DENVER – The Denver Broncos faced another setback on Sunday, falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6 in a game that underscored their offensive struggles and left the team searching for answers. Despite a solid defensive performance, the Broncos’ offense failed to capitalize on key moments, leaving them 0-2 to start the season.

Head Coach Sean Payton on the Disappointing Loss

Head Coach Sean Payton was blunt about the team’s performance in his post-game press conference. “It was obviously a disappointing loss. I think we went into the game expecting more of a low-scoring game. We felt it was going to be very important for us to be patient with the run game and play field position,” Payton explained. Despite executing parts of their game plan, the offense’s inability to convert third downs and a crucial interception thrown by rookie quarterback Bo Nix derailed their efforts.

“We were not near good enough offensively,” Payton continued. “Our third-down numbers, I think, were two-of-something. We turned the ball over once… Our inability to score and convert third downs ultimately hurt us.” The Broncos’ offense managed just six points, with one of the biggest missed opportunities being an end-zone interception by Nix that Payton described as a play with “dirty hands” due to a route assignment mistake.

Bo Nix Struggles in His Second NFL Start

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix faced another challenging game against a tough Steelers defense. Nix completed 17 of 32 passes for 157 yards and threw a costly interception in the end zone. Reflecting on the interception, Nix took responsibility: “That falls on me. That was just a bad decision. [You] can’t have that.” He acknowledged that the Steelers executed their defensive game plan well, making it hard for the Broncos to move the ball consistently.

Nix also discussed his progress, stating, “I think when you go back and watch the film, I think I took a good step. Sometimes good steps don’t turn into wins, though. So it’s a long process.” Despite the struggles, he maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing that his confidence extends beyond the game itself. “Football’s just a game that we come out here and have fun playing… I feel like the confidence level is going to continue to build the more and more you play.”

Offensive Woes Continue

The Broncos’ offensive struggles weren’t limited to Nix’s interception. They were unable to establish a rhythm in the run game and struggled on third down conversions. Payton’s play-calling came into question as the team managed only seven carries in the first half, a point he acknowledged post-game. “We just have to keep looking at it, and that starts with me. I am calling the plays,” Payton said. The coach also expressed the need to evaluate their personnel decisions, mentioning that rotating different groups in and out might not be helping the team find consistency.

Tight end Greg Dulcich echoed Payton’s sentiments, stating, “We’ve got to make the plays when they’re there. I obviously had two drops, and it’s unacceptable. I have to correct those things.” Dulcich emphasized the importance of everyone stepping up around Nix, saying, “For everyone, we’ve all got to be better. We all have to step up, because everyone’s going to feed off of that.”

Running back Javonte Williams gave credit to Pittsburgh’s defense, particularly their formidable front led by T.J. Watt. “First off, I want to give credit to Pittsburgh; great defense, great coach, all that. As far as us and the run game, we just have to stay more consistent and just keep our head down,” Williams said. Despite the struggles, he remained optimistic, affirming, “Most definitely. I’m not worried about the offense or the team at all. It’s a long season, and we’re going to get it right.”

Defense Stands Tall, but It’s Not Enough

While the offense faltered, the Broncos’ defense put up a commendable effort, limiting the Steelers to just 13 points. However, mistakes and penalties proved costly. Inside linebacker Alex Singleton acknowledged the defense’s shortcomings, saying, “We just can’t have any penalties in a game like that. We know that. As a defense, when they get a turnover, we know we got to get one and give [our offense] the ball back.”

Cornerback Pat Surtain II also reflected on the defensive performance: “I think we were very physical on defense. I think we still let them off the hook in some plays, including myself.” Despite the loss, the defense remains focused on moving forward and improving as the season progresses.

Looking Ahead: Road Games and Adjustments

The road ahead doesn’t get any easier for the Broncos, as they prepare for a two-week road stretch against formidable opponents. Payton highlighted the importance of these upcoming games, stating, “We are going to find out quickly. They are both good teams.”

The key to turning things around, according to the team, lies in unity and focus. Guard Quinn Meinerz pointed out the challenges of the early season, noting, “We’re experiencing that adversity early, and so we got to continue to stick together, see the light at the end of the tunnel, and keep putting the pressure on us, because it’s on us at the end of the day.” Meinerz also emphasized the need for the team to take advantage of the upcoming road trip: “We need to be together and take advantage of this trip as best we can.”

Dulcich summed up the situation, stressing the importance of bouncing back: “We’ve got to get things rolling. We have to make the plays that are in front of us and play better football.”

The Broncos’ loss to the Steelers exposed ongoing issues with their offense, from struggling to establish the run game to missed opportunities in the passing attack. Bo Nix’s development remains a focal point for the team, and with a tough road ahead, the pressure is on for Denver to make adjustments and start finding success on both sides of the ball. As Payton put it, “It was frustrating because there were certain elements that went according to plan… Our inability to score and convert third downs ultimately hurt us.”

The Broncos now head into a critical stretch of the season, with two road games that will test their resolve and ability to adapt. It’s a crucial period for a team searching for its identity and looking to break out of an early 0-2 hole. The answers won’t come overnight, but with unity and focus, Denver hopes to find the solutions they need to get their season back on track.