Broncos loss to 49ers on Sunday labeled ‘organizational failure’
Dec 9, 2018, 8:13 PM | Updated: 9:03 pm
On Sunday, “Schlereth and Evans” co-host Mike Evans called the Denver Broncos 20-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, “top to bottom, an epic fail.”
“This was an organizational failure top to bottom. Vance Joseph and his staff were out-coached and out-prepared,” Evans said.
“Stokley and Zach” co-host Zach Bye called the loss the “worst-coached game this season for the Broncos.”
“I know they’re battling serious injuries, but it felt like they had to overcome their own coaches as well,” Bye said, adding that the effort may cost Joseph and his staff their jobs.
But before calling for head coach Vance Joseph’s job, “The Drive” co-host DMac said Broncos Country needs to look to the front office as well.
“There will be plenty of folks screaming for Vance Joseph’s job this week, but as I’ve said, over and over, don’t scream for V.J.’s head without pointing a finger at general manager John Elway,” DMac said.
The Broncos touted six rookies starting against the 49ers — running back Phillip Lindsay, wide receivers Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton, linebackers Bradley Chubb and Josey Jewell, and cornerback Isaac Yiadom.
Denver also had contributions from other young players, like rookie running back Royce Freeman and first-year wide receivers Tim Patrick and River Cracraft.
But relying on so many young players to fill roles left vacant by injuries to the likes of Chris Harris Jr. and Emmanuel Sanders, Evans said, was ultimately a detriment for the Broncos.
“The highly-celebrated rookie class delivered a dud. And the lack of depth that forced such an over-reliance on rookies after the injuries is on John Elway,” Evans said.
Quarterback Case Keenum said after the game guys like Sanders and Harris aren’t ones that you can replace, but their injuries gave the younger players an opportunity to shine.
“You can’t replace what they do. But, man, it’s a great opportunity for some young guys to step up and make plays,” Keenum said.
Linebacker Von Miller echoed Keenum’s comments on Sunday, saying, “… you can’t replace those guys.”
“Of course, you want Strap (Harris) in there. You need Strap in there, honestly. We can’t be stuck on him not playing,” Miller said. “We’ve got a lot of guys that can play and help us win, so that’s where our focus is.”
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
