Startling stat highlights Broncos' offensive ineptitude
Through their first nine games, the Broncos bucked a statistical trend.
They could become the first team in six seasons to post a losing record despite leading the league in scoring defense.
Even though the Broncos (3-6) allowed 149 points in their first nine games, a league best, the offense lagged. It scored 131 points, a league low, explaining the poor record.
The previous leader in scoring defense, Buffalo, complemented a high-powered offense. In 2021, it scored 483 points, the third most in the NFL. The Bills made the playoffs.
According to The New York Times simulator, The Broncos' playoff chances shrank to four percent after their 17-10 loss to the Titans on Sunday.
Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett lamented his offense after they wasted another stingy defensive performance. It held Derrick Henry, who's second in rushing yards, to 53 yards, his second-lowest total this season.
"I give our defense so much credit," Hackett said in a postgame news conference. "The offense has to find a way. We're one-scorers each time."
The Broncos scored one touchdown, or none, in seven of their nine games.
Even though it feels like their thousands of miles away from a winning record, the Broncos need an uptick in offensive production.
If they scored 22 points per game, close to the league average, they would be 8-1, tying the Philadelphia Eagles for the best record in the NFL.
Perhaps it's a sliver of hope the Broncos can cling to if they spark a miracle.
More must-reads: