Weak in review: More of the same from the Denver Broncos
Losing at home to the Oakland Raiders is an unforgivable sin. It’s 2010 all over again, you guys. John Fox’s Denver Broncos looked frighteningly familiar in a disaster of a debut on National TV.
What went wrong? The better question is “what didn’t?”
Click “read more” for a point by point break down of how the Broncos broke down in “weak” one.
Kyle Orton was terrible
The Oakland Raiders have our number, alright. It’s 8. Kyle Orton dropped the ball, literally and figuratively in week one. He stunk. John Fox insists that Kyle gives the Broncos their “best chance to win”. More and more fans are begging to differ. The “Tebow” chants of only just begun.
Orton was immobile, confused, erratic and incapable of escaping the Raiders pass rush. He folded like a blanket under pressure. The moment a defender laid a hand on him, Orton fell into the fetal position and crumbled to the ground like the Broncos’ playoff hopes. He consistently tossed passes into double coverage and missed open receivers. He continues to throw balls into the ground, beyond the reach of Eddie Royal. The entire game hinged on Orton’s poorly timed drop of the football on a play where he had plenty of time and opportunities down field.
There seemed to be no game plan
The Broncos reacted to the Raiders last night. The offensive play calling was abysmal. The Broncos neither stuck to their guns nor made needed adjustments. Instead, they treaded water. Every drive looked like the drive before. Kyle Orton locked in on Brandon Lloyd just like he did in 2010 and, just like in 2010, the play calling was bland and predicable.
Where was the “sophisticated” running game?
If there’s one thing John Fox is known for it’s sticking with the run. What we saw last night was another game left in the hands of a third-rate quarterback. The running game was never given a chance to develop. Willis McGahee was signed to be a force in the red zone, yet on the game’s opening drive, the Broncos called three straight passing plays inside the 20. After one week the Broncos are dead last in the NFL in rushing.
Offensive line woes continue.
The Raiders were able to get pressure on almost every snap. Orton rarely had time to look to more that one receiver. The Running game also suffered as a result of the line’s poor play.
The Tebow package was sorely missed.
There is no question that Tim Tebow could have presented more challenges to the Raiders offense in the red zone that Orton did last night. Kyle can move the ball fine between the 20’s but, when the Broncos get in close John Fox MUST get Tebow involved in the game. His scrambling ability can help offset the poor plan of the offensive line and give the tight ends and receivers time to get open. If nobody can get open, Tebow can run for TD’s. The Broncos are a two quarterback team.
The Broncos still can’t tackle
Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins, the old guys, tackled very well last night. They kept the game from becoming a blowout like last years’ debacle. They were the only ones, though. The rest of the Broncos defensive players continue to tackle poorly.
