Question: Was Sunday’s 37-12 loss the lowest point of Broncos coach Vic Fangio’s tenure?
Answer: If it wasn’t, it’s definitely in contention.
Last year had a couple of stinkers, chiefly blowing a late home lead to Jacksonville. Shoot, last week’s loss at Atlanta should rank up there.
But let’s put the loss to Las Vegas atop the list because of what it showed and what it means.
What it showed: Quarterback Drew Lock may not be ready for present/future status.
What it means: The Broncos are 3-6 for the fourth consecutive year, an example of NFL also-ran status and it basically ends their already-slim playoff hopes.
Q: Has it really been since 1968 that the Broncos have allowed at least 30 points in four consecutive games?
A: Two trips through the media guide during the course of Sunday’s garbage time — one to find the statistic and following a shake of the head, another journey to double-check the data.
To end the ’68 season, the Sons of Lou Saban allowed 38, 32, 47, 33 and 30 points, going 1-5 to end the season 5-9.
In modern times, the 2008 team allowed 30, 30 and 52 points to finish the season with three consecutive losses, leading to coach Mike Shanahan’s firing.
What’s gone wrong with this Broncos defense? Their Week 1 starting line isn’t available. That leads into the Raiders’ run-game dominance (203 yards on 41 carries). And the pass rush the last two games has been a rumor.
Q: Running back Phillip Lindsay was limited to four carries for two yards. Why wasn’t he more involved?
A: Lindsay tied a career low for rushing attempts and had a career low for rushing yards; the previous low was 18 yards against the Los Angeles Rams two years ago.
Melvin Gordon started and when he was injured on the first drive, Royce Freeman took the initial third-down play. We have felt the Broncos don’t trust Lindsay on third down to catch it out of the backfield and pass protect and this further confirmed it.
Lindsay got most of the Broncos’ second possession (two-yard gain). At the end of the first half, the two-minute drill is Gordon’s area of expertise.
Once the game got away from the Broncos in the second half, their running game also exited and that is Lindsay’s main service at this point.
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