Denver Broncos fans everywhere recoiled in horror after the shocking events of their game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 24. The Dolphins obliterated the Broncos 70-20 in one of the most historic blowouts in NFL history. This game marks the most points scored by an NFL team since 1966 and, barring a decision by head coach Mike McDaniel to kneel, a field goal could have tied the NFL record for most points in a game, set by the Chicago Bears in 1940.
The Dolphins, headlined by a resurgent Tua Tagovailoa as quarterback and one of the best offensive minds in the NFL in McDaniel, now sit at 3-0 and seem to be unstoppable. Many are betting on Tagovailoa to win the MVP; others think a Super Bowl will come to Miami-Dade County.
On the other hand, the Broncos, led by Russell Wilson as quarterback, continue to be one of the league’s laughingstocks at 0-3. This game was the perfect storm for a blowout: even without Jaylen Waddle as receiver, the Dolphins did whatever they wanted on offense. Tyreek Hill and De’von Achane were like blazes of lightning; the defense was capable, but who needs a stellar defense when you have an offense that scores 70 points?
On paper, the Broncos look perfect: Sean Payton, the head coach, holds 15 years of experience, and Wilson is a Super Bowl champion and a nine-time Pro Bowler. The Denver defense, usually the franchise’s strong point, is questionable at best. Many are calling for the termination of coordinator Vance Joseph, as he is seemingly wasting a unit led by Patrick Surtain II with Justin Simmons by his side.
Wilson has been in a funk in the Mile High City. Despite a new coach in Payton, he hasn’t yet found his rhythm and is missing two of his top targets (Tim Patrick and Greg Dulcich) as receiver and tight end, respectively. On the other side of the ball, Tua has overcome various injury concerns – mainly concussions – to put himself firmly in the MVP conversation.
Overall, the Dolphins-Broncos matchup was a tale of two teams: one primed for a run at the Super Bowl and another in a rut with no hope in sight. It remains to be seen if the Dolphins can sustain their success or if the Broncos can turn it around.
Staff Writer
