The Denver Broncos are staring down an absolute monster this Sunday in their Week 4 matchup: the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. If Denver wants any shot at their third win of the season, they have got to figure out how to flip the script on their abysmal offensive starts, because the Niners are a well-rounded squad packing a Top 5 offense and defense. This is gonna be a tough challenge, no doubt.
Broncos Gotta Light It Up Early, For Once
We’ve all seen the late-game heroics from quarterback Bo Nix and that Broncos offense over the past few seasons, and yeah, it’s been thrilling. But honestly, their inability to start a game hot? It’s just maddening. A win’s a win, sure, but Denver desperately needs to find a way to start fast and keep the foot on the gas from the jump. Think about this: the Broncos haven’t had a *single* successful first drive all season. We’re talking no points scored, two three-and-outs, and even one turnover to kick off their games. It’s wild, even with a change in play caller, to see them struggle so much out of the gate, especially with the talent they have.
The rushing attack has been a major point of criticism too. It’s been slowed down by injuries and sits in the bottom five of the NFL, with week-to-week consistency being a huge issue. With rookie running back Jonah Coleman on injured reserve, the trio of J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, and Tyler Badie will be on display against the 49ers. Can those guys get going early? It’s going to take a lot from them. Plus, the offensive line, one of the highest-paid groups in the league, just *has* to be better. They need to be more consistent with their blocking up front. On the flip side, the 49ers will likely be without defensive end Nick Bosa, relying on two rookies, Gracen Halton and Romello Height, to start up front. This could be a glimmer of an opportunity. And speaking of Nix, while his fourth-quarter comebacks are legendary, approaching 40 regular season games, he needs to start showing consistency at the beginning of games, not just at the end.
Stopping The 49ers’ Offensive Juggernaut Is A Whole Other Problem
As if their own struggles weren’t enough, the Broncos have to contend with a 49ers offense that is straight-up lethal. They boast a Top 5 offense that’s just as effective on the ground as it is through the air. Fifth-year quarterback Brock Purdy has been impressing everyone, leading the NFL with 9 passing touchdowns. He’s slinging it! Then you’ve got that running back tandem of Christian McCaffrey and Kaelon Black, who are making the absolute most of their split opportunities. And George Kittle? The dude is 33 years old and still playing at an incredibly high level, leading their team in touchdowns and receiving yards. It’s wild. Plus, Deebo Samuel, back with the squad after a one-year stint with the Washington Commanders, looks to be in much better shape and is averaging a staggering 17.7 yards per reception. This unit is stacked and they’re bringing the heat.
This Week 4 showdown against an undefeated San Francisco squad isn’t going to be easy. For the Broncos to grab that third victory, they absolutely have to nail these three things: start hot on offense, find some consistency with Nix, the O-line, and the run game, and somehow, *somehow*, limit the damage from Purdy and that explosive 49ers attack. It’s a tall order, but hey, that’s what Week 4 in the NFL is all about.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
Leave a Reply