Broncos' latest move looks awful on paper but could easily help them make the playoffs
Expectations were very high when it came to the Denver Broncos' 2022 season, even if there was a lot to prove coming in. But instead of saying the team has fulfilled said expectations, it's fair to say the first two weeks have been a disaster. A 17-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and then a […]
Expectations were very high when it came to the Denver Broncos' 2022 season, even if there was a lot to prove coming in.
But instead of saying the team has fulfilled said expectations, it's fair to say the first two weeks have been a disaster.
A 17-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and then a dysfunctional 16-9 win over the Houston Texans, along with questionable play from quarterback Russell Wilson and detrimental decision-making from head coach Nathaniel Hackett have left the organization, its fans, and the NFL world scratching its collective head when it comes to figuring out what exactly is going on that's causing the early-season disappointment.
A lot of fingers have been pointed at Hackett's game management/play-calling as the main reason for current dilemma. And the tape shows that to be the main cause, indeed.
So, Hackett took a step forward in remedying the situation. Per 9 News' Mike Klis, Hackett hired Jerry Rosburg and gave him the title of senior assistant in an attempt to guide the team through the tough decisions that must be made on game days.
Rosburg spent the last week at Broncos practice, but the hire wasn't made official until Friday. He last coached for the Baltimore Ravens, where he won a Super Bowl in 2012 and will be in the booth for Sunday's matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
This does not look good on paper, by any means. And it doesn't remedy any questions about Hackett and his long-term success with the Broncos.
But, in regard to the short-term, this is a move that could definitely help the team get on the anticipated track for the postseason that so many had it on.
It's also encouraging that Hackett is admitting he needs help, as opposed to stubbornly imposing his will and keeping things as-is. The hope, here, is that Hackett now focus on play-calling while Rosburg gives input on specialized situations such as clock management, two-minute situations, and other scenarios.
At the same time, however, head coaches should already be able to handle the aforementioned duties. If the Broncos simply wanted a play-caller, they wouldn't have hired Hackett to run the whole team.
It'll be interesting to see how this plays out moving forward. But no matter how you dice it, Hackett has to straighten things out.
Featured image via Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
