BRONCOS VETERANS THINK TURNAROUND IS NEAR
Sanders, , Harris think the Broncos are close to turning a corner
The Broncos players and coaches all knew the start of the season might be a little choppy.
New systems on offense and defense. A new albeit veteran quarterback (Joe Flacco). Young players all over the starting lineup.
The hope was winning games would accelerate the transition.
Instead, the Broncos are 0-3 for the first time since 1999. But there were no outward signs of panic on Tuesday as the players returned to work following Sunday’s 27-16 loss at Green Bay.
“When you’re 3-0, you’re under a magnifying glass,” receiver Emmanuel Sanders said. “When you’re 0-3, you’re under an even bigger magnifying glass because everybody is looking to point their finger at certain plays that could determine the outcome of the game.”
Said cornerback Chris Harris: “Even though we’re 0-3, we don’t have that endof-the-world feeling.”
Sanders and Harris are two of the seven players remaining from the Broncos’ 2015 Super Bowl team (linebacker Corey Nelson left and has returned to the franchise). This is new territory. Even in the past three years, which ended with no playoff appearance, the Broncos were 4-0, 3-1 and 2-0 before trouble started.
This year, the trouble started right away.
The Broncos have two chief issues: One, they have been in constant chasethe-game mode and, secondly, what can they hang their hat on?
Issue No. 1: In three games, the Broncos have led only 4.9% of the time (11
“We know we’re close. We’ve done good things, but we have to learn not to beat ourselves.” Chris Harris, Broncos cornerback
minutes, 41 seconds out of 180 total minutes) and have been behind for 58.7% (140:45).
They spotted Oakland a 14-0 first-half lead and third-quarter leads of 13-3 by Chicago and 24-10 by Green Bay.
Only against the Bears did the Broncos rally to take the lead (for 31 seconds).
If the Broncos can get a lead against Jacksonville on Sunday, maybe that will gear up the sackand-takeaway game (none so far).
“We have to force teams to make mistakes,” Harris said. “Right now, they’re playing safe and smart. Most turnovers happen in the passing game, and we have to get teams to pass the ball more.”
The Broncos’ offense has 13 first-half points.
“When you’re playing with a lead, everybody is a little more relaxed,” Sanders said. “When you’re playing from behind, you don’t want to say it, but you do play a little tight because you know if you don’t score and give the ball back, it could be a twopossession game.”
Issue No. 2: What area of their game is humming at a rate that can serve as the foundation for a rebound? Who is playing well enough to lead the charge to victory No. 1?
The offense is 14th in rushing (111.3 yards per game) and 16th on third down (40.5% — 17 for 42). On defense, the Broncos are sixth against the pass (204.7).
Middle-of-the-road statistical rankings are tough sells to outsiders, but the players believe they are near a breakthrough.
“We know we’re close,” Harris said. “We’ve done good things, but we have to learn not to beat ourselves. We’ve been beating ourselves for a couple of years. We have to be able to end that and get it right.”
Until things get right, Sanders’ post-game analysis that the Broncos are “living in a world of (stink)” will remain appropriate.
Two days later, was the attention generated by the comment unexpected?
“Definitely surprised,” Sanders said. “Do I regret (saying) it? No, because that’s where we are right now, living in a world of (stink). … I think we have a good enough team to win now.”