The Broncos are facing significant difficulties with their pass rush, particularly when targeting Geno Smith, which is causing trouble for them in terms of scoring opportunities and enhancing opponents' defenses.
Mile High Misery: Broncos' Pass Rush Too Much for Geno Smith, RaidersIn an unexpected twist, the Denver Broncos, who had been on a remarkable defensive rise thanks to their league-leading pass rush featuring Geno Smith as their primary quarterback, have now faced a game where even the most stellar defense can feel overwhelmed. On December 15, a crucial Sunday afternoon game against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Broncos delivered another seventh consecutive victory—this time, it wasn’t because of an explosive play by kicker or tight end but because Geno Smith’s single-impact pass rush dropped six times in a row into key plays that mattered.
### Why Geno Smith’s Pass Rush is Where It Is
Geno Smith was Denver’s most effective quarterback all along, dominating defenses with his relentless drive and perfect throws. But when it came to the Broncos’ most vulnerable spot—their pass rush—the narrative flipped. As they entered the game against the Raiders, they were under a cloud of doubt. How would the defense handle this game? What would Geno Smith be able to do?
The Broncos had already earned their title as a league leader with a 107-yard average throw and three consecutive passes to tight end. But this season was different. They found themselves up against a formidable opponent, and it didn’t look easy.
### The Broncos’ Defenses Are Still Strong
When Denver entered the game, fans were already talking about their defensive prowess—how they had beaten teams with high ratings and how they had ranked among the league leaders. However, in this particular matchup, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Bronco defense.
In week six, when they met the Raiders, the Broncos found themselves on a tough spot. The offense was solid, and the defense was trying to stop their explosive drives. But in a game that felt like it could tip the scales against the team, Denver had to rely heavily on pass coverage.
### Why Six Drops Against the Raiders? It’s Not Just For Geno Smith
As the game unfolded, it became clear that playing against the Raiders’ defense wasn’t about Geno Smith. He was just one of a group of players who could be vulnerable in critical plays. Passing, rushing, and tackling all had to work together in this high-pressure matchup.
When the Broncos went for a first/third conversion on their drive, they often found themselves with only 49 yards on 56 attempts, putting the defense at a big risk. Then there were the tackle-heavy drives. The Raiders’ pass rush was relentless, and Denver had to fight toothless to stop them.
Finally, in week seven, when the Broncos took their sixth drop of 100 yards or more against the Raiders, they weren’t just dropping Geno Smith—it wasn’t just about him. It was about how many drops it cost the team.
### Why This matters
The fact that this Broncos defense couldn’t handle six passes without a major turnover in critical plays is something to take pride in. But it also means the Bronco’s defenders had to think outside the box—they needed to be prepared for high-impact drives and manage their resources better.
And that’s where Geno Smith comes into play, perhaps not as a question mark but as the tip of the iceberg. He was just one of the many players who couldn’t handle the pressure. The Broncos knew this game would require some调整, but it wasn’t easy.
### What They’ve Learned
After week seven against the Raiders, Denver learned that pass coverage can be unpredictable and that they needed to adopt a new defensive strategy. The team’s defense had improved significantly, but it still wasn’t immune to mistakes or plays that would cost them points.
In this game, Geno Smith was just one of many players who had to accept his role in the pocket. He couldn’t handle six drops in a row, and he knew that for sure. But the Broncos were still a team. They had other wins to come, but they needed to build momentum around their defense.
In a world where defenses are often labeled as "strong" or "weak," this was a tough pill to swallow. However, it also taught them that even strong teams can be vulnerable in high-stakes situations. And while the Bronco’s pass rush may have been the backbone of their success all along, it wasn’t without cost.
### Conclusion
This game against the Raiders isn’t aboutGeno Smith or about his performance—just about how the Broncos’ defense reacted to a team that relied so much on them. It’s a reminder that high-impact plays can be costly, and even the strongest defenses have moments where they’ll have to step up when pressure comes.
And if Geno Smith isn’t able to handle it all himself in this particular game—maybe he wasn’t the only one who was struggling—the Broncos will learn from this experience. They know that while their pass rush may be solid, managing them effectively requires precision and adaptation. And that’s a lesson for every player on the field.
So as the Broncos prepare for next week’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, they’ll have a clearer idea of what to expect. They’re not just on another road—this is about finding their way through the mud when it’s all going to happen.
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