The Rockies found misery again in their first extra-inning game of the season.
Philadelphia walked off Colorado, 2-1, in the series opener at Citizens Bank Park on Monday night, dropping the Rockies to 4-13 on the year.
The Rockies couldn’t solve ace Aaron Nola, and then came up short in a pair of opportunities to score in the ninth and 10th innings before Cristian Pache’s single lifted Philadelphia to the victory.
“Whoever came out on the short end of this one, it was going to be a tough one,” Rockies manager Bud Black told reporters. “Nola pitched great, and so did (Cal) Quantrill. … It was a well-played game by both sides.”
Advertisement
Quantrill was all the Rockies could ask for, throwing six innings of one-run ball with just four hits allowed. It was by far his best start in a Rockies uniform.
His lone blemish came in the third, when Bryce Harper hit a two-out single to score Trea Turner to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead.
“(Quantrill) had a good split-finger going, and his secondary pitches mixing with the fastballs kept them honest,” Black said.
But as Quantrill held Philadelphia at bay, the Colorado offense got virtually no traction against Nola. That finally changed in the fifth, when Michael Toglia launched a 389-foot, no-doubt homer to right center to tie the game 1-1. Up until that point, the Rockies’ lone baserunners came from singles by Brenton Doyle and Elias Diaz.
Justin Lawrence took care of the seventh inning, and the combination of Jalen Beeks and Nick Mears kept the Phillies off the board in the eighth despite a leadoff walk issued by Beeks to Kyle Schwarber.
Advertisement
In the ninth, Diaz stroked a two-out double off former Colorado pitcher Jeff Hoffman. Kyle Freeland pinch ran for Diaz, getting to third on a wild pitch, and an intentional walk to Nolan Jones followed.
With Elehuris Montero at the plate, another wild pitch from Hoffman was gathered by J.T. Realmuto just off the dirt circle behind home after the ball bounced straight up in the air. The Phillies catcher fired it to Hoffman at the plate and tagged Freeland out.
The Rockies challenged, possibly in an attempt to get an obstruction call, but the call stood to end the inning. Freeland appeared to hurt his right shoulder on the play when Hoffman — his close friend — fell on top of him. Freeland went right into the clubhouse after the play, but then reappeared in the dugout shortly after. The speed at which the play developed exempted Hoffman from an obstruction violation.
“The home plate umpire saw (that play) as a convergence of two players coming in and both trying to make a play,” Black said. “Kyle trying to get to home plate, and Hoffman trying to get the ball from Realmuto. The convergence and the speed of the play was such where no blocking of the plate was called.”
Black said Freeland is “fine” despite immediately rolling on the dirt in pain after the play. The manager said he chose Freeland to pinch run because “we were trying to win the game” and the pitcher “is one of our fastest players.”
Advertisement
Mears went back out for the ninth, and set the Phillies down in order to force extras.
“On the road in the bottom of the ninth against a championship (caliber) team — good for Nick,” Black said. “That was a growth moment for him.”
Seranthony Domínguez pitched the Philadelphia top half of the 10th, but Montero, Toglia and Doyle were retired in order to strand Nolan Jones at third base.
Jake Bird took the mound for the Rockies in the 10th, and the Phillies led off with Whit Merrifield’s sacrifice bunt to advance the runner Bryson Stott to third. Two batters later, Pache singled Stott home on a stroke to right to walk-off the Rockies.
Black said outfielder Jake Cave and second baseman Brendan Rodgers were unavailable on Monday due to sickness, while Kris Bryant — who left Saturday’s game in Toronto with back stiffness and hasn’t played since — was also unavailable.
TV: Rockies.TV (streaming); Comcast/Xfinity (channel 1262); DirecTV (683); Spectrum (130, 445, 305, 435 or 445, depending on region).
Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM
Gomber’s lone road start so far this year was mediocre, as Arizona touched him up for four runs in four-plus innings on March 30, which included two homers and three walks. Gomber’s been using his changeup a bit more this year, and he needs his offspeed to be effective, as he’s averaging just 89.9 mph on his fastball. On Monday, he’ll need to be wary of Alec Bohm, as the Phillies third baseman has two homers in five at-bats against him.
Advertisement
Suarez, a southpaw from Venezuela, is off to a solid start to the year. That’s included quality starts each of the last two times out, and a six-inning, no-run gem last week against Pittsburgh. He has 19 strikeouts through 17 innings pitched, so the K-heavy Rockies will need to put the ball in play against him. The Rockies have seen little of him, and haven’t fared well: a .189 average over 37 at-bats.
Pitching probables
Wednesday: Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner (1-1, 3.38) at Phillies LHP Cristopher Sanchez (0-2, 3.52), 4:05 p.m.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos celebrates after the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Denver Broncos head coach high fives Courtland Sutton (14) after he scored a receiving touchdown on a connection from Bo Nix (10) against the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Denver Broncos fans jeer Gardner Minshew (15) and the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Quarterback Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos celebrates after the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Advertisement
Jonah Elliss (52) of the Denver Broncos sacks Desmond Ridder (10) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jonathon Cooper (0) of the Denver Broncos celebrates after the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Maxx Crosby (98) of the Las Vegas Raiders jogs off the field after the fourth quarter of the Denver Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos celebrates his second touchdown reception against the Las Vegas Raiders with teammate Garett Bolles (72) during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Malcolm Roach (97) of the Denver Broncos recovers a fumble by Desmond Ridder (10) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Advertisement
Malcolm Roach (97) of the Denver Broncos pressures Desmond Ridder (10) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos breaks up an interception attempt by Divine Deablo (5) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos throws a pass as Robert Spillane (41) of the Las Vegas Raiders defends during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Decamerion Richardson (25) of the Las Vegas Raiders breaks up a pass intended for Devaughn Vele (17) of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Malcolm Roach (97) of the Denver Broncos celebrates recovering a fumble by Desmond Ridder (10) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Advertisement
Malcolm Roach (97) of the Denver Broncos celebrates recovering a fumble by Desmond Ridder (10) of the Las Vegas Raiders with teammates P.J. Locke (6) and Cody Barton (55) during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Ja’Quan McMillian (29) of the Denver Broncos defends Jakobi Meyers (16) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jack Jones (18) of the Las Vegas Raiders forces Devaughn Vele (17) of the Denver Broncos out of bounds during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Desmond Ridder (10) of the Las Vegas Raiders flicks a pass over Cody Barton (55) of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Pat Surtain II (2) of the Denver Broncos tackles DJ Turner (19) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Advertisement
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton wathces the action against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jakobi Meyers (16) of the Las Vegas Raiders eyes the ball as Justin Strnad (40) of the Denver Broncos defends during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
John Franklin-Myers (98) of the Denver Broncos pressures Gardner Minshew (15) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jakobi Meyers (16) of the Las Vegas Raiders runs after the catch as Ja’Quan McMillian (29) of the Denver Broncos attempts a tackle during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Pat Surtain II (2) of the Denver Broncos bulldogs DJ Turner (19) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Advertisement
Marvin Mims Jr. (19) of the Denver Broncos runs after the catch for a big gain as Darnay Holmes (30) of the Las Vegas Raiders misses a tackle attempt during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Troy Franklin (16) of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball as Darnay Holmes (30) of the Las Vegas Raiders pursues during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Robert Spillane (41), John Jenkins (95) Divine Deablo (5) of the Las Vegas Raiders tackle Jaleel McLaughlin (38) of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Cody Barton (55) and Brandon Jones (22) of the Denver Broncos tackle Brock Bowers (89) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Pat Surtain II (2) of the Denver Broncos confirms an offensive penalty against Jakobi Meyers (16) of the Las Vegas Raiders with side judge Keith Washington (7) during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Advertisement
Malcolm Roach (97) of the Denver Broncos celebrates pressuring Gardner Minshew (15) of the Las Vegas Raiders with teammate Jonathon Cooper (0) during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos rolls out against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Devaughn Vele (17) of the Denver Broncos makes a wide open first down reception against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos runs after the catch as Decamerion Richardson (25) of the Las Vegas Raiders pursues during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Brandon Jones (22) of the Denver Broncos celebrates with P.J. Locke (6) after intercepting a pass by Gardner Minshew (15) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Advertisement
Darnay Holmes (30) of the Las Vegas Raiders drops a potential interception on a ball intended for Devaughn Vele (17) of the Denver Broncos from Bo Nix (10) during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Marvin Mims Jr. (19) of the Denver Broncos celebrates a solid punt return against the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Marvin Mims Jr. (19) of the Denver Broncos returns a punt as team personnel hoots and hollers during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos hauls in a pass as Decamerion Richardson (25) of the Las Vegas Raiders defends during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Lil’Jordan Humphrey (84) of the Denver Broncos runs after making a catch as Jack Jones (18) of the Las Vegas Raiders closes in during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Advertisement
Brandon Jones (22) and Pat Surtain II (2) of the Denver Broncos break up a pass intended for Brock Bowers (89) of the Las Vegas Raiders by way of brute physicality during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nik Bonitto (15) of the Denver Broncos celebrates stopping Sincere McCormick (28) of the Las Vegas Raiders for a loss with teammates Malcolm Roach (97) and Jonathon Cooper (0) during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nik Bonitto (15) of the Denver Broncos stops Sincere McCormick (28) of the Las Vegas Raiders for a loss during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jonathon Cooper (0) and Levi Wallace (39) of the Denver Broncos tackle Jakobi Meyers (16) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
The Denver Broncos offense huddles deep in the territory of the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Advertisement
Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos celerbates the first of two receiving touchdowns from Bo Nix (10) during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Javonte Williams (33) of the Denver Broncos sheds a tackle attempt by Divine Deablo (5) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos hauls in a touchdown pass from Bo Nix (10) as Jack Jones (18) of the Las Vegas Raiders defends during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Brandon Jones (22) of the Denver Broncos runs after intercepting a pass by Gardner Minshew (15) of the Las Vegas Raiders as Tre Tucker (11) defends during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (97) of the Denver Broncos celebrates recovering a fumble by quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) of the Las Vegas Raiders along with teammate safety P.J. Locke (6) during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Advertisement
Brandon Jones (22) of the Denver Broncos celebrates intercepting a pass by Gardner Minshew (15) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (97) of the Denver Broncos catches his helmet as quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) of the Las Vegas Raiders runs a no-huddle attack during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) of the Las Vegas Raiders makes a reception as cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian (29) of the Denver Broncos defends during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) of the Las Vegas Raiders makes a reception as cornerback Levi Wallace (39) of the Denver Broncos tackles during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) of the Denver Broncos breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Advertisement
Running back Javonte Williams (33) and quarterback Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos talk before huddling during the first quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Fullback Michael Burton (20) of the Denver Broncos runs after making a catch against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Wide receiver Troy Franklin (16) of the Denver Broncos celebrates after trucking safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) of the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Quarterback Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos prepares to scramble as cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) of the Las Vegas Raiders pressures during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos huddles with teammates during the first quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Advertisement
1 of 59
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos celebrates after the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 29-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
On Sunday, fans will be treated to a head-to-head contest between two rapidly emerging offensive powerhouses, both of whom are bonafide Rookie of the Year contenders. Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers found new homes with consecutive picks during last April’s NFL draft, and since then, they’ve performed exceptionally well in the pro ranks.
Nix is firmly on the radar of Raiders head coach Antonio Piece, but that’s even more true after yet another award-winning performance last week.
“He was a winner as a freshman. He was a winner as a six-year player,” Pierce noted of Nix. “All he does is win, come in the league. Won the quarterback battle there in Denver. Maybe they were keeping them tight on the leash early on, and now they’re not. He has full control that offense. You can see that Sean Payton gives him opportunities to audible and make some adjustments. He’s making throws, he’s running with his legs, he’s taking care of the football, and he’s winning. That’s all you can ask for from a rookie.”
What happens next on the Broncos beat? Don’t miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second, sign up for our free newsletter, and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!
Advertisement
Nix presents a clear and present danger to the Raiders’ chances of squeezing out what would be only their third win of their massively disappointing season. Stopping the impressive rookie is proving to be another matter entirely for NFL defenses, especially one with a badly beaten-up roster like the Raiders.
“This is crazy,” Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo said via ESPN‘s Paul Gutierrez. “I’ve never seen this amount of injuries on any team I’ve been on.”
This week, Broncos head coach Sean Payton has pumped the brakes a little on the burgeoning hype exploding around Nix. That being said, you get the distinct feeling that Payton is more than comfortable unleashing Nix’s full array of talents at his disposal. Confidence is growing in Nix, and that’s been reflected in how Payton has opened up the playbook for his first-year signal-caller.
The juices are flowing, and Payton may have found an answer in dynamic second-year receiver Marvin Mims Jr. The mystical “joker” role within the Broncos offense seems to have been filled.
“I think we always gotta be saying, ‘Hey, are we doing everything we can to highlight his strengths?’ And so, yeah, I don’t know if he’s got the ‘joker’ tattoo, but he might be invited to the club,” Payton said via Andrew Mason.
Advertisement
When push comes to shove, if Nix plays lights out again, an easy win might come Denver’s way, but stopping Bowers would also ensure the victory and help in the race for Rookie of the Year honors. Payton is already on high alert, but it was also tinged with a bit of football envy when he illustrated Bowers’ “joker” abilities.
“Someone had a really good vision for him and you see all the ‘Joker’ traits, means and change of direction,” Payton said of Bowers. “It can’t be a little. It’s a high-end receiving trait and he can move, he can be outside and he can run a route tree maybe different than most tight ends.”
Follow Denver Broncos On SI/Mile High Huddle on X and Facebook and subscribe on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
New York Knicks (9-7, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (9-6, fifth in the Western Conference)
Denver; Monday, 9 p.m. EST
Advertisement
BOTTOM LINE: Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets host the New York Knicks in a non-conference matchup.
The Nuggets have gone 5-3 at home. Denver ranks sixth in the Western Conference with 12.0 offensive rebounds per game led by Jokic averaging 4.4.
The Knicks are 4-5 in road games. New York ranks seventh in the Eastern Conference allowing only 112.4 points while holding opponents to 47.3% shooting.
The Nuggets are shooting 47.8% from the field this season, 0.5 percentage points higher than the 47.3% the Knicks allow to opponents. The Knicks average 14.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.2 more made shots on average than the 13.1 per game the Nuggets allow.
TOP PERFORMERS: Michael Porter Jr. is averaging 18.6 points and 7.1 rebounds for the Nuggets.
Advertisement
Jalen Brunson is averaging 25.1 points and 7.4 assists for the Knicks.
LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 7-3, averaging 118.4 points, 45.5 rebounds, 31.6 assists, 8.7 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 49.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.7 points per game.
Knicks: 6-4, averaging 120.3 points, 42.9 rebounds, 29.9 assists, 6.7 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.5 points.
INJURIES: Nuggets: Aaron Gordon: out (calf), DaRon Holmes II: out for season (achilles), Vlatko Cancar: out (knee).
Knicks: Precious Achiuwa: out (hamstring), Miles McBride: day to day (knee), Mitchell Robinson: out (ankle).
Advertisement
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.