Actions have consequences.
That’s why it’s not as simple as the Broncos using more of the no-huddle offense just because coordinator Rich Scangarello’s unit has been more efficient when it operates at a faster pace.
“You want to use tempo, you want to apply pressure where you can to the defense, but you’ve got to be smart how you approach that,” Scangarello said.
Sure, the Broncos’ offense is more efficient when it eliminates the huddle. On 15 of the 39 non-kneeldown possessions run by the Broncos this season, they went without a huddle on at least one snap:
The results on those possessions are eye-catching:
- Points per possession: 2.47
- Net yards per possession: 45.6
- First downs per possession: 3.00
Compare that with the Broncos’ output on their possessions without a no-huddle snap:
- Points per possession: 1.38
- Net yards per possession: 29.3
- First downs per possession: 1.58
So, more no-huddle, right?
Not so fast.
First of all, not all the early-season numbers are promising.
Quarterback Joe Flacco also has a 110.0 passer rating out of the no-huddle, going 20 of 27 with two touchdowns and no interceptions on plays identified as no-huddle snaps by the official NFL gamebooks.
However, he also has just 139 yards on those 27 attempts. Ten of his completions went for five or fewer yards. With two sacks for 16 yards, the Broncos are averaging a pedestrian 4.2 yards per pass play in the no-huddle attack, although that production is also hindered by the points of emphasis on some no-huddle plays — red-zone and third-and-short.
On the whole, Scangarello wouldn’t mind going no-huddle more often than the 33 snaps his offense has run without a huddle this year.
“I wish you could,” Scangarello said. “You can do some [accelerated] tempo, but the reality of it is that you just don’t have the depth and bodies to go fast all the time.”
That brings us to the second point: Accelerating the pace sounds dandy until you assess the long-term impact on a team that still lacks depth, and now will see its defense trying to cope without one of its signature players, outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, for the rest of the season.
No-huddle means the offense is off the field quicker, which means the defense is back at work … and last Sunday’s third quarter showed what can happen when the defense is thrust back into action too soon.
“You want to keep your defense off the field,” Scangarello said. “It’s just different than college football where you’ve got 85 guys.”
Still, there are ways the Broncos can be judicious in their use of no-huddle. Quick snaps to take advantage of personnel matchups could help the offense, something which could happen if the Broncos use Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman together, something they have only done on nine plays so far this season.
“I do feel we’ve been very efficient in two-minute,” Scangarello said. “I think our system is growing together and that’s a good thing. Under the gun, they’ve had some successful drives, and we hope to continue that.”
But with the defense still struggling to find its way, Scangarello will have to pick his spots.
