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Sunday's loss shows why the Broncos need to reschedule

Sunday's loss shows why the Broncos need to reschedule
Posted on | Posted on angela

The Denver Broncos fell to the Baltimore Ravens, losing 41-10 on Sunday. The game was close for most of the first half, but the Ravens were unstoppable toward the end of the second quarter and throughout the third quarter.

I like it when the Broncos can fight better. They failed on offense, defense and special teams – they picked a bad day to have a bad day against a great team.

I also like to think about life and sports when I drive around in my old Jeep Wrangler TJ with the top down! The following is a result of these trips during the week.

Buckle up, let's take a ride through my mind.

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Broncos need to act

Forget foresight. The Broncos continue their rebuild under head coach Sean Payton, but are still in the playoff hunt despite an embarrassing loss to the Ravens. The media schedule is one thing, but the schedule inside this building has accelerated due to the play of rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

He's ahead of schedule, so the Broncos need to accelerate their schedule. To accomplish this, the Broncos should work the trade market before Tuesday's 2:00 p.m. (Mountain) deadline. They could make the playoffs, but what good does it do them if they get burned out like they did on Sunday? What would it be like to make the playoffs and compete better?

They could use a tight end or a pass-catching running back for their offense. That means tight ends like David Njoku or Evan Engram could be added. Players like running backs Miles Sanders or Khalik Herbert could also be on the radar. What the Broncos are doing isn't completely working. Either trade for help at those positions or activate guys like TE Donald Parham or RB Blake Watson from their practice squad.

Holding on to the current hand is a stupid task. The Broncos need to step up and add more talent at late-round picks.

Unfortunately, the Broncos can't do anything at the trade deadline. There are players who need to be added to the roster, but they may remain standing. There are players who could at least be let go for future selection, but these guys could also stay in the squad. It looks like the Broncos might be content to move on with what they have and endure their weaknesses (which might include narrowly missing the playoffs).

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Sean Payton loves his trick plays

Payton's playbook is pretty robust. Facing a team like the Ravens, Payton went back to his playbook for a trick play that ended in the day's only touchdown. We've seen WR Courtland Sutton throw a pass this season, but against the Ravens he threw a touchdown pass – to Nix.

It was a play on fourth down that worked, the only play of its kind that day. The play showed off Nix's hands and athleticism, and it also showed off Sutton's arm. This led to the internet making several jokes about the Broncos' rookie quarterback. Many said it was great that Nix was the team's best passer, rusher and second-best receiver.

The lack of talent was evident against the Ravens (another reason why they should make a trade for offensive talent). Without the talent to compete with the Ravens, trick plays were a must. The Ravens are an elite team, but the Broncos have a few other teams on their roster with talented rosters.

The Broncos have pulled some tricks over the last two weeks that the Chiefs will be preparing for. What else could Payton have up his sleeve? We're working to find out.

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Stop the Wheel Route!

Before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Kimani Vidal was a player that I considered to be a secret weapon against the Broncos. The rookie running back hadn't played yet at the time, but he would be making his debut against Denver and I knew he could be dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield. Vidal scored on a wheel route against the Broncos.

The wheel route is a problem for the Broncos defense. That's why Ravens backup running back Justice Hill would be a threat on Sunday. He did make a few plays against the Broncos, but the biggest of the day for Hill was a wheel route. Hill gained 43 yards on three catches, but most of the damage came on a 24-yard play.

The Ravens had a good design on the bike route. A receiver ran a route directly toward EDGE Jonah Elliss, charging toward the middle of the field before quickly turning to the outside. This move essentially left Elliss behind and allowed Hill to run freely down the sideline. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson threw a beautiful touch pass to Hill while Elliss gave chase. Elliss could have covered Hill if he hadn't been selected on the play.

The Chiefs have former Broncos defenseman Samaje Perine at receiving back. Perine isn't as quick as Vidal or Hill, but he's a seasoned veteran who knows how to get open. I would imagine the Chiefs will run a wheel route against the Broncos at some point. Let's hope they're better prepared this time.

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