The Denver Broncos downed the Washington Commanders 27-26 in Week 13, but the former’s run game was a dissapointment. In fact, the Broncos’ offense averaged fewer than four yards per carry in Week 13. Denver totaled 23 carries to 45 pass attempts for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Don’t let the touchdowns fool you; the run game struggled. So much so that Broncos head coach Sean Payton chimed in.
The Real Reason the Broncos’ Run Game Disappointed
He said, “It was one of those frustrating nights running the ball. They did a few things differently by staying in their heavy personnel. Teams have been able to run the ball in sub against them. And to (Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn’s) credit, they didn’t allow that. So, we started scattering out of some of our one back runs to throw it against their base to try to counteract that. But our guys adjusted well.”
What did Payton just say? He said the Commanders’ defense stayed in their heavy, base defense. This is a seven-man front as opposed to nickel. Nickel is a six-man front. Or a light box. In other words, the Commanders’ defense committed to stopping the run in Week 13. Quinn’s unit dared the Broncos’ offense to pass it with four defensive backs on the backend. As opposed to five in nickel, hence the name.
So, the Commanders’ defense didn’t believe in Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and it cost them. He recorded his second straight 300-plus scrimmage yard game. Because the Commanders’ defense sat in base defense, Payton said the Broncos’ offense started to zig when they zagged. Nix threw the ball against the base defense.
The Broncos’ offense likely lined up in 12 or 13 personnel. So, there are fewer pass catchers running routes. Specifically, there’s no slot wide receiver on the field. But it worked. Nix was 29-of-45 for 321 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He totaled two carries for 16 yards as well. We’ll never know what would’ve happened if the Commanders’ defense had sold out on stopping the pass and dared running back RJ Harvey to beat them.
He totaled 16 touches for 62 yards and two touchdowns, although the touchdowns came after the pass game moved the ball down the field. Harvey and Co. will look to bounce back in Week 14.
