The Denver Broncos' offense has struggled through four weeks, and the running game has emerged as one of its biggest problems. Denver has managed only 82 rushing yards against San Francisco, while no running back has established himself as a consistent difference-maker.

That weakness has placed even more pressure on Bo Nix. The Broncos have scored only 13 first-half points this season, and Nix has been forced to operate in an offense that has struggled to create explosive plays consistently.

Former Broncos star and Super Bowl 50 winner Emmanuel Sanders recently offered his assessment on the DNVR Broncos Podcast. Rather than placing all the blame on Nix or play-caller Davis Webb, Sanders pointed toward the wide receivers and their blocking.

"Sometimes I turn on there, and I see a run game, and I see receivers. It's really not blocking in a run game. And it starts there, because it's a mindset. We're blocking our ass off, because you never know when that running back might spring it open."

Sanders' criticism centers on the mentality required from Denver's receivers. If the blocking is improved, more opportunities could be created for the running backs to break through and turn short gains into explosive plays.

Kurt Warner's Bo Nix Concerns Add to Broncos Offensive Questions

Sanders' comments come shortly after Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner identified another issue with Nix. Warner believes the quarterback has been too impatient at the top of his drop, causing him to miss opportunities within the structure of plays.

That combination could help explain why Denver's offense has struggled to find consistency. Better blocking would be needed from the receivers, while greater patience would be needed from Nix.

The Broncos have shown flashes, but their offense remains unfinished. Until the running game becomes more effective, every part of the unit will continue facing greater pressure.

Written by

Joseph Nithin