Should the Denver Broncos Abandon the Gary Kubiak Offense?

The Denver Broncos have started off the season with two victories over tough opponents. During that time, we’ve yet to see the offense click on all cylinders. The team is struggling to run the ball, and they are getting forced into passing more than most originally thought.

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak admits the team has been passing to set up the run.

“We've been doing that (laughing). I think we're second in the league throwing the ball as far as numbers of throws. I could be wrong. We've had to throw the ball a lot to find a way to win at the end of the game. That's what we've had to do.”

Kubiak expanded, “It still gets back to when you're all said and done, are you going to have any physicality about you? Are you going to be able to do that? We've got to continue to push ourselves to get better at that.”

So far in two weeks, the Broncos offense has not looked good running the traditional Kubiak system. It’s still early, but so far there have been few signs that Peyton Manning can run this offense true to form.

Should the Broncos abandon the Kubiak offense? Let’s take a look.

Manning Under Center

ESPN Stats & Info

There’s no question that Manning looks awkward running the offense from under center. He’s not as mobile as he once used to be, so getting back to give the handoff takes a little time. This means the backs have to wait just a bit longer before they can get up to speed and hit the hole.

Manning also looks sluggish dropping back to pass from under center. As he’s dropping back, Manning must recognize any sort of blitz and also diagnose if his receivers are open. Because he’s not the most fleet afoot, pressure can get to Manning even before he sets his feet to throw.

The reports about Manning’s weak arm are a bit overblown. So far this season, we’ve seen him hit (and overthrow) more than a few deep targets. However, Manning does not have the arm strength to simply flick the ball while on his back foot. Manning needs his base set underneath him in order to throw deep passes with proper velocity and accuracy.

Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	INTs
10	17	49	1	0

Kubiak believes the team can get a better rushing attack with the quarterback under center.

“You would hope so, but I don't know that I could say that right now because it hasn't been good in any place. It's something we're constantly evaluating as we move forward and continue to move forward. I told you guys we're going to do a little bit of both.” Kubiak emphasized, “We're going to continue to do that. We've just got to get better doing it.”

Not only does Manning struggle under center, but he also looks uncomfortable rolling out on play-action passes. He seems to feel pressure even when he’s got a bit more time to throw. This leads to rushed throws, improper mechanics and off-target passes.

Manning under center is certainly a work in progress, but it’s work that needs to be done in order for the Kubiak system to be executed properly.

Offensive Line Problems

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

With four new starters up front, to say this offensive line is a work in progress is a massive understatement. Too often, Manning has been under duress as a passer. This has caused a dip in his passing statistics and effectiveness when throwing the ball.

Edge pressure can be expected, as rookie Ty Sambrailo is at left tackle protecting Manning’s blind side. Manning has a good feel and can “climb the ladder” to escape pressure coming around the edge. The right tackle is manned by veteran Ryan Harris, and he’s done a decent job in pass protection so far this year.

Middle pressure is what can make any quarterback look mortal.

The play of center Matt Paradis needs to improve. Paradis is struggling with powerful defensive tackles who can get push up front. He’s also failing to quickly recognize delayed, zero-gap blitzes from defenders. Opponents have already game-planned for this, and Paradis is a player they attack.

Inside at guard is two All-Pro veterans, but only one is playing at a high level right now. Right guard Louis Vasquez has done a good job for the most part this season. However, left guard Evan Mathis is showing rust after spending most of the offseason on the open market. Mathis has played only two games with the Broncos, but his play should come around, as he’s an experienced and talented player.

Comp	Att	Yds	TD	INTs	Dropbacks	Sacks
7	14	55	1	1	21	7

Kubiak wants results from his offensive line, and the sooner the better.

“I don't know that I've said I'm patient. I said that we're going to go through growing pains. I've said that. I don't think anybody's patient in this business. Everybody wants to look perfect and win every game, but you understand that it's a tough league.”

Kubiak continued, “You've got to keep battling. When it's good, when you win, you've got to make corrections. I mean, we're 2-and-0, but yet we've got to look at things and say, 'This isn't good enough.' When things aren't good, sometimes you're doing good things that you've got to let the players hang on to.” Kubiak concluded, “It's a fine balance right there, but you do everything you can week-to-week to find a way to win. That's the bottom line. Fortunately, we've been able to do that, but we've got to get better in a lot of areas.”

It takes time to jell as an offensive line. Two weeks is not enough time for five players to play as one in the zone-blocking system. We should see improvements up front as the season rolls on.

Manning in the Shotgun

The passing game seems to be jump-started when Manning is lined up in the shotgun. The Broncos began the game against the Ravens in Week 1 out of the shotgun, but the offense couldn’t find a rhythm. They did in the fourth quarter of that game to seal the victory, but they did so by running the ball in what was more the Kubiak system.

Against the Chiefs, the Broncos tried an opposite approach. They began the game running the football, but they fell behind by 14 points. Then, they turned to the shotgun formation and started airing it out with Manning slinging the rock to come back and win.

Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	INTs
40	68	382	2	2

Kubiak admits the offense is working better from the shotgun right now.

“That's true. We've got to get better in a lot of things. I would agree with that. The biggest thing right now offensively to me is protecting the quarterback and finding a way to make big plays in this league. The thing that enables you to do those two things is run with the football, and we're not running the football.”

The Broncos already know what they have in Manning and the shotgun formation. This can be used to help protect Manning as he’s further back from the opponent and can see the field better as he takes the snap. Manning can distribute the football evenly from his spot, but the team can’t run the ball as effectively or use power to wear down an opponent if they’re in the shotgun.

Fan Reaction

This topic heated up the airwaves on Monday. During my ESPN Denver show, The Cecil Lammey Show, I asked this simple question “Should the Broncos abandon the Kubiak system?” and had full phone lines for two hours. Most Broncos fans said the system needs to be given more time, but there were a few callers who felt the Kubiak system should be scrapped.

One can make a compelling case either way, so I took to Twitter to see what Broncos Country had to say about this topic.

"

@CecilLammey let Manning do what Manning does best, shotgun and no huddle. Just add some more run plays. Go to Kubiak's O with Brock someday

— Joe Solomon (@Joe_Solomon) September 21, 2015"

"

@CecilLammey seems like it only works if the o-line works. Peyton looks safer and more relaxed in shotgun. Hurry up also stops pass rush

— Henry Modisett (@henrymodis) September 21, 2015"

"

@CecilLammey We need to compromise and go to the pistol. Can run and throw from that formation.

— Greg Kleen (@Vail_Skier) September 21, 2015"

"

@CecilLammey I actually like a mix for balance but formula needs to be weighted more Heavily for PFM offense, less Kubiak offense.

— Rodi (@BluenorangeFTW) September 21, 2015"

Summary

The Broncos have Super Bowl aspirations this year, and with Manning at the helm, they are still in a championship window. With all the struggles on offense, the Broncos are still 2-0 and sit atop the AFC West once again. As the season progresses, the team should improve and may be in line to win their fifth AFC West title in a row.

Getting to the postseason in each of the last four years, the Broncos are looking to go further than they have with Manning as their quarterback. In three years with Manning, the team has been bounced from the playoffs in their first game. The other year was, of course, 2013, when the team made it to the Super Bowl only to be destroyed by the Seattle Seahawks.

Championship dreams can be fulfilled for the Broncos this season. Defense wins championships, and the Broncos may have the best defense they’ve ever had.

Should the Broncos abandon the Kubiak offense? Not just no, but hell no.

If the team can start running the ball effectively, it will automatically take pressure off Manning. By running the rock, the Broncos can grind down an opposing defense and make it easier to move the ball against them. That style of offense also takes a lot of time off the clock and keeps an opposing offense cold on the sidelines.

The Broncos should do everything in their power to run the Kubiak system. Then, in case of emergency, they can always unleash Manning and the shotgun offense if needed.

This is the best recipe for postseason success for the Broncos. It’s the Lombardi Trophy—not offensive records—that matter most.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database.

Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions.