The Denver Broncos' playoff hopes are in serious doubt after a 13-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Denver faces a brutal closing three-game stretch — New England at home, Kansas City on the road and finally Oakland at home.
Denver is going to need to be much better, especially in the running game, if its hopes to make the playoffs for the sixth straight year. Here was the Broncos' loss to the Titans by the numbers.
18 — The Broncos rushed the ball nine times for 18 yards. Justin Forsett carried the rock six times for 17 yards, while Devontae Booker carried it three times for 1 yard.
Since 1970, Denver has rushed for 18 yards or fewer only four times. It's almost impossible to win football games that way. The injury to C.J. Anderson hurt this team badly. Its offensive line is also among the worst in football right now.
10 — Hey, speaking of that offensive line. It allowed 10 QB hits. Trevor Siemian, who was asked to throw the ball 51 times, got knocked around.
11 — The offensive line's biggest problem is on the exterior. Starting tackles Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson combined to allow 11 pressures, Pro Football Focus says. Stephenson has struggled immensely at right tackle. The Broncos need to make a change there next year.
6 — The No Fly Zone limited Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota to six completions in 20 attempts. He threw for 88 yards. Tennessee mostly relied on the run, as it rushed 42 times for 180 yards.
9 — The Broncos committed nine penalties for 87 yards. The margin for error isn't big for this team the way the offense is performing. Racking up huge penalty numbers like this hurts.
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