The Denver Broncos were at home over the weekend to kick off their home opener against at Russell Wilson-less Pittsburgh Steelers and if you watched Denver’s loss to the Seahawks the previous week you didn’t miss much.
In just the first half of play, the Broncos managed to get three first downs and their third down efficiency was 16.7 percent on 2 of 12. The Steelers running game was more effective than the Broncos with Bo Nix almost leading Denver in rushing yards with 13 yards. Denver running back Tyler Badie was the rushing leader for the Broncos with a single run for 16 yards. Javontae Williams recorded 10 yards while Jaleeel McLaughlin was negative 1 yard on two attempts.
Steelers back up quarterback Justin Fields completed 13 passes on 20 attempts for 117 yards and a 97.3 passer rating, while Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix completed 20 passes on 35 attempts for 246 yards and two interceptions (QB rating of 55.2).
The Denver Broncos are now 0-2 to start off the season and it doesn’t appear that things will get any better. Granted, Broncos rookie, Bo Nix faced two top tier defenses in the Seahawks and the Steelers; it was really his only opportunity to show critics why he’s the man for the job in Denver.
Now of course, fans are unsure if the rookie quarterback will even make it another loss before being benched for Zach Wilson.
This week the Broncos are facing a 2-0 Buccaneers team who beat both the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions this past weekend. Tampa took a risk on Baker Mayfield and so far their decision has been a good one with Mayfield averaging a 73.5 quarterback rating and 5 touchdowns and 1 interception through two games.
The Broncos have a lot to figure out before next week’s game and with this year’s lineup of teams on the schedule, Broncos fans are facing a long and grim season ahead of them. Sunday’s game is an early morning game (11 a.m. MST) in Tampa.
In other sports the Colorado Avalanche welcomed back Logan O’Connor after his season-ending hip injury that kept him sidelined. O’Connor was on a season career-high run last year at 13-goals before his injury. His return is great new for fans especially with Artturi Lehkonen limited at practice, Gabriel Landeskog’s status is still unsure, and Valeri Nichuskin’s eligibility for return is not until November.
