The Broncos rushing formula isn’t complicated. In its three victories this season, Denver has rushed the ball an average of 35.6 times for 153.7 yards. In its five losses: 21.8 carries per game for 87.6 yards.
The only outlier was a 177-yard performance in a 29-19 loss to the Chiefs, the only game during Denver’s four-game losing streak the Broncos had a realistic chance to win in the fourth quarter.
Large early deficits have played a role in the slumping rushing production in defeats. But the Broncos insisted Wednesday they can’t allow circumstances to excuse an inability to run the ball, particularly given the team’s consistent struggles in the passing game.