The Denver Broncos are determined to bounce back after a tough Week 3 loss, as they shift their focus to making necessary corrections and achieving offensive consistency. Head Coach Sean Payton and veteran Guard Quinn Meinerz are leading the charge, emphasizing the importance of internal improvement and collective responsibility. This article delves into the key areas the Broncos are targeting to refine, from offensive efficiency to special teams execution, as they strive to turn their season around.
Sean Payton’s Vision for Improvement
Head Coach Sean Payton remains confident in the team’s ability to rebound, emphasizing that the season’s story is far from written. He acknowledges the disappointment of close losses but stresses the importance of learning from these experiences.
‘I have great confidence that it can be flipped,’ Payton said. ‘…We’ve lost two games in a row, two close games with, really, last-second field goals. It’s disappointing, but we have to learn, ‘Why were these games this close towards the end, and how do we put ourselves in a position to finish better?”
Payton believes that improvement is a journey and that the Broncos are due for a stretch where they begin to win games and play better. He insists that corrections and growth are essential for the team’s horizon.
Quinn Meinerz’s Call for Collective Improvement
Guard Quinn Meinerz echoes Payton’s sentiment, highlighting the collective responsibility of the offense in making necessary adjustments. He points to a ‘thumbs-pointing-in kind of day,’ indicating that everyone in every room needs to improve together.
‘Today was a big thumbs-pointing-in kind of day,’ Meinerz said. ‘And understanding that everybody in every single room needs to get better, and we’re going to do that together…This is a big learning game for us as an offense, and moving forward, we’ll be better because of it.’
Meinerz emphasizes that wins and losses both serve as learning opportunities, and the team is committed to growing from their recent experiences.
Striving for Offensive Efficiency
Payton is placing a strong emphasis on offensive consistency, particularly after the defense and special teams generated two takeaways against the Chargers. He notes that the offense needs to be more efficient in both the run and pass game.
‘The two takeaways were the reason we stayed in that game,’ Payton said. ‘In other words, we only had nine first downs offensively. We have to be more efficient relative to what we’re doing both with the run game and the pass game.’
He also addresses the impact of penalties and negative plays, which put quarterback Bo Nix in difficult situations, stressing the need to eliminate these issues for the offense to succeed.
The Importance of Eliminating Penalties
Meinerz underscores the significance of avoiding penalties in crucial moments, especially in the red zone. Penalties can make calling the next play extremely difficult and hinder the offense’s ability to score.
‘Right around the beginning of the fourth quarter,’ Meinerz said. ‘We were up four points, we were on the 5-yard line, and having penalties, no matter what they are, in the red zone makes calling the next play extremely difficult.’
He acknowledges that these mistakes are technique-related and will be addressed and cleaned up moving forward.
Run Game Improvement as a Key Focus
For Denver’s offensive line, enhancing the run game remains a primary area of focus. Meinerz asserts that improvement in this aspect starts with the offensive line.
‘I think the run game needs to get better, has to get better, and it definitely starts with us as an offensive line,’ Meinerz said. ‘There is plenty of room to improve our execution…and moving forward, it’s just about getting that 1% better.’
He expresses confidence that the offense will be extremely detail-oriented in their preparation for the upcoming game.
Elliss Finding His Stride
Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss is concentrating on continued internal growth. In the game against the Chargers, Elliss forced a fumble on special teams, attributing his success to detailed preparation throughout the week.
‘On special teams, I feel like [Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach Darren] Rizzi has been preaching to me not to just run into the blockers,’ Elliss said. ‘This week, I was really focusing on using my speed and getting around them, and that’s kind of what I did.’
Elliss also notes a shift in his defensive approach, focusing on playing with more freedom and explosiveness, which has contributed to his development.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
As the Denver Broncos navigate the challenges of the 2025 season, their focus on internal improvement, offensive efficiency, and collective responsibility provides a clear path forward. With leaders like Sean Payton and Quinn Meinerz steering the ship, and emerging talents like Jonah Elliss finding their stride, the Broncos are determined to learn from their setbacks and emerge as a stronger, more consistent team. The journey is ongoing, but the commitment to growth and excellence remains unwavering, setting the stage for a promising future.
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