The offense is capable
Is the Broncos offense good? No. Is it consistent? Absolutely not. Is it capable? You betcha!
We’ve seen it in spurts all season, but when the Broncos are running at full capacity, they can score points. The bigger question, though, is why aren’t they doing it more often?
Here’s my theory (and, yes, it’s just a theory: Gary Kubiak is scared; he is scared of making a mistake.
And if that’s the case, I don’t blame him! I’d be scared, too.
Just think, when the Broncos have needed to score this season, they always have — at least for the most part. There’s a reason why Denver is 12-2 in games decided by less than seven points, and it’s because they take care of business when they absolutely have to. They did it in the Chiefs game, the first Patriots game, the Bengals game, the Wild Card game and more. When their backs were against the wall, they made things happen.
When they’ve had problems, it’s largely been after they’ve developed a lead to start the game, following apart afterwards. You can credit the opposing defense for cracking down, or you can blame Gary Kubiak for pulling his foot of the gas.
I tend to lean towards the latter, only I’m not so sure that “blame” is the right word; I understand where he’s coming from.
This offense may be capable of moving up and down the field, but it comes at a risk: Turnovers. The Broncos offense has had a propensity to turn the ball over all season, and it’s cost them. So wouldn’t it make sense that once the Broncos develop a lead, Kubiak lays off the attack, limits the opportunity for turnovers and allows the defense to take care of the rest?
I mean, it’s not ideal. I’d much rather a dominant, whistle-to-whistle performance. But I get it. A three-point, nail-biting victory is better than watching the Broncos lose off a Peyton Manning interception.
But all this is to say that the Broncos are capable. If they need to score, I believe they can. Maybe not 35 or 40 points, but they’ll never need to with this defense.
