Connect with us

Kansas

Denver Broncos Need To Enter Full-Scale Rebuild Following Latest Loss To Kansas City Chiefs

Published

on

Denver Broncos Need To Enter Full-Scale Rebuild Following Latest Loss To Kansas City Chiefs


There’s no question about it, the 2023 Denver Broncos are one of the worst teams in the NFL.

Despite entering the season with high expectations following the hiring of Super Bowl champion head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos aren’t anywhere close to being a contender — in fact, they’re much closer to being a team that picks No. 1 overall next season.

Advertisement

The hapless Broncos lost another dud as they dropped to 1-5 on the season. This time around, they lost to the Chiefs for the 16th consecutive time, 19-8.

In game where no one expected the Broncos to win, the defensive unit somehow had their best game of the season against arguably the league’s best quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. In fact, Denver’s defensive unit held the Chiefs to just 1-for-5 in the red zone, including forcing an interception and a turnover on downs.

However, these 2023 Broncos can never play a complementary game. Either the defensive unit, offensive unit, special teams group or head coach finds a way to completely screw it up for the rest of the team. In tonight’s case, the offensive unit let the team down, with special teams being a major issue in the first half of the game.

To top it all off, it felt like Payton was doing his best to not win the game.

Advertisement

In one of the most puzzling decisions you’ll see by a head coach in a game, Payton called a timeout with 22 seconds remaining in the first half following a sack on Russell Wilson during a failed third down conversion. The Chiefs weren’t going to call a timeout, instead electing to enter halftime with a 10-0 lead.

However, Payton decided to call a timeout for no reason and then decided to punt the ball. Needless to say, the Chiefs drove down the field and Harrison Butker converted on a 60-yard field goal to give Kansas City a 13-0 lead at halftime.

Payton admitted following the game that it was a “boneheaded mistake” by him.

That’s not even including several questionable play calls when the game was still within reach, including a failed third down conversion that saw Wilson roll out to the right with two receivers blanketed by defenders.

Wilson entered the game with an impressive stat line. In fact, through five games, he had been one of the Broncos’ best performers posting 11 touchdowns against two interceptions for a 106.1 passer rating, the fourth-highest in the league. However, advanced analytics show that Wilson had actually been underperforming, posting a 15 quarterback rating in the second half/overtime of games, the worst in the NFL.

Advertisement

For those that were fooled by the basic statistics, Wilson’s lack of explosiveness and inability to convert when it matters most was on full display in front of a national television audience during this game.

The Broncos didn’t score any points until 6:07 was left in the fourth quarter. Entering the fourth quarter, the Broncos produced just 44 passing yards. In fact, prior to Denver’s first touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, Wilson had gone 9-for-17 for a total of 68 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions.

Yes, it’s true that Wilson wasn’t the entire reason for the Broncos’ dismal offensive showing. The receivers — led by Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, two trade deadline pieces — failed to gain any separation for most of the night. In fact, Jeudy — who was involved in a pregame spat with NFL Network analyst and former receiver Steve Smith — produced just three receptions for 14 receiving yards.

But it’s also true that Wilson’s two interceptions were all on him, especially the first one as Denver was near midfield in the first quarter down 3-0.

This was in spite of the fact that the Broncos ran the ball extremely well, averaging 5.0 yards per carry as a team, paced by Javonte Williams’ 5.2 yards per carry and Jaleel McLaughlin’s 4.3 yards per attempt.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, special teams was once again an issue as punter Riley Dixon came out weak in the first half, with his 29-yarder directly leading to good field position for Butker’s field goal.

Through the first several games of the season, it became apparent that Denver is not the team that most people thought they were going to be. The defensive unit was shellshocked as they allowed a franchise record 70 points to the Miami Dolphins in a record-breaking Week 3 loss. Through the first five games of the season, they had proven to be the worst unit in the league, ranking dead last in the league by allowing 36.2 points per game.

Meanwhile, Russell Wilson blew countless opportunities to win games with the game on the line on the last drive in the fourth quarter, coming up short in losses to the Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders and New York Jets.

The problem with the Broncos isn’t one person or one unit — it’s the entire team.

This is a franchise that has yet to recover after winning Super Bowl 50 at the conclusion of the 2015 season. Led by a lackluster regime with John Elway as general manager — and now George Paton — the organization has been in a free fall ever since, becoming the biggest joke in the NFL in the process.

Advertisement

They’ve made bad decisions when it comes to head coaches — Nathaniel Hackett, Vic Fangio and Vance Joseph — and bad decisions when it comes to their quarterbacks, with Wilson and his $243 million deal being the worst of them all.

Simply put, it’s an organizational failure.

Not too long ago, the Broncos were the epitome of a successful franchise. Under the ownership of Pat Bowlen from 1984 until 2019, the Broncos had posted the second-highest winning percentage in the NFL and third-highest winning percentage in American professional sports.

Since 2017, they have the NFL’s third-worst record, with only the New York Jets and New York Giants being worse. However, the Giants at least have recent success, winning a playoff game last season. Meanwhile, the Jets at least have a bright future with one of their few weaknesses being at quarterback.

The Broncos have simply been a bad organization in recent years.

Advertisement

The problem is, Denver has refused to enter a rebuild, flirting with the idea that they can contend with a big quarterback move or big head coaching hire.

Well, they’ve done both in the past two seasons. And they’re worse than they’ve ever been as a team.

USC quarterback Caleb Williams may not be the sole solution to all of the Broncos’ problems. But he can surely help lead the Broncos back into an era of stability if the franchise is lucky enough to land him.

The Broncos will be in full fire sale mode by the trade deadline on October 31. That means key players like Sutton, Jeudy, safety Justin Simmons, tackle Garett Boles and others will be available.

And simply put, it’s what’s best for both the franchise and the players. Boles said it best following the record-breaking Dolphins loss in Week 3.

Advertisement

“I’m tired of losing, man,” Bolles said back in September. “I’ve been here seven years and all I’ve done is lost, and it’s frustrating.”

It’s time for a fresh start for everyone.

For the first time in decades, the Broncos will enter a rebuild.

And it’s absolutely necessary if Denver is to ever regain its place as a winning franchise in the NFL.





Source link

Advertisement

Kansas

Former Kansas City Chiefs player Jimmy Wilkerson dies at 43; high school honours late assistant coach with teary win

Published

on

Former Kansas City Chiefs player Jimmy Wilkerson dies at 43; high school honours late assistant coach with teary win


Former Kansas City Chiefs draft pick and longtime NFL defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson sadly passed away earlier this week on December 13 in Oklahoma City. He was 43 years old.

Longtime NFL player Jimmy Wilkerson, 43, passed away on December 13 in Oklahoma — a day before the final game of his son Maddox’s senior season. (Instagram (maddoxwilkerson45))

Before his unfortunate demise, Wilkerson was employed as an assistant coach at Carl Albert High School. According to The Oklahoman, the Titans were scheduled to have their final practice before the Saturday game. A few hours before the planned schedule, the former OU standout was at home when a call went out to paramedics for an emergency. Wilkerson, however, was reportedly no longer with us before the officials arrived. A heart attack is believed to be the cause of his untimely death.

Also read | Ex-Georgia football player Gleaton Jones, 21, dies after Dec 10 car crash

Advertisement

More about the NFL star’s pro career. His son is also a football player

Throughout his NFL career, the Oklahoma athlete played with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2003-07. Eventually, he switched over to Tampa Bay for two seasons before joining the New Orleans Saints roster in 2010. His NFL path culminated with Seattle in 2011.

The late assistant coach’s son, senior tight-end Maddox Wilkerson, followed in his father’s footsteps, playing alongside his teammates for Carl Albert. With barely a day elapsed between his dad breathing his last breath and his school’s showdown against Guthrie, the #45 athlete (the same number his dad wore while playing at the collegiate level) still stepped up to the occasion and participated in the crucial match, which ultimately paved the way for a historic victory.

Jimmy Wilkerson’s memory honoured by historic Carl Albert victory

Despite reeling from the older Wilkerson’s death, the Carl Albert team defeated Guthrie 30-6 at the Class 5A state championship football game at the Chad Richison Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma, on Saturday, December 14. It marked the school’s third consecutive Class 5A title and the program’s 19th overall. Nevertheless, the post-game visuals stung with the abject pain of loss.

With tears in his eyes, Carl Albert coach Mike Dunn praised the student-athletes for rising above the prevailing hardship, saying, “Proud of all of our guys. Different circumstances today. … I don’t know that we’ve ever dealt with adversity like that.”

Maddox’s mother, Jamie, reportedly offered him the option to sit out the game. Yet he did more than show up for the team. “We were trying really hard to get him in” the end zone, Dunn said of the young player. “But he’s made plays all year long, and so I know his dad would be proud of him.”

Advertisement

He added, “You talk about hard. That kid dealt with a lot. … He’s a great kid, great family and he’s gonna have a bunch of coaches, we’ll never be his dad, but we’ll always be there for him.”

“Everybody earned this…but this one’s going home tonight with Maddox Wilkerson.”

Also read | UnitedHealthcare shooting: After ‘wanted’ CEO posters, fashion brand releases criminal-themed playing cards

Maddox Wilkerson’s teammates stand by him

Carl Albert Captain Caden Davis said of the late NFL player, “You can’t replace a guy like Coach Wilkerson. He’s so selfless and gives everything he has to everybody.”

Alluding to the example set by Maddox, he added, “That guy is so tough. Maddox is such a strong guy.”

Advertisement

Similarly, linebacker and OU signee Marcus James noted, “He came out and handled business like he was supposed to. … It was great for him to come out and be able to take the field and be able to play after a time like that.”

On Friday, the deceased NFL talent’s son paid a tribute to his father on Instagram. “You were the best dad and also my best friend,” he wrote on social media. “I love you so much, Dad. Life won’t ever be the same without you here by my side.”

According to social media receipts, Jimmy Wilkerson is survived by his wife, Jamie, and four kids, Tyson, Maddox, Jax, and Emilia.

On Friday, Maddox Wilkerson honoured his late father by posting a slideshow of their shared memories on Instagram.
On Friday, Maddox Wilkerson honoured his late father by posting a slideshow of their shared memories on Instagram.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Kansas

Kansas lands former Alabama football defensive back | Report

Published

on

Kansas lands former Alabama football defensive back | Report


Ex-Alabama football cornerback Jahlil Hurley has committed to Kansas, On3 reported Sunday, citing Hurley’s agent, Casey Gunn.

Hurley re-posted the news on X shortly after.

Hurley, a Florence native, played in nine games this past season for the Crimson Tide. He didn’t see any playing time during his first season in 2023. The 247Sports Composite listed Hurley as the No. 50 player overall in the 2023 recruiting class and the No. 5 cornerback as a four-star recruit.

Hurley announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal before Alabama learned it would not make the College Football Playoff. Others have since joined him, including the likes of defensive back DeVonta Smith, running back Justice Haynes and receiver Kendrick Law, among others. Hurley joins Keanu Koht (Vanderbilt) as former Alabama players who have already found new homes.

Advertisement

The transfer portal has been open for about a week and will remain open for about two more weeks.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.





Source link

Continue Reading

Kansas

How Kansas State Fans Reacted To DJ Giddens’ NFL Draft Declaration

Published

on

How Kansas State Fans Reacted To DJ Giddens’ NFL Draft Declaration


Kansas State star running back DJ Giddens officially declared for the 2025 Draft Saturday afternoon.

“After discussing all of my options with the people closest to me over the past couple of weeks, I believe that everything I’ve been through in my life has led me to this exact moment in time ready to chase my dream of playing in the National Football League, and with that, I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft!”

The All-Big 12 rusher has been one of the best at the position in school history. He’s collected 3,087 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground and 58 receptions for 679 yards and four touchdowns.

So it’s no surprise that fans and viewers were sentimental watching the superstar depart for the NFL.

Advertisement

“DJ Giddens is heading to the NFL, what an outstanding career,” 247 Sports’ Cole Carmody said. “DJ is truly one of the best running backs in K-State history. One of the coolest dudes you’ll ever meet, he’ll be extremely successful at the next level!”

Giddens entered Kansas State as a zero-star recruit but exits as one of the conference’s top players.

Advertisement

He has shot up in draft projections, projected to potentially be selected as early as the second round. Giddens could aid a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars or Cincinnati Bengals.

Meanwhile, K-State will prepare for the Rate Bowl against Rutgers. They also need to regroup their offense, as they are now out on their top rusher and top two receivers from last season.

Advertisement

Jayden Armant is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to Kansas State Wildcats on SI. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.





Source link

Continue Reading

Trending