NFL Standings: Can Denver Broncos Remain On Top of AFC With Terrible Offense?
The Denver Broncos are 6-0. They have the best record in the AFC, and they are running away with the AFC West division. The Broncos defense ranks No. 1 in multiple categories this season.
So, what's the problem?
The Broncos may very well be 6-0, but the offense hasn't looked impressive at all. Heading into this week, the Broncos offense ranks 29th overall in yards produced, 30th in rushing yards and incredibly, Peyton Manning leads the NFL in interceptions thrown. Something isn't exactly clicking in Denver on the offensive side for the Broncos.
Still, the Broncos are an unblemished 6-0. They have more wins than every other AFC West team combined. Seriously, you can check. The Broncos' rushing attack has been terrible because of so many injuries. Not having Julius Thomas at tight end certainly takes away a security blanket from Manning. The Broncos aren't getting much production from their tight ends this year.
Watching the Broncos offense struggle is a big surprise. In each of the previous three seasons, with Manning, the Broncos offense has ranked in the top five in yards and top two in points produced. In 2013, the Broncos had the (statistically) greatest offense in NFL history setting records for most yards, points, passing touchdowns and passing yards in a single season. Unfortunately for the Broncos, their mediocre defense wasn't even ranked in the top 20 that season.
How the tables have turned.
Now the Broncos have an incredible defense led by Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware up front, and Aqib Talib is intercepting passes in the secondary like there's no tomorrow. The bye week couldn't come at a better time for the Broncos. Manning and Gary Kubiak need to get on the same page, and Emmanuel Sanders needs to rest up. Demaryius Thomas has only found the end zone once this season, and he has been uncharacteristically dropping some easy balls this year. The Broncos face Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in their next game in one of the most anticipated games of the year.
The Broncos have to establish more of a running game if they're going to win in the playoffs. As all-time great as Manning is, he can't be forced to throw the ball 40 times a game in January. The Broncos running game only has two touchdowns this year. C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman have to start finding the end zone and providing more of a balanced attack.
If anyone can turn this offense around, it's Manning. He has always been one of the best field generals in the game, and he has always made the best out of his wide receivers. It may be time for Kubiak to adjust to Manning's shotgun style offense, a system in which he has thrived in since he entered the league. Fortunately for the Broncos, they get a bye week this weekend, and there's a long way to go until the end of the regular season to fix many of the issues.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1
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