3 Bitter Takeaways from Broncos' 26-23 Loss to Patriots on Xmas Eve
Denver, CO. — For a second consecutive week, the Denver Broncos were featured in primetime action as they hosted the New England Patriots for a Christmas Eve clash.
Santa Clauses, Grinches, and other Christmas characters flooded Empower Field at Mile High for the holiday classic as Denver donned its “Snowcapped” uniforms for the second time this season.
But instead of capitalizing on a national stage, the Broncos were embarrassed by the Patriots at home to the tune of a 26-23 loss. Rather than getting home early for a good night’s sleep before the arrival of the jolly big man, Broncos Country was forced to retreat home into the frigid night as the Patriots delivered a devastating defeat that all but eliminated Denver from the playoff race.
The 7-8 Broncos are now behind four AFC teams with an 8-7 record, as the wick of their postseason candle is barely flickering. What are the takeaways from this crushing loss?
Let's break it down.
Belichick Loots Broncos' Christmas
While Patriots fans were able to cozy up to the fire with hot cocoa waiting for Santa Claus, Bill Belichick orchestrated a Seussian Christmas Eve heist. The Broncos endured their second consecutive primetime loss in two weeks, and the familiar feeling of being embarrassed nationally reared its ugly head once again for Broncos Country.
Denver was outgained in total yards by a New England offense led by the beleaguered Bailey Zappe, who threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns. The first half of football yielded low-scoring and inefficient offense as neither team was able to take advantage of turnovers, field possession, or opportunities to produce points.
However, the Patriots scored 20 points in an explosive third quarter after previously totaling 20 points or more (in a game) just three times total all season. The Broncos ultimately came back from a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game, only to be defeated by a late 56-yard game-winning field goal by Chad Ryland.
With some help from other AFC Wildcard hopeful teams earlier on Sunday, Denver entered Sunday night's game with an estimated playoff probability above 30%. A win could have brought the Broncos' playoff chances to 42%, but their loss sinks it to the grim odds of 5% odds of making the playoffs as an AFC Wildcard.
After witnessing a broken Patriots franchise come in and bully the Broncos, I’m afraid a 5% chance is being optimistic for a dysfunctional football team that chokes in big games to both good and bad football teams.
Sutton’s Exit Leaves Cupboard Bare
It was a Christmas Eve to forget for team captain Courtland Sutton, who exited the contest in the first half of action. He was targeted once and failed to record what would have been his only reception on an incomplete deep ball from Russell Wilson in tight coverage from a Patriots defender.
After halftime, it was reported that Sutton underwent an evaluation for a head injury and did not return. Post-game, head coach Sean Payton confirmed that Sutton is in concussion protocol.
Sutton is the Broncos' only skill player with double-digit touchdowns on the season, and his absence loomed large for Wilson and the rest of Payton’s unproductive passing attack. Wideouts Marvin Mims Jr., Brandon Johnson, and Jerry Jeudy didn’t get involved in the offense until late in the game. Denver failed to have a single receiver record at least five receptions or gain above 65 receiving yards.
Meanwhile, the Patriots receiving corps recorded 25 catches from seven different players including two touchdowns, all of whom, mind you, have significantly lesser-known draft pedigree or talent to boast on their respective resumes.
First and foremost, thoughts and well wishes are with Sutton and his potential injury, especially during the holidays. But I’m afraid if No. 14 cannot suit up for the remaining two games, Denver’s passing game will continue to stall.
Wilson has preferred the checkdown throws to tight ends and running backs, but those plays hardly result in game-winning drives. Sure, the dink-and-dunk passes can get first downs, but what happens when the Broncos need a big play deep, downfield, and in the end zone?
Wilson plays a brand of chaotic hero ball that hardly matches his Super Bowl-winning pedigree. To make matters worse, he has zero synergy or connection with his receivers outside of Sutton when the chips are down. There’s simply a lack of trust, which continually leads to panicked decisions from Wilson and a disheartened offense.
Sure, the Broncos have some players with talent, speed, and route-running ability. But no amount of talent in the world has ever outperformed production on gameday.
Payton: On Santa’s Naughty or Nice List?
I’ll remain entrenched in my position that Payton was the right man for Denver to hire as head coach last winter, and it remains true here in Week 16 of the regular season.
Despite having a snowball’s chance in hell to make the postseason, the turnaround from the short-lived Nathaniel Hackett era has been remarkable in 2023. The Broncos remain 6-3 in their last nine games after starting the season (1-5), while QB Russell Wilson has statistically resurrected his NFL career.
But for all the improvements, there have been loads of flaws, including Payton's sideline tirade aimed at Russ in Detroit that also included his lapse in judgment when he should’ve challenged a scoring play in that same game. Not to mention the horrendous screen passes and impotent running back draws that are called ad nauseam every single game.
Payton was also caught giving some stern words to defensive coordinator Vance Joseph late in the fourth quarter against the Pats as Denver attempted to rally back. No, it wasn’t anything worth getting fired up about, but it should be noted that frustration is spilling over and could be reaching new and unfriendly limits within the team, and Payton is willing to have a tough conversation with just about anyone on his team.
That same passion and fire from Payton was also directed at his offensive line on the sideline during the second half. His unit responded by scoring two touchdowns and converting a pair of two-point conversions late in the fourth quarter.
But sooner or later, the yelling and screaming loses some of its luster when it fails to produce winning results, and players are left to wonder whether they should just accept their fate. If we’re being real, that fate currently is a signed, sealed, and delivered eighth straight season of missing the playoffs.
Make no mistake, player evaluations continue to be made by Payton and his staff, with two regular season games remaining against AFC West opponents. Fans and media members alike can already tell which players have their hearts and careers invested with the team, while others are likely biding their time before hitting the road to greener pastures.
Whether Payton deserves to be on Santa's naughty or nice list isn't a simple issue, and while I'm not suggesting that Payton deserves to be showered with gifts, he does deserve the respect of this fan base in a manner that no one has since Gary Kubiak coached this franchise.
Perhaps a lump of coal is in order for Christmas Eve, and Payton's new presents won't be delivered until the offseason in the form of upgraded players at positions of dire need.
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