Every member of the Denver Broncos is reeling after a four-game losing skid. Week after week, Denver has found itself falling farther away from contention.

Entering Week 8, the Broncos are in dire need of players and coaches to step up. Over the past four games, players have missed assignments too often. Additionally, coaches have failed to put their players in positions to succeed.

Good teams find a way to identify what the team does well and how to take advantage of their strengths. One can only hope that Denver used the extended time from its loss last Thursday to effectively evaluate what has gone wrong and create a game plan accordingly.

On the opposing sideline, Sunday enters the equally disappointing Washington Football Team. Sitting at 2-5, WFT is just as desperate for a win as Broncos. Washington finds itself having lost three in a row and four of its last five.

Though a cloud hangs over both franchises, a win could propel each team back into relevance. Another loss would land a crushing blow to either team’s postseason hopes.

For the Broncos to come out victorious, these key matchups must tilt in their favor Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.

Bridgewater and Jeudy connection must be on time to thwart WFT front four

The Broncos’ offense has sputtered for a calendar month for a variety of reasons. October has been filled with terrible offensive play. The game film has featuring a scary mix of non-existent running lanes and poor play execution that would rival any horror flick.

The WFT can be a remedy for the Broncos to get right. However, Denver must be smart in how it attacks the WFT defense. Using the strengths of the team’s personnel to exploit an opponent’s weakness has not been a forte for Pat Shurmur this season. That needs to change this week or the Broncos are in for more of the seams sputtering offense fans have grown accustomed to.

The WFT defense is dead last in the NFL allowing 30 points per game. This includes 29 to a poor New York Giants team and 33 to an inept New Orleans Saints group.

For Denver to find success, it must handle the front four. WFT’s strength lies in Chase Young, Daron Payne, Johnathon Allen, and Montez Sweat. All players were drafted in the first round of consecutive drafts from 2017-20.

The group has produced 11.5 sacks through the club’s first 7 games. Most of those numbers were provided by Allen (five) and Sweat (4).

Young’s surprisingly slow start will not keep the Broncos from trying to limit his impact Sunday.

“[The offense will be] giving him some special attention that he deserves,” Fangio said. “He’s one of the top rushers in the league, and he’s been getting special attention.”

Young’s elite physical traits create nightmare scenarios for offensive linemen. Add his continued improvements with his technique and he can win with a variety of moves.

Unless Mike Munchak waved a magic wand this over the past several days, the Broncos’ pass protection will continue to be inconsistent in this matchup. Therefore, Teddy Bridgewater must quickly go through his progressions and be on time with the football.

The return of Jerry Jeudy should help this offense do just that.

“Jerry—he’s a guy who’s quarterback friendly,” Bridgewater said. “I think he’s one of those guys that if you ask quarterbacks around the league—[even] if he misses numerous days or weeks—when he’s out there, he just finds a way to get open.”

Jeudy’s ability to create space in one on one matchups has been sorely lacking. Add his with his preexisting chemistry with Bridgewater gives the offense a dynamic that makes this offense tough to defend.

For the Broncos to win Sunday, Bridgewater and Jeudy must take advantage of the NFL’s worst pass defense.

Broncos’ defense needs Surtain expected to lock up McLaurin for success

The Washington offense seems to be built around one player, No. 17. Terry McLaurin averages almost 10 targets a game per Pro Football Reference. The high volume in targets is a reflection of the team’s belief in his ability to make plays regardless of who covers him.

Vic Fangio has to know Tyler Heinicke is going to go McLaurin’s way whether he is covered or not. McLaurin leads the league in contested catches by a wide margin.

In most cases, McLaurin wins his matchups. Therefore, the Broncos must limit his impact.

Rookie Patrick Surtain has been phenomenal all season long. His play has become increasingly better as the year progressed. Fangio has to use his top corner on the WFT’s primary weapon.

McLaurin is a technician, as is Surtain. The Broncos CB1 will need to play with strong technique. McLaurin’s patterned double move could give the young corner issues if he gets caught sleeping, but Surtain has shown he is a quick study and can react to any route thrown his way.

The Broncos feel Surtain is ready for a prime-time matchup. He will need to be ready against one of the league’s premier wide receivers.

“He has that humble confidence, ” Justin Simmons said. “He’s not afraid of the big moment, no matter who he’s going up against. Obviously, I think that’s showing in his play.”

When McLaurin is targeted early, Surtain’s ability to attack the ball should allow the rookie to make a big play. Getting a turnover after weeks of futility could give this offense a much-needed shot in the arm.

Surtain winning his matchup against Washington’s best offensive player should help propel the Broncos to a win.