What Is 2020 Denver Broncos football team

Overview

The 2020 Denver Broncos season marked the franchise's 51st in the NFL and second under head coach Vic Fangio. Struggling with inconsistency on both offense and defense, the team failed to make the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.

Playing home games at Empower Field at Mile High, the Broncos showed flashes of potential but ultimately collapsed late in close games. Their 5-11 record reflected a lack of depth, poor quarterback play, and defensive lapses in critical moments.

• Drew Lock started 12 games, finishing with 2,933 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, showing promise but also immaturity under pressure.
• The defense ranked 26th in points allowed, surrendering 374 total points (23.4 per game), despite strong performances from safety Justin Simmons.
• The Broncos went 0-4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, losing by an average of 14.5 points, highlighting their struggle against the division champions.
• Running back Phillip Lindsay rushed for 702 yards and four touchdowns, but the ground game lacked explosiveness compared to previous seasons.
• Denver’s special teams ranked in the bottom third of the league, with kicker Brandon McManus making 25 of 31 field goals (80.6%).

Performance & Season Breakdown

The Broncos’ 2020 campaign was defined by missed opportunities and underperformance relative to preseason expectations. Despite a strong defensive line and promising young skill players, the team lacked consistency week to week.

• Week 1: Lost to Tennessee 16–14 — Drew Lock threw a game-ending interception, setting a negative tone for the season.
• Week 4: Beat New England 18–12 — A defensive battle where the Broncos held Cam Newton in check, marking their first win.
• Week 7: Lost to Kansas City 27–17 — Despite leading at halftime, Denver collapsed in the second half against Patrick Mahomes.
• Week 10: Beat the Chargers 21–13 — A rare divisional win, with Lock throwing two touchdowns and no interceptions.
• Week 14: Lost to Buffalo 31–24 — A close game where Denver led late but failed to stop Josh Allen’s game-winning drive.
• Week 17: Lost to Kansas City 38–24 — Eliminated from playoff contention, finishing 5-11 with a lackluster offensive showing.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2020 Broncos compared to recent seasons and division rivals:

The 2020 Broncos scored fewer points than in 2019 but allowed more, indicating regression on both sides of the ball. While they improved slightly over their 2017 campaign, they fell short of 2016’s playoff-caliber performance. The team’s inability to beat elite competition, especially Kansas City, underscored their rebuilding status.

Why It Matters

The 2020 season was a pivotal year in evaluating the Broncos' future direction, particularly at quarterback and head coaching. The team’s performance raised questions about Vic Fangio’s offensive management and Lock’s long-term viability as a franchise QB.

• The Broncos’ 5-11 record increased pressure on general manager John Elway to make significant roster changes.
• Drew Lock’s 16 TDs to 15 INTs ratio suggested he was not yet ready to lead a playoff team consistently.
• The defense showed flashes, but Justin Simmons was often left covering for secondary breakdowns.
• Denver’s 0-4 record against Kansas City emphasized the Chiefs’ dominance and the Broncos’ lack of a game-changing playmaker.
• The season highlighted the need for a major offensive overhaul, including potential quarterback upgrades in the draft or free agency.
• Attendance was limited due to COVID-19, with only select fans allowed, affecting game-day atmosphere and revenue.

Ultimately, the 2020 season served as a turning point, setting the stage for Denver’s aggressive moves in the 2021 offseason, including the pursuit of veteran quarterbacks and a shift in offensive philosophy.