Broncos have a major defensive issue to resolve before playoffs begin originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Denver Broncos are 12-3 and are clearly one of the best teams in the NFL this season. But their Week 16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars highlighted some issues.
While the running game needs to be more utilized, there’s a greater issue plaguing Denver right now: the defense isn’t playing well enough. Brandon Jones’ injury has had a huge impact, and with Dre Greenlaw banged up, there are more concerns.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, the Broncos’ defense is an area of concern for Denver as the playoffs approach. The Broncos and Vance Joseph need to make the right changes, as this is not something that goes unresolved.
Broncos facing defensive issue after Week 16 loss
Legwold highlighted how the Broncos’ defense is missing Jones; their pass rush didn’t perform well enough against the Jaguars, with multiple “missed tackles and ill-timed penalties,” along with Parker Washington breaking wide open too often.
Those are the main issues for Denver’s defense from this Week 16 loss, but Legwold explained why those issues are more of a concern for the Broncos than they appear on the surface.
“Trevor Lawrence is on a roll, but any postseason run for Denver – who had linebacker Dre Greenlaw leave the game late because of a hamstring injury – will include offenses as good or better than Jacksonville’s.”
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Legwold’s point is clear: these issues for the Broncos are bad enough, but against teams who are better offensive units than the Jaguars, things could be in dire straits.
The Broncos’ defense is dealing with a few injuries, and if the tackling issues remain and the pass rush isn’t as elite as it’s been, then the Broncos might be facing some major defensive regression come playoff time.
It’s a big deal for Denver, especially with how shaky Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense have looked at times this season. A defense-first team heading into the playoffs with major questions about the defense is a recipe for disaster.
With two weeks against the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, the Broncos’ defense can get right back on track and quell these concerns with dominant performances to close out the regular season and solidify their AFC West title.
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- How Broncos’ Week 16 loss to Jaguars can be turned into a positive
- Where Broncos, Jaguars sit in AFC playoff picture after Week 16 matchup
