Troy Franklin’s Slump and the Broncos’ Bigger Picture: Why Denver Still Believes in Their Young WR
The Denver Broncos are rolling. At 11-2 and riding a 10-game winning streak, they’ve staked their claim as one of the NFL’s most complete teams - or at least one of the most resilient. But what’s made this run even more impressive is that they’ve done it without their offense firing on all cylinders for most of the season.
Yes, things have started to click more recently. The offense has found a rhythm, and rookie quarterback Bo Nix deserves credit for steadying the ship. He’s been productive and poised, even as the unit around him has dealt with growing pains - from inconsistent play-calling to dropped passes and shaky execution from his receiving corps.
One of the more notable storylines? The recent struggles of wide receiver Troy Franklin.
From WR1 Buzz to WR3 Reality
Franklin came into the year with real buzz. He flashed early, showing the kind of speed, route-running, and playmaking ability that had some wondering if he could emerge as Denver’s top wideout.
But over the last month, that narrative has cooled. Fast.
In his last five games, Franklin has posted 18 catches for 183 yards and a single touchdown. Those numbers aren’t disastrous on the surface, but they’re a step back from his early-season form - especially when you zoom in on the last two games. Against the Commanders and Raiders, he combined for just five catches and 32 yards.
The biggest issue? Drops.
After dropping just three passes over the first seven games, Franklin has five drops in his last five outings. That’s not the kind of trend you want to see from a young receiver trying to carve out a consistent role in a playoff-caliber offense.
What’s Going Wrong - and How He Can Turn It Around
Franklin’s recent dip in production isn’t about talent. The tools are there.
He’s got the size, the speed, and the ability to separate - all things that made him such an intriguing draft pick in the first place. What he’s dealing with now looks more like a confidence issue than a physical one.
Drops are often mental. And when they start to pile up, they can get in a receiver’s head. That’s where the Broncos’ coaching staff - and Bo Nix - come into play.
Sean Payton and his offensive staff have done a better job lately of simplifying things and getting the ball out of Nix’s hands quickly. That’s where Franklin can thrive.
He’s dangerous in the quick game - particularly on screens and short routes where he can use his burst after the catch. Fans might groan at another bubble screen, but for a receiver trying to get his rhythm back, those easy touches can be invaluable.
Get him the ball early. Let him build confidence. Then start layering in the deeper shots and contested catches that he was making earlier in the year.
The Broncos Still Need Him - And They Know It
This isn’t just about individual performance. The Broncos have legitimate playoff aspirations, and they’ll need all hands on deck if they’re going to make a real run. That includes Franklin.
Even with Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy in the mix, Franklin brings a different element to the offense. He’s a dynamic weapon when he’s on - the kind of player who can flip a drive with one explosive play.
Denver doesn’t need him to be a WR1 right now, but they do need him to be reliable. And if he can regain his early-season form, he could be the X-factor that gives this offense another gear.
Bo Nix hasn’t lost faith. Neither has Payton. And inside that locker room, there’s a belief that Franklin’s best football this season might still be ahead of him.
The Broncos are surging. If Franklin can bounce back, their ceiling gets even higher.