What Is 2018 Denver Broncos football team

Overview

The 2018 Denver Broncos football season marked the team's 59th in the NFL and their third consecutive year missing the playoffs. Competing in the American Football Conference (AFC) West division, the Broncos struggled with inconsistent offense and changes at the quarterback position.

Under head coach Vance Joseph, the team failed to build on their 5-11 record from 2017, finishing 6-10 and placing 3rd in the AFC West. Despite a strong defensive core led by Von Miller, offensive inefficiency and poor quarterback play limited their competitiveness.

• Record: The Broncos ended the season with a 6-10 win-loss record, their worst performance since 2010 in terms of winning percentage.
• Head Coach: Vance Joseph returned for his second season but was fired after the year, finishing with a 11-21 overall record in two seasons.
• Home Stadium: The team played all home games at Denver Broncos Stadium at Mile High, formerly known as Sports Authority Field.
• Quarterback Situation: Case Keenum started the season but was replaced by Joe Flacco, acquired via trade from the Baltimore Ravens.
• Defensive Standout: Linebacker Von Miller led the defense with 8.0 sacks and 56 combined tackles in 14 games played.

Season Performance Breakdown

The Broncos experienced notable shifts in performance across the 2018 season, marked by mid-season coaching decisions and quarterback changes. While the defense remained relatively strong, offensive production ranked among the league's lowest.

• Week 1 Result: The Broncos opened with a 27-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at home, despite a late touchdown pass from Case Keenum.
• Mid-Season Trade: In October, the team acquired Joe Flacco after starter Keenum struggled, hoping for improved passing efficiency.
• Defensive Rankings: Denver's defense ranked 10th in total yards allowed but struggled in the red zone and on third downs.
• Turnover Issues: The offense committed 19 turnovers, including 15 interceptions, contributing to their losing record.
• Final Game: The season concluded with a 27-23 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17, eliminating playoff hopes.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2018 Broncos to the previous season highlights minimal improvement despite roster changes.

Despite a slight improvement in win count, the 2018 Broncos scored fewer points per game and showed no significant offensive growth. The defense remained solid but couldn't compensate for repeated offensive failures.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was a turning point for the Broncos, signaling the need for major organizational changes. Poor performance led to coaching changes and a reevaluation of the quarterback strategy.

• The firing of Vance Joseph highlighted the team's lack of progress after two losing seasons under his leadership.
• Acquiring Joe Flacco mid-season indicated a shift toward veteran leadership over developing younger quarterbacks.
• The offensive struggles emphasized the need for a rebuild or overhaul in the passing game and offensive line.
• Attendance and fan engagement dipped, reflecting declining confidence in the team's direction.
• The season contributed to the Broncos' decision to draft quarterback Drew Lock in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
• It marked the first time since 2010 that the Broncos missed the playoffs in three straight seasons.

The 2018 campaign underscored broader challenges within the franchise, setting the stage for significant changes in 2019, including a new head coach and long-term quarterback search.