Game Thread: Week 17- Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals

[packerzrule]

Serves the Bengals right for playing it safe and going for the FG

 

[Duffman]

Obviously with back to back losses Payton will rightfully be scrutinized for switching the Chargers to a short week.

 

[Duffman]

I’m sorry but Denver doesn’t deserve to make the playoffs.

 

[DJ Fieri]

Denver still holds their destiny in their hands.

Win next week and they are in.

 

[Draft Crazy]

On the bright side of things... Mingo gave us a sign.

 

[Draft Crazy]

I’m sorry but Denver doesn’t deserve to make the playoffs.

I would disagree.

If we don't win any of our last 3 games then I agree.

 

[megalodon30]

We’ve still got a ways to go before we establish a winning culture here.

The good news is this is a young team and improvements can be made every offseason. The bad news is that establishing a winning culture actually requires that you win the close games.

All in all, no matter what happens next week, we overperformed this year. Go back to preseason and no one was expecting Denver to make any noise. There’s a lot to build on going into next season, playoffs or not.

 

[iknowftbll]

so many chances to win that one…

 

[Draft Crazy]

Chin up!!!

Things are so much better then the last 8 years!

 

[Orangeisback]

Chin up!!!

Things are so much better then the last 8 years!

Seems so. What would say right now, is the biggest problem and what exactly in your estimation is missing?

 

[Duffman]

Seems so. What would say right now, is the biggest problem and what exactly in your estimation is missing?

Consistency. Last week against LA, Denver showed up for the first half but not second, this week they showed up for the second half but not first

 

[Orangeisback]

Consistency. Last week against LA, Denver showed up for the first half but not second, this week they showed up for the second half but not first

Yes and the first Chargers game, they were the worst team in NFL history in the first half and did "great" in the second half. Many games, including this one and those two were like that.

 

[MileHigh64]

This is a team that's still learning how to win, IMO. Inconsistent running game, monster defense, with a propensity to get gashed at times and no killer instinct.

Having said that, I'm thrilled where they are. Still control their own destiny and have a good shot at beating the Chiefs next week. The salary cap saddled Broncos are playing with a rookie QB, rookie WR's (Vele/Franklin), a rookie CB (KAD) and a few 2nd year players are starters. The team is VERY young yet still put up 9 wins with a chance at 10 and the playoffs.

I'm as disappointed as everyone that we lost this game but they never gave up and they were in it until the end. It's a new era in Broncos Country and I think our future is bright.

 

[nflbronco]

It is so nice to have a team that is so much more fun to watch.

 

[iknowftbll]

This is a team that's still learning how to win, IMO. Inconsistent running game, monster defense, with a propensity to get gashed at times and no killer instinct.

Having said that, I'm thrilled where they are. Still control their own destiny and have a good shot at beating the Chiefs next week. The salary cap saddled Broncos are playing with a rookie QB, rookie WR's (Vele/Franklin), a rookie CB (KAD) and a few 2nd year players are starters. The team is VERY young yet still put up 9 wins with a chance at 10 and the playoffs.

I'm as disappointed as everyone that we lost this game but they never gave up and they were in it until the end. It's a new era in Broncos Country and I think our future is bright.

I agree. It takes time to build a winning culture and this team is not playing with a full deck. They have enough cap space to add some pieces and what we have now is very encouraging. Build on this year in 2025 and in 2026 with more cap space this team becomes a destination for top tier FAs looking to get in a win before their time is up. The future is bright. We are seeing some growing pains now but we knew we would.

 

[Orangeisback]

I agree. It takes time to build a winning culture and this team is not playing with a full deck. They have enough cap space to add some pieces and what we have now is very encouraging. Build on this year in 2025 and in 2026 with more cap space this team becomes a destination for top tier FAs looking to get in a win before their time is up. The future is bright. We are seeing some growing pains now but we knew we would.

Whats missing i wonder. The OL grades out as one of the best in the league. The skill positions are fine and the defense is highly ranked. The QB seems to be figured out.

What is the major weakness on this team?

For it's as simple as being more consistent. I know that seems really simple. It isn't. I'm hoping they aren't going to spend large amounts on WRs etc.

 

[iknowftbll]

Whats missing i wonder. The OL grades out as one of the best in the league. The skill positions are fine and the defense is highly ranked. The QB seems to be figured out.

What is the major weakness on this team?

For it's as simple as being more consistent. I know that seems really simple. It isn't. I'm hoping they aren't going to spend large amounts on WRs etc.

We are missing major contributors at TE and RB. Our WR corps is Sutton and a bunch of up-and-comers, so I actually feel we're set there. But inconsistent production from the TE and RB group will greatly undermine an offense so I think that's a big part of why we're so inconsistent on that side.

On defense it's actually a little harder for me to gauge. It's a good unit all around but aside from PSII, there isn't really anyone who stands out. Vance Joseph had this unit playing above its weight class for much of the season and they held out nicely yesterday but the offense was a no-show for too long. I think we're seeing a regression to average though. But with no position group clearly broken it's hard to know where an upgrade could make the biggest impact. And we do have some up and coming talent on this side of the ball too.

So it's not completely broken like it has been for so long. The team can approach the off season being able to prioritize a few major position groups rather than try to shore up an entire roster the way they've had to do in recent seasons.

But this season isn't done yet. Win or tie and they're in. Also I am not one of these "if we lose we don't belong in the playoffs" types. If the Broncos lose but so does everyone else in the mix the Broncos belong in the playoffs pure and simple. Get to the playoffs and extend the season.

 

[CEH]

I’m sorry but Denver doesn’t deserve to make the playoffs.

with that attitude denver fans would not experienced have one of the greatest moments in broncos history.

ill let u figure out the game

 

[iknowftbll]

with that attitude denver fans would not experienced have one of the greatest moments in broncos history.

ill let u figure out the game

Not only that, but let's say the Broncos lose again, but so do the Dolphins and Bengals. Colts win. Broncos and Colts 9-8, Bengals and Dolphins 8-9.

Which of the Colts, Bengals, or Dolphins deserves to be in the playoffs over the Broncos?

 

[Orange Crush77]

We need a real RB. A true threat. What we have now is hodgepodge cluster that’s easily identified and easier to defend. After that, we need a real TE. One that doesn't look like they’re running in quicksand. Those should be our first 2 picks in this upcoming draft