Riley Moss Breaks It Down: Post-Bengals Loss, A Reality Check for Broncos

A Critical Examination of Denver's Performance and Outlook

The Denver Broncos' disappointing 20-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 served as a stark reality check for the team, exposing fundamental flaws that must be addressed to salvage the season. Riley Moss, a key member of the defense, provided valuable insights into the shortcomings and the path forward.

Defensive Struggles and Lack of Discipline

The Broncos' defense, once a cornerstone of the team's success, has struggled mightily in 2022, allowing a league-worst 131.9 rushing yards per game. Against the Bengals, the defense allowed 191 rushing yards, including a 59-yard touchdown run by running back Joe Mixon. Moss attributed the poor performance to a lack of discipline and assignment errors.

"We're not doing our jobs," Moss stated. "Guys are out of their gaps, not communicating on blitzes, and not wrapping up. It's not rocket science. We need to get back to basics."

The statistics support Moss's assessment. According to Pro Football Focus, the Broncos have allowed 10 rushing touchdowns this season, tied for the most in the NFL. They have also missed 40 tackles, the third-most in the league.

Offensive Inefficiency and Red Zone Futility

The Broncos' offense has also struggled to produce consistently. Quarterback Russell Wilson has completed only 59.9% of his passes for 910 yards, with five touchdowns and three interceptions. The running game has been equally underwhelming, averaging just 3.8 yards per carry.

Moss highlighted the team's inability to convert in the red zone as a major concern. The Broncos have scored touchdowns on only 40% of their red zone possessions this season, ranking 26th in the NFL.

"We're not finishing drives when we get down there," Moss said. "It's frustrating, and it's killing our momentum."

Coaching and Leadership Questions

The Broncos' struggles have also raised questions about the coaching staff and leadership. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett has come under fire for his conservative play-calling and questionable game management decisions.

Moss, while not directly criticizing Hackett, emphasized the need for more accountability and urgency within the team.

"We need to play with more passion and intensity," Moss stated. "We need to make adjustments when things aren't going our way. It's up to us as players to take ownership and turn this thing around."

Conclusion

The Broncos' loss to the Bengals served as a wake-up call, revealing the team's significant deficiencies on both sides of the ball. Riley Moss's candid assessment provides valuable insights into the root causes of the team's struggles.

To turn things around, the Broncos need to improve their defensive discipline, become more efficient on offense, and foster a culture of accountability and urgency. As Moss emphasized, it is up to the players and coaches to take ownership and work tirelessly to salvage the season.

The upcoming weeks will be crucial for the Broncos. They face a tough schedule, with games against the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers, and New York Jets on the horizon. How the team responds to this adversity will determine their fate and the trajectory of the season.

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