After winning their first season game, the Denver Broncos will host the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday. So far, Denver has yet to live up to their potential with star quarterback Russell Wilson at the helm. A crushing loss in week one to the Seattle Seahawks and a lopsided win over the Houston Texans. The 49ers present the Broncos with arguably their biggest test of the season.
Offensively the Broncos have struggled to finish drives and put points on the board. However, going up against a playoff contender in San Francisco, they will need to score early and often. After two weeks, Denver currently sits last in the NFL in red-zone efficiency. Compared to the 49ers, who are ranked 27th in the league.
Jimmy G vs. NO FLY ZONE
Second-year quarterback Trey Lance went down with a season-ending ankle injury vs. the Seattle Seahawks. As a result, the Niners have installed Jimmy Garoppolo at the starting quarterback position. Who lead San Francisco to a 27-7 victory.
Garoppolo is no rookie in this league. Just two years ago, he led this franchise to the Superbowl. But, unfortunately, they lost to the Chiefs 31-20. But, a lot has changed since then. The 49ers now have a game changer in Deebo Samuel, one of the best tight ends in the league in George Kittle, and a well-experienced play caller in head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The deck is stacked, but Denver now has a chance to change the narrative of their season so far. Defensive standout Patrick Surtain practiced today but was limited and is currently listed on the injury report. However, sophomore safety Caden sterns filled in for star safety Justin Simmons and according to Kareem Jackson, the Bronco country has no worries.
"I didn't over communicate or double-check." "Sterns knew what he was supposed to do." The vet says there was no need.
"Caden has a ton of experience in such a short time."
Denver is currently ranked 15th in league with a rating of 111.5. However, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero says it will "definitely be helpful" that he's game planned against Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers a lot over the years when he was with the Rams.
Will Russ Cook?
Will this be the game Bronco fans have been waiting on? Russell Wilson was supposed to be the missing piece in Denver to bring an explosive offense back to Mile High. So far, their performance has been mediocre at best.
We asked about his playcalling. Nathaniel Hackett said he has to remove the emotion of being an offensive coordinator and look at the game as a head coach. Hackett hasn't lived up to his reputation as a great play caller. Instead, he has made indecisive in-game decisions to hurt the team. Every great coach has a great staff.
Hackett says he tried to talk with everybody about improving game day operations, including George Paton, Darren Mougey, and Dom Capers.
"Find out any way that you can do it better."
No matter the advice he has received, you are the head coach, win, lose or draw, the results fall on you. Hopefully, this is the week Broncos country sees some improvement.