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In Baltimore, the Denver Broncos were defeated, which caused fans to question whether or not they believe this squad is capable of making the playoffs.

Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, runs the offense during the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on November 3, 2024. The game takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.
Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, runs the offense during the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on November 3, 2024. The game takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America. Images courtesy of Mitch Stringer-Picture
This is the story of the Denver Broncos.
NFL team from Baltimore

Against the Broncos, Bo Nix’s touchdown catch and Lamar Jackson’s day bring the game to a close.

After that

Stay put.

In order to compete against the Baltimore Ravens, who are known for their incredible talent, the Denver Broncos traveled to Baltimore. After winning five of its last six games, Denver was given its first opportunity to demonstrate that it is a genuine competitor in the American Football Conference (AFC).

Regrettably, the Broncos were unable to meet their expectations. During the course of the game, both the strengths of the Ravens and the shortcomings of the Broncos were brought to light.

Where did things go wrong? This loss by 31 points ought to serve as a wake-up call for the Broncos, and let’s take a look at how and why it should be.

In spite of the fact that Lamar Jackson did not sprint for a touchdown of 80 yards, he did use his feet to create more time so that he could throw strikes along the field. The reason he is considered to be one of the most talented playmakers in the league was proved by him.

In the final moments of the game, Jackson concluded with three touchdown passes and 280 yards via the air. However, he only managed to gain four yards on the ground. Restricting him to a maximum of four yards on the ground could have resulted in a victory in the past.

Nevertheless, Jackson continues to develop and refine his ability to read the defense, capitalize on mismatches, and knock opponents on their heels. This is the reason why he continues to be a betting favorite to win his third NFL Most Valuable Player title.

While Jackson was having a strong performance through the air, Derrick Henry was putting in a lot of work on the ground, particularly in the second half of the game. Even though he didn’t get off to a good start, he started to make an impact on the game as the Broncos defense started to tire out.

Finishing the game with 106 rushing yards and two touchdowns, Henry consistently gained crucial yards and helped control the game’s tempo. The Denver defense, which was already under pressure due to Jackson’s athleticism, found it increasingly difficult to control Henry, particularly as the game progressed throughout the game.

What was the most aggravating aspect? Is it the fact that the Broncos were attempting fourth down plays in the first place or the reality that they were unable to convert on those plays?

While I can appreciate why Sean Payton felt the need to go for it on the fourth down, I also understand why he did it. The heartbreaking moments that occurred when it came to the execution of Payton’s fourth-down calls were Bo Nix’s missed touchdown pass to Troy Franklin and Javonte Williams’ unsuccessful attempt to extend for a first down.

These failed attempts cost crucial scoring opportunities, but more importantly, these turnovers on downs affected the Broncos’ momentum and morale, revealing a frustrating inability to convert in pivotal moments.

While Nix finished with respectable numbers, going 19-of-33 for 223 yards, with one interception and a rare touchdown catch, he was also sacked four times in Baltimore. His final sack was the most egregious of them all, losing 13 yards on a 3rd-&-Goal from the 1-yard line, forcing the Broncos into a 4th-&-14 situation that ended in a turnover on downs.

Nix missed Courtland Sutton high in the back of the end zone. Hopefully, Nix approaches this loss as a learning moment as he continues to grow as the Broncos’ signal-caller.

As a conclusion
Despite this lopsided loss, I still believe the Broncos defense is capable of performing at a playoff-caliber level. If the defense receives adequate support, there is potential for a playoff run.

Nevertheless, the Broncos offense needs to continue to show signs of improvement. Improving on third down and minimizing turnovers should top the to-do list.

Hopefully, the Broncos can make these adjustments sooner rather than later as they fly out next week to Arrowhead to take on the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.