Official Game Day Thread: 2022 Season: Week 17 Chargers VS. Broncos

[Broncoted30]

Team looked competent the last 2 games.

Hopefully something to build on next year

[BroncoDrej]

Nice to end this abysmal season with a W! Way to go Broncos!!

[CanDB]

W

(and I don't mean Washington, although that was pretty cool too)

[East Coast Fan]

Just letting it run... and end... whew. A division win.. and win # 5. Sad that I am happy over 5 wins, but that's the season it has been.

I remember reading in Lyle Alzado's book where he said "we used to think it was a good season if we won 5 games" after the team became competent and started winning lol!!

[roushmartin6]

Nice to end with a win and hurt Seattle's pick. We got a glimpse of what we could have had all year and it makes me even more frustrating. Again the pieces are there, especially with all the talent on ir, we just need a coach who can put it together

[GMTD]

We end in 28th place (one place lower than the Rams on the Strength of Schedule tie breaker).

[Carffather]

The future is bright with a real coach next year.. nice win

[CanDB]

In my opinion, almost any team has a real shot at the playoffs next year, provided they put in some effort. My reasoning: there are few teams this year that appear to be unstoppable on any given Sunday. So a lower placed team this year, with sound management, good coaching and improved play could be knocking on the door.

We know that The Broncos did not have O for most of the year, but if they even had a little more, they would have been in the hunt. Now they are scoring. The downside is that they’re really good D has dropped off. But that could be a late season thing.

I believe O will improve next year, even if marginally, and hopefully D will return to it’s form.

[brianmcfarlane]

In my opinion, almost any team has a real shot at the playoffs next year, provided they put in some effort. My reasoning: there are few teams this year that appear to be unstoppable on any given Sunday. So a lower placed team this year, with sound management, good coaching and improved play could be knocking on the door.

We know that The Broncos did not have O for most of the year, but if they even had a little more, they would have been in the hunt. Now they are scoring. The downside is that they’re really good D has dropped off. But that could be a late season thing.

I believe O will improve next year, even if marginally, and hopefully D will return to it’s form.

The defense now has how many starters? I think maybe 5? We could consider Browning a starter now I suppose but, do they have any starters still on the defensive line? Today they played a lot of rookies in the defensive backfield. This defense played pretty well considering all the injuries over the season. It is set up to be good next season if they can get Dre'mont signed and find a little help in the off-season.

[Broncos1963]

In my opinion, almost any team has a real shot at the playoffs next year, provided they put in some effort. My reasoning: there are few teams this year that appear to be unstoppable on any given Sunday. So a lower placed team this year, with sound management, good coaching and improved play could be knocking on the door.

We know that The Broncos did not have O for most of the year, but if they even had a little more, they would have been in the hunt. Now they are scoring. The downside is that they’re really good D has dropped off. But that could be a late season thing.

I believe O will improve next year, even if marginally, and hopefully D will return to it’s form.

I think the defense hasn't really dropped off. I think the higher opposing scores are a product of Denver finally finding some offense. This creates more offense from an opponent. They can't score 15 points and cruise. Return some players and I expect Denver's defense to be very tough. Hopefully the whole team is considerably improved.

[CanDB]

The defense now has how many starters? I think maybe 5? We could consider Browning a starter now I suppose but, do they have any starters still on the defensive line? Today they played a lot of rookies in the defensive backfield. This defense played pretty well considering all the injuries over the season. It is set up to be good next season if they can get Dre'mont signed and find a little help in the off-season.

Between injuries and continued stellar effort in losing causes, it becomes very hard for any D to sustain their momentum. I was referring more to their last few games, though I don't see it as a long term trend.

[brianmcfarlane]

Between injuries and continued stellar effort in losing causes, it becomes very hard for any D to sustain their momentum. I was referring more to their last few games, though I don't see it as a long term trend.

I understand but the last few games the D was even more affected by injuries ... I think. Not good giving up 28 today in a win but they were playing a relatively healthy Chargers offense that is a good offense when healthy. And special team gave up a score too. Looking forward, I think this defense will be good/great next season... if they stay, relatively healthy.

[CanDB]

But if we are merely using stats, The Broncs D has given up 31 points per game in their last 5. Just an average, and not total story, but there has been a drop off for the reasons discussed.

[JvDub95]

I think the best thing about this win was that it came against the Chargers starters

[stat]

I think the best thing about this win was that it came against the Chargers starters

Chase Daniel came in for Herbert. If Herbert stayed in decent chance they tie or win with late drive.