Denver, CO

Broncos Mailbag: Why can’t Sean Payton figure out a way to run the dang ball?

Published

1 year ago

September 17, 2024

Broncos Mailbag: Why can’t Sean Payton figure out a way to run the dang ball?

Denver Post Broncos writer Parker Gabriel posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season and periodically during the offseason. Click here to submit a question.

I’m not worried about Bo Nix. I doubt he’ll threaten Peyton Manning’s rookie record for interceptions. But the failure of the run game is puzzling. There seems to be a decent hole maybe three times a game. Are the blockers inadequate? Or the blocking scheme? Or the runners? KC, for example, seems to regularly use blocking angles to open holes, but I don’t see those in Denver. Payton is right, of course. They need a better running game to help Nix. So why aren’t they getting one?

— Fred Waiss, Prairie du Chien, Wis.

Hey Fred, good question and thanks for writing in and getting us going this week. The bottom line with the running game early on is something of a frustrating answer: It’s not just one thing to get cleaned up before the Broncos are off to the races. It really does seem like it’s a bit of everything.

One play it’s a missed assignment. Or the back maybe makes a cut a tick too late. Or a well-timed run blitz ruins an otherwise productive-looking play.

Then there’s the fact that the Broncos spent all this money on their offensive line — including particularly for players like right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Ben Powers, whose calling cards are in the run game — and they haven’t run the ball all that much. Denver’s 35.2% run rate is fourth-lowest in the NFL through two weeks. And yes, they’ve been chasing points in games, but their first-half run rates are not dramatically different than the overall numbers so far.

A couple of other considerations: The first is that the Broncos have faced a couple of quality defenses, particularly Pittsburgh’s. Not every team is going to be that stout.

More concerning, though: Defenses aren’t yet scared of Denver’s passing attack, so they don’t feel the need to play on their heels or stress about making sure they can take away every blade of grass down the field. That’s manifested in the Broncos facing eight defenders in the box 27.3% of the time so far, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, the sixth-highest rate in the NFL.

Now, some teams are capable of still being productive on the ground in those scenarios. The L.A. Chargers (no surprise under new coach Jim Harbaugh), New Orleans and New England are among the teams running the ball well despite facing eight-man boxes more frequently than almost everybody in the league.

One more trend that I’ve got a few questions about this week is the Broncos pass/run splits between shotgun and under center.

Denver’s 78% pass from shotgun (fifth-highest) and only 22% pass from under center (No. 25) through two games, according to NGS. If you factor in six Bo Nix scrambles so far this season, those numbers tilt to 86% pass out of the gun and 25% pass from under center. Obviously it tracks that teams throw more out of the gun than from under center, but those rates are a little bit extreme.

Here are the Broncos’ past couple of seasons for comparison (not scramble-adjusted):

2023

Gun pass rate: 77% (No. 9)

UC pass rate: 27.8% (T-15)

2022

Gun pass rate: 73.1% (No. 17)

UC pass rate: 33.8% (No. 10)

I am amazed at the criticism Bo Nix is getting after one start. I thought he played well considering he was playing against a very good team in one of the most hostile environments in the NFL. I believe he got better as the game went on and it would have been interesting last two minutes if Denver had gotten the ball back. Remember how bad Peyton Manning was in his rookie year. This type of fan and press reaction is how quarterbacks fail. Just give him time.

— Tim Eitel, Orlando, Fla.

Hey Tim, thanks for the note and generally speaking, the thought holds true after two starts as well.

Multiple things can be true at the same time: Nix has had several rough moments in his first two starts, the Broncos offense has been bad and it’s certainly not all his fault. Nor is two games the time to make sweeping proclamations about what Nix can or can’t be in the NFL.

It’s fair to wonder if some of the struggles through the first couple of outings portent limitations for Denver this year. It’s fair to wonder if Nix was quite as ready as the Broncos’ coaching staff thought he was. But there’s also a lot of conjecture out there.

Development takes patience and there’s very little of it in the NFL across the board.

Generally speaking, that’s true of front offices and coaching staffs but also of the media landscape.

People writing Nix off as a bust already are doing the same disservice to their audience that those who raced to paint him during camp as if he could do no wrong and play great from the start did to theirs. It’s just guessing in hopes that you’re right so you can look back at some point and say, “See, I was right.”

Are there some issues that catch your attention through two games? Yes. They figured to be coming, but they’ve jumped off the screen. Are there also things worth building on? Definitely.

Can Bo Nix actually, over not just the next couple of weeks but beyond that, eliminate some of the issues, build on the foundation and then from there further grow his game? We’ll all find that out together.

Whose bright idea (sarcasm) was it for the Broncos to wear white at home? The downplaying of our color, which is orange, is beyond stupid by the management.

— James Doughtry, Denver

Hello Parker! Hidden behind the team’s bad performances lies an interesting plot. Counting the preseason, the Broncos already played five games, including three at home. And yet they only played in their white jersey, which is not supposed to be their primary color! They mixed it up with different pants colors, almost as if they’re looking for something. Are they trying to pull something? Are they testing something for further rebrand? Or is my brain trying to protect me from the product on the field that I focus on this kind of detail?

— Yoann, Beine-Nauroy, France

Oh man, two uniform questions! You know it’s a rough start to the season when…

James and Yoann are an ocean apart but share the sentiment.

It’s not trying to pull something or testing for a further rebrand, Yoann. Once you make a change to the jersey, you’re locked in for a minimum of five years.

It seems to me to be more about showcasing some of the varieties after the major offseason uniform update. They’ve got 10 different jersey/trouser combinations and they probably want to see a few of them in action to get a feel for what sticks and what looks best.

Over the course of time I would guess you’ll see it trend toward a more normal home/road split, though who knows, maybe they’ll continue showcasing a variety of combinations for a bit here.

One thing is certain: It’ll be cool when they break out the 1977 replica retro uniforms.

So yeah, Yoann, it’s been noticeable so far this season, but it might also be your brain diverting your attention.

Parker, Tyler Badie was the one running back who actually popped for a big run on Sunday and then he was taken out the very next play. Why? Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin combined for 23 yards on 14 carries. Why take out the one guy who did something when you’re trying to establish a run game. Also, do you expect Lil’Jordan Humphrey to have a bigger role in Week 3? He looked pretty good out there.

— Mike, Denver

Hey Mike, great question. Payton got asked about Badie specifically on Monday after his one carry, 16-yard performance, so I’m putting part of his answer here. In general, Payton said it’s difficult to really, truly get solid numbers of reps for three backs and that Badie had some red zone and situational work that Denver just didn’t get to because its offense was so poor overall.

“Getting the third back involved, sometimes it’s special teams, sometimes in the passing game,” Payton said. “And it was a good run by him. It’s something we’re — you take notice of it though. It’s something as a play caller, as someone who’s looking at the game, I’ve got to be able to see that.”

It’ll be interesting to see if Badie works his way into a bigger role going forward. He can be called up from the practice squad two more times before the Broncos would have to sign him to the 53-man roster, but Estime has to miss at least three more games.

As for Humphrey, he’ll keep getting targets, but I don’t think you’ll see a major role change. He’s the kind of guy Payton likes in part because Payton knows exactly who he is and how he wants to use him.

It’ll depend a little bit on availability, like always. We’ll see as the week goes along if rookie Devaughn Vele is trending toward returning this weekend at Tampa. He had eight catches, mostly underneath, in Week 1. Seemed like Humphrey collected a few of those against Pittsburgh.

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Denver, CO

Denver weather: Strong wind and increased fire danger Wednesday

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Press Room

Denver weather: Strong wind and increased fire danger Wednesday

DENVER (KDVR) — A Pinpoint Weather Alert Day has been issued for Wednesday as fire danger increases in Denver due to strong wind gusts and dry conditions, with even stronger wind gusts to the west into the foothills.

Denver weather tonight: Mainly clear

Denver weather tomorrow: Warm & windy

Wednesday will be warm and windy.

As high temperatures climb to the mid-60s, wind gusts will pick up to over 40 mph.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued across the urban corridor as strong wind gusts are paired with dry conditions on the ground and low humidity, leading to high fire danger for the potential of rapid fire spread.

The strongest wind gusts will be west of the metro. High wind warnings are set to go into effect Wednesday morning and continue into early Thursday. During this time, gusts could reach 65-85 mph, especially for areas above 6,000 feet.

Above 9000 feet, there is a chance for light snowfall. Even though most places will only see 4″ of snowfall or less, blowing snow from strong wind gusts will lead to limited visibility and difficult driving conditions.

Looking ahead: Staying warmer through the weekend

Temperatures will drop on Thursday to around 50 degrees, which is still more than five degrees above normal for this time of year.

Friday, sunny, breezy and warm weather returns. High temperatures will climb to record range, which in Denver is a high of 67 degrees, last hit in 2023.

More dry and warmer than normal conditions will continue into the weekend, with a high in the mid-60s Saturday, then just shy of 60 degrees by kickoff of the Broncos game. Then the workweek starts with sunshine and high temperatures reaching record levels.

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Denver, CO

Where To Eat Christmas Eve Dinner In Denver – 303 Magazine

Published

20 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

Where To Eat Christmas Eve Dinner In Denver – 303 Magazine

For Christmas Eve dinner in Denver, options range from upscale steakhouses like Elway’s and Urban Farmer to Italian spots like Cranelli’s, seafood at Jax Fish House, Mexican at Kachina Cantina, and varied American/international cuisine at places like Tavernetta, Root Down, with many offering both dine-in and takeout for prime rib, seafood feasts, or holiday boxes, but reservations are essential.

Remember to book early, as many of these places fill up fast. Check the websites or call to confirm holiday hours and make reservations.

Steak & Upscale

Elway’s Downtown
Featuring their classic steakhouse menu plus festive additions like Duck Breast and Crab Stuffed Mushrooms.
Make a reservation HERE

Urban Farmer Denver
Offers prime rib and Peking duck to-go or dine-in options.
Make a reservation HERE

The Capital Grille
Another upscale steakhouse option for the holiday.
Make a reservation HERE

Italian & European

Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant
Featuring a la carte menu with seasonal luxuries.
Make a reservation HERE

Tavernetta
Featuring a la carte menu with seasonal luxuries.
Make a reservation HERE

Le French – 9+CO
Focusing on decadent food like oysters, foie gras, seafood, turkey/goose, and the iconic chocolate log cake.
Make a reservation HERE

Seafood & American

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Featuring seven Fresh Fishes, Five Golden Courses, and an unforgettable Christmas Eve.
Make a reservation HERE

Local Jones
Savor carving stations, classic holiday favorites, specialty desserts, and more
Make a reservation HERE

Root Down
Creative American cuisine with global influences offering prix fixe or a la carte menue
Make a reservation HERE

Mexican & Latin

Kachina Cantina
Features a Christmas Eve Prime Rib special.
Make a reservation

SOL Mexican Cocina
Featuring Prime Rib served with Truffle Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, Bacon Brussels Sprouts & Maple Syrup Glazed Carrots
Make a reservation HERE

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Denver, CO

Keeler: Broncos, Sean Payton reuniting with Justin Simmons would be surprise. Denver becoming AFC West’s next dynasty would not be.

Published

1 day ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

Keeler: Broncos, Sean Payton reuniting with Justin Simmons would be surprise. Denver becoming AFC West’s next dynasty would not be.

The Grinch has more room for nostalgia in his heart than one Patrick Sean Payton.

Before we get to the good stuff, just know that what applies to Von Miller and Payton absolutely applies to Justin Simmons, too. Even though the Broncos now have a starting safety slot wide open while a former Pro Bowl safety in Simmons is local and looking for a gig, the locker room in Dove Valley might not be big enough for the both of them. Although stranger things have happened, and it’s almost Christmas.

Speaking of presents, the Chiefs finally returned the AFC West throne to the store, receipt and all, after hogging that thing for 3,270 days. Eight years, 11 months, and 14 days, officially.

A child born on New Year’s Day 2017, the actual start of the Kansas City Chiefs’ AFC West dynasty, would be halfway through third grade as of Monday. At last, Heaven help us, we can clearly see the end, a light at the end of long, red tunnel of darkness.

The Chiefs were mathematically eliminated from the postseason this past Sunday. Kansas City is slated to be $43.8 million over the cap in 2026. Travis Kelce just turned 36. Chris Jones will be 32 next summer. Mahomes will be 31 next September, and his left knee just went kablooey in a home loss to the Chargers. Legends live forever in our hearts, but every anterior cruciate ligament comes with an expiration date.

The second-hardest thing in the NFL is to win a championship. The hardest is to pull it off multiple times. It never ceases to amuse me how the most popular sports league in America, land of me-first, is simultaneously a screaming bastion of socialism and enforced parity. The good of all before the one.

Bad teams get the best draft picks. A salary cap that prevents elite teams from hoarding all the elite players, so long as those elite players want to get paid. And they do.

All that being said, the Broncos (12-2) aren’t just poised to win a division title this fall. They’re in a really good position to follow in the Chiefs’ cleats and go on a little dynastic run of their own. And we’ll give you five reasons why:

1. The Chiefs’ best players are getting old

Even if Kelce, who can become an unrestricted free agent next year, elects to return, the Chiefs’ books are looking fairly lopsided. Per Spotrac, Kansas City will have 44.9% of its cap space for 2026 taken up by four players who will be 31 years or older: Jones ($44.85 million), K Harrison Butker ($7.3 million), LB Drue Tranquill ($7.5 million) and Mahomes ($78.2 million).

The Broncos’ 31-and-older club, depending on what becomes of linebacker Alex Singleton, is slated to take up 24.9% of next year’s cap.

2. The Chargers’ best players are already old

The Bolts have 33.3% of their active roster cap tied up in 17 players who are at least 29 years old. And at least 10 of those guys are scheduled to hit the open market after this season.

QB Justin Herbert is better with one good hand than most NFL signal-callers are with two. He’s just 27. Although working with Jim Harbaugh has been known to age people prematurely.

3. The Broncos’ best players are … not

The Broncos went into Week 1, per PhillyVoice.com, with the eighth fewest number of players among NFL rosters who were aged 29 or older (10).

Bo Nix, the QB1 who keeps rising to the moment, is 25 and on a rookie contract through 2027 (for now).

Also signed through ’27, per Spotrac.com (deep breath): CB Pat Surtain II, RT Mike McGlinchey, DL Zach Allen, WR Courtland Sutton, LT Garett Bolles, OLB Jonathon Cooper, OLB Nik Bonitto, S Talanoa Hufanga, DB Jahdae Barron, DL D.J. Jones, LB Dre Greenlaw, G Quinn Meinerz, DL Malcolm Roach, C Luke Wattenberg, OLB Jonah Elliss, RB RJ Harvey, CB Kris Abrams-Draine, K Wil Lutz and P Jeremy Crawshaw. Oh, and WRs Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant.

Pretty good core, that. Especially when you consider that only five of those guys are 30 years or older — and one of those five happens to be Lutz.

4. GM George Paton has the drafting part down

And he always did. Nine of Denver’s 11 starters are former Broncos draft picks or former collegiate free agents. As are five of the 11 guys who usually start for Vance Joseph’s defense. The more expensive Nix’s contract becomes, the more important hitting on rookies immediately is going to get.

5. Sean Payton has done this before

Yes, Sunshine Sean loves the screen game more than Homer Simpson loves Duff Beer. Yes, he holds fools and journalists in equal disdain. But the man also won seven division titles in New Orleans, including four straight (2017-2020) after his 2012 suspension. From 2018-2022, talk about the Broncos largely focused on the franchise’s sagging floor. Now it’s about the ceiling. Whether you like him personally or not, there’s no denying the degree to which Payton flipped the script.

Tom Brady was 42 when he signed with Tampa Bay and 45 when he retired for the second time. Rob Gronkowski hung ’em up for the USAA life at age 33. Savor the now. When a window opens, you don’t walk through it. You sprint like there’s a raging, snorting Nederland moose in hot pursuit.

In the NFL, age is a running clock. As any Broncomaniac can tell you, there’s one defensive coordinator worse than Belichick, a mastermind not even Mahomes, Brees, Elway or Manning could lick: Father Time. For the first time in a decade, he’s finally on the Broncos’ side.

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