The Denver Broncos have a terrific probability to get above .500 for the primary time within the 2022 season in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night time Soccer. Broncos Wire takes a have a look at 5 issues to observe for in the course of the recreation.
1
Fixing the pink zone offense
(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports activities)
The Broncos pink zone offense has been a trigger for substantial concern. Now two video games into 2022, Denver is 0-6 in pink zone alternatives. Towards the Seattle Seahawks, the Broncos tried the run, leading to two fumbles by Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams. In Week 2 in opposition to the Houston Texans, Denver tried the cross, with no success.
This recreation can be an enormous indicator of the meshing of minds between quarterback Russell Wilson and coach Nathaniel Hackett.
2
Discovering methods to power turnovers
On the season, the Broncos solely have one turnover, courtesy of free agent addition Randy Gregory. For Denver to have an excellent probability to win on Sunday, they might want to power 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo into making errors early and sometimes.
The protection is already down star security Justin Simmons, making their job harder. Successful the turnover battle to present the offense good discipline place would be the crucial flip within the recreation.
3
Stopping preventable penalties
When the Broncos’ offense has struggled, it has normally been due to penalties. Conversely, at any time when the opponent’s offense wants a lift, it has normally been a Denver penalty that has given up a primary down.
The Broncos have shot themselves within the foot with over 100 yards in penalties in every of their first two video games. On offense throughout Week 2, delay of recreation penalties had been such an issue that followers started to chant the play clock down. Seeing a downturn in preventable penalties (delay of recreation, too many males on the sphere, unlawful shift) will assist Denver on either side of the ball.
4
Fixing teaching errors
Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett has acknowledged a number of errors that he made by way of two video games. After Week 1, Hackett admitted he ought to have saved the ball in Wilson’s arms on the ultimate drive of the sport as a substitute of settling for a protracted discipline aim.
Throughout Week 2, Hackett had used all of Denver’s timeouts earlier than the midway level of the fourth quarter. These errors are fixable, particularly when he’s conscious sufficient to identify them and admit them.
There’s quite a lot of strain on Hackett to show the Broncos round after many disappointing seasons. The irony is, all adjustments start on the high. Seeing Hackett repair a few of his teaching errors is excessive on that listing.
5
Particular groups breakout
Returner Montrell Washington started to make his affect identified in opposition to the Houston Texans in Week 2, returning 4 punts for 59 yards, a 14.8 yards per return common. Regardless of his thrilling play, the Broncos have to see extra of Washington’s explosive potential to alter the sphere. Coach Hackett has seen firsthand the flexibility of the 49ers to alter a recreation resulting from particular groups. He now has the prospect to precise a type of revenge on San Francisco in Week 3.