Broncos Collapse vs. Commanders: The Good, Bad & Ugly

The Denver Broncos raced to a 21-3 lead before losing to the Washington Commanders.

The Denver Broncos teased their parched fans like a mirage in the desert, promising the waters of an explosive offense and a defense to quake in fear of. 

Dreams of deep offensive strikes and a reason for putting the heat on Commander's quarterback, Sam Howell, seemed tangible. But alas, the 21-3 first-half lead evaporated into a 35-33 loss that left Broncos Country in a desert of despair at 0-2.

Here's a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly from the latest Broncos defeat.

What happens next on the Broncos? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second, sign up for our free newsletter, and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

The Good: 

First Half Execution

In the first half, the Broncos were poetry in motion. Head coach Sean Payton's play calls synced beautifully with Russell Wilson's virtuoso performance as he danced through the Commanders' defense. 

Rookie wide receiver Marvin Mim's Jr. gave a performance that made fans and players gape in awe. A special nod to his explosive 45-yard punt return, which was almost as jaw-dropping 53-yard catch along the sideline. 

Remember preseason's favorite highlight, Jaleel McLaughlin? One carry, one touchdown. Simple math. 

As for the defense, after last week's embarrassing display against the Raiders, the outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, Nik Bonitto, and Randy Gregory racked up three sacks on the Commanders' first-two possessions.

The Bad: 

They Play Two Halves.

The post-halftime Broncos, that was a different story. 

If the first half was a dream, the second half was an alarming wake-up call. It was as if the team had undergone a bizarre personality split during halftime. The Commanders went from prey to predator. 

It's one thing not to make a third-down stand but another to make your signature move. 

Watching the team in the last three minutes was like watching a snail race – slow, agonizing, and knowledge of impending doom. 

The Ugly:

The Roster Isn't as Good as We Thought:

Now, for the part where we confront the monster under the bed. 

Denver's roster gap is wider than the Grand Canyon. The splashy acquisitions of Wilson and Payton have drained the Broncos' talent reservoir. Toss in injuries and undisciplined play leading to ejections, and you've got a recipe for disaster. 

The real puzzler was why Payton, a maestro in the first half, seemed to forget he had stars like Mim's Jr. and McLaughlin in the second. Like forgetting the main ingredient in a soufflé, it just doesn't rise.

General manager George Payton has been taking risks like a bored teenager playing poker. For example, see the gamble on a former head coach, a high stakes bet on a quarterback, and allowing a tight end that can stretch the field to walk among other things.

Broncos fans, brace yourselves. With Sean Payton, we might see some glimmers of hope, but keep those expectations grounded. After all, even a mirage can look like a paradise if you're desperate enough.

---

Follow Mike on Twitter @MHHEvans.

Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!