Denver Broncos offense in desperate need of an identity

This freaking team.

This mind-numbing, head-shaking, rage-inducing offense. Everyone associated with this game needs a drink. And I’m fairly certain males who watched the Denver Broncos somehow defeat the Cleveland Browns 26-23 in overtime know what child birth is like.

What is it about these two teams and bizarre games in Cleveland? But I digress.

Most said this was the game that the Broncos had to show an identity – at least on offense. Their offensive line had to show some aptitude of being able to run block. Manning had to look like a professional quarterback. The offense needed rhythm and balance.

“Is this the drive? Is this finally the time the offense steps up and delivers?” How often was that asked on Sunday? Gary Kubiak finally had enough when he laid into his offensive line in the second half.

Denver was able to rush the football – Ronnie Hillman ran for over 100 yards and C.J. Anderson looked like C.J. Anderson on the game-winning drive. But that still doesn’t breed confidence given how bad the Browns defense is, especially against the run.

Manning still looks like he’s lost and never played football before. It’s as if someone brainwashed PFM and replaced him with Kyle Orton.

Demaryius Thomas looks a like a guy who got paid and no longer cares. He plays like a receiver who missed the entire offseason yet still got his payday and now just goes through the motions. After Sunday’s two massive drops, Thomas now leads the NFL in that category. Money well spent.

The offensive line had its moments, but, again, there’s no belief it will get better. The Cleveland defense entered Sunday’s game 31st in the league against the rush. Minus a few good runs by Hillman and then Anderson on that final drive, it was still a struggle to do anything offensively. Some have pointed out that Denver rushed for over 150 yards and the running game “looked good.” This is an instance where reality tells the story over the stats. Is it a good sign? Without question, but keep in mind this was done against a terrible rush defense. It needed to happen, but let’s not get carried away.

The Broncos defense is still unreal – in more ways than one. From stepping up when it’s needed most to stupid penalties, at least that unit is consistent. But with how Denver struggled to cover tight ends in the red zone … I don’t need to finish that sentence.

What can be done?

There’s no doubt I am among the fewest of the few who thinks Manning’s problems are the least of Denver’s concerns. His mistakes are more about his reads than his arm. It’s clear he has no faith in his line to protect, hence why he has happy feet and doesn’t look beyond his first look. It’s not about his arm strength or touch. It’s about his mind. Is anyone going to test the mind of Manning and say he won’t get this under control?

Higher on the list of areas for the Broncos offense to be concerned about:

• The offensive line
• Drops by the No. 1 receiver on your team
• The offensive line
• Inconsistent play by the running backs
• The offensive line
• The non existent tight ends
• The offensive line
• Third down efficiency
• The offensive line

Denver is stuck with the guys it has up front. At this point, it’s time to try anything. What worked last year when the struggles emerged for the Broncos offense was to use six offensive lineman when they ran the football. Why not try it? If they aren’t going to use a fullback and the tight ends clearly cannot seal off the edges or push them in, Denver needs another big body to get push up the field.

If Alex Gibbs isn’t at practice, he needs to be. At least get the mind there of a guy who coached the Denver line in the back-to-back Super Bowl years.

I’m still not convinced Hillman or Anderson are the answer. At what point does John Elway at least look into acquiring Matt Forte from the Chicago Bears? That line in the Windy City isn’t exactly the 1997 or ’98 Broncos.

Given his reaction in the second half, it’s clear Kubiak has had enough. He needs to keep on these guys and not let them loose. Never is that more true than now, going into the bye week and with the Green Bay Packers looming.

At this point, nothing should be off the table.

After six weeks, this team still doesn’t have an identity on offense.

No doubt we will hear, “It’s a work in progress …” yada yada yada again this week. At what point does that become, “It’s work to keep hope?”

Yet despite all of that, the Broncos are still 6-0.

This freaking team.

Now, can I have a drink?