Emmanuel Sanders holds himself accountable for Broncos’ offensive woes

The Denver Broncos' offense is still trying to figure itself out. Through two games, the unit has struggled immensely to find consistency.

The Broncos are ranked 16th (358/game) in total yards and 28th (15) in points-per-game and as modest as those numbers are, most of that production has come in the fourth quarter when the chips are down and it's put-up or shut-up.

Wideout Emmanuel Sanders sees where the problem lies — sustaining drives past the 50-yard line — and is resolved to take it upon himself to do whatever possible to turn it around.

Too often, the Broncos will cross the 50-yard line and approach the 40 — and just then, they'll shoot themselves in the foot. Whether it be an untimely penalty (*cough* Garett Bolles/Ron Leary *cough*) or simply a failure to convert on third down, the Broncos have too often crossed midfield only to stall and find themselves too far out for a field goal.

Even when the Broncos have inched a little bit closer and gotten into Brandon McManus' range, the offense's mindset has seemed all too willing to settle for a field goal, instead of pushing on to hit pay-dirt and score a touchdown.

“It’s all about understanding where we are on the field and making sure we’re executing at that point," Sanders said on Tuesday as the Broncos try to reckon with Week 2's heartbreaking lsos to the Chicago Bears and behind them. "Obviously, we drove the ball on the Raiders and the Bears, but we always stall out like midfield or the 40. We’re working on that in terms of making sure we’re locked in more because we would get into that area and have a penalty. Or we’re getting into that area and not converting third downs. If we do convert a third down, we’re in field goal range."

The two-time Pro Bowler has tried to stay vocal in the huddle to remind his teammates of the situation when the Broncos cross the 50 and to mind their P's and Q's. Now he's going to double his efforts.

"I’m going to take it to my part to make sure that when I’m in the huddle, just like I did last week, make sure guys know where we’re at on the field and in the field of play, and how important that is," Sanders said. "We have to end these drives. You want to end with a touchdown, but if you get into that area you’re going to at least get a field goal out of it.”

Against the Bears, Sanders had one of the best statistical games of his career, hauling in 11 receptions on 13 targets for 98 yards and a touchdown. He also chipped in with a gritty catch that converted a two-point try late in the game, which gave the Broncos a one-point lead with 31 seconds to go.

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Sanders' 11 catches tied a career high. He's been money through two games, which is a marvel considering he's coming off a torn Achilles and a tight-rope surgery on the opposite ankle — at 32 years old.

“Was that a career high in receptions? I don’t think about that stuff," Sanders said. "I just think about wins and losses, and right now we’re 0-2. I just want to get a win.”

Sanders was on the field for nearly 100% of the Broncos' snaps, finishing with 76 plays (93%) vs. Chicago. As Herculean as the effort has been from Sanders, it's taken an early toll on his body. But he's viewing the wear-and-tear with the proper mindset. It's getting him into true football shape.

“This was a tough game," Sanders admitted. "I didn’t even realize I played [76] plays. I was just so locked in. My body was telling me that this doesn’t feel right. There were times when I was like, man, why I am I so tired? Why is this game so hard? But I kept chugging along... Our strength coach [Loren Landow], he just said something. He said, ‘That game right there just prepared us for the whole season.’ To play that many snaps and to overcome that adversity that we overcame, I feel like down the road that is going to help us out a lot.”

It hasn't been all bad for the Broncos' offense. It's definitely been a mixed bag but this unit has shown flashes of the potential it has to score points.

“I’m happy that we were able to move the ball, but I expect us to move the ball just like I expect us to score," Sanders said. "That’s why I’m discouraged because we weren’t able to score, but when the game was on the line we scored when we needed to and I felt like we did what we needed to do to win the ball game... It’s hard to be discouraged but I am encouraged as well.”

The Broncos' offense won't get much of a respite in Week 3, as it takes to the road to do battle with the undefeated Green Bay Packers. Playing in a hostile environment is one thing, but to add insult to injury, the Broncos will be going against the league's No. 2 scoring defense.

The Packers have allowed just 19 points in total but it's important to remember, it's only been two games. If the Broncos can show better discipline along the offensive line, get the running game going earlier than they have and improve on third down, this unit has the talent to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the league.

“Obviously, it’s Lambeau Field. It’s a legendary field," Sanders said. "They have a Hall of Fame quarterback in my opinion. They have a defense that is ranked second all across the board. Facing Chicago and now facing them, we definitely have a tough challenge, but we are definitely up for the challenge.”

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.

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