How can this struggling Broncos’ offense score 20 points in a game?

Kiz: As Brandon Marshall picked up a fumble and ran 19 yards for a touchdown with Denver trailing Philadelphia 44-16, it occurred to me that a linebacker might be the Broncos’ best scoring threat. The offense has not scored 20 points in a game since Sept. 17. Yes, the O-line stinks. But what can offensive coordinator Mike McCoy do to get this broken-down piece of junk rolling?

Jhabvala: This is the million-dollar question right? “Broken-down piece of junk” is a strong description for a group that still features a pair of 1,000-yard receivers and two Pro Bowl running backs — one of which is the league’s leader in career rushing yards average. But look at the Broncos’ first two weeks of the season compared to the last four. In those first two, when they upended the Chargers and the Cowboys and averaged 33 points a game, they attempted about 38 rushes per game for an average of 159 yards. In their last four losses, in which they’ve averaged a meager 13 points, the Broncos attempted only 22 carries per game for an average of 82 yards. I’d like to see Denver commit to the run more. Peyton Manning has been retired for 20 months now. Why are they still running an offense built for him, with three-wide-receiver sets that they can’t block?

Kiz: The Broncos either run the rock or they lose. In their three victories, Denver has averaged 134 yards rushing. In their five losses, they’ve averaged 88 yards rushing. The one outlier in defeat was in Kansas City, when Denver stayed committed to the run, despite falling behind early. During this four-game losing streak, it was the only time the Broncos had a real chance to win in the fourth quarter. Might be a lesson to be had there.

Jhabvala: Everyone likes to pick apart what is said and not said by the head coach, especially during a four-game slide. But Vance Joseph wasn’t giving a party line when he said back in October that, “It doesn’t matter who the quarterback is if he’s not being protected or the run game is not effective.” This team is built for balance and needs a run game to support its passing game and to help its defense. Until the Broncos consistently run the ball again, I think they’re going to continue to sputter and the turnovers are going to continue pile up.

Kiz: The Broncos need to bludgeon the Patriots. Come out in two tight-end alignments, and run the ball until the defense starts to soften. It’s also time to give Devontae Booker the majority of the touches at running back and see what he can do. Scrap the three-wideout look, which Denver can’t block. For a change of pace, Denver should instead occasionally start a drive with no huddle. I can’t guarantee these ideas will get the Broncos 20 points against New England, but the results can’t be any worse than what McCoy has tried.

Jhabvala: Booker should get more reps, but the backs collectively should get more. C.J. Anderson ranks No. 3 among NFL backs in pass-blocking and in yards after contact per attempts (3.14), according to Pro Football Focus. Denver needs that with a line that struggles to create lanes. The Broncos were at their best when he was carrying the ball 20-25 times per game. They’ve been at their worst when he’s taken about 10 carries per game. Bottom line is the Broncos need to commit to the run. They have a loaded running backs room. Take advantage of it.