RUSHING IS KEY TO TURNING THIS SEASON AROUND
The Broncos’ rushing formula isn’t complicated. In its three victories this season, Denver has rushed the ball an average of 35.6 times for 153.7 yards. In its five losses: 21.8 carries per game for 87.6 yards.
The only outlier was a 177-yard performance in a 29-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the only game during Denver’s four-game losing streak the Broncos had a realistic chance to win in the fourth quarter.
Large early deficits have played a role in the slumping rushing production in defeats. But the Broncos insisted Wednesday they can’t allow circumstances to excuse an inability to run the ball, particularly given the team’s consistent struggles in the passing game.
“We know when we run the ball we get a better chance (to win),” running back C.J. Anderson said. “We’re not one-dimensional. That’s what we want to do. We want to run the football. We want to be efficient while we’re running it. Whether the O-line is playing really great that day, the running backs are playing really great that day or we’re both playing (poorly) that day, it’s up to us in our room to make more plays.”
The Broncos are coming off their worst rushing performance of the season in their 51-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, tallying 35 yards on 19 carries.
Denver hasn’t passed more than 32 times in any victory this season. It’s averaging 40.6 pass attempts in its losses.
“That’s not what we’re good at,” Joseph said of pass-heavy totals. “We’re good at running the football, controlling the clock and having manageable third downs.”
Vote of confidence.
No member of the Broncos’ defense had ever been a part of a performance like Sunday’s while playing in Denver.
The 51 points the Broncos allowed were the most since 2010, and none of the defensive players from that roster are still with the team.
The letdown against the Eagles was a rare sight for a defense that has been among the league’s best for the better part of three seasons, which is why Joseph said he isn’t concerned about the group’s confidence heading into Sunday’s game against New England and its top-ranked offense.
“I’m not concerned with that group,” Joseph said. “It’s a confident group. It’s been a dominant group for a long time. It’s a group that believes it can play well all the time.”
Shane Ray, the Broncos’ third-year linebacker, said there’s “no question” the Broncos still possess one of the best defenses in the league.
“We’re not even worried about that,” he said. “We’re just worried about getting our chemistry back.”
Injury report.
The Broncos switched up their practice routine Wednesday, with Joseph opting for a “jog through” because of numerous injuries on the both sides of the ball. The Broncos typically conduct a more full-speed practice on Wednesdays.
Wide receivers Demaryius Thomas (hamstring) and Bennie Fowler (ankle) joined offensive linemen Matt Paradis (back) and Ron Leary (elbow) as players who missed practice because of injuries.
Running back Jamal Charles and defensive tackle Domata Peko missed practice with their weekly veteran’s rest day.
The Broncos also had five players who were limited Wednesday: Anderson (ankle), linebacker Todd Davis (ankle), wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (ankle), offensive tackle Donald Stephenson (calf ) and safety Darian Stewart (thigh).