Time to 'celebrate' the 'new worst coach in Broncos history'
There was a celebration for Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett during Sunday's loss to the Raiders.
"Sunday wasn't just a loss. It was a coronation. (Raiders head coach) Josh McDaniels handed the baton to Nathaniel Hackett and walked away with a grin. Because there's a new worst-ever coach in Broncos history," writes Sean Keeler of the Denver Post.
McDaniels was the Broncos head coach from 2009-10. He was widely panned, especially after replacing two-time Super Bowl champion Mike Shanahan, finishing with an 11-17 record in two seasons.
Hackett is 0-2 against McDaniels following a devastating 22-16 overtime loss to the Raiders, punctuated by a 35-yard Davante Adams touchdown.
Six of Denver's (3-7) seven losses are by one possession. It's last in the AFC West and has a one percent chance to make the playoffs, per the New York Times playoff predictor.
Mark Kiszla questioned the head coach on Twitter, implying it's time to fire him. He asked, "What is Nathaniel Hackett still doing here?"
Hackett has flopped in Denver. The former Green Bay offensive coordinator failed to reproduce his high-scoring scheme.
The Broncos rank last in scoring offense, averaging 14.7 points per game in ten games. They've only scored more than twenty points twice this season.
The Broncos two previous beleaguered head coaches, Vic Fangio and Vance Joseph, never had an offense that averaged less than 17 points per game. Joseph and Fangio were both fired.
Hackett could face a similar fate. Earlier this season, NBC Sports' Mike Florio believed Hackett was on the hot seat. It could be time to part ways since it's not benefiting the team.
"This team is on the road to nowhere. Stop the bus," writes Kiszla.
Although some blame falls on Russell Wilson, who's posting a career-low passing 83.3 passer rating in nine starts, he can't solve every problem. The Broncos have 83 penalties, which can fall on coaching.
Denver cartoonist Drew Litton drew Wilson and Hackett cooking a burnt Thanksgiving turkey to commemorate one of the worst seasons in franchise history, a fitting comparison.
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