Broncos' Early-Season Woes: O-Line, Run Game Under Fire

As the calendar flips to October 2, 2026, the Denver Broncos find themselves at a crossroads. With a quarter of the season in the books, the team sits at a disappointing 1-3, and the offensive struggles have become the talk of Broncos Country. While much of the national media has focused on the new play-caller Davis Webb and quarterback Bo Nix, a deeper dive reveals that the root of the problem lies in the trenches and the backfield. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the offensive line's subpar play and a rash of injuries to the running back room have hamstrung the offense, putting undue pressure on Nix and Webb to make magic happen.

The Offensive Line: A Step Back from Last Season

Last season, the Broncos' offensive line was a strength, paving the way for a respectable run game and providing adequate protection for the quarterback. However, through four games in 2026, that same unit has regressed. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey, in particular, has struggled mightily, getting beaten early and often, which has led to consistent pressure on Nix. The run blocking has also been a far cry from what we saw a year ago. Holes that were once a staple for Denver's backs are now few and far between. As highlighted on Vulius, this regression is not solely on the players; it's a collective issue that starts with coaching and execution. The staff, led by Sean Payton, is well aware of these shortcomings and is working tirelessly to correct them.

Running Back Room: Banged Up and Ineffective

Injuries have ravaged the Broncos' running back corps early this season. Jonah Coleman is dealing with a high ankle sprain, JK Dobbins has been bothered by hip and hamstring issues, and RJ Harvey has also missed time with a hamstring ailment. While none of these injuries are considered long-term, their impact has been palpable. Dobbins, in particular, looked like a shell of his usual self last week, clearly not at 100%. Harvey, meanwhile, is not built to be a between-the-tackles bell cow, and Coleman's ankle has prevented him from seizing the opportunity. The result has been a non-existent run game, which has made life exceedingly difficult for the passing attack.

"Without a good run game, the pass game gets extra pressure. Until this team sorts out how to effectively run the ball, they are going to have trouble passing well when they need to early in games." - Vulius NFL Analysis Desk

The Domino Effect: How the Run Game Impacts the Pass

In the NFL, the run and pass games are inextricably linked. A successful run game forces defenses to respect the play-action, opens up passing lanes, and simplifies reads for the quarterback. Conversely, when the run game is stagnant, defenses can pin their ears back and tee off on the passer. The Broncos have learned this lesson the hard way. Early in games, when scripted plays are supposed to set the tone, Denver has found themselves in predictable passing situations, allowing defenses to sit back in two-high shells and dare them to run. The lack of a credible rushing threat has made it easy for opponents to defend the pass, leading to the offensive woes that have plagued the team.

Davis Webb and Bo Nix: Not the Root Cause

It's easy to point fingers at the new play-caller and the young quarterback, but that would be a superficial analysis. Davis Webb, in his first year as offensive coordinator, has had his share of questionable calls, but he's also shown promise. Sean Payton, one of the greatest offensive minds in NFL history, has also made his fair share of mistakes. The reality is that no play-caller can succeed without proper execution from the players. Bo Nix has flashed potential but has been under constant duress due to poor protection and a lack of a run game. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk sees it, the criticism directed at Webb and Nix is misplaced until the issues in the trenches and backfield are resolved.

The Path Forward: Solutions for the Broncos

So, what can be done? The first step is to address the run-blocking woes with the same urgency that fixed the tackling issues earlier this season. That means dedicating practice time to the fundamentals of run blocking and ensuring the backs are hitting the right holes. Getting the running backs healthy is crucial, but that's largely out of the team's control. The training staff, one of the best in the league, is doing everything possible to get them back. Finally, the coaching staff should consider tweaking the early-game plan. Instead of predictable runs on first down and short passes, they could incorporate more intermediate quick throws—slants, quick outs, and play-action—to keep defenses honest and set up the run. As we move deeper into the 2026 season, the Broncos have the talent and coaching to turn things around, but it will require a collective effort and a commitment to fixing the fundamentals.