After losing back-to-back games against the Atlanta Falcons and San Diego Chargers, Denver bounced back and beat Brock Osweiler and the Houston Texans, and then the always pesky San Diego Chargers on Sunday.
Now the real work begins.
Through the first eight weeks of this 2016 NFL season, Denver has played just two divisional games, both against those Chargers. Over their final eight games, they will face the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs twice each. And while the Denver defense seems to be finding their five-star game, the offense is a constant work in progress.
At the midseason point, the Broncos are ranked 27th in yards per game with a little over 326. There are a number of culprits to blame.
The offensive line has been a work in progress and has struggled to both open holes and protect their quarterback. The running game is a model of inconsistency, gaining just under 112 yards per game, and now starting running back C.J. Anderson is missing significant time with a knee injury. And of course, there are questions at quarterback, where Trevor Siemian has been less than spectacular.
Siemian is 6-1 as a starter, but has thrown just eight touchdowns to three interceptions; many critics would prefer rookie Paxton Lynch get his career started already.
Yet, one key area that the Denver Broncos offense has plenty of room to show some growth would be the development of another legitimate receiving target in the passing game.
We all know about the inconsistency of No. 1 wideout Demaryius Thomas. He has 37 catches for 456 yards, four touchdowns and is a threat to go the distance on any play.
If he catches it.
Thomas has four drops unofficially on the season, but those who’ve watched the games may claim to have found a few more.
And then we have the always explosive Emmanuel Sanders, who despite his diminutive stature, plays with the toughness of a player twice his size. Sanders has compiled 40 catches for 499 yards and three touchdowns.
Now quick, name the Denver Broncos’ third leading receiver right now!
If you named Bennie Fowler, you are incorrect. Fowler has missed some time with an elbow injury and has just seven catches. Maybe you were thinking of Jordan Norwood, the backup wideout and special teams returner? But Norwood has caught only 13 passes. Tight end Virgil Green missed three games with a calf injury and has just 10 catches.
No, the third leading receiver on this Broncos offense is running back C.J. Anderson, with a whopping 16 catches for 128 yards.
That isn’t exactly striking fear into the hearts of opposing defenses, is it?
I know it’s easy to blame both of these young quarterbacks, but take a look at the tape, they don’t have many available options to throw to.
Someone on this offensive unit needs to step up.
Maybe it will be Fowler or Norwood. Cody Latimer has been out, recovering from a concussion, and could return any time. And as Devontae Booker gains experience, he could be a bigger threat in the passing game.
Perhaps a tight end like Virgil Green or newly acquired AJ Derby can become a viable target?
But if the Broncos offense is going to make any real progress, a third receiver is going to have to start making some important plays for this team.
