Here’s a look at which stock improved or declined after the Broncos’ 31-13 win over the Colts on Sunday.

Stock Up

Safety Brandon Jones: Denver’s starting safety has done a solid job of filling the void left behind by Justin Simmons, with the Broncos’ win over Indianapolis another reminder. Jones didn’t allow a reception on four targets in 37 coverage snaps, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. He also intercepted quarterback Anthony Richardson’s pass in the second quarter. In 13 games, Jones has recorded 91 tackles, three interceptions, nine passes defended, a forced fumble and a recovery.

Safety P.J. Locke: Jones’ partner on the back end also made an impact Sunday. In the third quarter, Locke delivered a vicious hit on Michael Pittman to knock the ball out of the Colts receiver’s hands. The ball was then recovered by defensive tackle D.J. Jones. But the most impressive part of the turnover wasn’t the hit. It was the space Locke covered to deliver it. He was positioned at Indianapolis’ 40-yard line when he ​​backpedaled after the ball was snapped. When he saw Richardson targeting Pittman short, Locke rushed forward to make an impressive play.

DT Malcolm Roach: Denver’s run defense wasn’t great but Roach once again showed his value in that department. In 18 run snaps, Roach had six tackles and a run stuff (tackles resulting in no gain or loss), according to Next Gen Stats. The Broncos gave up 1.6 rushing yards per play when Roach was on the field and an alarming 8.6 yards when he was on the sideline.

GM George Paton: Denver’s general manager deserves a ton of credit for helping the Broncos secure their first winning season since 2016. Paton didn’t have much to work with after the team opted to eat $53 million on Russell Wilson’s $85 million dead cap hit in 2024. Still, he worked around the team’s financial limitations. The Brandon Jones and Malcolm Roach signings have paid off. As has trading for defensive end John Franklin-Myers, who had a half sack and four pressures against Indy. Denver’s rookie class has also made an immediate impact. Bo Nix has shown traits of a franchise quarterback and edge rusher Jonah Elliss (five sacks, 22 pressures) and cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine (one catch allowed on seven targets vs. Indy) look like late-round gems.

Stock Down

Running backs: It’s clear the Broncos need to address the running back position in the offseason. On Sunday, Denver’s running back rotation of Javonte Williams, Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin combined for 49 yards on 18 attempts. Williams was held under 20 yards for the fourth time in five games.

Sean Payton: Denver’s head coach has returned the franchise back to its winning ways. However, his play-calling and decision-making have been questionable at times over the last two games. To start the third quarter against the Colts, one of the league’s worst run defenses, the Broncos threw three straight passes, with the last attempt resulting in an interception on third-and-1.

Run defense: Denver’s run defense was inconsistent. The Broncos gave up 149 yards on 32 attempts. Jonathan Taylor led the way with 22 carries for 107 yards while Richardson added 46 yards and a touchdown. The Colts caught Denver slipping a couple of times in the first quarter, running the ball with Taylor on third and long, resulting in a first down. Luckily for the Broncos, Taylor did himself in by fumbling the ball a yard short of a 41-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter.

Third down offense: Denver was dreadful on third down. The Broncos were 6 for 17 despite the Colts defense being tied for the fifth-highest conversion rate (44.4%) in those situations. Nix struggled, going 5 for 12 for 38 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. That has to change against the Chargers this week.

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Originally Published: December 16, 2024 at 11:35 AM MST