The Broncos have to figure out where they are and who they are.
That was made clear Tuesday when owner/CEO Greg Penner and general manager George Paton addressed the media in the wake of Monday’s firing of head coach Nathaniel Hackett.
While Penner and Paton both praised the Broncos’ defense, resolving the identity crisis with a floundering offense and inconsistent special teams is a top priority for both men as they search for a head coach.
“On offense, it just changes from week to week,” Paton admitted. “A lot of it is with injuries (but) we really didn’t have that foundation or that identity. It was a little bit of a hodgepodge. A lot of that has to do with injuries but I just didn’t feel like we could ever get that identity.
“Some games we could run it, other games we weren’t consistent running (the ball). We never were really consistent throwing it. We just didn’t have that identity and we really don’t have an identity on special teams, either, and we need to create that.”
The 4-11 Broncos are the lowest-scoring team in the NFL, averaging 15.5 points per game, and in 11 games this season they’ve scored 17 or fewer points, with nine of those being losses.
Little wonder that in addition to dismissing Hackett, the Broncos on Monday also fired special teams coordinator Dwayne Stukes and offensive line coach Butch Barry. Through 15 games this season, the Broncos have surrendered 57 sacks, the most in the league.
“I want to personally apologize to our fans and all of Broncos County,” Penner said. “We know that we need to be better and we will (be).
“It’s also important for us to be realistic about where we are and the work that needs to be done. That starts today with our head coaching search. This will be a crucial offseason for us, across our football operations. That’s coaching, personnel and support staff.”
Penner, however, remains bullish about Denver’s defense and believes that there are solid players on both sides of the ball.
“Our defense is among the best in the NFL,” he said. “We have some emerging stars and proven veterans on both sides of the ball and we are building a competitive foundation for the future.”
