Denver’s defense has hit rock bottom, defying belief and challenging the very foundations of the football game. Under the leadership of Vance Joseph, the Broncos’ defensive unit has not only failed to keep up with the competition but has also set new records for its inefficiency. As they continue to stumble from one defeat to another, the team finds itself on the precipice of becoming the worst defense in NFL history.
Unveiling the Disturbing Numbers:
In an attempt to comprehend the magnitude of their defensive struggles, we must first examine the astonishing statistics. Presently, the Broncos defense finds itself at a dismal -88.08 in expected points, on pace to reach an astounding -374.34 by the end of the season. Even accounting for outliers such as the 70 points conceded to the Dolphins in Week 3, their projected finishing score of -246.9 would be the worst since the introduction of EXP as a recorded stat in 2000.
Breaking Records:
Denver’s defense is now etching its name into the annals of NFL history in all the wrong ways. According to DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) rankings, the Broncos currently possess the worst defense ever tracked through the first four games of a season. Their staggering -246.9 in EXP is a testament to their inefficiency, resulting in higher offensive scoring and an overall worse performance.
The Defensive Nightmare Unveiled:
This season, the Broncos are poised to surrender a record-breaking 55 passing touchdowns, exceeding the previous benchmark set by the 2015 Saints who allowed 45. Their inability to defend against the run is equally alarming, projected to surrender 2,992 rushing yards – enough to rank them fourth in all-time yards allowed. Furthermore, allowing 7.0 yards per play, Denver’s defense is undoubtedly heading towards yet another unwanted distinction.
Failure Across the Board:
While history has witnessed single deficiencies within team defenses, Denver’s unit is failing comprehensively across all areas crucial to defensive success. An exception lies in their ability to attain takeaways, where they barely escape being dead last – courtesy of Justin Fields’ two turnovers in their recent encounter against the Bears.
Adding Fuel to the Fire:
As the defense crumbles week after week, the decision to release linebacker Randy Gregory in favor of developing younger talent seems questionable. Despite Gregory’s underperformance, the uncertainty surrounding his replacement raises concerns about the team’s ability to salvage their downward spiral.
Vance Joseph’s Inexplicable Tactics:
A common denominator in Denver’s defensive collapse appears to be the perplexing strategies employed by Vance Joseph. Week in and week out, the team fails to disrupt opposing offenses, and at times, it seems as though Joseph is inadvertently aiding their rivals. A prime example was demonstrated against the Bears when the decision to employ man coverage on Justin Fields with a significant cushion led to easy completions and Fields delivering his best passing performance of the season.
A Lack of Discipline:
In addition to their on-field struggles, the Broncos’ defense lacks discipline, currently ranking second in penalty yards allowed. This undisciplined approach adds insult to injury, further hindering any chance of a defensive resurgence.
As the Denver Broncos continue their descent into infamy, the parameters of their defensive struggles become ever more glaring. It remains to be seen just how deep this pit of poor performance will become. Mile High Stadium, once revered as a fortress, now serves as a testament to an unprecedented failure. History is being written with each passing game, and the specter of a record-breaking defense looms larger each day.
The Business Press 