The Denver Broncos walked into Week 16 with control of their playoff destiny-and walked out with a 34-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and a whole lot more uncertainty. A shot at the AFC’s No. 1 seed?
Slipping. The AFC West crown?
Suddenly in jeopardy. With two games left, Denver's margin for error is gone.
And the most frustrating part? This loss didn’t have to happen.
The Broncos showed flashes early, particularly on the ground. But instead of leaning into what was working, they backed off. And that’s where things unraveled.
Missed Opportunity in the Run Game
Denver came out of the gate with a clear advantage: their ground game was clicking. Jaleel McLaughlin opened the contest with back-to-back runs of 16 and 9 yards-explosive, efficient, and exactly the kind of tone-setter you want on the road.
RJ Harvey followed with a 38-yard touchdown sprint that should've been a wake-up call to keep feeding the backs. But instead of doubling down, the Broncos pulled back.
McLaughlin, after that hot start, touched the ball just three more times the rest of the game. Harvey, who was averaging over seven yards per carry, had only six rushing attempts through three quarters. Altogether, the Broncos ran the ball just 17 times, despite averaging a robust 5.9 yards per carry.
That’s not just a missed opportunity-that’s a strategic misfire.
The Ripple Effect of Abandoning the Run
When you’re averaging nearly six yards a pop on the ground, that’s not just solid production-it’s a signal to keep pounding the rock. It helps control the tempo, keeps your defense fresh, and limits the opposing offense’s time on the field. And against a Jaguars team that found its rhythm offensively, that kind of ball control could’ve been a game-changer.
Instead, Denver leaned too heavily on the pass, and the offense sputtered. The Jaguars took advantage, building a lead and forcing the Broncos into catch-up mode. From there, the game script tilted, and the Broncos never regained control.
Looking Ahead: The Formula Is Simple
With the Chiefs and Chargers up next, Denver’s path forward is clear. They need to re-establish their identity on the ground.
McLaughlin and Harvey have proven they can be difference-makers with the ball in their hands. Even Tyler Badie could get some looks down the stretch.
But it starts with commitment-sticking with the run even when the game doesn't immediately demand it.
Sean Payton has built his reputation on smart, balanced football. But in Week 16, the game plan got away from him. The Broncos had the tools to win, but they didn’t use them enough.
Now, with the playoff picture tightening and every possession mattering more than ever, Denver has to get back to basics. That means trusting their backs, controlling the clock, and taking some pressure off the passing game.
The good news? The fix isn’t complicated.
The Broncos don’t need to reinvent themselves-they just need to run the ball. Do that, and they’ve still got a real shot at making noise in January.
Ignore it again, and the season could slip away just as quickly as Week 16 did.