This week’s Broncos Q&A is Joe Lombardi, the offensive coordinator who’s helped rookie quarterback Bo Nix and the offense take a step forward heading into Sunday vs. Kansas City:

Question: How do you view the rarity of playing Week 18 with a playoff spot on the line?

Joe Lombardi: “You know, I was looking around the room, looking at Garett Bolles and Courtland (Sutton) — guys that have been here and haven’t made it to the postseason. Then you’ve got young guys who maybe don’t know any better. They think maybe this opportunity comes around every year. (It’s important to have) those guys understand you don’t get second chances. So when you have this opportunity you’ve got to grasp it and go make it happen.

“You definitely feel a sense of urgency in a game like this — hope (the players know how) important it is. Imagine what you’re going to feel like if you can’t get this win and we’re having our exit interviews. There’s definitely a sense or urgency.”

Question: Some veterans say they didn’t appreciate reaching the postseason when they were younger. Is that something (a player) must experience (to understand)?

Lombardi: “You definitely talk about it. Whether it hits their brains the way you hope it does, you never know. But it’s a short career for players. This is my 18th or 19th year or whatever. And it stinks when you’re sitting at home that first week of a postseason. Hopefully these guys understand these opportunities don’t come around (often). They don’t have as long of careers as coaches do. Even for us, you want to make it work every single year. I think they understand that.”

Question: Where has (Broncos starting running back) Jaleel McLaughlin improved?

Lombardi: “He’s fast. He’s got good vision. And he’s been taking advantage of his opportunities. He sets up his blocks well for his O-Line. I think it’s stuff he’s been doing since he’s been here. He’s been getting the touches and making it work. We’re excited about him.”

Question: Has McLaughlin suggested he can be a 20-carry-per-game running back?

Lombardi: “Not to me. I’m sure he wants his opportunities. And we’re going to continue to give them.”

Question: How has (wide receiver) Marvin Mims Jr. become more of a factor?

Lombardi: “I think (the running back touches) has helped a lot. It’s easier to get him the ball in those situations. Handing him the ball, you know he’s going to get the ball. When you call some of those shots — like the couple he scored on — there’s a lot going on with the defense that tells the quarterback where to throw the ball. Every game he’s been with us we’ve called those plays or certainly had them in the game plan. You hope you call it at the right time, where the defense is set up in a way where you can launch the ball to him.”

Question: Were you disappointed (offensive lineman) Quinn Meinerz didn’t make the Pro Bowl?

Lombardi: “I think he deserves it. (But) I don’t pay a lot of attention to that. We think he’s one of the best guards in the NFL. So we think he deserves it. But his time’s coming. Sean (Payton) always says sometimes early in your career you might get passed over when you deserve it. Then once you’ve established yourself later in your career, there’s a young Quinn Meinerz that does’t get it because the old Quinn Meinerz has a reputation. Yeah, I think he deserved it.”