What Is 2017 Denver Broncos football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Denver Broncos finished with a 5–11 record, placing 3rd in the AFC West. Head coach Vance Joseph led the team, which struggled on offense, scoring only 238 points—the fewest in the AFC.

Key Facts

The 2017 Denver Broncos finished the season with a 5–11 win-loss record
They scored only 238 total points, the lowest in the AFC that year
Vance Joseph was the head coach in his first season with the team
Quarterback Trevor Siemian started the season but was replaced by Brock Osweiler and then Paxton Lynch
The defense allowed 338 points, averaging 21.1 per game

Overview

The 2017 Denver Broncos season marked a significant downturn from their Super Bowl 50 victory just two years prior. Under first-year head coach Vance Joseph, the team struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense, finishing with a losing record.

After a promising offseason, the Broncos failed to meet expectations, plagued by quarterback instability and a lack of offensive production. Despite a strong defensive tradition, the unit underperformed compared to previous seasons, contributing to their failure to make the playoffs.

Record: The team ended the season at 5–11, their worst record since 2010, placing third in the AFC West behind the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders.
Head Coach:Vance Joseph was hired as head coach in January 2017, marking his first NFL head coaching role after serving as defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins.
Offensive Struggles: The Broncos scored just 238 total points (14.9 per game), the fewest in the AFC and the lowest for the franchise since 1999.
Quarterback Rotation: The team cycled through Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler, and rookie Paxton Lynch, failing to establish a reliable starter.
Defensive Performance: The defense allowed 338 points (21.1 per game), a significant decline from their top-ranked units in 2015 and 2016.

How It Works

The 2017 Denver Broncos operated under a traditional NFL team structure, with a head coach, coordinators, and position coaches managing player development and game strategy. The team’s performance was shaped by personnel decisions, injuries, and in-game execution.

Offensive Scheme:Joe Lombardi served as offensive coordinator, implementing a West Coast-influenced system that failed to generate consistent yardage or scoring.
Defensive Strategy: Defensive coordinator Joe Woods ran a 3-4 base defense, but the unit ranked 23rd in points allowed and struggled against the pass.
Quarterback Challenges: The team began with Trevor Siemian as starter, but after poor performances, he was replaced by Brock Osweiler, then Paxton Lynch.
Injuries: Key players like Virgil Green and Justin Simmons missed games, disrupting continuity and depth across the roster.
Special Teams: Kicker Brandon McManus made 23 of 29 field goals, providing one of the few reliable aspects of the team’s performance.
Front Office: General Manager John Elway oversaw roster decisions, including controversial moves like trading for Osweiler and drafting Lynch in 2016.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Broncos compared to recent seasons in key statistical categories:

Season	Record	Points For	Points Against	Head Coach
2017	5–11	238	338	Vance Joseph
2016	9–7	333	309	Gary Kubiak
2015	12–4	339	296	Gary Kubiak
2014	12–4	450	304	John Fox
2013	13–3	606	449	John Fox

The decline from 2015’s Super Bowl season is stark—especially in offensive production. By 2017, the team’s scoring dropped by nearly 100 points compared to 2016, and defensive efficiency also regressed. This table highlights a broader trend of post-championship decline, common in the NFL after major roster turnover.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a turning point for the Broncos, signaling the end of their championship window and prompting major organizational changes. It underscored the challenges of sustaining success in the NFL after a Super Bowl win.

Coaching Evaluation: Vance Joseph was fired after two seasons, making the 2017 record a key factor in the decision to move on.
Quarterback Uncertainty: The failed experiment with Osweiler and Lynch led to the eventual drafting of Bo Nix in 2023.
Defensive Decline: The unit no longer dominated, reflecting the retirement of key players like DeMarcus Ware and Shelby Harris’s injury issues.
Front Office Pressure: John Elway faced criticism for personnel decisions, leading to a restructuring of the Broncos’ football operations.
Rebuilding Phase: The 2017 season marked the start of a multi-year rebuild, with a focus on drafting and developing young talent.
Fan Engagement: Attendance and viewership dipped, reflecting fan frustration with the team’s performance and direction.

Ultimately, the 2017 Denver Broncos serve as a cautionary tale about the volatility of NFL success and the importance of long-term planning after a championship run.