Tag: Jerry Rosburg

Broncos defeat Chargers 31-28 in season finale

Shout out to Jerry Rosburg for leading two impressive performances from the Broncos to close out the season.

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In his final game as interim head coach, Jerry Rosburg led the Denver Broncos to the 500th win in franchise history, the team’s 300th victory at home.

Before the game, Denver quarterback Russell Wilson and Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. met at midfield for a No. 3 prayer in recognition of recovering Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.

The Broncos trailed the Chargers 14-10 in the second quarter after a Latavius Murray rushing touchdown and a 33-yard Brandon McManus field goal. Denver safety Justin Simmons set up that first-half field goal with a forced fumble that linebacker Josey Jewell recovered.

L.A. then added a field goal and the Broncos responded with a touchdown that was set up by quarterback Russell Wilson’s 57-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy. On the next play, Wilson connected on a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Eric Tomlinson that tied the game at 17 just before halftime.

In the second half, Denver took a 24-17 lead after rookie running back Tyler Badie caught a 24-yard touchdown pass on his first touch as a pro. Later, after a Wilson interception, the Chargers added a field goal to make it 24-20.

Simmons later forced another fumble that was recovered by fellow safety Kareem Jackson to halt a promising L.A. drive late in the third quarter. Wilson then led a seven-play, 89-yard drive that was capped off with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton.

The Chargers finally benched some of their starters after the Broncos had built a 31-20 fourth-quarter lead. L.A. did not rest wide receiver Keenan Allen, who scored in the fourth quarter to make it 31-28 following a successful two-point conversion.

Denver then held on to win 31-28.

With their season now over, the Broncos will turn their attention toward an upcoming coach search and a busy offseason.

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Chargers’ causes for concern vs. Broncos

Reasons why the Broncos might snap the Chargers’ four-game winning streak.

The Chargers will likely know by kickoff on Sunday whether they’ve secured the fifth seed in the AFC playoffs.

If they do, Los Angeles will likely rest its starters and attempt to get healthier for the Wild Card round. If they don’t, the Chargers can still win and jump up a spot, making Sunday’s game against Denver much more valuable.

Here are some reasons to be worried about LA’s chances.

Resting starters

If the Bengals beat the Ravens in the early window, the Chargers simply won’t have anything to play for on Sunday. Given Brandon Staley’s rest tendencies in the preseason, that’d likely mean that nearly every veteran starter will sit in favor of younger depth players. The exception to this might be Joey Bosa, who’s still working his way back from groin surgery and food poisoning. Denver has been bad this season, there’s no doubt about that. But NFL starters are usually starters for a reason, no matter what team they’re on, and trotting out Chase Daniel and a ragtag group of receivers against this vaunted Broncos secondary seems like a recipe for disaster from a single-game perspective.

Something to prove

People often say that teams eliminated from the playoffs have nothing to play for, but that’s not true. It’s especially not true for the Broncos, whose players will be out to prove to ownership and general manager George Paton that they’re worth keeping around for the new coaching regime following the firing of Nathaniel Hackett. For pending free agents, this is their last audition for Denver or a potential new team. Players on the fringes have to prove they’re not replaceable. Everyone is fighting to keep their NFL career afloat. For the Chargers, on the other hand, there’s less at stake. Their season doesn’t end when the final whistle blows on Sunday. Nobody’s jobs are at risk depending solely on the outcome of this game. Those different states of being could result in a flat game from LA as they look to cruise into the playoffs, while Denver’s players look to put out good tape against a playoff team.

Offensive improvement

Denver’s offense has improved dramatically over the last four games, scoring 28, 24, 14, and 24 points, which looks more like the statline of an average offense than a historically awful one. In all four of these contests, the Broncos have rushed for at least 100 yards. LA, meanwhile, has allowed teams to rush for at least 100 yards in 11 of their 16 games, which seems to suggest that Denver can continue their streak on Sunday. The first time these teams met, the Chargers needed overtime to win with only 19 points because the Broncos could only muster 16. Of course, LA also lacked some offensive talent because of early-season injuries. But with this Denver team averaging 22.5 points per game over their last 4, the Chargers will have to keep pace, likely to the tune of 31-ish points as they did last week versus the Rams.

Third down defense

Denver is the second-best team in the league at preventing third down conversions, giving up a first down just 33.01% of the time. The only team better this season has been Washington. The Chargers, meanwhile, love to work themselves into difficult third-down situations and ask Justin Herbert to bail them out. LA leads the league in third down conversions per game with 6.6 on a similarly league-leading 15.2 chances per game this season, a conversion rate of 43.21%, 8th best in the NFL. But again, remember that Herbert may not play in this one depending on earlier outcomes. If that’s the case, can you trust Chase Daniel to make the same plays to keep LA’s conversion percentage hovering around that 43% mark?

Broncos interim coach Jerry Rosburg hints that he won’t continue coaching after season

“When I am away from football again on Monday, I am going to pick that up and go back to work,” Jerry Rosburg said of hyperbaric medicine.

When Denver Broncos general manager George Paton called Jerry Rosburg earlier this season and asked him to join the team as an advisor to Nathaniel Hackett, Rosburg was working with the Next Gen Hyperbaric Company trying to “advance hyperbaric oxygen therapy for healing.”

A few months later, Rosburg was promoted to interim head coach after Hackett was fired. During his press conference on Wednesday, Rosburg indicated that he does not plan to continue coaching after this season.

“My father was a World War II veteran,” Rosburg said. “He was a ‘POW’ [prisoner of war] in European theater. He was much like some of our players when they leave the game. They need assistance. He needed assistance and there was none. Our VA [Veteran Affairs] has gotten better, but there is still a long way to go. There are many programs that are going on, just like we were doing with the NFL to try to help those that are involved in those kinds of situations. You all know what those are.

“Those things are deeply rooted in me. I want to help those people in some way I can. That’s what I was trying to do when I was away from football. When I am away from football again on Monday, I am going to pick that up and go back to work.”

Rosburg was asked during his follow-up press conference on Thursday if he’d be interested in remaining with the team in some capacity after the season, and the coach said he’s merely focused on Denver’s season finale on Sunday.

The Broncos are expected to begin interviews for their next head coach on Monday, and it seems that Rosburg is not contending for the job.

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Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 18 opponent: Broncos

Here are some key things to know about the Los Angeles Chargers’ opponent ahead of the Week 18 matchup.

The Chargers close out the regular season on the road in a divisional matchup with the Broncos.

To get you prepped for the Week 18 bout, here are some key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the game.

Coaching change

After only 15 games since being named head coach, former Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett was relieved of his duties. Under Hackett, Denver was 4-11 before being let go of. The Broncos named Jerry Rosburg as their interim coach. Rosburg served as the assistant to Hackett before being promoted. In Rosburg’s first game overseeing the team, Denver nearly upset the Chiefs last Sunday but fell just short, 27-24.

Russell did not cook this season

To say that quarterback Russell Wilson’s first season with the Broncos was lackluster would be an understatement. The former Seattle Seahawk is completing 60.8% of his passes for 231.5 yards per game, with 13 touchdowns to ten interceptions. He has now lost seven straight starts, which is the longest losing streak of his career. Wilson has struggled to see the field and missed open players for a more significant part of the season.

Still dominant on defense

Despite having an abysmal offense, the Broncos still have a solid defense, particularly against the pass. Denver ranks fourth in passing defense DVOA. They are holding quarterbacks to 5.8 passing yards per attempt, which is the second-lowest in the league and have 15 interceptions, tied for the third most. In their first meeting this season, Justin Herbert was held to just 37-of-57 passing for 238 yards and an interception.

Other notes

  • The Broncos rank 26th in rushing offense DVOA and 22nd in rushing defense DVOA.
  • The Broncos have allowed the fourth-most sacks (30).
  • Latavius Murray is the team’s leading rusher with 600 yards, 4.1 yards per carry and four touchdowns.
  • Jerry Jeudy leads the team in receiving with 818 yards and six touchdowns. Courtland Sutton is not far off with 796 yards.
  • Justin Simmons is tied for the most interceptions in the league (6).
  • Alex Singleton has the seventh-most total tackles (151).

20 head coach candidates for the Broncos

The Broncos will likely consider these candidates during their head coach search.

After firing Nathaniel Hackett, the Denver Broncos are now seeking a new head coach. The Broncos are expected to begin interviewing coach candidates next week after their season ends.

Broncos co-owner/CEO Greg Penner and general manager George Paton have said the team will not rule out inexperienced candidates, but after three failed first-time coaches, it seems reasonable to assume the team will favor more experienced coaches.

Denver will undoubtedly interview inexperienced candidates, but veteran coaches who have already had success in the NFL will likely be considered the favorites to land the job.

With that said, here’s a quick look at 20 candidates who will likely be considered by the Broncos during their search for a head coach.

Broncos should give Jerry Rosburg an interview for full-time head coach job

Jerry Rosburg should have some kind of role with the Broncos even after the season ends.

When the Denver Broncos begin head coach interviews next week, they should consider a pair of in-house candidates: defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and interim head coach Jerry Rosburg.

Evero’s candidacy is no secret, but Rosburg deserves consideration as well. He has said all the right things since taking over, and while the Broncos didn’t win on Sunday, they played one of their best games of the season.

Rosburg quickly made two changes to the team’s coaching staff and then made additional changes on special teams and on offense. The results were immediately apparent — Rosburg has shown what Denver can accomplish with a merely competent coach.

When he was announced as the team’s interim coach last week, Rosburg was asked if he deserves to become the team’s full-time coach.

“I’m desiring that we win two football games these next two weeks,” the coach said. “I’m desiring to have a great practice here in about an hour and a half or less. I’m desiring to have great meetings after that practice. I’m desiring to have players play the way that will allow them to excel in their career. I’m not looking at it like what’s happening after this season ends. I’m not trying to build a resume. I haven’t had a resume for 15 to 17 years. I haven’t needed one. I’m not trying to enhance any reputation that I may or may not have.”

Before joining the Broncos as a senior assistant earlier this season, Rosburg previously served as a special teams coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens from 2008-2018. After that, Rosburg was — in his words — involved with a “health care venture in trying to advance hyperbaric oxygen therapy for healing.” Denver talked him into returning to coaching when Nathaniel Hackett was struggling with in-game management earlier this season.

The Broncos should give Rosburg an interview for the full-time job after the season, and if he’s not a serious contender for the position, Denver would be wise to find some kind of role for him for 2023 and beyond.

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Broncos lose to Chiefs 27-24 in Jerry Rosburg’s first game

Jerry Rosburg’s squad put up a good fight, but the Broncos ultimately lost to the Chiefs 27-24 on Sunday.

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Denver Broncos interim coach Jerry Rosburg wasted no time putting his stamp on the team.

Rosburg quickly made changes when he took over as interim coach last week by firing two members of the team’s coaching staff. The changes didn’t end there.

Rosburg took away play-calling duties from quarterbacks coach Klint Kubiak and turned them over to offensive coordinator Justin Outten. Rosburg also made a big change on special teams, benching returner Montrell Washington.

Those changes ultimately weren’t enough to snap a 15-game losing streak to Kansas City.

While trailing 6-3 in the first quarter on Sunday, safety Justin Simmons intercepted a Patrick Mahomes pass in the end zone to halt a promising Chiefs drive. Denver’s ensuing drive stalled, but Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton forced a fumble on punt coverage that tight end Eric Saubert recovered, setting his team up at KC’s 16-yard line.

Denver quarterback Russell Wilson then scored a 16-yard touchdown on a designed run to give the Broncos a 10-6 lead. Kansas City matched that score and regained the lead 13-10 just before halftime.

In the second half, Wilson threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Albert Okwuegbunam to regain the lead, 17-13. Denver was later driving with a chance to score again before a questionable offensive pass interference penalty was called against Courtland Sutton.

That penalty was a turning point in the game as the Chiefs went on to take a 20-17 lead after a Broncos punt. Then, on Denver’s next drive, Wilson threw an interception that led to another KC score that made it 27-17.

Wilson made up for that turnover later with his second rushing touchdown of the game on a four-yard scramble that made it a three-point game.

The Broncos got the ball again late in the fourth quarter but weren’t able to complete a comeback in an eventual 27-24 loss.

On the injury front, running back Marlon Mack (hamstring), guard Dalton Risner (elbow), safety P.J. Locke (ankle) and cornerback Damarri Mathis (concussion) left Sunday’s game and did not return.

Up next for the Broncos is a home game against the Los Angeles Chargers to close out the season in Week 18.

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Broncos interim coach Jerry Rosburg backs QB Russell Wilson

“We’re going to do everything we can to put a game plan in place for Russell Wilson to be successful,” interim coach Jerry Rosburg said.

The fallout of now-former Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett has left shockwaves throughout the NFL. The 4-11 start and failed paring with high-profile off-season quarterback acquisition Russell Wilson led to his untimely pink slip.

Wilson has had his fair share of criticism this season, from his play on the field (career lows in completion percentage with 60.1 percent and touchdowns with 12) to his off-field quotes (we all know about “Let’s Ride”).

However, despite the criticism, Broncos interim coach Jerry Rosborg fully supports Wilson and will continue to move forward with Wilson as the starting quarterback.

“Russell Wilson is our starting quarterback and will be our starting quarterback,” Rosburg said Wednesday.

Rosborg also stated that the coaching staff would create the best game plan to maximize Wilson and the offense.

“We’re going to do everything we can to put a game plan in place for Russell Wilson to be successful,” the interim coach said. “I’m really confident talking to our offensive coaches over the course of the last two days and going through the meetings with them and the walkthroughs. I’m really confident that we’re going to be able to do that.”

The Broncos will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs on New Year’s Day.

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Broncos interim HC Jerry Rosburg explains why he fired 2 coaches

After being named interim Broncos coach, Jerry Rosburg fired ST coordinator Dwayne Stukes and OL coach Butch Barry.

Denver Broncos interim coach Jerry Rosburg has already worked hard in his first week as the head man.

Initially brought in to assist Nathaniel Hackett in game management earlier this year, Rosburg was promoted to interim head coach for the final two games of the season after Hackett was fired Monday. 

Rosburg’s first order of business? Fire two coaches to spearhead the change.

Rosburg fired special teams coordinator Dwayne Stukes and offensive line coach Butch Barry. Special teams wise, the stats may justify the firing. The Broncos ranked 32nd in kick return average and 30th in field goal percentage, and Broncos kicker Brandon McManus has struggled this season with a 76.5% field goal rate.

The offensive line has not fared much better, allowing 57 sacks this season. You could pinpoint some of the issues on Russell Wilson sometimes holding the ball too long, attributing to the high sack total. But 57 sacks is a high number, so Rosburg made moves.

Rosburg explained why he made the moves now instead of waiting until the end of the season.

“We have had to make changes, the changes in the staff that we have made have been my decision,” Rosburg said Wednesday.” I know special teams. I’ve been coaching special teams for a long time. We weren’t good enough. We were 32nd in the league in one of the metrics that I follow. If I’m not mistaken, there are 32 teams in this league. So that had to change.

“The only way it was going to change was for me to insert myself right in the middle of that thing. We just did that this morning …. [W]e are making these changes for the good of this team, so we can win two football games.

Rosburg then elaborated on the offensive line firing.

“With regard to Butch, I have great respect for Butch — affection — he’s a good man, a really fine coach. I made that move because I wanted to move in a different direction with the offensive line. I wanted to make an impactful move on the offensive line. We needed to get better there to help all aspects of it.

“I made that decision. I take full responsibility for it. I’ve talked to Butch and I’ve talked to the players. It’s something that we’re going to move forward from this point. That’s the nature of the National Football League. We’re trying to win.”

Although the season is nearly over, the Broncos will have a chance to showcase its new leadership against the Kansas City Chiefs on New Year’s Day.

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Jerry Rosburg will serve as Broncos’ interim coach for final 2 games

Jerry Rosburg will serve as the Broncos’ interim coach for the final two games of the season.

After firing head coach Nathaniel Hackett on Monday, the Denver Broncos named senior assistant Jerry Rosburg their interim coach for the final two games of the 2022 season.

Rosburg was hired by the Broncos two games into the season to help Hackett with game management. Hackett struggled in that area and he also struggled as a play caller, a role he handed over to quarterbacks coach Klint Kubiak later in the season.

Rosburg, 67, has 40 years of coaching experience on his resume, including an 11-year run as a special teams coordinator and assistant head coach with the Baltimore Ravens. He won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens following the 2012 season.

Before naming Rosburg the interim coach, Denver first offered the position to defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who turned it down because he wanted to continue coaching the defense to close out the season.

Rosburg will make his interim coach debut when the Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in Week 17. After that, Denver will wrap up the season at home against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18.

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