Denver Broncos Defense Seeks Turnaround After Concerning Slide

The Denver Broncos secured a crucial 20-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Night. The win improved their record to an impressive 13-3. However, significant concerns shadow the team’s defensive performance.

Since a Week 10 mini-bye, the unit has notably regressed. This slump threatens their Super Bowl aspirations as the regular season concludes.

A Statistical Decline in Key Areas

The defensive drop-off is clear in the numbers. According to team analysis, the defense now allows seven more points per game. They are also giving up nearly 100 more yards of offense each contest.

The issues are widespread. The pass rush has lost its early-season ferocity. Key starters on the edge have gone quiet in recent weeks.

Coverage and tackling in the secondary have also slipped. Veteran safety Talanoa Hufanga has been inconsistent. Cornerback Riley Moss has missed several key tackles in back-to-back games.

Playoff Stakes Demand Immediate Improvement

The timing of this slump is critical. The Broncos face the Los Angeles Chargers in their final game. The AFC’s top seed and the division crown are potentially on the line.

Denver’s offense showed it can improve after a break. It found its rhythm following the earlier mini-bye week. The defense must now replicate that formula.

If the defensive struggles continue, a playoff berth could start in a precarious wild-card spot. A complete performance has been elusive all season, adding to the pressure.

The Broncos’ path to a deep playoff run is clear. Their defense must rediscover its dominant form immediately. The final test against the Chargers will reveal if this unit can rise to the occasion.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

What’s wrong with the Broncos’ defense lately?

The unit has struggled in several phases since Week 10. Key issues include a less effective pass rush, inconsistent secondary play, and poor tackling fundamentals during this stretch.

How did the Broncos’ offense change after its mini-bye?

Following the Week 10 break, Denver’s offense significantly improved its production and consistency. The team hopes its defense can follow a similar pattern of correction after the latest break.

What is at stake in the Broncos’ final game?

Denver’s Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers will decide the AFC West. It will also determine if they secure the conference’s valuable top seed for the playoffs.

Which defensive players have struggled most?

Edge rushers Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto have been less impactful. In the secondary, safety Talanoa Hufanga has been inconsistent, and corner Riley Moss has missed tackles.

Why was the Christmas win concerning?

Despite the victory, Denver allowed a severely injured Chiefs team to stay competitive until the final play. This highlighted the defense’s current inability to dominate a compromised opponent.