Broncos-49ers report card: Another poor offensive outing adds to growing concerns, tell me about this news today

The headlines and post-game report cards following the Denver Broncos’ 24–14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers center on severe, recurring issues across Denver’s offense.

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Key Takeaways from the Report Cards:

• Stagnant Passing Attack: Quarterback Bo Nix received low marks across grading outlets, largely due to an inability to push the ball downfield. His average depth of target hovered near 5.3 yards with just 5.1 yards per attempt, frequently checking down early or scrambling into pressure rather than letting plays develop.

  Sports Illustrated+ 1

• Run Game Stalled: The ground game provided no relief. Running back J.K. Dobbins was held to 40 yards on 11 carries (averaging barely 3 yards outside of a single 9-yard rush), hampered by inconsistent offensive line blocking and missed running lanes.

  Sports Illustrated

• Sluggish Starts and Stalled Drives: Denver punted on five of its first seven possessions and failed to capitalize on early defensive stops. While the defense kept the game within reach for three quarters, prolonged offensive 3-and-outs eventually wore the unit down.

  Mile High Sports

• Costly Errors and Special Teams Missteps: Aside from penalties stalling drives, a fumbled punt return in the second half gave San Francisco short field position, which the 49ers quickly turned into points.

  Mile High Sports

• Mounting Injury Concerns: Promising rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant suffered a lower-leg injury, and star cornerback Patrick Surtain II exited early, compounding the frustration of dropping to 2–2 on the season.

The consensus among analysts and team report cards is that while Vance Joseph’s defense continues to perform well enough to keep games competitive, Sean Payton’s offense is failing to establish an identity or sustain scoring drives, raising sharp concerns as the season progresses.