.
The Broncos only have two remaining home games in their last six games. Next week they are on the road to kick off a three-game road stretch starting off in Houston to play the Texans. The Texans are coming off of a 24-21 loss to their division leading Jacksonville Jaguars.
Despite having the same record as the Broncos, the Texans are third in their division behind both the Indianapolis Colts and the Jags. Sunday’s game starts at 11 a.m. with the Texans opening up as favorites.
In other sports the Denver Nuggets were in L.A. Monday night to face the Clippers shorthanded with Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon all out with injuries.
With three Denver Nuggets starters out, coach Mike Malone relied on DeAndre Jordan, Reggie Jackson and Justin Holiday to tote the line.
Jordan, a prior Clipper, along with Jackson, also a prior Clipper led all Nuggets with 21 for Jordan and 35 for Jackson. The Nuggets outscored the Clippers 36 – 16 in the fourth quarter giving them the 113 – 104 win over L.A.
The Denver Nuggets have the Houston Rockets at home this week and the Phoenix Suns this Friday in Phoenix before heading to Sacramento to face the Kings.
The Colorado Avalanche are on a four game winning streak after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 4 – 1 Monday night at Ball Arena. The Avs defeated the Calgary Flames on the previous night at home 3 -1.
Colorado looks to extend their winning streak when they head to face the Arizona Coyotes before heading to Anaheim to face off against the Ducks.
