Broncos Ended Their Own Season

In a game where a simple win would send them to the playoff, the Broncos once again collapsed to a 17 unanswered points after a comfortable 13-0 points lead that sent a cruel end to their season at 9-7, eliminated from the playoff contention from head-to-head records against the Chiefs (who beat the Jaguars earlier 35-30).

Cutler was hit hard in the second quarter leading to a brief off-moments, replaced by Plummer who was intercepted yet again once from his only two passes. It was a disappointing performance by the Broncos, including yet another fumble by Tatum Bell (although he managed to get the needed yardage to reach 1000 yards for the season), and the inability for either the offense to move the ball forward in the OT or the defense to hold-off Gore throughout the game (especially in the middle with the absence of Al Wilson due to back injury) . Three red-zone trips didn’t materialize with TD, and that sort of display summarized the Broncos’ night –albeit a huge credit to Cutler for rallying the team with a TD drive to fellow rookie TE Schiffler with 19 yards pass that capped the 80 yards drive which tied the score at 23 at the end of the regulation.

As Shanahan put at the press conference, with the way the Broncos playing today, even if they went into the playoffs, they wouldn’t go far. I agree with him, and I guess the Broncos need more depth in their roster. The absence of Al Wilson and safety Nick Ferguson since the season-ending injury a few weeks ago have had huge effects into Broncos’ defensive coverages. On the offense, another big play wide receiver might help them capitalize on Cutler’s strong arms.

Broncos’ season has ended, but there’s always a silver lining to each cause. At least the Broncos could go into off-season knowing they have a QB who has the chance to do something very special for the franchise, and a cornerback in Bailey who plays like a champ. That and with a few additions to the jigsaw might get the Broncos to do what the team is capable of doing.