The Broncos’ offense is four quarters away from sole possession of an NFL record.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Broncos would break the NFL mark for the longest streak without a turnover if they complete their game at the Meadowlands against the New York Giants on Sunday without losing a fumble or throwing an interception.
That might not be easy. The Giants lead the NFC in forcing turnovers with 18 in five games. Cincinnati of the AFC has forced 21 turnovers in six games, leaving New York with a higher average.
“They’re the best in the NFL at turnovers,” Denver coach Mike Shanahan said. “They come after you.”
The Broncos, who made holding onto the ball one of their preseason goals, will have to earn their record. The Broncos have gone 264 minutes, 31 seconds since they last committed a turnover. It came Sept. 18 against San Diego when Jake Plummer threw an interception in the third quarter. Elias tracks this statistic in terms of games, not minutes. Denver’s streak of four consecutive games without a turnover already has tied the NFL mark.
Not coincidentally, Denver rang up wins over Kansas City, Jacksonville, Washington and New England in those games.
Several teams have gone four games without a turnover, the last being Seattle, spanning Nov. 11 through Dec. 2, 2001. But no team has accomplished the feat for five games.
“Don’t tell me that,” Denver fullback Kyle Johnson said, wincing. “It’s like talking to a pitcher during an no-hitter.”
Shanahan also shied away from the subject, saying he doesn’t want to jinx the team.
Johnson struggled to get a grip on why the Broncos suddenly have become glued to the football.
“It’s not like we spread palm oil on our hands or anything,” Johnson said. “It’s just playing smart football. It’s just executing what we practice. The fact that we’ve done well so far is great, but you really can’t explain it. We’re just playing smart.”
Although the Broncos say they’re not holding the ball any tighter, the improvement is dramatic. Denver has five turnovers. The NFL record for fewest turnovers in a season is 12, set by Kansas City in 1982.
Last season, Denver committed 29 turnovers – 20 Plummer interceptions and nine lost fumbles. Plummer’s controlled play this season is the major reason for the team’s 17-quarter streak without a turnover. His three interceptions is his lowest total after six games in any of his nine NFL seasons.
“Jake has it the hardest when it comes to turnovers,” tight end Stephen Alexander said. “It’s the position he plays. It’s always tough on the quarterback.”
Plummer worked diligently in the offseason to cut down on his mistakes. A major theme of the Broncos’ winning streak has been a ball-control offense.
“I’m not trying to go out and not throw interceptions,” Plummer said. “I have to be smart and not try to force it or make a crazy play, and sometimes throw it away. … I am playing ball and going through the offense the same way I have for the past few years. It’s just that things are happening for us right now.”
At a record pace.
Staff writer Bill Williamsoncan be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
