Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos: Week 6 Position Grades

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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It is a underwhelming couple of weeks for the Denver Broncos as they suffer back-to-back losses for the first time this year. Hopefully changes come soon.

The Denver Broncos were latest victim of the San Diego Chargers, breaking a long-standing record of 15 games with a road divisional wins. Last such loss came when Tim Tebow was the starting quarterback against the Oakland Raiders. There is blame to go around after another devastating loss on a short week, but we are a playoff caliber team and I look for us to rebound.

Reinserted back into the lineup, Trevor Siemian is supposed add stable quarterback play after Paxton Lynch’s less than stellar play versus the Atlanta Falcons. That did not happen. Lynch’s performance was pitiful, but Siemian’s play may take the cake; however both quarterbacks failed to give us any sort of momentum the last two games.

Yet, in all the negatives from last night, the running game played better than last week. A multitude of holding penalties forced the team to not sustain any sort of drive. Those holding penalties occurred at the worst possible time. Whether it was 1st and 20, 2nd and 10 or a pass play to CJ Anderson resulting in a TD, the Broncos offensive line were undisciplined in the game’s most critical moments.

Defensively, the Broncos played well considering the beginning part of that game. The defense played slow to begin the game, but picked it up just before the half and continued the momentum in the second half keeping the game close for the offense.

Let’s take a look at another week of positional grades:

Quarterbacks Grade: D-

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) reacts as he walks off the field after a 21-13 loss ot the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Trevor Siemian now replaced Paxton Lynch and re-inserted back in the starting quarterback saddle. Siemian was 4-0 as a starter coming to the San Diego Chargers’ His play last night was not indicative of the type of play Broncos fans were accustom to. Siemian was off all game missing throws and not using his progressions properly as a quarterback. With his play last night, everything is on the table at quarterback. Yesterday’s performance resonates with some fans, saying it is as terrible a start since Tim Tebow. There may be an agreement after that game. Siemian receives a D- grade.

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A Hail Mary is a last shot to win the game that requires arm strength to get the ball t the end zone. Regardless of how injured it appeared Siemian is coming into the game yesterday, he has to make that throw count. If his throw were further, Broncos would be going for two points and a chance to tie. Siemian has played better than this in starts, but at that moment in the game we needed his very best.

Siemian could ill afford that type of game with Paxton Lynch on the bench. The Broncos needed spark from their offense and Siemian was a reason, but not the reason. Right now as we move on to the Houston Texans, everything should be on the table at the quarterback position. Again, the Broncos beat themselves last night. Before you point any sort of blame on the quarterback look at the offensive line first.

Running Backs Grade: D+

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs past San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Caraun Reid (91) during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

CJ Anderson and Devontae Booker are a making of a great backfield duo and they played well last night, all things considered. However, at times Anderson struggled to move the ball for positive yards on first down. The offense did a better job as the game progressed and aside from holding penalties on the offensive line, the running game was pretty good. This is scale is measured as a team. Therefore, the running gets a D+ grade.

I understand. You are thinking how much praise was given to the running game in the first paragraph, then how could it possibly be a D+. Anderson is lacking the burst he once had in the Carolina Panthers game and Booker added nice runs here and there, but the offensive line holding penalties on run plays cost them the game. It is as simple as that.

The Broncos need to be more creative on first down to help set up their passing game and vice versa. Even getting Andy Janovich more involved in the offense is not a bad idea for a struggling offense. Janovich is a tremendous x-factor in the running and passing game. Hopefully, the Broncos can utilize him appropriately in the coming weeks with a small bye week to prepare for the Houston Texans.

Wide Receivers Grade: DTight Ends Grade: D+

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) cannot make a catch as San Diego Chargers linebacker Korey Toomer (56) defends during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The wide receivers did not play like the past couple weeks, but it was nice to see Bennie Fowler catch his lone touchdown of the season so far in 2016. Unfortunately, the Broncos’ receivers turned the ball over twice costing the offense dearly on drives that could result in scores.

Jordan “Sunshine” Taylor grabbed another pass yesterday in the Thursday night game, but turned the ball over on the first drive involving a wide receiver turnover. The second such drive included the Broncos captain, Demaryius Thomas. Thomas fumbled the ball after a great play by the Chargers defender; however, he must learn to protect the football better in open space and not carry it like a loaf of bread. His lone turnover helped seal the victory for the Chargers. These costly turnovers by Thomas and Taylor put the Broncos grades at wide receiver with a D.

The Broncos offense will gel over time and having key players back will help in the molding process. Unfortunately in a time like yesterday, we needed the team’s offensive leaders to come through. Virgil Green had three catches for 21 yards and that alone was more production then the past few weeks combined. The team must find a way to utilize Green’s strengths as a receiver by making him run routes all over the field, not just to one side.

John Phillips also caroled three catches of his own in the game last night. One such catch resulted in a first down for 16-yards. Putting aside the three catches for Green and Phillips, the Broncos need to find a threat on offense from the tight end. At this point, Jeff Heuerman has been a waste of pick in the second round. The Broncos must create ways to get their tight end playmakers involved. If that is Green, then it is Green. If it is Heuerman and Green then play them both and do not telegraph which side is better in the run game or pass game. Overall, Broncos tight ends played ok, but the grade is a D+ because there were no turnovers from them.

Offensive Line Grade: F

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) scrambles as offensive guard Michael Schofield (79) holds San Diego Chargers nose tackle Brandon Mebane (92) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Time off for Donald Stephenson also affected his timing on the offensive line. He looked slow of the snap and was flagged multiple times in the game last night. In case you missed it Ty Sambrailo was inactive also. But even he would not have changed the outcome of the game last night. Stephenson and the rest of the line played horrendous all game long and backed up the Falcons’ performance with another F grade.

Everything went wrong for the Broncos offensive line last night. Holding penalties on crucial runs and in the end zone continue to plague an offense that needs to find an identity quick. There is a fine line in discipline and playing angry. The Broncos linemen must assert themselves as a dominant force in all phases for them to be a feared group in the NFL.

Darrion Weems played significant time at first-team guard in Training Camp and preseason, but due to a concussion he has not seen the field since. Michael Schofield turned himself into a decent guard, but there are still fans that cringe when they hear his name. But let’s be clear Schofield is playing better than Max Garcia and Ty Sambrailo.

Defensive Line Grades: B-

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is sacked by Denver Broncos defensive end Jared Crick (93) and Derek Wolfe (95) during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Now we get to the “smiles” portion of our position grades. The defense is not as good as last year’s, but it is still a very good opportunistic one. It is great to see the defensive line play with better intensity and gap integrity, but the one play from Melvin Gordon still haunts my memory. The overall grade for the defensive line is a B- grade.

Gordon finished with close to 100-yards on the ground, but 48 of it came on the lone big gash of the night. The Broncos must play better in not allowing the big play on defense from a running back. Jared Crick had a great night getting in the backfield on multiple occasions to pressure Phillip Rivers as the game rolled along.

The defensive line did not play well in the Falcons’ backs, but the San Diego Chargers did not exactly have its full compliment of players last night. Danny Woodhead is the “Wes Welker” in a running back and would present the Broncos a problem based on last week. However, the Broncos defensive line adjusted well in their gap assignments to not allow very many big running plays. They must eliminate the “bend, but don’t break” defense from the repertoire as a whole unit. It is their makeup to beat opposing offensive weapons from the line of scrimmage. We need a nastier defense from the line.

Linebackers Grade: B-

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Dexter McCluster dives as he is tackled by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Right now on defense, the most glaring problem as a group is the inside linebacker play. Brandon Marshall still at times is too late once it is hiked to recover in time on a running back or tight end. Marshall is an established cover linebacker and better than most in the NFL, but he cannot do it alone. He needs his “Robin” again.

Marshall’s “Robin” right now is Todd Davis. Davis is struggling mightily in the pass game and in the run game at times. He is an instinctive hitter, but lacks the game-changing ability of Zaire Anderson. Anderson is a true linebacker in every sense of the word and would instantly upgrade the back-end of their front seven. For the Broncos to regain prominence they must be more rotational with players to keep the starters fresher late in games.

Von Miller was a beast in the run game last night against Gordon. Take away Gordon’s long run, Broncos linebackers Shane Ray, Shaquille Barrett and Miller were terrific in setting the edge. They did not allow Gordon to roam free from sideline to sideline.

The linebacker corps as a whole did well in the Chargers game, but coverage continues giving that position problems earning a B- grade. In a small bye week, the team should be better prepared for Brock Osweiler and the Houston Texans.

Secondary Grade: A-

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) is defended by Denver Broncos free safety Bradley Roby (29) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Chargers were able to put up points the past couple weeks without Keenan Allen, Stevie Johnson and Danny Woodhead in their offense. They met their toughest test in the Broncos secondary yesterday. Tight end is a problem area, not just for the linebackers, but for the secondary as well. Secondary receives an A- because of the second half adjustments by Wade Phillips.

Poor tackling and angles to a ball carrier plagued TJ Ward all game long in coverage. The loss of Justin Simmons could be bigger than people realize. There are certain packages on defense where Phillips designs plays with Darian Stewart, Ward and Simmons to be on the field. This allows Ward to play hybrid safety and linebacker in the box for coverage and the run, which at times loses his contain. Simmons was replaced yesterday by Will Parks and did a decent job in a pinch, but expect Simmons soon.

Travis Benjamin, previously of the Cleveland Browns, gave the Broncos fits last year. However, last night he was a non-factor in the second half due to the offensive coordinator focusing an emphasis on running the ball more with Gordon. Benjamin presented a problem early in coverage, but Bradley Roby did a great job blanketing him and Tyrell Williams.

Overall, the Broncos defense played well again, but they find their nasty once more to take the team the next level. Derek Wolfe, Aqib Talib, Chris Harris and Von Miller can all bring that fiery attitude to the defense. It is the inside linebackers that must retrieve the physical nature from last year. Zaire Anderson playing more on defense is a step in the right direction.

Special Teams Grade: C+

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) kicks a field goal as punter Riley Dixon (9) holds for him against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The special teams unit hit a bit of a rough patch against the San Diego Chargers. Cody Latimer left the game due to a concussion and is now in that required injury protocol. Jordan Norwood did fine on kickoffs and punts except for one first return not making it to the 20.

Interim coach Joe DeCamillis prides himself on great special teams play and the Broncos made him proud late in the game on Thursday winning the onside kick. Jordan Taylor made the recovery to salvage a better game on his part. Aqib Talib became also became a punt returner late looking to give the team some spark on special teams. It was not a bad idea with Talib’s history in open space.

Brandon McManus disappointed from 50-yards, yet again but that would be his only miss in the evening. His misses from 50-yards is a problem for the Broncos and if he makes it a regular occurrence his time as regular kicker will be short-lived. Riley Dixon is performing much better the since the start of the season. This is a good sign for fans after his poor execution in the preseason. Special teams get a C+ for the lack of big plays and another missed field goal.

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