ENGLEWOOD, CO — The Denver Broncos were back on the practice field on Friday for their final practice of the week ahead of Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Going into Sunday, the Broncos offense has to find a way to be more consistent in the passing game.
Denver Broncos offense has to find balance and consistency vs. Green Bay
Earlier this offseason, Broncos head coach Sean Payton talked about the importance of running the football for his offense. Throughout the course of this season, Denver has never found their footing in building a consistent balance on the offensive side of the ball.
There have been games where Denver has trailed by two or more scores, which limits the ability to stick with the run game, but with the run game showing some spark in the last couple of weeks, the passing offense has taken a step backward.
Last week against the Kansas City Chiefs, Russell Wilson was 13-of-22 passing for 95 yards. Many national media pundits have used this game to say that Wilson is the problem, but for anybody who objectively watched the game, it’s easy to see that it’s not entirely on Wilson solely.
Key offseason free agent acquisition Mike McGlinchey has struggled to start this season, allowing five sacks so far through six weeks. Opposing defenses have found success pressuring Denver’s right side of the offense to create an uneasy pocket for Wilson.
Obviously, there are areas where he can be better, but it’s evident that Wilson is working with what he has, and pressure and hits have certainly impacted his willingness to sit in the pocket.
“I think it’s a combination of everything,” Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “I wish I could put my finger on just one thing. It’s protection, getting guys open, the timing of everything, working together, and the routes getting open before the rush gets there. It’s a combination of getting in the right play and executing the right play. We had spots where we have been executing well. [It’s] just getting back to doing what we have been doing when those things were working.”
Against a very stout Packers front seven, the Broncos offense will have their work cut out for them on Sunday.
Broncos practice report from Friday
During the open viewing portion of practice for local media, the only players spotted on the team’s side field were offensive tackle Alex Palczewski and defensive tackle Haggai Chisom Ndubuisi.
Tight end Greg Dulcich was not spotted on the field for the third consecutive day and will miss Sunday’s game against the Packers.
Outside linebacker Baron Browning, center Lloyd Cushenberry, safety Kareem Jackson, defensive tackle D.J Jones, and safety Justin Simmons were all listed as full participants.
Browning appears ready to make his debut on Sunday, but a corresponding roster move would have to occur. Denver could place Dulcich on injured reserve and Browning could take his place on the roster.
“Man, he is strong, physical, and he’s explosive,” Sean Payton said on Friday. “You feel—I know we’re not going live, but you can see his explosiveness. I would say there are some players that are heavy handed, and he is one of those guys.”
The Broncos also made a few roster moves following Friday’s practice. Denver released wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who was promoted earlier in the week to the team’s 53-man roster.
The Broncos claimed nose tackle Keondre Coburn off of waivers after the Kansas City Chiefs released him during the week.
Coburn is a big body that can help plug the interior gaps. At 6’2, 333 lbs, rookie nose tackle arrives in Denver after being drafted in the sixth round by Kansas City in the 2023 NFL Draft.
K’Waun Williams set to undergo foot surgery once again
The Broncos defense missed the impact of nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams this season.
Unfortunately, Williams season is in jeopardy after 9News’ Mike Klis first reported that the Broncos nickel cornerback is set to undergo another surgery on his foot that’s been bothering him.
Prior to Week 1, Williams underwent surgery and was placed on injured reserve with the hope that he’d be available to return. For a period of three weeks, he’s worked on the team’s side field with trainers during the media’s viewing portion of practice.
However, he hadn’t been spotted on the side field for the last two weeks.
Williams signed a two-year deal with Denver in 2021 and had a tremendous impact defensively. Unfortunately, Williams’ has battled several injuries in his two seasons here so far and has played through quite a bit of them.
He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and it’s unclear if he’ll remain part of the team’s plan going into next season.