Full Speed Next Week for the Denver Broncos

As the Denver Broncos enter the final three weeks of the 2024 NFL regular season, there’s a clear shift in the team’s energy: "full speed" is no longer a buzzword—it’s a mandate. With a 6-7 record and a one-game deficit in the AFC wildcard race, the Broncos can’t afford to hold back, rest players, or test experimental schemes. Next week’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals (5-8) isn’t just another game; it’s a must-win opportunity to keep their playoff hopes alive, and the team is preparing with a sense of urgency that’s been missing at times this season. Full Speed Next Week for the Denver Broncos explores the factors driving this all-in approach—from key players returning to full health to coaching staff adjustments—and why this upcoming week could define the Broncos’ season.

Full Speed Next Week for the Denver Broncos begins with the return of key players to full health, eliminating the need for "managed" snaps. For weeks, the Broncos have had to limit reps for stars like wide receiver Pat Bryant (recovering from an ankle sprain) and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hamstring strain), using them in base packages but sitting them out of high-intensity passing downs. But after a bye week to recover, both players have been cleared for full participation in practice—and next week, they’ll play every snap that matters. Bryant, who’s already logged 1,020 receiving yards this season, will once again be Russell Wilson’s top deep threat, while Greenlaw will anchor the linebacking corps in both run defense and pass coverage. "Having Pat and Dre at full speed changes everything," said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. "We haven’t had our full complement of playmakers on the field together since Week 5. Next week, we will—and that means we can run our entire playbook, no compromises." The return of these two isn’t just about talent; it’s about confidence: teammates have noted a noticeable lift in practice intensity since Bryant and Greenlaw started taking every rep, with players feeding off their energy.

Another key driver of Full Speed Next Week for the Denver Broncos is the coaching staff’s decision to simplify and refine the game plan, focusing on what works. Earlier this season, the Broncos experimented with complex formations and trick plays—some of which backfired, leading to turnovers and penalties. But next week, the focus will be on execution of their most effective schemes: the power rushing attack that’s averaged 112.6 yards per game since Week 9, Wilson’s quick slant passes to Courtland Sutton, and the pass-rush packages that have generated 30 sacks (up from 21 in Week 10) thanks to Chris Jones. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has spent the bye week trimming the playbook to 60 core plays—down from 90—ensuring every player knows their assignments cold. "Full speed doesn’t mean running more plays; it means running the right plays perfectly," Lombardi explained. "We’ve identified what works against the Cardinals’ defense—their run defense ranks 24th, and their secondary struggles with deep balls—and we’re going to lean into that. No surprises, no mistakes—just execution at full speed." Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has taken a similar approach, focusing on the four-man pass rush that’s harassed quarterbacks into 12 interceptions this season, rather than blitzing excessively.

A critical component of Full Speed Next Week for the Denver Broncos is the team’s adjusted practice schedule, designed to mimic game-day intensity. Gone are the light walkthroughs and situational drills that defined midseason practices; instead, the Broncos have shifted to "game-speed" practices, with full contact in scrimmages, loud music to replicate stadium noise, and strict time limits on huddles to mirror the pressure of game clocks. Wilson has even pushed for extra late-afternoon reps, when next week’s game will be played, to acclimate the team to the December sun and cooler temperatures in Arizona. "Practice at half speed leads to games at half speed—and we can’t afford that," Wilson said. "Next week, every rep in practice matters. We’re treating Tuesday like a Sunday, so when we step on the field in Arizona, it feels like just another day at work." For the Denver Broncos, this intensity is intentional: Payton has made it clear that any player who doesn’t match the team’s "full speed" effort in practice won’t see the field next week, sending a message that complacency won’t be tolerated. This has led to a competitive atmosphere in the locker room, with veterans and rookies alike fighting for snaps.

Another important element of Full Speed Next Week for the Denver Broncos is the focus on penalty discipline—a longstanding issue that’s finally being addressed. After ranking among the league’s most penalized teams for most of the season, the Broncos have cut their penalty yards per game to 58.2 over the last three weeks, and next week, they’re aiming to go even lower. The coaching staff has added "penalty watchers" to practice—assistant coaches who track every potential infraction, from false starts to holding—and players who commit avoidable penalties are required to stay late for extra drills. "Full speed doesn’t mean playing reckless," said offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees, who hasn’t committed a penalty in his last five games. "It means playing fast but smart. We’ve learned that penalties kill drives and momentum—and next week, we can’t let that happen." The Broncos have also studied the Cardinals’ penalty tendencies (they rank 18th in penalty yards per game) and plan to use aggressive but legal tactics—like Greenlaw’s physical run defense—to force the Cardinals into mistakes. For the Denver Broncos, clean football is just as important as talent next week; a single penalty could be the difference between winning and losing.

Wrapping up Full Speed Next Week for the Denver Broncos is the stakes of this all-in approach for the team’s playoff hopes. A win over the Cardinals would tie the Broncos with the Las Vegas Raiders (7-7) for the final wildcard spot, and with a favorable remaining schedule (vs. Patriots, at Raiders), it would put them in control of their destiny. A loss, however, would drop them to 6-8 and likely end their playoff chances. "Next week isn’t just about winning a game—it’s about proving we belong," said Greenlaw. "We’ve talked all season about being a playoff team, and now we have the chance to show it. Full speed, no excuses." For the Broncos, this week is about more than football; it’s about redemption. After years of missing the playoffs, they have a chance to make a statement—and they’re not going to hold back. "We’re going to leave everything on the field next week," Payton said. "Full speed, full effort, full focus. That’s the only way to win in December, and that’s how we’re going to play." Full Speed Next Week for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a goal—it’s a promise. And if the team delivers, they could be playing football well into January.