Broncos 19, Packers 17: The Good, Bad & Ugly
There was a time when a Denver Broncos-Green Bay Packers game would have fans on the edge of their seats for all the right reasons. This time, the edge-of-the-seat tension was more akin to waiting for a doctor's diagnosis after eating week-old sushi.
In sheer desperation, the Broncos showed just enough resilience to eke out a 19-17 win over a Packers team that needs to add talent in the upcoming NFL draft. Every cry and whispered prayer from Broncos Country in the dying minutes was given a shock to the system when Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw an end-zone pass so wild it surprised even the non-targeted receiver it found.
Yes, the Broncos won, but this victory was less a testament to their prowess and more to their survival instinct, further suggesting it might be time to hit the organizational refresh button. Let's break down the good, bad, and ugly from Week 7.
The Good
Courtland Sutton | WR
Star moments in this game came from unexpected places. Courtland Sutton, the towering wideout, became the beacon of hope, catching everything thrown his way by Russell Wilson, including the game-defining touchdown.
It's becoming clear that when Wilson needs a sure hand, he looks Sutton's way.
The Bad
The Defense
Where to start? In a performance that would make the Orange Crush cringe, the Broncos' defense did just enough to get by. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph put the clamps on Packers' dynamo Aaron Jones, reducing him to pedestrian 35 rushing yards on eight carries.
Meanwhile, Green Bay's green-behind-the-ears quarterback was restricted to under 200 passing yards and tossed an interception to the delight of the Mile High crowd. But, for every step forward, the Broncos defense took one step back, with personal foul penalties and, in a scene resembling a junior high soccer match, forgetting to field 11 players at a crucial moment.
The Offense
While the defense had moments of glory, Sean Payton's offense seemed to be operating with a playbook from the '80s — not the good parts. Wilson, once the darling of Seattle, still appears to be a mere shadow of his former self.
Wilson may be able to bring the Broncos to the doorstep but struggles to find the doorbell. The running game showed promise, with Javonte Williams bulldozing his way forward.
But head-scratchers like underutilizing speed demon Jaleel McLaughlin and a tragic reverse play to Marvin Mims Jr. make one wonder whether Payton is blindly picking plays out of a hat.
The Ugly
Refusal to Tank
In a scene straight out of a Friday night high school game, Payton calling the defense over in the final minutes resembled a desperate coach pleading with his team to not mess it up. If fans were hoping for some intentional underperformance for draft positioning, Payton's innate need to win might throw a wrench in that plan.
It's evident that Payton's desire to win clashes with any purported tanking strategy. Rumors suggest that the order to tank is coming not from the coach's office but from the owner's suite.
While the win column might be glowing from this victory, the clouds of uncertainty, and the stark realization of the current state of the Broncos, loom large. Fans, while craving change, need to temper expectations.
Change is brewing, and while the present looks rougher than a mountain trail, there's light at the end of the tunnel. After all, the Broncos always find a way to rise again. So, saddle up, Broncos Country — the best is yet to come.
Maybe
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
