What is there left to say?
The Denver Broncos endured yet another dramatic loss, a 27-23 embarrassment versus the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11.
The 2019 season has been dreadful in every facet for the Broncos, from the ownership dispute off the field to the product on the field. That said, Sunday’s loss to the Vikings felt like a combination of everything that has transpired since the 2019 season kicked off.
Denver has lost several close games this season. However, Sunday’s game was quite possibly the most disappointing. At this point, there are no more excuses for Denver and head coach Vic Fangio.
First and foremost, a win Sunday would have been the second in a row for the Broncos, which could have established some momentum down the stretch coming off the bye week. Additionally, it was rookie quarterback Brandon Allen’s second career start.
Allen was solid Sunday, compiling 240 yards and a touchdown. While Allen was not spectacular, he played well enough to get the win in his designated role, but the defense let the team down.
After establishing a 20-0 lead in the first half, Fangio failed to rally his defense to close the game out in the second half. This is not the first time the Broncos have looked unprepared in the second half this year, and it has become a trend as the season has progressed.
Poor coaching and execution ultimately doomed the Broncos in the second half and spoiled what could have been the teams best win this season.
It’s back to the drawing board for Fangio and company as he looks to keep the team motivated for the last handful of games this season.
At this point, Fangio feels that he does not have to convince the team they are on the verge of a breakout, and instead wants to see his players rise to the occasion.
“I don’t think I have to convince them we were close,” Fangio said. “You all were there, it was close, and it’s been close a lot of times. Again, emphasize and reinforce the positive, correct the mistakes, critique, continue to teach and coach, and these guys have to continue to learn and execute.
“These guys like coming to work, they’re giving us great effort on the practice field, and you can see the effort that we’re giving on Sundays, so I think that will happen.”
There is no denying that the 2019 season has been a disaster for the Broncos. Entering the season, expectations were high for the team after they hired Fangio as head coach, turning the page on the Vance Joseph era.
The thing is, despite Joseph’s shortcomings as a head coach, he managed to win six games last season. Denver enters Week 12 with just three wins and still have to face the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs. Fangio could fail to match Joseph’s win mark from last season and possibly 2017 (5).
A season that started with optimism has since faded to one with a mountain of disappointment. The Broncos’ offseason efforts to overhaul the team to one that could be competitive in 2019 have failed.
Denver is headed toward their third consecutive losing season, and at this point, losing appears to be the one certainty on the horizon for Denver’s favorite sports team.
