Anytime a general manager nabs two future Pro Bowlers — outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (fifth overall) and wide receiver Courtland Sutton (second round) — with the first two picks, it’s safe to say they’ve done their job.

Peer a little closer, however, and things get a little less rosy for the Broncos executive.

John Elway — C+

That came into stark relief earlier this week when 2018 third-round selection Royce Freeman was let go by Elway’s successor, George Paton, as he finalized the team’s 53-man roster.

A highly touted running back out of Oregon, Freeman was supposed to be the future of the Broncos backfield. Instead, he lost his No. 1 spot midway through his rookie year to undrafted free agent Phillip Lindsay and never got it back.

As Broncos reporter Ryan O’Halloran pointed out, with Freeman’s surprise exit, only three of Elway’s 10 picks from that draft remain on the current roster.

The hit list: CB Isaac Yiadom (third round, now on third team), WR DaeSean Hamilton (fourth, waived), TE Troy Fumagalli (fifth, New England IR), OG Sam Jones (sixth, Atlanta practice squad), LBĢżKeishawn Bierria (sixth, CFL) and RB David Williams (seventh, out of NFL).

All that’s left: Chubb, Sutton and starting middle linebacker Josey Jewell (fourth round).

That’s three picks still on the roster just three seasons later. Not exactly a formula for building championship-level depth.

Even one of Elway’s successes — Chubb leads all 2018 draftees with 20 1/2 sacks — comes with two very big caveats: 1) He’s already missed 14 games in three seasons, and 2) Pro Bowl Bills quarterback Josh Allen went two picks later.ĢżAnd now the Broncos are on their fifth Week 1 starting QB in five seasons.

Ed McCaffrey — B

If ever there was an impressive 28-point loss, it was the one we witnessed Friday night Boulder.

The Northern Colorado Bears did not bring home the “W” in a 35-7 loss to in-state big brother Colorado at Folsom Field, but they sure did walk away with one heck of an “MV.”

And we here at Grading the Week are not above recognizing a solid Moral Victory when we see one.

The last time CU and UNC met at Folsom Field, the Bears were just as competitive.ĢżThe Buffs didn’t pull away until the second half of that 2017 meeting, with UNC within a touchdown early in the third quarter before CU imposed its will en route to a 41-21 win.

Sound familiar? Sure, except for a few notable differences.

Those Buffs were facing a UNC program that was several years into the Earnest Collins Era. And they initially racedĢżout to a 28-7 lead late in the second quarter before boredom set in.

These Bears were playing their first game under new head coach Ed McCaffrey. And they were locked in a scoreless draw after one quarter and trailed 14-0 at the half.ĢżIf not for UNC quarterback Dylan McCaffrey’s wayward goal line interception near the end of the second quarter, the Bears might’ve gone into the break down seven.

That’s all we really needed to see from the start of the McCaffrey Era.

After waiting nearly two years to make his debut in blue and gold — one more year than his CU (Karl Dorrell) and CSU (Steve Addazio) counterparts hired during the same offseason — McCaffrey appears to be building something sturdy in Greeley.

But when the Broncos reconvene for their first regular-season week, Fangio will flip the schedule — players will work Mondays and be off Tuesdays.

ā€œThere are benefits to both,ā€ Fangio said. ā€œMost coaches would tell you theyā€™d rather give them Monday off and bring them in Tuesday from the perspective that youā€™re more prepared on Tuesday to give them some more information on the next opponent.ā€

Previously, Fangio said the Broncosā€™ coaches would ā€œtraditionally devote about 40 minutes,ā€ to the next opponent during their Tuesday meetings, which also included a review of the previous game.

ā€œYouā€™re not going to be quite as ready for that on Monday,ā€ he said. ā€œThat¶¶Ņõap the sacrifice there.ā€

The practice schedule (Wednesday-Friday) remains the same, but now, players will have weight-lifting sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday or Friday.ĢżThe additional bonus developed last week when the NFL and NFLPA agreed to test players once a week (instead of every 14 days).

ā€œThat test will occur on Monday,ā€ Fangio said. ā€œIf you get a close contact-type thing where you have to be out three, four or five days, (the player) could still be available for the game on Sunday whereas if you bring them in and you wait for that test on Tuesday, you could run out of days.ā€

Darbyā€™s familiarity. Broncos cornerback Ronald Darby played the previous four years in the NFC East (three with Philadelphia and one with Washington), so he has a head-start on preparing for the New York Giants in the season opener.

Last year, Darby had eight tackles in two games against the Giants, which returns play-caller Jason Garrett and quarterback Daniel Jones.

ā€œYou can be a little familiar with what they do, but they like to switch things up a lot,ā€ Darby said. ā€œ(When) we played them last year — even in years prior to that — things looked the same, but they ran different things off it. But you do pick up tendencies.ā€

Managing Sutton. Fangio hopes the Broncos have to manage receiver Courtland Suttonā€™s snaps early in the season, a year removed from his torn left ACL. It would mean the offense is sustaining drives.

ā€œThe (snap) count can be a little misleading at times,ā€ Fangio said. ā€œIt¶¶Ņõap more so how the drives are going. If weā€™re going three-and-out a bunch, he can play them all. If we can get some nice drives going, heā€™ll need some time off.ā€

2018 draft review. Running back Royce Freemanā€™s departure (he was claimed by Carolina via waivers on Thursday) leaves three of the Broncosā€™ 10 draft picks in 2018 on the roster: Sutton (second round), outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (first) and inside linebacker Josey Jewell (fourth).

Cornerback Isaac Yiadom (third round) is on his third team (Green Bay), receiver DaeSean Hamilton was waived/injured by the Broncos this spring, tight end Troy Fumagalli (fifth) is on New Englandā€™s injured reserve, guard Sam Jones (sixth) is on Atlantaā€™s practice squad, linebacker Keishawn Bierria (sixth) plays for the CFLā€™s Edmonton Elks and running back David Williams (seventh) is out of the league.

With the waiving of wideout DaeSean Hamilton earlier this week, the Broncos now have four players remaining on their roster from the 2018 draft class.

Here’s a breakdown on that 10-player class, which was ex-GM John Elway’s largest class up to that point.

OLB Bradley Chubb (Rd 1, No. 5) — Denver could’ve picked Wyoming QB Josh Allen, who went No. 7 overall to the Bills. But Chubb has turned out to be a defensive linchpin, setting the Broncos rookie record for sacks in 2018 and then bouncing back from an ACL injury with a Pro Bowl season in 2020.

WR Courtland Sutton (Rd 2, No. 40) —ĢżMake that two Pro Bowlers with Elway’s first two picks in this draft after Sutton posted 1,112 yards receiving to earn the honor in 2019. Sutton missed all of his third year with a knee injury, but will be back at full strength this fall as one of the key offensive catalysts.

RB Royce Freeman (Rd 3, No. 71) —ĢżThe Oregon product has been decently effective as a backup tailback in Denver to the since-departed Phillip Lindsay and also Melvin Gordon. Freeman has 297 rushes for 1,187 career yards and will again see time in the backfield in 2021 behind Gordon and rookie Javonte Williams.

CB Isaac Yiadom (Rd 3, No. 99) —ĢżOne of many failed experiments at cornerback during coach Vic Fangio’s tenure, Yiadom’s inconsistencies led to a roller-coaster ride in Denver. He was traded to the Giants last September for a seventh-round pick, which Denver used on Ohio State linebacker Jonathon Cooper.

ILB Josey Jewell (Rd 4, No. 106) —ĢżAnother hit for Elway. Perhaps those who are most critical of Elway’s draft record — and to be fair, there have been serious misses, i.e. Paxton Lynch — should look to this class, as Jewell has also emerged as a starter at inside linebacker. So four of Elway’s first five picks made a tangible impact.

WR DaeSean Hamilton (Rd 4, No. 113) —ĢżWaived on Tuesday, Hamilton sustained a knee injury while training at an off-site facility on May 14. That capped an underperforming three seasons in Denver where Hamilton had 81 catches for 833 yards and five touchdowns. Fans will likely remember him most for his issues with drops.

TE Troy Fumagalli (Rd 5, No. 156) —ĢżThe Wisconsin product had 14 catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns in 19 career games across 2019 and ’20. The Broncos cut him in September last year, then brought him back for the final half of the regular season. He remains a free agent heading into 2021.

G Sam Jones (Rd 6, No. 183) —ĢżThe ThunderRidge alum played just 15 offensive snaps across five games for Denver in 2018 as a backup before being cut ahead of the 2019 season. He didn’t play another down in the NFL.

ILB Keishawn Bierria (Rd 6, No. 217) —ĢżBierria appeared in all 16 games as a rookie, mainly as a special teams contributor, but was never able to establish himself in the linebacker room and was cut in October 2019.

RB David Williams (Rd 7, No. 226) —ĢżSeventh-round picks are shots in the dark, and this one missed badly. Williams was cut after training camp that year and never played in the NFL.

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The next few weeks will confirm or debunk Patonā€™s initial take on the roster. If the Broncos buy in bulk, it means Paton wasnā€™t overly impressed when he dug into the game video. If the Broncos are selective shoppers, it means Paton feels myriad pieces are in place.

As the 48-hour free-agent negotiating period begins Monday, followed by Wednesdayā€™s kickoff of signings and trades, here is a position by position outlook.

Quarterback

Under contract: Jeff Driskel ($3.25 million salary cap number), Drew Lock ($1,912,042) and Brett Rypien ($850,000).

Free agents: None.

Level of need: High. Lock (16 touchdowns/15 interceptions/4-10 record) has support internally, but the realization is the Broncos need to find a better-suited backup and one who can ably replace Lock if he doesnā€™t progress. Houstonā€™s Deshaun Watson is the grand slam target, but until Texans’ general manager Nick Caserio starts returning phone calls, the Broncos and other teams must move forward with their plans.

What weā€™d do: Because Lock is on his rookie contract, the Broncos can afford to pay decent money ($5 million-$7 million) for a veteran backup such as Dallasā€™ Andy Dalton, Chicagoā€™s Mitchell Trubisky or Miamiā€™s Ryan Fitzpatrick. They should attempt to sign one of them and if Watson becomes available later, so be it.

Running back

Under contract: Melvin Gordon ($8,968,750), Royce Freeman ($1,219,255), Andrew Beck (FB, $850,000), Jeremy Cox (FB, $780,000), LeVante Bellamy ($780,000) and Damarea Crockett ($660,000).

Free agents: Phillip Lindsay (restricted).

Level of need: Moderate. If the Broncos keep Gordon and Lindsay signs an anticipated low-round tender, Paton should be in good shape. But if Lindsay departs for a more prominent role, the Broncos should wait until Day 3 of the draft to find a running back.

What weā€™d do: If Lindsay signs an offer sheet with another team, decline to match and dig into the tape of running backs expected to be available in rounds 3-7.

Tight end

Under contract: Nick Vannett ($3,553,125), Noah Fant ($3,433,834), Albert Okwuegbunam ($967,261) and Austin Fort ($661,168),

Free agents: Jake Butt (restricted) and Troy Fumagalli (restricted).

Level of need: Low. The Broncos donā€™t need to cut Vannett for cap purposes and he has value as an in-line blocker/occasional pass-catcher. Fant led the team with 62 catches last year and Okwuegbunam was tracking the right away (11 catches/121 yards) when he tore his ACL last November.

What weā€™d do: Decline to tender Fumagalli, but offer him a one-year contract to remain with the Broncos as a depth option/special teams player.

Receiver

Under contract: Jerry Jeudy ($3,452,945), Courtland Sutton ($2,946,987), DaeSean Hamilton ($2,353,660), KJ Hamler ($1,622,076), Diontae Spencer ($850,000), Tyrie Cleveland ($789,873), Trinity Benson ($660,000) and Kendall Hinton ($660,000).

Free agents: Tim Patrick (restricted).

Level of need: Low. If the Broncos tender Patrick, they can enter training camp with all of their top receivers. The offense will be boosted by Suttonā€™s return from a torn ACL.

What weā€™d do: We would use a second-round tender on Patrick because the receiver room isnā€™t overpriced, he would be insurance if Sutton has a setback and has special teams experience.

Offensive line

Under contract: Jaā€™Wuan James (RT, $13 million), Graham Glasgow (RG, $11,906,250), Garett Bolles (LT, $5 million), Dalton Risner (LG, $1,947,895), Lloyd Cushenberry (C, $1,058,180), Austin Schlottmann (G, $850,000), Calvin Anderson (OT, $850,000), Netane Muti (G, $831,448), Patrick Morris (C/G, $780,000) and Quinn Bailey (OT, $660,000).

Free agents: Elijah Wilkinson (RT) and Demar Dotson (RT).

Level of need: Low. If Wilkinson leaves, the Broncos may poke around for right tackle depth since Anderson is a left tackle by trade.

What weā€™d do: We would wait for the backup offensive line market to develop and even if Anderson projects to be a good right tackle/left tackle backup option, see if somebodyā€™s asking price is acceptable.

Defensive line

Under contract: Mike Purcell (NT, $3,218,750), Dreā€™Mont Jones (DE, $1,142,400), McTelvin Agim (NT/DE, $1,030,396), Isaiah Mack (NT, $850,000), DeShawn Williams (DE, $850,000), Jonathan Harris (DE/NT, $780,000) and Deyon Sizer (NT, $780,000).

Free agents: Shelby Harris (DE), DeMarcus Walker (DE) and Sylvester Williams (NT).

Level of need: High. Note the lack of defensive ends currently under contract. The Broncos have already released Jurrell Casey and if Harris departs, it becomes a big-time priority.

What weā€™d do: Before Wednesday, we would offer Harris a three-year contract in the range of $6.5 million per year to see if he jumps at the security instead of testing the market.

Outside linebacker

Under contract: Von Miller ($22.125 million), Bradley Chubb ($8,847,213), Malik Reed ($855,000) and Derrek Tuszka ($780,000).

Free agents: Jeremiah Attaochu and Anthony Chickillo.

Level of need: Moderate. The longer there isnā€™t a decision on Miller, the more it feels like heā€™ll be back after missing all of 2020 with an ankle injury. A reserve edge rusher whose tape shows solid work against the run would make sense.

What weā€™d do: Our stance on Miller hasnā€™t changed — it¶¶Ņõap time to move on and create nearly $14 million in cap space. But if Paton opts to keep Miller, it eliminates spending decent money on an edge player so we would offer Attaochu a one-year deal.

Inside linebacker

Under contract: Josey Jewell ($2,361,496), Natrez Patrick ($850,000), Josh Watson ($850,000) and Justin Strnad ($719,444),

Free agents: Alexander Johnson (restricted), Joe Jones and Austin Calitro (restricted).

Level of need: High. Entering last yearā€™s training camp, the Broncos had designs on playing Strnad as the sub-package coverage linebacker. But he missed the entire season following wrist surgery.

What weā€™d do: Is Tennesseeā€™s Jayon Brown worth pursuing for $11 million per year? No. We would tender Johnson, who led the Broncos in tackles last year, and then plan on using a draft pick on a linebacker with coverage skills and have him compete with Strnad.

Cornerback

Under contract: Bryce Callahan ($8,145,834), Duke Dawson ($1,127,028), Michael Ojemudia ($1,079,863), Nate Hairston ($990,000), Essang Bassey ($786,666) and Parnell Motley ($780,000).

Free agents: Deā€™Vante Bausby and Kevin Toliver (restricted).

Level of need: High. The No. 1 position group for Paton to address. Callahan (foot) and Bassey (ACL) have injury issues and Ojemudia is an outside corner and led the Broncos with 15 missed tackles.

What weā€™d do: Make signing a veteran cornerback the top priority in the form of players like Washingtonā€™s Ronald Darby, the Chargersā€™ Michael Davis, Dallasā€™ Chidobe Awuzie or Pittsburghā€™s Mike Hilton and Cam Sutton.

Safety

Under contract: Kareem Jackson ($12,882,553), Trey Marshall ($920,000), P.J. Locke ($780,000) and Chris Cooper ($660,000).

Free agents: Justin Simmons (has been applied the franchise tag) and Will Parks.

Level of need: Low. Simmons was tagged on March 5 to help facilitate his return and Jackson is easier to carry on the cap than find a replacement for this year.

What weā€™d do: The Broncos re-signed Marshall last week and Locke is also viewed favorably so we wouldnā€™t do much in free agency but consider a safety in the opening four rounds of the draft who can replace Jackson in 2022.

Specialists

Under contract: Brandon McManus (K, $4.5 million), Sam Martin (P, $2,783,333) and Jacob Bobenmoyer (LS, $780,000).

Free agents: None.

Level of need: Low. McManus and Martin are on long-term contracts and Bobenmoyer had a solid first year. Spencer was re-signed last week to serve as the returner.

What weā€™d do: Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon needs some reinforcements in terms of core players.

But at least the Broncosā€™ young offensive players got experience during the 5-11 season. Five first- or second-year players saw at least 500 snaps of action.

Going young generally equals struggles and poor statistics. The Broncos checked both boxes this past season. Following is a statistical review of the Broncosā€™ offense via The Denver Post¶¶Ņõap game charting and supplemented by Stats, Inc.:

In the rankings

The Broncosā€™ offensive rankings at the seasonā€™s quarter marks:

High yardage game: 459 in win vs. Miami.

Low yardage game: 112 in loss vs. New Orleans.

High scoring game: 37 in win at New York Jets.

Low scoring game: Three in loss vs. New Orleans.

Playing time: 1,075 snaps

QB: Drew Lock 834, Jeff Driskel 115 and Brett Rypien 83.

RB: Melvin Gordon 627, Phillip Lindsay 270, Royce Freeman 192, Jeremy Cox 19 and LeVante Bellamy 9.

WR: Jerry Jeudy 805, Tim Patrick 750, DaeSean Hamilton 533, KJ Hamler 521, Tyrie Cleveland 72, Diontae Spencer 64, Courtland Sutton 31, Kendall Hinton 24 and Fred Brown 5.

TE: Noah Fant 732, Nick Vannett 361, Troy Fumagalli 135, Jake Butt 114, Albert Okwuegbunam 86 and Andrew Beck 66.

OL: Lloyd Cushenberry 1,075, Garett Bolles 1,014, Dalton Risner 999, Graham Glasgow 764, Elijah Wilkinson 502, Demar Dotson 451, Austin Schlottmann 268, Calvin Anderson 132, Netane Muti 121 and Jake Rodgers 51.

The Broncosā€™ season-high for offensive snaps was 80 in the loss to Las Vegas (second meeting) and the low was 43 in the loss to New Orleans. ā€¦ TheĢż Broncos used five offensive line combinations, the most common being Bolles-Risner-Cushenberry-Glasgow-Wilkinson and Bolles-Risner-Cushenberry-Wilkinson-Dotson for six games apiece. ā€¦ Jeudy led the receivers in playing time only once (vs. Kansas City). Patrick led nine times.

Making big plays

Any rush of at least 12 yards and completion of at least 16 yards is considered an ā€œexplosiveā€ play.

The Broncos had 113 explosive plays (79 passes/34 rushes) for an average of 7.1 per game. They had 101 in 2018 and 93 in 2019.

The high total this year was 14 at Pittsburgh and the low total was two vs. New Orleans (replacement QB).

Explosive rushes: Melvin Gordon 15, Phillip Lindsay 11, Drew Lock 4, Royce Freeman 3 and KJ Hamler 1.

Explosive receptions: Jerry Jeudy 23, Tim Patrick 17, Noah Fant 13, Hamler 9, DaeSean Hamilton 5, Albert Okwuegbunam 3, Gordon 2, Courtland Sutton 2, Tyrie Cleveland 2, Freeman 1, Nick Vannett 1 and Troy Fumagalli 1.

The longest pass play was Lockā€™s 92-yard touchdown to Jeudy vs. Las Vegas (Week 17). The longest rush was a 55-yard touchdown by Lindsay vs. the Chargers (Week 8).

Scoring story

The Broncosā€™ 323 points were up from the 2019 total of 282 points. The Broncos eclipsed 25 points in five games (3-2 record).

The offense scored 21 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns.

The average length of the passing touchdowns was 19.3 yards. Four were at least 40 yards — 48 (Jerry Jeudy at the Jets), 40 (DaeSean Hamilton in the first Chargers game), 49 (KJ Hamler at Carolina) and 92 (Jeudy in the second Raiders game).

The average length of the rushing touchdowns was 12.7 yards.Ģż They had three of at least 20 yards — 43 (Melvin Gordon at the Jets), 55 (Phillip Lindsay in the first Chargers game) and 20 (Gordon vs. Miami).

Quarterback file

Distance of touchdown passes by the Broncosā€™ quarterbacks:

Drew Lock (16) — 9, 9, 40, 1, 20, 9, 7, 5, 10, 2, 37, 2, 49, 6, 1 and 92 yards.

Jeff Driskel (three) — 20, 16 and 7 yards.

Brett Rypien (two) — 48 and 7 yards.

Cumulative statistics for the quarterbacks ā€¦

Attempts: 556 (19th).

Completions: 317 (27th).

Passing yards: 215.7 per game (26th).

Completion percentage: 57% (31st).

Touchdowns: 21 (25th).

Interceptions: 23 (most).

Passer rating: 72.5 (worst).

Sacked: 32 (tied for 13th-fewest).

Lock was 31-of-87 passing for 842 yards, three touchdowns and eight interceptions on attempts that traveled at least 16 ā€œairā€ yards.

Dropped passes

The Broncos had 23 dropped passes, up from 17 in 2019. They had no drops in six games and multiple drops in six.

Individual drops: Jerry Jeudy 10, Noah Fant 3, KJ Hamler 3, Melvin Gordon 2, Jake Butt 1, Courtland Sutton 1, Albert Okwuegbunam 1, DaeSean Hamilton 1 and Phillip Lindsay 1.

Under pressure

Against the Broncosā€™ four quarterbacks (including Kendall Hinton vs. New Orleans), opponents rushed at least five players on 204-of-644 drop-backs (31.7%), an increase from 2018 (27.9%) and ā€™19 (24.8%).

High percentage: 60% by Tampa Bay (30-of-50).

Low percentage: 6% by the Chargers (second game — 3-of-50).

Against extra rushers, Broncos quarterbacks were sacked 15 times and threw six touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Pass protection

For the third year, The Post charted quarterback sacks, knockdowns and pressures to compile ā€œdisruptionā€ totals.

We booked the Broncos with 158 ā€œdisruptionsā€ — 32 sacks, 68 knockdowns and 58 pressures ā€” which was up from 137 last year, but they allowed nine fewer sacks.

Most disruptions — 24 at Pittsburgh (seven sacks, 17 knockdowns and nine pressures).

Least disruptions — 5 vs. Buffalo (three sacks and two knockdowns).

The Broncos allowed 13 sacks in the first three games and only 19 in the final 13 games, including shutouts against the Jets, Miami and at Kansas City.

Sacks by down: First (14); second (eight), third (nine) and fourth (one).

Sacks by number of pass rushers: Three (one), four (15), five (11), six (four) and seven (one) rushers.

Fastest sack: 1.64 seconds by Pittsburgh.

Individual leaders

Bolles decreased his total from 20 last year. ā€¦ Risner allowed only one disruption (knockdown) in the final eight games. ā€¦ Cushenberry allowed only four disruptions in the final eight games (15 in the first eight).

Run-game recap

Reviewing the Broncosā€™ running game, which was 13th in the NFL (119.9 yards per game). Numbers via Stats, Inc.:

Rushing yards: 1,918 (13th).

Percentage of rushing plays: 42.9% (12th).

Rushing attempts: 442 (13th).

Yards per rush attempt: 4.34 (15th).

Rushing touchdowns: 13 (tied 22nd).

10-yard rushes: 51 (tied 14th).

20-yard rushes: 13 (tied sixth).

First-and-10 rushing yards: 843 (23rd).

The offense moved up from tied for 21st (4.06) to 15th yards per carry. Also improved were 20-yard rushes (eight to 13), 10-yard rushes (41 to 51), touchdowns (11 to 13) and attempts (409 to 442) ā€¦ The Broncos were 4-9 when they rushed for at least 100 yards. ā€¦ Their high game was 189 yards against Miami and the low was 42 against Tampa Bay.

We booked the Broncos for 111 ā€œbadā€ run plays — gain of one or fewer yards not including goal-line and short-yardage conversions, up from 93 last year.

Individual leaders in ā€œbadā€™ run blocks: Unblocked player 30.5, Lloyd Cushenberry 12 Graham Glasgow 10.5, Dalton Risner 9, Nick Vannett 8,5, Garett Bolles 7.5, Noah Fant 6.5, and Elijah Wilkinson 5.

Protecting the football

No team protected the football worse than the Broncos, who committed a league-high 32 turnovers (up from 16 last year) and finished with a league-worst minus-16 differential (down from plus-1 last year). The Broncos allowed 100 points off their turnovers, fourth-most in the NFL.

The Broncos were 2-1 when they were plus-turnover, 0-3 when they were even and 3-7 when they had a negative differential. The offense had one turnover in every game but the Las Vegas finale.

Turnovers by player: Drew Lock 18, Melvin Gordon 4, Brett Rypien 4, Kendall Hinton 2, Jeff Driskel 2, DaeSean Hamilton 1 and Lloyd Cushenberry 1. Five of Lockā€™s 15 interceptions came in opponent¶¶Ņõap territory.

Third down woes

The Broncos finished 26th in third-down conversion rate — 38.7% (82-of-212), but improved from 2019 (31.7% — 30th).

Best game — 53.9% (7-of-13 at Kansas City).

Worst game — 10% (1-of-10 vs. New Orleans).

Worst game with a true quarterback — 28.6% (4-of-14 at New England).

3 or fewer yards to go — 31-of-49 (63.3%).

4-7 yards to go — 28-of-64 (43.8%).

8 or more yards to go — 22-of-99 (22.2%).

Flags flying

The Broncosā€™ 81 overall penalties (offense/defense/special teams) were tied for fifth-fewest in the NFL, improved from 2019 (110 penalties). Their 670 yards were eighth-fewest.ĢżThe season high for overall penalties was eight apiece against the Jets, Chargers (first game) and Miami. Their highest yardage total was 94 at the Jets.

Penalty “leaders” on offense (enforced penalties only): Graham Glasgow 4, Garett Bolles 4, Noah Fant 4, Drew Lock 3 and DaeSean Hamilton 2.

In the red zone

The Broncos were again among the leagueā€™s worst red-zone offenses. They scored 24 touchdowns in 53 red zone possessions — 53.3% (27th). Last year, the Broncos were 28th (47.6%).

The offense had four red-zone turnovers and their 113 plays were second-fewest in the NFL according to Stats, Inc.

In the red zone, Broncos quarterbacks were 33-of-60 passing with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions and an 82.8 rating that was 25th in the league.

Drive engineering

The Broncos had 188 offensive possessions (34 touchdowns/28 field goals).

Three-and-outs — 37 (tied eighth-most). The most was four apiece against Tampa Bay, Chargers (first game), New Orleans and Buffalo.

10-play drives — 27 (tied for 26th-most). ĢżThe most was three (14, 10 and 11 plays) at the Chargers.

Longest drive (plays) — 14 in both of the Chargersā€™ games. ā€¦ Longest drive (yards) ā€” 92 vs. Las Vegas in the finale (Jerry Jeudyā€™s touchdown catch was 92 yards). ā€¦ Longest drive (time) ā€” 9:07 at New England (field goal).

The Broncos started only 17 drives in the opponent¶¶Ņõap territory (up from 14 last year), a product of not producing many takeaways.

Coming Sunday: Broncos defense/special teams review.

There were the four takeaways, a best in coach Vic Fangio’s tenure. Quarterback Drew Lock played well, with no turnovers and a 92-yard go-ahead touchdown pass to rookie Jerry Jeudy midway through the fourth quarter.ĢżInstead, ¶¶Ņõapountry endured even more misery in a 32-31 loss to the rival Raiders.

Quarterback Derek Carr engineered a last-minute drive, with Las Vegas scoring on a 4th-and-1 with Josh Jacobs rumbling into the end zone with 23 seconds left. A two-point conversion pass from Derek Carr to tight end Darren Waller followed after the Broncos helped the Raiders by calling timeout amid confusion on the Las Vegas side. Denver finished 5-11 in another lost season amid a fifth consecutive playoff miss.

Las Vegas’ last-second touchdown and two-point conversion — a contrast to last year’s season finale, in which the Raiders failed on a two-point conversion with seven seconds leftĢż — negated the 92-yard touchdown pass from Lock to Jeudy six minutes earlier.

On 3rd-and-10 from the Broncos’ 8-yard line Lock hit Jeudy on a catch-and-run in which the rookie wideout turned on the after-burners to dust the Las Vegas defenders for a 31-24 lead. But after an exchange of punts, Denver’s defense couldn’t hold a late lead.

The Broncos forced a three-and-out to start the game, then put together an 11-play, 68-yard drive that stalled out at the Raiders’ 5-yard line. Denver settled for Brandon McManus’ 22-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead. The Broncos did not score a touchdown on its opening drive all season.

On the Raiders’ next drive, they faced 4th-and-1 in Denver territory, but coach Jon Gruden went for it and Carr converted via a sneak.ĢżOn the next play, Carr heaved a 57-yard pass to Nelson Agholor, who burned rookie cornerback Michael Ojemudia to set the Raiders up near the goal line. But the Denver defense held, and Las Vegas settled for a 33-yard field goal by Colorado Springs native Daniel Carlson to make it 3-3 with 4:34 in the first.

Denver responded quickly on its next possession, and Tim Patrick’s 29-yard reception set the Broncos up inside the red zone. Patrick exited after that play and was later ruled out with a foot injury. That drive ended in tight end Troy Fumagalli’s two-yard touchdown catch, one play after the Raiders were flagged for a holding penalty on third down.

Two possessions the Raiders tied the game with Carr’s tear-drop pass finding Waller for a 28-yard touchdown pass at the expense of Will Parks, who was out-matched in man-to-man coverage. That made it 10-10, and then the Raiders forced a turnover on downs the next possession when Lock’s fourth-down pass intended for Tyrie Cleveland was broken up.

Carr’s 26-yard touchdown pass to Bryan Edwards gave Las Vegas a 17-10 lead with 26 seconds left in the first half. Rookie Parnell Motley, signed Dec. 16, was burned in coverage.

A 37-yard field goal by McManus made it 17-13 in the third quarter and a 26-yarder made it 17-16 late in the third quarter.

After a Vegas fumble, the Broncos cashed in on Melvin Gordon’s 10-yard touchdown run. That, combined with a two-point conversion to Jeudy, gave the Broncos a 24-17 lead following the opening play of the fourth.

Vegas pulled even with Jacobs’ 28-yard touchdown run with 7:27 to play.

Gordon, needing 107 yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the second time in his career, came up 14 yards short. The Broncos also suffered several injuries in the loss: wideout Tim Patrick (foot), right guard Graham Glasgow (shoulder) and left guard Dalton Risner (ankle) all exited early.

WIDE. OPEN.

: CBS |

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos)

Broncos quarterback Drew Lock tallied his 15th passing touchdown of the season Sunday after connecting with tight end Troy Fumagalli late in the first quarter against the Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High.

Lock hit a wide-open Fumagalli in the back of the end zone from a yard out to give Denver a 10-3 lead.

A third double-digit loss season in four years, something that hasnā€™t happened around these parts since the late 1960s.

And potentially only the third last-place AFC West finish in 21 years.

So what happened to the Broncos this year? Why are they 5-10 entering Sundayā€™s finale against Las Vegas at an empty Mile High? Why are they essentially in NFLā€™s No-Manā€™s Land — unwilling to tear it down and unable to compete with the leagueā€™s elite?

ā€œWe had an inordinate amount of injuries, which I think hurt our progress some,ā€ coach Vic Fangio said. ā€œWe turned it over too much (32 times), which hurt our progress. We didnā€™t get takeaways (only 12), which hurt our progress.ā€

But ā€¦

ā€œI think, individually, thereā€™s been a lot of progress,ā€ Fangio said. ā€œWeā€™ve gotten a lot of young players a lot of playing time that theyā€™re going to grow from and learn from and I think that¶¶Ņõap where the progress has been made.ā€

Entering Week 17, according to Sport Radar, the Broncosā€™ 5,902 snaps by first- and second-year players leads the NFL, nearly 1,000 more than Cincinnati (4,955). Against the Raiders, the Broncos could start as many as four rookies and five second-year players, equal parts by design and necessity.

The Broncosā€™ hope is that individual growth/acquired knowledge while absorbing body blows from some of the NFLā€™s best (eight games against the 14 teams currently in playoff position — 1-7 record), translates into 2021 team success.

Are the Broncos equipped to make a jump of 4-5 wins to challenge for the playoffs next year? Here is a position-by-position look:

Quarterback

Analysis: Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur wasnā€™t subtle in his criticism of Lock throughout December, but his tune changed 180 degrees Thursday as he pointed out Lockā€™s youth (17 career starts) and potential. The inference is the Broncos are entering the offseason with Lock as their projected 2021 No. 1. ā€¦ Lockā€™s 15 interceptions are tied for the NFL lead and heā€™s tied for 24th in touchdowns (14). ā€¦ Lock has 53 explosive passes (at least 16-yard gain); his 18 turnovers have led to 55 points by the opponent. ā€¦ Adding a more-experienced No. 2 is critical. Driskel didnā€™t pan out and the Broncos can create $1.75 million in space by cutting him.

Running back

Also: Jeremy Cox (FB) and Damarea Crockett.

Analysis: So much for that plan of Nos. 1-1A tailbacks with Gordon/Lindsay or Lindsay/Gordon. ā€¦ Lindsayā€™s season never got out of the blocks (one 100-yard game) because of injuries and ineffectiveness. ā€¦ Do the Broncos want Lindsay back? Does he want to be back? One of the top offseason subplots — we think Lindsay has played his last game in Denver. ā€¦ Gordon is knocking on 1,000 yards (needs 107), has played 576 snaps, has eight of the Broncosā€™ 12 rushing touchdowns and caught 28 passes. ā€¦ Maybe Bellamy can be to 2021 what the Broncos wanted Lindsay to be this past year, capable of rushing, catching and protecting.

Tight end

Also: Jordan Leggett.

Analysis: Fant has 12 explosive catches among his 58 receptions and has played 660 snaps. ā€¦ Vannett (330 snaps) started slowly and was a healthy scratch in Week 3, but found a role during the seasonā€™s second half as the in-line blocker/protector. ā€¦ Okwuegbunam should generate excitement — and maybe take targets away from Fant — if he returns to top form from a torn ACL. ā€¦ The Broncos should enter the offseason confident this position doesnā€™t need to be addressed.

Receiver

Also: Kendall Hinton, Trinity Benson and Fred Brown.

Analysis: The Broncos should feel comfortable with Sutton, Jeudy, Patrick and Hamler as their top four entering camp. ā€¦ Sutton was going to be a 100-catch candidate before his Week 2 torn ACL. ā€¦ Jeudy has 47 catches and two touchdowns, but also 10 drops and heā€™ll be the biggest beneficiary from Suttonā€™s return. ā€¦ Patrick (team-high six TD catches) deserves a second-round tender (projected $3.442 million). ā€¦ Hamler wonā€™t get as many touches as Jeudy, but could have a bigger impact next year.

Offensive line

Also: Darrin Paulo (OT), Quinn Bailey (OT) and Jon Halapio (G/C).

Analysis: The Broncos should enter the offseason knowing they have four starters locked in — Bolles, Risner, Cushenberry and Glasgow. ā€¦ Bollesā€™ four-year contract kicks in and heā€™s had his best season (1/2 sack allowed, four penalties), Risner has played better in the second half (one pass protection disruption allowed), Cushenberry has played all 995 snaps (one penalty) and Glasgow (744 snaps) fought an early-season ankle injury and mid-season COVID-19 positive test. ā€¦ The Broncos are essentially stuck with James, who opted out of 2020. They should re-sign Wilkinson to be a swing tackle. ā€¦ The depth is solid with Anderson (backup LT) and Muti (backup G).

Defensive line

Also: Darius Kilgo (DL) and Deyon Sizer (DT).

Analysis: It could be (should be?) an offseason of change up front. ā€¦ Harris is a free agent and this being his only kick at the high-money can, could simply sign with the highest bidder. ā€¦ Walker hasnā€™t panned out and needs a fresh start. ā€¦ The Broncos can create $11,874,750 in cap space by cutting Casey, who was limited to three games because of a triceps injury. ā€¦ Purcell will be returning from a foot injury and backed up by Agim. ā€¦ Jones has played 503 snaps and has 11 pass rush disruptions in the last six games.

Outside linebacker

Analysis: The Broncos can create $13.875 million in cap space by cutting Miller, who missed all of 2020 (ankle), but donā€™t count on that. Would they consider extending his contract to lower his cap number and ensure heā€™ll be a one-franchise player? Perhaps. ā€¦ If Miller returns, the Broncos should still be in the draft market for an edge rusher to join him, Chubb, Reed and challenge Tuszka for the fourth spot in the rotation. ā€¦ Reed and Chubb lead the team with 7 1/2 sacks.

Inside linebacker

Analysis: Johnson leads the Broncos with 117 tackles, but does Fangio still envision him as an every-down player? Johnsonā€™s coverage ability leaves much to be desired. In 1,004 snaps, he has 14 1/2 run ā€œstuffsā€ and nine missed tackles. ā€¦ Strnad was penciled in as a sub-package coverage linebacker until his training camp wrist injury. ā€¦ Jewell emerged as a solid player with 102 tackles (12 run ā€œstuffsā€) and only four missed tackles in 922 snaps. ā€¦ Fangioā€™s search for a version of Roquan Smith, whom he had in Chicago, will continue.

Cornerback

Analysis: Eight cornerbacks played at least 54 snaps this year. ā€¦ The biggest offseason need is cornerback — a no-doubt, shut-down player who allows Fangio to deploy Callahan inside/outside. ā€¦ Broncos corners this year have combined for three interceptions and 24 pass break-ups. Not good enough. ā€¦ Releasing Bouye, who will start 2021 on suspension, will create $13.375 million in cap space. A no brainer. ā€¦ Ojemudiaā€™s 14 tackles lead the team and his five penalties are tied for first. ā€¦ Bassey has solidified the nickel spot until his torn ACL at Kansas City.

Safety

Also: Chris Cooper.

Analysis: Simmons has played all 1,019 snaps, is third with 93 tackles and first with four interceptions. The assumption is heā€™ll remain with the Broncos via a long-term deal or a second consecutive franchise tag, which would be around $12.8 million (120% of this yearā€™s tag). ā€¦ The Broncos arenā€™t in a cap crunch so they can keep Jackson at his scheduled number; he has 87 tackles in 1,015 snaps. ā€¦ If Fangio and Co., donā€™t think Holder or Marshall is a dependable third safety, add it to the list of draft needs, particularly when the Broncos play dime (six defensive backs).

Special teams

Also: Taylor Russolino (K).

Analysis: McManus signed a contract extension in September and followed by making 25-of-28 field goals and 22-of-25 point-after attempts in 14 games. ā€¦ Martin was a solid signing in free agency, able to land punts inside the 15-yard line and directional kick when needed. Overall, he has a 41.7-yard average. ā€¦ Spencer has return averages of 18.9 (kickoffs) and 15.8 (punts) yards. ā€¦ The coverage units, which have allowed multiple big plays, need to be addressed.

(Notes: Ages as of Sept. 1, 2021. UFA — unrestricted free agent. RFA — restricted free agent. ERFA — exclusive rights free agent.)

OFFSEASON PRIMER

Key free agents

Unrestricted: S Justin Simmons, DE Shelby Harris and RT Elijah Wilkinson.

Restricted: RB Phillip Lindsay, WR Tim Patrick and ILB Alexander Johnson.

Positional needs

1. Cornerback. Only three of the Broncosā€™ eight interceptions were by cornerbacks. They need to draft one in the first round to join Bryce Callahan, Essang Bassey and Michael Ojemudia.

2. Defensive end. If Shelby Harris, Jurrell Casey and DeMarcus Walker arenā€™t brought back, the Broncos need to add two ends.

3. Backup quarterback. If the Broncos are committed to Drew Lock being the starter entering camp, adding an experienced No. 2 to provide guidance/push Lock is a priority.

4. Cover inside linebacker. This spot could go to Justin Strnad (out of all of this year), but if Vic Fangio wants an every-down option, a second-round pick should be used for this position.

5. Running back. If the Broncos part with Phillip Lindsay, they should use a Day 3 draft pick (rounds 4-7) on a back, particularly because Melvin Gordon is facing a three-game suspension.

ā€œYes, I do think heā€™s got the right make-up,ā€ Fangio said. ā€œWhen I (said post-game) it¶¶Ņõap a ā€˜defining moment,ā€™ sometimes a guy drops a pass here and there, but he had a few of them and I think heā€™ll learn a lot from that and that the focus needs to be on catching the ball before anything else happens, regardless of whether youā€™re in traffic or not.

ā€œI think heā€™ll come out a better receiver for this.ā€

Fangio and the Broncos should hope Jeudy’s game was merely a blip. The drops overshadowed Jeudy receiving a season-high 15 targets (14 in the previous three games combined). He had six catches for 61 yards.

The five drops: Six-yard out route, eight-yard slant, five-yard slant, 12-yard corner and 45-yard post.

All of quarterback Drew Lockā€™s throws on Jeudyā€™s drops werenā€™t perfect — his throw was slightly wide on the first and a little low on the third — but all were catchable.

The fourth drop would have been a touchdown, but it¶¶Ņõap questionable whether Jeudyā€™s footwork was precise enough to stay in bounds.

In Sundayā€™s season finale against Las Vegas, the Broncos should prioritize sending Jeudy into the offseason on a positive note.

ā€œHeā€™s proven during the season, at different times, that he can be a helluva receiver in this league,ā€ Fangio said. ā€œHe can catch ā€” he had a bad day (Sunday) in that regard, but heā€™s proven he has good hands.ā€

Here is our review of the Broncos-Chargers game:

Offense

Playing time. The Broncosā€™ 77 offensive snaps were tied for the most this season with the Pittsburgh (Week 2) and Kansas City (Week 7) losses. The skill-position snap counts: WR Tim Patrick (69), TE Noah Fant (64), WR DaeSean Hamilton (61), Jeudy (61), RB Melvin Gordon (51), RB Royce Freeman (18), TE Troy Fumagalli (18), TE Nick Vannett (18), WR Diontae Spencer (13), RB LeVante Bellamy (8), WR KJ Hamler (8) and TE/FB Andrew Beck (2).

Dinking, dunking. Los Angeles was mostly successful in taking away the Broncosā€™ downfield passing game. Lock was 3-of-12 passing for 62 yards on attempts that traveled at least 16 ā€œairā€ yards. The completions were 18 yards to Hamilton, 19 to Fant and 25 to Hamilton. Lock threw a catchable 45-yard pass to Jeudy on the final drive that was dropped, but earlier, he overshot Jeudy well downfield on what should have been a 72-yard touchdown.

Protecting Lock. Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley rushed five or more players on only three of Lockā€™s 51 drop-backs. The rate of 5.9% was a season low for a Broncos opponent, ahead of 6.4% by the Chargers in the teamsā€™ first meeting (three of 47). Lock was sacked twice, but no blame was booked since they were scrambles that failed to reach the line of scrimmage. The Chargers had four knockdowns and five pressures. RT Elijah Wilkinson had 2 1/2 disruptions allowed and LT Garett Bolles two.

Fourth down success. The Broncos entered Sunday last in fourth down conversion rate (16.7%, 2-of-12), but converted both chances against the Chargers. Trailing 16-6 on fourth-and-7, Lock found Patrick for 27 yards (15 post-catch) over the middle. And on the third-to-last play from scrimmage, on fourth-and-10, Lockā€™s throw deep middle was deflected by Chargers cornerback Chris Harris and corralled by Hamilton.

Defense

Playing time. S Justin Simmons is one game away from playing every snap for a third consecutive season. He played all 57 snaps Sunday along with S Kareem Jackson and CB Michael Ojemudia. The other leaders were ILBs Josey Jewell/Alexander Johnson (56), OLB Malik Reed (47), OLB Jeremiah Attaochu (46), CB Deā€™Vante Bausby (42), DE Dreā€™Mont Jones (41) and DE Shelby Harris (39). In the dime package, S Trey Marshall played eight snaps in place of Alijah Holder.

Pass rush recap. The Broncos had 10 total disruptions — two sacks and four knockdowns and pressures apiece. The sacks were by Reed (4.53 seconds) and Jones (2.27 seconds). Attaochu had one knockdown and two pressures.

In coverage. The breakdown in man coverage for the Broncos — Jewell (2-of-4, 18 yards, one TD), Ojemudia (1-of-1, 12 yards), Johnson (1-of-1, 26 yards), Bausby (4-of-5, 46 yards), CB Will Parks (2-of-4, 20 yards) and CB Parnell Motley (1-of-3, 23 yards).

Bausbyā€™s benching. Fangio finally gave up on Bausby following a lackadaisical missed tackle effort led to 21 post-catch yards by TE Stephen Anderson. The book on Bausby — four allowed completions, three missed tackles and one penalty (which came on a third-and-5 Chargers incompletion). During the Chargersā€™ final drive, the Broncosā€™ three corners were Ojemudia (rookie who was benched earlier this year), Parks (who was on Philadelphia last month) and Motley (who was on San Franciscoā€™s practice squad last month).

Special teams

Covering punts. Sam Martinā€™s three punts had hang times of 3.56, 4.38 and 4.19 seconds and his 34.7-yard net average was his lowest since Week 3 vs. Tampa Bay (34.2). Martinā€™s final punt hit at the Chargersā€™ 7-yard line, but bounded into the end zone for a touchback when it appeared the Broncos coverage players were watching the returner and not the football.

It was one of the worst.

The Bills took advantage of a depleted Broncosā€™ secondary to roll up 534 yards, the fourth-most allowed by a Fangio-called defense.

The top three games: Detroit gained 546 yards against Chicago in October 2015 (37-34 overtime), Minnesota gained 541 yards against Chicago in October 2018 (31-28 overtime) and Tennessee gained 535 yards against Houston in October 2003 (38-17).

The Billsā€™ yardage total was the 12th-most allowed in Broncos history.

The Bills had nine plays that gained at least 20 yards, the most allowed by the Broncos this year, ahead of seven apiece by the Los Angeles Chargers and the second Kansas City game.

The topper was Devin Singletaryā€™s 51-yard touchdown run with 1:40 remaining, low-lighted by missed tackles from defensive lineman McTelvin Agim and safety Justin Simmons, two of the Broncosā€™ season-high 11 missed tackles.

Was effort an issue?

ā€œToward the end of the game, myself included, I wouldnā€™t say it was an effort issue, but (there) has to be a little bit higher intensity, knowing the situation of what¶¶Ņõap going on,ā€ Simmons said. ā€œIt¶¶Ņõap not a lack of effort and want-to. Guys (have) want-to.ā€

And the Bills had an answer for everything Fangio called defensively.

ā€œIt¶¶Ņõap a challenge (playing short of cornerback), no two ways about it,ā€ he said. ā€œIā€™m not going to deny (the challenge), but we have to find a way to play better than we did and get a couple more stops than we did.ā€

Here is the rest of our Bills-Broncos review:

Offense

Playing time (64 snaps). Among the skill-position players, the leaders were WR Tim Patrick (57), WR Jerry Jeudy (56), WR KJ Hamler (49), TE Noah Fant (44), RB Melvin Gordon (34), RB Phillip Lindsay (23) and TE Troy Fumagalli (19).

Pressuring Lock. The Bills rushed five or more players on 12 of QB Drew Lockā€™s 39 drop-backs (30.8%). Lock was 5-of-9 passing for 34 yards against extra rushers and had a 13-yard scramble. The Bills had three sacks and two knockdowns. The sacks came in 4.32 (coverage), 4.07 (blitzing CB Treā€™Davious White) and 3.02 seconds (C Lloyd Cushenberry appeared to get tripped up by LG Dalton Risner).

Lock using athleticism. Lockā€™s 37 rushing yards were his second-best total of the year (47 at Atlanta). He gained 13 yards to convert a third-and-6 when RB Royce Freeman picked up blitzing LB Tremaine Edmunds and 14 yards on third-and-1 via keeper-handoff option and DE Mario Addison crashed down to tackle Gordon.

Defense

Playing time (73 snaps). Simmons and S Kareem Jackson played every snap, followed CB Deā€™Vante Bausby/ILB Alexander Johnson with 71 (missed two snaps on the first drive), ILB Josey Jewell (67), OLB Malik Reed/CB Michael Ojemudia (55), S/CB Will Parks (54), DE Dreā€™Mont Jones (47), OLB Bradley Chubb (46) and DE Shelby Harris (39). It was a big sub-package game, illustrated by Parksā€™ playing time. Fangio did mix up his front, going with a 3 DL-3 LB-5 DB look on five snaps.

Pressuring Allen. The Broncos rushed five or more players on 22 of QB Josh Allenā€™s 49 drop-backs (44.9% — the highest rate of the year). Allen was 11-of-17 passing for 142 yards and two rushing touchdowns against extra rushers. The Broncos had one sack (OLB Jeremiah Attaochu beat a TE/RB double team in 4.26 seconds), three knockdowns and six pressures for 10 disruptions.

Long day in coverage. The Broncos allowed a season-high 352 passing yards. Man coverage statistics — Bausby (9-of-13, 141 yards, one TD), Ojemudia (2-of-3, 23 yards), Parks (3-of-3, 46 yards), Jackson (2-of-3, 30 yards), Jewell (1-of-2, five yards), Simmons (1-of-1, 10 yards) and Johnson (1-of-1, six yards). The defense had only one pass break-up (Bausby).

Penalty problems. Entering Saturday, the defense had only three enforced penalties in the last three games combined; they had five against Buffalo, including three personal fouls. Harris and Johnson were called for late hits on Allen and Ojemudia was ejected for throwing a punch at WR Gabriel Davis. On a declined penalty, Bausby showed zero awareness when he turned his head to complain about being pushed off by TE Dawson Knox ā€¦ while the play was still going on (Knox nine-yard TD catch).

Right decision for pressure. Allenā€™s 24-yard touchdown on third-and-5 was the right decision because the Broncos were in dime personnel and man coverage. The lone inside linebacker, Johnson, blitzed to leave the middle of the field open. Allen tucked the ball to run in 1.97 seconds and scored untouched.

Special teams

Russolinoā€™s debut. It was an NFL debut to forget for fill-in K Taylor Russolino. He appeared to play a draw (right to left) on his 51-yard attempt, but the football stayed right and didnā€™t get close to the upright. He was also wide right on two point-after misses. His two regular kickoffs had hang times of 4.00 and 3.83 seconds and were returned 29 and 53 yards, respectively. Arguably his best kick was the late-game onside attempt — he got a perfect bounce, but Buffaloā€™s Micah Hyde caught it before the Broncosā€™ Trey Marshall could arrive.

Martin solid again. Broncos P Sam Martinā€™s net average of 47.3 yards on six attempts was his second-best of the year (50.0 on three punts vs. Miami). He had hang times of 4.31, 4.10, 4.45, 4.35, 4.03 and 4.53 seconds and the Bills had only seven return yards. Buffalo started two drives at its 5-yard line after Martin punts. On his final attempt, to the Billsā€™ 5, Martin got a 16-yard roll.

No return yards. The Broncos had zero return yards. Diontae Spencer caught the only punt (no gain) and all nine of Tyler Bassā€™ kickoffs were touchbacks.