The Denver Broncos will have to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers (who won't have Russell Wilson) in order to avoid an 0-2 start to the season. Though it's only one game into the year, the Broncos can't fall too far back in the race. Another performance like the one they had in Seattle could lead to some difficult decisions.
There was plenty of blame to go around after the Broncos came up short against the Seahawks and drastic changes could be necessary if there isn't significant improvement in certain areas. Some fans will say "it's only been two games" but in the NFL, that's enough.
The Broncos are trying to avoid missing the playoffs for a ninth straight season. Playing the way they did in Week 1 will not be conducive to that, so these players could see their starting spot go by the wayside without a much better Week 2.
Broncos whose starting jobs could be on the hot seat
Riley Moss, CB
Riley Moss didn't play badly against the Seahawks, but if you are going to be the cornerback opposite Pat Surtain II, you are going to be targeted by the opposing team.
Moss was targeted often by Geno Smith in Week 1 and though it is good experience for the second-year player, it might make more sense to have the veteran Levi Wallace in there more often at this stage of the season.
Riley Moss as nearest defender vs Seattle
— Robby (@Robby_NFL) September 9, 2024
6 receptions on 9 targets for 77 yards on 28 coverage snaps
-1.2 Coverage EPA
3.2 average yards of separation
33% tight windows forced
1.8 YAC per receptions
And for reference, this was the biggest play he allowed. Good coverage just a… pic.twitter.com/izWlq9Jt1y
Moss was one of only three players (Alex Singleton, Surtain) who played all 67 defensive snaps for the Broncos in Week 1. Wallace only saw the field twice.
The Week 2 matchup with Pittsburgh might be a better one for Moss as the Broncos will be at home and likely be facing Justin Fields, who is not the passing quarterback Smith is. Moss needs to step up in this one and if he is beaten too often, the Broncos will need to consider a switch.
Devaugh Vele, WR
It's a great story that seventh-round pick Devaughn Vele has not only made the team but landed a prominent role, the team is not scaring anyone with him and the fact that he was the most targeted player in Denver's passing game against Seattle is a problem.
Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds were the only receivers who saw more snaps than Vele in Week 1 and if the passing game looks similar against Pittsburgh, the team needs to get Marvin Mims Jr. more involved.
There could be some behind-the-scenes stuff going on between Mims and the team but he is the most dynamic option the Broncos have in the passing game and he should be out there more.
Tight end and running back positions
The Broncos gave snaps to multiple players at tight end and running back in Week 1 so it's tough to call anyone the "starter" at these positions.
Greg Dulcich had 22 more snaps than Adam Trautman and tight end and it seemed like it was all Jaleel McLaughlin at running back in the second half. Though he seems to be considerably quicker than Javonte Williams, he did have a costly second-half fumble.
These positions could need to be re-evaluated depending on how this game goes.
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