Big hopes for the Broncos. They now face a dilemma.
There is a coaching issue with the Denver Broncos. We’ll find out in time if they can fix it. Or, maybe more importantly, how much time will be set aside for doing so.
It’s enough to say that Wilson bears some of the blame for Denver’s offensive shortcomings. But whatever Wilson and Hackett have come up with has been so offensive that, with the Colts game still hanging in the balance, already irate fans—who have been jeering Hackett—have fled in large numbers on October 6. That kind of picture usually hits home for someone who spent $4.65 billion to purchase a once-vibrant franchise. Naturally, Wilson is not going anywhere, so there has been a lot of discussion in the league about how patient this new ownership group will be, or ought to be, with a product that has consistently been well below professional level.
Speaking with executives, evaluators, and coaches who have closely observed the Broncos, they paint a dire picture of their offensive scheme, game-day operations, and identity. The issues are so pervasive that they question whether a staff that is mainly inexperienced can make the necessary corrections. To try to spark more immediate gains, a few suggested that it would be necessary to at least bring in additional outside consultants. Fair enough, Hackett’s ability to make it through his first season on the job is being discussed in the league and at the offices of other teams.
One NFL general manager, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to his inability to publicly discuss other teams’ front-office decisions, said, “I hate to say it because it’s only six weeks, but [Paton] needs to start separating himself from the coach.” I think George is great, and that’s what I would advise him to do. If [Hackett] accepts assistance, keep trying to help him, but you might also need to be prepared to acknowledge that this was a mistake far sooner than you had anticipated. Neither of them was employed by this owner. It’s been a complete failure thus far, so you need to exercise caution in how hard you push to demonstrate that this can work. Additionally, if you don’t exercise caution, you’ll
Another veteran personnel executive, who has closely observed the Broncos and spoke under similar restrictions, stated: “Unless something changes quickly, I don’t think he gets through the year.” It appears too large on him. For him, it appears too quick. The play-calling in the red zone has been terrible. I think not enough changes are being made.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69799879/1336979629.0.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
