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Broncos Look To Waddle For Possible Breakout After Win Over Chiefs
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- Broncos Look To Waddle For Possible Breakout After Win Over Chiefs
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Denver Broncos just got their biggest win of the season over the Kansas City Chiefs, and they actually saw signs of life from their most famous receiver, Jaylen Waddle.
It was only a 1-yard touchdown toss from quarterback Bo Nix, but it happened on a fourth-and-goal, and Nix said Waddle was calling for the ball, which was a good sign. Waddle broke out his signature shuffle/waddle that he used back when he was with the Miami Dolphins, and some of the crowd followed with an imitation celebration.
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The Broncos and their fans haven't seen this very often. The season is almost halfway over, and at this point it's safe to say that Waddle has been a huge disappointment to date.
But coach Sean Payton thinks better days may be coming for the embattled receiver. Waddle also caught a key pass for a two-point conversion late in the game, and Payton's response when he was asked about Waddle was simple: "Let's keep going."
He really doesn't have any choice with this response. As Nick Kosmider of The Athletic noted, Waddle's overall output this season -- 29 catches, 315 yards -- ranks among his lowest through eight games, as he had similar numbers in that span in 2024. His yards per reception (10.9) are the lowest at this point since his rookie season.
It's not like the Broncos haven't tried to get him going, either. Waddle had one breakout game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2 where he got 138 yards receiving, but he's shown signs of frustration since, including a game against the Los Angeles Chargers where he caught just two passes for 19 yards and was seen shaking his head in frustration as he walked off the field.
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But Waddle has been a little better in Denver's last two games. Both of those short scoring catches were important, and against Arizona Waddle had four catches for 48 yards.
Waddle isn't the only receiver who's scuffling, though. The entire Denver offense is struggling, and we've yet to see Nix and company get in rhythm for an extended stretch, much less an entire game.
The Broncos keep moving Waddle around in different formations, and the level of competition could help, with several lesser teams coming up. For now the Broncos are focused on their 6-2 record and hoping for better things from Waddle and the offense as their defense continues to carry the team.
