The Denver Broncos lost again to the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday evening, marking the team’s 16-straight loss to their division rival. Here are five quick takeaways from the 19-8 defeat in Week 6.
1
The defense stepped up
It was strange to watch a 2023 Broncos game that featured the defense keeping the team in the game. It was a welcomed sight to see Vance Joseph’s unit stepping up against a high-powered Chiefs offense. Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian stood out in the secondary and safety Justin Simmons grabbed his fourth career interception off Patrick Mahomes (more than any other player has totaled against KC’s QB). If the defense keeps playing like this, Denver might have the slightest of hopes for a turnaround.
2
Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin are a dynamic duo
Williams and McLaughlin looked like a great one-two punch in Kansas City. Williams rushed 10 times for 52 yards and scored a two-point conversion. McLaughlin rushed seven times for 30 yards and hauled in two receptions for 12 yards. If not for falling behind, the Broncos might have been able to rely more on the ground game with two productive running backs.
3
Baron Browning's return can't come soon enough
The Broncos are going to trade or cut Frank Clark and rookie Thomas Incoom was inactive on Thursday, leaving Denver with just three outside linebackers: Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper and Ronnie Perkins. Thursday was Perkins’ second career game and it showed — he was penalized for a neutral-zone infraction and whiffed on a sideline tackle. Perkins is not ready for serious snaps on defense. Browning is eligible to return from injured reserve and the team’s extra time off this weekend might help him get up to speed ahead of a home game against the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 22.
4
That was Russell Wilson's worst game in 2023
That was arguably Wilson’s worst game under coach Sean Payton. The veteran quarterback threw two interceptions and was sacked four times. Granted, not all of the blame falls on Wilson — the offensive line struggled at times, receivers did a poor job creating separation and some play calls were questionable. But if he wants to remain the QB beyond this season, Wilson has to step up when the rest of the team is struggling. If Wilson can’t carry the Broncos’ offense, they’ll likely look for a younger, cheaper option in 2024.
5
Tank watch is officially on
After hosting the Packers in Week 7, the Broncos will then play the Chiefs again before going on the road to play the Buffalo Bills. It’s very possible that Denver could be 2-7 or 1-8 going into Week 11. The Broncos should be sellers ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline (Oct. 31), loading up on draft picks for a rebuilding year in 2024. At this point, securing the No. 1 overall draft pick would be more beneficial than winning a handful of games in the second half of the season.
