Broncos aim to improve third-down efficiency and running game against Rams on Sunday night
Denver will look to sustain its rushing attack and fix third-down and red-zone conversion issues as it faces the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football.
Denver entered Week 3 after a Week 2 win over Jacksonville and will travel to Los Angeles to meet a Rams team that defeated the New York Giants on Monday night. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, now 38, posted 327 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception against the Giants and will be a focal point for the Broncos' defense. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who devised the game plan that limited Jacksonville, will need his unit to repeat that effort, especially if wide receiver Puka Nacua is available for Los Angeles.
Denver's rushing attack surpassed 100 yards against Jacksonville despite missing running backs RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins for part of the game. Rookie Jonah Coleman contributed a go-ahead touchdown and displayed strong vision. Head coach Sean Payton indicated optimism about the health of Harvey and Dobbins ahead of Sunday, and offensive coordinator Davis Webb is expected to continue emphasizing the ground game. The Rams will be without defensive end Myles Garrett, which could aid Denver's run strategy; the Rams allowed 174 rushing yards to the 49ers but limited the Giants to 52 yards.
The Broncos have struggled to convert on third down (6 of 23) and in the red zone (3 of 7) while accumulating 17 penalties, one of the league's highest totals. Improving efficiency in these areas will be essential for Denver to avoid relying on field goals or late-game comebacks against a high-scoring Rams offense.