The Denver Broncos showed resilience and determination as they improved to 8-2 with a hard-fought 10-7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night at Mile High Stadium. The win not only extended their lead in the AFC West, but also showcased their ability to tough it out in close games. However, the postgame atmosphere was one of concern and frustration, rather than celebration. And according to former NFL linebacker and current ESPN analyst Bart Scott, there is one player who is holding the Broncos back.
The Broncos have been riding a rollercoaster of a season so far, with ups and downs that have left fans and experts alike scratching their heads. They started off strong, with a 3-0 record, but then suffered two consecutive losses. They bounced back with two more wins, only to lose two more games back-to-back. However, they have managed to maintain their lead in the division, thanks to their solid defense and occasional flashes of brilliance on offense.
But despite their overall success, there is a sense that the Broncos are not performing up to their potential. And this sentiment was only reinforced in the postgame interviews, as players and coaches alike showed visible frustration with an offense that continues to struggle. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who had a shaky performance with only 172 yards passing and one touchdown, was at the center of this frustration.
And according to Bart Scott, it’s not just Bridgewater’s performance that is concerning, but also his mindset. In an interview after the game, Scott said, “I think Teddy Bridgewater is holding this team back. He’s playing with fear.” These may be strong words, but they do hold some truth. Bridgewater has been playing cautiously, almost afraid to take risks and make big plays. And while this may limit turnovers, it also limits the team’s potential for explosive plays and game-changing moments.
This sentiment was echoed by Broncos head coach Vic Fangio, who said, “We’ve got to get better at throwing the ball downfield. We’re not good enough at it right now.” And this lack of explosiveness in the passing game was evident in Thursday’s game, as the Broncos failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities to extend their lead.
But despite the frustration and concerns, the Broncos did manage to come away with the win. And that speaks volumes about the resilience and determination of this team. They may not have had a dominant performance, but they never gave up and found a way to get the job done. And that is what great teams do – they find ways to win even when they are not at their best.
The good news for the Broncos is that they have a bye week ahead of them, which will give them some much-needed time to regroup and address their offensive struggles. They will have a chance to work on their passing game and develop more chemistry between Bridgewater and his receivers. And with the second half of the season ahead of them, they have the opportunity to make adjustments and come back even stronger.
In the end, it’s important to remember that the Broncos are still a top team in the AFC, with an 8-2 record and a lead in their division. They have a solid defense, led by superstar players like Von Miller and Justin Simmons, and a capable offense that has shown glimpses of greatness. But they will need to address their offensive struggles if they want to make a deep playoff run.
So, while there may be concerns and frustrations surrounding the Broncos’ offense, there is still plenty of reason for optimism. And perhaps with a few adjustments and a change in mindset, the Broncos can silence their critics and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. As for Bridgewater, he has the talent and the potential to lead this team to success. It’s just a matter of breaking out of his cautious mentality and playing with the fearlessness and confidence that this team needs.
