The Denver Broncos’ 2025 NFL campaign has gotten off to a bumpy start, with the team sitting at 1-2 after three weeks. Despite flashes of promise, back-to-back close losses have raised questions about why the Broncos, a franchise aiming for consistency and playoff contention, have struggled out of the gate. A deeper look reveals three key trends underpinning their uneven start: an alarming number of penalties, a lack of explosive plays on offense, and trouble closing out tight games in the final moments.
1. Penalties Undermining Momentum
One glaring issue weighing on Denver’s starts has been discipline, as evidenced by the surge in penalties over their first three games. The Broncos committed six penalties in Week 1, which increased to eight against the Colts in Week 2, and skyrocketed to ten penalties in their most recent outing versus the Los Angeles Chargers.
Critical infractions at pivotal moments—such as unnecessary roughness and offsides penalties—have repeatedly given opponents extra chances. For example, a costly leverage penalty nullified a game-winning field goal attempt against Indianapolis, turning the tide in the Colts’ favor. Defensive penalties late in the fourth quarter enabled the Chargers to tie the game, and offensive misalignments led to lost yardage and stalled drives.
Coach Sean Payton has emphasized the need for the team to “clean up” their alignment and eliminate avoidable mistakes quickly, noting that such errors “need to be cleaned up fast.” The recurring infractions not only stall momentum but also sap energy and confidence at crucial moments in close games.
2. Struggles to Generate Big Plays
Another trend impacting Denver’s fortunes is the Broncos’ inability to consistently connect on explosive offensive plays. Quarterback Bo Nix, despite showing some accuracy, has struggled with key throws downfield—highlighted by only four plays longer than 30 yards through three weeks. Two of those big plays came recently on a 41-yard rush by running back J.K. Dobbins and a 52-yard touchdown reception from wideout Courtland Sutton.
Opposing defenses have crowded the short and intermediate passing lanes, daring Nix to beat them deep. While Nix has shown promise, his overall QBR of 41.6 ranks 25th among NFL starters, and he exhibits a higher-than-average off-target rate at 17.8%. Missed opportunities, including an overthrow on a flea flicker that could have resulted in a big gain and a late-game misfire on an open deep route, have prevented the Broncos from capitalizing on chances to take control in tight contests.
Additionally, Denver’s third-down conversions have been lackluster—going just 6-of-22 on third down in the last two games—making drives longer and more difficult to sustain. Without timely explosive plays or sustained success in key down-and-distance situations, the offense has struggled to put away opponents.
3. Difficulty Closing Out Games
If penalties and stagnating offense have frustrated Denver’s attempts to build momentum, the Broncos’ inability to close games has been most costly. Twice already this season, Denver has lost leads late in the game. Against Indianapolis, a red-zone interception and a missed field goal in the fourth quarter proved costly. Against the Chargers, the Broncos failed to sustain any offensive yardage in the final minutes and ultimately surrendered a game-winning field goal after allowing ten points in the last five minutes.
Defensively, costly lapses in the closing minutes have undermined the team’s efforts. Despite strong individual performances such as edge rusher Nik Bonitto’s two sacks in Week 3, the defense has struggled with penalties and timely stops when it matters most. This inability to “get the job done” in clutch moments adds pressure on an offense still trying to find its rhythm.
Looking Ahead
The Broncos face the challenge of addressing these three critical trends—penalty discipline, offensive explosiveness, and late-game execution—if they hope to turn their fortunes around. While the team has shown signs of resilience and pockets of strong play, consistency and mental toughness will be key as the season progresses. The Broncos’ coaching staff has pivoted to emphasizing film study and corrections, making the next few weeks a crucial test of their resolve and adaptability.
In a league where close games often define seasons, the Broncos’ future success hinges on sharpening their execution and maintaining composure through the final moments. Until then, their 1-2 start reflects a work in progress rather than a team ready to make a sustained playoff push.
