ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The task at hand for Broncos head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Bo Nix involves learning how to leverage the vibrant atmosphere at home to achieve quicker starts in games.


In three home matches this season, the Broncos (3-3) have consistently found themselves trailing by substantial margins before their offensive unit begins to perform.


In one instance, they were down 13-0 to the Pittsburgh Steelers heading into the final quarter and ended with a 13-6 defeat.


Against the Las Vegas Raiders, a 10-0 deficit transitioned into a significant turnaround thanks to Patrick Surtain II’s incredible 100-yard interception return for a touchdown, leading to a comeback victory of 34-18.


Unfortunately, Surtain was concussed during the first defensive play against the Los Angeles Chargers, and the team struggled significantly in his absence, ultimately losing 23-16 after falling behind 23-0 entering the fourth quarter.


By halftime, the Broncos had generated a mere 60 yards of offense, punting three times and committing two turnovers.


In comparison, the Chargers achieved 16 first downs, while Denver only managed three. Nix completed 3 of 10 passes for 23 yards, which resulted in a passer rating of 0.00.


That’s right—zero.


This marked the fifth time in six games where the Broncos did not manage to score an offensive touchdown in the first half, and they were held scoreless in the first half for the third time this season.


“All of this starts with me,” acknowledged Payton. “We have to improve our offensive performance.”


He clarified that simply increasing the tempo wouldn’t necessarily be the answer, pointing out that both Javonte Williams’ fumble on their singular first-half snap in Chargers territory and a key penalty stemmed from hurry-up situations.


Whatever solution emerges, the Broncos must find it quickly as they prepare for a short turnaround, facing the New Orleans Saints Thursday night. This game carries special significance for Payton, who once led the franchise to a Super Bowl title during the 2009 season.


“We can’t afford to start slow,” emphasized right guard Quinn Meinerz. “Our first-half execution was far from what we know we’re capable of. Plus, we can’t turn the ball over. I’m proud of how the team regrouped after halftime. Being down 23-0 could easily lead to discouragement, but the offense came together nicely and managed to score points.”


The Broncos scored 16 points in the fourth quarter against a defense that seemed poised to achieve Denver’s first-ever home shutout before easing up long enough for Nix to register two touchdown passes.


Moving forward, the critical question is how to draw out Nix’s playmaking ability earlier in the game to avoid falling behind where they have to play catch-up.


“We’ve got great coaches who are focused on putting us in the best positions to succeed,” Nix commented. “Whatever they decide, I’m on board. My responsibility is to ensure that the plays function well and that we execute.”


Moreover, Nix must refine his footwork, which has been inconsistent and resulted in several overthrown or inaccurate passes, like his season opener when a throw deflected off Marvin Mims’ fingertips into the hands of Chargers safety Elijah Molden.


The Broncos recorded just 20 offensive plays before halftime, compared to the Chargers’ 46.


“We didn’t sustain enough consecutive plays to find our rhythm,” Nix stated. “We would execute a few plays, then it would be back to the sidelines. Given that they would dominate possession, we need to find ways to stay on the field.”


**What’s Clicked**
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton has excelled despite limited opportunities, making a one-handed touchdown catch against the Chargers for the second consecutive season.


**What Needs Attention**
The Broncos’ offense continues to face significant challenges.


**Stock Rising**
The potential of the 2024 draft class shines through as WR Devaughn Vele led the team with 78 yards on four receptions, including a notable 37-yarder. RB Audric Estime returned from injured reserve, gaining 13 yards on two carries, and WR Tony Franklin celebrated his first NFL touchdown pass from Nix, also a former teammate at Oregon.


**Stock Falling**
Payton’s play-calling and Nix’s mechanics require significant improvement. The first seven offensive drives culminated in five punts, an interception due to an overthrown ball, and a fumble by Williams on their only first-half snap that was in Chargers territory.


**Injury Report**
Surtain suffered a concussion during the first defensive play of the game and may miss the upcoming match, with a possible return slated for October 27 against Carolina.


**Key Statistics**
Nik Bonitto has recorded sacks in four consecutive games.


Vele’s 12 receptions in his initial two games are the second-highest in team history, falling only behind WR Eddie Royal’s record of 14 from 2008.


**Upcoming Challenge**
The Broncos are set to face the New Orleans Saints on Thursday—a crucial matchup as it marks Payton’s return to the city where he led the team to a Super Bowl victory in the 2009 season.