Examining compelling evidence that reveals the Broncos' offense is poised for lift-off

The Broncos' offense hasn't quite gotten off the ground. But there are two distinguishing stats that suggest they're ready for lift off.

Through two weeks, the Denver Broncos have scored a grand total of 30 points. Only two teams have been worse than the Broncos in the red zone. 

On third down, Denver is slightly below the average, converting just 33.3% of the time. On a yards-per-play basis, the Broncos are averaging 5.4 — good enough for No. 22 in the NFL. 

On the surface, all of these metrics reveal exactly what the Broncos are in the present — an 0-2 team. However, there is compelling evidence to suggest that Rich Scangarello's unit is poised to take a quantum leap forward in the very near future. 

Bass-akwards

First, it's important to understand how odd the complexion of each of the Broncos' first two games has been. Get this. 

The Broncos' offense had a league-low 17 possessions during the first two games. Normally, fans are used to complaining about the offense holding the defense back but despite Vic Fangio's prowess as a defensive X's and O's wizard, that side of the ball has arguably been the bigger culprit to the team's early woes. 

But we can't lay it all on the feet of Fangio's defense, even though the Broncos have been one of the worst teams in the league in forcing their opponent off the field on third down and even though they've failed to notch a single sack or takeaway. When it comes to the 'money down', opponents are moving the sticks on Denver a whopping 52% of the time. 

What does that mean? 

Less opportunities for Joe Flacco and company. Hence, the Broncos' league-low 17 offensive possessions. But here's where we have to flip the onus back on Scangarello's unit. 

The Broncos' offense has entered its opponent's territory a whopping 14 times (82.4%). That's great, right? Yes. But only if it results in points. 

Remember, the Broncos have only possessed the ball 17 times, which means 82.3% of the time, Flacco and company have crossed into plus-territory. Where it's gone skiwampus is on third down in enemy territory. 

Shooting themselves in the foot

Too many times, the Broncos have crossed the 50-yard line, threatening field goal range, only to stall out. Whether it's due to the offense shooting itself in the foot with an ill-timed penalty (*cough* Garett Bolles *cough* Ronald Leary*) or simply failing to execute on third down, the Broncos haven't been able to sustain drives once they've crossed the 50. 

However, we're talking about an offense that is averaging 42.1 yards per drive, which is fifth-best in the NFL. Against the Chicago Bears last week, the Broncos totaled the most first downs (27) in a single game since the 2014 season, increasing their season total to 45 first downs on the season, which is good for ninth-best in the NFL. 

And for those doubting Joe Flacco, or still struggling with misgivings that he's a true upgrade over Case Keenum, 30 of those first downs were converted via his right arm. That's impressive and more-than-encouraging. 

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The Takeaway

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

This Broncos' offense is close, people. Surprisingly close for how short of a time Scangarello and Flacco have been teamed up. It's unfortunate that the Broncos have been unable to close but that's a point Scangarello has been emphasizing during practice all week leading up to Green Bay. 

If the Broncos can bump their efficiency in the red zone and third down, this unit has the tools and wherewithal to actually put up a lot of points. Through two games, despite crossing the 50-yard line 14 times, only half of those drives have made it to the red zone. 

Converting 2-of-7 trips inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns is a losing formula — don't think Scangarello isn't aware of that. He knows it. But again, Scangarello is confident in his quarterback and doesn't doubt that the Broncos are 'this' close to busting it wide open. 

However, not to make excuses for them, but it's important to remember that this fledgling Broncos' offense has played two very stingy opponents. The Oakland Raiders might not have the most talented defense in the league but they played inspired football in Week 1. 

The Chicago Bears' resume speaks for itself. That's an elite defense the Broncos moved the ball on consistently, to the tune of 27 first downs and 372 total yards. 

The Broncos' offense has already been through the refiner's fire just two weeks into the season. The quality of opponents Denver has faced has to have a galvanizing effect on this offense. It's one of the reasons I picked the Broncos to win in Green Bay this weekend, despite facing the No. 2 scoring defense in the NFL. 

“It's a weird game in the sense that you felt like we had opportunities to score more points, no doubt," Scangarello said on Thursday. "But I'll say this, that was the most dominant defense in the NFL last year and they can make anyone look bad, and they've done it. They made Green Bay look bad the week before. Last year, I watched the Rams barely move the ball on them. The goal was not to turn it over and we did (Flacco's red zone interception on third down). That cost us seven points and that's part of where you see those extra plays and the lack of points on the board... That was a 13- or 14-play drive that was very  efficient when it mattered. That's the kind of people we have, and they played hard. I know we're going to be great, I know we're going to score points.” 

Again, with the way Fangio's defense has been attacked by the opposition, it's created some odd game situations that haven't helped this Broncos' offense. Fangio's unit has struggled to form cohesion and has ultimately been exploited and manipulated by the opposition — but the Broncos will soon find their rhythm defensively. Fangio's resume is evidence enough of that. 

Meanwhile, I'm of the opinion that this Broncos' offense is on the verge of busting loose. When will that be exactly? I don't know. I pawned my crystal ball a few years back. 

But at this stage, what I've seen from Scangarello and Flacco has me encouraged that it will come. Talent is not an issue for Denver, especially at the skill positions. 

The offensive line hasn't done Scangarello any favors but it stands to reason that Mike Munchak's influence on that unit will eventually come out in the wash, if the big boys up front can collectively fend off the injury bug. 

“I will say this, the whole goal in the building is to play complementary football," Scangarello said. "If we win 13-10 or if we win 38-35, I don't think anyone in this building truly cares. Now, people on the outside might have their opinions why that is. I want to help the defense, that means take care of the football and don't turn it over. We went seven and a half quarters and we didn't turn it over. We needed it to go eight and that's our job. Sometimes the possessions play out that way. I don't want Vic [Fangio] to have to play 70 plays nor does he. But we played 82, that's a good thing, but we need results. In the end, we're complementing each other, but we need to get results in the red zone.”

There's the rub. They say the NFL is a production-based business. The more apt cliche, perhaps, is that the NFL is a results-based enterprise. 

The Broncos have to close and find that killer instinct. Based on what I've seen so far, though, it's only a matter of time. 

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.