The Denver Broncos have won four straight games, but they’re not content with their performance, particularly on offense.
Against the Minnesota Vikings last week, the Broncos went 2-of-12 on third down (17%) and 1-of-5 (20%) scoring touchdowns in the red zone. Denver’s three takeaways made the difference, as they have in the last three games.
At some point, the Broncos are going to face a better team and their turnover luck is going to run out. When that happens, Denver will need to be more efficient on offense to win, and they know it.
“Those are all technically like turnover downs,” coach Sean Payton said of the team struggling to convert on third down. “You’re punting. So we have to get that cleaned up and we have to be better on third down, obviously.
“We’re going to have to be better — play better — because we’re going to play in bigger games against opponents that will be progressively tougher and tougher.”
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson said the team improving on first and second down will help them get into more manageable third down scenarios. Wilson also expressed optimism that Sunday’s win will spark better days ahead.
“We had too many third-and-longs,” Wilson said. “That’s the thing — we have to be better on first and second down. I think that will help us on third down. I think what really matters about this game and winning this game on Sunday Night Football and everything else is, this shows who we can be and who we are.
“To be a great team, you have to be able to win the games you should win and you also have to win the games that have been tough throughout the whole day. The games that look dark for a little bit and come through with it. That’s what’s really key. I think the most important thing for us is we have to stay to humble, and we have to stay hungry. There’s a lot more to do. We’re going to get better. We’re on the rise. At the end of the day, we haven’t done anything yet.”
Things won’t get any easier going up against the Cleveland Browns’ defense this week. The Browns are allowing the sixth-fewest points per game (18.0) and they have the best third-down defense in the NFL (25.39%). Sunday will be a big test for Denver’s offense.
