The Denver Broncos, a franchise steeped in football history, entered the 2024 season with high hopes under new leadership and fresh talent. Yet, as they approach the season’s halfway mark, the Broncos are struggling to meet expectations, plagued by costly errors that have undercut their progress. With a record that wavers on the edge of playoff contention, Denver’s missteps have proven critical, leaving fans and analysts questioning where things went wrong. Here are five major mistakes that have held the Broncos back this season.
1. Inconsistent Quarterback Play
The Broncos’ quarterback, Bo Nix, has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent in critical situations. His performances have swung from poised and controlled to erratic, making it difficult for the team to establish momentum. While Nix has the talent to become a franchise quarterback, his tendency to make poor decisions under pressure has contributed to close losses, including a heartbreaking defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs that ended with a blocked field goal attempt .
Nix’s inconsistency has also put additional strain on the offense, limiting their ability to sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities. For a team with playoff ambitions, solid and reliable quarterback play is crucial, and Nix’s struggles to maintain that standard have been a significant hindrance.
2. Missed Opportunities on Special Teams
Special teams play has been a sore spot for the Broncos this season, with costly errors that have changed the course of games. The most glaring example came in their recent game against the Chiefs, where a last-second field goal attempt was blocked, sealing Denver’s fate. This critical mistake cost the Broncos not only the game but also valuable momentum and confidence .
In addition to missed field goals, other special teams issues—such as allowing strong returns and inconsistent punting—have placed the Broncos in difficult field positions. These mistakes disrupt offensive rhythm and give opponents advantageous starting points, putting unnecessary pressure on the defense.
3. Penalties at Crucial Moments
Penalties have plagued the Broncos at key points in games, often negating significant gains or defensive stops. In close contests, even a minor penalty can become game-changing, disrupting the flow and setting the team back on offense or defense. Coach Sean Payton has been vocal about the need to reduce penalties, yet the team continues to struggle with discipline.
Against teams like the Chiefs and the Raiders, penalties at crucial moments halted offensive drives and extended opponents’ possessions, putting the Broncos in a position to defend for longer than necessary. Improved discipline and fewer penalties could make a difference in tight games, where every yard counts.
4. Struggles in Red Zone Efficiency
The Broncos have struggled to convert red zone appearances into touchdowns, a critical issue for any team aiming to win close games. While they have managed to move the ball effectively between the 20-yard lines, their inability to punch it into the end zone has left points on the field and forced them to settle for field goals more often than desired.
Red zone efficiency requires precision and decisive play-calling, areas in which Denver has shown inconsistency. Coach Payton’s offensive schemes have occasionally stalled in the red zone, with a lack of creative play-calling and execution hindering the Broncos’ ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. By improving their red zone efficiency, the Broncos could turn close games into victories, significantly boosting their playoff chances.
5. Inability to Close Out Games
One of the most glaring issues for the Broncos this season has been their struggle to close out games. Despite strong performances in the first three quarters, Denver has repeatedly failed to maintain its lead in the fourth, allowing opponents to mount comebacks. This inability to finish games has cost them several winnable matchups, including the recent narrow loss to Kansas City .
The problem stems from a mix of conservative play-calling late in games and a lack of focus among players when it matters most. Whether it’s failing to convert on third down or allowing big plays on defense, the Broncos’ inability to execute in crunch time has turned potential wins into devastating losses. Building resilience and improving execution in the final minutes will be crucial if the Broncos want to salvage their season.
Conclusion: Turning the Season Around
The Broncos’ season is at a crossroads, with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. Addressing these five issues—quarterback consistency, special teams errors, penalty reduction, red zone efficiency, and closing out games—could make the difference between a disappointing season and a competitive finish. Coach Sean Payton and his staff have the tools to turn things around, but it will require focus, discipline, and resilience from the entire team.
For Broncos fans, the season may feel frustrating, but hope remains if the team can make the necessary adjustments. As they continue to battle through the season, the Broncos have the potential to rally and rewrite their narrative.
