Denver’s record this season is 1-3. And obviously, they have made many bad decisions. But a Week 4 win against the Chicago Bears has turned things completely around. There’s hope once again in Denver, and it starts with smart play and smart coaching. The Broncos have made three offensive decisions that, if built upon, could provide hope for the remainder of the season.
Getting Things Right: 3 Smart Offensive Decisions By the Broncos
Trust the Vet
Very quietly, wide receiver Courtland Sutton is having a tremendous year. While receivers Jerry Jeudy and Marvin Mims are receiving more attention, Sutton is receiving more work. His twenty catches are nearly double that of any other player on the team. He is second in total receiving yards and he has three touchdowns in four games. Sutton was rumored to be back to his previous form, and now it’s on display. Quarterback Russell Wilson trusts Sutton with the ball in important situations, and it’s that level of confidence that has vaulted this vet to an excellent year. The Broncos should lean on him as one of its key three offensive decisions.
Ride the Rook
At the beginning of the year, Denver’s running game was its obvious secret weapon. Since then, and after a 1-3 record, that game script hasn’t completely succeeded. Denver has thrown the ball 132 times, while running it 84, with 11 of those rushes coming from the quarterback. But a new secret weapon has emerged, and his name is Jaleel McLaughlin. The rookie running back could be in line for even more carries, as his enthusiasm and skill have captured the excitement of the team. At 7.1 yards per carry and 6.3 yards per catch, the young back is showing a skill set that almost no one else on the team owns.
Let Russ Cook
The last of the Broncos key three offensive decisions to simple – trust your quarterback. Russell Wilson is already having a career year, despite the team’s losing record. But those losses haven’t been at the hand of the quarterback. Denver’s defense has been porous, up until the second half of the Chicago game. Meanwhile, the offense has been humming. Credit goes to Wilson, who is on pace to match or beat many of his personal bests. With nine touchdowns, two interceptions, and over 1,000 passing yards, Russ is cooking. Denver is allowing him to play to his potential, and it’s working.
Three Broncos Offensive Decisions Going Right
If the Broncos can string together a few wins and save the season, they need to fix a lot that is wrong. But, on the bright side, there are three offensive decisions that Denver is getting completely right. Trusting the veteran Courtland Sutton is paying off dividends in the endzone. Riding the rookie Jaleel McLaughlin is allowing an explosive player to showcase his talent. And letting the quarterback cook is transforming Russell Wilson into the player he once was. Last season was a disaster for Denver. This season started rough. But if there’s hope on the horizon, these three players need to be leaned on, a lot.
Main Photo: Jamie Sabau – USA Today Sports
