Broncos looking for answers after 0-2 start

DENVER (KDVR) — Scheme, execution or talent. Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton knows he can’t win many games in the NFL if the team keeps up its’ 2.9 yards-per-carry average that it’s had through the first two weeks of the season.

“Let’s start with design and scheme and then let’s get into some execution,” Payton wondered aloud, on his Monday Zoom call as he looked back on the home opener.

After the game Sunday, Payton mentioned that he would look at which players are being asked to do what. Is that a direct challenge to running back Javante Williams, who’s averaging just two yards per carry?

“I just finished looking at a play (where) we gained three yards, and it really should be a gain of seven yards,” Payton said. “How are we blocking the backside of this? And do we need to clean that up? Did (Williams) miss a cut or two in the game? We need to make sure we get his eyes are where they need to be.”

The importance of the running game to the Broncos offense and specifically rookie quarterback Bo Nix can’t be overstated. Nix has been forced to throw the ball 77 times through two losses.

“Penalties, third downs, our numbers have to be better,” Payton explained. “We have to look at the volume as a staff relative to what we’re doing to be more efficient.”

After starting the season with two losses there are a lot of mistakes to clean up. With the next two games coming on the road, at Tampa and at New York Jets, pressure is mounting early for the Broncos.

“It does come from within, knowing how to win certain games, especially close games. And we’ve just finished two of them. The concerning thing for me is the rushing game and then the rushing numbers defensively,” Payton said.

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