ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As the Broncos move past the halfway point of the season, Head Coach Sean Payton knows there's a clear plan Denver must follow to accomplish its goals.
Asked on the heels of a Week 9 loss to the Ravens what the Broncos need to accomplish to find success in 2024, Payton pointed to finding more success in both the running game and turnover margin.
"I think I would say the consistency of us, offensively, rushing the football efficiently [and] our continued success we've had prior to yesterday at defending the run is going to be vital to this team winning," Payton said. "We're minus-one right now in the turnover battle. If we're having that discussion toward the end of the season, that's not going to be good. That has to be something in our favor. I start with those two things off the top of my head. And understanding our margin for error relative to the giveaway-takeaway ratio."
Through Sunday's games, the Broncos' offense ranks 15th in rushing yards per game and 13th in yards per play. Denver has posted impressive rushing outputs in wins over the Buccaneers (136 yards), Jets (126) and Saints (225), while the team was unable to cross the 100-yard mark in losses to Seattle and Pittsburgh to begin the season. As Denver looks to improve its rushing output, Payton said there's a chance the Broncos will increase rookie Audric Estime's role.
Defensively, Denver ranks ninth in rushing defense and fifth in yards per carry. Baltimore, though, ran for more than 100 yards in the second half of Sunday's game to salt away the victory. Denver has allowed at least 125 rushing yards in all four of its losses this season.
The turnover statistics may be even more striking. The Broncos are 5-1 this season when their defense forces a turnover, while they are 0-3 when the unit is unable to come up with a takeaway. Denver is also 5-0 when winning or tying the turnover margin and 0-4 when losing that battle.
Payton mentioned the elite teams in the league's history have been able to overcome losing the turnover battle, but he said those teams' "margin for error was much different" than Denver's.
The areas of the game Payton identified — which also including Marvin Mims Jr.'s ability to contribute in the return game — help the Broncos play their desired style of football. And as the season continues, the ability to dictate the terms and play their game will be critical.
"If we're having problems defending the run or we're having problems and not having the ability to slow the game down [and] play it on our terms, I think it's going to be challenging for us to accomplish our goals," Payton said.
TRADE DEADLINE APPROACHES
Ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, Payton said his focus will not change from a normal Monday after a game.
"It's going to be putting to bed the game we just played, and then the preparation beginning on Kansas City," Payton said. "In the meantime, [General Manager] George [Paton] and his staff, there's always these last-minute calls either way. George will keep me abreast. He'll walk in here if he thinks it's something significant."
Payton, though, has his attention toward the players currently on Denver's roster — and he suggested the Broncos would not make a splash acquisition in the coming hours.
"Honestly, the focus is on the guys in this building right here," Payton said. "Superman's not walking in."
Payton also noted contracts, the vision for a player and the impact on the locker room are all key factors when making a trade.
