The Denver Broncos may face some wet weather conditions when they face the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday.
While initial forecasts this week predicted heavy rain with significant wind gusts between 15-25 mph, AccuWeather has since revised its outlook to occasional rain with milder winds of 7-20 mph. Despite the weather outlook, the Broncos took the time in practice this week to prepare for a wet weather situation.
“We prepped for it all week,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the potential for rain. “Everything from not wearing the shields that get fogged up, understanding every player who wears gloves will have 10 sets, like in F1 you change tires, those gloves from each series, go get a new pair. On special teams, understanding coverage wins, ball security, all those things.”
It didn’t end there, as the Broncos dunked their practice footballs in buckets of water.
“Buckets, like as wet as you can make them,” Payton continued. “And then receivers, and how you handle them, you just have to adjust. The end zones in this field are slick if you watch the tape. So the way they’re logoed, I’ve seen three or four different players slip, and it changes, maybe thoughts with what you want to do in the tight red route wise, I’ve watched guys try to run double moves and slip because of the paint all of that.”
A little good news about the @Broncos forecast for Saturday: It looks like the heaviest rain will hold off until after the game in Cincy. Winds look lighter.
Still, some rain looks likely. Early thought would be similar to Jets game in Sept.
Again, subject to change!#COwx pic.twitter.com/jBkRUYC2RC
— Chris Bianchi (@BianchiWeather) December 26, 2024
The weather situation has drawn particular attention due to quarterback Bo Nix’s shaky rainy-day performance against the New York Jets in Week 4. Despite those struggles, Nix still feels prepared enough for Saturday’s matchup.
“If you’ve played football, you have played in the rain,” said Nix. “We’re excited. I thought we ran the ball well against the Jets that day. We’re going to have to carry that over [and] have an open mindset and do whatever’s working.”
“We’ll be able to handle the rain. We’re professionals, and they have to play in it too. It’s going to be good. It’s going to be a good environment. It will be fun.”
The Broncos-Bengals matchup will have critical playoff implications. All the Broncos have to do is win one of their remaining two games, and they will clinch a spot in the playoffs.