Success in the postseason often hinges on two enduring assets: a reliable run game and a strong defense. While modern football is widely regarded as a passing league — where offense is presumed to outmatch defense — much of that belief remains unspoken convention.
As January approaches and weather conditions become more challenging, offensive strategies must adapt. At minimum, balance is essential; ideally, a run-first approach becomes the foundation. In such environments, relying solely on the passing game is an increasingly untenable formula for playoff success.
It’s within this context that one analyst has voiced concern over the Broncos’ current trajectory.
Bucky Brooks Analyzes the Broncos’ ‘One-Dimensional’ Approach
NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks published his weekly in-season column on Friday, focusing on the AFC’s division leaders. Among his evaluations, Brooks addressed the Denver Broncos’ potential to win the division, while also outlining the factors that could hinder their success.
“It is hard to win big games against playoff-caliber teams utilizing a one-dimensional approach,” Brooks wrote. While the Broncos’ defense can keep them in every game, the sputtering offense has been unable to finish drives consistently, with quarterback Bo Nix failing to take a step forward in Year 2.”
Brooks further emphasized that without a reliable ground game or a dynamic aerial attack, the Broncos are left to fight for every yard and point.
He also noted that while the Broncos hold a two-game advantage over the Chiefs in the loss column, it remains difficult to envision them winning the division without a significant offensive turnaround in the coming months.
That said, the Broncos do have a consistent rushing attack. Running back J.K. Dobbins is seventh in the league in rushing yards per game (77.2), while starting-round pick RJ Harvey has totaled six touchdowns on 75 touches this season as the 1B.
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With Dobbins unavailable in Week 11, Harvey is expected to take on a featured role, potentially exceeding 20 touches. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin is also likely to contribute in a complementary capacity. The Broncos’ defense, ranked No. 1 in PFSN’s Defense Impact metric, continues to anchor the team’s success. If the passing game can stabilize to a slightly above-average level, Denver could prove formidable in postseason play.
Looking ahead to Week 11, the Broncos will face the Kansas City Chiefs. Their offensive strategy without Dobbins will be closely watched, particularly how the offensive line plans to contain Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones.