The Denver Broncos should be 3-0 this season, instead, they are 1-2.

How did we get here?

Denver beat the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 but lost to the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers on walk-off field goals. In both games, the Broncos were in control and blew leads in heartbreaking fashion.

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix hasn’t taken the leap most expected in his second season, but he hasn’t played horrible. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey have contributed to a solid rushing attack, and Nix’s receivers have been effective.

That leaves Denver’s defense. The Broncos have one of the best all-around defensive units in the National Football League yet have been lackluster through three weeks.

A costly personal foul from safety Talanoa Hufanga led to a 10-point swing that Denver couldn’t come back from in the loss to the Chargers and the unit just hasn’t been able to limit damage when they needed to.

With all factors considered, ESPN ranked Denver 15th in the Week 4 power rankings, sliding from 13th, and Jeff Legwold broke down the biggest issue with their defense.

“Though the Broncos have flashed elite tendencies and created a big list of impactful moments, they haven't gotten the last necessary stop in back-to-back losses,” Legwold wrote Tuesday. “The Colts had drives of 81 and 41 yards for field goals on their final two possessions in a 29-28 win in Week 2. Sunday, the Chargers went 76 yards on seven plays to tie the score at 20, then marched 43 yards on eight plays for the game-winning field goal. Those drives included a 68-yard run by Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, a 22-yard reception by Chargers running back Omarion Hampton and a 20-yard touchdown catch by L.A. receiver Keenan Allen.”

The Broncos will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football in Week 4. The Bengals defense is the weakest part of the team and has allowed 79 points through three weeks against the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings.

Denver should be able to put up a lot of points against Cincinnati’s defense, especially on the ground.

Without Joe Burrow starting for the Bengals, Jake Browning fared well last season but hasn’t been playing well so far this season. Running back Chase Brown is seemingly nonexistent through three weeks, making it easier to contain Jamarr Chase and Tee Higgins.