Are the Broncos in real danger of missing the NFL playo≠s?
If missing the playoffs entered Gary Kubiak’s thinking for even one second, he never would have sent out Brandon McManus to attempt a 62-yard field goal in overtime against the Chiefs. That was a coach with the Raiders and Patriots in his sights, not a man worrying about the Dolphins in his rearview mirror. So here’s the deal now: 10-6 will almost certainly get the Broncos in the playoffs. But finish 9-7, and it ain’t happening. Jhabvala: Disagree. Trotting your kicker out in cold weather to attempt a 62-yarder was a huge risk, but the tie was no lock either. I think the real question now is whether the Dolphins are for real. They now own the tiebreaker for the sixth spot in the AFC. But this is a team that lost four of five to open the season before Jay Ajayi got hot. Miami has won its last six, but it, too, has a tough final stretch, starting with the Ravens on the road and followed by the Cardinals, Jets, Bills and Patriots.
I’m counting Jacksonville as a W, because if Denver can’t beat the Jags, linebacker Von Miller can spend the rest of this regular season on a beach in Cancun. I think the real critical game on Denver’s schedule is at Tennessee. The Titans can run the football, have legit playoff aspirations and a bye week to prepare for Denver. It won’t be easy to win in Nashville. But get to 9-4 and the Broncos can play much looser down the stretch. Jhabvala: I agree that the Titans pose a big threat, especially in the run game (they’re averaging a second-best 4.8 yards per rush). But I’m also not ready to count the Jacksonville game as a win. Most people had the Broncos winning Sunday’s game against Kansas City, too, but the Chiefs exposed some concerning flaws in all facets for the Broncos. Denver’s defense was stout in the first half, holding Kansas City to 49 yards, but it came unglued late in regulation and in overtime.
If my weak memory serves, some knucklehead columnist suggested prior to this season the defending Super Bowl champs would be in a dogfight to make the playoffs and were likely to fall short. But I realize now that cornerback Aqib Talib will shove somebody in the back to get in the tournament, if need be. So I will give the Broncos props and a fighting 60 percent chance to make the playoffs. Jhabvala: I felt more certain about this group earlier in the season, primarily because of the defense. I believed the offense would come around, and it has shown some bright moments. But the offensive line isn’t getting better. And the defense hasn’t been as consistent as it was last year. The miscues last Sunday were telling. With meetings against the Chiefs, Raiders and Patriots still on the horizon, the margin for error is slim. If there’s one at all. Sixty percent? Sure. I’ll take that.