Broncos to assess future at quarterback after…

Still, Paton identified that there were other issues that factored into the Broncos’ offensive woes in 2021.

“You can’t just pin it on the quarterbacks,” Paton said. “We need to block better, we need to catch better. We need to make the key plays in the key moments of games, and we haven’t done that. Whether it’s a drop here, a penalty there, a missed block, a fumble — two fumble returns for touchdowns is unprecedented. And you’re not going to win many games when you lack those details and you make those mistakes in key moments in games.”

Regardless of background, Denver’s next head coach will be tasked with improving that side of the ball, Paton said.

“We need to upgrade the offense,” Paton said. “We know that. Whoever we talk to, obviously they’re going to have to have a plan for our offense. And if they’re a defensive-minded coach, they’re going to have to talk about their plan and their offensive coordinator, his coaching staff and what his vision is with our personnel. So all that goes into it. Offense is obviously a priority, but we don’t want to take a step back on defense. We also need to elevate special teams. We need someone to take over the whole operation. We’re just not focused on one side of the ball, even though we need to really upgrade on that side of the ball.”

While Paton would not pin the team’s lack of success from one head coach to another in recent years solely on quarterback play, Denver’s struggles to find a long-term answer at quarterback has been a focal point each year and will be once again as the next head coach takes the reins.

“Obviously, I know how important that position is,” Paton said. “It’s the most important position in sports. But we’re focused on the coach. If you can get the right leader, that’s the most important thing … and then we’ll get the quarterback, we’ll get the other position. … The leadership and the right head coach for this football team is the number one priority.”