America doesn’t like the Broncos in primetime, but Hackett embraces it
Oct 14, 2022, 12:22 PM | Updated: 12:22 pm
Four of the first six.
That’s how many games the 2022 Broncos play in primetime. The schedule makers clearly wanted to showcase Denver and new QB Russell Wilson after the blockbuster trade last March.
But so far, it’s been a dud. Between the disaster in Seattle against the Seahawks, the snoozer against the 49ers in Denver and an ugly OT loss at home to the Colts, America is already sick of the Broncos. None of their three games showcased to the whole country have been entertaining. There’s meme after meme on the Internet about how much football fans loathe watching this team right now.
Too bad. Because the Broncos have one more chance to get it right, as everyone will be watching on Monday Night Football against the Chargers. That will cap this wild stretch to start the season.
At his press conference on Friday, head coach Nathaniel Hackett acknowledged this has been a wacky way to start the season, while also saying his team likes it.
“Very unique. I think we embrace it, we love it. We love being on primetime and love having the ability to showcase our talents. We need to get better in those primetime games. But for us, I mean, hey, however the NFL is going to set it up that’s what we’re going to do,” Hackett said.
Still, not playing Sunday after Sunday does present a challenge. The Broncos are constantly adjusting their schedule, with long weeks, short weeks and then long weeks again.
“The most difficult thing I’d say is getting in that routine, just a regular seven-day week. We really haven’t been able to settle into it. With a new staff, new team, new group, we haven’t had that. But that’s no excuse. We’ve still go to get out there and we’ve still got to play at a high level,” Hackett said.
After this one, things won’t settle down much. Denver will host the Jets the following Sunday, before heading to London to face the Jaguars. Then it’s the bye week and a routine can begin.
The Broncos finish the season playing on nine Sunday in a row, with only one primetime game scheduled against the Chiefs. Even with that one, it only pushes their gameday schedule back by a few hours.
So, get ready America, you’ve got to deal with the Broncos in primetime again this week. Hopefully the team puts out a better product. It’s about time.
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