Last year Russell Wilson tried to save the Broncos, then it was a disaster. This year, it was Sean Payton’s turn to regain credibility as a veteran head coach. However, it is more shameful than ever.
• Also read: The 49ers, the best team in the NFL
• Also read: Aaron Rodgers offers Travis Kelce a vaccine debate
There are these mysteries in life that are much bigger than Caramilk’s. The Broncos’ is one that remains intact.
Last season, the obvious culprit for the team’s misery was the quarterback he gifted to the Seahawks. Wilson arrived in Denver feeling his due. His little personal space, his fitness team and lots of special treatment quickly led him to the role of public enemy when his performance began to decline.
- Listen to the podcast The payment zone below:
The Broncos relied on a solid defense that allowed the seventh-lowest point total in the league, but Wilson’s offense reached extreme depths and fell to 32nd and last place.
The solution seemed obvious: throw out first-year forward Nathaniel Hackett and replace him with one of the great offensive geniuses of his era, Sean Payton. His stern, old-fashioned style would revitalize the failing Broncos.
The opposite problems
True to the post, Broncos fans haven’t experienced the playoffs since 2015. Getty Images via AFP
So all hopes were high, knowing the extent to which Payton turned the Saints into a formidable offensive machine for 15 years.
This fall, the Broncos jumped from 32nd to 10th in points scored. In the best of all possible worlds everything should be fine, but when the numbers are equal, it’s the defense that takes the worst landings imaginable!
This unit has fallen to last in the circuit in both points and yards allowed.
How terrible are the Broncos on defense? Know that they have given up 36.2 points per game so far. At this rate, it will be the worst performance in NFL history. The Colts have held the sad record since 1981 (33.3 points per game).
In other words, now that the offense has a minimum of pace, it is the defense that is missing out on it. You could swear it was karma hitting the Broncos.
Payton on the field
Why bring up karma? Because despite his eloquent coaching resume, Sean Payton has never been known for his humility. He demonstrated his great arrogance this summer when he told USA Today that his predecessor, Nathaniel Hackett, “did one of the worst coaching jobs in history.”
It is well known that coaches in the NFL, even enemies, form a brotherhood. The unwritten rule is not to attack others for their lack of ability.
Payton used Hackett as a punching bag and his Broncos lost last Sunday to the Jets, where Hackett now runs the offense.
You had to see the reaction of the Jets players, euphoric for Hackett. The latter even had the right to the match ball. What a scenario like this shows is that the players have rooted for Hackett, and the same can’t be said for Payton. However, his team is not lacking in talent, on both sides of the ball.
This past Sunday, Jets players celebrated with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who was fired by the Broncos last season. Getty Images via AFP
To add to the karma, the Broncos have lost at the hands of several exes this season. In addition to Hackett on the Jets, there was Josh McDaniels on the Raiders, Jack Del Rio on the Commanders and then Vic Fangio on the Dolphins, who scored 70 points for the Broncos.
In order to get Payton, who was still under contract with the Saints, the Broncos gave up a first-round pick and gave him a five-year contract with an annual value of 18 million.
If the Broncos lose to the Chiefs on Thursday night, their record of one win and five losses would ultimately be the worst start in franchise history after six games. It’s not confusing, they are worse than they were during their terrible season last year.
The Broncos haven’t beaten the Chiefs in their last 15 meetings and all signs point to them continuing to embarrass themselves in the spotlight.
- MY PREDICTION FOR THURSDAY: Broncos 17 Chiefs 32
Poor Matt Canada!
Getty Images via AFP
It’s not easy to be in the role of Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada these days. For spectators gathered at Steelers games, calling for his firing is one thing, but it’s even more demoralizing. On Tuesday night, during the Penguins’ NHL home opener, Pittsburgh fans distracted themselves during the game by screaming, “Send Canada away!” at the top of their lungs. And no, they didn’t talk about our country…
Stars in the infirmary
Getty Images via AFP
Some teams suffered serious setbacks at the end of the week. The Dolphins, relying on outstanding performances from rookie running back De’Von Achane (12.1 yards per carry), placed him on the injured list due to a knee injury and will therefore miss at least the next four games. The scenario is identical for the Vikings with star receiver Justin Jefferson (leg injury), as well as for the Colts with their rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder injury).
Mac Jones keeps his job
Getty Images via AFP
Despite the Patriots’ setbacks, head coach Bill Belichick has decided he will not make any changes at the quarterback position for Sunday’s matchup against the Raiders. Mac Jones, who played the last two duels on the bench, remains the Patriots’ starter. Jones is struggling with five touchdown passes and six interceptions, his worst percentage ever. His average of 6 yards per pass attempt is also the anemic of his career. If he continues to slide, last year’s fourth-round pick Bailey Zappe will be relieved.
