The Struggles of the Denver Broncos’ Offense in the AFC Championship Game

The Denver Broncos faced a tough challenge in the AFC Championship Game, where they were expected to pull off an upset against the New England Patriots. However, this seemed unrealistic, especially with a run game that offered little support. The Broncos ultimately lost the game 10-7 on Sunday.

Jarrett Stidham, the backup quarterback who replaced an injured Bo Nix (broken right ankle), had a challenging performance. He completed 17 out of 31 passes for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Additionally, he lost one fumble, which further complicated the team’s offensive efforts.

The Broncos’ run game was another significant issue. It struggled throughout the game, failing to gain much momentum. Rookie running back RJ Harvey led the team in rushing with 37 yards on 13 carries. The team as a whole averaged just 3.3 yards per carry (79 yards on 24 carries), which is well below the league average of 4.4 yards per carry, according to Pro Football Reference.

Impact of Weather on the Run Game

The weather on Sunday played a role in the Broncos’ struggles. Heavy snow began to fall in the second half, limiting visibility and making the field slippery. This made it even more difficult for the Broncos to execute their run game effectively. However, it’s worth noting that the team’s backfield has been a consistent weakness throughout the season.

This issue must be addressed if the Broncos hope to make it to the Super Bowl next season. The lack of depth at the running back position often forced the team to rely too heavily on their quarterbacks, which contributed to their failure to reach the Super Bowl in 2025.

Improving the Backfield: What the Broncos Need to Do

To improve their backfield, the Broncos need to make strategic moves this offseason. They signed sixth-year running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year, $2.065 million deal in free agency. Additionally, they selected former Central Florida Knights star RJ Harvey with the 60th overall pick in the NFL Draft. However, these moves may not have been enough.

Dobbins started the season strong, rushing for 772 yards in 10 games. Unfortunately, he suffered a left foot injury in a Week 10 game against the Las Vegas Raiders and missed the rest of the season. The Broncos then turned to Harvey, but the 5-foot-8, 205-pound back seems more like a gadget player rather than a true RB1.

During the regular season, Harvey averaged a subpar 3.7 yards per carry (540 yards). His performance dropped to three yards per carry in the playoffs (57 yards on 19 carries).

Relying on the Quarterback

Bo Nix, the starting quarterback, managed to hide the run-game problems during the 2025 season. He ranked third on the team in rushing yards (356 on 83 carries) during the regular season. However, doctors may advise him to reduce his running next season to avoid another injury. Nix reportedly needs 12 weeks to recover after undergoing surgery.

Given these challenges, the Broncos may consider re-signing Dobbins in free agency. However, due to his foot injury, they might explore other options. Potential targets include New York Jets running back Breece Hall (1,065 rushing yards, No. 15 in the NFL) and Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (1,076 yards, No. 14 in the NFL), both of whom are free agents this offseason.

Future Moves and the 2026 NFL Draft

If the asking prices for free agents are too high, the Broncos could target a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft. One potential candidate is Emmett Johnson from the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who rushed for 1,451 yards on 251 carries in 2025.

Regardless of their approach, the Broncos cannot ignore their running back room this offseason. Addressing the lack of depth at the position is crucial for their future success.

Conclusion

The Broncos’ struggles in the AFC Championship Game highlighted several issues, particularly with their run game and backfield depth. To move forward, they need to make strategic decisions that will strengthen their offense and increase their chances of reaching the Super Bowl in the coming seasons.