The Denver Broncos are on a bye this week. Week 18 vs. the Los Angeles Chargers, however, was a disappointment for the Broncos’ offense. The Bo Nix-led offense didn’t score a touchdown all game. After the game, he provided context on the situation, though.
Bo Nix on Week 18
Nix said, “I liked how we just managed the game and continued to find ways to get down the field and score enough points to not let them back in it. I think [with the] red zone, we were in there a couple times in key moments. Trading those two field goals for touchdowns and you never know what happens on a few other drives. You get a little bit of momentum. We’ll get back to the drawing board with the red zone, but we’ve been decent there. … It’s nothing to panic about.”
In Week 18, the Broncos’ offense failed in the red zone three times — settling for field goals. After a three-and-out by the Chargers to start the game, the Broncos’ offense totaled a 15-play, 81-yard drive that lasted eight minutes and 52 seconds — and ended in a field goal. On the next Chargers drive, the Broncos’ defense recorded a pick-six via nickel cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian. The Chargers’ offense’s only points of the game came in the second quarter — a field goal.
So, the Broncos’ offensive struggles were masked by the defense — and the Chargers’ offense. In the second half, a seven-play, 52-yard drive that lasted three minutes and four seconds ended on the Chargers’ eight-yard line — and in a 26-yard field goal. Finally, a 10-play, 52-yard drive that lasted five minutes and 34 seconds ended on the Chargers’ four-yard line as well.
Nix was No. 14 in PFSN’s NFL QB Impact Metric, while the Broncos’ offense is No. 15 in PFSN’s NFL Offense Impact Metric. Nix added, “I think we can look into it a little bit. [I’m] just pleased overall with how we fought. It wasn’t pretty the whole time.”
In addition, in 58 plays, the Broncos’ offense was 33% on third downs (five of 15). Denver totaled only 240 yards of offense as well, but the Broncos’ defense held the Trey Lance-led Chargers to 217 yards. With a bye in the first round of the playoffs, Nix and Co. will have time to iron out the issues. Time will be our judge.
