Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett answers questions after training camp at the UCHealth Training Center. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos HC Nathaniel Hackett, a 'darned good football mind,' has failed so far

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 9/23/22

Broncos rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett, supposedly a "darn good football mind," is scrambling for solutions for his team's offensive woes. It's a small sample size of two games, but the numbers suggest his offense could be historically bad, per the Washington Post's Des Bieler.

“By managing 16 points in each of its games, Denver is on pace for its worst per-game scoring mark since the 1971 Broncos,” Bieler wrote.

The 1971 team won four games, tying for worst in franchise history for a full season since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. This year’s Broncos are 1-1, but they barely beat the Texans in Week 2 in a game in which the home fans booed them.

Some Denver fans are booing the Broncos offense. Russell Wilson is 3-11 for 38 yards so far today. pic.twitter.com/Oiznub0pN4
— @ (@FTBeard7) September 18, 2022

To Hackett’s credit, he took accountability, acknowledging he must improve.

“I just want to be sure that I am the most efficient that I can possibly be,” Hackett said earlier this week. “To this point, I haven’t done that, and I can do a lot better.”

Hackett must find these answers quickly. Through two games, Denver has made six trips to the red zone, scoring zero touchdowns.

Broncos fumble it AGAIN inside of the 5 yard line ‍♂️ #BroncosCountry #Seahawks #DENvsSEA pic.twitter.com/2FEy4uG5ra
— Cover 3 Dynasty (@Cover3Dynasty) September 13, 2022

According to Bieler, the Broncos have 19 offensive drives, the second-lowest figure in the NFL. Their lack of discipline is equally concerning. The Broncos have 25 penalties, the most in the NFL and seven more than the second-most penalized team, the Eagles.

The Broncos, who have finished last in the AFC West the past two seasons, must fix these flaws soon. On Sunday, they host the 49ers, who have the NFL's No.1 defense.

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