Gassers and a look ahead following the Broncos’ 16-9 loss to the Jets in Week 7 to drop to 2-5.
Brandon McManus
The normally reliable kicker lost his mojo in the first half. McManus missed an extra point in the first quarter after Denver’s first touchdown, costing the Broncos a chance to tie the game at 7-7. Mitchell Fraboni’s snap was a little high, and it looked like McManus was miffed with holder Corliss Waitman after the miss. Then, in the second quarter, McManus missed a 56-yarder where he didn’t play the fade enough and the wind pushed the kick wide right. He also made a 44-yard field goal.
Nathaniel Hackett
As questions continue to mount about whether Hackett can hack it as a head coach in the NFL, the first-year Denver play-caller didn’t show much guts when given the chance to take control of the game. The Broncos punted on fourth-and-one three times in the second half. Then, when Denver finally did go for it on fourth-and-three from the New York 25-yard-line with two minutes left, Hackett’s play call came up empty as Brett Rypien’s pass to Courtland Sutton on a go-route fell incomplete. Hackett’s seat is getting warmer by the day.
Broncos offense
It doesn’t matter who is quarterbacking this team, the offense is dreadful. Averaging a league-low 15.2 points per game coming into Sunday, backup QB Brett Rypien threw an interception and overall he couldn’t manage to get the unit going with Russell Wilson looking on from the sidelines. Yes, Hackett is to blame for his role in this ineptitude, as are injuries to key players such as tailback Javonte Williams and left tackle Garett Bolles. But Sunday again affirmed: This offense stinks, and its playmakers aren’t making enough plays.
Up Next
Sunday, Oct. 30 vs. Jaguars in London; 7:30 a.m. (Week 8)
Record: 2-5
Week 7 result: Lost 23-17 vs Giants
Coach: Doug Pederson (1st year with Jacksonville, 44-42-1 in six years overall, five with the Eagles)
About the Jaguars: Jacksonville started 2-1 with wins over the Colts and Chargers, two teams who have beat the Broncos, but have gone off the rails since then with four consecutive losses. The latest defeat to the Giants on Sunday came despite second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence throwing for 310 yards. Wide receiver Christian Kirk was tackled inside the 1-yard line as time expired. Travis Etienne Jr. (114 rushing yards in Week 7) is a potent threat out of the backfield.
