Studs and duds from Broncos’ 70-20 loss to Dolphins
There are simply few words to describe just how bad the Week 3 loss for the Denver Broncos to the Miami Dolphins was on Sunday.
Broncos Wire examines the one stud and many duds from the ugly 70-20 loss in Miami.
Stud: Marvin Mims
The one stud from the Broncos’ loss is the continued emergence of Marvin Mims. Mims had one rush for three yards, three receptions for 73 yards, and a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Mims brings an explosiveness that is hard to match on the offensive side of the ball.
Dud: Defense
It is hard to explain how bad the Broncos defense was on Sunday. Ten total touchdowns given up. Nine touchdowns were scored by the Dolphins’ running backs alone. 726 yards of total offense allowed. 70 points put on the board. Dolphins backup quarterback Matt White even threw for a touchdown against Denver. This is the lowest point of the young season, and it should open eyes up to how bad Vance Joseph’s defensive unit is this season. When the opponent looks like they are playing Madden, heads should roll after this game.
Dud: Turnovers
For the second straight week, the Broncos turned the ball over at least two times, without getting one in return. Two fumbles and a Russell Wilson interception were the least of the problems today, but it contributed to a larger issue the Broncos have: the defense cannot force opposing offenses into mistakes. Nobody is afraid of the Broncos defense, as the Dolphins showed when they went for it on fourth down on their own 34. The Broncos stopped them, but the offense failed to convert on the opportunity.
Dud: Vance Joseph
Vance Joseph’s defensive scheme has been a disaster the past two weeks. Against the Washington Commanders, the Broncos gave up 388 yards, while the Dolphins put up 726 yards. When a top-five defense last year gives up over 1,000 yards in two weeks, things need to change. Even though Denver is three weeks into 2023, Joseph’s seat is maybe the hottest in the NFL right now.
Biggest loser: Broncos Country
After the hiring of Sean Payton and bringing in offensive and defensive free agents, there was an expectation and hope for a better season. After losing the first two games of 2023 by a combined three points, a 50-point embarrassment is the lowest point in recent franchise history. The hope is that it only goes up from here, but with this team, who knows what is to come?
