Stephen A. Smith Blasts Broncos on First Take After Uninspiring TNF Performance

Stephen A. Smith unloaded on the Denver Broncos’ offense after a sluggish showing during their 10-7 over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football, saying the unit produced “three and out like eight different times” and punted “seven different times.” He questioned whether a team playing that way could be considered the class of the AFC West.

“This looks atrocious,” Smith said on First Take. “This is the leaders in the AFC West?”

Smith contrasted Denver with the Kansas City Chiefs, pointing out that Kansas City is still within striking distance in the division and has two meetings with Denver ahead. While he acknowledged Denver’s defense “is real” and excels at getting to the quarterback, he argued the offense hasn’t matched that level.

“You can’t rule out the possibility that they can beat the Kansas City Chiefs,” Smith said. “But it doesn’t take away from the fact that their offense has looked like straight trash.”

Calls Out Sean Payton & Skill Players

Smith centered part of his critique on head coach Sean Payton — a Super Bowl–winning coach known for his offensive acumen — and Denver’s playmakers. He referenced a quiet outing from wide receiver Courtland Sutton (three catches for 24 yards) as emblematic of the unit’s struggles.

“This is a Super Bowl champion coach we’re talking about, known for his offensive genius,” Smith said. “He’s the play-caller. I was happy to hear him say he has to do better — because he has to do better.”

Smith added that Denver’s 8-2 record is more about the defense than the offense. He cited postgame comments from running back J.K. Dobbins admitting that the defense has been carrying the team.

‘Luck’ vs. Giants & Warning for the Postseason

GettyBo Nix is drawing a lot of heat for the recent struggles of the Denver Broncos’ offfense.

Smith also downplayed a wild fourth quarter against the New York Giants, when Denver scored 33 points, noting “it was the Giants.” He said the Broncos have been fortunate in several outcomes and warned that “if they keep this up, they ain’t going past the first weekend in the postseason,” echoing panelist Ryan Clark.

“I’m not impressed with what I’m seeing,” Smith said. “They are not as good as their record.”

What It Means for Denver

Even amid the criticism, Smith credited Denver’s pass rush and conceded the defense gives the Broncos a puncher’s chance in big games, including against the Chiefs (November 11 and December 25). But his larger point was aimed at sustainability: if the offense continues to rely on the defense to bail it out, Denver’s margin for error shrinks in December and January.

For Payton and the Broncos, that means several things. 

Sustaining drives: cutting down on three-and-outs and negative early-down plays.

Re-engaging playmakers: getting Courtland Sutton and the receiving corps involved early with higher-percentage looks.

Protecting the quarterback: giving the pass game time to develop while continuing to lean on a top-tier pass rush.

Thursday looked familiar for the offense. Three-and-outs early, pressure issues, and missed chances. Bo Nix finished with a TD, two INTs and limited explosives; even he admitted afterward the unit needs to “find some juice.” Denver converted just three third downs in its first 13 tries vs. Las Vegas.

If those boxes aren’t checked, Smith believes the win-loss column will eventually catch up.

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