Denver, CO

Broncos Player Grades in 26-7 Win Over Bucs Revealed

Published

3 months ago

September 24, 2024

Broncos Player Grades in 26-7 Win Over Bucs Revealed

The Denver Broncos got the upset on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, emerging victorious, 26-7. Everything was clicking offensively for Denver, and the defense kept up its strong play since the start of the season.

The Broncos showed what they can do when things are clicking, which could be the spark they needed to turn their season around. However, this is a young team, and the consistency of playing at that level remains to be seen.

The Broncos played well collectively, so we can dig into how they looked at an individual level with the player grades. The overall play is the culmination of almost everyone executing well individually. Everything was firing on all cylinders.

Let’s dive into Week 3’s player grades. Remember, in order to qualify for a grade, a player must have at least 20 snaps.

The rookie quarterback had his best performance of the season. It was arguably the best rookie quarterback performance of 2024 thus far. His footwork was better, though there were still issues, but his decision-making and reads were what many expected when he was drafted.

It was good to see Sean Payton weaponize Nix’s athleticism and running ability more against the Buccaneers than the Broncos have in the first two weeks.

While Williams did well as a blocker and a receiver, his running ability has continued to be an issue. He had five rushes for 12 yards and a fumble on the day.

Williams’ vision issues continue to be a hindrance, which is crucial for running backs, especially when facing stacked boxes.

No other running back received enough snaps to qualify for a grade.

The Broncos’ receivers had a good game despite struggling to get separation. All three of these receivers had a positive receiving EPA, and Reynolds was the only one in the positive before this game.

Sutton and Humphrey did well as receivers but also stood out as blockers.

There was a severe issue with blocking from the tight ends in the first two weeks, even when Greg Dulcich was removed from the equation. Trautman struggled but played a good game, blocking 28 of 46 snaps.

Adkins finally had a game to justify keeping him around with his blocking performance.

Bolles was an issue for the first two weeks and was coming off a performance in which he allowed Alex Highsmith to control the game. Bolles allowed two pressures against the Buccaneers but no sacks and had his best game as a run blocker in a few seasons.

There was also a concern over Palczewski, who played well, but the Broncos gave him a ton of help with chips and tight ends being kept in.

Meinerz struggled in the first two weeks, but he was dominant as a run blocker in Tampa and held up in pass protection. Powers also had a strong game, holding up in pass protection and doing well as a run blocker.

Wattenberg did have some issues, but he was above average overall, and not having to face Bucs nose tackle Vita Vea did make his life easier.

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The Broncos’ defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage. It wasn’t all perfect, and they did have hiccups against the run, but Allen was living in the backfield as a pass rusher, and both Jones and Roach were clogging gaps in the middle.

Franklin-Myers had a good game, but he was the bigger issue against the run on the defensive line.

What a showing by Tillman. He was causing chaos in the backfield as a pass rusher but did have some missteps as a run defender.

Cooper is solid and reliable, and the Broncos should be looking at getting an extension done sooner rather than later. Bonitto and Elliss showed issues against the run, but the former had some excellent pass-rush moments.

Elliss showed he still has much growing to do, but he also faced a tough matchup with Bucs right tackle Tristan Wirfs.

The Broncos needed Barton to have a game like this, as the linebacker position was a concern over the first two weeks. He provided some stability at the position.

Singleton continues to be a solid linebacker with issues in certain coverages. He also had another two missed tackles and is tied for the most missed tackles among all linebackers in the NFL.

The performance of these corners should be applauded. They faced their most challenging trio of receivers yet this season and essentially shut them down.

McMillian was targeted 10 times and allowed eight catches, mostly on underneath throws, with 57 yards gained. He also did well against the run, though he did miss four tackles.

Moss allowed four catches for 22 yards, with a pass broken up and forcing the game-sealing fumble. As for Surtain, he has been worth every penny in his contract, allowing a single catch for eight yards and taking Mike Evans out of the game.

Jones came up in a big way with an excellent play for an interception and picking up a game-sealing fumble. He also came down against the run well and handled his coverages.

Locke did well in coverage, but his play against the run was full of misses, including two missed tackles.

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Denver, CO

Biggest Winners & Losers from Broncos’ 38-0 Blowout of Chiefs

Published

7 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Press Room

Biggest Winners & Losers from Broncos’ 38-0 Blowout of Chiefs

The Denver Broncos are heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2015, and they made it happen emphatically with a 38-0 dismantling of the Kansas City Chiefs. Facing a depleted Chiefs squad, the Broncos showed no mercy, dominating both sides of the ball and solidifying their place in the postseason.

This victory showcased the Broncos’ growth, resilience, and readiness for playoff football. Who were Denver’s biggest winners and losers from this playoff-clinching victory?

Let’s dive in.

Bo Nix | QB

Nix was flawless, completing 26-of-29 passes for 321 yards and four touchdowns while adding 47 yards on the ground. His command of the offense was masterful, resulting in a 152.4 passer rating. Nix’s ability to stretch the field and keep the chains moving was the driving force behind Denver’s offensive explosion.

Marvin Mims Jr. | WR

Mims continues to ascend, catching all five targets for 51 yards and two touchdowns. He displayed excellent footwork on his second touchdown, leaving defenders grasping at air in the corner of the end zone.

Courtland Sutton | WR

Sutton was a reliable target again, recording 98 yards and a 47-yard touchdown on five catches. His chemistry with Nix has made him the team’s go-to option in critical situations.

Devaughn Vele | WR

Vele had a highlight-reel moment, hauling in a double-tipped pass for a three-yard touchdown. His four catches for 50 yards showcased his ability to make clutch plays when called upon.

O-Line (Pass Protection)

The offensive line was a fortress, allowing no sacks and giving Nix ample time to pick apart the Chiefs’ secondary. The unit’s dominance upfront also created rushing lanes for Nix to scramble effectively.

Nick Bonitto | OLB

Bonitto continued his breakout season with two sacks, three tackles, and multiple pressures. His speed and relentless pursuit were too much for Kansas City’s offensive line to handle.

D-Line

The Broncos’ defensive line feasted on Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz, sacking him five times and limiting him to 98 passing yards. Their ability to collapse the pocket and clog running lanes completely stifled Kansas City’s offense.

Sean Payton | HC

Payton called a near-perfect game, blending aggressive play-calling with methodical clock management. His preparation and focus on execution were evident as the Broncos dominated every phase of the game.

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O-Line (Run Game)

While the Broncos’ offensive line excelled in pass protection, its run blocking left much to be desired. Denver’s running backs combined for just 104 yards on 34 carries, averaging a meager 2.9 yards per attempt.

The Broncos’ playoff drought is over, and they’re entering the postseason with momentum and confidence. Nix’s development has been extraordinary, and the offensive balance created by Payton’s system gives Denver a dangerous edge.

Defensively, the Broncos look like they have gotten back to center and are ready to take on any challenge, as their pass rush and secondary are firing on all cylinders. However, the run game remains a concern. Denver’s inability to establish consistent rushing lanes could become an issue against more balanced defenses in the playoffs.

Next up for the Broncos: a wildcard clash against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park. While the challenge is daunting, this team has shown the grit and growth necessary for a sliver of hope for a deep playoff run.

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Denver, CO

Broncos-Chiefs inactives for Week 18

Published

14 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Press Room

The Denver Broncos are being gifted a berth into the AFC playoffs by the Kansas City Chiefs today. As you can see from the below inactives list, they will be resting all of their best players and likely will limit the snap counts of those that remain active for this game.

There is literally no excuse for Sean Payton in this game. The Broncos should win by double-digits, but I don’t care how they win as long as they win. It has been a long nine year wait for Broncos Country.

Here are your gameday inactives for the Broncos-Chiefs game in Week 18.

Broncos inactives

Player	Position
Player	Position
Zach Wilson	QB
Blake Watson	RB
Levelle Bailey	ILB
Frank Crum	OT
Matt Henningsen	DL
Eyioma Uwazurike	DL

Chiefs inactives

Player	Position
Player	Position
Patrick Mahomes	QB
Isiah Pacheco	RB
Chris Jones	DT
Travis Kelce	TE
Jawaan Taylor	OT
George Kaarlaftis	DE
Trent McDuffie	CB

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Denver, CO

How to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos – NFL: Week 18 | Channel, stream, preview, prediction

Published

22 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Press Room

How to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos – NFL: Week 18 | Channel, stream, preview, prediction

DENVER — An AFC West rivalry clash to end the 2024 NFL regular season has a lot riding on it for at least one team, as the Denver Broncos fight for their playoff lives when they host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Watch the NFL on FuboTV (7-day free trial) and Paramount+

Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) vs. Denver Broncos (9-7)

When: Sunday, January 5
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Where: Empower Field at Mile High (Denver, Colo.)
Channel: CBS
Stream: FuboTV (Free Trial), DirecTV Stream, Sling, Paramount+

The Broncos have battled hard this season. With a rookie quarterback and a stout defense, the team has played good enough to keep them in postseason contention. They have had opportunities to clinch their fist playoff spot in nine years. However, losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals put them in a bind heading into the final week of the season.

The task heading into the game is rather simple on paper: do not lose to the Chiefs. A win or a tie puts Denver into the postseason for the first time since 2015, the year they last won the Super Bowl. If they lose, they will need the Miami Dolphins to lose.

It might not be that hard, as Kansas City is resting some of its top stars, such as Patrick Mahomes. That’s because the team has already locked up the first seed in the AFC, getting a bye of the Wild Card round. The team has certainly been an interesting team, as their numerous one-score wins lead many to wonder if this team has the ability to make a run to a third Super Bowl in a row.

The first time these two teams met, the Broncos fell short thanks to a blocked field goal. The Chiefs have won 17 of the last 18 meetings with Denver, with KC holding a 73-56 record against their rivals.

MY PICK: Broncos win, 24-21