For the fourth time in four games this season, the Denver Broncos’ offense sputtered right out of the gate, and this time, there was no miracle comeback. After putting up a dismal three points by halftime against the San Francisco 49ers, Denver ultimately fell 24-14, pushing their record to a disappointing 2-2.
The First Half Curse Is Real
Man, this is getting hard to watch. The Broncos have not hit double digits in points by halftime in a single game this season. Think about that for a second! Against the Chiefs, they managed only seven points at halftime in a crushing 31-10 loss. They scraped by the Jaguars with just three points at the half in a 20-13 win. And let’s not forget Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, where they were totally scoreless at halftime before a rally, helped by an NFL-acknowledged officiating error, got them a 30-26 win. But Sunday? No rally. Nothing. This team, with “Super Bowl aspirations,” is now sitting two games behind the 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. That’s a rough look, no doubt.
Payton’s Hands-Off Approach Under Fire
This consistent offensive funk has naturally swung the spotlight straight onto first-year play caller and offensive coordinator Davis Webb, who took over the reins from head coach Sean Payton this season. When reporters pressed Payton about potential play-calling changes postgame, his response was telling. “It’s too early, it’s a fair question; I appreciate it. And, man, it’s tough to discuss any of that right now,” Payton said. He’s clearly feeling the heat, and who wouldn’t? The issues are piling up: Webb’s play-calling, Box Nix’s execution at quarterback, and a run game that looked straight-up inefficient, averaging a paltry 3.7 yards per carry against the 49ers. The word on the street, and in the locker room, is that the pressure is squarely on Webb right now. Payton, who’s known as one of the best offensive minds in football, has a massive decision looming over whether he’s going to step back in and call the plays himself. “We’ve had some opportunities, but there are a handful of things that aren’t clicking,” Payton admitted. “And we gotta figure it out fast, because we’re going into Week 5.”
“Fast” is the keyword here. As the Broncos head into Week 5, whatever changes they’re considering, they better make them quick. The division lead is slipping, and the Super Bowl dreams are looking more like a mirage with every slow start. This is a crucial moment for Denver to either sink or swim.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply