Denver sits at 4-2, a respectable record that includes victories over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and Seattle. Their only losses have come against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. Yet, concerns about the offense linger. Head coach Sean Payton briefly relinquished playcalling duties to Davis Webb before the Seattle game, believing Webb possessed a “gift.” The move marked a rare turn in Payton’s long coaching career, but the early numbers did not vindicate the experiment.
Through six games, the Broncos are averaging 252.2 total offensive yards per game, ranking near the bottom of the league. They also sit in the middle of the pack in rushing, with 505 rushing yards combined. The offense has drawn attention for not elevating performance consistently, and quarterback Bo Nix has been at the center of the discourse.
Statistically, Nix has reduced the depth of his passes, with CBS Sports data showing an average of 5.6 yards per attempt in 2026. By comparison, his averages were higher in 2024 (6.7 yards per attempt) and 2025 (6.4 yards per attempt). The decline has sparked debate about whether the offense is limiting him or if he is pressing to make plays.
Commentators have weighed in on Nix’s consistency and leadership. Some analysts argued that his performance in recent games has not matched expectations, with questions about whether he is fully trusted within the offense. Others suggested that the overall offensive approach needs adjustment to maximize his strengths.
Despite the chatter, McCaffrey maintained support for the quarterback. In discussions with fans, he acknowledged that it’s fair to critique the mechanics, decisions, and overall offensive execution. However, he emphasized that questioning Nix’s heart and drive to win crosses a line. McCaffrey pointed to the team’s record and the challenges of the season as context for the current snapshots of play.
Nix’s stat line through the early portion of the season reflects a work in progress: 114 completions on 189 attempts (60.3%) for 1,049 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. His best outing came against Jacksonville, with 288 passing yards and a touchdown for a 97.2 rating. He has been sacked eight times and has added 37 rushing yards, including a rushing TD. While the Broncos rely on defense and a conservative offensive approach to safeguard leads, questions remain about whether the offense can evolve into a more dynamic unit with Nix at the helm.
In summary, Denver’s 4-2 start is a solid foundation, but the offense’s struggle to consistently generate yardage and big plays remains a focal point of conversation. The team will need to balance protecting the quarterback with expanding the playbook and fostering trust across the unit if they aim to sustain success as the season progresses.
